Please advise me as to how you would break up a 10-day trip to Sicily. I do not want to hop around too much, I would like to spend about half the time on or near a beach, I am interested in cultural sites (but no need to do so every day) and am interested in the Aeolian islands as part of it. How could I break it up where it would not feel rushed? I am guessing I will have a rental car. Thanks!

Alea,<BR><BR>There are lots of good posts on this forum about Sicily. You can do a search under "Sicily" or also under some specific towns you were hoping to see.<BR><BR>M

I have done that, it is overwhelming- it seems like most itineraries are marathons. 2 nights here, 1 night there... I was hoping for some suggestions as to how to keep hotel switching at a minimum, but yet still do what I want.

It seems like your priorities are (1) to spend about half your time near or on a beach, (2) not to be rushed and switch hotels too much, and (3) see some cultural sites. You might want to consider something like the following:<BR><BR>Fly into Catania and take a bus or train to Taormina (if renting a car, you might be able to save some money by NOT renting at the airport itself). Taormnia is a coastal town, but is high upon a cliff. Some notable 3,4, and 5 star hotels have access to private beaches at the bottom of the cliff, some of which are accessible by tram. Spending three nights in Taormina allows you to see some coastal beauty, experience the charm of the town, and be close to some day-trip destinations. For a taste of culture, you can drive to Siracusa one day. You can also see the mosaics at Piazza Armerina, if you don't mind the drive. Much closer to Taormina are the areas of Giardini Naxos (beach) and Castelmola (short drive from Taormina).<BR><BR>You could spend the next three nights on the Aeolian Islands.<BR><BR>The next five nights coule be spent basing yourself in one of the northwestern Sicilian towns. If you choose Palermo (a real city), you can take day trips to Cefalu (coastal town with some nice arhitecture), Monreale, and perhaps Mondello (beach resort). Erice is a hill town about a one hour drive from Palermo, and also makes a good day trip if you are driving, although parking could be a hassle. Some people also choose to base themselves in Mondello, on the outskirts of Palermo. You could try to find a flight out of Palermo. Keep in mind that you probably do not want to be driving in Palermo itself.<BR><BR>This itinerary only necessitates two change in hotel. What it leaves out are the interesting towns inland.<BR><BR>M

I like the proposed itinerary suggested in the previous posting. I'd spend three nights in Taormina, three nights in the town of Lipari, and at least four nights in Palermo. I'd fly into Catania, bus to Taormina, and fly out of Palermo. You won't really need or want a car in the Aeolian Islands. If necessary, you could do everything by public transportation.