We are doing the RS Sicily tour in November which ends in Catania, Sicily. I'm trying to get a feel for how much time we want to spend in Catania before flying out. In doing a little research it seems like an extra full day/night is probably enough to see the sights in the city? So far I've not found a compelling reason to stay there other than a day or so to walk the city.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3293 posts
I’ve been to Catania twice including the RS tour and I’d recommend only 1 extra day. Make sure to wander through the fish market!
Posted by
OP
Central Florida Coast. (Melbourne)
93 posts
Thanks Philip,
Since you have done the RS tour, what are your thoughts about early arrival in Palermo before start of tour? 2 days enough?
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
7207 posts
One day should be enough. The main site is Basilica Cattedrale di Sant'Agata and the surrounding plaza. The market is right beside the plaza. There are some ruins, but you will have seen better ones on the tour. If you like flea markets, then Piazza Carlo Alberto di Savoia. It is not open Sundays. For pastries, Paticceria Savia or the one next door to it, Bar Pasticceria Spinella.
There is a nearby WW-II museum that is frequently recommended, but I haven’t been to it.
Posted by
Washington DC
28247 posts
There's lots to see in and around Palermo. I don't know exactly what the tour covers (surely Monreale outside town?). I'd want to see the two large markets, the Norman Palace (takes a good bit of time) and at least a few of the churches/chapels (which are quite varied in their design and also have different opening hours). I really enjoyed the small, privately run tile museum. If you aren't seeing the archaeological museum in Siracusa, it would be good to include the one in Palermo.
Posted by
🏝️ Hobe Sound, FL⛱️
3293 posts
If you can add two extra days, do so. Palermo has a lot to see and I enjoyed just wandering around different neighborhoods.
Posted by
OP
Central Florida Coast. (Melbourne)
93 posts
Sounds like a couple days in Palermo and a day in Catania will be sufficient.
Thanks all for your comments and suggestions!!
Steve
Posted by
Sacramento, CA
290 posts
I would suggest NO time in Catania at all, unless your tour does not cover a Mt. Etna excursion and you want to do it OR you have a burning desire to see the WWII museum and your tour does not cover it OR you want to visit Villa Romana del Casale from Catania as a day trip. If I were you, I would spend more time in Palermo or Siracusa.
Posted by
The Heartland USA
9023 posts
If we were doing the tour over, I'd consider taking the extra day to circle back to Palermo (and fly out from there), via Cefalu or someplace like that. Catania was Ok but we saw enough of it on the tour.
Posted by
Twin Cities of MN
6596 posts
We enjoyed Catania. The WWII museum is excellent. We did the walking tour of the city center from the RS guide. Lots of Baroque churches. Fish Market and the Cathedral and surrounding plaza are very atmospheric. The area around the Teatro Massimo Bellini was interesting to walk around. If you plan to do the museum, I would recommend at least 1.5 days, otherwise an extra day is probably good.
EDITED TO ADD: you asked about arrival to Palermo early. Yes, there is a lot to do there. We didn't expect to like Palermo and loved it. I don't think RS tour does Cefalu so that'd be a nice day trip.
Most often, we travel independently, but when we've done tours/cruises, we always arrive at least a few days in advance to acclimate to the time zone and weather and to rest up for the tour.