Frank just simplified everything, right???<BR><BR>But, can you take a day trip to Agrigento from Taormina? Or is it too far?

Once a week, and subject to minimum passenger subscription, CST Travel Agency in Taormina organizes a day trip by bus to Agrigento, which also stops at the Roman Villa of Casale near Piazza Armerina. This would be much less stressful than driving back and forth yourself. You can find out more from their website www.cst.it

CORRECTION: www.compagniasicilianaturismo.it<BR><BR>The day-tour from Taormina to Agrigento and Piazza Armerina (round-trip) is on Tuesdays at 6:00 a.m. Fare is 48.00 Euros per adult. There are several other day-tours available to other destinations as well.<BR><BR>These tours enable the traveler to base himself in Taormina, avoid renting a car, and still take in quite a bit of Sicily.

How does one "soak your feet in the Adreatic"? (I'm assuming that was a typo for Adriatic). You'd have to have incredibly long legs to do that from Taormina!!!!!

I agree with Frank. I have been all over Sicily - and each place has each charm - but I would spend most of my time in Taormina so as not to rush through it. We only spent 2 nights there and did get to see most things, but we did not get to really enjoy the little things. We also did not have enough time to spend just going to the beach. I would stay in a beautiful hotel and really enjoy the area and the hotel. There is so much you can do from the Taormina area. <BR><BR>It is also very nice see the small towns and see how most Sicilians really live. It has a beauty of its own, but I also appreciate everything we take for granted in USA. You can't beat the beauty that Sicily has to offer.

gac - thank you. Any recommendations for hotels in Monreale?<BR><BR>Maria - any suggestions for a driving route that would 'hit' small towns.<BR><BR>Judy, when are you going? Please post a report when you get back.

We are going in the end of June to beginning of July. I will write a report since there has been so much interest in this thread. Thanks to everyone who has helped me make decisions. I've been contacting hotels and Villa Belevedere in Taormina is $180 B&B for July 1-4 2003.

Check out the Carrubella Park Hotel in Monreale (Three stars, air conditioning, moderate prices), Via Umberto 1, 233: 1000 metres from the Cathedral of Monreale; 7 kilometres from the Palermo historic district, situated at an altitude of 325 metres with panoramic views. I've not stayed there, but believe it's the only hotel in town.