Sicily

[MARTINE]

Hi @MARTINE
Thank you for your suggestions and recommendations. I've jotted them down. Lots of good first hand suggestions

The Hotel Villa Carlotta, does indeed look gorgeous. But probably out of my price range for my time of visit. (September)

I'm just trying to put the jigsaw pieces together. We fly into Catania in the evening and feel we will probably stay there the first couple of nights (I don't like 1 night stays and avoid them if possible). (Unless I get an airport pickup, up to Toarmina).

Probably then travel up to Toarmina. for 3/4 nights and then down to Ortigia. Maybe Ragusa? I will possibly have 13 nights.

Thanks Ellen
Its about an hour by car to Taormina from Catania. I find the latter a very dull overcrowded place. ….but appreciate arriving so late you just want to sleep. Not a place I would base for 3 days that’s just me.
I have to recommend when you go to Bam Bar in Taormina - the granita con panna
Granita topped w cream eaten with the softest brioche bun.

 

[VPS]

Thanks Ellen
Its about an hour by car to Taormina from Catania. I find the latter a very dull overcrowded place. ….but appreciate arriving so late you just want to sleep. Not a place I would base for 3 days that’s just me.
I have to recommend when you go to Bam Bar in Taormina - the granita con panna
Granita topped w cream eaten with the softest brioche bun.

Bam Bam a definite yes

 

[VPS]

Thank you @VPS for your links and reviews of the apartments in both Ortigia and Taormina. Its always great to get first hand knowledge of an accommodation.

I have checked out both places and the dates could possibly work for us. I am particularly interested in the Ortigia apartment, so if you are able to send her number that would be great.

Just a question about the bed. Do you know if it is a double or queen? Our preference is for a queen size bed. It doesn't say in the add. The Taormina one says double?

We are flying in to Catania in the evening so will probably stay there a couple of nights. Not big fans on 1 night stays.

I can't remember if it was double or queen but Marinella will help - I'll PM you the details

 

[VPS]

Thank you @VPS for your links and reviews of the apartments in both Ortigia and Taormina. Its always great to get first hand knowledge of an accommodation.

I have checked out both places and the dates could possibly work for us. I am particularly interested in the Ortigia apartment, so if you are able to send her number that would be great.

Just a question about the bed. Do you know if it is a double or queen? Our preference is for a queen size bed. It doesn't say in the add. The Taormina one says double?

We are flying in to Catania in the evening so will probably stay there a couple of nights. Not big fans on 1 night stays.

Check out the trains from Catania Airport to Taormina - very quick and then it's a 20 euro taxi ride to Taormina - I can give you the name of the person I used - I had a glass of wine in his restaurant. They are all 20 euro which I think is expensive but they obviously all agree

 

[RB]

Check out the trains from Catania Airport to Taormina - very quick and then it's a 20 euro taxi ride to Taormina - I can give you the name of the person I used - I had a glass of wine in his restaurant. They are all 20 euro which I think is expensive but they obviously all agree

I certainly wouldn't rule out bus as an alternative to bus. As always need to check the journey times as they vary

 

[VPS]

I certainly wouldn't rule out bus as an alternative to bus. As always need to check the journey times as they vary

I’m assuming you mean rule out of us as an alternative to train

 

[ellen10]

Thanks for your suggestions.

I had checked the Rome to Rio site. Which has the last train departing Catania airport at 7.57 and the last bus departs at 7.45pm.

Our flight gets in at around 7.20pm. We would have to get off the plane, collect our checked bags, etc. It would be a risk that we may miss the last public transport to Taormina. That is why I think we will have to spend the night in Catania.

 

[TheRealTMA]

Thanks for your suggestions.

I had checked the Rome to Rio site. Which has the last train departing Catania airport at 7.57 and the last bus departs at 7.45pm.

Our flight gets in at around 7.20pm. We would have to get off the plane, collect our checked bags, etc. It would be a risk that we may miss the last public transport to Taormina. That is why I think we will have to spend the night in Catania.

There’s no way your luggage will be available in that time frame. Italian air lines are notorious for slow luggage delivery. Stay overnight or get earlier flight.