Late Planning for a Trip to Sicily in Late November
Oct 8th, 2009, 10:09 AM
#22
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I recommend Il Barocco as somewhere to stay in Ragusa Ibla. We have just returned from Sicily having spent 4 nights there. I loved it but was ready to move on at the end.Some friends who joined us felt the room was the best value for 80euros they had ever seen.
Oct 10th, 2009, 09:52 AM
#24
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I am about to make the flight reservations. Only sensible (economically) option is to fly in and out of Rome. Thus, I have to decide whether it is, upon arrival, Rome to Catania or Rome to Palermo (with whichever is not first being the exit point to Rome). Is there a "best" in/out scenario? (I learned I did it wrong last time by going into Rome & out of Venice - fog makes the early morning out-journey a very trying experience). Also, any cautionary tales about the local carriers? Once I am committed to the flights, I will backtrack into the itinerary (in the spirit of the relatively last-minute traveler).
Oct 10th, 2009, 07:35 PM
#25
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I don't think it particularly makes much difference. A "tie-breaker" might be the best connection interval from your incoming PHL flight. If you do fly into Palermo, sit on the left side of the plane facing the front. That way, you may see the Pontine Islands off of southern Lazio as well as get a glimpse of Palermo itself moments before landing. You may also fly directly over Ustica Island. If you have an early morning return flight, the Catania airport is closer to town, and a taxi will cost less than going to the Palermo Airport. Both airports also have very early morning bus transportation. From Catania to Rome, sitting again on the left side will afford you a glimpse of Mt. Etna.
In terms of airlines, I've heard both good and bad stories about Easy Jet (flies Rome to Palermo). Both Windjet and Blu-express have very low fares, but carefully read the surcharges for checked luggage. Alitalia/Air One has the most flights by far, but fares are often higher.
In terms of airlines, I've heard both good and bad stories about Easy Jet (flies Rome to Palermo). Both Windjet and Blu-express have very low fares, but carefully read the surcharges for checked luggage. Alitalia/Air One has the most flights by far, but fares are often higher.
Oct 13th, 2009, 08:29 AM
#26
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GAC, thanks for the excellent and common sense advice. Turns out that the flights to Catania from Rome meet my arrival needs much better than those to Palermo (and ditto on the return leg to Rome from Palermo, althoug I now realize that it will be wise to return to Rome the day before my departure back to the U.S. to minimize the chance for a missed return flight). The advice to check the carriers before booking a flight was also spot on. A check of reviews by customers on an airline review website suggested that Windjet (among other small local carriers) would be a nightmare for anyone trying to make an international connection (or anyone interested in a minimally acceptable level of aircraft quality and customer service). I owe the contributors to this forum a great deal.
