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Itinerary with Flexible Activities: You can follow our recommended itinerary to experience the highlights of each destination, or customize it to suit your personal preferences.
Itineraries
Day 1
Arrive in Catania
Benvenuti a Catania! Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Start exploring with a walk along Via Etnea, the city's main street, to Piazza del Duomo. Visit the iconic Fountain of the Elephant and the Cathedral of Sant'Agata. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Sicilian dinner at a local trattoria in the historic center. [Night in Catania]
Day 2
Explore Catania
Begin your day at the bustling fish market, La Pescheria. Then, visit the Roman Theater and Odeon. In the afternoon, take a guided tour of Castello Ursino, a 13th-century castle. End your day with a stroll through the beautiful Giardino Bellini and dinner in the lively Piazza Vincenzo Bellini area. [Night in Catania]
Day 3
Catania to Siracusa
After breakfast, take a train to Siracusa. Check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Spend the afternoon exploring the island of Ortigia, Siracusa's historic center. Visit the Temple of Apollo, Piazza Archimede, and the stunning Duomo. Enjoy dinner at a seaside restaurant with views of the Ionian Sea. [Night in Siracusa]
Day 4
Discover Siracusa
Dedicate this day to Siracusa's archaeological park. Visit the Greek Theater, the Roman Amphitheater, and the Ear of Dionysius. In the afternoon, take a boat tour around Ortigia or visit the Papyrus Museum. End your day with a puppet show at the traditional Sicilian puppet theater. [Night in Siracusa]
Day 5
Siracusa to Modica
After checking out, take a train to the baroque town of Modica. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. Spend the afternoon exploring the town's famous chocolate shops and learning about traditional Modica chocolate making. Visit the stunning Church of San Giorgio and enjoy the panoramic views from the upper town. [Night in Modica]
Day 6
Modica to Ragusa
Start your day with a visit to Modica's Civic Museum before taking a short train ride to Ragusa. Check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Begin your exploration of Ragusa Ibla, the town's historic center. Visit the Duomo di San Giorgio and wander through the charming narrow streets. Enjoy dinner at a restaurant with views of the illuminated baroque architecture. [Night in Ragusa]
Day 7
Explore Ragusa
Dedicate this day to fully exploring Ragusa. Visit the Castello di Donnafugata, a 19th-century castle with beautiful gardens. Return to Ragusa Ibla to visit the Giardino Ibleo and the Church of San Giuseppe. In the evening, take a cooking class to learn how to prepare traditional Sicilian dishes. [Night in Ragusa]
Day 8
Ragusa to Catania
After breakfast, take the train back to Catania. Check into your hotel for your final night. Spend the afternoon visiting Mount Etna, Europe's largest active volcano. Take a cable car ride or a guided tour to explore the lunar-like landscapes. Return to Catania for a farewell dinner featuring local specialties and Etna wines. [Night in Catania]
Day 9
Depart Catania
On your final morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast and perhaps some last-minute shopping at Catania's local boutiques. Visit the Monastero dei Benedettini if time allows before heading to the airport for your departure. Arrivederci, Sicilia!
Your rail adventure and hotel package includes:
- Welcome Package: Receive a personalized welcome package upon arrival, including travel essentials and detailed itinerary information to ensure a seamless start to your journey.
- First-Class Rail Travel: Experience the ultimate in comfort and style with first-class rail travel throughout your itinerary. Please note that some regional trains may only offer second-class seating.
- 4-Star Plus Hotel Accommodation: Enjoy luxurious 4-star-plus accommodations in all cities, conveniently located near train stations for easy access and maximum convenience.
- Daily Breakfast: Start each day with a delicious full breakfast, provided at all hotel accommodations, offering a variety of local and international options.
- Airport Transfers: Enjoy hassle-free airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience.
Your rail adventure and hotel package does not include:
- International Airfare: Flights to and from Europe are not included in the package price. Rail Escape can offer an additional reservation of flights.
- Excursions Activities and Entrance Fees: Any tours, excursions, or activities are not included and may incur additional costs.
- Meals Beyond Breakfast: While a full breakfast is provided daily, lunch, dinner, and any additional meals or snacks are not included and are the guest’s responsibility.
- Local taxes or fees: The packages do not include additional local taxes or fees, such as hotel tourism taxes.
- Personal Expenses: Personal shopping, souvenirs, and additional hotel services (e.g., minibar, laundry, room service) are not covered.
- Tips and Gratuities: Gratuities for hotel staff, guides, and drivers are not included and are at the guest’s discretion.
- Local Transportation: Transportation within cities, such as taxis, buses, and subways, is not included.
Important Notes
- Customs Fees and Duties: Any – if applicable - customs fees or duties for goods purchased while traveling are the responsibility of the traveler.
- Extra Nights: Any additional hotel nights or early check-ins and late check-outs outside the scheduled itinerary will incur extra charges.
- Visa and Passport Fees: Guests are responsible for securing their own visas and any associated costs. Please ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates.
- Travel Insurance: We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance for your trip. Please arrange this separately, as it is not included in the package.