Sicily in overdrive?
Sep 27th, 2010, 07:58 AM
#1
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Sicily in overdrive?
Thanks to all the great trip reports, we honed down our 7 night Sicily trip and booked our late October in and out flights from Palermo only, instead of Palermo in/ Catania out. Itinerary was now 4 nights in Palermo ( We love cities with energy!) including day visits to Monreale,Trapani, Segeste, etc; 2 nights in the Agrigento/ Selinunte area with a trip (if time allowed) to Piazza Amerina on the way back to Palermo; with a late, last night arrival back at a hotel near the airport for a very early flight next day - 7 am. But my husband would really like to see Siracusa, and he suggested we modify our trip now on the 5th day and drive from Palermo to Siracusa spending the 5th night there; the 6th night in Agrigento area; and then back to the airport late on the 7th night. Obviously, we'd use the super highways, but does this look like too much road time? I'm a less is more person, and my husband is a more is more - is Siracusa worth this if we have to drop Casale or Selinunte? Any good mediators out there?
Sep 27th, 2010, 08:51 AM
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I'd stick close to Plan 1. You have three plus days in Palermo and possible excursions to Monreale, Segesta/Erice/Trapani, and Cefalù. Together with stops at Selinunte, Agrigento, and possibly Piazza Armerina (limited rooms and times currently) you will have hit many of the first time traveller's highlights. The Baroque cities and the east coast will wait for another visit. For us, Siracusa's Archeological park, while important historically, didn't have the "wow" factor of the other sites. The charming part of modern-day Siracusa is the little island of Ortigia. It is lovely and atmospheric, but I wouldn't travel all the way across the island and back for one night to see it.
Sep 27th, 2010, 12:13 PM
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I agree with the previous postings that it's best to stick to the "west side" of the Island for this short trip. Next trip, spend a week (or more) on the "east side".
BTW, for other travellers planning an itinerary similar to that of Laurie D, these places can ALL be reached with public transportation from Palermo, so it's not essential to rent a car, even for a single day! A car rental would, however, be useful to see Segesta and Selinunte with better efficiency of time.
BTW, for other travellers planning an itinerary similar to that of Laurie D, these places can ALL be reached with public transportation from Palermo, so it's not essential to rent a car, even for a single day! A car rental would, however, be useful to see Segesta and Selinunte with better efficiency of time.
Sep 27th, 2010, 12:57 PM
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Bobthenavigator and GAC thanks for your posts - some earlier. We won't rent a car til day 5 on your good advice as I've looked into reaching Monreale, etc. by bus. This makes much more sense, and staying on the West coast gives us a good excuse to come back.
