dodi66

WE are arriving in Palermo on April 12 and thinking to stay for 4 nights, taking 1 day for a day trip to Cefalu. I just looked at the calendar and realized that Easter is April 16. I am thinking it might be better to depart Palermo (going in a counter clockwise direction....more on that in another post!) on April 17, rather than Easter day....taking into consideration what might and might not be open. Would that be too long a stay in Palermo? Would it be better to depart on April 15, Saturday, maybe? We are interested in most everything, historical, ruins, charm, local flavor, and just about everything else we have heard about Sicily!! But from research, it seems there is much to see in Palermo??? We do have 2 1/2 to 3 weeks for our time in Sicily so we aren't going to be rushed, I don't think. Any input or advice, please??

FuryFluffy

If you have 2 1/2 to 3 weeks in Sicily then don't cut out time from Palermo. It's a splendid city with lots of things that you like (historical ruins). Stay until April 17 rather than departing on 15. I'm sure you will not lack of sights to see in Palermo, but if you do, don't hesitate to ask us about them^^

kja

It depends on what you want to see and experience, but I agree with FuryFluffy that it has a lot to see. I think 4 nights could work very well, even without a day trip to Cefalu! And it might be quite interesting to be in Palermo for Easter itself, though I can't say for sure.

BTW, 2.5 to 3 weeks is perfect for Sicily, IMO.

Hope that helps!

dodi66

Thank you, kja and FuryFluffy!! You confirmed my thoughts on Palermo. I am sure I will be back with more questions, but I have a LOT of trip reports to pour over first.

Dayle

Dodi

I visited Sicily for 3.5 weeks also going counterclockwise and feom Mid April to mid May if you want to read my TR for researc

Happy planning!

kja

There are some great trip reports on Sicily on this forum! And some great planning threads, too, which can be very helpful as they cover things that might not be covered in the trip reports themselves. And since you are clearly doing your homework, you might consult the <i>Rough Guide</i> which was, without doubt, the most useful of the half-dozen or so guide books I used when planning my time in Sicily.

lreynold1

Hi, Dodi,

I spent 18 days in Sicily in October and was so glad that kja and a few others encouraged me to spend more time in Palermo. (I have a trip report, which you can see by clicking on my name). We were there for four nights, with a good half day on the first day, and no day trips. We barely were able to see all we wanted to see. If you have three weeks, think about spending at least three full days in the city of Palermo (you will probably want to take a bus trip up to Monreale, which will take at least half of one of those days). Palermo is a vibrant, wonderful city, you won't be sorry if you plan for more time there.

dodi66

Thank you all so much. I have read a couple of the trip reports, still working on that. They are all so full of helpful information that right now I feel hopelessly confused!! I am trying to sort it all out and I'm sure that eventually it will all come together, with all of your help!!! So far, I have booked the Palazzo Pantaleo in Palermo for our 5 night stay (thanks for the advice!!) and can't seem to get past that part!! We are heading counter clockwise and will fly out from Catania to Milan to visit the Lakes area. Our time in Sicily is a bit flexible as we actually have a total of 5 weeks in Italy. We are thinking of Sicily for 2 1/2 to 3 weeks and then going to the Lakes and wherever else we might work in. We haven't been to the Lakes yet, but did spend a month in Italy a few years back, with time in Cinque Terre, Rome, Sorrento, Florence, Tuscany (rented a lovely house in Casole d' Elsa for a week....blissful!!), Verona, Venice. This trip we want to visit some of the many places we missed before and there are just so many!!! Again, thank you and I will be back with more questions!! Any advice is appreciated!!

kja

Well, first and foremost, take some slow, deep breaths! As already noted, 2.5 to 3 weeks is, IMO, perfect for Sicily. Starting with 5 nights in Palermo and working clockwise to a flight from Catania makes a lot of sense. As you are undoubtedly learning, highlights include the cathedral in Monreale, Villa Romana del Casale, various Greek ruins (especially Segesta, Selinunte, and Agrigento), Palermo, Ortygia, and one or more of the Baroque towns of the Val di Noto. And of course, there are other places that might or might not make your personal wish list.

FWIW, when planning any of my trips I always go through an "OMG, there's so much to see, how will I decide?!?" phase. My strategy is to remind myself that the vast majority will be icing on the cake. And if I know my priorities, I can fit in a LOT of icing. ;-)

I'm sure your plans will begin to take shape, and I wouldn't worry too much about rooms just yet -- you aren't going until April, right? And April isn't high season in Sicily....

dodi66

HaHa. kja!! That's the point I am right now..."OMG, there is so much to see, how will I decide"!! My husband also has his input, which isn't necessarily like mine!! I have a sort of tentative itinerary, but need to read a few more trip reports first. I so appreciate the help from you and others as I wade through all the decisions and choices needing to be made! Yes, we are traveling in mid April to mid May so I do have a bit of time for booking accomodations, I hope!! Back soon!!!!

Dayle

Dodi

You have the same problem we all did. My trip was most likely a once in a life time, so as I realized how much I wanted to do and see, the trip had to become 3.5 weeks. Really could have used another entire week, but I was able to make it to all my first priorities by moving a bit faster than I would have liked.

Regarding reservations, make them now! I made mine this far in advance and was able to stay at all my first choices. I have highly recommended a couple of them and others have reported that the more highly reviewed places fill up this far out.

Happy planning!

kja

I hate to disagree with Dayle, but making reservations before deciding on an itinerary often has the effect of "locking one in" psychologically. If there is a specific place that would make or break your trip, booking this early might make sense, but I think there can be some decided advantages to thinking through one's plan before trying to book specific accommodations. And just for comparison, my trip was in May -- so even more tourist activity than in April -- and I got all my first-choice accommodations -- including very highly recommended places with very few rooms -- even though I didn't book until January. JMO.

Dayle

Oh, I wasnt saying to book places before you have your itinereay set. That wouldnt make sense. Sorry I wasnt clear!

lreynold1

Not only would I not book hotels till the itinerary is set, I wouldn't book hotels till I got the advice of the wonderful Sicily Fodorites here!

dodi66

Yes, lreynold1, kja, Dayle....need to absorb a few more amazing, helpful trip reports, but I AM getting close to posting the first draft itinerary!! I have been been taking copious notes from your reports and there are a few more I want to look into first. All of your suggested (or discouraged!!) accomodations will be taken into account....all your advice re stops, driving, sights is being considered. I can not believe how incredibly helpful you all are and I so appreciate it. I have used Fodorites' advice many times when planning trips and it is always spot on!! I do feel guilty for never having posted a trip report...seems like I should make a worthy contribution in thanks for all the help! Maybe THIS time I will get it together after we return!!! I do always make photobooks of our trips so when we return, that is usually my focus (my excuse, as well!!). Back soon!!!