Essential Sicily by train
with Railbookers
- Enjoy the very best of Sicily by train
- Stay 2 nights in Catania, Palermo & Taormina
- Private half-day walking tour in Taormina
Explore the lively market and savor Sicilian delicacies in Catania, then hop on a train to Palermo for two days of sightseeing, before unwinding for two nights in the stunning seaside resort of Taormina, home to its renowned Roman amphitheatre.
Trenitalia
Trenitalia is Italy's national rail carrier. It operates many different trains, including high-speed Frecciarossa, Frecciabianca and Frecciargento trains, slower InterCity and regional services and sleeper trains.
Amenities
Luggage Guidelines:Trenitalia does not have any restrictions on the number of luggage items that can be taken onboard.
Check-in Times: No check-in as such, although doors will close two minutes before departure.
Dining
- Frecciarossa trains offer a restaurant- or café-car.
- Frecciargento trains offer trolley-service and café-car.
- Frecciabianca trains offer refreshment trolley service.
- InterCity trains may offer refreshment trolley service.
- No refreshment services available on regional trains.
Accommodations
- Frecciarossa trains have four classes of service.
Standard – Seats arranged 2+2 in tables of four. Free Wi-Fi.
Premium – Same layout as Standard. Complimentary welcome drink.
Business/First – Larger seats arranged 2+1. Complimentary welcome drink.
Executive – Exclusive reclining seats in a dedicated carriage. Complimentary drinks and meal/snack. Lounge access at dedicated stations.
- Frecciarargento and Freccibianca trains have two classes of travel.
Standard and Business which are the same configuration as offered on Frecciarossa trains.
- InterCity trains consist of both Standard and First with open plan or compartment-style accommodation.
- Regional trains offer Standard accommodation, and no seat reservations are necessary.
Notable Scenery: Journeys heading close to the coastline, such between Naples and Sicily and on the Cinque Terre between Levanto and La Spezia offer great sea views.
Inclusions
- Rail travel throughout Sicily
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Catania
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Palermo
- 2 nights hotel accommodation with breakfast in Taormina
- Private market and food walking tour in Catania (Not possible on Sundays)
- Hop on Hop off Pass in Palermo
- Private half-day walking tour in Taormina including entrance fees
- Private car transfer from airport to hotel in Catania, and from Taormina to Catania airport
- UK to Catania and Catania to the UK airfare
Highlights
- Sample some delicious Sicilian treats in Catania
- Discover the breath-taking jewel that is the Palatine Chapel, and other treasures in Palermo
- Explore remarkable ancient Greek and Roman sites in Taormina
Day 1: Your journey begins inCatania
Welcome to Sicily! On arrival you will be met at the airport and escorted to your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the remainder of the day settling in, and why not take a stroll down the beautiful Piazza del Duomo for dinner?
Stay: 2 nights in Catania
Accommodation option: Katane Palace Hotel
Day 2: Catania
Enjoy breakfast then make your way back to the famous Elephant Fountain to meet your private guide for the next two hours. Wander the busy Pescheria food market and admire the daily hustle and bustle marketplace that has been active for millennia. You will get the opportunity to sample some of the delicious street food such as Coppo, Sfincione, local cheese and cured meats, as well as the delicious pastries of Sicily - Cannoli, Cassatelle, or sesame nougat. At the end of the tour enjoy a traditional Arancino and a glass of wine or a soft drink with your guide. In the afternoon be sure to visit the ancient Roman Rotonda, ancient amphitheatre, or the beautiful Palazzo Conte Federico and nearby Norman castle. the city center is blessed with a huge number of historical treasures.
Meals: Breakfast
Day 3: Palermo
Make your own way to the station for journey to Palermo. All trains in Sicily are local services with one class of travel, and the scenery is certainly worth the ride. On arrival into the Sicilian capital, check-in at your hotel for a two-night stay. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure.
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: 2 nights in Palermo
Accommodation options: Mercure Palermo Centro, Hotel Joli, Tonic
Day 4: Palermo
Explore the whole city today, thanks to your hop-on hop-off sightseeing pass included. Be sure to visit the famous Palatine Chapel - a breath-taking jewel of art and architecture from a multitude of ancient influences. In the afternoon why not visit the impressive Royal Palace, or the remarkable Castello deal Zisa?
Meals: Breakfast
Day 5: Taormina
Make your way to the station for a train journey to Taormina. On arrival in the afternoon, make your way to your hotel for a two-night stay. Relax and enjoy the rest of the day at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast
Stay: 2 nights in Taormina
Accommodation option: Hotel Caparena
Day 6: Taormina
Your guide will meet you at your hotel today and take you on a relaxed three-hour walking tour covering all the major sites of Taormina, including its famous Greek Theatre. Here you will enjoy stunning views across the sea, and why not rest your feet and relax on the Isola Bella beach in the afternoon?
Meals: Breakfast
Day 7: Your journey ends in Catania
A driver will collect you from your hotel for the hour's drive to Catania airport.
Meals: Breakfast
| Price per person, twin share |
|---|
| From $1229 |
| Departures |
|---|
| Daily in 2025 & 2026 |
Advertised price is per person, land only, based on double occupancy on 24 March 2025 departure and includes government taxes. Other travel dates available at seasonal surcharge. Advertised price is based on lead in accommodation option, rooms and rail cabins. Upgrades or any other variations are on a request basis, subject to availability and surcharge. Prices for these will only be confirmed once the prices and availability has been confirmed by third-party suppliers. For all holidays, once you have accepted the basic price and a booking has been confirmed, that price is fully guaranteed and will not be subject to any surcharges.
Please check with your RAC travel consultant for current availability and pricing.
*Advertised price is per person, land only, based on double occupancy on 24 March 2025 departure and includes government taxes. Other dates available at seasonal surcharge. Package prices are subject to change without notice, and all reservations are based upon availability. Advertised price is based on lead in accommodation option, rooms and rail cabins. Upgrades or any other variations are on a request basis, subject to availability and surcharge. Prices for these will only be confirmed once the prices and availability has been confirmed by third-party suppliers. For all holidays, once you have accepted the basic price and a booking has been confirmed, that price is fully guaranteed and will not be subject to any surcharges. Seasonal activity, (if applicable) during the off-season, some tours may not be available. To count as a night, accommodations must be booked through a Railbookers Group brand. Single supplements are available. Hotel and room facilities vary and may be subject to additional fees. Some will require payment of local city taxes on arrival.. Please contact your RAC travel consultant for full terms and conditions.
General RAC Travel terms and conditions apply.
