If you mother can't climb more that 3 or 4 stairs, your options for accommodations are going to be severely limited!! Not to mention the sightseeing.

Note that in many places that provide an elevator (aka lift) to upper floors, there may still be a short flight of stairs to get to the elevator! And many agriturismos are in places with hills.

Nevertheless, I would be searching for apartments that are on the ground floor. (Note: First floor in Europe means the first floor ABOVE the ground, so you have to climb or take an elevator.) The price will likely be far less thab $350 a night. (Is that what a travel agent has quoted?) You usually have to rent an apartment for three or more days. An apartment would give you bedrooms plus a living space and a kitchenette for breakfasts or light dinners. We often have a big meal at noon while touring, and then just a salad or omelette for dinner in our apartment. And if you have a car you can carry the food with you when you move from one place to another.

Some places to look are VRBO.com, sleepinitaly.com, Italyperfect.com, TripAdvisor.com. Look at reviews on these sites or on slowtrav.com.

Aw, no annhig, not at all. And, I always enjoy your posts here on the forums.

"Are you two fighting? This is more fun than a trip to Italy!! "

you know you learn something new every day, I must save that phrase for when we next read fodorites needing a bucket of water.

NicoleW thank you.

We needed a bucket of water?

Now I feel awful. I'm sorry if I can across as fighting or in any way offensive or rude :(