Bum foot, Venice and Rome

I took a very nice overview of Venice by water taxi that was conducted by Context Venice. I know they also have a second boat tour the talks about the ecology of the lagoon; I've not taken that. For a less expensive option, the downloadable tour by Rick Steves is a very nice introduction to the Grand Canal, intended for use during a vaporetto ride. A visit to the island of Torcello might also be nice – you'll have to walk when you get there, but it's a relatively long boat ride out and back, which would provide time for resting.

Also, in Venice, I suggest getting a vaporetto pass – that way if you get tired, you can hop on a boat to get back to the area near your hotel.

A few other thoughts… Most museums have elevators; they can just be difficult to find, often tucked away out of sight. So it's worth asking. Also, I know that the Vatican Museums have a handicapped tour route, plus, I believe, loaner wheelchairs. That is a huge museum complex and is usually crowded; it would be worth making it as easy on yourself as possible. Finally, if having an elevator in your hotel is important to you, ask lots of questions – in Italian hotels, it's not uncommon to have elevators that require going up a flight of stairs to reach the elevator and up another flight of stairs at the top of the elevator.

Thank you so much!

I managed many miles a day in disneyworld last year and I do walk a fair bit routinely at home. But I think some planned easier days would really help keep the pain mangable so I can enjoy the whole trip.

I really appreciate the water tour suggestions and help!

If you do go out to Torcello, you'd probably want to see Burano and possibly Mazzorbo also - really make a day of it. Another good use for your vaparetto pass would be to visit San Giorgio Maggiore.
(Want to clarify that the vaparetto will get you to all these places.)

If you walk that much at home, you should be okay. Sherry's advice is excellent. I have plantar fasciitis and with good shoes and inserts, I walk up to ten kilometers a day, but not every day. A leisurely lunch break and a long bus or vaporetto ride helps. In Roma, get the pass that includes transportation (and hope for a seat).

There is an American expat in Venice who teaches rowing Venetian style. I have acquaintances who have done it, and reviews are uniformly excellent. Your son would probably love it, and you would get to rest your foot. Check it out here: Row Venice. It's definitely on my bucket list.

Take advantage of benches and other perches, coffee breaks, gelato breaks, etc., before you get tired or are in pain. In Rome, make use of buses and taxis. The walking is not difficult, but places are far apart. In Venice, use the vaporetto. It zigzags along the canal, with stops on alternating sides. Just cruise along the Grand Canal (grab seats in the very front if the boat has them, or in the very back), early morning and after dark. Ride the vaporetto to Burano, if not to see the island, at least for the ride across the lagoon.

I sent you a private message.

I have arthritis too (both feet and a hip). I have relavitely few problems walking with comfortable shoes, prescription inserts, and OTC pain meds as needed. Cobblestones bother me most, smooth pavement is not so bad. Also, I found that if I have an unlimited use pass for public transport I use it, even if it's just one stop; which normally I would walk becasue it's just one stop and how far could that be?
Suggestions: Venice - Vaporetto on the Grand Canal, end to end, sit, relax and watch Venice glide by. The islands (Murano, Burano and Torcello) are good for all day. It's a long ride from Venice proper to Torcello so your foot would get a good rest.
Rome-has bus and metro system and taxis. We did several DIY walking tours and saved some walking by taking transport to the furtherest point away from the hotel and walking back.

Thank you all!

Short easy walks in Rome include the Pantheon, Sopra di Minerva, and Piazza Navona. These places are right by each other. If you can walk 5 miles a day, you can easily and leisurely stroll from Sopra di Minerva Church to Pantheon to Piazza Navona. That way, you can see impressive sights and just take your sweet time with plenty of places to eat or grab a gelato. The Church of St. Agnes is right on Piazza Navona as well. There are some other important churches in the vicinity as well. You can sit and relax on a bench in the piazza or sit inside a church in a pew.

Venice: Correr Museum, Doge's Palace, San Marco are all right by each other. I would start at Correr Museum and buy a combo. pass. Also, eat at the small indoor café (sandwiches and salads) at Correr and use its restrooms. The Correr is clean, uncrowded and the food -while not cheap - is still a better value than much else on the square. You can enjoy a nice view of the square from a window. Then, take your pass and walk to the Doge Palace. Get in the line for "reserved" tickets. Your combo. pass will let you breeze your way in. You won't have to stand in the long ticket line. There are places to sit in Doge Palace and you can visit at your own pace. If you can, attend Mass at San Marco and sit in the nave. This allows you to relax and you can look around at the amazing mosaics from your seat. Sure, you can't explore during Mass. But, you get a great view of most of San Marco during Mass without the tourist crunch pushing you through.

Thank you so much! I appreciate the tips on easier touring!

Also on the way from Santa Maria Soprano Minerva to Piazza Navona is San Luigi dei Francesi, with some Caravaggio paintings.

Just a follow up note on attending Mass at San Marco. Find out from a RS book or a hotel clerk when Mass times are. "Messe" is Mass in Italian. Pronounced "may-say." When you face the front doors of San Marco, go to the left; use the side door on the side wall of the church - not the impressive front door area with the mosaics. Tell security Mass or Messe - you will be directed to enter the church from the side. Walk to the Nave and find a seat in the middle or a bit closer to the front doors, so you can easily view the great ceiling mosaics. ENJOY! Purses and small packs are fine if carried in. If you have a large purse or pack, you will have to check your bag across the "street" before entering. The bag check for San Marco is free for one hour while attending Mass. Just don't bring a large bag.

Thank you!

I also have arthritis in both feet (as well as back and hips - ugh!). I am curious, what brand of shoes did your doctor recommend?
I have bought two expensive pairs of shoes as I prepare for our trip to Italy in April. I am trying to break them in now, but I am afraid that they are not going to be comfortable.

My diagnosis is hallux limitus. I have arthritis in the joint that connects my big toe to my foot. My doctor recommends shoes that are stiff in that part of the sole and have a rocker bottom to minimize movement of the joint. He also recommends a slight heel, but not a big one. I think he said around an inch? He gave me a list of shoe brands but the ones that work by far the best for me, of the ones I have tried, are danskos, specifically the marcelle style. They have a strap which keeps the shoe on my foot so I don't have to use my toes to keep it on.

I used wear fairly sensible shoes, like merrels and keens, but I preferred flexible soles. The danskos are not my idea of a comfortable shoe but that stiffness seems to be necessary for my stupid foot problem.

Zappos has been invaluable to me as I have been able to order a very broad selection of shoes (many more options than I have found in a bricks and motar store) and keep only the ones that work. Hard to beat free shipping and free returns when you have finicky feet.

Good luck finding just the right shoe for your travels!