rome and athens with elderly parent?

The hop on/off can be good as it takes you to each attraction and if you don't want to get off, just keep riding. The Vatican tour involves a LOT of walking. You may want to consider renting a wheel chair. I know the problem. My 93 year old mother thought she could walk forever.

Thanks Frank. Hop on/off is a good idea. Also wheelchair rental - although he will hate the idea of needing one.

• Anyone out there rent wheelchairs at Vatican?
• Any preferred hop on and off tours?

Hi Krystal. What fun! I use a similar strategy to Frank's with the hop on/off tours. I plan the route, so that we have public transportation in between each site. That way there's a chance to sit and rest for a few minutes. Sometimes you wind up zigzagging a bit, but it's worth it.

Works well if the hop on/off tour doesn't go where you need, etc.

PS - There are a host of sites that have free downloadable Audio Tours (Rick's included). If you want to go at your own pace, and Dad is willing/able to use headphones, they might work very well.

One additional thought about hop on/off buses. Generally the tickets are good for 24 hours so buy early afternoon. That way you do not have a tiring full day but two half days with overnight rest in between.

Thanks for the tips - I think the free downloads are a great idea. I like the idea of going at our own pace too with the on/off the buses.

I took my elderly mother to the Vatican this past November. I arranged a private tour with a guide with Through Eternity. I also had let them know that we would need a wheelchair. The cost for the guide was high... I think I paid 300Euro for 3 people for about 7 or 8 hours of touring. But, it was well worth it. She met us at our hotel, and we taxid together to the Vatican. She helped us obtain the wheelchair at the coatcheck counter in the museum. Because she is a hard-working tourguide at the Vatican often, she also knew where the elevators would be and knew several security guards who she arranged to meet us at the elevators at certain times. It was perfect. I highly recommend!