Visiting Italy with seniors

When we think of senior-friendly destinations Italy sits among the top 10 countries.  

A slower pace of life, a rich history and relaxing scenery makes it a popular choice among elderly travelers. 

And when visiting Italy with seniors, there are important things to consider when planning a trip. 

Whether traveling to Italy with aging parents or visiting Italy with grandparents, I’ll be covering the essential topics. 

It'll include the kind of activities to consider plus the best places to visit in Italy with seniors. 

Why Italy is a great destination for seniors 

Italy is a destination where seniors can find their own travel pace. 

Many have fewer time constraints (i.e. are retired) allowing them the luxury to really enjoy their Italian vacation. 

Italy’s relaxed pace and the ease of transport (including travel for seniors with limited mobility) adds another advantage. Add to this the historical landmarks, the food and the many diverse landscapes.  

In essence, Italy makes the perfect vacation, not just for seniors but also for multi-generational family trips. 

My experience of traveling in Italy with aging parents 

My parents, who are both in their 70s and fairly active, had a 3-week trip to Italy. They don’t have any mobility problems and visited Italy in early July. 

They’d prepared several things in advance (alongside the usual planning) for their Italy trip. They were: 

• Ensured they had adequate travel insurance (that also included health insurance) 
• Had ordered enough medication with their GP for their vacation 
• Packed travel accessories like sunhats, light sweaters and light outerwear 
• Brought the right footwear. 
• Had exchanged some cash to Euros. 

Probably the biggest issue my parents experienced (aside from the language) was my dad constantly needing to use the bathroom. While it was easy to resolve, it was something we’d to factor in before taking them to a new city/town. 

Types of activities in Italy for seniors

The range of things to do in Italy with seniors will naturally depend on the individual/s. Seniors looking for a slower pace of travel can find suitable activities as can seniors with more adventurous tastes. 

Relaxing activities 

Relaxing things to do in Italy can include a various array of activities.  

Enjoy slow travel by visiting one of the towns, or relax by the lake, on Lake Garda or Lake Como.  

Alternatively, book a tranquil beach holiday in Sardinia or a weekend wellness break in the Dolomites.

Either choice will guarantee a relaxing break for you or for your senior companion/relative. 

Cultural activities 

Italy is like an open-air museum. And when it comes to learning more about its culture there’s no shortage of activities.  

Explore the ancient Roman sites in Rome or create an itinerary around visiting the best museums in Florence. Admire some of the most iconic masterpieces in Venice or watch a performance in Milan’s Scala Theater (Teatro alla Scala). 

For gastronomes 

Italy is famous for its diverse and delicious cuisine. And sampling different regions’ dishes makes for an interesting, and tasty, way to see the country. 

Visit food markets, book an Italy food tour or learn new skills at an Italian cooking class. 

Best places to visit in Italy for seniors 

As mentioned above, the best places to visit in Italy for seniors will differ depending on the senior/’s circumstance. 

Mobile and able-bodied seniors will have no problem visiting many of Italy’s larger cities. Seniors that require assistance with their mobility will also have options to help navigate the cities. 

The same can’t be said for smaller towns and villages for elderly visitors with mobility issues. While it’s possible it’ll require pre-planning things like transport and accessibility to attractions beforehand. 

Rome 

There are several advantages to visiting Rome with seniors. 

For one, much of the city is flat and is fine for seniors visiting Italy in a wheelchair. The second advantage is the public transport options. Italy’s capital has trains, a metro system, buses and trams that make it easy and affordable to get around.  

Taxis are also readily available in Rome. Go to the nearest taxi stand or order one from any of the popular Italy travel apps.  

Alternatively, anyone working at a restaurant, bar or even the hairdresser can book you a taxi.  
The bottom line is that Rome is elderly-friendly when planning a visit to Italy with seniors. 

Best Italy tours for seniors in Rome 

One of the most convenient ways to visiting Italy with seniors is by booking a tour — or two. Below are a handful of some of the best Rome tours for elderly visitors. 

🛺 Golf cart city tour with hotel pickup and gelato (3 hours) – a fun way to see Rome’s best sights. The hotel pickup and tour duration make it one of the best Italy tours for seniors with limited mobility. 

🍷 Trastevere twilight food tour and wine tasting (4hrs) – beat the crowds by eating, and drinking, a little earlier on this fun food tour around the picturesque Trastevere quarter. 

🚶 Jewish Ghetto walking tour (2.5hrs) – a fascinating walk around the Rome neighborhood and a journey into its fascinating history. 

Florence 

Florence’s biggest advantage for seniors is that the main attractions are within close walking distance to each other. 

For example, Florence’s Duomo (cathedral) is a 5-minute walk to Piazza della Signoria. The piazza (public square) is home to Florence attractions like Palazzo Vecchio and the sculptures at the Loggia dei Lanzi. 

Best Italy tours for seniors in Florence 

Comfortably enjoy the sights of Florence by joining one of these senior-friendly tours. They also include some of the best Italy tours for seniors with limited mobility. 

🛺 Eco-friendly golf cart city tour (1hr) – enjoy a one-of-a-kind tour through Florence’s streets on board this eco-friendly golf cart. 

🏛️ Guided city tour by rickshaw – swap the golf cart for a rickshaw on this unique, fun tour of Florence. 

🍝 Florence street food tour with a local expert – taste the best Tuscan dishes in the company of a knowledgeable local. Choose the 11am tour to ensure a visit to the local market. 

Milan 

Like Rome, Milan is a flat and walkable city. Many of the top attractions in Milan are within walking distance of the other and are accessible too. 

Take Milan’s famous Duomo. Along with standard tickets to visit the cathedral and the famous terraces, there’s also the option that includes an elevator. 

Other famous attractions in Milan, like The Last Supper, is just outside Milan’s historic center. However, it’s easy to visit via public transport or with a taxi. 

Verona 

The city that inspired one of Shakespeare’s most famous tragedies is ideal for visiting Italy with seniors. 

Verona’s streets are flat, well-kept and walkable. Like the aforementioned cities, Verona’s main attractions are also within walking distance of each other. 

Its most famous landmark, Verona Arena, is accessible to seniors with limited mobility.  

Wheelchair users can access the amphitheater via a metal ramp from Piazza Brà (see the dedicated webpage for more).  

Turin 

The former capital of Italy is a great choice for visiting Italy with seniors.  

Much of Turin’s attractions are within the historic center and are easy to access for elderly visitors. With the Alps as a backdrop, it’s perfect for seniors interested in architecture, museums and the most decadent chocolate. 

What's more, Piedmont has some of the best dishes in Italy and is a total treat for the gastronomic senses. 

Smaller towns in Italy 

Italy is brimming with hundreds of small and historic towns that many elderly visitors will enjoy seeing. 

There’s a gazillion to choose from and it’d be impossible to list them all. Instead, the following are a few of my personal favorites. 

Orta San Giulio, Piedmont 

A picturesque town in Piedmont, Orta San Giulio faces onto the serene Lake Orta (Lago di Orta). Stroll through the historic center, visit Isola San Giulio on a 5-minute boat ride and lap up the lake views.  

Discover the best things to do in Orta San Giulio in 1 day. 

Taormina, Sicily 

Despite its elevated hilltop position, Taormina is a popular choice among all traveler types. Visitors coming to Taormina without a car can use the bus or cable car to reach the street level. 

Seniors with limited mobility might struggle navigating the narrow streets. However, there are many other areas to comfortably maneuver in Taormina, arguably one of the most beautiful places in Sicily. 

Pitigliano, Tuscany 

Explore one of the prettiest small towns in Tuscany when visiting Italy with seniors. Known as ‘little Jerusalem’, Pitigliano has a rich Jewish heritage, charming cobblestone streets and excellent places to eat. Plan your trip with the best things to do in Pitigliano. 

Montemerano, Tuscany 

Take your senior spouse/friend/relative to see an enchanting village in Tuscany not far from Pitigliano. Montemerano has pretty medieval streets, storybook Tuscan houses and sweeping views across the Tuscan countryside. 

Map of Italy

Venice 

There are several issues to consider when visiting Venice Italy with seniors. I write this as someone who’s a local and who has experience of visiting with aging parents. 

The bridges 

Challenges regarding bridges when visiting Italy with a baby also apply when visiting Italy with seniors. 

Bridges are everywhere in Venice, some small, others larger. Like bringing a stroller/carriage to Venice it can also be difficult for seniors visiting in a wheelchair. 

One way of getting around this is by using the vaporetto (water bus) to see Venice. It won't solve the issue of getting over bridges but you can use the water buses to visit other parts.  

For example, take a vaporetto from (Venice) Santa Lucia train station to San Marco. See the Grand Canal and visit St. Mark’s Basilica and Doge’s Palace before taking another vaporetto to another part. 

Before going, be sure to buy vaporetto tickets in advance, plan where you want to go and read how to use the vaporetto. 

See also  When to visit Sicily 

The walking 

Walking a lot is inevitable in Venice.  

For me, it’s normal to rack up around 25,000 steps every time I visit Venice. Though my legs are aching by the end of the day it’s much different for seniors.  

Despite making very good use of our vaporetto tickets in Venice my parents and I walked a lot too. Our one day in Venice left my dad with tingling legs and my mum with slightly swollen feet.  

A standard vaporetto ticket in Venice costs €9.50 ($10/£7.86) *. However, they last for 75 minutes from the moment you activate it, which should allow for at least two rides. 

The crowds 

There’s rarely a moment when you find Venice without crowds. There are fewer crowds to contend with traveling to Venice in winter but people visit regardless. 

And this might sound obvious to point out but be extremely cautious with your seniors’ belongings when visiting Venice. 

Tourists, in general, are a target for petty criminals but seniors are more so.  

I'll never forget the time when we encountered an elderly, American lady in a wheelchair in Venice. We overheard her telling the police that somebody stole her passport.  

It was an awful predicament to be in and one that can be avoided. 

The Dolomites 

One of the best places to visit in Italy the Dolomites range and surrounding region is simply spectacular. 

Though it’s accessible to senior visitors there are some things to be aware of before planning a trip.  

Accommodation 

We discovered on a Dolomites vacation with our baby that the apartment we booked didn’t have an elevator. And while we enjoyed our view from the top floor, we couldn’t say the same about the flight of stairs.  

Lugging our luggage and baby’s stroller up and down those stairs is something I'll never forget. 

Having elevator-free buildings is common across many parts of Italy even in ‘newer’ apartment buildings.  

While this feature would inconvenience many, it’d be harder if visiting Italy with seniors with mobility issues. 

The terrain 

Visiting towns and cities around the Dolomites won’t be an issue for senior travelers. 

Where issues may arise are when it comes to traveling to rural parts. For example, Lake Braies (Lago di Braies) is easy to access for all. The same can be said for Lake Carezza (Lago di Carezza).  

However, where this changes is if visiting the Dolomites in winter. Icy conditions and frozen paths make it very difficult for seniors in wheelchairs to visit. 

15 best Italy tours for seniors 

One of the most practical things to do when visiting Italy with seniors is to book some senior travel tours. 

Tours are a stress-free, and fuss-free, way of visiting a town, city or a landmark. On top of this, many tours work out to be much cheaper than renting a car in Italy.  

• St. Peter's Basilica exclusive early morning and the dome private tour (Rome) – 2.5 hours 
• Navona Square and undergrounds private guided tour with gelato (Rome) – 40 minutes 
• Timed entrance ticket to Michelangelo’s David (Florence) 
• Lake Como private boat, Bellagio and Lugano day trip (from Milan) 
• Dolomites day tour from Venice or Treviso – 12 hours 
• The best of the Dolomites in a day – 10 hours 
• Dolomites full-day tour from Lake Garda (not wheelchair accessible) – 11 hours 
• Private Amalfi Coast day trip from Rome – 12 hours 
• Amalfi Coast and Capri full day tour (check beforehand whether it’s wheelchair accessible) – 7 hours 
• Pasta and tiramisu cooking class with wine in Sorrento – 3 hours  
• Sunset tour in Sirmione (Lake Garda) – 45 minutes 
• Bardolino (Lake Garda) vineyard tour with wine and food tasting – 1.5 hours 
• Private tour of Mount Etna and winery with food and wine tasting (from Taormina) – 5 to 8 hours 
• Palermo historic center tour, Catacombs & Monreale in Cruiser car – 1 to 3 hours (one of the top-rated Sicily tours for seniors) 
• Palermo street food walking tour with local guide and tasting – 2.5 hours 

Travel tips for visiting Italy with seniors 

Traveling with seniors requires a bit more care and thoughtful planning. The following travel tips are those that I observed when helping my senior parents plan their Italy trip. 

Have a realistic and paced out itinerary 

Balance activity days with rest days. Avoid over-scheduling attractions and aim to visit in the morning rather than later in the day. 

Research accommodation 

Choose accommodation that’s located in the center and is close (enough) to main attractions. It's useful for seniors that want to rest between attractions and tours. Book hotels/apartments with elevators for ease, comfort and convenience. 

Transport and accessibility 

My parents didn’t require any senior-specific transport requirements. However, if this applies to your situation research transport options and ask about attraction/tour accessibility before booking tickets.  

Consider hiring a car and driver if public transport or walking is challenging. 

Italy tours for seniors 

Look for tour operators that offer small-group or private tours that can be tailored to your fit your specific needs. 

Communication 

Make sure that seniors have cellular access (or are traveling with someone who does). eSIM services like Airalo are an affordable and easy way to ensure internet access while traveling abroad.  

Be aware of local emergency services in Italy in case they are needed. 

• General number for emergency services: 112 
• Medical emergencies (servizio di urgenza ed emergenza medica) – 118  
• State police (polizia di stato) – 113  
• Firefighters (vigili del fuoco) – 115 

Travel checklist for seniors visiting Italy 

I've created the below checklist to use when traveling with aging parents or visiting Italy with grandparents. 

Use it to help finalize your, or your senior’s, Italy travel plans. 

✅ Travel insurance – make sure that you/they buy travel insurance that has pre-existing conditions coverage. My parents typically pay a higher premium but they have peace of mind should they ever require medical assistance.  

✅ Travel documents – check that passports have more than 6 months remaining. Non-EU visitors will need to apply for an ETIAS travel document from 2025 (mid to late, still TBC). Make copies of important documents. 

✅ Medications – request sufficient medication if visiting Italy for a longer period. Pack enough in your/their hand luggage. 

✅ Money – Notify your bank of international travel and ensure that credit and debit cards are authorized for use abroad. Have at least €200 in cash ($208/£165) before arriving in Italy. 

✅ Pay extra for refundable flights – things happen, plans change. Booking refundable airline tickets ensures that you/they are covered. 

✅ Consider upgrading flight seats – extra legroom, especially if traveling from outside Europe to Italy, equals a more comfortable flight. Pack a pair of compression socks in your/their hand luggage for the flight. 

✅ Download useful apps – there are many travel apps that will be useful not just to seniors but to all travelers. They include travel apps like Trainline (for booking train tickets) and translation apps like Google Translate. 

Best time to visit Italy with seniors 

The biggest advantage to visiting Italy with seniors is that there are few constraints when deciding when to go. 

Seniors (for the most part) are retired and have the luxury of traveling whenever they want. 

Italian summers can be sweltering, worse so when visiting crowded city centers. On the flip side winters in northern Italy can be freezing cold with snowfall in some parts. 

While there’s not just one ‘best time to visit Italy’ there are better periods. And for seniors, late spring (May to June) and fall (end of September to October - see 'Italy in September' and 'October') are ideal seasons. 

Both periods typically have fewer crowds and milder weather. October in Italy is one of my favorite months mainly because much of the country still has plenty of warm and sunny days.  

Additional tips 

Senior citizen train discounts in Italy 

Traveling by train is one of the best, fastest and affordable, ways to explore Italy.  

And for seniors, some Italian train operators, like Italo, offers discounts of up to 60% for people over 60. 

Once you’ve selected your journey on the website, choose the ‘Italo Senior’ option and proceed with your purchase. 

Trenitalia, Italy’s public train operator, also has a senior discount option. However, it’s only reserved for CartaFRECCIA cardholders that have an Italian address.  

Essentially, this loyalty card gives travelers over the age of 60 discounts ranging from 20% to 50%.  

FAQs 

What are the best tours for seniors in Italy? 

The best Italy tours for seniors are excursions with reduced walking distances. Choose private city tours and bus tours with scheduled stops. 

Is Rome accessible for seniors? 

Rome is getting increasingly more accessible for seniors. Many museums, historical sites and public transport systems have been upgraded to cater to people with limited mobility. However, always do your research and ask about accessibility issues before booking any attraction.  

How do I travel with a disabled elderly parent in Italy? 

Check that accommodations are wheelchair accessible (if applicable), have elevators and arrange for mobility services at airports. Larger cities in Italy like Rome and Milan will be better equipped to cater to elderly visitors with disabilities. Carry necessary medical documentation and contact details for local assistance in Italy. 

What is the best time of year to visit Italy with seniors? 

Fall, particularly October, is ideal due to milder weather and fewer crowds. Late spring is also a good time as temperatures are pleasant and popular attractions are less busy.  

What are your thoughts on this guide to visiting Italy with seniors? Are you planning on traveling to Italy with grandparents or aging parents? Or maybe you’re a senior planning on coming here soon? Let me know in the comments below.  

*information correct at the time of publishing.

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.

Like this post? Pin it!

You Might Also Like

• How to travel to Italy with a baby
• How to visit Italy with tweens (the complete guide)
• 80 free things to do in Italy with kids