Help planning European trip with 74yr old mother w/cane

You might consider reversing your trip and taking the transatlantic cruise on the way back. That way your mother can just rest if she is tired from all the touring. Also, she won't be 17 days into the trip before hitting the sights. (Not sure if the number of days is correct, but she will still have been travelling for several days before getting to Italy.)

Next, are you driving in Italy? If not, you will pushing your mother to the limit just getting from town to town. Wheelchairs can be more than a challenge on cobbled streets, they can be unusable. I lived in Europe for 13 years (3 in Italy) and rarely saw a wheelchair except in cities with proper sidewalks. I never saw one in Italy.

Also, 6 towns in a week could be a bit ambitious since there is no down time built in. Venice is all bridges and steps; Cinque Terra is all STEEP HILLS, Florence is all cobbled and guttered.

Also, Parkinson's has outward symptoms which might deeply worry the owners of the B&B if you all take off to hike and leave your mother there alone.

If you are really taking this trip to fulfill your mother's dream, then you need to plan the trip completely around her needs and limitations. If you are determined to try to combine this with your kids' and your hunger for travel, you need to have two parallel trips planned with activities for 2 of the adults and the kids while Mom and the other adult are doing more sedate things.

Last summer I traveled with my 84 year old mom who needed a cane but refused to take one (she's since converted) and my 90 year old legally blind dad. I agree totally with Jo from Las Vegas. You're going to need two parallel trips or at least parallel days or afternoons. It will be very difficult to meet the needs of 2 kids who are hungry for travel experiences along with a mobility-impaired senior. Traveling with my parents, in the morning we would do some low key sightseeing, often taking taxis to and from our destination. After a nice lunch, I would take them back to the hotel where they would rest. I would then go sightseeing on my own. In a smaller city, I would come back to the hotel and get one or both and do a little shopping or go out for a beer or ice cream. Then we'd go out for a nice dinner, and that was it. What saved my sanity was two separate hotel rooms.

Thanks for the responses! Yes we do want to try to make parallel visits. My brother, husband, and I plan on taking turns pushing my mother &looking for scenic places to sit with her. We were only hoping to include Cinque Terre yet doubtful!
As far as the rest of the trip - 17 day cruise on the Noordam, it visits Bermuda, Madiera, Lisbon, Morocco, Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Nice, and Livorno(Pisa) before docking in the port of Rome. We plan on mostly renting a van and driving to sights except in Morroco where we will either take bus tour or train.

After docking in port of Rome -we plan to rent a van and drive to Sienna & San Gimignano and overnight there. Next we will drive to Florence and take a bus into the city &stay 2 nights. Next we hoped to drive to Padova and overnight there. Lastly we hoped to drive to Venice and drop off Van and stay there 2 nights before flying home.

Looking for nice and handicap friendly lodging where my mother can enjoy atmosphere, people watching,sights

What you're planning is great--I'm sure it will provide many treasured memories. When in a similar situation, I remember finding useful resources by searching the web (although I was searching for options in Israel, so I can't pass along specifics). I found specialized travel planners who focused on the mobility impaired, some of whom provided great tips. Such folks could also help you with some of the logistics.

Everything you do spends energy. As a youth, energy is limitless and your kids don't notice anything after a day of activity. As an adult, you get tired but by taking care of yourself, eating well, drinking plenty of water and getting good sleep you manage to do well and enjoy the trip.

For your mother, energy won't be as easy to come by. Plan regular meals, short days and consider carefully any walks, stair climbing, etc. you plan.

When I traveled with my 70 yr old mother on her dream trip to Ireland, she did well until she hit a wall in mid afternoon. When that happened we would find a taxi (the only time I used taxis), head to the hotel, eat dinner and she would retire to her room. The rest of us then continued our exploration. As we went along I learned to budget her energy so she was able to spend it on her "must see" activities early in the day rather than trying to keep up with the kids.

I'd add:

Consider taxis in town to ease her walking. Europeans only sometimes have elevators and escalators and they don't always work. Don't be afraid to tell museums and other sites about climbing limitations as the elevator may be hidden.

Our experience with an 80 year old aunt & her 80 year old friend traveling with us was that Europeans are very solicitous and you can often find a place where they can sit comfortably and rest while you tour the site. Since Europeans don't mind your buying a cup of coffee and sitting in a restaurant for hours, this is another option. she will love just watching people walk by at an outdoor cafe.

Find out and write down phrases in the local language that say such things as "My mom" is handicapped and needs to rest. Can you help us" or "I can't climb. Is there an elevator?" as well as a description of her condition if something happens when she is sitting alone. The locals will appreciate understanding she needs assistance and will always help.

It's so unfortunate that when it comes handicap access, Italy (and many other European countries) are on a different planet that the U.S. Lots of stairs everywhere. In many train stations, there are multiple platforms. You arrive on one platform and depart on another. The only way between the platforms is about 25 stairs down and 25 stairs backup. Also, it's usually a steep and narrow 3 steps onto and off of the train. Lots of people.

In Venice, you have the bridges over the canals. Not good for wheelchairs. Oddly, wheelchairs can work quite well on the Vaporettos. If you consider a tour of the Doge's Palace in Venice, it's 3 flights of stairs up and corridors and stairs throughout. Again, lot's of stairs.

In the CT, you might consider the ferry from Monterosso to Portovenere and back. A very scenic run.

All that bad news above, you must take mom. I'm sure there are places for her to be comfortable while the remainder of your family does something else.

Some train stations have elevators. The trick is to hold down the button continuously until you reach the level you want. La Spezia has two elevators that I can think of.

Kim, as others have noted, unfortunately you're going to have to make a lot of decisions where your mother's needs and dreams may be at odds with yours and your kids. My grandfather has Parkinsons, so I am "feeling your pain." (bad choice of words, I know)

As you probably know, there are very few wheelchairs throughout Europe and a lot of those canes with the braces that fit around the forearm. This is because the cobbled streets are almost impossible for a wheelchair. Your mother may end up with a sore bottom from rumbling over the roads all day.

Also, in Europe in general there seems to be less places for people to sit down for a spell in places like museums and town squares. So you'll have to think of those things before you go out.

It all comes down to attitude and priorities in the end. You have to have a can-do attitude no matter how tough it gets. You can do it, but go with the right attitude and priority. By all means make it work!

I travelled to Greece for 2 weeks with my 82 yo mother and 77 yo aunt. The trip was for my 40th birthday and I planned it specifically around them. I arranged for taxis to meet us at the aiport to take us to our hotels, to the ferries, etc before leaving to decrease the stress of finding transportation. Spent more than I normally would for hotels to make sure there were elevators and restaurants in the hotel, We used taxis alot. I agree with the other posters, we did morning sight seeing, lunch then mom and aunt relaxed at the hotel while the rest of us continued sight seeing. We all had a great time, but it cost more than in I had gone without them. However, the experience of travelling in Greece with them was priceless. Another suggestion, you may want to book your hotel rooms for the nigh before you arrive, that way the room will be available for you early, rather than having to wait until 1 or 2pm to check in the day you arrive.

I am leaving for Italy in one week, along with my sister and 88 yr old mother and 91 year old father! I know Italy is always heralded as steps, steps, steps but I am encouraged by Rick Steve's Venice tour book; we plan to tour both the Grand Canal and the islands with his suggested tours on the vaporettos. My parents are quite mobile (they climb at least a set of stairs each day, living on the second floor) but tire easily and their walking distance is very limited. Rick's maps are great and very detailed, letting us see the very closest vaporetto stops to our desired attractions.

We also plan a few days in Bellagio, where again, we will tour by boat. Surely, even without wheelchair access, there are ways to tour Italy! We do plan shorter days for our parents and plan to explore more on our own. My mother says sitting and enjoying a "cafe" in St Mark's Sq and listening to music play while we girls explore a bit "sounds romantic!" You've got to love that kind of spirit!

I will post again when we return!

Hi Kim, glad your mom is finally getting her trip,, but it is going to be tough. Europe is nowhere like North America in terms of ease for mobility impaired, this partly ( mostly really) due to the fact that it's so old,, I mean, cobblestone paving , small narrow streets, and stairs were the norm hundreds of years ago.

I personally think Venice will be difficult,, all those cute bridges,, well alot of them are stairs not ramps, and the streets in some areas are so narrow and crowded in tour season, that it was sometimes hard for able bodies to get through crowds.

Definately book a hotel near a vaporetto stop,, as close to canal as possible. It will cost you, but its only 2 nights.

I think your trip is a bit too overambitous, and frankly I would tame it down a bit, and tell your kids that they have many years ahead of them to have their perfect trips, but this time its GRANNYS turn.. so plan it more for her then you or your kids. You won't regret it Kim. Moms aren't forever, and you will find that out one day like we all eventually do... and it sucks.

Cinque Terre,, well , that just seems completely awkard to me,, you guys do that next time.

In Venice the Vaporetto will save lots of walking and steps. I tend to have leg and knee problems in Venice because of all the cobblestone streets and steps over bridges; so I use the vaporetto as much as possible. Not all hotels and B&Bs in Italy involve climbing lots of steps. Find one with an elevator or lower level rooms. It seems that almost all lodgings start on the first floor, one level above the street. For museums, some have ground level rooms. Most, or all, have elevators. Check ahead. Buses will have fewer steps than subways (metros). Take taxis when necessary.

Even if you can't use a wheelchair much in Italy, you should still take it for use on the cruise ship. It will help budget her energy for later in the trip, and you should explain it to her that way.

In Venice, I recommend the Hotel Belle Arti on Dosodoro. It's on a flat pedestrian street not far from the Grand Canal, Academia Bridge, and restaurants and a good view. Might be a place your mother can hang out and walk a little, see great views without having to go too far.

IMO, a 10 and 12 yo will be bored to tears after day three of a 17 day cruise.

I admire what you are going to do. I have done a similar thing with my mother and it was very tough. My wife and I are in very good physical condition and it was still an ordeal. First of all, the trip will revolve around your mother. You will have to plan accordingly. Second of all, Europe is not handicap friendly. Italy is among the worst. If you train it, you will find this out. It will be important to travel light. The steps and luggage handling is a nightmare. I would do an auto if at all possible and stay in places where you can get ground level accomodations. Thirdly, be sure she has proper insurance coverage such as www.medexassist.com or something similar. This is cheap insurance. I don't want to sound depressing, but planning is your key for this trip.
Thanks -

I too admire what you are doing and I'm glad you will have your brother along to assist. I know it may sound like a downer but William from Arkansas is correct. I too have made similar trips with my amazing mother-in-law who is a great travel companion and one of my best friends However, you must always be aware of her needs and her abilities. They tire easily and being around a 10 and 12 year children even though they are one's grandchildren can be mentally exhausting. I wouldn't hesitate to take my mother-in-law (87) on a cruise but I would not want to take her to Europe even with a cane/walker/wheelchair and an extra person(s) to help. I have trouble enough walking on cobblestones and dealing with stairs and I certainly wouldn't want to subject her to those conditions.

I agree with Bob. I was bored on Day 4 of a 12 day Mediterranean cruise.

My kids( aged 10, 14, 16) loved the 7 day cruise we took them on and aks repeatly to "do it again" BUT,, we stopped in port every other day, and the ship was mega huge, with many other kids and teens onboard.

A transalantic crossing is usaully , what at least 4-5 days with no stops, plus it is not warm enough( on open sea) to swim in pool all day etc.. hope your kids love to read. And frankly ship is not filled with kids, in fact the longer the cruise the older the clients generally speaking and the less lively the whole experience onboard would be then a 7 day Caribbean.

I personally love to cruise, I never get bored as I love to read ,, but, I can totally see how it could bore others.

Kim, you have two trips here you are trying to make work together, I truly hope you make it work for your mom though, really, it should be about her this time.

Kim, I admire what you would like to do, but part of your itinerary sounds tiring even to a semi-fit/young person like me. Spending one night anywhere isn't worth it, as the first day will be spent going there, and the second day will be spent leaving. Cinque Terre, while beautiful, is stairs, stairs, and more stairs. I think Monterosso (the part nearest the train station) would be your best bet there. One thing to keep in mind is that many of the cobblestones aren't the little pavers some folks envision: they are literally cobble stones, and are difficult to walk on. Bicycling on them was a challenge (good to keep the kids busy, though). You might want to verify if a van rental is possible, too (and if it's possible to park near where you would like to stay). During our two weeks in Italy this year, we only saw one van: a taxi in Milan.

Best of luck, Kim. No matter where you end up, it will be a very, very special time with your mother. Needless to say, take lots of pictures. :-)

I agree with the above post. After a 17 day cruise from which you may visit several cities, I think that by the time you, and particularly your mother, reach Italy you may be fairly exhausted. You might want to pick one city and just hang out for a week. Pick a place that the kids would like too. I suggest Venice, Siena or Florence.

I just noticed Kim's post was made about nine months ago!
If you are still reading this forum Kim, did you go on the trip yet, and if you did, how did it go? I hope things went smoothly.

Another item that might help is a cane/collapsible chair combo. Seems like sometimes she will want a place to sit right away, and not be able to take "a short walk" to a cafe. take energy snacks and water, and maybe toilet paper too if she is unused to the different toilet standards in some places. I agree with all who say this is too much.

have you considered a tour with transportation/hotels included that could tell you about accessibility, and could give the kiddos something supervised to do if one of you needed to just sit in a cafe for the dayw/your Mom?

My trip to Italy with a 91 and 88 year old was a resounding success! Not without its challenges though... In Venice, we had a hotel with water taxi service direct to the hotel door (we thought) but not so during acqua alta. Traveling with persons of limited mobility, be sure to book a hotel directly on the Grand Canal. Your chances of high water disrupting boat service to your hotel door will be greatly lessened by avoiding the small canals and lower bridges; also, getting in and out of a water taxi can be difficult. Any folks with even limited mobility can handle getting on and off the vaporettos - if you go off season and avoid the crowds as we did. Venice is lovely, no matter what the season.

We found the same situation in Bellagio - off season lessened the pace and the crowds and the regular ferries are an easy on and off (though there can be stairs to sit indoors); beware the high speed ferries, the stairs are tough!

If someone wants to explore the heart of Italy and book a place to embrace an elderly person, PLEASE look up the agriturismo Bosco del Fracasso! Our dear hostess, Anna, was like a long lost relative. She took great care of us all, my parents especially, and the accommodations enjoy a first floor bedroom and bath without stairs. Anna will offer up much local information and you'll find it is the most amazing, relaxing taste of Italy at the best price!