Hello Travelers,
We are taking the South Italy tour that ends in Naples and three days later we start the Best of Sicily tour that begins in Palermo. It will be faster to fly, but we are curious as to taking the ferry or the train. I know they each are about 9 hours long but are they scenic or relaxing? Or just take the one hour flight?
Thanks in advance.
Maybe not exactly the same situation as yours, as we weren’t joining a tour and we went from Rome to Palermo, not from Naples, but the flight was really quick and convenient. We rented a car at the airport and headed west, not into Palermo, so that may be another difference.
Unless you’re getting a good night’s sleep on the ferry (which will likely be stable and not jarring, but can you get a private sleeping berth?), taking the plane’s the way to go. We finished our driving on Sicily and took a car ferry back to the toe of the mainland of “The Boot,” driving to the Amalfi coast from there.
Unless a train or ferry is much cheaper or allows you to travel while you sleep, cutting out one night of lodging, fly and get to Sicily sooner. Or stick around the mainland for an extra day or two, and then fly just in time to start the Sicily tour. Have a good trip(s)!
Hello,
The train is very scenic and relaxing and crossing the Strait of Messina by the rail ferry is an unusual spectacle which exists now only at 2-3 places in the whole world.
I have a book about the most beautiful railroads of the word and this journey is also included.
While travel by train and ferry might be a unique experience, my suggestion would be to fly on that route. You'll use about half a day or a bit more for the trip and will then have about 2.5 days for touring in Palermo. That will allow you to explore a bit and perhaps see some sights that aren't included in the tour.
