Rail From Sicily to Rome

Q: We are travelling in and around Sicily in September and would like to go by rail back to Rome. Can you please assist us with some suggestions? - Arlene Emmenes A: The decision to take a train would have to be one of choice, as flying is so much more convenient and cheaper. However, it would be enjoyable for those who enjoy travelling by train and those who seek adventure. The journey from Palermo to Rome takes around 11 hours 20 minutes. There are three departures per day - at 7am, 10.07am and 6.30pm. I did a test booking on the www.eurorailways.com website for the 7am train. The one-way fare in first class came to 163 US dollars including booking and handling fees. In second class it costs 130 US dollars. If, like me, you are wondering how the train crosses the ocean, here's the secret: the cars are rolled onto barges for the crossing of the Strait of Messina. The trip takes about an hour and during the crossing you can stay in the train or go on deck. You will arrive in the port of Villa San Giovanni near Reggio Calabria in southern Italy and travel on to Rome. Another alternative is to make the trip by ferry. Ferries run from Palermo to Civitavecchia, the port for Rome. GNV ferries run three times a week (www.gnv.it). Prices I was quoted were 95 Euros for airline-style seating and cabins with beds from 267 Euros (internal) and 285 Euros (external). The journey takes around 13 hours.