What cities and/or country in Europe would be easiest to get around for Seniors?

Question

I want to take my parents/godparents back to Europe next year for a 2nd visit. Last year, I took them to London-Paris-Rome - it was an extremely tiring trip for them...we were on the go everyday without much rest & although they had a great time, they were exhausted when they arrived home. My mother/godfather both have arthritis in their knees so their mobility is limited - can't walk as much or as fast and need to take breaks. In London-Paris-Rome, it was hard to get around - alot of walking especially alot of stairs just to go to the bathroom in cafes/restaurants. I'm not sure if we can get away with that.

Next trip, I want to slow down the pace alot and limit it to 1 country. Maybe 2-3 cities max to keep it simple. I want a place in EUROPE that's more slower pace, not as much walking involved (if possible), easier to get around, & that's more tailored to seniors with limited mobility. Or just somewhere (in Europe) that would be simpler/relaxing.

Please help advise. Thanks

Answer 1

I recommend Amsterdam. Take boat rides on the canals, take the smooth trams all over, and the center is not much bigger than a big shopping mall in usa, so there's lots to see.
Not many hills to climb except the lttle bridges over the canals. Then take them to Brugge and Ghent, Belgium or Brugge and somewhere not far into Germany, like Cologne, Trier (old roman settlement near Luxembourg) or Heidelberg, and take a Rhine river cruise. Or you can pick another easy daytrip in Holland like to the Alkmaar cheese market or Delft or the Sea Dikes that keep Holland from flooding.
You don't have to tempt your elders with Warmoestraat and the red light district. The museums are great and so are the markets.
Holland is very relaxing and distances short, most speak
english..

Answer 2

A place to avoid is Venice. I've never seen so many bridges. You're constantly going up and down bridges and it a lot of walking to see things. Just about every place in Europe is going to require a lot of walking. I have rarely seen ramps anywhere although many places do have lifts.

Are they into beaches - maybe Portugal or Spain.

Brugge, Belgium was nice. If you take a horse carriage ride around you can really see the city and you can take a canal boat ride as well. Also, there are tons of outdoor cafes if you go in warm weather so they can sit and relax and people watch.

Answer 3

You might try a "River Cruise" . You can book them from any travel agent or do it yourself online. My wife and I are in our 60's and we're booked for the European Cruise of 14 days beginning in Vienna and end in Basel Sw. The nice thing about the cruise......YOU DON'T HAVE TO PACK and UNPACK , every day. And if you don't want to take land xcursions you don't have to! PLUS, you get to see those countries as you go slowley along, and MEALS INCLUDED! If you want to add to the trip, take the whole month and Fly into Paris, depart immediatly by rail with stops along the way to Vienna, and on the return from Basel as well. Again rail travel is at your pace. However I would suggest you by a EuroRail pass HERE, since these are not available once you get to Europe. and with the RailPass you travel in 1st class accomadations. Purchaseing here is more afforable, then pay as you go once you get there. Plus you can add a day or two with a car rental in needed. But as I said you have to purchase the railpass B-4 you leave and you'll have up to ( I believe but not sure) 3 months to activate it.
Hope this helps.

Answer 4

scandinavia could be a idea.