We are traveling to Sicily in April '08 for 8 days. Flying into Catania and out of Palermo. Any ideas on and itinerary to maximize sites and minimize travel and different cities to stay in? Would like to keep it to 3 cities. Thanks.
Posted by
Diamond Bar
12 posts
We spent 4 days in Sicily and it was not enough... Are you renting a car? it is a must, the towns are not so close to each other. We stayed in Siracusa, in a Agriturismo Limoneto.From there we visit the old city "Ortigia" , Agrigento( Valle die Templi) and Toarmina( very nice town). We did not have time to go to islands, we heard the are beautifull. There is a lot to see and explore. We used the train from Naples to Catania and pick up a rental car.
There is another town call Noto, Do not miss Mt. Etna.
go to www.sicilytourist.com
You have plenty of time to make a great itineray. Good luck.
Leo
Posted by
Portland
3643 posts
We spent 9 days in Sicily, flying into Palermo and out of Catania. Palermo itself is interesting, so I advise leaving some time for it, maybe 3 days, including a daytrip to Monreale to visit the cathedral there. We also did a daytrip by train to Cefalu and S. Stefano di Camastra (pottery). I second the suggestions made below, but would add Piazza Armerina. It is the site of an ancient Roman villa, with amazing mosaics. We didn't get there, but it's on my list for a return visit. With a car, you can probably daytrip from Agrigento. There's a good Rick Steves cd on Sicily, which you might be able to get at a library. Or, you can purchase it. He visits a few other towns which also look interesting.
Posted by
OP
Alpharetta, GA, Us
3 posts
Thanks for your feedback. We're still formulating our plans, but you suggestions fall into what we are tentatively planning. Thanks again.
Posted by
Atlanta
800 posts
Jim - we were in Sicily this summer and it was great. Our itinerary and sightseeing consisted of:
Day 1 & 2 - Palermo - self guided walking tour of Palermo & the markets. Visit Cappucin crypt & Monreale - real highlight, don't miss it.
Day 3 & 4: taxi to Corleone (find marriage & birth certificates of family members!), return to Palermo and get rental car. Drive to small B & B near Marsala - Baglio Spano - for 2 nights. Day trip to Segestra & Erice, returning to Marsala
Day 5, 6 & 7: drive to Acireale (about 1/2 way between Catania & Taormina) with stop at Selinunte. Stayed at a wonderful family run B&B - Palazzo Giovanni. We stayed here for 3 nights using it as a base to explore. Day trip to Syracuse, day trip to Etna & evening in Taormina.
Not enough time, we never saw Agrigento and I would have preferred more time in the Baroque regions (near Syracuse). Loved Sicily and will put in another special plug for the lovely hosts at Palazzo Giovanni- they were the best!