We are planning a trip to Italy in fall 2010 with our married friends. He is older and wears a false leg. He usually is able to get along great, sometimes uses a cane. We would like to choose a location for a base camp (they want to rent a villa) for three weeks that will give him access to sights and public transportation (trains for long distance day travel) but also gives my husband and me the ability to break away once and awhile to hike and do hours in the museums. Hopefully this isn't too general...any suggestions for that critical base camp?
Thanks for any insight you can give me. Sara
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
You say: "(they want to rent a villa) for three weeks that will give him access to sights and public transportation (trains for long distance day travel)"
Does that mean you won't be renting a car for this trip? To my knowledge, most villas are outside of town/city centers and would be a fair walk for someone able-bodied. If you plan to primarily use public transportation, you will probably want to rent an apartment in a city such as Florence or Rome.
Posted by
OP
fort collins, colorado, usa
11 posts
A car is definitely in the mix - we would want to leave that with them if my husband and I were to venture out for a day. I guess I'm not really sure what all to consider - which of course is why I've asked for advise from those whom have been there.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA
7737 posts
I suggest renting an apartment in one of the major cities with good access to public transportation. Florence would be a really good location because it's in central Italy and has a major rail terminal. When looking at apartments remember that in Europe their first floor is what we call the second floor. (What we call the first floor they call the ground floor.) Also be sure to find out whether they have an elevator. Most of the buildings with elevators had them installed long after the building was built and they are often so tiny that only one or two people can get inside.
Posted by
OP
fort collins, colorado, usa
11 posts
That's helpful and Florence is a place that I am really interested in. I would imagine that we could find a large apartment that would accomodate we four so we don't bump into eachother!!!! Thanks
Posted by
Seattle, WA
1317 posts
I agree with Michael, although if you base in Florence, do NOT get a rental car.
Florence is a pretty compact city, which makes it more walkable than some of the others, but it also has bus/cab service. One other advantage is that most of it is fairly flat. You will have to watch out for cobblestones (slick when it rains!) and narrow/uneven sidewalks.
If you choose to go the villa route, it still seems to me like you will want to base in Tuscany, and near Florence is a good option since it's central and has lots of train options.
Posted by
OP
fort collins, colorado, usa
11 posts
Fairly flat is good for my friend - the cobblestones, we can deal with. This is very helpful - thanks.