Itinerary questions for Rome and Florence

If Mom really wants to see the Last supper, why not go to Milan after Florence and fly out of there? Be aware that tickets are hard to get except through a consolidator, but worth it. Magnificent to see in situ.

This schedule seems reasonable and well paced.

Some people will advocate for pushing through to Florence when you land and grouping all of your Rome night together at the end. But I fly from the West Coast and I need to stop wherever we land after two flights to get there and with your mom to worry about I think staying Rome is the right move.

Pompeii is doable from Rome but it is a long day and Pompeii is completely covered in uneven street and sidewalk surfaces and high curb/block steps. At least it won't be warm but be sure to pace yourselves and plan appropriately. Pompeii is huge and it unrealistic to think you will see it all - have a plan and pace yourself. It's no replacement for Pompeii but Ostia Antiqua is close to Rome and easy to access from the local train system if you need more ruins while you are in Rome but worry about the strain of Pompeii.

Small town rural Tuscany will seem like a serene dream after two, large, busy urban Italian cities. But I think you're being aware of your limitations and leaving yourself space to rest. Be sure to book tickets to "must see" sights in advance even if you are traveling later in the year to avoid disappointment or time standing in line.

Enjoy,
=Tod

Pompeii is about 3 hours from Rome, a day trip tour would be a very long day, I'm guessing. I haven't looked to see what day trip tours are available - and perhaps you have already done that. You could consider a couple of nights in Naples since Pompeii is much closer to Naples. I mention this just in case you are confused about the location of Pompeii and think it is closer to Rome.

San Gimignano is very touristy. I prefer the other Italian hill towns. I was in San Gimignano about 25 years ago and it was crowded then. I am guessing it is even more crowded now.

June is borderline for hot weather. Rome and Tuscany could be really hot in June. Late October/Early November I am guessing will be cool. Personally I enjoy walking a lot when travelign so I don't like really hot weather. But you may have a different preference in that regard.

Sounds like a great trip. And good luck with the snow!

Thank you guys! I really really appreciate the tip about flying out of Milan so she can see the Last Supper! It turns out those flights are actually cheaper for us (I live in Dallas, so we fly out of DFW typically). I'm sure she'll be thrilled to know she can see it!

Regarding the Last Supper, just pay attention to when the tickets open up for your time frame. You need to keep checking the website. You will have to wake up early on the first day they go on sale. You have to be in Italy time. Please make sure the day you want to see The Last Supper is NOT the first Sunday of the month. That happened to us last May. Tickets are free for The Last Supper and other venues on the first Sunday of each month. Even though they are free, you still have to order the tickets. I didn't know about any of this. To make a long story short, I woke up early on the appointed day, and after going through all the steps, I was not allowed to purchase my tickets. I had to wait until another specified date (about a month or so later), and went through the whole process again, but the tickets were gone (because they are free) almost instantaneously.

P.S. My oldest daughter and her family live outside of Dallas, and she has been sending me photos of the snow!

...she is in her early 70s and had a bit of trouble with all the stairs and bridges in Venice, so we want don't want to overdue this trip.

That being the case, a day trip to Pompeii might be too much. It will be a long trip, and there is a lot of walking over uneven surfaces involved. As suggested above, search the internet about Ostia Antica. It's not quite the same as Pompeii, but very historical, and a much easier trip.