You might be interested in my trip report; click on my name to find it. We liked the agriturismo where we stayed outside Piazza Armerina.

Thanks Michael. I did go back and re-read your report too! What an adventure you had, but it sounds like you made the most of it.

So you liked Gigliotto? I had originally planned to stay there, but people on Trip Advisor have given it some poor reviews over the last year.

Was it conveniently located for visiting Villa Casale?

Grazie!

The agriturismo is several miles out of Piazza Armerina, but the car did not complain.

Dayle - wouldn't it be easier to send them an email?

http://www.fodors.com/community/profile/justretired/

Hi, Dayle,

Sorry to be so late. We got back and have been extremely busy with all sorts of stuff going on, and I just haven't gotten to it. As you can see by this late response, I haven't even checked Fodor's since our return. Perhaps you're beyond the point in your planning where it would be of any use to you.

Hope you had happy holidays, and have a happy new year. I will get the trip report up eventually.

This is Margie, the other half of Justretired. I usually do the planning and Larry keeps a journal and does the trip report.

I can say a few things without the entire report. All in all, it was a lovely trip. For most of our recent travels, we have stayed in one place and branched out daily for day trips. Sicily did not lend itself to this way of travel, and although i was happy to have a "crash course" on the areas around the perimeter of the island, we missed our usual way of travel.

We traveled by rented car for 16 days. For the most part, we did not find the traffic or the driving any more diificult than other European areas. We did not drive in Palermo, dropping off the car at the airport before going to our last spot. Since Larry speaks Italian, he can read the signs and in general, does not find communicating difficult.

For the most part, we enjoyed all the paces we stayed in- we had chosen a variety of lodging, and they all were quite lovely. It was quite hot while we were in Sicily- those of you who detest the heat as I do should make sure that you chose places with AC. We tend to chose modest B&B's or hotels, and found these choices quite nice. We had listed the hotels in a previouds thread and if you have any questions that can't wait till Larry gets his report done, please contact us. One place that really stood out was an organic farm outside of Agrigento. The owner and host was truly gracious and lovely, and the setting, quite near the ruins, was charming. We had 2 dinners at the faerm, which were good and served family style. What was so nice was eating outisde and talking with folks from diverse locations. It does not particularly cater to AMericans, but English was one of the common languages.

http://www.fattoriamose.it/

Starting in Taormina after a flight to Catania, we were impressed with the views as most people are. However, they are not that different from other areas and doesn't compare to the Amafi Coast. It was very hot and crowded as expected, but the hotel was great and central and we loved the ruins and the small village- a nice way to start.

We continued to Syracusa, staying in Ortygia, which we loved. We walked to most places and occassionally took a taxi if the heat was too overwhelming, but did not move the car until we left for Ragussa. Usual highlights of both areas were enjoyed.

Agrigento was a highlight and then on to Trapani and Palermo.

We liked a lot of the food, but since I am allergic to all shellfish, I found some of the food repetitive. Larry enjoyed it more. We usually chose small restuarants that are not particulalry rated or recommended, and find that we eat well. Often, we ask the owner or manager for recommendations, and that works well.

All in all, we liked the trip alot. It probaly wan't one our favorite- I am drawn to Provence and Tuscany, and whenever we are thinking of the next trip, we lean towards one of those destinations. Perhaps it's because I speak French and Larry speaks Italian, French, and Spanish. I want to visit Greece and Turkey and a number of other places, but it seems we're heading back to Provence this spring to see the lavander (we have always missed it).

Please let me know if you have specific questions and be patient for the complete trip report- knowing LArry, it will be long and complete.

Hi, I, too am waiting for justretired trip report! I went back to your planning thread and see that we are going some similar places. Also, i used to live in Wayland. Can you PM me on Trip Advisor, alison18losangeles?
We are going in May and I'd love to pick your brains! Thanks.

We just returned from a 2 weeks roundtrip across Sicily, starting and ending in Catania, getting around in a rented car. It was all ok, the only two issues we had were

1. the crazy traffic on those crazy streets
2. finding affordable restaurants (we're a family of four and it was difficult to find not too expensive restaurants)

The highlights of the trip were the Etna, the Greek temples in Selinunte and Agrigento and Ragusa.

I'll post a detailed trip report as soon as I find some time.

thanks, amin - i'm sure we'd all like to read the details! [and from you, justretired]

Me too! I'm going in April and would love to hear all your specifics!