Sicily Agenda help

I like your itinerary better than many I see. Sicily is a big, long island, and it is really difficult to see with just a couple bases.

An option would be to use bus to get from Catania airport to Ortigia. Then use public transportation in Ortigia. Pick up a car for your last day in Ortigia and go to Ragusa. Then, on your way to Agrigento, stop at Casa Romana.

We thought Ragusa was gorgeous and stayed a couple nights. I wouldn't skip it.

Have you looked at Noto? We did it as a day trip from Ortigia.

We loved Palermo. It really surprised us with the beauty and fun to be had. If you can add a day or two, I think you'd be happy. Definitely go to Cefalu and don't miss the church. I think we did a RS walking tour from the guide. You will also want to go to Monreale for . It is a quick bus ride from Palermo.

Super solid. I would recommend stopping at Villa Romana en route to Agrigento versus a day trip, it’s like a two hour drive each way and you’re backtracking. Staying a night nearby in like Piazza Armerina isn’t a terrible idea either, but not wholly necessary.

I agree with Jules in terms of adding a few more days to Palermo, especially since you plan to day trip to Cefalù, an easy one hour train ride.

I did not rent a car during my visit but I think it’s a good idea as it will give you more flexibility.

Make sure you check the road to Erice though, I’ve read that it includes hairpin turns and if a bus is on the road at the same time, beware!
Instead of driving there, consider leaving the car in the parking lot and taking the
funicular up to Erice and enjoy the amazing views!

Check the weather report as it may still be hot in September. I was there in May and loved all the wildflowers everywhere!

When in Ortigia, make sure you eat at my favorite restaurant; Sicilia in Tavola, and save room for the pistachio tiramisu! Reservations recommended.

Enjoy your time in beautiful Sicily!

It's a pretty decent plan; much more sensible than most. The suggestion to use the bus to get to Ortigia makes sense but then you'll need a car to do those day trips. Villa Romana del Casale isn't really a practical day trip from Ortigia. It makes more sense as a stopover on your way to Agrigento.

I'd love it more if you had 1-2 more nights, but

Thank you for helpful tips. We will definitely do Villa Romana on the way to Agrigento. We were planning to have a car the whole time time other than Palermo but thought maybe parking would be an issue in Ortigia so could use a transit the first 2 days.

There is a Hertz on Ortigia on a major road so it wouldn't be a problem driving out of town. I think we also rented from a Hertz , but it was on the very west edge of Ortigia right by the bridge to get off the island. I see a bunch of car rental companies in Siracusa quite close to Ortigia. There is a large car park on the north side of Ortigia just over the bridge. (Parcheggio Talete)

I think you will have an easier than time than we did renting a car. We wanted to return in Trapani, so a one way rental like you are planning. There were only one or two rental cars in Trapani so we had to find a car rental that had offices in both Ortigia and Trapani. I would be fairly comfortable saying most major car rental companies will have offices by the Palermo airport.

We were in Sicily for two weeks in March/April, traveling a route very similar to yours. After a couple of nights in Catania we took the train to Siracusa. We rented from Sicily by Car, picking up the car as we left Siracusa-just across the bridge from Ortigia. We dropped the car in the port area of Trapani, then walked several blocks to our hotel. (It looked like it wouldn't be too difficult to park in Trapani.) There are multiple buses from Trapani to Palermo, an easy two-hour ride. I would NEVER considering driving in Palermo:)!

I would consider one less night in Ortigia, and two nights in either Piazza Armerina or Agrigento. We only had one night in this area. We saw both the mosaics and the temples, but it felt very rushed.

From Ortigia, Noto is an easy day trip. Ragusa is a bit of a stretch for a day trip, 2+ hours by train. Also, I feel Ragusa is a place that needs more than a day trip to truly enjoy it.

Enjoy your travels!