1.  We drive--

     a.  1~4 of you can go in Stephen's new 4 + 1 minivan.

We can take you around in a car, our 5-person minivan (four of you + Stephen) or a larger minivan or bus, depending on how many of you there are. We can go anywhere in Sicily and beyond.  Of course, if you want, we can arrange to drive a car that you rent yourself.

You can see Stephen's minivan in the picture above; Stephen is the guy in the middle. . . . . just kidding.
 
     b.  more than 4 of you we can take in a rental van or bus that we would drive.


2.  You drive--
                        advice on rental cars:

Italians are the world's most polite drivers. No, it's true, if you remember that the rules of the road are not set but are in constant negotiation. Italians prefer the human communication between drivers. You do not need rules while walking along the sidewalk, why do you need them on the other side of the curb? You watch the other drivers and they are watching you, and with some polite give and take, it works. Well, for Italians it does; the tourist had better keep alert.

A compact car (for a couple) would run perhaps € 35~45 per day, a midsized (up to four people) perhaps € 65. If you can find a cheaper rate than that, we'll match it.

Petrol costs about € 1+ per litre, or € 4.5+ per gallon (€ 3.8+ per US gallon).

If you like, we can arrange it all for you.

Air travel
                        There are two international airports: Catania and Palermo. Frequent connections can be made from major European cities.

We may be prejudiced, but ancient Syracuse was the beginning of it all: the great power of ancient Greek Sicily. Thus, we suggest that you come into Catania and begin your tour with Siracusa. From here,  a circle of the island can be done in roughly chronological order.

Still, if you arrive in Palermo, we can meet you there too.

 
Rail travel
                         The best way to travel around Italy on a budget are the Italian trains. There are good train connections from Rome, Naples, and points north (amazingly, they put the whole train on the ferry at Messina) to Catania and Siracusa, and to Palermo.

Within Sicily, Siracusa is one hour by frequent train from Catania, 90 minutes from Taormina. There are no easy train connections, however, between Catania and Palermo. Car or buses are best getting around Sicily.

 
Buses, bicycle, sailing, hiking, etc.
                         Intercity buses in Sicilyare more frequent, more convenient, faster cheaper, and more comfortable than the trains.  Also, there are bicycle, sailing, and hiking opportunities. Just ask us.