Best Tour Company for Disabled

I suspect you will need a private guide or private tour of some type so your parents do not get left behind in a crowd. Walks of Italy is one company I like a lot, although I have not needed to use them for such a situation. Also private guides like Francesca Caruso ([email protected]) might give you advice or a referral to someone who specializes in tours for mobility-challenged persons. Why not reach out to these two sources for ideas?

I'd suggest contacting Context Rome. I've dealt with their customer service people at both their US and Italian offices and have been really impressed by the quality. I know they do private and custom tours; it would be worth seeing whether they can help you. I've used them for a number of small-group tours and have always been really impressed with the quality.

I'd also suggest doing some Internet searches under things like "disabled touring Rome" and see what comes up. I know there are websites that focus on accessible travel.

One caution about hotels… Inquire very carefully about the nature of elevators. Often, when a hotel says it has an elevator, you may need to climb a flight of stairs to get to the elevator, or you may need to climb stairs from the top of the elevator to get to your room.

With your family group being eleven people, certainly a private guide would be more suitable and economical than trying to fit into a tour organized for a larger group. With the diverse needs of your family ages 6 to 91 with your parents having limited mobility, I would think a specially designed private tour would be essential. I endorse Laurel's suggestions. I do not know Francesca Caruso, but many people have spoken very highly of her on this forum. I have taken several tours by Walks of Italy, and spoken with some of their staff in their US office, and recommend them highly. I would suggest that you think through the various needs and interests of your family group, and then call Walks of Italy to discuss those needs and possibilities. It may take some doing and some time to create a tour itinerary that meets your particular needs. You might also think about how important it is to you that all eleven of you stick together all the time. For some sites, maybe most of your group could be touring while some others enjoy a park, a gelato break, or a nice nap out of the heat. If you call Walks of Italy, be sure to mention that you come to them via the Rick Steves web site, as they offer a 10 percent RS discount, plus discounts for seniors and children, and allow people to stack these discounts. Of course there are other good tour companies in Rome, and others may well mention those here too. Good luck with your exciting multi-generational family adventure in Italy! I expect it will be a memorable experience for all of you.

Those are good tips to get you started.