Suitcases & Coffee | Senior Travel Tips for Europe

Why a Golf Cart Tour?

On our first day in Rome, and again the following morning, we will be using a golf cart tour. This lets us cover the city’s highlights quickly, without the long stretches of walking that can be tough on cobblestones. We will see the Colosseum from the outside, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and other landmarks while riding comfortably. It is the perfect way to get an overview of the Eternal City without overdoing it on day one.

Booking the Big Tickets in Rome

To keep the trip smooth, I’ve learned it’s best to book museum tickets well in advance:

• Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel – Book tickets online as soon as your travel dates are confirmed, ideally 60 days in advance. The early morning slots are best, before the crowds swell.

• Borghese Gallery – Entry is limited to two-hour blocks, and tickets should be booked at least a month ahead. Morning visits are less crowded and easier to navigate.

Since Mom tires more quickly, I’m focusing on shorter, high-impact visits with plenty of breaks in between.

The Fast Train to Florence

Instead of the stress of airports or long bus rides, we will use the high-speed train from Rome to Florence. In about 90 minutes, we’ll arrive in the heart of Florence. The train is comfortable, efficient, and drops us exactly where we want to be without extra transfers.

Florence Plans

Florence is compact but full of treasures, so timing our visits is key:

• Uffizi Gallery – Tickets should be booked at least 30 days in advance. Early mornings or late afternoons are best.

• Accademia Gallery (Michelangelo’s David) – Also book early, with mid-morning or mid-afternoon being good times to avoid big crowds.

• Christmas Traditions – We’ll wander through Piazza Santa Croce’s Christmas Market, admire nativity scenes in local churches, and enjoy Florence’s festive lights and decorations.

Staying in the City Center

For both Rome and Florence, we are staying in hotels in the heart of the city centers. Being close to the sights means less transportation, shorter walks, and the ability to return for breaks whenever Mom needs them.

Why This Itinerary Works

I visited Rome, Florence, and Venice earlier this year with my son, and while it was a very different kind of trip, we kept track of what Mom would enjoy and what might push her limits (Venice, we love you, but not this time). Those notes are the reason our Christmas itinerary looks the way it does.

💡 Travel Tip from Mom’s Purse

If walking is limited, book tours that come with wheels. A golf cart, train, or even a hop-on bus can turn a tiring day into a joyful one.