We will be in Umbria for one week, after which we want to go to Catania for 3 weeks in Sicily. I'm assuming we will need to leave Umbria via train at Orvieto, but could be wrong about that. What are some options to get to Catania within a day or two? We are thinking of training to Naples and then flying from there to Catania. We don't really want to overnight in Naples, but doing it all in one day is too much. Suggestions for another place near Naples to overnight for a flight out the next morning, or thinking outside that box, what are some other options?
Posted by
near San Francisco
5254 posts
You ask about options from near Naples. Is Rome an option? Have you already ruled it out?
There are many flights from Rome to Catania. I've flown Ryanair - I'm seeing 5 nonstop flights per day. Alitalia has more than a dozen per day. I've also flown Air France between Rome and Catania.
Posted by
11506 posts
Flying makes the most sense. We have driven from Spello, Umbria to Naples, easy to do on the Autostrada. Why won’t you spend a night in Naples, a wonderful city?
You will be in two of our favorite places in Italy, Umbria and Sicily. Enjoy.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2967 posts
There are non-stop flights from Florence to Catania as well.
Posted by
OP
Huntington Beach, CA
94 posts
I suppose we should give Naples a chance. Our previous visit there was short and limited to the train station area and I know there must be nice parts! Recommendations for a nice hotel or B&B with a view of the water??
Posted by
Folsom
2725 posts
Why go all then way to Naples? If you are in Umbria you can make your way to Orvieto. It’s a great town to overnight. The train to Rome is frequent and short. You can then train to FCO or cab for a fixed rate. If you book an afternoon flight to Catania that is where you’ll have dinner.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
From most points in Umbria, you're no more than 3-31/2 hours from FCO.
Posted by
seattle
2088 posts
If you do go to Naples, I’ve heard people really like the Chiaia neighborhood which is near the bay. It is older and many of the hotels have viewa of the water. We spend a week in Naples and enjoyed it very much. Getting away from the train station is recommended.
Posted by
seattle
2088 posts
If you do go to Naples, I’ve heard people really like the Chiaia neighborhood which is near the bay. It is older and many of the hotels have viewa of the water. We spend a week in Naples and enjoyed it very much. Getting away from the train station is recommended. But getting to FCO in Rome will involve a lot less time. There are many reasonable flights a day via Aitalia and Ryan Air.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15773 posts
Go to the wiki page for Catania airport. There's a chart with all the airlines and destinations. Then you can decide what's the best route for you. I flew the other way from Catania to Bologna. You may find somewhere more to your liking than Naples to overnight. Ferrara has shuttle service from the historic center to the Bologna airport, for example.
Posted by
11506 posts
We stayed in Chiapas at Palazzo Alabardieri and liked it very much. No views as on a small street but very quiet, nice rooms and great breakfast.
Posted by
New Orleans
1215 posts
I'm with Alan. There are almost hourly flights on Alitalia from FCO (Rome) to Catania, for approx. $100 US. According to trenitalia.com it's approx. 2.5 hours by train from Orvieto to FCO train station. So, you could easily spend the night in Orvieto (a wonderful town!!) then take a mid-day flight from FCO to Catania and be in Catania for a late lunch. Just be sure and give yourself at least two hours in FCO between arrival from Orvieto and your flight's departure time (especially if you are checking baggage).