She's a great cook, but she feel about pasta like I feel about potatoes - I ate spuds every day growing up, why would I want to eat spuds now I can cook for myself???
Yes that's the route to drive - although it's closer to 3 hours than 2. That route over the mountains is more like 4 hours. My in-laws have a farm near Cesaró (turn left at Bronte).
Interesting tidbit - Lord Nelson was granted a mansion in Maniace where his family lived until the '60s, when it was turned over to the state. It's an excellent day trip. If you do go, you must - must! - try the pistachio ice cream that's a specialty in those parts. Also the pasta con sugo di cingiale, pasta sauce made from the meat of wild boars... to die for!
2.5 hours is probably the ideal time to leave between flights. Time to grab a stupidly expensive coffee and have a bathroom break but not so much that the kids are going to get themselves in trouble
