Sicily experts: I need help!
 

Hi, We'll be going to Sicily the last week of Sept. (following 2 weeks in Corsica and 1 week in Sardinia), arriving at Palermo's airport and I plan to fly out of Catania. I really only wanted to spend about 11 nights in Sicily. I'd really like to see the Aeolian Islands, (4 nights in Salina with a day trip to Panarea/Stromoli), but wonder if that's too much traveling for a short time and would we be better off concentrating on mainland Sicily. We're not big ruin buffs (maybe because we're a little "ruined" out by last trips going to Angkor Wat and Machu Picchu) but think perhaps we should see Agrigento.
My initial plan is 1)fly into Palermo's airport, spend 2 nights, and then take the train to Milazzo and the hydrofoil to Salina, for 4 nights. Return and take train to Taormina for 2 nights. Rent car, and pick a base of either Modica or Siracrusa to see southeastern Sicily. Probably would skip Agrigento then. Fly from Catania to Rome and home.
Any ideas?

change in thought...after Taormina, drive to Agrigento for one night, then Modica for 2 or 3 nights (visit Caltagirone & Piazza Armerina, Ragusa), then Siracusa for2 nights (visit Nota on way) and fly out of Catania.

Any suggestions?

An excellent selection of stops. We didn't get to the Villa Casale (I'm assuming that's the main reason for Piazza Armerina), but it might make sense to stop there on your way to Agrigento from Taormina.

Click on my name for my trip report from 2005 that may help.

Skip the Aeolians if the weather is not good. Don't worry about reservations: in late September, hotels won't be full there.

very good choice for holidays. I spent one week last summer in east Sicily, flight Rome -Catania, rent a car to Siracusa for 3 nights an then 3 nights to punta eca near marina di ragusa. you must see Siracusa, I think Palermo was very nice and need two days, Ragusa, Modica, Noto are famous for their Barocco buildings. Not forget to swin in sea of Siracusa, along the cost sud est, I believe that there the beahes are the best of Sicily!!

bon voyage and bobthenavigator,
Just read your trip reports and got lots of great info! Thanks for writing them!

Barefootbeach, I'm glad you found it helpful! Also, I responded to your questions on my trip report thread.