Hello,
I will be in Athens for 2 days with my mother who uses a wheelchair full time. There are 5 of us total and we get her around pretty well but need a vehicle that can take the whole family. We want to get a taxi or van to take us around the city one day to visit the Acropolis, Acropolis Museum & Temple of Haephestus. For our 2nd day we'd like to venture further out, perhaps to a village for lunch or some small place by the sea just to soak up some small town ambiance. I'd love to hear from someone who knows about such an experience not too far from Athens. Last time we visited Athens there were only 4 of us and we used a driver from George the Greek Taxi driver and it worked out great. I'm going to contact them again but if anyone has experience using vehicles that can take wheelchairs I'd be grateful to hear about it. Her is a folding manual wheelchair and she can transfer in and out of a normal car/taxi. We just need room for the chair and the rest of us if it's not a van that we can just roll her up into. Thanks for any suggestions!
Posted by
Camarillo, California
3148 posts
If George doesn't have a suitable solution contact Fantasy Travel and Dolphin-Hellas Travel, both in Athens and both with websites. They will be able to help you.
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1419 posts
Christianakis Travel might also be worth looking at if George hasn't anything available. I've never used them but have heard good things about them and they specifically promote the fact they provide transport for the physically challenged.
http://www.christianakis.gr/index.php?lang=en
I can't think of anywhere close to Athens on the mainland where you can get a village atmosphere. Have you considered a close island? Aegina is nice for lunch.
Alan
Posted by
OP
A tiny island in Puget Sound WA, USA
166 posts
Thanks for those ideas. Alan, I'd never heard of Aegina and I've been checking out other forum entries about it. Sounds ideal for our day trip. Do you think we'll have any issues with the wheelchair getting on & off a ferry? Sounds like ferry will be better than hydrofoil for the chair. If you have any suggestions about places for a meal or things to see close to where the ferries dock (since we'll be pushing the chair) I'd be grateful.
Posted by
Brighton, UK
1419 posts
Lisa
I think you are right that a ferry will be easier with a wheelchair. I’ve never seen a wheelchair on a dolphin and find it difficult to imagine.
We always have lunch at O Tsias on the seafront. I can’t honestly say whether it is better than others along there. We went there the first time we were in Aegina, liked it and have gone back every time since. The people are friendly, it’s well used by locals and does a god range of meze dishes. If you prefer fish you’d be better off at a fish restaurant but be aware that can be pricey.
Aegina Town itself is flat and the seafront and back streets are pleasant to wander though for a small taste of island atmosphere. There is also a nice little site right on the end of the town. It has a small but interesting museum. I’m sorry I can’t envisage it well enough to know what access with a wheelchair would be like.
http://www.discoveraegina.gr/en/tourism-aegina/museum-aegina/1210/
Have a great trip.
Alan
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3397 posts
Aegina is a good idea ... It's an hour on a conventional ferry (YES avoid the hydrofoils), regular ferries every hour or so -- to get the timetable, use this website: http://www.gtp.gr/RoutesForm.asp The ride itself, sitting on open deck, is a delight, all kinds of water craft all over saronic bay -- giant cruise ships, cargo ships, sleek motorboats, tiny sloops --- with seagulls. Tip: when u arrive at port, check the timetable for returning ferries (not hydrofoils) so you know your options.
here's a great photo album that shows step-by-step a daytrip to Aegina: https://www.flickr.com/photos/36264706@N03/sets/72157621604646139/detail/ --- in the middle of the island, on a hill (but w a path) there is a stunning temple ruin.
NOTE; with your group of 5, you are just going to have to bite the bullet and do 2 taxis ... it won't be that much; in Aegina, negotiate with the driver, & he'll find you a buddy with a 2nd car, who will take you all around the island and stop for picture taking, maybe leave you for lunch at a beach resort ... look at it as the fee for a "group tour" and a lot cheaper!! Here's a good website with ideas of where to head. http://www.greekisland.co.uk/aegina/aegina.htm