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Transportation to Florence airport from Cinque Terre

Hi Travelers,
I am planning a big trip next year for 11 family members. While I have most of the important things figured out (Airline tickets & places to stay) there are a few things I am struggling with where I am looking for help or suggestions. This is a life long dream for my parents so I want to make it the best possible trip for them. My dad is 82 and my mom is 78 and they never been out of the country. They both are in good health, however my dad is slower and doesn't walk as much as my mom.

So this is how our trip goes. Five of us leave on April 28 flying direct to Rome, then we have a short flight to Palermo. I have already booked a place to stay in the heart of Palermo using it as our base. We will do the markets, day trip to Cefalu and hire someone to take us to Bagheria to check out the town where my grandparents came from. Any ideas or suggestions on things to do in Palermo in order to keep a slower pace but enjoy the culture would greatly be appreciated.

On May 4 we will fly back to Rome and meet up with 6 more family members. We are renting 3 cars and driving up to Monticheillo and staying there for 6 nights. Since I've been here many times I pretty much know what we will do while we are there but if anyone has something that is not to be missed suggestions, I would love to hear them.

On May 10 we will drive back to Rome, get rid of our cars and spend two nights in the city center to see the sights. Seven of the 11 will be going home two days later.

Four of us are continuing on. The plan is to take a train to Cinque Terre and stay two nights there. My main question is that I would like to figure out the best option on how to catch a 11:20 plane in Florence on the day we leave. Does anyone have any experience with hiring a driver? I reached out to one person, he seemed interested but then I never heard back from him. I was trying to avoid the trains, but not opposed but I just want to make sure I can catch our plane to Munich. I think it would be much easier to be dropped off at the airport. I would greatly appreciate any ideas so that I'm not stressing making it to airport by 10:20 in the morning.

Thank you!
Wendy

Posted by
5291 posts

Wendy,
I always prefer to spend the night before my flight in my departure city, and that’s what I suggest you consider doing as well.
You can then take a taxi from Florence to the airport.

Enjoy your trip!

Posted by
5347 posts

I agree with Priscilla. CT (I picked Monterosso since you didn't specify which town) is about 2 1/2 hrs by car ( that would be very expensive by private hire with driver) or train (which would require at least 1 or 2 changes. That's a long way away from the airport for a morning departure. Going to Florence the evening before would be more prudent, and likely much less stressful.

On a side note, CT is not the easiest place to get around for seniors who may not have the strongest legs or a lot of strength. Lots of steep streets and hills, not to mention uneven walking surfaces. Have you considered how your parents might fare there?

Posted by
28 posts

Thank you for that information. That may be the best. My parents are going to be leaving with the other 7 family members. My daughter, her boyfriend my husband and I will be continuing on.

Posted by
872 posts

The OP is aware that La Porta is the premier restaurant in Monticheillo, but we prefer the Taverna di Moranda, run by a lovely elderly couple who have been there for years.

Suggest Hertz cars return in Chiusi [closed Sunday], a 40 minute drive; half block from the station. First train to Rome at 10:54AM.

Posted by
28 posts

Thank you so much. I will check out Taverna di Moranda while we are in Monticheillo.