Suggestions for "not to miss" in Palermo region

Monreale, Monreale, Monreale... I'd add Erice, but doubt you'd have time, so maybe Segesta since you have a driver. My favorite sight in Palermo was Palazzo Mirto, near the Piazza Marina, but a couple of the big sights were closed for renovation.

Monreale would be my first choice too. In Palermo, the markets are interesting and fun to wander through. Also, the "Fountain of Shame!" It initially caused a scandal because many of the statues are nude - not so acceptable in the 15th Century!

Thank you for your suggestions. It confirmed my thought for Monreale also so glad to hear that and others.

If you get time in Palermo itself....Quatro Canti, La Zisa, the cathedral, Villa Gulia, Teatro Massimo, Piazza Marina, Palazzo Steri....and just wander around the different quarters. I especially like the area around the port.

In which town was your grandmother born? Depending on the direction, I may be able to make suggestions that would be on the way... However, Monreale is a MUST!

Thank you for additional suggestions in Palermo. Diane, my grandmother (and two aunts) were born in Piana degli Albanesi (different name at that time but later changed to current name). Does that help for additional ideas?

I have in my Evernote a random fact, with no citation, that Piana degli Albanesi is noted for its cannoli and that it puts on a cannoli festival.

Hi Eilleen! That little bit of info is most helpful! I did go through Piana degli Albanesi. Nearby, there is a beautiful valley that the SS624 goes along, with the twin towns of San Cipirello and San Guiseppe Jato. This is an interesting area for visiting wine producers. My favorite of the ones we did in that area was Calatrasi: the staff spoke English well, they have a proper "tasting room" and their wines are excellent. Look for the Casa Vinicola Calatrasi, in the Contrada Piano Piraino, of San Cipirello. As well as a guided tour, they also offer a half-day wine course too (at a much better price than anything offered here in NA for a similar experience!!). They also have a nice osteria. This is my favorite corner of Sicily, BTW! If you have time, try to head to Scopello as well and have a swim at the old tonnara :-)

Thanks for all the latest ideas. All sound wonderful. I'm hoping we are able to have a meal in Piana degli Albanesi to help us remember our Nona's cooking and now we have a cannoli to look foward to afterward!