You can take a train from the island of Sicily to most anywhere in Europe. The train drives right on to a ferry which connects to the mainland, then resumes it's trip. Trains are inexpensive, and the views are picture-book. An excellent idea for a trip would be to just ride the rails. Stop anywhere you please for as long as you please. Resume your trip in a day, or stay a week. Beautiful scenery, excellent people, fabulous food.