9 days in Italy August '08
 

We're planning a family trip with 8 people and a baby. Ages ranging from 16 to 50. Most of us have already been to Rome, Florence and Milan a few times. We would like to see Cinque Terre and Venice. We'll have about 9 days. What would be the best itinerary to see these places? Half the family is flying in from the States. Where should they fly into and leave from? The others will be flying in from Spain. Are train tickets between Cinque Terre and Venice expensive? How long is the trip? Most importantly, any ideas on where we can stay? 8 is a large number. Thanks for any help you can offer!

Well not enough information to completely answer your questions dejah but I would suggest that everyone fly into Venice and fly home from Milan. Malpensa is the airport north of Milan for international flight and Linate is the airport east of Milan for domestic flights. I suggest flying into Venice rather than departing from Venice as most flights leave Venice very early in the morning which can be a bit of a hassle.

Do you all want to stay in one place? If so apartments or a "villa" would be the best idea I would think. But never having rented one I have no idea what to suggest but hopefully others here on Fodor's will be able to help you with that.

Here is the website for the Italian trains which you can review for schedules, timewise length of trips, cost of tickets etc.

http://www.trenitalia.com/en/index.html

Go to www.slowtrav.com and look in the Italy section for apartment and villa reviews. That's got to be your best option with that many people. It gives you more room than hotels and a private place to gather besides a cramped little hotel lobby. I'd nail it down soon!! The larger apts are fewer in number and the good ones will get taken fast.

Be prepared for very hot, crowded conditions, especially on the coast.

What is your US departure city(ies)?

Pisa may be another good option for flights near Cinque Terre, especially for those coming from Spain and also for those near New York. (Delta from JFK has direct flights to Pisa.)

Thanks Ellenem. The U.S. departure city is Salt Lake. Good to know about the NY direct flights to Pisa.