artlover

DD is in Israel now (with Birthright program--AMAZING experience--can't recommend it enough for those who qualify or have kids who would) and after spending 6 months in Italy last year can't stay away. So, she wants to go back for a few weeks in August, but I'm having no luck finding inexpensive transportation options from here on the Internet. She's thinking of maybe stopping in Athens and Delphi (have relatives there), but Italy is the top priority. Please help if you can.

Thank you! (plan to post on Middle East and Airline Board as well)

suntravler

Hi, Artlover...

I had a similar problem last year....trying to track down a relatively inexpensive flight from Italy to Tel Aviv.

I'm sorry to say there aren't any. As of now, there really aren't any discount airlines that fly between Italy and Israel.

The only alternative might be a route that would take you through a third country...possibly Greece, Croatia, or Hungary....in the middle of the night...with a very LOONG layover. You might find something cheaper that way. Do a search for this on Orbitz.

Otherwise, the cheapest flight I could find in January was on Alitalia...which really wasn't cheap...but a better price than on El Al if I remember correctly.

Truthfully, I find it hard to stay away from Italy also.

Flame123

There actually ARE less expensive airlines than El Al and Alitalia. I suggest you try either IsraAir or Arkia, both Israeli airlines which fly to Europe and are less expensive options.

africnow

Charter flights are the way to go. Buying a r/t charter and throwing away the return trip is actually less expensive than buying a 1-way.

In addition to the above
Israir http://www.israirairlines.com/international_flights.asp and
Arkia
http://www.arkia.co.il/click/cl_4004.main
)

There is also a charter airline called DorAir - a subsidiary of El Al if I remember correctly. I can't find them on the net, but a travel agent might be able to help.

eri

El Al just announced Europe return fares for 12-30 years old young people, for about 360 dollars. Flights have to take place till August 2. Will that suit DD?

artlover

Thanks so much for your responses. I'm not sure of her exact time-frame yet (flight out is Aug. 14, so I think the El Al fare isn't going to work)--but you're given lots of possibilities.