I am considering a three week trip to Europe the first three weeks of Sept.
I am thinking about three Days in Paris to see a couple things we did not have time for last trip(mostly the Louvre)
My elderly father wants to spend a few days in Rome (we have never been to Italy) as he things this may be his last trip to Europe so we are thinking about 4 days in Rome
And we are thinking the majority of the trip will be traveling around England. Some by train but a lot by car. As car travel is easier on my Father (he will be 88 by the time of the trip)
My first thought was to Land in Paris and spend an easy day getting over the Jet leg doing nothing much. (Maybe a trip up the Eiffel Tower) An easy couple days adjusting to Europe time. Go to the Louvre and the Arc de Triumph all places that we have not gotten to on our two prior trips to Paris. So pretty laid back. Thinking an Air B&B with a nice view of the tower so we can sit and relax and enjoy the view
Then Travel to Florence for two days. Just to see the two museums and the cathedral. But we MAY skip Florence if time and walking (for my father) is an issue
Then on to Rome. Spend 4 days doing the tourist stuff. The Coluseum, the Pantheon, the Vatican, the Trevi Fountain, etc.
I expect we will use more Taxis in Rome (and Paris) then most on this forum in order to minimize the walking on my Father )
Then fly into England, hit a couple cities via train. Then rent a car to go to the Cotswolds and such. Then drop said car at our last city and fly home. (The England portion is still being determined)
The logic of this trip is as follows.
Spend three weeks so we can take our time.
Fly into Paris as we are reasonablely familiar with it (been thier twice before) and I think it would be a nice place to go slow and get over jet leg.
Florence was next only because it seams logical
Then Rome. Putting Italy up front while we are fresher. And the trip has not worn us (mostly my father) down.
Then England last because it is easier to travel in an English speaking country and using a car is much simpler and easier for him.
We did a week with a car in each of our last two trips (One in France the other in Germany) And it was his favorite part as he drive around and he could rest between stops. Plus some of the scenery was stupendous. We Drove along the Cost for France from Nice to St Tropez and then over to Avignon and he loved seeing the little towns and great views for example. But even in the Lorie Vally we used the car and he rested between Chateaus.
My question is do you think that is the best order? From a weather perspective and such England, Paris, Italy seams more logical but I am not sure if it matter enough in Sept to go against the logic of putting the more physically demanding part first.
So what do you folks think?
The key to me is that I want to make this trip as easy as possible on my Father. I figure I can always go back to Europe at a future date. But how many more chances will an 88 year old get? But I know if he gets thier and can’t see what he is interested in because he is worn out a “great trip” will crumble.
It is sad to not get to Rome when you want to go. But it is Tragic to be in Rome and not be able to go to see what you are interested in.
So if you were taking your elderly parent what order would you go in?