Sicily by train luxury tailor-made Italian rail holiday
This rail holiday takes you from London to Palermo by train with the included feature of crossing the Strait of Messina with your train on the ferry. Along the way you break the journey in comfortable stages with an overnight stop in Zurich. You then cross the Alps by train on the Gotthard route and after a change of trains in Milan, you reach Florence where you stay for two nights. This gives you time to sample the city and visit some of the key places of interest before you continue your journey south to Naples. Stay here for two nights as well to explore the city before a highlight of the route and the train south through Basilicata and Calabria, enjoying some spectacular scenery before reaching Sicily. Here you have three nights in Taormina, a charming and historic city, perched above the sea and enjoying breath-taking views across to Mount Etna. In Taormina you have two days to enjoy the southern climate, explore the fascinating Greco-Roman amphitheatre, browse the local shops selling leather, wrought iron, wine and locally produced food stuffs. It is also easy enough to take the cable car from Taormina to the beach at Taormina Mare below. You then continue by train to the capital of Sicily, Palermo where you spend another three nights. Palermo is a bustling, vibrant city with a range of attractions from cathedral to palace, from waterfront to opera. You fly back from Palermo.
Highlights
Zurich • Gotthard pass rail journey • Florence • Visit the Uffizi • Naples • Visit the Archaeological Museum • Train crossing the Strait of Messina • Taormina • Palermo
Day by day
Take an early morning Eurostar from London to Paris, change stations from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de Lyon, and then take the high-speed TGV to Zurich. There is a direct service that means you arrive in Zurich at about 16.30 hrs giving you the rest of the day to explore the city with its river quays and lakeside promenades.
Today’s rail journey is an encounter with spectacular mountain scenery to pass through the Alps by the Gotthard train tunnel which links Fluelen to Bellinzona in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. From here it’s a short distance to the Italian border at Chiasso. Change trains in Milan and continue further south to the beautiful city of Florence
You have a full day to explore Florence, home to a wealth of Renaissance treasures. A visit to see Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia is high on the list of things to do in Florence, along with the majestic architecture of the Duomo and the beautiful work of the silversmiths that line the Ponte Vecchio. In addition to the obvious of the Accademia and the Uffizi (a must for the Botticellis), visit the Bargello and the Chapel of the Magi in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi to marvel at the fresco by Benozzo Gozzoli. On the ‘other’ side of the Arno are the Boboli gardens and well worth a stroll.
There are frequent trains from Florence to Naples and we will book you a time that is most convenient for you and can depend on whether you want to spend more time in Florence. Once in Naples, you are met at the station and transferred to your hotel by private car
A highlight of your day in Naples could be a visit to the Archaeological Museum which houses a priceless collection of the artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Another sight that is highly recommended is the Museum of the Chapel of Sansevero which is an architectural gem in its own right as well as possessing a magnificent display of sculpture and paintings. Depending on the season, you might want to ask us to book you seats at the opera in the Teatro di San Carlo.
A private car returns you to Naples station. You leave Naples behind just before 10.00 hrs to travel by train to Taormina-Giardini, following the dramatic coast south through Campania, Basilicata and Calabria and reaching the Strait of Messina where your train boards the ferry for the crossing to Sicily. Arrive at Taormina-Giardini station in the late afternoon and then you are transferred by private car to your hotel in nearby Taormina.
You have two full days included in Taormina. The town stands at an altitude of 250m above sea level and forms a perfect balcony overlooking the sea towards Mount Etna. A popular destination, it is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful monuments, and tranquil gardens. Taormina has a rich and extensive history; its Teatro Antico di Taormina is the second largest amphitheatre in Sicily, harking back to Taormina’s origins as a Greek ‘polis’. The Botanic Gardens of Villa Comunale offer a number of exotic and shady pathways for an afternoon stroll, as well as several intriguing structures that make up the villa complex. The Gothic Badia Vecchia is the town’s former abbey, and its design has been heavily influenced by Arabian and Norman art, much like the Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano. The Palazzo Corvaja was part of the town’s reinforced defences and was built in the style of Abraham’s first temple in God’s name. Alternatively, the Palazzo Ciampoli exemplifies the town’s medieval history. There are lots of restaurants in Taormina, within easy walking distance of your hotel.
Your train journey today starts at the Taormina-Giardini station and takes you to Messina, where you change trains for the journey along the northern edge of Sicily passing through Milazzo and Cefalu before reaching Palermo, the capital city of Sicily. You are met at the station and taken to your hotel in the city centre by private car.
Palermo is steeped in history and its many fine buildings bear witness to its past. The Arab-Norman cathedral is exceptionally eclectic in design, built originally in the 12th century, but gaining a portico in the 15th century and a dome in the 18th century. The finished building, therefore, is one of many secrets and delights. Its Neoclassical interior is subsequently a surprise. The Palazzo dei Normanni offers a valuable insight into the Norman influence on Palermo’s architecture and contains a series of beautiful Byzantine mosaics. The Piazza Bellini is a good point from which to begin tracking down Palermo’s many churches, two of which are on this square. Look out for red Arabic domes, intricate mosaics, and lavish gold interiors on your travels, and ensure that, if you visit no other church, you see the La Martorana. A more macabre side to Palermo is captured in the Convento dei Cappuccini. Not for the feint-hearted, the walls of these catacombs are lined with elegantly dressed corpses, made available for the relatives to visit their deceased. Just outside the city centre is Monreale Cathedral, a national monument of Italy and dating from the 12th century.
A private car takes you to the airport for your flight to London. We have included British Airways to Heathrow but can also book you onto Easyjet to Gatwick. Let us know if there are any other destinations that are more suitable for you.
Thanks for organising what was a wonderful holiday. Apart from a delay because of Gatwick fog coming home, everything ran like clockwork and we had a cracking time. I would be happy to recommend Expressions and hope we will have the opportunity to organise another trip with you in the future.Mrs S, October 2024
Holiday price guide Price from £3,490 per person based on two people sharing a double room including second class rail travel. Supplement about £450 per person for first class rail travel.
Holiday Code ITBR15
Call us on 01392 441245
Sicily by train luxury tailor-made Italian rail holiday
Take an early morning Eurostar from London to Paris, change stations from the Gare du Nord to the Gare de Lyon, and then take the high-speed TGV to Zurich. There is a direct service that means you arrive in Zurich at about 16.30 hrs giving you the rest of the day to explore the city with its river quays and lakeside promenades.
Today’s rail journey is an encounter with spectacular mountain scenery to pass through the Alps by the Gotthard train tunnel which links Fluelen to Bellinzona in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. From here it’s a short distance to the Italian border at Chiasso. Change trains in Milan and continue further south to the beautiful city of Florence
You have a full day to explore Florence, home to a wealth of Renaissance treasures. A visit to see Michelangelo’s David in the Accademia is high on the list of things to do in Florence, along with the majestic architecture of the Duomo and the beautiful work of the silversmiths that line the Ponte Vecchio. In addition to the obvious of the Accademia and the Uffizi (a must for the Botticellis), visit the Bargello and the Chapel of the Magi in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi to marvel at the fresco by Benozzo Gozzoli. On the ‘other’ side of the Arno are the Boboli gardens and well worth a stroll.
There are frequent trains from Florence to Naples and we will book you a time that is most convenient for you and can depend on whether you want to spend more time in Florence. Once in Naples, you are met at the station and transferred to your hotel by private car
A highlight of your day in Naples could be a visit to the Archaeological Museum which houses a priceless collection of the artefacts from Pompeii and Herculaneum. Another sight that is highly recommended is the Museum of the Chapel of Sansevero which is an architectural gem in its own right as well as possessing a magnificent display of sculpture and paintings. Depending on the season, you might want to ask us to book you seats at the opera in the Teatro di San Carlo.
A private car returns you to Naples station. You leave Naples behind just before 10.00 hrs to travel by train to Taormina-Giardini, following the dramatic coast south through Campania, Basilicata and Calabria and reaching the Strait of Messina where your train boards the ferry for the crossing to Sicily. Arrive at Taormina-Giardini station in the late afternoon and then you are transferred by private car to your hotel in nearby Taormina.
You have two full days included in Taormina. The town stands at an altitude of 250m above sea level and forms a perfect balcony overlooking the sea towards Mount Etna. A popular destination, it is renowned for its peaceful atmosphere, beautiful monuments, and tranquil gardens. Taormina has a rich and extensive history; its Teatro Antico di Taormina is the second largest amphitheatre in Sicily, harking back to Taormina’s origins as a Greek ‘polis’. The Botanic Gardens of Villa Comunale offer a number of exotic and shady pathways for an afternoon stroll, as well as several intriguing structures that make up the villa complex. The Gothic Badia Vecchia is the town’s former abbey, and its design has been heavily influenced by Arabian and Norman art, much like the Palazzo Duchi di Santo Stefano. The Palazzo Corvaja was part of the town’s reinforced defences and was built in the style of Abraham’s first temple in God’s name. Alternatively, the Palazzo Ciampoli exemplifies the town’s medieval history. There are lots of restaurants in Taormina, within easy walking distance of your hotel.
Your train journey today starts at the Taormina-Giardini station and takes you to Messina, where you change trains for the journey along the northern edge of Sicily passing through Milazzo and Cefalu before reaching Palermo, the capital city of Sicily. You are met at the station and taken to your hotel in the city centre by private car.
Palermo is steeped in history and its many fine buildings bear witness to its past. The Arab-Norman cathedral is exceptionally eclectic in design, built originally in the 12th century, but gaining a portico in the 15th century and a dome in the 18th century. The finished building, therefore, is one of many secrets and delights. Its Neoclassical interior is subsequently a surprise. The Palazzo dei Normanni offers a valuable insight into the Norman influence on Palermo’s architecture and contains a series of beautiful Byzantine mosaics. The Piazza Bellini is a good point from which to begin tracking down Palermo’s many churches, two of which are on this square. Look out for red Arabic domes, intricate mosaics, and lavish gold interiors on your travels, and ensure that, if you visit no other church, you see the La Martorana. A more macabre side to Palermo is captured in the Convento dei Cappuccini. Not for the feint-hearted, the walls of these catacombs are lined with elegantly dressed corpses, made available for the relatives to visit their deceased. Just outside the city centre is Monreale Cathedral, a national monument of Italy and dating from the 12th century.
A private car takes you to the airport for your flight to London. We have included British Airways to Heathrow but can also book you onto Easyjet to Gatwick. Let us know if there are any other destinations that are more suitable for you.
Thanks for organising what was a wonderful holiday. Apart from a delay because of Gatwick fog coming home, everything ran like clockwork and we had a cracking time. I would be happy to recommend Expressions and hope we will have the opportunity to organise another trip with you in the future.Mrs S, October 2024
Holiday price guide Price from £3,490 per person based on two people sharing a double room including second class rail travel. Supplement about £450 per person for first class rail travel.
Holiday Code ITBR15
Our prices include
● Second-class travel on all trains, with standard class on Eurostar (first and standard premier can be booked at a supplement)
● Flight with British Airways one way from Palermo to London, Euro traveller
● 1 night’s bed and breakfast in a Standard room at the Hotel St Gotthard, Zurich
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Classic room at Bernina Palace, Florence
● 2 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Standard room at Grand Hotel Parker’s, Naples
● 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Superior room with sea view at the Hotel Villa Belvedere in Taormina
● 3 nights’ bed and breakfast in a Classic room at the Hotel Principe Villafranca, Palermo
● Private car transfers in Naples, station to hotel and back to station
● Private car transfers in Taormina, station to hotel and back to station
● Private car transfers in Palermo, station to hotel and back to airport
● Concierge service and Expressions Holidays regional helpful hints
Our prices do not include
● Early check-in or late check-out at any hotels (although we can arrange this on request at additional cost)
● Any other services not mentioned above, such as transfers and meals except breakfast at hotels
● Personal holiday insurance. This is essential and cover should be in place from when you book the holiday.
● Local tourist tax, usually between Euros 1 and 3 per person per night, and payable locally to the hotel
● Transfers in Paris, Zurich and Florence
Additional information This holiday can be arranged throughout the year. Timings can vary depending on the month and day of the week.
Call us on 01392 441245
Sicily by train luxury tailor-made Italian rail holiday
Hotel St Gotthard is a sophisticated 4-star hotel in an excellent central location. Haute cuisine and stylish, comfortable accommodation make this an excellent spot to recuperate after enjoying the cultural delights of Zurich.
Standard room
The Bernini Palace is an elegant, historic 5-star hotel in the heart of Florence. Sumptuous interiors and delicious cuisine make this hotel the perfect base from which to relax after exploring the wonders of the city.
Classic double
Hotel Villa Belvedere is a delightful 4-star hotel boutique hotel with enchanting views of Mount Etna and the sea. The beautiful gardens and idyllic terrace make it an ideal spot to relax and recuperate after exploring historic Taormina.
Double room with French balcony and sea view
Hotel Principe di Villafranca is a 4-star boutique hotel in an excellent central location. The hotel features a variety of artwork and comfortable accommodation, and is a relaxing retreat from which to explore the ancient city of Palermo.
Standard room
Special offers
Call to make your booking and save an extra £50 per adult Call us instead of emailing us when you are thinking of booking a holiday and save an extra £50 per adult (in addition to any special offers that might be available). We want to talk to you to discuss your requirements and a phone call is usually the best way for you to define what you want enabling us to respond more accurately. We want to talk to you and you save an extra £50 per adult.
Thanks for organising what was a wonderful holiday. Apart from a delay because of Gatwick fog coming home, everything ran like clockwork and we had a cracking time. I would be happy to recommend Expressions and hope we will have the opportunity to organise another trip with you in the future.Mrs S, October 2024
Holiday price guide Price from £3,490 per person based on two people sharing a double room including second class rail travel. Supplement about £450 per person for first class rail travel.
Holiday Code ITBR15
Call us on 01392 441245
Sicily by train luxury tailor-made Italian rail holiday
About Sicily
An Expressions tailor-made holiday in Sicily allows visitors to discover a unique and captivating island. The rich tapestry of Mediterranean history can be witnessed on the southerly island of Sicily, fascinating not only for its amazing blend of cultures including Greek, Arab, Byzantine and Norman and its architectural treasures which reflect these influences but also for its breath-taking scenery of coast, parched mountains and fertile groves of almonds, oranges, lemons and olives. The people are proud and independent, reserved but sincere and helpful. Traditions thrive to an extent that the atmosphere of Sicily is unrecognisable in the context of other parts of Italy further north. The towns and villages are contrasting with picture postcard scenes of mediaeval labyrinthine alleyways adorned by wrought-iron balconies and baskets of flowers or severe dilapidation punctuated by grand Baroque or austere Norman cathedrals and churches. Additionally, there are of course some of the most important sites of the ancient Greek world such as the temples at Agrigento, the theatre at Taormina and numerous relics at Siracusa, reputedly one of the most beautiful cities of the Greek world. High above the island looms Mount Etna, one of the largest volcanoes in the world and an awe-inspiring sight. Off the north coast of Sicily, the beautiful Aeolian Islands offer escape and remoteness, natural scenery and a startling light, a sleepy way of life and romantic isolation. A holiday in Sicily appeals for those who want typical rest and relaxation with cultural activities at hand, and for those who want to be more adventurous and experience more of this captivating island.
Highlights of Sicily
An ascent of Mount Etna, partly by car and then further on foot (guides available) through the luxuriant vegetation which includes oranges and lemons, bougainvillaea and poinsettias and then higher up the groves of walnuts, cherries, almonds, pistachios and vines. Palermo is known for its street markets, especially Vucciria and Ballaro, where traders and hawkers, pickpockets and shoppers converge amongst narrow streets and stalls of wares. See the traditional costumes and dialect of Piana degli Albanesi, where Albanians settled in the 15th Century. Revel in the splendid site of Taormina above the sea with views to Etna. Local crafts include cork, ceramics, honey, embroidery, raffia. Enjoy the calm and remoteness of the Aeolian Islands with their clear waters, beautiful scenery and peaceful way of life. Enjoy the gardens of the Villa Giulia in Palermo and the Public Gardens in Taormina.
Cultural highlights of Sicily
Palermo contains some of the greatest Arab-Norman buildings in existence - San Giovanni degli Eremiti, the Palazzo Reale with its striking Cappella Palatina and La Martorana. Monreale outside Palermo is the greatest work of Norman architecture in Sicily and contains beautiful 12th and 13th Century mosaics and cloisters. The Doric temples of the 5th Century BC in the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento. Cefalu has the `Portrait of a Man` by Antonello da Messina, dating from 1465 in its Museo Mandralisca.
Festivals in Sicily
Many Sicilian local festivals are linked to Saints’ Days. A few of the most well-known festivals generally include Carnival celebrations in Taormina and Acireale. Easter is celebrated especially in Trapani, Marsala and Piana degli Albanesi. Messina celebrates Ferragosto on the 15th August with a firework display over the Straits. The Sagra del Mandorlo in Fiore takes place in Agrigento in the first and second weeks of February to celebrate the almond blossom. Taormina Arte is a summer festival of music, cinema, ballet and theatre, held in the Greek theatre. The Palio dei Normanni takes place in Piazza Armeria in August.
Gastronomy in Sicily
The gastronomy of Sicily, like much of the culture of the island, has been heavily influenced by its history. Cuscus is a Sicilian version of couscous, and marzipan features heavily in sweets. Local produce includes citrus fruits, almonds, capers, olives, peppers and fish. Local specialities include Maccheroni con le sarde (pasta with sardines, fennel, raisins, pine nuts and saffron), Pesce spada (grilled sword fish), 'alla Siciliana' with capers, red peppers and herbs. Cassata is a popular dessert made with ricotta, candied fruit and pistachios and Cannoli are almond biscuits stuffed with ricotta. Sicily produces a variety of red and white wines including Corvo di Salaparuta and Etna, Marsala and Malvasia.
