Southern Lights STANDARD Independent Rail Tour 2025

Arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport, transfer to the hotel by private car and check-in to the hotel. The rest of the day is free to explore the Eternal City. Discover the most famous landmarks of Rome, such as Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, Piazza di Spagna. In case of an early arrival, we recommend a guided tour of the Vatican Museums, to admire Michelangelo's famous Sistine Chapel and other masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance. For gastronomy enthusiasts, enjoy a cooking lesson to learn how to make pizza or pasta and gelato. For dinner we suggest trying a typical Roman restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Rome.

Breakfast at the hotel followed by another day discovering the city. Today join the Imperial Tour of Rome to admire the monuments of the Roman Forum and the Colosseum and hear a guided presentation of the evocative history of ancient Rome and the gladiators' fights that took place there. In the afternoon there is free time to continue exploring the city, enjoy an excursion to visit the Roman Catacombs or if you’re feeling more active, there is the option of an electric bike tour to discover the historic centre as well as the chance to see a unique and different side of Rome. In the evening, we recommend a walk around the Trastevere district, full of typical restaurants. Overnight at the hotel in Rome. (B)

After breakfast at the hotel board the high-speed train to Naples from Rome Termini rail station. Upon arrival in Naples, meet your driver and proceed to Pompeii where you will enjoy a 2-hour stop to visit the Pompeii Archaeological Area. This ancient Roman city was destroyed when Vesuvius erupted in 79AD and buried it, preserving it under a sea of volcanic ash for nearly 1,700 years. Entrance tickets are included, guide is an optional extra. At the end of the visit transfer to Sorrento, famous for its picturesque old town centre and the rustic charm of the fisherman's village, Marina Grande, one of the authentic treasures of the city. Overnight at the hotel in Sorrento. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel followed by a small group tour to Capri and Anacapri and a visit to the famous Blue Grotto to marvel at its colours and atmosphere known throughout the world. Please note that visiting the Blue Grotto is weather dependant and might not be possible on the day of your visit. Afterwards spend free time visiting Anacapri and Capri to discover the beauties of this wonderful island. In the afternoon, return to Sorrento by ferry and make your own way to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Sorrento. (B)

Breakfast at hotel followed by a half day free to explore Sorrento - take a swim at one of the beaches in the area, discover the gastronomic delights of the region or explore the beautiful towns along the Amalfi Coast. Return to Sorrento by lunchtime for an early afternoon private transfer to the port of Naples for an evening ferry departure to Palermo. The ferry will cross the Tyrrhenian Sea overnight, allowing you to be in Palermo early in the morning of the following day. Overnight on the ferry. (B)

Early morning arrival in Palermo. A private transfer to your hotel will be waiting at the Port of Palermo. After check-in at the hotel, you are free to start exploring the city. An early check-in is not guaranteed. Start your day with breakfast in one of the cafes in the city centre, famous for their Sicilian pastries. Follow breakfast by exploring some of the incredible landmarks of Palermo: a visit to the Norman Palace a magnificent royal palace and seat of the Sicilian parliament or view the Byzantine mosaics of the extraordinary Palatine Chapel. In the afternoon, visit the majestic Palermo Cathedral with its extraordinary mix of architectural styles that truly reflect the multicultural history of the city. After so much history and culture, we suggest you immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of the historic Ballarò Market, where you can find fruit, vegetables and fresh fish. The market is a great place to end up the day for dinner where you can enjoy a range of Sicilian street foods or alternatively, wander the city centre and find a typical restaurant for your evening meal.  After dinner, we suggest an evening stroll along Via Maqueda and the Quattro Canti, admiring the architecture and perhaps enjoy a gelato or a drink in one of the outdoor cafes. Overnight at the hotel in Palermo.

After breakfast at the hotel, the day is free to continue exploring this beautiful capital of Sicily. Discover the Church of Martorana and Church of San Cataldo, both testimonies of Norman-Arab art and architecture, or relax by walking in the Botanical Gardens of Palermo - a historic garden with a vast collection of exotic and Mediterranean plants. We recommend a guided tour of the Teatro Massimo, one of the largest opera houses in Europe. Other excursions available include: a visit to nearby Monreale, most famous in Europe for its cathedral with exquisite mosaics, or along the coast to Cefalù, a splendid seaside town with its character filled historic centre. Overnight at the hotel in Palermo. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel followed by check-out. (B)