Sicily and the Amalfi Coast by Rail
- 13
- £1,599
- Italy Amalfi Coast
- Travel out to Italy via Zurich and the Alps
- A short stop in Vietri Sul Mare on the Amalfi Coast
- Take a train on to a boat across the Straits of Messina to Sicily
- Plenty of time to explore Catania, at the foot of Mount Etna and Palermo, on Sicily’s northern coastline,
- Return to the UK via overnight train and a stop-off in Turin
- Decide when you would like to travel
- Adapt the route to suit your plans
- Upgrade hotels and rail journeys
- Add extra nights, destinations and/or tours
- Standard Class rail travel with seat reservations
- 11 nights handpicked hotel accommodation with breakfast
- Overnight rail travel from Palermo to Milan in comfortable private sleeper compartment with washbasin
- Comprehensive directions to your hotels
- Easy-to-follow travel documentation
- Despatch of tickets by email, post or collection from our London office
PLEASE NOTE: Due to a landslide on the rail line between Turin and Paris, we will need to reroute the return journey of this holiday for travel before spring 2025. There are lots of other options which we can discuss with you.
Suggested Itinerary
This morning, board a Eurostar service to Paris, then make an easy change onto a French TGV train from the Gare de Lyon. There is a buffet car on the TGV service, but you’ll also have time to collect supplies in Paris for lunch, or perhaps enjoy a meal at one of the restaurants in and around the station.
On arrival in Zurich this evening, check in for an overnight stay at the Sorell Rütli Hotel (or similar), within walking distance of the station.
After a leisurely breakfast this morning, return to the station for a train along the Gotthard route in the Alps to Milan. The Gotthard Base Tunnel means that this journey is slightly less scenic – but far faster than it used to be. Change in Milan onto a fast Frecciarossa train down to Salerno.
From Salerno, it’s a short taxi ride to the Hotel Raito (or similar) in Vietri sul Mare, at the eastern end of the gorgeous Amalfi Coast. You will have 2 nights here.
With your base at the eastern end of the Amalfi Coast in the fishing village of Vietri Sul Mare, you will have ample time to explore this local area, perhaps venturing as far west as Amalfi itself. The hotel can recommend some activities, or you can simply relax by the pool and gaze over the turquoise waters of the Mediterranean.
TMR RECOMMENDS: We’ve allowed 2 nights for you in Vietri Sul Mare in order to get a taste of the region. However, if you wish to stay longer and perhaps base yourself further along the coast in Positano for instance, we can certainly arrange this for you.
Take a mid-morning train from Salerno station. This service runs down the western coast of Italy and right onto the “toe”, before arriving at the Straits of Messina. The train then runs onto a boat as you cross the Straits, seamlessly connecting with the Sicilian rail network and onwards down to Catania.
Upon arrival, check in at the centrally located Romano House Hotel (or similar), where you have a 4-night stay.
With three full days in Catania, on Sicily’s eastern coastline, you will have plenty of time to explore, including the possibility to visit the beautiful nearby towns of Taormina and Syracuse.
Catania is an ancient port city, dominated by the infamous Mount Etna, which you can climb for stunning coastal views. On weekdays, don’t miss the bustling fish market on the corner of Piazza del Duomo. You can, of course sample the fish on any day of the week at one of the city’s great seafood restaurants.
Hop on board one of the brand new Sicilian regional trains that winds its way through the interior of the island and arrives into the port-city of Palermo, your base for the next three days.
Make your way to the Quintocanto Hotel (or similar), right in the middle of town within easy reach of the main sights, and check in for a 3-night stay.
Sicily’s vibrant capital, Palermo, is an important southern Italian cultural centre boasting world-class museums, architecture and gastronomy. You have two full days here to explore the city to the full. You might also perhaps like to venture out to the popular seaside town of Cefalu, with its famous 12th-century cathedral.
Depart Palermo at lunchtime and settle into your comfortable private compartment for the journey all the way up to Milan. You’ll cross the Straits of Messina once again, then through Calabria and Lazio as the sun sets. Awake in northern Italy near the port of Genoa and arrive into Milan mid-way through the morning.
Board a comfortable EuroCity train that runs northbound to Turin. Stop overnight at the Starhotels Majestic (or similar), close to Porta Nuova station in the centre of the city. You arrive in the mid-afternoon here so you have time for a stroll around the heart of the city. Turin has been an important political centre since the middle ages and offers a wealth of grand architecture as well some world-class museums.
Leave early this morning and make your way to Porta Susa station for a TGV service to Paris. Arriving at the Gare de Lyon, connect with a Eurostar from the Gare du Nord back through the Channel Tunnel to London, arriving in the evening. If you’d rather have a leisurely start from Turin and extend your holiday, you might also like to consider spending a night in Paris on your way back to the UK. Please let us know if you would like to add this to your package.
Typical hotels on this itinerary
Zurich
Located on the edge of Zurich’s Old Town, within easy walking distance of the station, the Sorell Hotel Rütli offers modern, classically furnished bedrooms, all with free Wi-Fi internet access, a coffee machine and a minibar. There is also a lobby bar, where you can enjoy a nightcap or coffee and cake.
Amalfi Coast
Set on a hill overlooking the Mediterranean, this superb 5-star property is perfect for exploring the eastern Amalfi Coast, while maintaining good access to the main transport links in nearby Salerno. The ExPure Spa features Turkish hammam and sauna, while guests also appreciate the 2 outdoor pools with sea views.
Catania, Sicily
Housed in an 18th-century aristocratic building in Catania’s baroque area, the 50-room Romano House Hotel is a firm favourite with guests who appreciate the culture and history of Sicily. Il Riccio restaurant serves traditional Sicilian dishes and there is an extensive cocktail list at the hotel’s impressive and chic bar.
Palermo, Sicily
Right in the heart of Palermo’s old centre, the Quintocanto Hotel is housed in a building which dates back to the 16th-century, and has been lovingly restored. After a day of sightseeing, unwind in the spa, which features saunas, whirlpools and Turkish baths.
Turin
This polished, 19th century hotel is located near all Turin’s main attractions and features modern bedrooms, an elegant restaurant complete with stained glass skylight, and an exercise room. A buffet breakfast is provided daily at the hotel. Le Regine Restaurant by Eataly serves both Piedmont and international cuisine.
Upgrade your accommodation
Zurich
The Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich is located opposite the railway station and offers soundproofed rooms with electrically adjustable beds. Its French restaurant ‘La Soupière’ offers delicious seasonal cuisine. The Café Gourmet serves fine antipasti, salads, pastry and the Schweizerhof Bar is famous for its wide selection of whisky.
Palermo
Occupying a majestic Art Nouveau building in the centre of the city, Grand Hotel et des Palmes offers luxurious and conveniently located accommodation. Sound-proofed bedrooms are furnished in an elegant style and come with air conditioning, Wi-Fi internet access, a minibar and satellite TV. There is also a restaurant and a cocktail bar.
Catania
The Palazzo Sangiorgio is located in Catania’s historic centre, close to Piazza Duomo. Bedrooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat-screen TV, kettle, minibar and balcony. An a la carte or buffet breakfast is served daily and there is also a restaurant serving local specialities. Enjoy a relaxing treatment at the hotel’s spa with mini whirlpool pool.
Turin
Grand Hotel Sitea is located in the centre of Turin, right behind Piazza San Carlo and a 10-minute walk from Piazza Castello. Rooms are elegantly furnished and come with parquet or carpeted floors, and a TV with satellite channels. There is also free internet access. All rooms offer a marble bathroom, some with spa bath.
