A last minute trip for the third wk in May is being planned - My parents 80 & 86 yrs
are going to meet me in Venice - is this the
best city for my parents? Also, any hotel
suggestions or specific areas to stay in. We
will be in Italy for one week - I thought a few days in the lake area and 3-4 in Venice - or would it be better to stay in Venice the
entire week? I want to do what would be most enjoyable for my folks - middle to upper end accom. would be great - thanks for any help
you can give me.

Hi
'best city' compared to which others?
As you can imagine, Venice with its many canals and accompanying many bridges, each of which minimally requires a few steps up and a few steps down, is challenging for anyone who has mobility issues. Then if you take the water buses (boats) you have to be able to step on and off. Even from water bus stops, there may be a few bridges required until you reach your final destination.

If they have generally good stamina, you ought to consider staying in the San Marco area. It is tourist central and many of Venice's most important sights are in that area, so less walking and fewer bridges would be required. Give your circumstances, I'd say 3 days in Venice, 4 if their mobility is not a problem.

Recommended San Marco hotels you can look into include the Saturnia Internationale, the
Bauer, the Europa Regina, the Colombina, the Monaco, the Luna, the Flora, the
Do Pozzi, the Danieli, the Metropole, the Pensione Wildner. That provides a wide range in terms of level of accommodation and price.
If you search on any of those hotels here by name, or at tripadvisor.com, you can find guest comments.
Another place to browse for hotels is
venere.it

that should be
Saturnia Internazionale

I posted a thread looking for hotels in Venice to take my mother in law who has some trouble walking. Unfortunately, we have had to delay the trip due to her health, but you might find some hotel ideas on my thread: http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...jpie&fid=2

jpie

I would think that a city with a good surface transportation system would be preferable to a city where walking is really the main mode of transportation. The bridges over the canals can be a problem.

Hello cchri, I assume that you have talked to your parents about this trip.

Have they been to Venice before? I ask because if they have they would know if Venice would be a problem for them or not.

If they have not how is their walking abilitities? Just because they are 80 and 86 does not mean they can not manuever around Venice. I know people that age that are so agile and so Venice would not be a problem.

Questions: Will you be meeting them at the airport or the train station? That would be a good idea.

In a lot of Italy the walkways are cobblestones so I would not automatically assume that Venice would not be possible for your parents. But again it would depend on their walking abilities. Yes there are lots of bridges, with steps, but if they do not have walking problems they could take their time walking up and down the stairs.

Again, I hope, if you have not, that you have a discussion with your parents about this beautiful trip you have planned.

And my best wishes to all of you.

Thanks for the advice - I was concerned about the water taxis etc, but neither are wheelchair bound, just a little slow
and would probably rather take a tour by boat or car - but my father has always wanted to see Venice, so I was
hoping to make it one of the stops. So,
now I am thinking Venice for 3 nights -
train or private car to Florence for
4 nights, any great areas in Florence to stay in? Thanks again for all the help.

My knees are not always the most reliable parts of my body so I did have some difficulty in Venice. I just took it slowly, held on to my daughters for support and managed the steps quite fine. Everyone was very polite about moving around me or waiting patiently.(And I don't even look old!) One kind gentleman even took my carryon suitcase from me and escorted me to the other side of the bridge. If your father has always wanted to see Venice, his wish should be granted. They will do fine, I betcha!

sallyjane's post brought something to mind.

Senior citizens in Italy are giving a lot of respect. It is part of the Italian culture. And there a a large percent of senior citizens in Italy. Their problem is that their population is going down as younger citizens get married so much older then in the past and at the most have only one child.

I truly think that your parents will befine.

cchri, your father has expressed he wants to see Venice. I would give him this gift. Just go slow, which is the best way to enjoy serene Venice anyway. Enjoy every moment. You will always have the memories of you and your parents in Venice. How beautiful!

Hi CC,

>..I want to do what would be most enjoyable for my folks ...<

You are a very good child.

For a week, I suggest fly into Florence - 3 days - maybe bus to Siena one day.

Train to Venice - Fly home from Venice.

4 days in Venice is fine for slow travellers.

You might find the Florence part of my trip report helpful:
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

Also see Helpful Information: Italy 2
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34568596