cynstalker,

Unless you have your heart set on Hotel Raphael, check out Hotel de Russie and The Grand Minerva, either of which would be an excellent luxury choice for Rome.

BTW, I completely understand your need to unwind a few days from jet lag, etc. I just don't know that I'd pick Sorrento/The Amalfi Coast in December to do that.

What an incredible trip! I have just a couple of suggestions. We stayed at the Villa Schuler in Taormina and liked it very much. I agree that the amount of time you are spending in Naples and Sorrento sounds like a lot of time in January. And 3 days in Agrigento is more than enough. Have you considered spending a day or two elsewhere in Sicily (perhaps Siracusa or Piazza Armerina)? It is possible that the almonds will be in blossom in the South although you may be a bit early. Sicily is beyone description and you should spend as much time there as possible to experience the scenery, the people, the culture and the food - fabulous!

Enjoy your trip and we will all be waiting to hear all about it.

Cyn,

If I went back to Taormina I would probably try the San Domenico just for a change. Or look for a B&B type place. Schedule looks good - I'm assuming that your days in Sicily include driving time to the next stop (driving a car is definitely the way to go) and stops at intermittent points of interest. As well as day trips.

For example, check out Mt Etna from Taormina. Erice, Marsala, Trapani from Palermo as well as a day trip to Cefalu. Also stop at Monreale. Piazza Armerina is en route from Taormina to Agrigento. Perhaps a day trip or two as well from Agrigento. There is not much in Agrigento other than the temples.

You'll have a great time in Sicily.

Hi again, Cyn -

Some of my favorite places in Naples were the Museo Archeologico Nazionale, Museo di Capodimonte, Duomo, Santa Chiara (for the cloister), San Severo, Misericordia, Quadreria dei GirolaminiCastel Sant’Elmo (for the views), San Lorenzo Maggiore, walking around Spaccanopoli, and exploring various piazzas (Plebiscito, Dante, etc.)

The more I learned about Naples, the more difficult it was for me to "cut" things from my list of priorities, so I'm sure there are other places I would have added to my "favorites" list had I had more time there. As one example, I regretted that I did not have time to visit Caserta.

Enjoy!

If you haven't decided, stay at the San Domenico in Tarominia. When you are in Palermo, try Cin-Cin. ( http://www.ristorantecincin.com/) Aside from wonderful food...Vince, the owner, is a great guy. He can give you great suggestions for a truly memorable stay in Sicily.

Cynthia

One vote for the Grand Hotel Parker in Naples. I loved this old, charming, hotel. Is one of the few luxury hotels with very nice down to earth personel. It is up a hill, from there you can take the inside funicular= I do not remember the name -to a plush neigborhood up the hill. A bus or taxi to the not to miss Archeological Museum you can walk down to the bay by stairs that cross I think they were private gardens, you have also to know your way by taxi so they take you the right way.
The breakfast is terrific and the view from the restaurant is fantastic also from the front rooms. This hotel has had kings upon its guests and a long history, a library and is very nice. Good luck.

I am starting to PANIC! I can't believe I am leaving tomorrow - I really need some words of encouragment! I'm feeling like this may be on of the craziest things I've ever done (and I done some doozies :D)

Here's the final hotel listings:

<b>Dec 27: London</b>
Hilton London Gatwick Airport <font color="red">1 nt</font>
South Terminal Gatwick Airport
Gatwick,
United Kingdom, RH60LL

<b>Dec 28 – Jan 1: Naples</b>
Grand Hotel Vesuvio <font color="red">4 nts</font>
Via Partenope 45 80121 Naples, Italy

<b>Jan 1 – Jan 7: Sorrento</b>
Excelsior Vittoria <font color="red">6 nts</font>
Piazza Tasso, Sorrento, 80067,ltaly

<b>Jan 7 – Jan 11: Taormina</b>
Hotel San Dominico Palace <font color="red">4 nts</font>
Piazza San Dominico 98039 Taormina (Messina), Italy

<b>Jan 11 – Jan 14: Agrigento</b>
Hotel Baglio della Luna Foresteria <font color="red">3 nts</font>
Contrada Maddalusa 24 Valle dei Templi, Agrigento 92100
Sicily, Italy

<b>Jan 14 – Jan 18: Palermo</b>
Hotel Villa Igiea <font color="red">4 nts</font>
Salita Belmonte 43 Palermo 90142, Italy

<b>Jan 18 – Jan 28: Rome</b>
Hotel Raphael <font color="red">10 nts</font>
Largo Febo 2, (Piazza Navona) 00186 Roma

I'll be taking the train from Naples to Taormina, Taormina(via Catania) to Agrigento, and Agrigento to Palermo. If anyone sees a sad looking middle-aged lady clutching a Fodors guide on a train anywhere in Italy mumbling &quot;I know I have to get off in Catania, I know I have to get off in Catania&quot;, please take pity and push me off in Catania! :-)

I'll try to post more when I get to London about what I have planned - I still have to pack and I leave tomorrow morning at 8:00am. YIKES!

Sounds like a nice trip. Do not forget that the station at Taormina is actually Giardini-Naxos. I would prefer Siracusa to Agrigento and it is much closer. Have fun !

Have a beautiful and safe trip cyn, and don't panic. If you forget to pack something that will be an excuse to shop, right? A month in Italy is wonderful! Enjoy every moment.

bobthenavigator - thanks for the tip on the name of the Taormina station. Siracusa is much closer to what?

Thanks for the good wishes LoveItaly - I'm panicked and excited both at the same time!

I'm off!
Cyn

To Taormina !
It will not be easy getting to Agrigento.