Exploring Florence, Portofino, and Cinque Terre: The Best Way to Travel and Affordable Accommodation Options
Introduction
A group of four women is planning a trip to Florence, Portofino, and the Cinque Terre in May 2024. They are wondering if taking a train from Rome to Florence and using it as a base to explore the other destinations is the best option. Additionally, they are looking for suggestions on affordable and centrally located accommodations, considering their previous experience staying in monasteries.
Exploring Florence and Using It as a Base
The train is indeed the best way to travel from Rome to Florence. However, using Florence as a base for visiting the Cinque Terre may not be practical due to the long travel time. The train journey alone takes around five hours, leaving little time for exploration. Instead, it is recommended to stay in a coastal town like Sestri Levante. From Sestri Levante, there is a convenient railway line that stops at each of the five Cinque Terre villages. This allows for easy hopping on and off the train to explore the villages. Another option is to take a boat cruise along the coast, which can be arranged through hotels in Sestri Levante. To visit Portofino, you can either take a boat or opt for the more affordable bus option, which takes around 25 minutes. If you prefer monastery accommodations, you can find several options on the Monastery Stays website.
Exploring Sicily and Malta: Easy Tours and Bases
If you plan to visit Sicily and Malta in May 2024, it is recommended to base yourself in Valletta for exploring Malta. Valletta offers easy access to various day trips, including cultural tours, food experiences, boat trips to the Blue Lagoon, and visits to historic sites. For Sicily, choosing a base depends on the specific destinations you wish to visit. Ortigia, an island connected to Syracuse by a bridge, is a great option for exploring Noto, Ragusa, Modica, Catania, Taormina, and Mount Etna as day trips. Make sure to allocate a couple of days for relaxing in Ortigia and exploring its charming streets. Other notable places to visit in Sicily include Palermo and the Aeolian Islands, which may require additional days in your itinerary.
Booking Affordable Tours in Australia
If your friend from the UK plans to tour Australia in February 2024, it is advisable to book tours directly with Australia-based operators. Tour operators like Intrepid Travel, G Adventures, and Discover Australia Holidays offer more competitive prices compared to UK tour operators. You can also check out Tour Radar for a compilation of tours from various operators. However, it is important to consider factors beyond price when choosing a tour, such as group size, accommodation, meals, duration in each place, and the age range of the group members.
Exploring Northern Italy: Ideal Bases and Transportation
If you plan to spend up to nine days in June exploring northern Italy, it is recommended to use Lake Como as your first base. The area around Tremezzo provides easy access to Bellagio, Varenna, Villa del Balbianello, Villa Carlotta, and the lake ferries. Public transportation is sufficient for getting around the lakes, and you can even take a train from nearby Menaggio to Lugano in Switzerland. From Lake Como, you can travel to Desenzano, located at the southern end of Lake Garda and well-connected with the lake’s ferry services. From Desenzano, you can take a two-hour train ride to Bolzano. It is not necessary to rent a car as public transportation is convenient and allows you to enjoy the scenic routes without the hassle of driving.
Conclusion
When planning your trips to various destinations, it is important to consider the most practical and efficient ways to travel, as well as affordable accommodation options. By choosing suitable bases and utilizing public transportation, you can make the most of your time and explore each location comfortably. Remember to book tours directly with local operators for better prices and consider all aspects of the tour before making a decision.
George Barham, an accomplished journalist and avid gambling enthusiast, serves as the esteemed Editor-in-Chief at fly-to-australia.com, Australia’s leading source for comprehensive gambling news and insights. With an unwavering passion for both the written word and the ever-evolving world of betting and gaming, George brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the helm of our editorial team.
