Hi Everyone,
We are planning a return trip to Europe in 2025. We spent six weeks in Northern Europe in 2022 with many thanks to Rick’s loyal travelers. This time, the majority of the trip will be by ship (21 days from Rome to Trieste) but we want to visit Florence, Pisa, and Rome pre-cruise and Venice post-cruise. The ship sails at the end of May so we have some time before cruising. My wife has some mobility issues, which we hope are resolved before the trip. I traveled with a friend to Rome, Naples, Sicily, Pisa, Milan, and Venice in 2001, so I am a little familiar with how to get around but I am sure things have changed.
First question…what are the pros and cons of flying into Rome and either visiting Florence/Pisa as day trips versus staying in Florence for 2-3 days? In 2001, I stayed in Montecatini Terme and did day trips to Florence/Pisa, mainly for budgetary reasons. That’s not a concern now, though I’d guess $250 a night would be fine for hotel.
Second question…if we stay in Florence, how many days do y’all recommend? My wife wants to see David and inside the Duomo and museums but no stair climbing. Would one long day be enough for Florence?
Our last night before the cruise will be in Civitavecchia (already booked) and we don’t mind staying there and traveling into Rome by train, though I know we lose some sightseeing time. My wife does not have the energy to go at my pace, so she would rather see a couple sights each day and then chill. I would go from sunrise until the late evening…LOL.
Anyway, I would love some advice, especially if you have traveled with mobility issues. That’s one reason why so much of this trip will be on a ship.
Dr. Rob