Palermo, Cefalu, Syracuse, Taormina,,,,,
 

We are trying to have a game plan for our 12 day trip to Sicily
The first half of our trip we will be based in Palermo.
From Palermo we will take different day trips to Cefalu, Mondella, Monreale, Erice, etc.


We are planning on taking the Bus from Palermo to Catania, then transfer to the local bus direct to Taormina. We thought the bus would be an easier trip then the Train.
Since Our return flight home will depart very early from Catania, we will have a cab pick us up from our hotel and take us to Catania airport.
Has anyone taken the BUS FROM PALERMO TO CATANIA? If so, was this a positive experience for you?

After we leave Palermo,our next hotel base will be in Taormina, From Taormina we will definitely do a day excursion to Syracuse,. We want to enjoy a day or 2 of relaxation at our hotel in Taormina as it will be the end of our trip.
Sicily is in my thoughts every day now!
Any others going to Sicily this July?

Why go all the way to Catania then BACK to Taormina. The train is easy and you get off at Giardini/Naxos which is right at Taormina.

The bus from Palermo to Catania is very nice. Here is the website. www.saisautolinee.it It's in Italian but easy to use. Click on "ricerca orari e linee" "collegamenti regionali" "prosegui" then use drop down boxes. Partenza - depart arrivo - arrive. The trip is 2hr 40mins, then you need a bus to Taormina. www.interbus.it very easy site to use. Train ride is about 4 hours with a change in Messina and then a taxi up to Taormina.
For using the bus in and around Palermo go to www.amat.pa.it stay in italian, click on "mappa trasporto" then "visualizza formato flash" It's a fantastic interactive bus map of Palermo. It's easy and fun to use. It might take a minute or to to first load, but well worth it. Best bus route map I've seen yet. Looks like you will have a wonderful trip. You'll love Sicily, beware of developing an addiction to Sicily.

I forgot add: You know Sicily will be very hot in July? Don't forget a sun hat, sun glasses, sun screen, and a very light cotton long sleeve over shirt to cover your arms. Capris are also great to cover the back of you knees OUCH! The sun will eat you up as you stand hypnotized looking at an ancient temple.

bobthe navigator is right. It's very easy to get from Palermo to Taormina by train, then the bus which is right at the Giardini Naxos train station. The train also goes along a coastal route which is very scenic.

FYI, there's direct bus service from Taormina to Catania airport. Don't know if it will work for you with your early flight, but you might look into it.

Otherwise, your plan looks good.

Thank you so much for the detailed "feedback" regarding the Bus from Palermo to Catania. It was exactly what I wanted to know.
We have been going back and forth to decide if the BUS was easier or the train was easier.

I may re-think the train to Taormina, not sure yet...thanks so much BOB-THE-NAVIGATOR.
Our flight is so early in the morning when we are returning to go home, that we will arrange for a cab or car to take us to Catania airport. That part is the easy decesion!

TravMimi: Yes, we know it will be Hot, but that is not a problem for us. Being in Sunny Sicily, eating delicious food, and enjoying the sights can't come soon enough.

I am always so happy to go on vacation that I never complain about the weather.
I don't doubt for a minute I will love Sicily. Everywhere I have been in Italy so far I have loved.
Trend Girl.