After attending a family wedding in Germany (former exchange student!), we plan to fly to Italy on 8/25 or 26 and spend 2 weeks. We want a more relaxing pace this time and would appreciate advice. After reading many opinions on the forum, we will end our stay in Val Gardena for 6 nights. We are considering 2 cities on the front end. We could fly to Genoa and take the train to Cinque Terre for 4 nights, or possibly stay in Rapallo. Then we would head to Parma. Or we could skip the coast and fly to Bologna and go to Parma for 3 nights and then maybe Verona. Any thoughts? We will be traveling by train/bus. TIA!
Posted by
Irving
3484 posts
Despite the crowds, I would fly into the Cinque Terre and visit the Cinque Terre. If you hike, add a night per hike. If you don't hike, you need a minimum of two nights.
Posted by
OP
46 posts
Thank you MaryPat. (Yes, we are hikers...) Have you by chance flown in to either Pisa or Genoa from within Europe? Our connection from Düsseldorf would be with Lufthansa's Air Dolomiti, and it gets horrible reviews. Trying to figure out the best and most reliable avenue for transportation. I appreciate your insight!
Posted by
Idaho, USA
9188 posts
If you like relaxed hiking, I would avoid the Cinque Terre crowd and strongly consider the gorgeous Dolomite region. You could easily pair that with Verona before or after & Bologna or Parma.
Posted by
new york
1046 posts
Agree with Jean...I'd stay far away from the CT in August. Far away.
Posted by
OP
46 posts
Jean, you posted on another question that you stayed twice at "hotel Kmkwoo" in Parma. Was that a typo? I'm looking at possible accommodations and these recommendations are so helpful!
Posted by
Irving
3484 posts
Have you by chance flown in to either Pisa or Genoa from within Europe?
No, I have not!