first visit to Rome at 80 years young

I recommend taking taxis in the city whenever you even slightly feel it is warranted, to save your energy; see my earlier post about traveling with a slower senior. Taxi stands are marked with a T on the maps in Rick's Italy book. Orvieto is a lovely hilltown that is right on the main train line, one hour away, with lots of train service, and an escalator to get you from the train to the top of the hill. Once up top, you can meander around slowly like all the Italian grandmothers and enjoy views over the landscape, plus the gorgeous cathedral.

There are several religious guest houses in Rome, santasusanna.org would be a good place for recommendations. The Aventine Hill area has a cluster of these accommodations, your mother may be comfortable enough there not to have to change locations and then come back to Rome for the Mass. Assisi might be a hill town she would enjoy, there are also guest houses run by religious orders there. Assisi is hilly, the trick is to take the little buses to the higher end of town and always walk downhill.

Ir you decide to visit Rome for a few days and then go to Assisi or Orvieto, plan to arrive in Rome closer to the day of the Mass and then spend a couple of nights in either Assisi or Orvieto.

stephanie,

I agree with Laura that Orvieto would be a great choice for a "small town" to stay for a few days. It's a beautiful and historic hill town in Umbria, and only about an hour from Rome by train. While there be sure to visit the incredible Duomo, which has beautiful Signorelli frescoes painted on the ceiling in a small chapel at the back. If you have the interest or energy, you could also take a look at St. Patrick's Well (an incredible engineering feat in it's time) or the Underground tour. There are some very comfortable hotels there as well as good restaurants. I think your grandmother would enjoy the atmosphere there in the evenings, as it's very relaxed and informal, and doesn't have a "big city" feel.

Your grandmother may be a bit intimidated by Rome as it can be "intense" at times, but I'm sure with your help she'll manage just fine.

Happy travels!

First, where are you traveling from?
Second, your itinerary has you seeing the Vatican the same day you leave. That makes no sense.
Third, do stay somewhere near the Vatican, then take a taxi to the train station to go to your next site.
Fourth, I suggest Orvieto. It's about an hour away and is an incredibly charming hilltop town near the Tuscan border.

Thanks Everyone.

Laura, it is really great to know that you have done trips with slow moving seniors. My grandmother gets around fine in her daily life but I am concerned about the amount of walking that is usually involved in overseas travel. Taxi's are a great tip that, honestly, I might not have thought of on my own since its not how my husband and I usually travel. Any other little tips that you can offer?

Michael, I am in Seattle and my grandmother is in Montana. I am hoping to fly from Seattle. Yes, I was planning on visiting Vatican City one day then leaving Rome that night and returning later in the week for the Mass. I don't want my grandmother to tour the Vatican City and go to the Mass on the same day, since both of these events will require a lot of walking/standing. However, now that I know Orvieto is so close and accessible I might decide to head straight there for a few nights and then finish in Rome by seeing Vatican City, having a day to relax, then attending the Mass. The biggest challenge is just to ensure she doesn't get overly tired one day which will make the following days more difficult.

As always this forum is an invaluable idea generator! I appreciate everyone taking the time to help.

Travel Light, One light carry-on bag Total for both you and Grandma. One hand for luggage, the other for Grandma. If you travel by trains in Italia, check first if trains are available where you can reserve seats for you and Grandma.

Personally I would not do day 4 and 5. For my mother packing and moving and getting on a train and having a schedule to meet was the stressful part. There are quieter areas of Rome that you could stay in that would be relaxing and restful but still within a reasonable taxi ride. If she is interested in religious sites, then St Peter-in-Chains is another good site. You can have restful days without being in the country side.

Frank,
You have a really good point, the moving will be hard on her. I have never been to Rome and my idea of it is LOTS of hustle and bustle. Can you suggest some good, mellow, quieter areas of Rome that might fit our needs?

You might try Prati, away from the Vatican, or The Aventine Hill for a little quietude without being so remote it's hard to get around.