We are going to Sicily for two weeks in October. One week in Trabia outside of Palermo and one week in Taromina. Staying at Hotel Tonnara Trabia and Excelsior Palace in Taromina - with side trips to Agrigento - Cefalu - Monreale - Erice - Mt. Etna - I would like whatever information with regards to hotels and places we plan on visiting - first trip to Sicily - been to all of Northern Italy.<BR>Thanks

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We were in Sicily last November-Stayed in Taormina a few days-though stayed at the Villa Fiorita in Taormina-lovely town. Parking is tricky here, if you rent a car. We drove around Etna-slow but worth the sights and driving off the highway. In Agrigento, we stayed at Hotel Villa Athena, right in the Valley of the Temples-walking distance to the sights. Again, lovely. Hope this is helpful-have a wonderful time. We can't wait to return.

I recommend two of the Aeolian islands that are easily gotten to by hydrofoil. Salina and Lipari. Salina is wonderful. both are wonderful. Taormina is a MUST. Messina to Milazzo, get the boat in Milazzo to go to Salina. Have fun<BR>Ciao

Do not miss at elast one night in Erice - just 65 miles from Palermo Airport, on a moutntain top, and very neat. Also Selinunte and Agrigento are must sees for their ruins.

From Trabia: Palermo three days<BR>Segesta and Selinunte: one full day<BR>From Taormina: Siracusa one full day; Piazza Armerina-Casale Villa one full day.

Thanks for everyone's reply - lots of helpful hints - we are going on a tour -but will have some free time - any goods things to be said about Alitalia??? We will be flying Alitalia out of Miami, Florida to Milan, Italy.

Alitalia - we did not have any problems, delays, smokers, lost luggage or rude service back in 3/01. We did have awful food. Bring your own snacks and eat before you board the plane.

The good news about Alitalia: (1) your flight from Miami to Milan, and your connection from Milan to Palermo (or Catania) MAY be on time. You avoid an unnecessary connection in New York, Washington D.C., Philadelphia, or in another European capital; (2) you'll hear a lot of Italian spoken on board the plane.

We called to confirm our seats before we left for the airport (2 hour drive) and when we got there, we were told our plane left an hour ago. (we got to the airport 1 1/2 ahead of time). It seems they cancelled our flight and called some of the people and put them on the morning flight! And then they had the nerve to tell us that they called us and said it was our word against theirs and we were probably lying! They could care less. There weren't anymore flights going out to Rome so we had to come back the next day! My daughter was supposed to be home for something important the next day that she missed! It was bad.

In last November we took Alitalia from Miami = flight left on time - seats a little tight - try to get exit seats - food not too bad - flew to Milan - then Palermo - hope this helps