annhig

Given your mobility issues, cindy, I have a slightly different idea, which is to choose two cities and in-between stay on the shores of Lake Garda which will make a very restful interlude, with lots of lovely boats to take you around the lake. So I would start in Venice, take the train to Pescheria del Garda, [and staying there or in nearby Sirmone] and then finish your trip in Florence. I honestly feel that to try to add Rome into the mix on your first trip to Italy would be too much.

cindywholbrook1437

thanks so much to each of you...

so many things to consider....

2 cities does sound more doable...with rest in between
or maybe can plan 'rest days' in/around the city we are visiting
or it is possible that this just isn't the trip for me to be planning right now
vs a single destination trip?

maybe i will look into a travel agent or some sort of help planning
also will check if a slower paced tour is an option

we do have a family we would like to see if we could start or end in Rome
(friends from my husbands time in school about 15 year ago)
...imagining we would go to their home, help prepare a meal, etc...maybe take an easy outing together...
--maybe they love to show people around in their car?!!

It could be that just being in & seeing some of Rome itself--may be enough for me
jack could pick his other must dos and i can opt in our out?
also check on those accessibility tours if he really wants to tour vatican or gallery...

is jet lag any better with arrival time in morning vs afternoon vs evening?
we have 7 hour difference (usa central time)
no direct flight from our smaller airports
so minimum of 12 hours travel time...

uktravelover

I am sure that you will get lots of comments on the jet lag issue. When flying long haul from the UK into the States and elsewhere, I rarely have much choice of arrival times. Whenever possible I opt for a daytime flight but those have become increasingly difficult to find. I have tried all options over the years including the US Army approach of drinking black coffee at 18.00 and minimising carbs. In general I find it depend on how much sleep I get on the flight and I agree with KTravel that arriving in the afternoon or early evening seems better.

Regarding your latest thoughts on your itinerary, my late husband had walking difficulties and my current partner has breathing problems so I really understand your dilemma from a companion/ planner perspective. One thing I would say is that you may not get everything thing right despite research, so you may want to post specific questions/threads on your final choices to get targeted feedback.

With multi-site trips I minimise the overnight stops. If flying or taking the train between destinations, I find a minimum of 3 nights ok but 5 or 6 nights better. I always plan alternative activity or excursion days, so as to relax more in between and enjoying meandering, people watching from a bar/cafe and relaxing by the pool or in a garden/ terrace.

Rome is my favourite city in Italy. There is something about wandering around the corner and coming across a Roman site. Florence is a close second, but I did study there, so I have a soft spot for that reason. In May/June, I would also recommend starting in Rome and finishing further north and possibly stick to 2 destinations. You might want to consider 7 nights in Rome (allows time to recover from jet lag, spend time with friends and do some sightseeing seeing) and 7 nights in Florence, flying back from Pisa. I think you will find getting around Venice problematic but you could swap Florence for the Venice Lido or Lake Garda and investigate some small group day trips, preferably for seniors as they are used to working with people who have walking difficulties.

uktravelover

I forgot to mention that if you would prefer to book an apartment in Rome, I have used Rome Sweet Home in the past. They have a good selection of properties in different parts of central Rome and some have terraces. Make sure they have a lift (elevator). See https://romesweethome.com However there are lots of hotels and on booking.com (other hotel booking sites available) you can filter by your preferences.

cindywholbrook1437

so helpful, thank you for sharing your thoughts & experience.