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Railbookers · Independent rail vacation

Sorrento and Sicily

Independent rail trip from Sorrento to Sicily via Naples and Messina

Illustration of Sorrento and Sicily

Railbookers runs this 9-day independent rail vacation from Sorrento to Sicily, opening with three nights in Sorrento that include a boat trip to Capri and the Blue Grotto on day 2 and a private Limoncello demonstration and tasting on day 3. On day 4 a private transfer to Naples leads to a train that crosses the Straits of Messina by boat, arriving in Taormina for two nights, where a street food tasting tour on day 5 samples arancini, cannoli, and Sicilian wine. A short train ride continues to Catania for the final three nights, including a jeep tour up the slopes of Mount Etna on day 8, with helmet-and-torch exploration of a lava cave. Aside from these small-group day tours, the trip is self-guided, staying at the Hilton Sorrento Palace, the Four Seasons-run San Domenico Palace in Taormina, and the Romano Palace in Catania. It suits food-and-wine travelers, first-time rail travelers who want the logistics handled, and luxury-seekers drawn to the Taormina stay.

What to know before you look closer

  • The operator's materials for this package list no scheduled departure dates; confirm current availability with Railbookers before booking.
  • This is a self-guided independent tour: aside from the Capri, Limoncello, street food, and Mount Etna day tours, Railbookers does not provide an escort between destinations.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Sorrento

    Naples to Sorrento

    Welcome to Italy! Upon arrival at Naples airport, meet your private transfer for a scenic drive along the coast, the perfect introduction to your adventure in Southern Italy. Check in to your hotel for a three-night stay and start exploring.

  2. Day 2overnight: Sorrento

    Capri and The Blue Grotto

    Set sail for Capri, a scenic island off the coast of Naples, known for its stunning beauty, luxurious atmosphere, and impressive cliffs. After exploring the island, experience the Blue Grotto (weather permitting).

  3. Day 3overnight: Sorrento

    Sorrento

    Enjoy a full day in the Amalfi Coast, starting with a private limoncello demonstration and tasting. Afterwards, maybe enjoy a refreshing drink on the beachfront, stroll along to the Piazza Tasso for lunch, or visit the Chiesa di San Francesco, a beautiful 14th-century church.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Taormina

    Sorrento to Taormina Via Naples

    After breakfast this morning your driver will pick you up at your Sorrento hotel, bringing you to Naples Centrale station to catch your train to Sicily. At the Straits of Messina, the train boards a boat to take you from mainland Italy to Sicily. On arrival, check in at your hotel for a two-night stay.

  5. Day 5overnight: Taormina

    Taormina

    Today, embark on a delectable street food tasting tour, where history, charm, and cuisine come together. Wander the cobblestone streets with your expert guide, sampling Sicilian specialties like arancini and cannoli, sipping Sicilian wine or granita.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Catania

    Taormina to Catania

    Catania is only a short train ride away and upon arrival check in for a two-night stay. Set off to explore the city, and why not visit the ancient Roman Rotonda, the beautiful Palazzo Conte Federico or the busy Pescheria food market?

  7. Day 7overnight: Catania

    Catania

    Today is yours to explore the Sicilian charm of Catania. Full of beautiful monuments and quaint streets, there's no shortage of experiences to discover.

  8. Day 8overnight: Catania

    Catania

    This morning, embark on a half-day trip to remember, as you climb the ancient slopes of Mount Etna on a private four-wheel drive jeep. Stop at a small village to taste some local honey and almond cookies, then don a helmet and torch as you explore a cave dug by the flowing lava.

  9. Day 9rail

    Your Journey Ends in Catania

    A driver will collect you from your hotel for the short drive to Catania airport or do speak to any of our Rail Experts should you wish to continue your travels elsewhere.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A boat trip to Capri is followed by the Blue Grotto, a sea cave famous for its intense blue light.
  • Day 3A private Limoncello demonstration and tasting introduces Sorrento's signature drink before a stroll to Piazza Tasso and the 14th-century Chiesa di San Francesco.
  • Day 4The train from Naples to Sicily boards a boat to cross the Straits of Messina.
  • Day 5A street food tasting tour through Taormina's cobblestone streets samples arancini, cannoli, Sicilian wine, and granita.
  • Day 8A private four-wheel drive jeep climbs the slopes of Mount Etna, stopping for local honey and almond cookies before a helmet-and-torch exploration of a lava-carved cave.

Included

  • Rail travel in standard class throughout
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Sorrento
  • 2 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Taormina
  • 3 nights' hotel accommodation with breakfast in Catania
  • Private airport transfers upon arrival in Naples and departure in Catania
  • Private transfer from Sorrento to Naples train station
  • Sightseeing tour of Capri and the Blue Grotto
  • Limoncello demonstration with tasting
  • Taormina Street Food Tasting Tour
  • Jeep tour of Mount Etna from Catania

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included in the price?
Yes, rail travel in standard class is included throughout, including the train that crosses the Straits of Messina by boat between mainland Italy and Sicily.
Is this tour independent or escorted?
It is an independent rail vacation, with small-group or private day tours included: Capri and the Blue Grotto, the Limoncello demonstration, the Taormina street food tour, and the Mount Etna jeep tour.
How does the train reach Sicily?
At the Straits of Messina the train itself boards a boat, carrying you from mainland Italy across to Sicily.
Where do you stay?
Three nights at the Hilton Sorrento Palace, two nights at the San Domenico Palace in Taormina (a Four Seasons Hotel), and three nights at the Romano Palace in Catania, all with breakfast included.
When does this tour run?
The operator's materials list no scheduled departure dates for this package; confirm current availability with Railbookers.

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