what is the best city/airport to fly into? Want to be somewhere large enough wtih good trains out. Not planning on staying in any of the large towns. Suggestions?
Posted by
southwest, Missouri, U.S.A.
1717 posts
Lori : For most people, generally, going to the places in ITALY that you want to go to, I recommend fly to the Malpensa airport of MILAN, and go from there to the Cinque Terre, as quickly as is possible. When I was in ITALY, in 2004, an Express train went from a train station in MILAN to MONTEROSSO (in the Cinque Terre). Rick Steves recommends going to a peaceful place in nature, such as the Mediteranean Sea coast (Cinque Terre) first, and going to a big city (Rome) later, after you are experienced in being in ITALY. I agree with Rick. Whatever you are interested in seeing in ITALY, I recommend staying at a Cinque Terre village for three nights (minimum) before going to the cities in ITALY. FLORENCE is not a big city, but it can be stressful. And yes, your return flight to the U.S.A. can be from Rome. An airline might not add an extra fee for flying "open jaw". Some good Italian phrases to know : Tutto va bene. Bravo. il dolce far niente.
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
Lori- That would depend upon where you are visiting! Rome would have the best and most frequent train connections to all other areas. But if you are staying in the north, Milan or Florence would work.
Posted by
OP
Seattle, WA, USA
28 posts
I'm going to be all over the place...want to go up to Cinque Terre, go to some of the Tuscan hill towns, and then down to Naples/amalfi coast.
Maybe flying into the middle, rome would be the best option.
Posted by
White Bear Lake, MN, USA
479 posts
Lori, you can start in Milan, take a train to the CT, pick up a rental car in La Spezia, and then make your way as far south (through Tuscany, of course) as you think you have time for. Then you can fly open-jawed out of Rome.