5 full days in Italy .. looking for suggestions for a base

Venice has lots of steps, so is not the best choice for people with mobility issues.
I know it's a big city, but Florence is very walkable and compact

Both Lucca and Verona would work
Lots of day trips from either
Both flat

Venice not good with mobility issues

Florence is flat and would also work with plenty to do in town and day trips

Florence was also the first place that came to mind after reading the concern about mobility problems. Flat, lots to see and do, with ample day trip possibilities.

Verona would be my choice, and I think there’s enough to see and do in the city to keep you interested for five days. If not, there are lots of places within an hour and a half train ride- including Venice, Bologna, Padua and Vicenza that are all worth the trip. Even Florence can be reached by fast train in less than 100 minutes. Another place to consider is Turin- fairly flat, walkable and lots to see and do.

I suggest Florence or Lucca, I think either would meet your needs. There's plenty to do in either without getting bored. You could take a nice day trip from either.

Florence would be easier from a transportation viewpoint. You can fly in and out without the need for further travel.

I dream to have a month to explore Florence. I'd still just scratch the surface.

Thanks everyone! I’m new to the forum and still not sure how to respond individually. But these are great suggestions and I’ve been reading up. Florence a bit more now.

If you already plan to fly into Venice the I would spent three days there and one day visiting Ravenna and the other Verona. Both those cities are nearby,

If you haven't purchased tickets then go to Rome and spend all five days there.

I’m new to the forum and still not sure how to respond individually.

Welcome! Unless you want to follow up to a specific comment, replying individually is not needed.

It's actually not too early to start firming up plans and making reservations. Popular places like Florence fill up quickly.

Do your parents need assistance, like a cane or a walker to get around or are they just slowing down a bit? You might want to find something in the heart of town to cut down on the amount of walking they need to do.

Are you flying in from the US to London? Will you be returning from London? Have you been to London before? SInce you've never been to Italy, if you decide on Florence check into Walks of Italy. They have several tours that are great. If your parents are able, you could start your visit with their morning walking tour that includes the Accademia. On another day, if you love art, you could do their Uffizi tour. We did the Uffizi afternoon tour on a day they stayed open late. That allowed us to do more exploring of the museum after the tour ended.

As I read the suggestions and your wish list, I keep thinking Bologna is the answer. There are direct flights from London into the Bologna airport, and a very short and easy taxi ride right to your hotel (it was less than 20 € for us) or monorail to the train station (but more expensive than the taxi option.)

The town is historic, lovely, and a pleasure to walk around, thanks to the famous porticos—-covered sidewalks that keep you separate and safe from traffic. It is also flat.

The area right around Piazza Maggiore, the central piazza, offers upscale shopping and a street full of restaurant tables and food shops. A market street is nearby. Even the small side streets without porticos offer safe and pleasant walking, because Bologna has lowered the speed limit within the city to 30 kph (although the limit is controversial and could be reversed). On weekends and public holidays, the main street leading to Piazza Maggiore, and the main cross street, are closed to cars, and the streets are filled with pedestrians enjoying the traffic-free stroll. We were there on a Saturday evening and the passeggiata was the liveliest we have ever experienced.

https://www.bolognawelcome.com/en/other/other/t-days-every-weekend-and-public-holidays

The city is home to the oldest university in Europe, and is full of small and sometimes quirky museums. It is also a Mecca for “foodies”, with a reputation for the best food in Italy.

There are lots of easy daytrips from here because the train station is a hub where many lines intersect. Easy options by direct train include Ravenna (1 hour 17 minutes by fast train, or 1.5 hours by cheaper regional train), Verona, 52 minutes, and Venice, 1.5 hours. Firenze is 37 minutes, and Padova an hour.

Addressing your concern about a daytrip to Venice being “stressful”, that can be true, but there are ways to minimize that if you plan carefully and are willing to spend a bit of money. For starters, when you arrive by train, do not join the scrum of people trying to board the vaporetto (water bus); walk to the waiting water taxis and ask one to take you down the Grand Canal to Piazza San Marco. It will cost more than 4 vaporetto tickets, but not outrageously more, and will be worth it.

But when you investigate all there is to see and do in Bologna you may not want to leave. See these websites for photos and suggestions.

https://www.bordersofadventure.com/bologna-emilia-romagna-italy/

https://www.italia.it/en/emilia-romagna/bologna

https://www.bolognawelcome.com/en

Ciao..based on my own experiences and the idea you presented of just enjoying yet a day trip or 2..I vote for Bologna..lucca..verona..just IMHO.
All offer a smaller town feel but with great restaurants..shops..cafes for people watching..flat..I absolutely live Florence..but it can be soo crowded..just a thought. Have a lovely trip.

That was a concern I had with the larger cities like Bologna or Florence, that you’d have to deal with crowds and line ups and such.

It’s just so hard to choose because everywhere looks so spectacular

And everywhere IS so spectacular! You won't be disappointed no matter where you choose to stay.

Bologna wouldn’t be half as crowded as Florence or Venice.

And I don’t think Lucca is as good a destination. It is not in the best location, unless you want to day trip to Pisa ( overrated) or the Cinque Terre. ( talk about overcrowded!). And it was way too hot when we’re there in early June, with hardly any shade. And not much to do there but walk the walls. And no airport very close.

For me, it would be Venice. Get vaporetto passes for all your time there, and that can save both walking, and having to cross the Grand Canal via the three biggies, Scalzi, Rialto and Academia bridges.

Spend time enjoying a drink at a table in any campo. The price of a drink gives table rent for as long as you like.

Venice is a very intimate city. You won’t get bored in five days. You would not get bored in five months!