Thanks for the comments. We think we have it now - would love feedback. We are still a bit 50/50 re 2 private drivers coupled with public transit vs. pick up car in agrigento til/including Ortigia. We are 68 and not stopping at little trail-heads to explore - mostly exploring cities or sites but Hubby is worried about schlepping our carryons on all the public transport. I worry about the windy mountain roads - cities don't phase me - even Italian cities - I drive in NYC! But I think that we'll end up having to leave the car in a paid lot and then taxi to our hotel (therefore, 2 more $-dings) when we are in Ragusa and Ortigia. Ok, onto the itinerary:
Arrive May 20 into Palermo; Depart June 5 out of Catania. 16 days on the ground.
This is the itinerary if we DON'T have a car but use private/public combo.
5 nights Palermo:
1st day is my jet lag day! a wander.
Many things to do in Palermo but will include one big day trip: private driver Segesta, Erice day. Is it possible to also do further on in one day? (was thinking the salt flats).
train to Agrigento am:
1 night Agrigento: archeological museum and guide through Valley of the Temples.
Private driver transfer/guide: pick up in Agrigento with stops in Villa Romana; the ceramics town (forgot name) and drop off to Ragusa.
2 nights Ragusa (which means one full day to explore Ragusa).
public transit to Ortigia (bus? train?)
3 nights Ortigia with a day trip to Noto. Want to see the geological water trains, archeological.
public transit to Catania:
5 nights in Catania: Catania will serve as a base for: one day trip to Taormina; 1 Etna walking tour; 1 Etna food/wine tour; and an exploration of Catania - churches and art, etc.
early morning flight out of Catania.
Points to note:
We gave up Modica - seemed like too many Baroque towns and figured we can do Noto. (AND we have Ragusa).
We think that Villa Romana 'detour' will be worth it. (LOVED Herculaneum and Pompeii)
We are intending to go to the opera in Palermo!
My husband is interested in the Salt Pans and African influence (which, I understand, you find on the West Coast)
More music
More art
Time for one really great personal cooking class for experienced cooks.
ok...that's a lot but it took us a moment to get to this.
I appreciate any comments and/or suggestions.
bean