We plan to fly from Houston, Tx to Italy to visit CT area (maybe Portofina and/or Sorrento too) for 2 wks in July. Which city or airports are closest and/or have the cheapest airfare, Florence, Genoa or Milan? If there is another cheaper and/or scenic alternative, that's ok too. We are also open to flying into and out of different places. Husband not interested in museums, church's, etc.,just relaxing and food. I'm still trying to get him to go see Lake Como area (maybe on a 2-3 day rail trip) but he's not interested in Venice - I want to see all of Italy! I've read on blog that it's hot in July, but is that also with sea breeze in CT and Sorrento? Would we be able to find accomodations in CT after we arrive, and if hot any that have A/C and not too expensive?
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
Deeply discounted airfares vary. Often they are brief and disappear quickly. Venice, Milan and Rome are three airports that have flights landing directly from the U.S.A. Pisa does have Delta out of JFK in NY but I think that's it. All other airports, including Genoa, Florence, Naples and others, will require a transfer elsewhere in Europe. But, if the fare is right, its OK.
If you plan on visiting both the CT and Sorrento, note that there is about 7.0hrs train travel between the two areas. Although these two areas can have a lot of tourists, you are going from one geographically remote area to another. Lake Como would add another 4.5hrs from the CT. Same reason.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO (formerly, Windermere, FL)
340 posts
At this late date you might consider looking at a consolidator package that includes your hotel in one of the larger cities where you want to stay for 2-3 nights. For example, try a search on kayak, expedia, travelocity, etc for flight plus hotel. I don't know if this will work, but sometimes you can save quite a bit combining flight and air. Also, most places in CT you will not find in a search engine but you need to contact directly for availability. CT has lots of hiking but is a bit limited on restaurants, if that is what your husband is looking forward to. It's not a "resort" type area. If that's what he wants, concentrate more on Sorrento/Amalfi Coast. (Don't know much about Portofino, but hear it is $$$). Really, try to convince him on Florence, Rome or Venice. We absolutely love the CT, but it's not a main destination sort of place - more like an area to get past jet lag or take a break from sightseeing in big cities in the middle of your trip. If you want to go in the next 3-4 weeks, I would keep it simple and just pick 3 places at the most to go to. Planning transportation connections, hotels, etc. for more than that in such a short time when you have never been there might be a little tough.
Hey, just had another thought. Have you checked on a Mediterranean cruise? I saw RCI is running specials on them but don't know the details. You won't see as much of the country but you will have lots of time to relax and see enough of the Italy to entice you back. Realistically, for an in depth trip that you will really enjoy, you should start planning and doing research about 6 months to a year prior.
About AC in CT: I don't think many places have it. But we were there at the end of August and open windows with sea breezes are fine. CT is quite rustic so be sure to do your research before going and let your husband see photos so he isn't surprised. Sorrento is a much bigger city and you will easily find AC there.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, USA
1895 posts
You should check all the airlines that fly into Italy to find the cheapest fare. We can't tell you that. it changes by the day. Keep checking with airlines and you will find a fare you think you want, buy it.
As far as what airport. The two closest to the CT would be Pisa or Genoa. Depending on the airlines out of Houston, that will determine which city you will fly to. One can be more expensive than the other. Florence will be a bit further away if you want to start on the coast.
Most likely you fly into Germany first, then to Italy on a smaller carrier. Do a search on Orbitz or Travelocity to find good fares, then check the individual airline sites to see if you can find something a bit lower. Dont' expect great bargins in the middle of the summer, and if you are going THIS July, you better start to plan now!
Posted by
Seattle, WA
17435 posts
You can check prices on all airlines and for several airports at once on www.kayak.com.
I just ran a quick search for random dates in July and came up with cheapest flights from Houston into Milan--Linnate airport. It was $874 on Lufthansa. Genoa and Pisa both cost more by several hundred $$$. But your actual dates could be different.
I would NOT count on finding accommodation in Cinque Terre, especially with air conditioning, on arrival in July. You should book something now. You could also try the nearby towns like Levanto, Sestri Levanti, etc.
Posted by
Trenton, Ontario, Canada
204 posts
I agree with Ellen- START PLANNING NOW. A lot of places are book early (Jan & Feb) for the CT as well as Sorrento. I have just received a confirmation for a room in Vernazza for May 2010. As for Sorrento I would suggest a place called El Nido - they are up above Sorrento but do have a shuttle service. Their restaurant is very good and sitting on the balcony on a warm summers eve with your wine and a beautiful sunset is absolutely the ultimate. Milan is a good airport for Air Italia who offer some good rates, from there train to CT. Same with Genoa good train service to CT.
Fly into either one of those and out of Rome - that is if you want to see some History.
Tell you husband that my better half was just a food and relax person until he got to Italy- Venice, Rome and the Tuscany and Umbria hill towns. That was in 2006 - We are now planning on going back to Italy next year and Venice is at the top of the list. You do not have to visit the museums just walk the back streets for the wine and food - Unbelievable.
Enjoy