Thanks, Patrick! <BR><BR>Will e-mail Regina/Viking to see when they start running their trips and to ask them what the water temps are - that should give me a clue as to whether I'm going too early.<BR><BR>No, there is a direct hydrofoil to Messina (about 90 min.), which is closer to Taormina than Milazzo. You couldn't have taken it, as you needed to pick up your car, while I will have dropped mine in Palermo.<BR><BR>BTW, I asked about hotels in Palermo on another thread - do you have any feedback on that?<BR><BR>Thanks again for all your advice - you WILL be held responsible if anything goes wrong ;-)<BR><BR>Andre

Funny you should ask, I just finished posting on that thread.<BR>Don't worry about blaming me for anything that goes wrong. I'm used to it. Just thank me if anything goes right, also, and then we're even.

I think you meant to say 3.5 hours from Palermo (NOT Naples) to Lipari!!!!! Patrick has already answered most of your questions. The hydrofoils carry between 150 and 225 persons in aircraft-type seats (not necessarily reclining, depends on the hydrofoil model). All seats are indoors. There is no food or beverage service, but there is at least one restroom. Concerning your proposed day trip to Panarea and Stromboli, you could take a boat tour on a small, privately operated boat (such as Viking), or take the regular public hydrofoil or car ferry (morning ferry to Panarea/Stromboli operates only 2-3 times a week). I much prefer the ferry, since you can admire the wonderful scenery from the top deck, and take lots of videos and photographs. This is not possible on a closed hydrofoil. I would try to take the ferry in one direction, and the hydrofoil on the other (to save time). In Lipari, don't miss the Castello area, with the wonderful Archeological Museum.

GAC,<BR><BR>Indeed, PALERMO, NOT Naples - I was pretty tired the day I posted that, I guess... subsequent postings made more sense I hope.<BR><BR>I agree, taking the ferry in 1 direction sounds more pleasant, but that wouldn't really be an option in my case since they don't run between Lipari and Palermo or Messina...<BR><BR>The ride from Palermo to Lipari sounds pretty darn unpleasant!<BR><BR>I'll post my proposed itinerary shortly - looking forward to your feedback.<BR><BR>Andre

Actually, the ride should be very interesting, as you'll see (free of charge) the islands of Alicudi, Filicudi and Salina, en-route to Lipari. Bring dramamine and a plastic bag just in case the sea conditions are rough ..........

Unfortunately, posted my question under the wrong post, oops. So, we plan on visiting the Aeolian Island for the day in June. We would love to do a day boat trip similar to the one Patrick did (swimming off the boat, lunching somewhere nice, etc.) and still see something of Lipari Town, is that possible? Also, from Taormina is it easiest to get the hydrofoil from Messina or Milazzo? We intend to take the earliest hydrofoil and the latest one on return.

Toni: Check out the CST organized day bus/ferry tour from Taormina to Lipari (or Lipari/Vulcano): www.compagniasicilianaturismo.it<BR><BR>This is much easier than doing it on your own, as CST will bus you direct to the ferry port in Milazzo, on the ferry to Lipari, back to Milazzo, and finally back to Taormina by early evening.