Sicily by Rail

Day 1  Palermo          
Arrive into Sicily’s bold and impressive capital, Palermo, and transfer to your comfortable, city-centre hotel. After settling in, enjoy a smooth glass of wine and refreshing dip in your hotel pool.    

Day 2  Palermo          
After a leisurely breakfast, start the day with a stroll through the grand, historic centre. Wander inside the magnificent 12^th Century cathedral to admire the wonderful artwork, inside. Continue your exploration with a visit to the Cappella Palatina within the city’s Royal Palace, a unique five-domed church that displays Arab-Norman architecture. Reward your busy morning of sight-seeing with a mouth-watering dish of pasta for lunch in the square. Afterwards, perhaps enjoy stroll through the city’s gorgeous botanic gardens, overflowing with exotic plant life that thrives in Sicily’s subtropical climate.    

Day 3  Taormina          
Board a scenic train to Taormina, recently made famous for being the filming location for The White Lotus TV show, and before that, a filming location for The Godfather. After arriving into this incredible, ancient city, treat yourself to the classic Sicilian delicacy of arancini, for lunch. Spend the afternoon pottering along the beautiful coastline and lounging on delightful, pebbly beaches, with views across to the alluring Isola Bella, a freely accessible nature reserve connected to the mainland by a stretch of pebbles.    

Day 4  Taormina          
Spend the morning visiting perhaps the most notable landmark of Taormina, the incredible ancient Greek amphitheatre, which offers panoramic views over the Gulf of Naxos. Afterwards, meander through Taormina’s city centre, discovering Corso Umberto, a charming street filled with quaint and charming boutiques and stumble upon the beautiful churches of Taormina, filled with resplendent artwork. Later, be treated to your included mouth-watering cooking class, where you will learn to become the master of Sicilian pizza making, under the expert guidance of a professional, local chef.    

Day 5  Taormina          
Today, enjoy an excursion, included in your package, up to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, for an eye-opening and picturesque guided half-day trek. During the hike, spot incredible lava flows, craters and wisps of scalding steam from its peak, while learning about its history and previous eruptions. Afterwards, embrace la dolce vita lifestyle, lazing on dazzling beaches, taking awesome boat trips, and making the most of the city’s vibrant nightlife.  

Day 6  Catania          
Begin the day with a comfortable train journey to Catania, a city known for its brilliant baroque architecture, including stunning churches. Upon arrival, sample delicious local delicacies such as Sicilian staple – cannoli, at the local food market, soaking up the lively atmosphere. Enjoy dinner at the Piazza del Duomo, with a view over to Saint Agatha’s cathedral. Wander inside, for respite from the warm Mediterranean sun, and witness astounding religious artwork inside.

Day 7  Catania          
Start today with a visit to Massimo Bellini’s beautiful opera house, a striking landmark in the heart of the city. Built in honour of the composer, Bellini, visitors are invited to take a tour the epic venue and can attend wonderful classic music and ballet performances. Afterwards, stop by Catania’s vibrant fish market, filled with a cacophony of sound and energy, leading into colourful alleyways lined with fruit and vegetable stalls.    

Day 8  Syracuse          
Having viewed some of Sicily’s finest cultural gems, set off today for Syracuse for your relaxing beach break. Upon arrival, settle into the gorgeous Minareto resort, perched atop a headland in the Plemmirio Nature Reserve, featuring a private sandy beach and nestled within lush, Mediterranean gardens. After settling in, take a stroll through the resort’s charming olive grove, or enjoy a soothing treatment at the blissful spa, which offers a sauna, Jacuzzi, hammam and emotional shower.  

Day 9-11  Syracuse  
Spend your time here soaking up the warm rays of the Sicilian sun at the hotel’s private cliff solarium or secluded beach. Perhaps, opt to take part in some watersport activities, such as snorkelling, swimming, or canoeing. Enjoy a cooling dip in the freshwater infinity pool and dine on mouth-watering, authentic cuisine at the on-site restaurants. Sample refreshing cocktails at the comfortable and stylish rooftop terrace, with panoramic views over the glistening Mediterranean Sea.    

Day 12  Syracuse          
After sipping a last Sicilian cappuccino, and having picked up your final few souvenirs, transfer to Catania airport, for your onward flight.