Sandy/Giovanna: Here is itin. for Sicily--subject to change as we go. 2 nights in Siracusa drive through Noto, Modica, Ragusa, 1 night in Agrigento; drive to Piazza Armerina/Enna, stay 1 night; drive to Cefalu (Palermo & Monreal,) stay 2 nights; drive to Taormina, stay 2 nights. AM take car ferry from Messina to Puglia area. Planned to drive all the way to Lecce (200 mi), but now think Lecce is too far for time that we have as we have to be in San Giovanni Rotundo on 3/18 and Rome 3/19, so maybe Messina to Ostuni 1 night; to Marina Franca to Alberobello 1 night; to Matera, 1 night; to Trani 1 night; to S.G. Rotundo/Monte Sant' Angelo, 1 night; and to Rome, 3 nights. This seems a heavy driving schedule-- will we have enough time to look around the major sites in each place? Patricia
Posted by
Italy
247 posts
Way too much driving. Fly from Palermo to Bari on Air One. It would be worth the cost. 2 nights Taormina; 2 nights Siracusa; 1 night Agrigento via Noto, Modica and Ragusa; temples in the morning; Villa Romana in the afternoon; 1 night Piazza Armerina; 2 nights Cefalu via Enna; day in Palermo and Monreale; fly from Palermo to Bari (connection Rome, but still will save time).
Not enough in Trani for a night. Focus on Alberobello, Ostuni, Matera, Monte Sant' Angelo.
Posted by
OP
Irvine, California
66 posts
Thanks, G. Will scratch Trani. Really don't think my friend can afford the extra flights and we already have paid for the car, so will stick with the ferry to the mainland, but otherwise will do as you suggest. Thank you!!!
Posted by
Italy
247 posts
Then drive the north coast from Cefalu to Messina and take the ferry. Plan stops in Tropea and Maratea to break the trip to Puglia. Lecce would be worth seeing.
Posted by
OP
Irvine, California
66 posts
Your suggestions noted....I was thinking to take the A3 up to the 104 and then to the 106 to Ostuni if those roads are pretty good. (104 and 106) Can we do all that in one day or should I head up to Matera and spend the night, then down to Ostuni??? The 104 looks like a pretty drive, but maybe it's not on the coast at that point (Policoro)? Your thoughts on this?
Grazie! Patricia
Posted by
Italy
247 posts
It’s a 6 hour drive from Taormina to Matera and 6,5 hours from Taormina to Ostuni. Work south to north, so Ostuni first.
Four hours from San Giovanni Rotundo to Fiumicino.
Posted by
Italy
247 posts
Cefalu to Matera is already 7 hours of driving. Ostuni would only add half an hour, but don’t miss the opportunity to spend the night in a sassi in Matera’s historic center. The area around Taranto is not attractive.
Posted by
OP
Irvine, California
66 posts
I will go from Cefalu to Taormina and spend the last 2 nights and thus driving from there to the car ferry at Messina. I will definitely spend a night in Matera...just wondering whether to head there first or to Ostuni first and work my way over there later?
How long do you think it will take us to drive from San Giovanni Rotundo to Fumiciano airport on a Thursday? Patricia
Posted by
OP
Irvine, California
66 posts
Great, Giovanna, that helps my planning a lot!
Will let you know how it went when I return late March. Many thanks for all your advice--you've been a big help these past several weeks. I am really getting excited about the trip!
Ciao!!!!
Posted by
Italy
247 posts
Ciao Patricia. You have a great trip planned. Will wait to hear from you. Buon Viaggio!
Posted by
Olympia
62 posts
You are still flying into Catania, correct? then driving to Siracusa from airport? If you look get google map and pick directions put in Catania Fontanarossa areoporto and the address of your hotel in Siracusa. You will see how direct the road is. Last night in Sicily is in Taormina then taking ferry to mainland from Messina then onto Puglia I also think is a good route. I never went to Puglia area of Italy and it is too bad since it is so close to Sicily. You will have to let us know how you liked Puglia from the pictures I have seen Giovanna has recommended beautiful and interesting places.
Giovanna is right about temples in morning and spending the night in Piazza Armerina/Enna is a good idea. Monreale is one of the most beautiful churches I have had the pleasure of visiting and be sure to visit the cloisters also. I would be envious but we are going to Germany, Austria and Northern Italy in April.
Have fun.
Posted by
OP
Irvine, California
66 posts
So many trips to do....so little time!!!!
Yes, Sandy, have a wonderful trip as I know you will--I love the Lake Como area! As you both may can tell, Italy is my favorite country to visit...
Ciao, Sandy, and Buon Viaggie (sp.?)!
Posted by
Italy
247 posts
Puglia isn’t really that close to Sicily and culturally its worlds away. Puglia is an interesting area and has great beaches but sites are far apart and require some planning and public transportation isn’t the best. Enjoy your trip Sandy!
Posted by
Olympia
62 posts
Giovanna,Thank you.
I used to live in Sicily and we always used our car so I never used public transportation other than ferries. We drove to Napoli area and Roma several times but it never made it to Puglia. Area interests me because it is so different than Sicily.
We are staying in Sirmione after Easter and taking bus to Verona and driving to Bergamo and (Lake Como if it is not raining been to Como about 6 times just want to ride on ferry and maybe if time Villa Carlotta again). I am thinking alps so be beautiful.