My husband and I want to take my 79 year old mom (with arthritis) to Italy this spring. She wants to see Venice and Rome, and we'd like to add a (relaxing) stop in-between. Any recommendations for a nice two night stay between Venice and Rome? I'm open to travel by bus/train or car. Also, any recs for accomodations? A two-bedroom suite would be ideal. Thanks in advance--we want to make this trip nice for her, without breaking the bank.
Posted by
Carbondale, IL, USA
1201 posts
Joy
Orvieto might make a nice stop between the two. Very doable by train.
We have been traveling for a number of years toitaly with my dad, who was 86 on our last trip. We enjoy staying in apartments instead of hotels. there is more room. Prices are on a par with two hotel rooms or a two bedroom suite or usually cheaper.
My dad really likes the arrangements.
We have used this agency in Venice and they also have
an branch for Rome now.
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
You can easily take the train from Venice, stop in Florence for 2 nights and then continue on to Rome.
I recommend taking the train, it is easy and inexpensive. You can book seats when you get to Italy or wait til the day of travel. The trains never sell out and there are many trains a day between these cities.
As for accommodations I would suggest looking at venere.com. The reviews are written by guests who have completed a stay at the property they are reviewing. They have hotels, B&B's and apartments to choose from. You can choose by location, budget or star rating.
The areas for Rome I would recommend would be the pantheon, navona, trevi or colosseum areas. For Venice I like to stay in Dorsoduro. I find it a little quieter but still near the main sites.
Donna
Posted by
Alta Loma, CA, USA
1446 posts
Joy, I also suggest Orvieto. It was very relaxing to walk around & I loved not having to deal with the crowds & hustle/bustle in Rome. It's about 60-90 minutes from Rome by train.
I would also look into an apartment. We stayed in a wonderful apartment in Rome that was ideally situated between Piazza Navona & Campo de Fiori. (Palazzo Olivia apartments). We had more room to spread out & the apartment was equipped with everything we wanted. I believe the cost was comparable if not less than what we would have paid for a small, cramped hotel.
One last suggestion. If your mom gets tired from standing a lot, take one of those small, fold-up tripod seats for your mom. We got a really light weight one from a sporting goods place. It will come in handy when waiting in lines, etc.
Have a wonderful trip.
Posted by
Palm Beach, Florida, United States
536 posts
Joy - In Venice I would suggest - http://www.hotelcasanova.it/ - Directly behind Piazza San Marco - A great location and Franco and Stefano will take good care of you. Nice Free breakfast also.
Train to Rome and then I would suggest - http://www.hotelforte.com/en/index.htm
Located Directly at The Spanish Steps and my friends Emanuel and Emauella will also take good care of you.
In between Orvieto was a good suggestion - there are lots of nice places in Tuscany.
Greg
Posted by
Fredericksburg, VA, USA
409 posts
Another very strong vote for Orvieto as your in-between and relaxing stop. Perfect for two days, in my opinion. With Venice and Rome being rather chaotic, I think your mom would really enjoy a breather in such a beautiful and charming spot.
Posted by
OP
Cleveland, Ohio
62 posts
Thank you everyone, for the suggestions! I am looking at hotels and planning on Orvieto.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
Bologna would also be an interesting place to stay for a couple of days. It's one of the stops along the rail line from Rome to Venice, unlike Orvieto, which will require you to transfer to one of the regional/local trains. Bologna is not terribly touristy, it's easy to navigate (flat), and relatively compact. The shopping is good and the food great! I recommend the Hotel Porta San Mamolo.