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 . High above the island looms Mount Etna , one of the largest volcanoes in the world and an awe-inspiring sight . Here we suggest taking a slow route to Sicily by train , allowing you to relish the scenery of Europe as you head southwards .

Mount Etna

SICILY . BY TRAIN . REALLY ? The answer is yes . You can take the train to Sicily . What ’ s more you stay on the train as it travels from the mainland over the Straits of Messina to Sicily . By boat . The journey from Naples to Taormina-Giardini is one of the great train journeys of Europe and made all the spectacular ( and comfortable ) due to the modern boat-train that does the journey across the sea from Villa San Giovanni to Messina . This air-conditioned InterCity train leaves Naples at 09.50 and arrives at Taormina-Giardini at 16.40 . SO , THE KEY IS GETTING TO NAPLES , staying overnight and taking the 09.50 train to Sicily . The route from London to Naples offers several options . Below we suggest one tried and tested itinerary but instead of Milan you could make it to Florence or even Rome . Or , ask us to add in extra stops . A divergence of directness for the slow route home might take you from Rome to Turin to Lyon and then Paris , or further east through the Alps from Rome to Munich ( sleeper service also available ) and home via Brussels from there .

Sicily by train touring holiday

Day 1 London to Lucerne by train An early morning departure with a change in Paris means you can arrive in Lucerne by early evening . Your hotel is in the centre of this charming city , and there is a choice of restaurants within walking distance . Day 2 Lucerne , over the Alps , to Milan The journey to Milan takes you along Lake Lucerne , before climbing to pass through the Alps by the Gotthard train tunnel which links Fluelen to Bellinzona in the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland . Arrive in Milan late afternoon for one night with time to explore . Day 3 Milan to Naples by train Journey time from Milan to Naples is about 4 and a half hours . After checking-in there is time to spend the rest of the day sightseeing . Day 4 Naples to Sicily by train You leave Naples just before 10.00 hrs , 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 .

Taormina

Day 5 In Taormina You have two full days included in Taormina . The town stands at 250m above sea level and forms a perfect balcony overlooking the sea towards Mount Etna . 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 ; the Botanic Gardens of Villa Comunale offer a number of exotic pathways for an afternoon stroll ; the Gothic Badia Vecchia is the town ’ s former abbey , and its design has been heavily influenced by Arabian and Norman art . The pedestrianised Corso Umberto is lined with shops selling hand-made ceramics , fine leather , Sicilian wines , and wrought iron and wooden products . Day 7 End of the stay in Taormina and return home Time to return home . But how ? You can fly back to London from Catania or you can be adventurous and let us design a return journey back to London by a variation on the route .

Prices from £ 2,440 per person

We include

• Second-class travel on all trains , with standard class on Eurostar ( first and standard premier can be booked at a supplement )

• Private car transfers in Taormina , station to hotel and back to Catania airport

• Private car transfers in Naples , station to hotel and back to station

• Flight with British Airways one way from Catania to London Gatwick , Euro traveller

• 1 night ’ s bed and breakfast in a Classic room at the Hotel Wilden Mann in Lucerne

• 1 night ’ s bed and breakfast in a Superior room at the Hotel De La Ville in Milan

• 1 night ’ s bed and breakfast in a Standard room at the Hotel Romeo or Grand Hotel Parker ’ s in Naples

• 3 nights ’ bed and breakfast in a Superior room with sea view at the Hotel Villa Belvedere in Taormina www . expressionsholidays . co . uk 21