Hi Fellow Travelers-
Taking Hubs on his first trip overseas to see his ancestral homeland in January. I have been to Europe multiple times (not Italy) and prefer a backpack and public transportation. He is not much of a fan of travel in general (generally stays home to care for our dogs when I travel). He has some mobility issues and needs to sit and rest every couple of city blocks/issues with standing for long-periods of time. I want to make sure he has a good time and isn't over taxed, but would like to avoid/minimize the need to rent a car. We will be in Italy for three weeks. I have a very basic itinerary. I would love some feedback as to whether it seems realistic. (We love food/people watching. I like history. We both like an open itinerary with lots of room for down time)
1/14- Fly into Rome, spend the night near Termini station
1/15- Train to Salerno. Stay 3 nights, day trip to Amalfi Coast ?
1/18- Train to Palmi (land of his grandfather's people). 2 nights
1/20- Train to Taormina (1 night)
1/21- Train to Catania (2 nights)
1/23- Train to Syracuse, 2 nights, including a visit to Lentini (land of the grandmother)
Then... Option 1: Rent a car and leisurely drive back to Rome, visiting little, off of the beaten track areas and avoiding cities? Option 2: Fly back to Rome and then a train to Florence for a few days and then train back to Rome? Option 3: Fly back to Rome and spend 10 days there? Option 4: ...... ???
To be clear- I personally love trains and would avoid a 2nd flight to Rome, but I want to make it as enjoyable and restful for Hubs as possible. (He is an aged 70, I am a fit 53). I appreciate everyone's feedback. Best, T