Planning an Italy trip with my mother and two sisters this fall. Mom is 88 and can't deal with trains, buses, lines, long walks, etc. She also can't hear well, so group tours aren't going to work. I am trying to find a service that will help us book a custom itinerary that includes a car/driver for transfers and tour guide when needed, hotels and restaurants, maybe time in an agriturismo. Most of the companies I am finding will do a private tour for 4, but they want you to choose from a set itinerary. Our "musts" are Rome to see the Vatican and St Peters, Assisi, and some quiet time in Tuscany. Mom is devout Catholic so the religious sites are a top priority--any other recommendations? We want to spend 10-14 days.
Posted by
123 posts
Congrats on your upcoming trip! To your inquiry, contact Sally Roberts, owner of Soice of Tuscany https://www.sliceoftuscany.com. Her entire business is providing the services you seek. She comes recommended to me by the private guide I collaborate with for tours in Florence, who I also highly recommend. Sally is quick with responses and works hard to create a truly customized and memorable experience.
Happy planning!
Posted by
Abruzzo Mountains
1090 posts
I have two secondhand suggestions, as in I've heard good things from those who've used them but I haven't used them personally.
once in a lifetime travel I follow her on Facebook and she has some good resources and seems very legit, but I don't know her.
ciao tours This is a Canadian company, I don't know where you're located, but they come very highly recommended by my boss. I heard lots of stories about his trip and it was marvellous.
Anyway, just a couple of ideas to further your search. Even if you don't talk to them, their websites might give you some ideas about what to ask other companies.
Posted by
Washington DC
28472 posts
I am not religious at all, but I thought the mosaic sites in Ravenna were spectacular. As a bonus, the historic district of the town is beautiful as well as flat. And as of 2015, Ravenna was very non-touristy.
I don't know whether you'll want to go farther north than Assisi. It's probably an extra 3 hours to Ravenna.
Posted by
Washington DC
28472 posts
I didn't think to mention earlier that Assisi is quite hilly. It's really lovely, so I hope you will be able to explore the city as well as the basilica and other religious sites. As I recall, much of the historic area is uphill from the basilica. I think there will be a solution, but it's worth some thought ahead of time.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Sage travel can answer all your questions and provide a truly accessible tour for your family.
Here's his site. Very quick to respond and answer your questions.
https://www.sagetraveling.com/italy-accessible-travel
Error on the side of a full 14 days, which will allow your mom time to recuperate between towns. Sounds like a great trip.
Posted by
Boise, ID, USA
2334 posts
There's a public mini-bus service to take you around Assisi.
Posted by
OP
Bellingham, WA
12 posts
Thanks everyone! Have followed up on a lot of these suggestions and I think we will be in good hands. Appreciate the RS forum and hope I can pay it forward.
Posted by
616 posts
I do not know when you are intending to go but I have the name of a guy ( private driver) who could tour you wherever you want ( Tuscany + Rome).
I will be back home in September.
Let me know.
Posted by
616 posts
When you book apartment or hotel, make sure it has a lift and airco