Malta, Bucharest or Sofia?
 

I know, random places. Right now looking to connect from Rome to Istanbul. We are touring Venice, Florence, Siena and Rome before we have a few days before we are supposed to arrive in Istanbul. Right now there are 3 flights are nearly the same price as FCO-IST:

FCO-MLA-IST
FCO-OTP-IST
FCO-SOF-IST

Any recommendations on which location to choose? With each place we will have 2 full days (as flights leave early morning). A little about my wife and I: love to explore, try local food and mingle within the locals.

Other suggestions are welcome as well! We'll be leaving Rome on a Tuesday in May and arriving in Istanbul on Thursday.

Thanks!

MLA, hands down.

Malta....the decision is a no-brainer

Malta! Definitely!

MLA is perfect for two days (or even more).

Valetta is very walkable. English is spoken. The history is interesting. The setting is beautiful.

SOF is a big city and harder to get to know in a couple days, and while I have no reason to be against this as a choice, IMO it is less unusual than MLA.

I can't comment on OTP as I have not (yet) been there.

Malta is a great place to spend two days. If you want to visit the Hypogeum, be sure to reserve in advance. It is extraordinary. For more tips on Malta, see http://www.new.visitmalta.com/en/pod...heritage-trail

Malta is ok, but if you want some really nice country, fly into Bucharest and drive up to Brasov. Much more interesting and more to do than in Malta, and much cheaper. Besides the ruins on the southern part of the island, and the old town in the middle of the country, Malta is nothing special.

As far as Sofia, definitely pass. More interesting part of Bulgaria is either Varna or Veliko Tarnova.

Not to be judgmental here, but it all comes down to what you're looking for. By "old town in the middle of the country" I believe you mean M'dina. What about La Valetta, which is on the shore, and the three citties accross the bay? If you're looking for history and AMAZING architecture of the past, Malta is *the* way to go. No walks in the woods though... But some nice Mediterrannean climate and culture can make up for it :)

Forget, OTP, Bucharest is the pits. Transylvania is a more interesting region of Romania to visit but can't done in 2 days.