That mountain was treacherous in the fog, in the dark? Forget it, I van't even imagine!!!!! I would highly recommend staying elsewhere.

"can't"

Very helpful report. Thanks

Dear ap6380....You're response just confirmed my worst fear...Our group will stay either at Baia dei Mulini or Il Terrano down by the water...we'll drive up that mountain just once and spend the day there...Thank you so much

I just want to echo AP 6380's comments. Erice is probably one of the worst places to use as a base. The drive up the mountain is about 35-40 minutes. Then parking is outside the City wall so you'll have to walk a good distance. Trapani, Marsala, Selinunte, or even Scopello or Castellmare di Golfo would make better as a "jumping post."
I also agree with RAR (as I usually do about Sicily) in regard to Agrigento. It is a beautiful sight and worth the trip; but Selinunte and Segesta also have beautifully preserved temples and a Greek theatre, without the crowds.

Dear RAR...Many thanks for your additional input...I have cancelled our reservation at the Mountain top Villa and am researching Hotels along the Lungomare Dante Aligheri. As I said, one trip up to Erice and one trip down will be all we can handle!

Dear RAR...just copied the names of 3 restaurants you recommended in Trapani (way back)..This forum is better than any travel guide..Thanks once again

Where did you stay in Taormina, and what was your opinion of your lodging?

I've just booked a flight to Palermo leaving on 22 April and now have to decide on what to do with 9 days 10 nights in Sicily - this has been a very informative thread, and I'm now excited about the trip.

I'm hoping to stay a few days in Taormina too and would appreciate suggestions for accomodation, hostels or cheap hotels, as we are on a budget!

Also any suggested itineraries would be appreciated - there is so much info here I don't know where to start. We are more 'backpackerish(!)' than 'organised tour group' people, in our late 20's, and open to everything. Any 'must sees'? Would anyone recommend the Aeolian Islands too?

Also - what guide books did you use? Lonely Planet and Rough Guide were published in 2002 and I was hoping for something more recent

I used Rough Guide Sicily, which I found to be really spot on. As far as accomodations, I travel cheap and stayed in a hostel.

Jean I'd love to hear what you think of Calvino's... let me know after you get back! :)

RAR...we have decided not to do Erice or Trapani...we will spend more time in Cefalu, The Aeolians and Palermo and also research our family history in a small town named Roccapalumba...soooo...have you been to Palermo or Cefalu, and if so any resaurant/pizza recommendations?

Jean,

I loved CIN-CIN in Palermo. Have not been to Cefalu.

In what neighborhood is CIN-CIN?

I recall CIN-CIN being in the "yuppie" neighborhood of Palermo. If I'm not mistaken, not far from Via Liberta.

But I know the Fodor's Sicily guidebook mentions them, so you can double-check the address.

Mille grazie!! e sempre boun appetito...

Anche tu!

RAR
Do you have any recommendations for inexpensive accomodation in Palermo/Catania/Siracusa? I'll be travelling on my own and don't want to pay double for everything.
Thanks
Gertie

Topping for new Sicily trip planners

RAR - thanks to you and the other forum members we have finally come up with our 7 1/2 day plan.
Day 1 - arrive Palermo and drive to Moreale. Stay in Moneale
Day 2 - bus into Palermo for day. Stay in MOnreale. Would love ideas for how to spend one day well.
Day 3 - driver to Segesta,Trapani & Enrice.Stay in Enrice. Thanks to everyones comments we will arrive and depart Erice at a good hour.
Day 4 leave Enrice for Ragusa via Selinunte and Agrigento. We know its a long day but we could not resist our one splurge being the Eremo della Giubiliana in Ragusa
Day 5 - day trip tp Piazza Armerina and other places in the area. Stay in Ragusa again.
Day 6 - drive to Taormina via Siracusa. Maybe NOto. Stay in Taormina at the Villa Schuler b/c everyone seems to love it. BTW, for you NOvember travelers, they are offering discounts in november.
Day 7 - day trip to Etna. Stay in Taormina again.
Day 8 - 600pm flight out of Catania so not sure about that day but time to fill.

You have all been so helpful in making us totally reconfigure our trip for the better. In fact, the flight was actually cheaper into Palermo and out of Catania than R/T to Catania. Thanks

More suggestions still welcome

After Sicily it is on to Malta for 6 nights and then Rome for 6 nights. Ideas for day trips out of Rome? Can you do a day trip to Vesuvias?

Thanks again

For the person with questions about Selinunte.