Cinque Terra, Italy

How limiting is your disability? Can you climb, say 20 steps, 10 times a day? Can you walk on sloping uneven surfaces?

The towns are built in the cliffs so steps and steep streets are omnipresent. The least of them are in Monterosso but that does not mean that is flat.

uneven surfaces are not a problem, 20 steps 10 times a day would be. Venice going up and down the steps for the bridges got to be a bit much, thinking I should rethink visiting Cinque Terra.....

Clare,
If Venice was a challenge, do rethink the CT. We went to Venice first and considered it our "training ground" for what we encountered in the CT. IThers have mentioned Levanto and Portovenere. Maybe those are more accessible?

clare, I believe that with "careful planning", there's no reason you can't visit and enjoy the Cinque Terre without experiencing too much difficulty with stairs. As the others have mentioned, stairs are fairly common in that area, as the towns are VERY old and stairs are the easiest way to get from one level to another. Many of the streets are also inclined, which is a challenge for some people. You'll have to deal with some amount of stairs in any case. When boarding trains, there are usually 2 or 3 stairs, and some of the older Hotels don't have Elevators. You might consider staying in Monterosso (the most northerly village) as it's mostly flat. As it's the largest, it has the best choice of Hotels (some with Elevators). The walk between the "new town" and "old town" is very easy, as is access to the beach and the rail station. Travel by train between the villages is very inexpensive so if the trains aren't a problem for you, that would be an easy way to see all of them. If you want to have a look at Corniglia, you'd have to use the small Shuttle from the station, as stairs WOULD BE an issue there (the town is located on a high bluff). Regarding "hiking the trails", the famous Via dell' Amore from Riomaggiore to Manarola may be possible for you, as it's mostly paved and level. However, THERE IS a short staircase leading from the station piazza in Riomaggiore to the beginning of the trail. You will need a Park Pass to use the trail, and there WILL be people checking. There's a small Bar part way along, where you could sit and enjoy a "cool beverage" while admiring the incredible views! When you arrive in Manarola, take the train to Vernazza or back to Monterosso. Happy travels!

Thanks for your advice, will explore the Tuscany and Umbria regions, will be a great trip!

Clare, I think CT is beautiful and not to be missed. I don't see any reason you can't pick one of the villages and if you can make one trip down the stairs, enjoy that town, and make another trip back up. If that is possible, I think its worth it. Not everyone does 20 trips on the stairs... You can also get a view of the beautiful Mediterranean and some of the villages from the train stop without even going down to the village. No need to do the hikes. If I go to Italy and do not spend some time at the Mediterranean Sea I feel I missed something. There also must be another way down as there were some small vehicles delivering things....anyone remember if there is another way down besides steps???

I will look into 1 village to explore, as I would hate to miss CT. On the last trip, Rome and Venice, wonderful, but wanting to explore the CT. Thanks for the advice, will pick out one and go........

I don't know much about Google Earth, but I think there is a way you can see exactly what a place looks like...maybe you can see if there is a path or only steps or maybe one of you technical people could do that for her.

Ken, This is great news! With the details you have given me, I am going to try and make this work...thank you for taking the time!!! We are looking to travel in September, so half the fun of a trip is in the planning!!!

There is also the ferry, which goes between the 5 towns and Portovenere. That would be a great way for you to enjoy the views!

clare -- We are looking at traveling ourselves in September, and have contacted a few of the hotels that you may end up being interested in using. For the most part they have already been booked up, so you might want to check them out soon if you know the dates you will be there. We are planning on being there Sep 16 - 19, so we will be there over a weekend. I am guessing that is part of the problem, but we have been surprised at how far out people have reserved their rooms.