Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve seen ads for golf cart tours of rome.

Just no. Super annoying for everyone else.

So sorry that disabled people ruin your vacay vibe. Just push those people with canes and wheelchairs out of your way./s

I took a couple of senior family members on a golf cart tour years ago. They had a wonderful time, we were able to get close to sights without having to walk far and it was their one-and-only chance to experience Rome.

+infinity. Thank you.

A cruise won’t give you real Italy, so I agree with PP that you should stay land-based. What does she want to see, the highlights of Rome and Florence and Venice?

I think for someone that age, you are better off booking a guided land tour.

With a cruise, a port stop in “Naples” or “Rome” is really a dock somewhere 1-2 hours away. That’s a lot of wasted time on a shuttle bus, and a looong day. Pick 1-2 cities and either cobble together your own tour with guides or look for companies that package everything themselves. Road Scholar has some good senior-oriented tours of Italy (my mom has done a couple and liked the itineraries, pace and lodgings).

Viking if you want to cruise—or Cunard which offers lovely Mediterranean cruises catering to older adults. Hire private drivers and you can manage the mobility issues and dictate the schedule. Don’t travel during mid-June to September (avoid the summer heat and crowds). Depending on where you go, hiring a private boat is a relaxing way to enjoy the area.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve seen ads for golf cart tours of rome.

Just no. Super annoying for everyone else.

So sorry that disabled people ruin your vacay vibe. Just push those people with canes and wheelchairs out of your way./s

I took a couple of senior family members on a golf cart tour years ago. They had a wonderful time, we were able to get close to sights without having to walk far and it was their one-and-only chance to experience Rome.

Wheels chairs are fine but whole golf carts on narrow cobblestone streets are another thing.

Anonymous wrote:OP - I've been on several cruises, including three on Viking (late 50s). I agree that generally these are great for older people. But if your friend is really interested in Italy, I might not do a cruise. The time spent in each port is short and if you are tired and need to take a break from touring, you miss out entirely on a place that might be important to you. The schedule can feel a bit grueling day after day. You don't want to make this lifetime trip and then not get to actually spend time in the place.

Agree. While cruises can be very relaxing, they do require sticking to a strict schedule. For example, ship excursions often start early like at 8am so if you’re tired or feeling sick then you’ll miss the sightseeing for the day.

OP - I've been on several cruises, including three on Viking (late 50s). I agree that generally these are great for older people. But if your friend is really interested in Italy, I might not do a cruise. The time spent in each port is short and if you are tired and need to take a break from touring, you miss out entirely on a place that might be important to you. The schedule can feel a bit grueling day after day. You don't want to make this lifetime trip and then not get to actually spend time in the place.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’ve seen ads for golf cart tours of rome.

Just no. Super annoying for everyone else.

So sorry that disabled people ruin your vacay vibe. Just push those people with canes and wheelchairs out of your way./s

I took a couple of senior family members on a golf cart tour years ago. They had a wonderful time, we were able to get close to sights without having to walk far and it was their one-and-only chance to experience Rome.

Anonymous wrote:I’ve seen ads for golf cart tours of rome.

Just no. Super annoying for everyone else.

I’ve seen ads for golf cart tours of rome.

I would take a look at Viking Cruises. They are smaller ships that can get into ports that the megaliners can't. They cater to a more senior crowd.

I have a dear friend who has never been to Italy but always wanted to go. She is in her 80s and uses a cane to get around. She is mentally sharp but physically limited.

I’d love to take her on a trip. I was thinking of a cruise as we could stop at several ports but also to have the comfort of the ship at the end of each day.

I’m Considerably younger (late 40s) and in good shape and health. So I’m not sure what I’m not considering.

Can anyone give me guidance. It doesn’t have to be a cruise. I’m just not much of a vacation planner and that seemed easiest. Guidance toward a particular cruise line would be much appreciated.