Planning a 2 week trip to Italy for my grandparents - need tips on the best itinerary style for them.
My grandparents (around the age of 70) have asked me to plan their trip to Italy for September of '09. I spent 5 weeks in Italy last summer and have a good idea of places for them to go, but I just need some advice on the best way for them to get around. They are both very able for their age but both can be very very stubborn and of course think that they always know best. I experienced difficulties understanding the Italian train system and other modes of travel at age 21 and learned that the best thing to do was just to accept that I was out of my element and humble myself to ask for advice from anyone that looked helpful. I am having a hard time imagining them doing so. In fact, my grandfather has expressed interest in renting a car for part of their trip, which makes me more than a little nervous.
Here are the places that I'd like for them to spend time in as well as places they've expressed interest in going: Tuscany and into Florence, Rome, Cinque Terre, the Amalfi Coast, and possibly Milan.
Any tips on where they should start and the easiest way for them to get from one place to the next?
Reply to this Try in Visp or St.Niklaus - there are direct trains to Zermatt:
http://www.visp.ch/index.cfm?setNAV_e=1144
http://www.matterhornvalley.ch/de/unterkunft/hotels/st-niklaus.html
Train-timetable: http://www.sbb.ch
Reply to this I have driven from north to south in Italy 5 times with a rented car. I speak some Italian but even so, in going through almost ANY town or city you end up getting lost. The nice thing is that if you ask for directions, often someone will just lead you out. I am just a few years younger than your grandparents, but if they have no experience in driving in a country like Italy I would highly recommend against it. The cities and coast that you mention are not ones to drive through/to for the faint of heart!
Now this many not be what you(they) are looking for but PUGLIA is Italy's flattest region and actually has some decently wide roads. It is Italy's leading producer of wine, wheat and olive oil. We were there last October, so September would be perfect. Depending on what your grandparents are looking for, Puglia could possibly fit the bill --- especially if they insist on driving. Check out our travel blog on Puglia, if interested:
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