Venice with mum (75 years old)

[DianaT1969]

My mum has always wanted to go to Venice, so we're going in September, just the two of us. She's in good health but does get tired with a lot of walking and isn't super agile for getting in and out of boats. Does anyone have tips on where to stay? Will be there 4 nights. I've been looking at hotels in the centre near St Mark's and also Lido. I don't really want to spend a lot of time queuing for public transport with her. Guessing the centre is better?
Any tips on things to do, or guided tours gratefully received.

I went years ago while backpacking and loved it. No relevant/up to date info but just wanted to wish you both a lovely time!

Thank you Vitalogy. I'm looking forward to it.

Depends ... if you are going to look at the sights every day, you might as well stay centrally. If you are going to intersperse a day sightseeing with a day "chilling" (which is what my mother likes to do) then the Lido would be fine, maybe cheaper - I have never stayed there although I have stayed in Marghera (on the other side of Venice, the unattractive "industrial" bit and it was still great, plenty buses and trains to bring you into Venice).

There is a lot of walking in Venice, and stairs of course iirc, but if you stay somewhere near the water-bus stops you should be OK.

I also recommend a sunhat even in September, makes a huge difference in the sun, and lots of rest stops in the shade. There are a few nice piazzas which would be conducive to a cold drink and a picnic, as the cafes tend to be quite expensive.

And careful planning so you tick off everything you want to see in a small area one day, and another area the next. If you like Art you are in for a treat!

Classical / baroque music concerts are also lovely in the venues that they have.

And we enjoyed wandering around Burano, with the colourful houses.

Have a lovely time.

PS there are lots of day trippers so sometimes an early morning or an evening walk is v pleasant, when things are quieter.

Wellhonestly
Thank you, that helps a lot. I agree, I need to be strategic about what we see each day.

There is quite a lot of walking involved in seeing Venice. There's not really anyway around it. The boat folks are good at helping people on and off boats so I think that will be ok.

The vaporetto runs frequently to the island of Murano, where all Venice's glassblowers have their workshops. Once on the island, bypass the hawkers and look for signs for free glassblowing demonstrations. Seeing blobs of molten glass become fragile goblets, vases, and works of art is mesmerizing for any age. You will be funneled into showrooms after the demonstration, but are under no obligation to buy.

Rice
Thanks, we will definitely do that! I love murano glass when used in jewellery anyway.

Venice is not big so depending on her fitness she should have no problem. The most tiring thing is if you go in high season and the sheer volume of people trying to do the same as you (and finding somewhere to eat (that’s isn’t packed, isn’t a rip off etc). Usual tourist stuff.

It’s a beautiful place.

4 nights is perfect to take in the snow sights at a slower pace.

I hope she loves it.

It is a walking city really, and quite small. Stay centrally and then the main sights will be easy. I strongly recommend that you have a bit of an itinerary in mind before you go. Narrow pavements, waiting for water buses and crowds mean it takes much longer than you think to get around. At the same time the distances aren't great so with a bit of planning you can see everything that you want to.

Ca'Macana is an amazing mask shop which is great for browsing, but the real attraction is the mask making class. When we went, the lady provided background information on the origins of Venetian masks and the historic setting of the time. She then explained the process of making the masks using the old/original techniques. We then each chose two masks (the choice is big) that we painted and decorated ourselves, with the instructor assisting as and when needed. The workshop was such fun and I highly recommend it. www.camacana.com

I'd actually do the opposite and stay on Murano, near a vaporetto stop. Venice itself is soooo busy but Murano is peaceful at night (but there's still plenty of restaurants, etc) so you can chill out after doing a few sights. She should be able to get on and off the boats no problem and people will help her.

If you're there for the first Sunday in September, you'll be able to see the annual Regatta. This event begins with a procession of ornate boats down the Grand Canal, rowed by locals in costume. Once this is over, the races start – which is what most locals come to see. There are four: one for young rowers, one for women, one for rowers of caorline – long canoe-like boats in which the prow and the stern are identical – and the last, the most eagerly awaited, featuring two-man sporting gondolini. The finish is at the sharp curve of the Grand Canal between Palazzo Barbi and Ca’ Foscari: here, the judges sit in an ornate raft known as the machina, where the prize-giving takes place.

Thanks everyone for the great tips!

Currently a three day ACTV travel pass is 40 euro. That gets you unlimited bus, water bus and the ferry between islands.

We camped at Easter on the lido and got the bus then ferry. You can get a water bus right down the grand canal and round the corner dropping of at St Marks Square.

The water buses are easy access so fairly level from the dock onto the bus. We had disabled DS1 (autism and dyspraxia) with us and even though busy we found people were generous with seats. They have plenty of seating.

We caught an early ferry across from Lido, it's a lovely crossing. A great way to approach Venice. I think staying off the main Island means you appreciate the uniqueness of it more.

Have you checked out Airbnb or homeaway accomodation too? Maybe because we're a family with additional needs but I love having the space of a lounge and bedrooms plus facilities to make a cup of tea/ chill a glass of wine.