we fly into palermo on sept 23 2013 and are looking for advice on what to do on a self driving tour of 12-15 days in sicily. we love good food nice hotels museums scenery and historic sites. we are both 70 and in decent shape. i have a hotel booked in palermo for 3 nights and then no fixed itinery and will fly out of catania on the 9th of october or later. any advice would be much appreciated. tks david
Posted by
Eugene, Oregon
133 posts
David,
I have never been to Sicily, but if look at the itinerary for the Rick Steves'tour you will probably get plenty of ideas. Have fun!
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
Try bestofsicily.com for starting your research. From Palermo you can easily get to Monreale, Erice, Segesta and Cefalu. On the southern coast, Agrigento and Selinunte have extensive classical ruins. Siracusa is a great place for a few days, and you can day trip to Noto or Ragusa. Taormina is spectacular, and you can get to Mount Etna easily. Inland is Piazza Armerina, the closest city to the Villa Romana di Casale with beautiful mosaics. If you have time, you could spend a few days in Lipari and day trip to the volcanic islands of Stromboli, Vulcano and Panarea.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
11851 posts
Don't miss Segesta (Greek ruins), and try to take a ferry to the Egadi Islands. The Parco Riserva Naturale Lo Zingaro is gorgeous for hiking. I am told Erice is fantastic, but it was cold and foggy when we had a chance to go, so didn't really get to see it.
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
I used magicofsicily.com and had a spectacular time on the East Coast of Sicily. They are based out of Taormina. Rented an apartment (self catering) from them, and took several day trips with them which we tremendously enjoyed.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
@Laurel. I was in Segesta one late October and it was stunning in the fog. This was before digital cameras, so I didn't take many photos because of the fog, but the ones I did take were beautiful, misty, just like the day. I miss my Canon manual.
Posted by
Cesena, Italy
791 posts
Zoe, can just picture Segesta in the fog. Especially a view of the temple shrouded in the fog on the walk down from the theatre. Wish I coulda gotten a view like that.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
And the same experience in Erice, surprising how medieval it seems when e weather isn't perfect.
Posted by
Orange, California, USA
1 posts
I am not a fan of over populated or crowded cities. I have found some really romantic spots that you may enjoy. After you leave Palermo You must visit the following; o Cefalu - Visit the Duomo then, just down the beach route to Sea Palace... It is a wonderful hotel - right on the sea front. o Castellemare Del Golfo - Stay on the seafront. Restaurante la Cambusa - 30ft from the seafront, has the "Besta Spagetti Ricci" I have ever had. Oyters on the half shell & Octopus (Pulpo) Salad that is wonderful. Ocean's 12 did some filming here. Sylvesters grandfather was born here. Stallone is like Smith on this Island. In the morning, fifteen minutes drive to Segesta. o After you leave Segesta, take an easy 1.5 hour trip to the town of Palazzo Adriano. "Cinema Paradiso" was filmed here. There is a lovely B & B "Casale Borgia" owned by the Grana Family. Enjoy an 11 course feast with Wine & lodging for 60 Euro a Day per
person. Th
Posted by
Vacaville, CA, USA
46 posts
could you finish your reply. You ended with a The........