We are planning a trip to Souther Italy that would include Sicily (Palermo, Syracusa,Taormina) as well as possibly the Amalfi coast. What is your suggestion for an itinerary for 12 or 13 days. We are going to be a large group (7 people) and would like to know the best way to get around Sicily. It has been suggested to rent a car, however with 7 that might be very costly and cumbersome. Please help, we are open to any and all suggestions. Thank you
Lc
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
15144 posts
A rental car is certainly helpful. Compare the costs and the time. You can limit the time of rental by using public transportation for some of the locations. Palermo, Monreale, Mondello, Cefalu' can be done from Palermo while you don't have a car. You don't really need a car once you are in Taormina, nor is it needed for Syracuse. There are buses, if not trains that will allow you to travel between locations. Limit the car rental to visiting smaller places not well served by public transport (Erice, Segesta, Selinunte, Zingaro reserve).
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
For seven people you'll need a van or two cars. If you want to do daytrips from Taormina (Mount Etna, for example), parking garages are well located in the city of Taormina and some hotels give parking discounts. I wouldn't drive in Palermo, and you can easily reach daytrip sights by bus or train (Monreale, Erice, Segesta, Cefalu).
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
Linda, do the awesome Amalfi coast using public trans, then hop on one of the lo-cost inter Eu airlines that you can find on Whichbudget.com or Skyscanner, and fly from Naples to Catania or Palermo. A car is the best way to go in Sicily; for your group two might be best 'cause you can run into some pretty narrow streets that you might have problems in a van. Public trans is doable. Get a copy of the Lonely Planet guidebook; they do a great job explaining the public trans options in Sicily. We would pick up a rental car at one place and leave it at another, in Sicily. An excellent resourse for your questions is on Trip Advisor. Ask your question there and "Vagabonda" can give you some great ideas. Don't know what time of year you are planning on going. Just be aware that Sicily gets REALLY hot starting in June.