I trust Rick Steves with all things European.
http://www.ricksteves.com/plan/destinations/italy/naples-sorrento-amalfi-coast.htm
Did you ever watch him on PBS "Europe through the Back Door"?
Do you have a "home base" or do you travel all year long?
Rick Steves is a great connection to get train tickets or passes for European travel.

Well, if I were going to cruise (I need to get much more decrepit before I'll start) I'd be looking at Alaska and Scandinavia. See http://www.hurtigruten.us/

The Amalfi coast is beautiful, but you need to avoid the summer season. You get there by flying to Rome, and taking another flight or a train to Naples, and a train, bus or car further south. Post on the Europe board for more.

Check out the elder hostel journeys and oatravel.com
affordabletours.com great comp sites for your land excursions
also smarttours.com BBB.org A + rated.ricksteves.com has excellent info tours. My wife and I are flying to Paris in 1 week for several weeks and flying cheaply to Italy from there.
To go to Amalfi Coast fly Paris to Rome or Paris to Naples skyscanner.net then Train Naples to Sorrento 4 euros we enjoyed Majestic Palace for Pompeii Hotel Delfino in the Masa Lubrense overlooking Capri and best western Paistea Positano all under 80 euro per night last May.

Cruises are a great way to go also and only unpack once if mobility challenged as a senior. AARP travel cruisecritic.com good reviews on all your areas. More exotic areas like Asia
cruising is best. SeaBourne all suite all AI great deals on
vacationstogo.com up to 80% off a fav for us. Holland America more budget also nice.

Cruising is easiest in Strange New Areas for us by far.

Happy Planning!

Hi

What about Greece? Lefkada island at Ionian Sea. It has airport (20 min away). Every year it is organised a revive of traditional way and after 15th of August there is the Folklore Festival. Groups from all countries are coming and dance traditional dances.
You can live in Lefkada town or in a village in good prices. There is also Meganisi island (opposite of Lefkada). It is quite and peaceful. You can have relaxing and calm vacation with a great view. Many beautiful beaches at both islands.
Your advantage is there are many close destinations you can visit. Like Cefalonia island, Corfu island, Peloponese and many others.

Friendly
from Greece

If you like cruises why not a Mediterranean cruise: Rome, Amalfi Coast, Istambul, Santorini, Mykonos ?

Happy Planning