Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

Sicily, Etna & the Aeolian Islands

Sicily, Etna & the Aeolian Islands, a rail journey with Great Rail Journeys

Sicily boasts a combination of scenic coastline, cities and breathtaking landscapes. Visit Mount Etna and the Aeolian Islands on this escorted holiday.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Giardini Naxos

    Flying into Sicily and on to Giardini Naxos

    Meet the Tour Manager at London Gatwick for a flight to Catania on Sicily. Transfer by coach to the hotel in Giardini Naxos. The four-star resort hotel sits on the seafront in large grounds of citrus trees leading to a private beach, with outdoor pools, tennis courts, four restaurants and café-bars.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2overnight: Giardini Naxos

    A trip to Taormina and the Greek theatre

    After breakfast, a short coach journey to Taormina, founded by the Greeks in 392 BC and perched on a hilltop overlooking the Ionian Sea. Guided tour of the stunning Greek theatre dating back to the 3rd century BC, dug out of Mount Taurus. Tour ends at a pasticceria to taste a cannolo. Free afternoon to explore independently.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3overnight: Giardini Naxos

    Uncovering ancient myths in Syracuse and Ortigia

    Travel by coach to Syracuse in southeast Sicily. Guided tour of Ortigia island, visiting the Baroque cathedral built on the site of the Greek Temple of Athena, the Arethusa Spring, Piazza Duomo, palazzos and fountains. Free afternoon to explore independently.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Giardini Naxos

    Exploring Mount Etna: Europe's most active volcano

    Coach to Rifugio di Sapienza, the highest point of vehicular access on Mount Etna, to view the Silvestri craters and volcanic scenery. Optional cable car to the summit. Afternoon ride on the Circumetnea Railway on the most scenic stretch to Randazzo, viewing surrounding lava fields. Note: on the 14th May departure, Days 4 & 7 are swapped.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5overnight: Giardini Naxos

    Free day in Giardini Naxos

    Full day at leisure. Options include relaxing on the private beach or by the pools, visiting the archaeological park of ancient Naxos near the hotel, or dining in town around Piazza Municipio. Note: on the 14th May departure, Days 5 & 6 are swapped.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  6. Day 6overnight: Giardini Naxos

    Cruising to the volcanic Aeolian Islands

    Coach to the harbour of Milazzo for a boat cruise across the Tyrrhenian Sea to the Aeolian Islands. Stop at Lipari, the largest island, for time at leisure in town. Continue by boat to Vulcano, famed for its hot springs, smoky volcanic peaks, black beaches and natural mud baths. Return by coach to hotel in time for dinner.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  7. Day 7railovernight: Giardini Naxos

    Time at leisure in Giardini Naxos

    Free day. Options include relaxing on the hotel's private beach, a boat tour to the marine park of Isola Bella, or catching the train from Taormina-Giardini station to Catania to visit Castello Ursino, the Greco-Roman amphitheatre, Roman Odeon and Catania Cathedral.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  8. Day 8

    Homeward bound

    After breakfast, coach transfer to Catania airport for the return flight to London Gatwick.

    Meals: Breakfast

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 7 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard class rail travel
  • All rail, ferry and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Return flights from London Gatwick to Catania
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

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