GAC, <BR><BR>You're right, thanks for setting me straight! There is a boat leaving Lipari for Messina at 7:00 AM (groan).<BR><BR>Hmm... I will probably go 2 weeks later though, so we can take the 12:30 departure to Messina and the direct service from Palermo.<BR><BR>Andre

What did you deicde to do? Have you gone yet?

CMT,<BR><BR>We decided to do the trip in the 2nd half of June to take advantage of the better hydrofoil schedules - sure hope we won't fry in the heat...<BR><BR>Will definitely post a trip report when I'm back.<BR><BR>Andre

Leaving on Friday... :)

One last itinerary question: in light of the terrible reviews of the Villa Athena in Agrigento and the favourable press Ragusa has been getting, I was thinking of changing my itinerary as follows:

Day 3: Drive out from Siracusa to Ragusa, explore, continue to Villa Romana at Casale, overnight nearby (WHERE?).

Day 4: drive to Agrigento, explore Valle dei Templi, overnight at Villa Athena (only 1 night instead of 2 as originally planned).

Does this make sense?

Where to stay?
I've seen some reasonably favourable reviews of both the Park Paradiso in Piazza Armerina and the Sicilia in Enna. Opinions?

Thanks
Andre

The Aeolian Islands are AWESOME. Do not skip Lipari. Rent a fisherman and boat to take you around the islands. Its hard to get around in Sicily, and espicially the Aeolian Islands so you loose alot of time traveling so be generous with travel times. For example if the water is rough you won't be able to leave Aeolian islands to go back to Sicily. (also seasickness on the hydrofoil is a given, I'd suggest taking a plastic bag just in case). Boats, planes, trains never leave on time. Think of the schedules as estimates and make sure you give yourself time and flexibility. Otherwise Sicily and Aeolian Islands best vacation ever for me!

Ok I did this on a ship and traveled at nite and hit the main tour spots during the day, but saw probably more than if in a car because of drive time etc. My suggestions for stays: Siricusa definitely for history, museum and colosseum do not miss. Erice is fascinating. It requires about 5 hours to see it walking in a relaxing manner as it is a very up and down hill ancient town. Follow the coast and hit the main towns to sleep and branch out during the day. A local persons (not me)
Taoromina tip was to stay in Naxos and visit Tauromina. Naxos is adorable and supposedly the local younger and cooler town....! We thought it was fabulous and loved lunch on the wharf, but the boat was anchored in the bay so who knows about hotel comparisons???

Definitely do not skip Siracusa...it is a quintessential Sicilian town, great ruins, great restaurants and very friendly people. Try lunch at the Restaurant Rossi. The guy will wait on you, cook for you, and send you out of there with presents. The food is absolutely amazing.