The Sicily Blog

MOJA SYCYLIA – W?OCHY…

More @ This hotel is located in the tourist centre of Palermo, just a short distance from a diverse selection of shopping venues, restaurants, bars and nightclubs (200 m). The nearest beach is about 9 km from the hotel. Facilities: Renovated in 2003, this 7-floor hotel comprises a total of 137 rooms. Facilities include a 24-hour reception desk, safes, a currency excha…

we’re off to palermo and favignana. has anybody been traveling independently in these regions with public transport? what not ot miss and where to stay. zk

Suggested Reading:

Italy (Country Guide)For expert advice, inspirational tips and exciting itineraries, Lonely Planet is your essential Italy companion. Whether you want to hunt for truffles... Read More >

I actually did this! Well I took a train from Palermo to Rome and it was just last week!
Make sure NOT to get 2nd Class which is what we did (to my protest!). It was very cramped and I was completely exhausted the next day from terrible sleep and was aching from neck to lower back.
You can buy the tickets at Termini station. Go to the automated booths which have english (click british flag) in the regional machines. You should find it. It takes, I can’t remember exactly, 10-12 hours.
There is a 30 minute ferry ride from Sicily to mainland Italy. You can leave the train and they have a snack bar and bathrooms on the top level. It’s also nice to get some fresh air while you are up there.
I took a train from Rome to Naples (2hrs and then spent two nights there) and then took a ferry from Naples to Palermo (we got on at 8p but actually left port at 9p and got there around 9a). We got a private cabin (two people) which actually had 4 beds with a shower! This cost about $120/person. The 2nd Class train ride from Palermo to Rome was about $60/person.AGAIN get a private cabin which costs a little more but totally worth it unless you are on a tight budget. I would definitely pay double for it after my experience. Actually, looking back, I think I would have done the Palermo to Naples ferry and then train back to Rome.
Make sure to do the overnight travel. That way you can sleep and maximize your time in Italy. They have day travel too but that’s such as waste of time and you save on lodging with night travel.
In the ferry if you don’t get the private room you are put in this giant “theatre” style room (there are TVs there). On the train you should be able to “secure” your luggage in the overhead shelf. I didn’t see where the passenger in the 1st or 2nd class seating on the ferry put their luggage. Didn’t pay attention. The ferry was definitely much more comfortable and had a restaurant and a shop.
Hope that helps…

Suggested Reading:

Frommer's Sicily (Frommer's Complete)

Frommer's. The best trips start here.

Experience a place the way the locals do. Enjoy the best it has to offer.

The lowdo... Read More >