I will be in Palermo for a week and Taormina for a week in October.The major attractions and highlights are included in this tour, but there will be several afternoons of free time. Any suggestions about unusual places to see would be welcome. Museums? Wineries? Markets? Restaurants? Churches? etc. Thanks, Ellen

We were in both cities in May. Do a search for my posts and you may find some ideas of interest.

Why not tell what IS included so everyone will not repeat what you know already.

Included in the two weeks in Sicily.<BR>Agrigento, Mt. Etna, Palermo Tour,Monreale, Cefalu, Taormina Tour, Salt Beds and Erice, Siracusa, Catania. I am mainly interested in what to do in spare time in Taormina and Palermo. Ellen

Take the local bus up to Castelmola above Taormina for great views and a funky little bar---magical !

Don't miss Villa Casale. It is between Agrigento and Taormina. It is in Piazza Armerina. You will find the best preserved Roman mosaics in the world here... fabulous. I also went to Castelmola for a short visit and the views are great. Mt. Etna is also interesting. Don't forget to walk the main street in Taormina day or evening. There is not much left of the ruins in Naxos, but it was a nice way to spend the morning, and then we walked along the beach. We also took the cable car down to Mazzaro and checked out Isola Bella and that lovely beach area. I was there in May and absolutely loved it and can't wait to go back! Have a great trip! Kay

Hi,<BR><BR>No-one seems to have mentioned the historic site of Morgantina, we were there 4 years ago and a man with a dog appraoched as we drove in to give us a tour, at first I said no and he said it would be advisable so we agreed. Turned out he was the archeologist of the site and has been pivitol in saving some of it from other countries piliging the site! It was a fabulous 3 hours with a lovely man, alas I cannot remember his name but the guardian weekend magazine featured him and Morgantina in an article recently. All visitors should take a look at Morgantina, it really was special. But Try to find the mystery guide with the dog too!!!<BR><BR>Happy travelling, b*<BR>PS I cannot stop going back to Sicily -its so special.

Check if there will still be shows going on at the Greek Theatre in Taormina. It usually hosts several plays (mainly ancient greek dramas or comedies) every summer.

Here are some things to see in Palermo:<BR><BR>1. Cathedral, Palazzo dei Normanni and Cappella Palatina (major attractions)<BR>2. Martorana and San Cataldo Churches<BR>3. S. Giuseppe dei Teatini Church<BR>4. San Domenico Church (Pantheon)<BR>5. Museo Archeologico<BR>6. Galleria Nazionale<BR>7. Palazzo Mirto<BR>8. Museo delle Marionette<BR>9. Teatro Massimo<BR>10. La Zisa (Arabic pleasure palace)<BR>11. La Cuba (Arabic palace)<BR>12. Cappuccini Church (cadavers)<BR>13. Mondello Beach<BR>14. Villa Palagonia in Bagheria<BR>15. Roman ruins at Solunto<BR>16. Monte Pellegrino and S. Rosalia Sanctuary (views of Palermo)<BR>17. Monreale (major attraction)<BR>18. Piazza Pretoria and the Fountain of Shame<BR>19. Lo Spasimo Church<BR>20. La Magione Church<BR>21. Santo Spirito Church (where the War of the Sicilian Vespers began in 1282)<BR>22. Vucciria Market<BR>23. Ballaro Market<BR><BR>Try to see a performance of the Puppet Theatre.

We are going to Sicily in October - your trip sounds exactly like ours - are you going on Grand Circle Tours? What dates are you going in October? <BR>We have never been there - looking forward to the trip - hear it will be fabulous -<BR>Enjoy

Have a meal at Lo Scudiero in Palermo.