Yes, I believe my heart is in Italy and just found some miles flights to Rome and need some help to travel back to explore and celebrate another year. I am traveling solo, active 66 years and want to dip my toes in another area that I hope I can return. :). You all have always helped and supported me in my journeys. I have 5-6 days mid September and am looking for less touristy and more culture. I hope to not rent a car. I think I would rather be peaceful and not run, run, run to the next site. Can you help with a short journey to either of those areas that maybe you would chose over another? Any help is wonderful. Thank you in advance.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
881 posts
I haven't been to Sicily, but I did 5 days in Sardegna a long time ago and I felt like we were RUSHED. No matter where you decide, I would pick a trip and say "I'm going to Cagliari!" or "I'm going to Palermo!" or "I'm going to Catania!" because trying to do the entire island in 5-6 days won't be very relaxing. You could easily pick a spot and "do" the city, and then do other day trips to fill the rest of your days.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1848 posts
We just spent 5 nights in Palermo and wished for a few more nights --- you could easily spend all of your time there, especially if you enjoy food and art/architecture. Palermo is like Venice, Florence, and Rome in having lots and lots of things to do, but without being nearly so heavily touristed as the big three. Monreale was our only day trip. Palermo is also like Venice and Florence in that most of what you'd want to see is easy walking distance from either a central location or even a location not right smack in the center. We were near the cathedral. The airport is kind of far, but there are good trains (and probably buses, too).
It will be hot in September and it would be a good idea to go to Monreale and to the Palazzo Normanni when they open in the morning because they will get crowded later in the morning. Our favorite gelato ever.
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1848 posts
We flew ITA Airways from Rome on a separate ticket --- it seemed expensive, but otherwise was just fine.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
17374 posts
Congratulations on another cancer-free year, Cindi! You definitely deserve to celebrate!
I'll echo the previous advice from Katherine for the need to narrow down to to a specific town/part of either Sicily or Sardinia as both are really quite large; to sightsee them would likely involve the sort of schedule you're trying to avoid. (Editing to add: Nancy has kindly provided a narrowed-down suggestion.) There are also likely other areas of the mainland that would provide what you're looking for - and be accessible by train or other public transit - or even another island.
I see from previous threads that you've already covered a good bit of the Boot but, well, there's almost always another interesting corner! It's just that you might want more time than you have to these two particular islands.
Question? Are 5-6 days the TOTAL amount of time you have for this trip, and do those days involve transport to/from the US?
Posted by
Bellingham, WA
1152 posts
Congratulations on another year. I'm coming up on 6 myself. I don't want to be a downer, but for such a short trip, I would be very hesitant to be reliant on a separately booked flight (this is my assumption based on the post) to get me to my destination. If you're able to book a connection on the same ticket, then I withdraw my objection.
Posted by
OP
Phoenix
66 posts
Thank you everyone.....no I have a few weeks and have booked a few places I love and return to up north for my birthday. I have 5-7 days of hmmmm what do I want to dip my toe into. Not see everything and just see some part. I was thinking 2-3 nights in a few places and then take the ferry back over? Does anyone have a small town they LOVE? I so appreciate your ideas :). Also congrat's on 6 years....that is amazing!!!!!
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
17374 posts
Ah, now it makes sense. Happy to hear that this is part of a bigger plan!
Posted by
North Italy
551 posts
"A small town they love"
In Sicily Trapani - not a small town but the historical centre is on a promontory so it feels like a small town.
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2019/03/trapani-october-2016-trip-report.html
Trapani is a lot more peaceful than Palermo which, yes, has more 'sights' but is a keep-your-wits about you destination especially if you're travelling alone. Trapani is also a good base for day trips: Erice, Marsala, Favignan island......
Or Ortigia/Siracusa - day trip to Noto and Baroque towns
In Sardegna Cagliari is a large city. Alghero is very nice indeed. Nice historical centre, easy to get to beaches, long promenade, airport. Day trip to Bosa.
https://slowtravelitalyspain.blogspot.com/2025/06/alghero-sardinia-3-days-in-may.html
I'd have other suggestions on the mainland but maybe you've already been....
Posted by
OP
Phoenix
66 posts
No Tinac, I would love your ideas :) Thanks for the help and I am going to do research now. If you have any for the mainland, I am all ears :)
Posted by
OP
Phoenix
66 posts
Thank you everyone....decided to go to Sicily. Your thoughts and links helped me a lot.....Thanks!!