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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Naples and Sicily

Independent rail and ferry loop: Naples, Palermo, and Taormina in Sicily

Illustration of Naples and Sicily

Railbookers operates this 9-day, 8-night independent rail vacation that begins and ends in Naples, with stops in Palermo and Taormina in between. The first day is spent exploring Naples on your own, including the Piazza del Plebiscito and the National Archaeological Museum, before an overnight ferry crossing to Sicily in a private two-berth cabin. Two nights in Palermo follow, using an included sightseeing card to visit Palermo Cathedral and the Palazzo dei Normanni. On day 5, a train ride to Taormina via Messina allows an optional stop in Cefalu, leading into three nights in a coastal town dominated by the peak of Mount Etna, with a visit to the ancient Greco-Roman theatre. The return to Naples on day 8 is by a train that boards a boat to cross the Straits of Messina. Most days are unguided, which suits travelers who prefer independent exploring over a fixed schedule.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel list offers 15 accommodation options across tiers and cities; your final hotel depends on which tier and city option you choose.
  • The Sicily crossing on day 2 is an overnight ferry in a two-berth cabin, not an overnight train.
  • A Mount Etna summit excursion is available near Taormina but is described as entirely prohibited without a guide.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Naples

    Your Journey Begins in Naples

    Upon arrival in Naples, check in at your hotel for an overnight stay. Spend the rest of the day exploring one of the world's oldest cities. Start in the Piazza del Plebiscito with its grand colonnades and Royal Palace. Alternatively, head to the Naples National Archaeological Museum, which offers the largest collection of Roman artifacts in the world. In the evening, sample some of the best pizza in Italy or take in a performance at the world-famous Teatro di San Carlo, the country's largest and oldest opera house.

  2. Day 2overnight: Ferry

    Naples to Palermo

    Spend another day discovering the sights of Naples before heading to the port in the evening for your overnight cruise ferry service to Sicily. Settle in to your private two berth cabin before heading out for dinner. The ship offers options from a snack bar to an à la carte restaurant, so you are bound to find the perfect meal to suit your appetite.

  3. Day 3overnight: Palermo

    Palermo

    Arrive into the port of Palermo this morning and then make your way to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. Spend the rest of the day getting your bearings in this ancient city using your included sightseeing card. Explore the Norman architecture of the city center and visit Palermo Cathedral, built in 1185 but since altered and renovated in styles from Saracen to Neo-Classical by generations of inhabitants. In the evening, why not try some of the city's famous Sicilian gastronomy? There are plenty of bars and restaurants where you can try local dishes washed down with wine from the surrounding vineyards.

  4. Day 4overnight: Palermo

    Palermo

    Enjoy a full day in the Sicilian capital. Discover the city's Norman and Arabic influenced churches with their frescoes and mosaics. The Palazzo dei Normanni is a striking Norman palace featuring the Cappella Palatina, the famous chapel decorated with beautiful mosaics and Arabic style decoration. The magnificent palaces of Cuba and Zena are also well worth a visit. For some rest and relaxation why not take time out in Italy's largest botanical gardens or climb to the top of Monte Pellegrino for fantastic panoramic views?

  5. Day 5railovernight: Taormina

    Palermo to Taormina

    After breakfast this morning, take the train from Palermo to Taormina, via Messina. It's worth breaking up the journey in the beautiful city of Cefalu, before continuing along the coast to Taormina. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel for a three-night stay. Spend the afternoon at leisure in Taormina. Perhaps take the aerial tramway down to the beach for a dip and some sunbathing. Or head across to the Isola Bella, an idyllic island nature reserve off the coast which is accessible via footpath at low tide.

  6. Day 6overnight: Taormina

    Taormina

    Enjoy two full days to explore this beautiful coastal destination, whose landscape is dominated by the peak of Mount Etna, one of Europe's most famous active volcanos. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a tour up the mountain, though a visit to the summit will obviously be subject to conditions and is entirely prohibited without a guide.

  7. Day 7overnight: Taormina

    Taormina

    For a more hospitable spot offering panoramic views of the coast, head up to the village of Castelmola for authentic food and lovely scenery. No visit to Taormina would be complete without a performance at the spectacularly situated Greco-Roman theatre, one of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily which dates back to the 7th century BC.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Naples

    Taormina to Naples

    After another morning in Taormina, head back to the station for your direct service to Naples. The train boards a boat to cross the Straits of Messina before continuing along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea to Naples. On arrival in Naples, check in to your hotel for an overnight stay. Relax in Naples for the evening and enjoy your last Neapolitan meal in one of the Old Town's many restaurants.

  9. Day 9rail

    Depart Naples

    Spend a final morning in Naples before checking out of your hotel and continuing with your travels. If you wish to extend your journey, perhaps with an additional day in a different city, one of our Rail Specialists would be happy to help you with these arrangements.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2An overnight cruise ferry carries travelers to Sicily in a private two-berth cabin, with dinner options from a snack bar to an a la carte restaurant.
  • Day 5The train from Palermo to Taormina runs via Messina, with an optional stop in the coastal city of Cefalu.
  • Day 6Taormina's coastal landscape is dominated by the peak of Mount Etna, one of Europe's most famous active volcanoes.
  • Day 7Taormina's Greco-Roman theatre, dating back to the 7th century BC, is one of the most celebrated ruins in Sicily.
  • Day 8The direct train back to Naples boards a boat to cross the Straits of Messina before continuing along the Tyrrhenian coast.

Included

  • Onward rail travel as specified in the itinerary
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Naples
  • 2 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Palermo
  • 3 nights' hotel stay with breakfast in Taormina
  • Palermo City Hop on and Hop off Sightseeing card

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Onward rail travel is included as specified in the itinerary, using Trenitalia. The Naples to Palermo leg, however, is an overnight ferry crossing rather than a train.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation. A Palermo hop on, hop off sightseeing card is included, but most sightseeing is unguided and at your own pace.
Which trains are used?
Trenitalia trains, including a direct service from Palermo to Taormina via Messina and a Taormina to Naples train that boards a boat to cross the Straits of Messina.
What hotels are used?
The package offers 15 accommodation options across Naples, Palermo, and Taormina, including de Bonart Naples-Curio Collection by Hilton, Palazzo Caracciolo Naples, and Eurostars Centrale Palace Hotel in Palermo.
How much walking is involved?
Days are spent exploring city centers on foot; a Mount Etna excursion is available near Taormina but is optional and guide-only.

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