It has been a number of years since I’ve been there, but I’d imagine you’d fly into Palermo (or take a ferry?). If you are only there for a weekend, I think I’d just experience Palermo. If you were going to be ambitious, maybe tack on Taormina, but even that seems like a busy 2 days.

If you said “I’m an archeological student staying in Rome” I would think making it down to Agrigento would be a must, but with 2 days, again, I’m just thinking enjoy Palermo. Or, stretch the visit toa week and see Palermo, Taorimina, Siracusa (my fav) and Agrigento (maybe toss in Noto to boot).

In terms of getting around, I used private bus lines. Perhaps on some routes public buses or trains are now around, but when I was traveling those big coaches were the main way to get around. The bus companies are pretty easy to find from any train station, airport, or tourist office.

If you are determined to see as much as possible in 2 days, it looks like there are services that will take you from Palermo to Taorimina via Agrigento.
They even do airport transfers. That seems like a pretty great way to go. Trying to do that on regular coach lines would probably be much slower.

Here’s a website for the region of Sicily’s tourism site. and here’s one for the Palermo provincial region

Good luck!

Hi Dolly
I am sure you know that a weekend in Sicily sounds a bit like a morning in London – absurdly short. However, a weekend is better than nothing, if that’s the choice.

It’s a murderous question as what I think of the must-sees are scattered round the island. I have tried to narrow it down to the must-must-must-sees and even then I have trouble. I guess it comes down to your own tastes.

If it’s Greek remains that drive you, I guess either Siracusa or Agrigento – both if possible. The basilica at Monreale is one of the most superb ecclesiastical buildings in Europe and for a combination of scenery and the marvellous outdoor Greek/Roman amphitheatre, Taormina is tops. Google will give you details of any of these.

Railways are limited and I was there during a semi-strike so I used mainly buses. http://insurance.essentialtravel.co.uk/tg-europe/italy/sicily-getting-around.asp
may help.
http://sicilia.indettaglio.it/eng/autolinee/autolinee.html
looks great.

Hello Dolly!
I hope you have found your way to Sicily by now. Even though you may be getting this late, I wanted to tell you about a beautiful nature preserve somewhat near Palermo called the Zingero. It’s along the coastline next to Castelamare del Gulfo. The nearest town to the Zingero is called Scopello. It’s quite a unique spot with beautiful water and rocky crags overhead. The town of Scopello is about 1/2 hour from Palermo by car. If you are in the mood for a nature trip, then you can’t beat the water and peaceful setting (no cars allowed on the zingero). Another great spot nearby are the greek ruins at Segesta. The temples and amphitheater are breathtaking and it’s much closer to Palermo than Agrigento.

Another alternative is to hang around the city of Palermo and take a quick trip to the beach at Cefalu. It’s also a nice spot, but it’s filled with tourists and no privacy.

I wouldn’t miss a trip to Palermo. It’s a beautiful place. I liked the archilogical museum and any church you wander into will be amazing.

I rented a car at the Palermo airport and drove around the island in order to find the town where my grandmother was born. You probably don’t plan getting a car but it is the most interesting and personal way to get around.

I hope you have a great trip!! I wish i was there….