Venice and Vienna with two 90-year-olds: Trip report
By Holidays in Europe / October 9, 2025 / No Comments / Visiting Italy
Exploring Venice and Vienna with Senior Travelers: A Comprehensive Trip Report
Traveling through Europe with elderly companions can be both rewarding and challenging. Recently, my family and I embarked on a 10-day journey across Italy and Austria with two beloved 90-year-old women—my mother and aunt. Our adventure included visits to Venice, Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich. Inspired by the valuable advice from fellow travelers on this platform, I would like to share our detailed experiences, tips, and reflections to assist others planning similar excursions.
The Itinerary at a Glance
- April 18: Overnight flight to Heathrow
- April 19: Flight to Venice
- April 19–22: Venice exploration
- April 22: Overnight train to Vienna
- April 23–26: Vienna
- April 26–28: Salzburg
- April 28: Munich
- April 29: Flight back to New York
- April 30: Return home
Travel Preparations and Practicalities
Flights and Airport Assistance
Our two seniors flew business class, ensuring full recline and comfort during their long flights. We utilized wheelchair services at all airports, which eased transfers and helped maintain their well-being.
Managing Luggage and Mobility Equipment
Each elderly traveler brought a walker and a rolling carry-on. My sister and I packed backpacks to keep our hands free, simplifying navigation through crowded stations. During sightseeing, we planned to combine walking with public transportation—subways, taxis, and boats—to minimize fatigue and facilitate access to sights beyond walking distance.
Daily Routines and Flexibility
We structured our days around the seniors’ stamina—primarily sightseeing in the mornings and relaxing in the afternoons. Most evenings, we stayed in or enjoyed leisurely dinners, with only one occasion for an out-of-hotel meal. Rest periods were crucial, and we adapted itineraries on the fly—like switching from a planned restaurant to a nearby alternative when weather or comfort dictated.
Venice: Arriving and Navigating with Seniors
Our initial arrival in Venice was delayed due to a flight cancellation, but the nighttime arrival added an enchanting touch: the quiet grandeur of the Grand Canal, illuminated and peaceful, was magical. From Piazzale Roma, we took a vaporetto (water bus) to San Marco, carefully managing the movement of luggage and walkers—each step deliberate and with assistance.
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