Trainline.eu/trains/roma/catania.

Turkish Airlines is indeed your best bet. They will fly him from Cape Town to Catania-Fontanarossa airport via Atatürk International in Istanbul for around R13 538, with a 100-minute layover.

Emirates can fly him from Cape Town to Rome via Dubai for less, ie R13 182, but then you will have to pay for a transfer from the airport to the railway station and the return train trip to Catania.

There are up to seven trains per day between Rome to Catania, with four being direct. The trip takes around 10 hours on the high-speed trains (Frecciarossa or Italotreno). Prices vary, and the journey can cost up to à90 one way — less if booked 28 or more days in advance. Search for train options at

As you know, opera singers need to be transported in the style to which they would like to become accustomed, with the greatest of ease and least stress, so take the direct flight.