Sicily Independent vs guided tour

jane, It is certainly possible to get around Sicily via public transport, although that will depend to some extent on exactly where you want to go. It's a bit "limited" compared to other parts of Italy. You can also rent a car. However, I'd highly recommend a guided tour. I just took the RS Sicily tour in September, and it was incredible! I felt that I learned more of the history and had much more rewarding and interesting travel experiences than if I had travelled on my own. Tour members dined VERY well, including a five-course lunch at the farm of a Contessa (there were a number of five course meals, and all were excellent). One reason I take tours in some locations in Europe, is that they're a very efficient way to get around. If you think you might like to take a tour, you might be interested in attending the Test Drive A Tour Guide sessions in Edmonds (Seattle) on January 12th. You'll be able to speak with the Guides that lead the tours, and have any questions answered. The sessions are all free however preregistration is required. You can find information on the "Tours" page of this website. Good luck with your decision!

Both are possible. If traveling independently I recommend renting a car. Train transport is limited so you ll have to rely on buses, which may be infrequent in some areas outside of main metro areas. Roads are generally great. Their freeways are rather extensive and among the most modern in Italy, since many were completed for the most part in the last 25 years. Traffic in Palermo can be a pain so if you arrive there you may want to pick up your car after you are done visiting the city. Two days are enough for both Palermo and Monreale, on top of the hill.

Jane, my first trip to Sicily was with a tour and it was great but a few years later I did a road trip in Sicily with my husband and I enjoyed that much more.

We're taking a first-time trip to Sicily and are doing it on our own (as we do all of our trips). We're renting a car but will drop it off before visiting Palermo, our last stop before returning home. We feel that doing it on our own gives us a more personal experience as we can stay as long as we like at a site and interact with others more easily. In the end it's up to personal preference.

My husband and I (60- to 65-ish) have been to Sicily twice (five weeks total, covering a great deal of the island), all on public transportation. If you're comfortable renting a car, fine. If you prefer public transportation, just don't be in a hurry and it can be done. Ferreting out info about bus travel can be tricky (but I have suggestions, if you'd like), and some of the smaller train stations are no longer manned, but the trains still stop! It probably depends on how much time you want to spend and where you want to go.

Public transportation works better on cities along the Tyrrhenian and Ionian coasts between Palermo-Messina-Siracusa. There is a relatively modern railway operating from Messina to Catania and Siracusa, and a relatively fast link between Palermo and Messina. Outside that range, there is some train service to places like Agrigento, Caltassineta, Modica/Ragusa, but service is spotty, and the lines very slow. Buses are neither comfortable or fast either - so you are better off with a car. I believe travelling independent is a much better way to see and experience Sicily than a guided tour (and I apply that to most of Italy as well). There is more in Sicily than one can possible cover in a whole month before we even start talking of "lesser attractions". So I'd use a train to move along those two "vertices" Palermo-Messina-Siracusa, then use a car to explore elsewhere.

I agree with Roberto and Andre. A car is preferable if touring independently. Picked up rental at Catania airport in high summer. Several weeks was not enough. Sicily = small country that becomes larger as you explore it. If time/$ permits: also check out Aeolian Islands and ascent of Stromboli.

My trip to Sicily was the best trip of my life, and I say that after having been all over Europe and many trips to Italy. The Sicilians are warm, and friendly people. Their food is the best! I will return. We traveled independently, and when in Taormina, hired a local guide who does a number of day trips at very reasonable prices outside of Taormina, like to Mt. Etna, a local farm (that was the absolute highlight of our trip) Try: magicofsicily.com His name is Angelo and he pretty much does the entire east side of the Island, and can probably recommend day-trip guides for other areas as well. I think a Day Trip guide would be a nice compromise of setting your own schedule, while getting invaluable info from a local. He lived in the U.S. for a while, and his English is perfect! We rented an apartment from him and were delighted, as were a number of other people we recommended this website to. Taormina has a reputation as being a bit "touristy" but they have the most wonderful Greek ruins (a Theatre) that is still used for concerts there, and we
found the whole place delightful. PM if you wish, and if you contact Angelo, tell him Donna from the U.S. sends regards!