Are there any tours or travel tips available in Florence, Rome, Venice, Sicily, Greece? One of our family members has a folding wheelchair with someone to push when needed, can walk small distances, but needs the chair for waiting in long lines or walking long distances. Some of the tour buses are so large that they drop you off so far from the area that you are viewing, rather than smaller vans that can handle small streets etc. Any hints or websites or tour recommendations would be so appreciated so that this family member won't be left on the ship while in these ports.
Posted by
Elk Grove, CA, USA
6898 posts
There are a few museums that your family member can easily visit without being on a tour providing you can get there on the normal streets. In Florence, the Academia is mostly on one level. Very nice and easy to get around inside. Next, the Opera del Duomo Museum (Duomo Museum). This is a multi-level museum but they have a very nice elevator. It contains the treasures of the Duomo and we felt it was much better than other highly-rated museums in the RS book. Another similar museum is the Science museum. Note that in Florence some streets have narrow sidewalks. Some streets in the historic area are cobblestone. Absolutely, no wheelchair-friendly curbs anywhere. The train system does show some information on their website for wheelchair passengers. CLICK HERE to see the info.
In Venice, it could be a bit tougher given that its a city with footbridges over canals. None seem to be wheelchair-friendly. However, getting around on the vaporetto can easily work although many can get crowded. Navigating around in the back streets can be a highlight. Great restaurants can be found. Another great easy stroll is the one between the clock tower in San Marco Piazza and the Rialto bridge. Very crowded but it is one of the most notable window shopping strolls in the world. Many many famous name-brand shops are there. One museum that I would suggest is the Peggy Guggenheim museum. It's across the canal but all on one level. Great art. Some nice shops around there as well. The Doge's palace is multi-level building. I can't recall if there is an elevator. The upper levels are just beautiful.
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Click here and scroll down to Accessible Travel for some websites: click here