Ffestiniog Travel · Escorted tour

Southern Italy & Sicily

Southern Italy & Sicily, a rail journey with Ffestiniog Travel

Forested mountains, unspoilt countryside and sparkling beaches abound. We combine pretty narrow gauge lines, great train rides and stunning sightseeing.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Pompeii

    Fly London to Naples

    Flight from London to Naples and transfer to Pompeii for 3 nights, located close to the famous ruins with Vesuvius towering in the background.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Pompeii

    At Leisure

    A day at leisure. You might like to ride the Circumvesuviana Narrow Gauge Railway around Vesuvius and to Naples and Sorrento, or visit the Naples Railway Museum at San Giorgio a Cremano (advance booking required).

  3. Day 3overnight: Pompeii

    The Ruins of Pompeii & Vesuvius

    Morning at leisure to visit the ruins of Pompeii, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afternoon tour to the crater of Vesuvius with views of the Bay of Naples.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Cosenza

    Train to Cosenza

    Another morning at leisure before an afternoon departure by train for Cosenza via the coastal line to Paola, for a 2-night stay in this cultural hub of Southern Italy.

  5. Day 5railovernight: Cosenza

    Travel the Line to Catanzaro

    A second day on the Calabrian 950mm gauge lines, from Cosenza to Catanzaro Lido, the latter part operating as a rack railway, returning via Lamezia Terme and Paola.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Taormina

    Sailing to Sicily

    Travel by train to Taormina via the ferry crossing to Messina, one of the last few passenger carrying train ferries in Europe, then the scenic coastal line to Giadini Naxos. We stay for 2 nights in Taormina.

  7. Day 7overnight: Taormina

    Taormina & Mt Etna

    A guided excursion up to the lava fields on Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and most active volcano, with the option of a cable car ride, then a guided sightseeing visit to historic Taormina including the Greek Theatre.

  8. Day 8railovernight: Siricusa

    Circumetnea Railway

    Transfer to Riposto station where we join the 950mm gauge Circumetnea Railway and travel around the base of Etna to Catania, then continue to Siricusa by road for a 2-night stay.

  9. Day 9overnight: Siricusa

    At Leisure in Siricusa

    A free day in historic Siricusa, exploring medieval Ortigia Island or the Greek Theatre.

  10. Day 10railovernight: Palermo

    Across Sicily by Train

    An all-day excursion from Siricusa to Palermo using local trains, via Catania and Caltanissetta (road transport available for those who prefer). We stay for 2 nights in Palermo.

  11. Day 11overnight: Palermo

    At Leisure in Palermo

    A free day in Palermo for sightseeing, including the Quattro Canti, Piazza Pretoria, the Palatine Chapel or the cathedral at nearby Monreale.

  12. Day 12

    Return to London

    Transfer to Palermo airport for an afternoon flight to London.

Included

  • Flights in Economy Class by scheduled airline
  • All rail travel as stated in Standard Class
  • Accommodation in good quality hotels on a bed and breakfast basis
  • Excursions as detailed in itinerary
  • All transfers
  • Local taxes/fees
  • All gratuities
  • Services of a tour leader from London and throughout the tour plus local English speaking guides

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