Aloha
Travelilng this summer Mid-June - End of July with my daughter.
Thinking of flying into Sicily then working our way up to Como. We like to travel with flexibility, stay in Hostels,affordable B&B, back packing, train and maybe a car if it feels right.
Any suggestions on a route is appreciated,c.places, et If there is extra time we may go to France or ???, fly out of either Paris or Milan, or ? Would like to see Opera, fesivals along the way.
thanks you
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, USA
306 posts
First, you will want to Fly into Naples, I believe it is the closest international airport to Sicily. If you want to fly out of Milan, the route is fairly simple. Go North.
Here is what I would suggest. Sicily - Salerno - Sorrento - Rome - Tuscan Villages - Florence - Pisa - Cinque Terre - Venice - Dolomites - Lake Como - Milan.
I think you could do the above itinerary in 3 weeks to 4 weeks without feeling rushed. I'm not sure how often you make it to Europe given that you live in Hawaii, but if you don't go often or I would suggest using two weeks to explore other parts of Europe.
Posted by
SF Bay Area, CA, USA
508 posts
Nancye - If you are flying through London or Paris and want to start off in Sicily, there are some direct flights. British Airways flies to Catania from London Gatwick. easyJet flies from London Gatwick to Palermo and from Paris Orly to Catania or Palermo. There are also flights from Milan and Rome down to Sicily.
My personal choice in Italy would be to stick to trains except in Tuscany and the Dolomites. In those two places, I would rent a car.
Since Scott's suggested itinerary could be easily done in 4 weeks, just go to the easyJet, Kayak.com, and whichbudget.com to see which destinations interest you for the remaining two weeks. The time that you are going is going to be quite crowded and the Southern destinations will be much warmer (and probably more crowded) than the North.
Off the subject, but still travel related - my favorite island is Hawaii and my two favorite beaches are very close to you - Hapuna and Kauna‘oa.
Posted by
OP
Kona, Hawaii
5 posts
Thank you for the responses, I am just beginning my research and your comments are appreciated
Yes those beaches are beautiful. If you get this way send me a message and I'll give you some other great places to visit
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
If you want to see festivals - do some research to see what villages will be having their "Festa". It is an amazing ritural, usually honoring the village's Patron Saint.
Get a good map - and have fun with your research!
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15586 posts
Verona is a lovely town between Venice and Como/Milan. They have an ancient Roman outdoor arena and their opera season should be in full swing by the time you get up north. Do check it out. And of course there is La Scala in Milan.
I would definitely take the opportunity to spend a week in Paris!