we'll be based in siracusa for a week, and looking for restaurant suggestions, esp. off-the beaten path, and good spots to meet people and avoid the tourist crush.
There is a super article on Siracusa on the initaly.com site by Kristin Jarrett that I have copied--we will be there in May. She has several good ristorante suggestions.
Too bad that the article (in Departures Magazine) does not reference the cheap airporter bus from the Catania Airport to Siracusa, but only speaks about a taxi for $75.00. The article could have been much more helpful if it had also mentioned the bus connection.
>>The article could have been much more helpful if it had also mentioned the bus connection.<<
Departures Magazine is published for AMEX Platinum Card holders.....my suspicion is that most Platinum Card holders are not too likely to opt for the Catania Airporter bus.
But for the rest of us, it is a very valuable suggestion.
Very true in many cases. But some people might remark "How do you think I became an AMEX platinum card member; not by needlessly throwing money away when there are other less expensive options which are nearly as convenient". But then, maybe this magazine wants to maintain a certain "image" by not discussing public transportation options more in line with "budget" or "discount" publications.
>>But some people might remark "How do you think I became an AMEX platinum card member;<<
Possibly, but the AMEX Platinum Card costs $395 a year, so they have to expend a certain amount just to be a Platinum Card holder.
The biggest perk of the AMEX Platinum that I am aware of is that if one buys one business class ticket using the card, a companion ticket is thrown in for free. Clients have gotten the AMEX Platinum solely for that benefit.
No, I just don't think we will find many AMEX Platinum card holders on the bus from Catania Airport to Siracusa.
I'm sure you're right: and those who DO take the airporter bus will be laughing all the way to the Bank, at least for the 70 Euros they've saved (no thanks to the Magazine), and who may possibly want to spend the savings at a very good restaurant in Siracusa (or upgrading their hotel)! But, they may have to be a little patient and wait for the bus schedule, instead of hopping on the first taxi or limo available at the airport.
BTW, taking an intercity bus in Italy does not have the same negative "image" problems as taking Greyhound in the U.S. Intercity buses remain popular in Italy with the elderly, students, some professionals, and (of course) working class people. But there is no social stigma attached to taking the bus, as is the case in the U.S. I believe that many Americans may not be aware of this distinction.
I am sure that you are correct about the clientele on inter-city buses in Italy; however, I don't think it is image that deters AMEX Platinum holders from taking the bus as much as convenience--no waiting for a schedule, having someone handle the luggage and getting dropped directly at the door of one's hotel.
As you may gather from the rest of the article that describes one accommodation that costs $5,000 US for 3 days, money doesn't appear to be an issue.
You know the story about the man who is in a yacht salesroom and asks the salesperson how much the 40 foot yacht he is looking at costs....The salesperson answers that "If you have to ask the price, then you can't afford to buy the yacht."
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