Tim_and_Liz

Paris, Florence, Venice

SusanSDG

London for a few days, then Paris, then Venice. Take her on a gondola ride and the train through the chunnel and she'll really feel she's "done" Europe.

deedeezee

Lucky you....FF tix are the BEST way to open jaw to Europe......It can get very expensive otherwise.
Just get on it right away.....

nancy

I know graffiti is a "city" problem but it really stood out in Rome. These fabulous monuments/ruins sprayed with graffiti. Sorry, it's what I remember from only a couple of years ago. It really was a very dirty city.

wliwl

We did Paris and Rome and it was PERFECT.

We flew Ryan Air in between and it was fast and cheap.

Any chance that she's Catholic? I really think everyone who is born a Catholic (whether practicing or not) should go to Rome.

nytraveler

People who think Rome is dirty frequently don;t understand the Italian taxation system - which penalizes property owners (through increased valuation taxation) for keeping the outside of the property in good condition.

As for the graffiti - some of the best was original Roman graffiti from 2,000 years ago that I saw in the Forum.

Clio

I'm taking my parents to France in late April for 10 days (65 and 72), neither are intrepid travelers and had never been outside the U.S. until 5 years ago when I planned a family trip to London and Ireland.

My father has on his life list to see where his dad fought in World War One and to take the Channel train across the English channel. We're basing in Paris for the whole trip in an apartment but taking two days out to follow my Grandfather's footsteps near Verdun.

As a surprise my mom and I planned a one day jaunt via Eurostar over to London, he'll feel amazingly decadent that he can just pop over for the day.

The beauty of traveling with my parents is that they are truly joyful and amazed just to be there and anything I plan is just perfect and they're delighted. You really can't go wrong, the best part of the trip will be that your mom will be with you, that's what will make it truly memorable and special.

welltraveledbrit

My mother (70) and I have been on several trips over the last few years. Last year we went to Prague (along with my aunt who is 79) and the year before Venice. This year we're taking a cooking class in Puebla, Mexico.

I particularly enjoyed visiting Venice with my mother. We went in late March and had a lovely time, she was captivated by the city. I would highly recommend a visit to Venice.

What does your mother mean when she says "sights"...museums, monuments, churches, restaurants, somewhere like Pompeii? I think you should give her several alternatives. I was surprised that my mother was so keen to go to Prague.

Also what ever you decide on make sure you don't overdo it, my mother liked to have a quick rest between the day out and dinner and she wasn't up for too much at night, concerts opera etc. I highly recommend a private walking tour with a guide who can gear things to your mother's interests and pace.

In Prague I arranged a vintage car tour of the city which was a big success with my mother and aunt.

Have a great trip and build in some down time for yourself.

TravlinFool

Paris, Venice and Florence it is. Fly to Paris, night train to Venice, train to Florence, fly back to Paris, then home. We'll do a couple of day trips from Florence to give Mom a taste of the smaller towns.

I looked into doing an open jaw return from Rome, but there were no availabilities. I'll check again closer to the date, and if FF seats open up, I'll add a couple days in Rome at the tail end. (We're flying in business, which is why the availabilities are so tight.)

Thank you to everyone for the suggestions and insights. I think this is the perfect introduction to Europe for her. I can't wait to see her face when she sees the Eiffel Tower for the first time or the canals of Venice. And then to top it off with Florence. Not too shabby a trip at all.

Dejais

Congrats, TravlinFool. Well done.

sheri_lp

TravlinFool,

Took my mother to Europe for the first time in October and she did pretty well, but in the end my plans did wear her out a bit. So, take your time and patience and you'll have a ball.

BarbaraS

I have to second the recommendation for just London and Paris and for renting an apartment.

Guenmai

Are you really going to get off of a long flight and then get on a night train to Venice? That sounds exhausting to even me and I have high energy and am in my early 50s. When I start vacationing in a country that's not the country that I've flown into, then I always FLY on to the first country of my stay since I'm already at the airport anyway. Happy Travels!

TravlinFool

Guenmai, we'll have 5 nights in Paris before before heading to Venice. Even I'm not crazy enough to drag a 68 year old woman onto a night train after a long, international flight.

chiarachiara

Perfect! This sounds wonderful! Your mother will have the time of her life - and a birthday she will always remember. If she likes gelato - let her have at least one per day. My mom just loved the gelato and every day it was like "whose turn is it to buy gelato today?"

Guenmai

OK...TravelinFool...that has been cleared up. It wasn't clear to me what you meant and I've known folks who have indeed done such schedules and with an older person. Happy Travels!

BetsyG

You have gotten some great ideas. I just wonder if there is anywhere she has been dreaming to go? Does she have hobbies that could come into play(music, art, gardening, cooking,history, etc.). Does she like a particular author? Shakespeare? Would she rather be near ocean? mountains? Have you given her options? Just a few thoughts, Betsy

Timlin

I'm 64 and a woman.....I love the 5 days in Paris, 4 days in Rome and 5 days in London. That would be a fabulous holiday for me. I've been to all three places and I just think if your Mom wants to "see" the sights rather than meander with the locals these 3 alternatives will blow her mind. She will be thrilled for the rest of her life on a trip like that.

I hope whatever you decide it's a great experience for both of you.

Grandma

Geez Louise... I'm 70 and my husband is10 years older but we're still plotting our own course-

However, I must say that as we've gotten older ... convenience has really enhanced our travel experiences.
I go with "amyb". Go to London. Then take the train to Paris. We have done that and it makes life very simple. Then, in Paris... do some nice day trips. Chartres, some of the Lorie chateaus, perhaps. But , in Paris, make sure to do Saint Chappelle!