Sicily to Rome in Style: Villas, Views & an Overnight Sleeper Train (Part I)
As I’ve shared in previous blogs, my trips are often sparked by a particular inspiration — sometimes it’s a country I’ve long wanted to explore, other times a remarkable hotel or spa. In this case, the journey was motivated by something altogether different: the desire to take two very special train rides.
This itinerary features two contrasting rail experiences. The first is an overnight journey from Sicily to Rome, a route made uniquely memorable by the fact that the train itself boards a ferry — yes, quite literally floats — across the Strait of Messina to connect the island with mainland Italy. The second, and perhaps the main highlight of the trip, is a return journey aboard the newly launched Orient Express La Dolce Vita: a luxurious, reimagined train experience inspired by the golden age of Italian travel.
To make it easier to follow, I’ve broken this itinerary into two parts — beginning here in Sicily, before continuing through Rome and Puglia in Part Two.
Tonnara di Scopello’s timeless charm and dramatic coastal rock formations make it one of Sicily’s most iconic seaside scenes.
Along the way (on the chosen La Transiberiana Italiana route), we’ll also explore captivating cities (Matera & Pescocostanzo), stay two nights on board in a luxury suite, and savour the kind of slow, considered travel that’s all about the experience itself.
Welcome to my travel itinerary through Italy, a country I’ve returned to time and again — and one I never tire of discovering. This trip includes luxury rail and flight recommendations, hotel highlights, cultural stops, and of course, exclusive perks available when you book with The Private Traveller through Fora Travel.
Featured Hotels:
Bloc Hotel Gatwick (their Runway Suite)
Villa Igiea Palermo, a Rocco Forte Hotel
Four Seasons San Domenico Palace (the White Lotus 2)
Six Senses Rome
Palazzo Montemartini Rome, a Radisson Collection Hotel (stopover only)
Masseria Torre Maizza (the second, Rocco Forte property)
A wish, a coin, and a moment of magic—Rome’s Trevi Fountain remains an eternal symbol of romance and return.
In this itinerary, discover:
The best flights to Italy - flying to Sicily (Catania CTA), returning from Brindisi (BDS) with British Airways
My favourite hotels and suites
Activities and experiences tailored for luxury travellers
How to unlock VIP perks by booking with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel
From clifftop terraces to crystalline shores, Taormina stuns with panoramic vistas along Sicily’s eastern coast.
Flight Recommendations:
Flying Club Europe with British Airways – comfort and convenience from the very start.
As we often do, we’ve chosen to fly with British Airways. There are options to fly into both Palermo and Catania on the island of Sicily, but the schedule into Catania worked best for our preferred travel dates — even though it operates from London Gatwick, which isn’t ideal given there's only one weekly connection from Edinburgh.
Flying to Italy in style—British Airways connects the UK to Europe’s most iconic destinations with modern elegance.
To make the routing work, we’ll fly into London Heathrow and then transfer to Gatwick, staying overnight before our onward flight. While I’d usually opt for the Sofitel at Gatwick, on this occasion we’ve chosen the Bloc Hotel — located inside the South Terminal and ideal for short stays. I’ve booked their Runway Suite, which offers views right across the tarmac and is a great choice for an early departure.
When planning this trip, I had two hotels in Sicily I knew I wanted to include:
San Domenico Palace, Taormina – the iconic setting for The White Lotus Season 2
Villa Igiea, Palermo – a stunning Rocco Forte property just outside the city
With flights into Catania, it might have made sense to begin in Taormina, but despite booking well in advance, our preferred dates weren’t available. Instead, we’ve started the trip near Palermo before continuing on to Taormina later.
From Sicily, we continue by train to Rome, then on to Puglia. For the return leg, we’ve chosen to fly out of Brindisi, which connects conveniently to London Heathrow on a Sunday — maximising our final day and ensuring a smooth journey home.
When booking Club Europe, I always try to fly on one of British Airways’ A320neo aircraft, which feature their newest short-haul cabin — a noticeable upgrade with more modern Club Europe seating. I can often tell if it’s a Neo from the distinctive wood-effect entrance when boarding, but I usually double-check beforehand on FlightRadar24 (unless, of course, there’s a last-minute aircraft change!)
Luxury Accommodation Highlights:
Where to Stay in Sicily
Villa Igiea – Rocco Forte Hotels, Palermo
We’ll begin our Sicilian journey at the exquisite Villa Igiea, a beautifully restored palazzo perched above the Gulf of Palermo. A member of the Rocco Forte collection, this serene sanctuary blends Belle Époque elegance with impeccable contemporary service — the perfect introduction to Sicily’s capital and its coastal charm.
Typical VIP benefits when booking with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel include:
Complimentary daily breakfast
Early check-in & late check-out (subject to availability)
$100 USD resort credit
Room upgrade on arrival (based on availability)
Sun-soaked serenity at Villa Igiea, Palermo—where timeless elegance meets the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea.
📍 Credit @roccofortehotels
Fast Facts for Villa Igiea
Address: Salita Belmonte, 43, 90142 Palermo PA, Italy
Website: https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/villa-igiea/
Group Website: https://www.roccofortehotels.com/
TripAdvisor Ranking: #2 of 120 hotels in Palermo
Instagram: @villaigiea / @roccofortehotels
Nearest Airports: Palermo Airport (PMO) – 30 km / approx. 40 mins
Catania Airport (CTA) – 220 km / approx. 2h 30 mins by carNumber of Rooms/Suites: 78 rooms and 22 suites
Dining & Bar Options: Florio Restaurant, Alicetta Pool Bar, Igiea Terrazza Bar
Wellbeing: Irene Forte Spa, outdoor pool, gym, wellness garden, massages and treatments
Visiting: May 2025
San Domenico Palace – A Four Seasons Hotel, Taormina
Later in the itinerary, we’ll travel east to San Domenico Palace, an extraordinary cliffside retreat in Taormina. Part of the prestigious Four Seasons collection, this iconic hotel offers panoramic views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna — and is now world-famous as the filming location for The White Lotus Season 2.
Staying here is an experience in itself — cinematic, soul-stirring, and rich with history.
As a Four Seasons Preferred Partner, I’m able to offer exclusive VIP perks when you book your stay through The Private Traveller. You can read more about the programme at theprivatetraveller.com/four-seasons-preferred.
Typical benefits include:
Complimentary daily breakfast for two
Early check-in and late check-out (subject to availability)
$100 USD hotel credit to use during your stay
Room upgrade on arrival (subject to availability)
An iconic hilltop retreat, San Domenico Palace, Taormina—now a Four Seasons Hotel—blends centuries of history with spectacular sea views and manicured gardens.
📍 Credit @fstaormina
Fast Facts for San Domenico Palace
Address: Piazza S. Domenico de Guzman, 5, 98039 Taormina ME, Italy
Group Website: https://www.fourseasons.com/
TripAdvisor Ranking: #1 of 90 hotels in Taormina
Instagram: @fstaormina / @fourseasons
Nearest Airports: Catania Airport (CTA) – 67 km / approx. 1 hour by car
Palermo Airport (PMO) – 270 km / approx. 3h 30 mins by carNumber of Rooms/Suites: 111 rooms and suites
Dining & Bar Options: Principe Cerami (Michelin-starred), Rosso Restaurant, Anciovi Pool Bar, Bar & Chiostro
Wellbeing: Spa with sauna and hammam, fitness centre, cliffside infinity pool, treatment rooms, yoga
Visiting: May 2025
Things to Do in Palermo:
Discover Palermo’s rich heritage with curated cultural experiences included in your stay.
As part of your VIP welcome at Villa Igiea, guests receive two complimentary tickets to one of Palermo’s most iconic landmarks — a thoughtful way to immerse yourself in the city’s historic charm.
Choose from:
Palermo Cathedral – A breathtaking example of Norman, Gothic, and Baroque architecture all in one.
Visit Website | TripAdvisor #1 attraction in PalermoNorman Palace & Palatine Chapel – A UNESCO World Heritage Site showcasing dazzling Byzantine mosaics and royal history.
Visit Website | TripAdvisor #2 attraction in PalermoTeatro Massimo – Italy’s largest opera house and one of the most magnificent theatres in Europe.
Visit Website | TripAdvisor #3 attraction in Palermo
Cefalù’s medieval charm and sweeping coastal views make it a picturesque gem on Sicily’s northern shore.
In addition to these cultural gems, other favourite ways to spend a day in Palermo include:
Wandering the markets of Ballarò or Vucciria for a true taste of local life.
Enjoying an aperitivo at a piazza-side café in the historic Quattro Canti.
Strolling the seaside promenade at Foro Italico or relaxing at Mondello Beach, just a short drive from the city.
Whether you're exploring ancient mosaics or sipping Sicilian wine at sunset, Palermo offers the perfect balance of culture, cuisine, and coastal calm.
Things to Do in Taormina:
In Taormina, simply checking in feels like stepping onto a film set — and sometimes, staying in is the activity.
While there’s no shortage of beautiful sights in and around Taormina, when you’re staying at the iconic San Domenico Palace – A Four Seasons Hotel, much of the experience is about the hotel itself.
As the now-famous setting of The White Lotus Season 2, this dramatic cliffside retreat has become a destination in its own right — and wandering its historic cloisters, lounging by the infinity pool with views of Mount Etna, or dining under lemon trees is all part of the magic.
Where drama meets natural beauty—Taormina’s Greek Theatre is a stage for legends with a backdrop like no other.
Still, if you feel like venturing beyond the hotel's cinematic splendour, here are some curated local highlights:
Teatro Antico di Taormina – A stunning Greco-Roman amphitheatre with panoramic views over the Ionian Sea. Don't miss a sunset visit.
Visit Website | TripAdvisor #1 attraction in TaorminaCorso Umberto – Taormina’s elegant main street, filled with boutiques, galleries, and gelato stops — ideal for a late afternoon passeggiata.
Villa Comunale Gardens – A peaceful public garden created by an English noblewoman, offering lush plantings, sea views, and shaded pathways. (TripAdvisor #3 attraction)
Isola Bella – Just below Taormina, this picturesque pebble beach and nature reserve is perfect for a swim or a photo op. (TripAdvisor #2 attraction)
Whether you spend your time exploring ancient ruins or ordering room service by the pool, Taormina offers beauty, indulgence, and a touch of Hollywood — all wrapped in Sicilian sunshine.
Getting Around Sicily – and Onwards to Rome:
The best way to travel between these iconic destinations
Having driven in Italy before - specifically along the Amalfi Coast in the height of summer (a chaotic experience I’d rather not repeat!) - I initially assumed we’d rely on private transfers for this trip. The original plan was a car from Catania Airport to Villa Igiea in Palermo, then another to Taormina and the Four Seasons.
That said, I’m hoping Sicily’s roads will be a little calmer this time of year. So, I’ve opted instead to hire a car with Avis at Catania Airport, giving us the freedom to explore at our own pace between hotels, and take in more of the island along the way. I’ll return the car when we arrive in Taormina.
Just outside Palermo, Mondello stuns with towering cliffs, seaside charm, and Sicilian golden light.
From there, we’re boarding one of Italy’s most fascinating train journeys: the Trenitalia Intercity Notte 1916, which travels from Siracusa to Rome - via a ferry. Yes, the entire train is decoupled and loaded onto a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina to mainland Italy. It’s a route I’ve been wanting to try for years.
We’ll board the overnight sleeper train when it stops near Taormina and arrive in Roma Termini early the next morning. We’ve booked a Superior Doppia cabin (formerly known as the Excelsior) - with twin beds, a private ensuite, and space to settle in for the night as Sicily slowly fades behind us.
Luxury Accommodation Highlights:
Where to Stay in Rome
Six Senses Rome – IHG Hotels & Resorts
Following our Sicilian journey, we’ll end the trip in timeless style at Six Senses Rome, an urban sanctuary just moments from the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon. Housed in a beautifully restored 18th-century palazzo, the hotel brings the brand’s signature wellness-led philosophy to the heart of the Eternal City. From its rooftop garden with panoramic views to the calming spa inspired by ancient Roman bathing rituals, this is a stay that feels both grounded and elevated.
I’ve stayed at several Six Senses properties around the world—and each time I’m reminded why it’s one of my favourite luxury hotel brands. I’m always on the lookout for their newest openings. You can read more of my Six Senses reviews and about my IHG Destined journey here.
Typical VIP benefits when booking with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel include:
Complimentary daily breakfast
Early check-in & late check-out (subject to availability)
$100 USD hotel credit
Room upgrade on arrival (based on availability)
A calm, curated space in one of Six Senses Rome’s suites, where earthy textures and modern Italian design create a refined sense of comfort.
📍 Credit @sixsensesrome
As Rome continues to evolve as a luxury destination, one exciting new opening to note is La Minerva, by Orient Express. Set within a palatial Roman residence just steps from the Pantheon, the hotel promises to blend the brand’s legendary heritage with refined Italian elegance.
We were originally booked to stay here when the La Dolce Vita train was scheduled to return to Rome Ostiense at 6pm. However, with the time later changed to 10pm, our stay in the city became too short to fully enjoy the property - especially with an early train to Puglia the next morning. As a result, we made the last-minute switch to a hotel much closer to Roma Termini, Palazzo Montemartini Rome.
That said, I’m already planning a return to Rome - and next time, I’ll make sure there’s enough time to truly experience La Minerva. It’s absolutely at the top of my list.
Fast Facts for Six Senses Rome
Address: Piazza di San Marcello, 00187 Rome, Italy
Website: https://www.sixsenses.com/en/hotels-resorts/europe/italy/rome/
Group Website: https://www.sixsenses.com
TripAdvisor Ranking: #29 of 1,346 hotels in Rome
Instagram: @sixsensesrome / @sixsenseshotelsresorts
Nearest Airport: Rome Fiumicino (FCO) – 30 km / approx. 45 mins by car
Number of Rooms/Suites: 96 rooms and suites
Dining & Bar Options: BIVIUM Restaurant-Café-Bar, NOTOS Rooftop
Wellbeing: Roman-inspired spa, biohacking therapies, hammam, sauna, experiential showers, rooftop yoga
Visiting: May 2025
Fast Facts for La Minerva – Orient Express
Address: Piazza della Minerva 69, 00186 Rome, Italy
Website: orient-express.com
Group Website: https://www.orient-express.com/
TripAdvisor Ranking: Newly opened; ranking pending
Instagram: @orientexpresshotels
Nearest Airport: Rome Fiumicino (FCO) – 30 km / approx. 45 mins by car
Number of Rooms/Suites: 93 rooms and 36 suites
Dining & Bar Options: Gigi Rigolatto rooftop restaurant (opening May 2025), Mimi Kakushi (opening later in 2025), La Minerva Bar, all-day lobby lounge
Wellbeing: In-room spa treatments, rooftop terrace with panoramic views
Visiting: Not this time—but very much looking forward to a future stay
Fast Facts for Palazzo Montemartini Rome – A Radisson Collection Hotel
Address: Largo Giovanni Montemartini, 00185 Rome, Italy
Website: palazzomontemartini.com
Group Website: Radisson Hotels
TripAdvisor Ranking: #126 of 1,346 hotels in Rome
Instagram: @palazzomontemartini
Nearest Airport: Rome Fiumicino (FCO) – 30 km / approx. 40 mins by car
Number of Rooms/Suites: 82 rooms and suites
Dining & Bar Options: Senses Restaurant & Lounge Bar, Terrazza Montemartini
Wellbeing: Caschera SPA featuring sauna, hammam, hot tub, two heated mini pools with hydromassage jetsBooking.com+1Radisson Hotels+1
Visiting: May 2025
Why Book with The Private Traveller & Fora Travel:
When you book with The Private Traveller in partnership with Fora Travel, you receive exclusive benefits, including:
VIP welcome amenities
Complimentary daily breakfast
$100 USD resort credit
Room upgrades (subject to availability)
Early check-in and late check-out
Let’s build your bespoke luxury itinerary — every element personalised and perfectly planned.
Stay Connected & Get Inspired:
Follow along for more travel guides, hotel reviews, and insider tips:
Instagram: @theprivatetraveller
YouTube: The Private Traveller
Pinterest: ThePrivateTraveller
Drop a comment or message if you’re planning something similar — I’d love to hear your ideas or help bring them to life!
🔜 Continue the Journey in Part Two
In the second half of this itinerary, I’ll board the all-new La Dolce Vita Orient Express for a luxurious journey through southern Italy, before finishing the trip in the rolling olive groves of Puglia.
Rome’s mighty Colosseum - a timeless icon of history, power, and enduring grandeur in the Eternal City.
