Malta to London by Sea and Rail

Stunningly situated on the lower slopes of a mountain, Taormina is one of Sicily’s most popular resort destinations. You have a free day here to explore. One of the headline attractions is the Greco-Roman theatre, dating back to the 3rd century BC, which offers wonderful views over the coast. You can also get spectacular views over the Bay of Naxos and nearby Mount Etna from the Giovanni Colonna Park, built on different levels and connected by staircases and stepladders.

For some retail therapy, head to the Porta Messina, a great area to enjoy a relaxing stroll with its small craft shops and multi-coloured alleyways.

Leave Taormina this morning and catch the train that takes you along the coast to the Straits of Messina. Once here, the train will roll onto the boat and you will continue across the sea to the ‘toe’ of Italy. Once the boat docks, the train will ‘roll’ off and make its way north to Naples. 

You will arrive in the late afternoon and so you can head to your accommodation, the San Pietro Hotel (or similar), to check and then take some time to get your bearings before you choose a restaurant for dinner this evening.

Welcome to the city of pizza! Naples has a great historic pedigree, not least because it’s considered the birthplace of this world famous dish. But pizza is not the only dish on the menu here. Neapolitan cuisine has been influenced over the centuries by the many cultures that have lived here and now the city boasts the most Michelin stars of any Italian city.

Naples is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world and this has left a wealth of historic monuments and buildings from Roman remains to medieval castles. Highly recommended is a visit to nearby Pompeii and Herculaneum, preserved in time after an earthquake in AD 79 covered them in lava and ash.

This morning you will be taking the 880km journey up the spine of Italy to Turin travelling at 330 km per hour! On arrival in Turin, you can  Grand Hotel Sitea (or similar) to check in for an overnight stay. We advise that once you have checked in, to take some time to explore the lovely city with its UNESCO World Heritage listed landmarks and world-class museums. 

Turin is also a city with a strong culinary heritage and there are lots of bars and restaurants to choose from for your evening meal here.

Leave Turin after breakfast this morning and board a high-speed TGV service that will take you to Paris. This first part of this journey goes through the Alps and there are some breathtaking views to take in from your seat. Then, the train noticeably increases in speed once you leave the mountains behind and you can  sit back and relax whilst you travel at a steady 320 km per hour. 

On arrival into Paris this afternoon, check in at the Malte Astotel (or similar) for your overnight stay.

There’s time this morning to explore Paris, a treasure trove of art, culture, history and iconic architecture. You’ll find distinct districts, each with their own character, from the hills of Montmartre to the wide, elegant boulevards around the Place de la Concorde. If you have time, don’t miss a visit to the Musée d’Orsay (we can add tickets for this so you can skip the queues) or perhaps take a leisurely cruise down the Seine, looking out for the city’s beautiful bridges. 

Later on, make your way to the Gare du Nord and catch the Eurostar service which will take you whistling under the English Channel, through the Kent countryside and into London St Pancras. Once you are in London, we can arrange accommodation for you or onward travel to somewhere else in the UK. Just let us know your requirements and we can tailor you trip to suit you.