Route: Catania Sorrento Rome La Spezia Nice Montpellier Barcelona Palma
Duration: 21 nights
Transport: Spend 3 amazing weeks crossing Italy, France and Spain, ticking off 8 sun-drenched cities on our longest Sicily to Spain interrailing route! This route is 22 days long, involving 20 nights in your accommodation and one spent on a night ferry.
Sustainability: This trip only creates 126 kg of carbon emissions! To fly the same route would cost 741
Reviews: All independent reviews
Fancy getting away from the dismal weather? Got a summer bucket list to tick off? Why not chase the sun with our Sicily to Spain trip? With two or three nights in each destination you’ll have plenty of time to see the best of Italy, Southern France and Spain all in one go. You’ll get a real feel for every city’s vibe, whilst also getting the time to squeeze in a few day trips if you fancy.
Only have a couple of weeks to spare? Check out our 2 week option instead!
This package is the best way to catch some rays and visit some of the best of Europe’s beaches all in one sitting! You’ll spend at least 2 nights in each city and really take in the sights without feeling rushed. As well as heading to Europe’s most popular cities, you’ll also get to discover some lesser-visited gems like Catania, Montpellier and Cinque Terre. Perfect for soaking up the sun!
Start your route off in the beautiful ancient Sicilian port city of Catania, nestled at the foot of the imposing Mount Etna. Explore its stunning religious sites and fascinating museums and galleries for a welcome escape from the heat, or, if you can handle the sun, round off your days here lounging on the beautiful golden beaches and sampling the delicious seafood specialties on offer by the coast.
Carry on to Sorrento for rugged coastlines peppered with sandy beaches and the occasional ethereal cove to explore. Here, you’ll find plenty of Insta-worthy views, tasty traditional dishes, and mind-blowingly good limoncello to sip on… and that’s without even mentioning the lively nightlife! With 3 nights here, you’ll easily have time to take a quick trip to Pompeii or Mount Vesuvius too!
As you pull into Rome, prepare to be spoilt for choice when it comes to sight-seeing in one of the world’s most photogenic cities. The Colosseum, Trevi Fountain and Castel Sant’Angelo, are all must-sees, of course! Be sure to tick off the smallest country in the world, the Vatican City, and spend a few days of your European backpacking route exploring the historic streets, piazzas and palaces of Old Rome. When night falls, the city really comes alive – head to any of the city’s many unique clubs and chilled bars, and you’ll be guaranteed a great night!
Next, you’ll spend a couple of days in the picturesque port town of La Spezia. Not only is this a beautiful destination in its own right, but it’s also the perfect hub to take a day trip to Cinque Terre! If you do decide to head there, be sure to take in the views of bright and colourful higgledy-piggledy houses climbing the craggy seaside cliffs of each town.
Next up, the glitz and glamour of the French Riviera. Nice is a gorgeous mixture of Italian and French culture, with no shortage of baguettes and gelato – it’s a foodie’s heaven. Chill on the beach, hire bikes to explore the coastline or hit up the many art galleries. Why not take a day trip to Monaco for some celeb spotting while you’re there?
A short train ride away, Montpellier will be next on your agenda! We reckon this could be the French Riviera’s most cosmopolitan city, with lively and friendly locals and a cultural melting pot of French influence with a feel for Spain and a taste of North Africa as well.
Next up, you’ll work your way along the coast to Spain’s most buzzing city – Barcelona. Explore the golden beaches, picnic-perfect parks and incredible surreal architecture before stuffing yourself with tapas and generous lashings of red wine and sangria.
To round your trip off, you’ll take a night ferry to the balmy paradise of Palma, Mallorca! Enjoy laid back island life here and get a load of this little island’s abundant natural beauty; from fascinating caves to picturesque sandy beaches, you’ll be spoilt for choice on what to see and do.
If you think you might need more time to rest your weary and well-travelled bones at the end of your interrailing adventure, feel free to get in touch with us to add a few extra nights with a custom route!
You can arrange a flight to Catania Fontanarossa Airport and a flight back from Palma de Mallorca Airport, whilst we take care of the transport in between your cities!
Alternatively, if you’d like to start or end your trip elsewhere, just let us know and we’ll work out a personalised route just for you.
