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Italy trip with mobility issue's

Posted by (Atlanta) on

We are thinking of taking our last trip to Italy.
My husband had a stroke about 5 years ago and is doing great health wise but uses a walker for getting around so he doesn't fall.

He is 80 and I am 70 with no health issues and I am perfectly mobile. So, my idea is to find a town somewhere outside of Florence where we could just park for 10 day's or so. I would get a driver to take us there---no way can he maneuver the train steps and me trying to handle the luggage and him. He is a big foodie---former chef and 100% Italian with relatives in Nocera. We have been to Italy 3 times and also got married in Rome---so just a little bit of history.

So---I need a town without too many hills. great restaurants, and somewhere we can just chill. I know I can do ChatGBT but I thought I would start with you all! This is only going to happen if I can feel comfortable with these parameters.

Thanks in advance for any thoughts and suggestions.

Posted by
2295 posts

Is your plan that you would be making one or more trips into Florence while your husband stays in the town you choose?

Posted by
2430 posts

I take a walker to Italy and have learned that having larger wheels really helps with uneven surfaces. I use a Drive Medical Nitro walker that has larger front wheels, a seat for resting and a zipper compartment for carrying sweaters or packages.

Some other destinations to consider: Lucca or Bologna. Both are only about a hours train ride from Florence.

Posted by
9619 posts

Lucca is flat
Bologna is flat

Other places not near Florence that are flat
Padua, Verona, Vicenza etc

Posted by
2295 posts

The historic center of Pistoia is very flat. So is the San Frediano area of Florence. Highly recommend both! We stayed in San Frediano for a month on our most recent trip to Florence (late fall 2024).

Posted by
18109 posts

Florence historical center is all flat. No need to go to other towns nearby (many of which are not too flat). If he can walk with a walker the only thing to worry in Florence is the cobblestones.

Posted by
213 posts

Thanks all.
nancys8 no, I can not leave my husband alone---we would probably spend some time in Florence before heading to another town.

Becky, Yes my husband does have the Drive Nitro walker---it's great. We have already been to Bologna. Lucca is a possibility but not if it's too long of a drive. But, as I stated--I can not handle getting him on a train. I know how fast the entry and exit's are.

Posted by
1963 posts

But, as I stated--I can not handle getting him on a train.

Have you looked into the Sala Blu service for mobility challenged passengers? If you book in advance they will provide assistance with boarding, etc.

Posted by
213 posts

Sala Blu service

Thanks Mark---I am not familiar with that service---will definitely check into it.

Posted by
2430 posts

I’ve used SalaBlu several times. It is wonderful and provides lifts to get you on and off the train. Best to go to a SalaBlu office in a train station to sign up initially.

Looks like San Frediano is in the Oltrano area of Florence. We always stay in Oltrano and highly recommend.

Posted by
213 posts

Thanks for all the great info. You have given me great insight into how I may be able to manage this trip without all the stress.

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