£499pp—Sicily & the Sorrento Peninsula holiday, save £200

Syracuse on Sicily has a history that spans millennia. It's the epicentre of Greek and Roman history, and this deal puts you in the heart of it. You’ll also spend time on Italy’s mainland with views over the Gulf of Naples. An included sleeper train connects the two. You’ll have the option to upgrade to a private cabin for an extra £60 per person. 

What's included

• Outbound flight to Naples, return flight from Catania
• Transfers** from Naples Airport to the Sorrento hotel
• Three nights at Mar Hotel Alimuri, Sorrento, in a Sea View Room, with daily breakfast
• Transfers** from Sorrento to Napoli Centrale train station
• A journey aboard the Intercity Notte night train from Sorrento to Syracuse, in a 4-person Couchette Cabin, with breakfast
• Three nights at Lanterne Magiche Ortigia, Syracuse, in an Apartment Studio Room

When
Fly from London (Gatwick, Luton, or Stansted) on select dates 2 April–28 June; 2–29 October, 2025. Or, travel from Manchester on select dates 1–30 April; 8–22 October, 2025.

Travel from Manchester on select dates 6 May–25 June, 2025, from £599 per person.

For more information, see our partner's website.

About the hotels
Mar Hotel Alimuri overlooks the Gulf of Naples from a secluded spot in Alimuri Bay. It's 15 minutes' drive up the coast from Sorrento in a small town called Meta. The hotel has a private beach and an outdoor swimming pool. 

There's a free shuttle bus service to Sorrento town (must be pre-booked with the hotel). From here, you can take the train to the archaeological ruins of Pompeii. You could also hop on a local bus to the towns along the Amalfi Coast. Bus fare costs approximately €8‎ (£7), one way.

Lanterne Magiche Ortigia is located on Isola di Ortiga, the most romantic corner of Syracuse. Apartment Studio Rooms are equipped with a small kitchenette with a coffee machine and a microwave. Wi-Fi is free throughout.

Syracuse was once the largest city in Ancient Greece. You'll be walking distance from many attractions, or you can rent bicycles for a fee. Tour the Temple of Apollo, people-watch in the Baroque Piazza del Duomo, or visit Aretusa Beach. History buffs can explore the nearby Neapolis Archaeological Park. Marvel at the 5th-century BC amphitheatre and countless ruins. The park is a 10-minute taxi ride away. 

About the Intercity Notte
Travel from Naples to Syracuse aboard the Intercity Notte sleeper train. You'll stay overnight in a Couchette Cabin, which sleeps up four people. During the day the bunk-style beds are folded down into seats. When it's time to sleep, they convert into beds. You'll be provided with clean linen and bedding, plus bottled water and toiletries. There's a dining carriage, where you'll have breakfast the next morning. 

This is the only route in Europe where the train is transported by ferry. The entire train will travel across the Strait of Messina by ferry, before continuing to Syracuse. In the morning, wake to stunning views. 

Other options

• Upgrade to a private 2-berth cabin aboard the Intercity Notte from an extra £60 per person
• Solo travellers can book this deal from £699

Transfers & baggage
Private transfers are included for part of this deal. Transfers are not included from Syracuse train station or for the return journey to Catania Airport. However, taxis for both journeys would cost approximately £15 per person. Add checked baggage from £70 per bag, return.