A 9-Day Journey Through the History, Culture & Coastal Beauty of Sicily
Set out on an unforgettable 9-day rail holiday to Sicily, the Mediterranean’s largest island, where ancient history, stunning coastlines, and vibrant culture await.
From: London St Pancras / UK Airport
Overview
Your adventure begins in Milan before boarding a comfortable overnight train heading south to the charming town of Taormina, perched above the sea with views of Mount Etna.
Spend two nights exploring its historic streets and breathtaking landscapes before continuing your journey through Sicily’s countryside. Travel by regional trains to Catania, a lively city at the foot of Etna, and onward to Palermo, the island’s fascinating capital. With its blend of Norman architecture, bustling markets, and seaside charm, Palermo offers the perfect finale to your Sicilian escape. This scenic rail journey provides a relaxed and immersive way to experience the heart and soul of Sicily.
Trip Highlights
- Uncover the hidden treasures of the Duomo Cathedral in Milan
- Discover ancient Greek and Roman temples in Taormina
- Witness Europe's largest active volcano up close in Catania
- Explore the stunning palaces and churches of Palermo, Sicily's capital
What's Included
Accommodation
- Overnight hotel accommodation in Milan with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Taormina with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Catania with breakfast included
- 2-nights hotel accommodation in Palermo with breakfast included
Transport
- Rail from London St. Pancras to Milan via Paris
- Milan to Taormina sleeper train, InterCity Notte
- Regional rail travel between destinations in Sicily
- Private transfer to Palermo Airport
- Return flight from Palermo to the UK
Excursions & Activities
- Mount Etna trip
- Palermo walking tour
Day’s Itinerary
Get PricesMilan
Today you’ll board the Eurostar from London to Paris, upon arrival, take time to enjoy lunch before your direct train to Milan. On arrival to Milan, you will head to your hotel for an overnight stay. (Overnight Milan)
Milan
After breakfast in your hotel, enjoy some free time exploring Milan! Visit the grand Sforza Castle or the Santa Maria delle Grazie, where da Vinci's Last Supper is housed. Don’t miss the chance to see the magnificent Milan Duomo before dinner. Be sure to bring provisions with you as you board the sleeper train heading south. (Overnight onboard your sleeper train InterCity Notte)
Taormina
After a restful night's sleep in your private cabin, wake up to the stunning Italian coastline, with the train tracks often just feet from the water. The train reaches the end of the Italian mainline and is then ferried across the Straits of Messina, certainly a unique experience! During the crossing, you can step off the train to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh Mediterranean air before arriving in Messina. From there, continue your rail journey to Taormina. Upon arrival, head to your hotel and check in for a two-night stay. (Overnight in Taormina)
Taormina
Enjoy a leisurely day exploring the sights today. Visit the ancient Teatro Antico di Taormina or relax on the beach. Take a stroll to the picturesque Isola Bella for a swim or hop on a boat to visit the stunning Grotta Azzurra. (Overnight in Taormina).
Catania
After breakfast at your hotel, board the regional train south to Catania, where you will check in for a two-night stay at your hotel. Explore the city's expansive Piazza del Duomo and consider visiting La Pescheria, a bustling weekday fish market surrounded by excellent seafood restaurants. (Overnight in Catania).
Catania
Situated on the island of Sicily, Mount Etna stands as Europe's highest active volcano. Today, your morning tour from Catania allows you to delve into various facets of this majestic mountain. Experience hiking to its inner craters and safely exploring a lava cave. Witness ancient lava flows, uncover the geological history of the volcano, and soak in panoramic views of eastern Sicily. Touring Sicily by tran also includes guided exploration, offering insights into local geology and history, along with the use of essential equipment like headlamps and helmets for lava cave exploration. (Overnight in Catania)
Palermo
Rail holidays to Sicily will offer you travel through the stunning Sicilian countryside to the capital city of Palermo. Check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. With a history spanning over 2,700 years, Palermo has played a pivotal role in Mediterranean history and boasts some of the world's finest examples of Byzantine architecture that are exceptionally well-preserved (Overnight in Palermo)
Palermo
Today you’ll enjoy a guided walking tour of beautiful Palermo. Embark on a captivating three-hour journey through Baroque and Norman-Arabic architecture. Discover Piazza Pretoria, renowned as the "Square of Shame," featuring a majestic marble fountain adorned with striking nude statues. Explore the 14th-century Praetorian Palace, housing the Town Hall and open to the public. Visit the Royal Palace, now home to the Regional Parliament, and marvel at the stunning golden mosaics of the Palatine Chapel. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Martorana Church, celebrated as one of the world's most beautiful monuments, and the Cathedral of Palermo, showcasing diverse architectural styles. (Overnight in Palermo)
Return home
After breakfast, check out of your hotel, and head to the airport for your return flight back to the UK after a wondorous week touring Sicily by train. If you would like to explore more of Italy, speak to your Travel Designer.
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Got questions about your rail holiday?
What makes Marvellous Escapes’ rail holidays different?
All our trips are 100% tailor-made. We design your journey around your interests, pace, budget, and preferred travel style.
Can you customise my itinerary?
Absolutely. Nothing is off the shelf. Whether you want a scenic rail journey through the Alps, a cultural city break, or a multi-country adventure, we design your itinerary from scratch.
What happens if my train is delayed or cancelled?
If your train is delayed or cancelled, don’t worry, we’re here to help. You’ll have access to our 24-hour on-trip support, and our team will assist with rebooking your journey, adjusting connections, or arranging alternatives where needed. We’ll make sure you can continue your trip with as little disruption as possible.
Do I need to print my train tickets?
We’ll send you a full printed ticket pack 2–3 weeks before departure, which includes all your train tickets, itinerary and travel documents. You’ll also receive a digital copy of your tickets, so you can choose whichever format you prefer when travelling.
What financial protection do you provide?
We protect every booking with our ATOL licence, the UK Package Travel Regulations, and a secure trust account (Protected Trust Services), ensuring your money and your holiday are safe.
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