Bostboy71

Hello Fodorites,

I've been reading lots of posts related to my proposed itinerary and hopefully have come up with something workable that reflects what I've read. Although the more I read, the more changes I feel compelled to make because with each new message comes a new option and opinion which I hadn't thought of. But alas, I only have 10 nights so I can't do it all.

I will be traveling in June with my Mother, in her seventies and who has never been to Europe. My father recently passed away and I thought a trip to Europe would be something for her to look forward to. Although with my Mom, it's probably 50/50 "looking forward to" and "worrying about". She tends not to like being out of her comfort zone. I picked Italy because when I asked her where in Europe she would want to go she said "Italy", because "that movie in Tuscany looked nice." The only other frame of reference she really has for Italy is the Colliseum and the Leaning Tower. So basically I am playing tour guide for my Mom and want to make sure she has a stress free time, but I also want her to have a memorable trip and just be overwhelmed with everything she sees.

We are leaving Boston June 4th and arrive in Venice the next day. So...
June 5th and 6th - Venice
June 7th pick up rental car in Venice and drive to our apartment in Rufina, about 26km outside of Florence
June 7 - 10 Day trips in Tuscany and Florence
June 11 Drop car at Pisa airport and take the train to Cinque Terre
June 11 Overnight in Vernazza
June 12 Train to Rome
June 12, 13, 14 Apartment in Campo de Fiori
June 15 Return flight to Boston

I guess what I'm concerned about mostly, is if this is suitable for my Mother. She gets around fine, she may tire out and we may be stopping to rest frequently. What other considerations do I need to make, if any? I've left the daily itineraries up in the air, with a list of options to do each day. Neither one of us has a great apprectiation for art, so I don't think we will be visiting any museums, except at the Vatican. I know some of you are shuddering, but irony drives the universe. We do like being outside and going to parks and gardens, etc.

I know that Vernazza is nothing but steps. I've discussed it with her and she says she is fine with that. I hated to only go there for one night, but taking into consideration that this will probably be the one and only time she goes, I didn't want to pass up on not at least being able to "see" it. Albeit for a very brief glimpse. Would it make more sense though to do it before going to Tuscany? I've already booked some rooms, but I think I could change them at this point.

I am still up in the air about where to visit in Tuscany. I am overwhelmed with all the different places to visit and each one sounds more appealing than the next. I don't feel compelled to spend our entire time hopping from town to town. I did that in the Loire, and honestly by the second day I was questioning whether I really needed to see one more chateau... I really just like experiencing "being" in a place, if that makes sense. So I am still doing some research and getting suggestions on that part of the trip.

As for the rental car, last year I rented a car in Munich and GPS was standard on all their cars. Is that not the case in Italy? Avis said to get their GPS I had to get the car at the Venice airport to be able to pick up the GPS unit, which I've read is not desirable to get the car there because of the time and extra costs. And I believe Europcar mails me the unit... I could be wrong, but why would I want to bring it from my home?

Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated or at least an affirmation that I'm just worrying for no reason.

Thanks.

hlocke1

Hi Bostboy --

I'm also taking my mother to Italy this year, but she's in her 50s, so I don't have a lot of thoughts on what's appropriate for yours. I do, however, have some answers for your logistical questions.

Re: your itinerary -- I think it would make more sense for you to visit the CT after Venice, although I think that's a lot of traveling for just one night there. I also would want more time in Venice. The CT is amazing, but Venice is truly special and worth savoring. If you like the feeling of "being" in a place (as you suggest), I think you will find this part of your trip unsatisfactory.

Also, if she chose Italy based on what she saw of Tuscany in a movie, I'm wondering why you chose Rufina. There are beautiful areas further south that you might consider basing yourself in, such as Montepulciano, Montalcino, San Gimignano, Siena or Volterra. If you're not too into art, you might even consider skipping Florence all together. There are many lovely towns you could take day trips to around any of the places I've mentioned above.

If I can elaborate on any of this, let me know... otherwise, good luck figuring out everything. I'm in the same boat and know it's overwhelming to guess what our travel partners will find enjoyable!

Bostboy71

Thanks Hlocke.

I remember now why I put 5terre after Tuscany, because we would have to take 3 different trains to get there from Venice. I'm still debating whether to go.

As for Rufina, I orignally didn't know what regions of Tuscany we wanted to focus on so I settled for a villa I found that I liked. I was thinking of possibly hitting Lucca and Pisa as well as central Tuscany, which everything would be an hour or so away. But now I'm thinking maybe we focus on around Sienna which would make more sense to base down there. Ah more internet searching...

Thanks for the suggestions.

bobthenavigator

Good for you !
Two ideas. First, I would not take mom to Vernazza to stay---too vertical. Stay in Monterosso for easier logistics. And, in Tuscany stay in Siena province---always pick location first and then accommodations. Click on my name for a list of places to stay in other postings.

LoveItaly

Your mother is lucky to have you for her son Bostboy. What a lovely idea.

Personally I understand why you are thinking of visiting Tuscany before going to the coast. Perhaps you might want to take time to let your mother see the Leaning Tower of Pisa since she mentioned it before catching the train in Pisa. You would need to make reservations if you want to climb the tower but doubt from what you have said your mother would be interested in doing that. The Duomo and Bapistry is right there where the tower is and you might want to visit them. The Duomo is so beautiful.

I agree with Bob that Monterosso would be better for your mother.

I am glad that you are flying into Venice and home from Rome, that will save you so much time as you will not have to backtrack.

Best wishes to you both. BTW, it seems like most Fodorites use AutoEurope which is a broker here in the US when they rent cars in Italy. And do you know under Italian law that you will need to have the International Drivers Permit that translate your US state's drivers license into 15 different languages? You can obtain that from AAA. You will need to bring the IDP and your regular driver's license with you.
Have a beautiful time with your mother Bostboy!

hlocke1

Hi again, Bostboy --

I understand about the issue with changing trains between Venice and the CT. I just took a peek and there are Venice - Monterosso trains that can be done in less than 3 changes. It does, however, add travel time. Just filter your search results by number of changes.

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

Otherwise, most of the towns I mentioned in Tuscany are in the province of Siena (as Bob pointed you towards). Here's a pretty good map showing the province:

http://www.welcometuscany.it/tuscany/siena/map.gif

For our upcoming trip, I picked up a new Fodor's guidebook called See It: Florence & Tuscany. It has lovely photos and great overviews of the towns to choose from. Checking out this, and other books, might be a good way to determine a town you want to research further.

Good luck!