Feasibility of doing Sicily and Cinque Terre in same trip?

I don't know why you would want to do that since there is so much to see in Sicily. 9days are barely enough for Sicily. Think about the places you should see (in counterclockwise order from Palermo): Palermo and Monreale, Erice, Segesta, Selinunte, Valle dei Templi, Ragusa, Noto, Siracusa, Taormina, Acireale. And I mentioned only the most famous spots that came to my mind. If you really want to subject yourself to your crazy plan, flying is the only option. You can fly to Pisa from Palermo with Ryanair however the flight arrives late, therefore you need to spend the night in Pisa before heading to 5 terre in the morn. Another option is to fly to Pisa from Catania with Air One, which is a morning flight. Catania is actually the bigger airport in Sicily. Then I'm sure you want to spend a night at the 5 terre as well before going to Milan the day before your return flight home. Too much real estate to cover in 9 days, if you ask me. And 5 terre in Autumn may not be the best choice if the weather doesn't cooperate.

Kelley, I've spent anywhere from 4 days to 3 weeks in Sicily, and there's a lot to see. For daytrips from Palermo (Erice, Monreale, perhaps even Agrigento) I would add Cefalu and Segesta. You can do other daytrips from a base in Taormina and/or Siracusa. Pick up a Lonely Planet guidebook, since RS doesn't give Sicily its due (yet).

Instead of the CT, why not consider the Amalfi coast? Closer and pretty much the same thing. We did bike tour in western Sicily several years ago, 10 days in Sicily, then took the overnight ferry to Naples, and then the high speed ferry to Sorrento and spent 3 nights there at the end of the trip, flying out of Rome (one night in Rome- we'd been there before) During our stay in Sorrento, we took a bus tour of Pompei and Vesuvio one day, another day we and took the ferry to Amalfi and walked up the 1,000 stairs to Ravello for fantastic views. The ferry ride from Sorrento to Amalfi was also relaxing and beautiful with views of the coast line. (oh, now I want to go back and do this again!) Works great and a lot less travel time, more time to enjoy the slow paced Italian lifestyle. You will get great views of towns built into the hills/mountains at seaside, same at the CT. Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi and Ravello are great towns to visit. Just a suggestion.

Kelley, your plan makes perfect sense to me. It will be easiest to get to Milan from CT if you stay in Monterosso. I believe there are trains that connect to Milan without your having to go thru La Spezia. Of course, 5-6 days in Sicily will not be enough to cover the entire island. Visit a few places and decide to return for another visit.

Hey all, I appreciate the responses thus far...I was in Amalfi an specifically Ravello last year. Just couldn't squeeze Sicily in...still pondering. Thanks for your suggestions.

Don't miss Sicily! I've been to Italy half dozen times, and Sicily was
surprisingly my favorite! I'd just return to the boot for transportation out, and enjoy all the days you can on that lovely island! It's much bigger than you think.