Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Destinations > Europe > Europe
Reload this Page >

Malta, Bucharest or Sofia?

Community
Wiki Posts
Search

Malta, Bucharest or Sofia?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Dec 22, 2012 | 5:38 pm
  #1  
Original Poster
10 Countries Visited20 Countries Visited30 Countries Visited10 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Raleigh, NC
Programs: AA EXP, Marriott Plat
Posts: 199
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!
stompey5 is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2012 | 7:16 pm
  #2  
1M
40 Countries Visited
80 Nights
15 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: MUC/RJK
Programs: LH SEN, Marriott Ti, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,715
MLA, hands down.
hdogan is offline  
Old Dec 22, 2012 | 9:20 pm
  #3  
All eyes on you!
15 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: LAX
Programs: UA/AA
Posts: 1,742
Malta....the decision is a no-brainer
jaymar01 is offline  
Old Dec 28, 2012 | 11:13 am
  #4  
All eyes on you!
15 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Happily living in Frenaros Cyprus having escaped the near-death experience called Sofia Bulgaria
Programs: Etihad Guest Gold, DL FO and 1MM, and a bunch of others at a low level
Posts: 2,060
Malta! Definitely!
STBCypriot is offline  
Old Dec 28, 2012 | 11:30 am
  #5  
50 Countries Visited15 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: BNA and TPA
Programs: AA-EXP, DL, UA, WN, IHG-Platinum, Marriott-Gold, Hilton Gold,
Posts: 591
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.
6P&E is offline  
Old Dec 29, 2012 | 1:16 pm
  #6  
10 Countries Visited
20 Countries Visited
30 Countries Visited
15 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Jul 2008
Posts: 547
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

Last edited by sushanna1; Dec 29, 2012 at 1:17 pm Reason: Tried to add active link but failed.
sushanna1 is offline  
Old Jan 1, 2013 | 6:18 pm
  #7  
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Den Haag
Programs: AA PLT, 1MM, Global Entry, UA GLD, TSA PRE
Posts: 572
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.
Bonaturtle is offline  
Old Jan 2, 2013 | 3:12 am
  #8  
1M
40 Countries Visited
80 Nights
15 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: MUC/RJK
Programs: LH SEN, Marriott Ti, Hertz PC
Posts: 1,715
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
hdogan is offline  
Old Jan 6, 2013 | 7:18 pm
  #9  
10 Countries Visited20 Countries Visited30 Countries Visited10 Years on Site
 
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: AA PLT MM, BA, UA, AC
Posts: 800
Forget, OTP, Bucharest is the pits. Transylvania is a more interesting region of Romania to visit but can't done in 2 days.
startpacking is offline  


Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.