Italy vacation for seniors

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A PP checking back in with another idea: a friend's 80+yo father who is a sophisticated traveler but now has real limitations on energy and how far he can walk has had good experiences with National Geographic tours. He's gone with them to exotic parts of the world, but I see they do some tours within Italy, e.g.:

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/destinations/europe/journeys/italy-venice-florence-tour/

https://www.nationalgeographic.com/expeditions/destinations/europe/land/italy-vatican-city-and-sistine-chapel-tours/

OP. Looks good! Thanks so much!

[Anonymous]

If Rome is not a priority, is there a chance to push the timing? The Jubilee year is driving numbers (in people and in pricing) way up all over Italy as people add extensions on to their Rome pilgrimages. Couple bigger than average crowds with less-mobile elderly and it’s going to be tougher than it needs to be.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If Rome is not a priority, is there a chance to push the timing? The Jubilee year is driving numbers (in people and in pricing) way up all over Italy as people add extensions on to their Rome pilgrimages. Couple bigger than average crowds with less-mobile elderly and it’s going to be tougher than it needs to be.

Good point! Yeah could push later but hoping the seniors are still healthy for this big trip later.

[Anonymous]

OP, whatever others may tell you - DO NOT encourage them to rent a car or drive!

I lived in Italy and it is far, far too difficult for a senior to learn the EU road signs, deal with other drivers who don't follow rules, and navigate narrow streets. Also severe restrictions for cars in city centers with huge fines for violations. Not to mention the potential for accidents which can be significant for drivers who are not accustomed to driving conditions.

You don't mention how many people are in the group. Whether it's 2 or 20, I would also suggest a guided tour/TA like others have mentioned. What about a Rick Steves travel group?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Of those, I would remove the Amalfi Coast from the list. It is SO STEEP and getting from place to place within the area can be a major hassle.

Agree. Many steps to navigate. If you must go, and Amalfi is beautiful, plan ahead for this. Also know that rental car is not an option here either. Roads are too busy. Also, the coast is served by ferry service between towns. It works but is crazy hectic. Allow time.

[Anonymous]

OP, why are you taking on this task? Make sure it's not a surprise, a gift they aren't expecting. I like to travel, like to plan travel and am the age of your parents but know those who don't travel much and really don't want to.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, why are you taking on this task? Make sure it's not a surprise, a gift they aren't expecting. I like to travel, like to plan travel and am the age of your parents but know those who don't travel much and really don't want to.

Good point. This is for a milestone upcoming birthday. Before making any actual plans (paying for a travel agent, for example), would confirm they are up for going and when. Just trying to get ideas of what to present and maybe ultimately help plan.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, whatever others may tell you - DO NOT encourage them to rent a car or drive!

I lived in Italy and it is far, far too difficult for a senior to learn the EU road signs, deal with other drivers who don't follow rules, and navigate narrow streets. Also severe restrictions for cars in city centers with huge fines for violations. Not to mention the potential for accidents which can be significant for drivers who are not accustomed to driving conditions.

You don't mention how many people are in the group. Whether it's 2 or 20, I would also suggest a guided tour/TA like others have mentioned. What about a Rick Steves travel group?

Yes they would not drive there. Thinking a tour guide/driver. Will also check out the Rick Steves travel group. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Looking to plan a trip to Italy in 2025 (during the jubilee year) for seniors (70+) who are healthy but would not want to walk a ton and might appreciate a personalized tour guide/driver rather than a group tour. This will be their first trip to Italy. Thinking maybe 10-14 days with visits to Venice, Florence, Rome, and Amalfi Coast (Capri/Sorrento). Suggestions on itinerary, nice comfortable places to stay, tour guide, etc? Or someone who could help plan? Thanks!

lol no you are not Americans are not going to be welcome .

Omg Americans are so dumb.

Ukraine will fall Putin will go through Europe this summer and no traveling is not going to be a thing

[Anonymous]

how many and how mobile are they? have you been to venice? i would not recommend venice for anyone with mobility issues. stairs, stairs, stairs!

i have friends that take people to italy. they stay in a house like thing with three apartments and take day trips to nearby cities. all the ones you listed are pretty far away from one end to the other!

[Anonymous]

Kensington Tours is great- they very much cater to the mobility challenged. I think this trip is very doable with a good tour company like Kensington.

[Anonymous]

The where they go wouldn't be nearly as important as being catered to, imo: met when arriving at the airport, luggage handled for them, hotel with an elevator, most meals included.

[Anonymous]

I would use a travel agent to plan a private tour so that they can do most of the planning, secure drivers for you, recommend and book lodging, etc. I haven’t done this in Italy so I can’t make specific recommendations but do a bit of googling/asking/using TripAdvisor. I do have older family members who did a similar trip (group of 70+ who got a house in Tuscany and a drive to travel to other parts), and they had a fabulous time.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP. Wow! Lots of wonderful suggestions and advice. Thank you. What about Florence as a home base? Rome is not a huge priority. Still would be nice if they could also go to Venice and somewhere down south like Capri or Sorrento. A cruise is appealing but limited time on land.

I went to Venice separately from my trip to Tuscany and Rome and Pompeii because it was too far. I definitely wouldn’t do Venice and “somewhere down south” together. But perhaps this is doable for your folks if they have a very large budget and a lot of time and private drivers, and you would want a strong TA to plan every detail.

[Anonymous]

I would avoid Rome in a Jubilee year unless they are Catholic and specifically going on pilgrimage. Other option would be to go while school is in session.

Jubilee is expected to double the number of visitors to Rome for the year over a normal year.

That said, we were there last month and the prep work looks great.