Sicily's 'Binari della Cultura' summer train tours explore heritage sites

The 'Binari della Cultura' initiative offers eighteen vintage train journeys across three cultural routes in Sicily: the Valley of the Temples, the Baroque Val di Noto, and Taormina. Launched by the Sicily Region, Fondazione Ferrovie dello Stato, and Trenitalia, and conceived by Regional Tourism Councillor Anthony Barbagallo, the program promotes slow travel. The 'Treno dei Templi' runs on July 23, 30, August 7, 20, 27, and September 4, using ALn 668.1600 railcars to reach the UNESCO Archaeological Park, with bus transfers to Scala dei Turchi. The 'Treno del Barocco' operates Sundays in July, August, and September from Syracuse to Ragusa, Donnafugata, Comiso, and Scicli aboard 1930s 'Centoporte' carriages. The 'Treno del Mito' runs from Catania to Taormina along the Ionian coast, using 1959 restored carriages, active until 1 AM for evening events at the Ancient Theatre of Taormina, including Neri Marcorè's concert on August 18 and the Taobuk Awards ceremony on September 10.