Top Sicily Rail Tours

Snack your way through the streets of Palermo on this Sicilian food tour. Explore backstreet markets and food stalls specializing in local delicacies such as stuffed rice balls and chickpea fritters as your guide fills you in on local history and culture. Find eateries you’d probably miss going alone. Plus, this small-group tour has a limited number of participants for a more personalized experience.

Explore Palermo’s lively dining scene after dark when the temps drop, and the crowd thins with this evening street food tour led by a passionate foodie guide. Stroll through the city’s old town to take in the sights and discover the most beloved eateries and street vendors. Stop to feast on authentic Palermitano specialties and learn about their history and significance in the local culinary culture.

Located on the island of Sicily, Mt Etna is the tallest active volcano in Europe. Explore the different aspects of the dynamic mountain on this active tour from Catania which includes hiking up to the inner craters and (safely) entering a lava cave. See ancient lava flows, learn about the geological history of the volcano, and admire panoramic views of eastern Sicily.

Marvel over the geological wonders of Mount Etna on this action-packed small-group tour from Catania. Soak up the dramatic scenery of Europe’s highest active volcano as you trek along its paths, explore a cave formed by lava, and taste local products. Then, spend the afternoon enjoying your free time in Taormina, among medieval churches, ancient Greek theater, and a lively shopping district.

Make the most of your time in Sicily on this immersive, small-group shore excursion. Over the course of just half a day, you’ll venture to Taormina (and will discover top landmarks like its Greek amphitheater), will visit the hilltop village of Castelmola (renowned for its impeccable scenery), and will finish with a walking tour of Messina’s historical city center. Port pickup and drop-off, and round-trip minivan transit, make logistics seamless and stress-free.

Explore Europe's highest active volcano with this Jeep tour on Mount Etna. Join a nature guide and head up to about 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) to discover lava flows and extinct craters, plus take in the views over the Caldera del Valle del Bove. Then don a helmet and headlamp and venture into a lava tube to better to learn how lava flows are formed and cool.

Skip the large tour groups in Sicily, and opt for an intimate, private day trip instead. With a private driver whose focus is your personal group, see ancient Greek and Roman ruins at Neapolis Archaeological Park in Syracuse, stroll through Ortigia's small streets to shop for Sicilian products, and discover UNESCO-listed baroque architecture in Noto. Even better: A hotel or port pickup and drop-off service is also covered.

Trek around Mount Etna on this tour with a small group and an expert trekking guide. Set off from Taormina to spend the day learning about the volcano's history, exploring craters and lava caves. Stop at a local chalet for an included snack and wine. Hotel or port pickup and drop-off can be arranged on request.

While your ship is in port, see more of Sicily on a full-day to Taormina. Take a guided tour of this historical city, including a stroll along Corso Umberto, once an ancient Roman street, and a visit to the Greco-Roman Theater. Plus, admire views of Mt. Etna and Giardini-Naxos bay from Castelmola. Pickup and drop-off from the ports of Messina and Giardini Naxos are included.

Delve into ancient Roman and Greek history on a visit to both Neapolis Archaeological Park and Ortygia Island in Syracuse. Neapolis is home to some of Syracuse's most notable ruins, including a massive Greek amphitheater that is still used for performances during the summer months. Marvel at age-old quarries and a Roman amphitheater where gladiators fought each other to the death. Afterward, head over to Ortygia Island―a small island that serves as Syracuse's historic center―and nearby Noto, a stunning town filled with exquisite, photo-worthy baroque architecture.

Sicily is famed for its cuisine, but it takes insider knowledge to know how to eat like a local. Taste your way around stunning, coastal Taormina during this private or small-group evening culinary tour. Complement your dishes with a glass of Prosecco, red and white wine, and Italian liqueur. As you walk and taste, learn more about the city's food history from your guide.

Indulge all your senses on a walking tour of Palermo's rich street food traditions. Join a knowledgeable guide for a walk through the historic part of the city and its vibrant outdoor markets. Start at one of Palermo's puppet theaters and visit a street market, a street food shop, and landmarks in the historic center. Watch the lively scenes around you, observing what seems like another time.

Explore Europe’s largest active volcano on this day trip to Mt Etna from Taormina. Relax with transportation to the base station of Rifugio Sapienza and then take off through the foothills where you can hike at your leisure. Upgrade your ticket for a guided walking tour through the volcanic craters.

The volcanic landscapes around Mt. Etna draw travelers from far and wide. This adventurous full-day tour from Taormina includes a visit to the Parco dell’Etna for a guided exploration of a lava cave and a trek to 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) above sea level near Rifugio Sapienza, where you can admire Etna’s stunning volcanic scenery. Plus, delve deep into the Alcantara Gorges—home to lava formations shaped over millions of years.

A train tour in Cefalu is the ideal way to discover one of the most fascinating villages in Sicily without stress. The trip offers views of the coast and hills and the station, close to the center and the sea, allows you to immerse yourself in the Mediterranean atmosphere. The route starts from the historic center among alleys, shops and monuments such as the Norman Cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for Byzantine mosaics, and the suggestive Medieval Washhouse. Continuing you reach the beach and the old port, with clear waters and picturesque views, while the Rocca dominates the panorama offering spectacular views. The local cuisine, including fresh fish, pasta with sardines, cannoli and cassata, completes the experience. A walk at sunset and the return by train close a day full of emotions, between culture, sea and authenticity.

Set off to explore the charming cities of Palermo, Syracuse, and Taormina and enjoy the best of Italy together with a group of fellow travelers. Make sure to have your camera ready as some undoubtedly authentic sights await, such as the Neapolis Park of Syracuse, the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, La Martorana and San Cataldo Churches in Palermo and much more.

This private tour offers the perfect combination, allowing you to soak up the both the sights and tastes of Etna. You'll first enjoy a scenic train journey around the small town that surround Mount Etna. Upon arrival at Randazzo, you'll head for a local winery where you'll tour the vineyards and cellar before sitting down to a wine tasting paired with a delicious Sicilian-style lunch.