I have been helped so many times by you wonderful fellow travelers! I always travel alone but this time a girlfriend has asked me to accompany her on her very first time to Italy! Arrival is May 25(Saturday) to Roma and departure date is June 8. Here are the places she would like to visit. (I have been there many times) Best order for towns. Rome, Orvieto,Amalfi coast, Pompeii, And Florence. No Car and all by train. Are there any other towns or places to show her. She isn't into museums nor a lot of walking. There is nothing I don,t love in Italy. Please please help as the trip time is getting closer. I have been the length and breath of Rome. She will be going back in the Fall with her son and his wife.
Also quiet hotels easy walking distance ...I have always use B&B...how about apartments? Will show her your replies. Our age is the mid 60's
Posted by
San Jose, CA
1994 posts
If she's not into museums, I'm wondering if a town in Umbria or Tuscany might be more enjoyable than Florence (although I can't believe I'm suggesting skipping Florence). I particularly love Assisi; others like Siena, which I didn't care for; and there are obviously lots of others. However, many will require walking hills. The other possibility would be to spend some extra time in Orvieto, getting to know it, rather than going on to Florence.
Posted by
roswell, ga, usa
1501 posts
I still think Florence is a great city, even for someone who does not love Museums. The Piazzas are many, the ambiance at night with the acapella singers, accordion players, lit fountains and good food and wine cannot help but charm her! I am also in my 60's and Florence is my favorite city in the world! There must be something she likes, maybe shopping, food? Music? It's all there. I rented an apartment in a residential district, 2 bedrooms living room, 2 baths plus alcove with day-bed that may be perfect for you -- but you will need to walk 6 blocks or so to the duomo. PM me if you think this will work for you. If she hates walking you may want to skip Amalfi Coast and Pompeii, as both of these require a lot of walking. Maybe you should add Venice to this trip?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32402 posts
Virginia, The route you've suggested is not the most efficient (especially for such a short time frame), as it involves some "backtracking". You could minimize that by visiting Rome > Amalfi Coast / Pompeii > Orvieto > Florence. Using open-jaw flights would of course be the most efficient method. You could also start in Florence and move south (for such a short period, the temperatures shouldn't vary much - it will likely be hot everywhere). The "Amalfi Coast" is a somewhat large area and getting there and back to your other destinations is going to use some of your limited holiday time and involve more walking. You might consider skipping that on this trip, and focus on Rome and areas north. There are more than enough possibilities to keep busy with for 13 or so days. "Are there any other towns or places to show her". I'd suggest having a look at the Italy 2013 Guidebook or some of Rick's TV shows on PBS. That should help to narrow down places that might interest her. The Guidebook has numerous listings for good hotels in each place. I usually stay in the Termini area of Rome, as it's so convenient for transportation. Some walking will still be necessary but in that area you'll have lots of transportation options. If you're riding crowded Buses in Rome, BE SURE to validate your tickets and wear MoneyBelts (especially on the infamous #64 Bus). Good luck with your planning!