Hi All - I am trying to arrange travel from Siena to Reggio de Calabria in early October and was wondering what option is best. We are short on time and have 4 days to get from Siena to Calabria and then plan to spend one day in Calabria region (just visiting old family home), then drive over to Sicily and spend 2 days there and catch the Ferry back to Naples to then go on to Sorrento. We leave Siena on 7th October and need to be back to Sorrento on 11th October. So my question is - is it best to catch the bus to Florence airport, then fly direct to Calabria (about 3.5 hours, change in Rome airport and approx $200 pp) or catch an overnight train there instead. Driving isn't an option because we are limited on time. Is flying worth the extra cost? Also has anyone taken the overnight ferry from Palmero to Naples before? Any feedback? Thanks all! Much appreciated...
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Take a flight and avoid, AT ALL COSTS, the "espresso" trains that go to Calabria. Surely, they are cheap, but they are the worst in Western Europe. Run from them! Middle-class Italians like me wouldn't ever take them unless in an emergency. The Palermo-Napoli ferry is ok if you pay for a cabin. Still, it is probably better if you just take a flight, and likely cheaper if you buy in advance. ============== The drive from Calabria to Sicilia is absolutely stunning. The ferry over the Messina strait costs around € 30, though. Hefty toll. In Sicilia, tolls are much cheaper than in mainland Italy.
Posted by
Gaston, Oregon, USA
931 posts
Another option for you to to check is to take the 2 hr train ride to Pisa, and grab a lo-cost flight (check the Whichbudget.com web site for a list of the lo-cost inter EU airlines) to one of the two airports in Regio. (Svincolo or Lamezeia Terme (served by Air One or Ryan Air) I assume you need the car to visit in Reggio? Use Whichbudget to also find lo-cost flights from Palermo or Catania to Naples. When you use the lo-cost inter EU airlines you will be limited to ONE carry on...not one purse and a carry-on...one item only. Size and weight rules are strictly enforced. Read the rules on the planes web site. Note that Ryan air usually flys out of obscure airports. We have flown on both Ryan and Air One (not on this route) and enjoy both. Air One is more like a "regular" airline.
Posted by
OP
Prahran, Victoria, Australia
2 posts
Thank you very much both for your help. I've reconsidered taking the train now and have booked airline tickets (only available was Aitalia) from Florence to Reggio. We will drive to Sienna from Reggio as are no longer going to Sicily. Thanks again, Leila