My trip that had to be postponed last fall, and which has gone through several incarnations since, finally begins next Wednesday. Very off-season travel I realize.
There are various reasons for staying at the particular places we are, primary of which is that the trip was originally a small group tour being done by an Italian friend who had these places booked at good rates...so when the tour fell apart, my traveling companion and I just kept the rates. This is my busiest season of work and I haven't had time to focus on my own travels.(Cobbler's kids come to mind). Anyway, here goes with the plan, and I welcome comments.
24 FEB Arrive Naples 6:30 PM, get to Ravello, stay four nights at Hotel Bonadies. One day to 'chill out,' one touring with Marcello Maresca,one doing museum in Naples before flying to Sicily.
28 FEB Fly to Palermo, three nights at Grand Hotel Villa Igiea. One day in town (hotel has a shuttle), one day to Monreale and more (we pick up our rental car the second day)
03 MAR Visit Segesta and more. Overnight at Hotel Baglio Basile near Marsala
04 MAR Agrigento, Hotel Domus Aurea
05 MAR Through Piazza Armerina, Caltagirone.
05,06,07 Giuggiulena B&B, Siracusa MAR (walking distance to Ortygia, but not on it).Day trip to Ragusa, Noto.
08 MAR Hotel Paradiso Dell'Etna, slopes of Mt. Etna
09, 10 GRAND HOTEL TIMEO, Taormina MAR
11 MAR Hotel Parco Delgi Aragnesi, Catania - just get there to sleep.
Thanks, RAR and LORAC! I should have mentioned Selinunte, as I do intend to go that on the day going from Marsala to Agrigento.
Part of the pleasure of traveling for me is all the reading and research beforehand, but I've been short on time for that this time. You should see the books spread out around me now, though!
Sally, I'm sure you already know this, however -- be sure to bring sweaters and jacket and a coat. The weather here has been sunny and halfway-decently-warm in the mornings, but every afternoon around 12:00 the clouds roll in and it gets really cold and rainy. We don't expect it to change for another couple weeks
Hey Sally, So sorry you are leaving the 12th, as I'm arriving that day for a week's stay in Taoramina....w/a few other friends. Maybe you can do a few more incantations so the weather will be more agreeable.........Have a great time, ciao, Cheryl
Wow Sally, you are staying in better hotels than we are in May. I had lunch one day at the Timeo and loved the views. I will be curious about how much time to spend at Noto/ Ragusa and which is preferable. We will be spending 2 nites right at Selinunte--Hotel Alceste. Have a great trip and report back !
On Saturday, 5th March, you might want to reverse your itinerary. Leaving Agrigento why not visit Caltagirone first since many of the ceramic shops close for the luncheon break and don't open again till round about 3:30PM. Then you can head up to see the Villa del Casale in Piazza Armerina then down to Siracusa. A busy day.
On Wednesday, 09 March on your way to Taormina stop for lunch at this spot. Antico Orto dei Limoni, Via Grotta, 4, Nicolosi You might want to call ahead for a reservation. Tel. 095 910808 You can have a look at: www.ortolimoni.it Closed on Tuesday.
Bob - We spent a week in Selinunte two years ago. We were in a private apartment, but passed the Alceste several times. It looked nice and I'm sure you will enjoy Selinunte. There was a restaurant just outside of town next to a nature preserve. It's only open after dark and the tables are set up outside on the beach. The food was so-so, but the setting was fantastic. I'm sorry I can't recall the name. Also, Da Vittorio's in Porto Palo is not far away.
Posts: 186 | Location: Rochester NY | Registered: 10 December 2002
[QUOTE]Originally posted by BOB THE NAVIGATOR: Wow Sally, you are staying in better hotels than we are in May.QUOTE]
Big difference in prices for March travelers over May, as you know! Another reason why my 2004 trip to Italy was in January and this one will be in February-March.
Sally... Wishing you a fabulous trip! After having read your wise and thoughtful advice and guidance on Slowtrav, I just know that any trip you plan will be a delight! Can I have all your leftover ideas and travel guides? Enjoy!
Posts: 4840 | Location: Fox Creek, AB...home from Victoria, BC with memories of whale watching and delicious food, fresh seafood daily and the best creme brulee ever! | Registered: 26 October 2003
Wow! What fascinating photos, Brenda! Thanks for the suggestion and link. I'd read that one could see Mt. Etna from space...it's larger than metropolitan Manhattan or LA. These sure make that clear!
Sally... I'm so happy you liked this link on Mount Etna...I thought it was fascinating!
Just noticed that your signature is not posting on any of your entries on this topic...I think it was there yesterday when I read through this topic...dunno what happened! Is it just on my 'puter?
OK, I just checked again and it is there! Whazzup with that?
"Man is the best computer we can put aboard a spacecraft ... and the only one that can be mass produced with unskilled labor." ~ Werhner von Braun Brenda
Posts: 4840 | Location: Fox Creek, AB...home from Victoria, BC with memories of whale watching and delicious food, fresh seafood daily and the best creme brulee ever! | Registered: 26 October 2003
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