Any suggestions on seeing the sights when traveling with someone who has some walking limitations? We will be based in Sorrento for 5 days but plan on, somehow, visiting Capri and some of the Almalfi coastal towns. Two elders, two crazy parents, and two youngins (4 and 7).
Posted by
Fredericksburg, VA, USA
409 posts
Robert - Just returned in April from taking my wife and her parents (pushing 80) to Rome, Tuscany (Pienza), and Venice. IT CAN BE DONE! :)
Here are a few pointers:
- Request ground floor units where possible to eliminate stairs.
- We rented a van so they were able to see a lot yet not do too much walking.
- Taxis are not badly priced. In Sorrento, Anacapri, and Amalfi, don't hesitate to use them. Walking is difficult and their ability to dodge scooters probably isn't what it once was.
- Check out the Il Nido in Sorrento. They offer free bus transportation.
- Finally, scale back your schedule. This was our second trip to Italy and we really had to limit the pace...but we knew that going in.
Good luck and have a great time with your crazy parents!
Posted by
In the Mountains, USA
689 posts
LOL Kent!
We spent a week in the Sorrento area (Massa Lubrense) last summer. The Metromare ferry system is great. The ferries were easy to board and the staff will assist your "elders". We did not visit Capri - we visited Positano and Amalfi by ferry. Positano would be difficult for a person with walking limitation as it is all stairs. There are a couple of nice restaurants on the beach though where you can enjoy lunch and people watch. Amalfi is much easier to walk around. In Amalfi be sure and confirm where the ferry will pick you up again as they seem to have two docks to use. We were waiting at one and saw the ferry pull into the other one and it was a bit of a run around the small bay.
Enjoy the pennisula. It has become one of my favorite areas of Italy!
Posted by
Sheboygan, Wisc., USA
934 posts
Elders is a relative term.Im 70 and my wife is 71 and I think we could keep up with many much younger.Better to look at their capabilities.
Posted by
victoria, Canada
11507 posts
Robert, I too , although hopefully not considered an elder yet, had a little chuckle,, with kids as young as yours , I have a feeling your " elders" are not very old at all!
But, Europe in general is a little more work for those with mobility issues, young or old. I also think the coastal towns are pretty hilly, so just keep schedule really really loose and easy.