An Unforgettable Journey to Sicily

The Tyrrhenian, Ionian and Mediterranean seas, seven World Heritage sites, ancient Greek and Roman architecture, the oldest vineyards in Italy – you will find all of these in Sicily.

You will discover its highlights during a rail tour on La Dolce Vita Orient Express. In Agrigento you will see one of the largest archaeological parks in the world – the Valley of the Temples, dating back to the 5th century BC, and an archaeological museum with 5688 finds of the Ancient Greek and Roman periods. Strolling about Taormina, you will visit the ancient Greek amphitheater – the second largest in Sicily, with fantastic views over Mount Etna – the highest in Europe and one of the most active volcanoes in the world. Etna's volcanic slopes are covered with vineyards, enticing you with local wines.

An idyllic isle Isola Bella in Taormina will charm you with its beaches. And you will certainly admire the beauty of the coast during a cable car ride. In Palermo you will see Palazzo dei Normanni – Europe's oldest royal palace, built more than a thousand years ago, Teatro Massimo – one of the world's greatest opera houses, the 18th century Palazzo Butera and the Cathedral of Palermo – the main temple in Sicily.

A true gem of Sicily’s east coast is Mount Etna, which you can explore on foot or cycling, on a helicopter tour or a cable car ride as well as travelling the 19th century Circumetnea Railway.

In the province of Agrigento, it is impossible to miss the snow-white cliffs of Scala dei Turchi, the archaeological park of Selinunte and the Torre Salsa Natural Reserve.

In the city port of Messina, founded in the 8th century BC, you will see the Cathedral with a 60-metre high bell tower boasting the world's largest astronomical clock. Make sure your excursion to the Cathedral includes a visit to the Museum of the Treasure on the premises. Messina is chock-full of landmarks of different periods: from the Orion Fountain of the 16th century to the Vittorio Emanuele III Gallery, built in the first half of the 20th century.

In Sicily you can have a Godfather-themed tour and relax at hot springs, explore the UNESCO-protected city of Modica with centuries-old Aztec chocolate-making traditions and the city of Marsala, famous for its same-name wine, Porta Garibaldi, century-old palazzos and villas. From Marsala, take a boat tour to the Aegadian Islands where you can dive, relax on Cala Rossa beach and climb to the mountaintop Castle of Santa Caterina for incredible sunset views.