39Steps

Hi grosenb. We did a very similar trip around Sicily a few years ago - also the last 2 weeks in April. I like the last 7 nights of your itinerary. Taormina was our favorite spot and that's where I would add an extra day. Siracusa was a nice surprise and the temples at Agrigento make it a must see. Noto, Ragusa, Segesta and Erice are also worthwhile. If the fog ever clears, Erice would make a great overnight stop.

However, I wouldn't spend the first 7 nights in both Palermo and Trapani. Palermo is not one of our favorite cities, and you could do Trapani as a daytrip or part of your western swing leaving Palermo. You mentioned you like places in the country better than the city, so I would suggest you spend 2-3 nights in either the Madonie mountains or a beach area such as Sciacca. Another option we really enjoyed was the small fishing village of Cefalu. Ciao.

Presocia

You mention enjoying time outside of the city, and the interior of Sicily is an area I fell in love with during my trip in May 2005. I'd suggest adding another night during your stay near Enna/Piazza Armerina/etc. You could take a day trip to Sperlinga to see the cave dwellings, or see the excavations at Morgantina.

Click on my screen name to find my Sicily trip report.

grosenb

Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I have nailed down my itinerary:

Palmero-3 nights (Principe de Villa Franca
Marsala-3 nights (Resort Baglio Oneto)
Agrigento-1 night (Colleverde Park)
Syracusa-3 nights (Grand Hotel)
Taormina-4 nights (Villa Fabbiano)

Has anyone booked an open jaw ticket on Air One. I am having problems trying to do so. It appears that either round trip or one way is available.

I might have to book a one way ticket Rome>Palmero; Catania>Rome.

Any suggestions?

Thanks

Gail

Eloise

That is how you do it on Air One: a one-way ticket Rome-Palermo, another one-way ticket Catania-Rome.

dutyfree

Just got back a few hours ago from Sicily-more specifically Siracusa/Ortigia where my daughter is studying for her "semester abroad". I just wanted to add that Sicily is fabulous in all respects-food,its people,scenery,history,etc.It really is a gem waiting to be discovered in my opinion and I am afraid that places like Ortigia when redone will become the new Tuscany for Americans. As the director of my daughter's school in Ortigia said-"its like living on a Disney soundstage".Valhalla came to my mind.I think that your itinerary is great as you are touching on all the highlights. As others have suggested, take the time to enjoy your various stops and not rush around.The only bad part about traveling to Sicily is that when you are leaving out of Catania to try and head back to the states you usually have to stay over in Rome or Milan the night before your flight as alot of the bus/airline connections do not match up.