So we're off to Italy for first time this weekend. I have 3 questions for you (actually have lots more, but trying to control myself).

1) When we arrive in Florence, what is easiest way to get to our hotel -- the Plaza Lucchesi. Taxi, private car, and bus have all been recommended by various friends. I'm looking for easy and not outrageously expensive. Thoughts?

2) I'll likely be pushing my spouse in a wheelchair for at least part of the trip (last minute leg injury that is not bad enough to cancel trip, but bad enough to limit walking time significantly). Has anyone done this before, and any recommendations for coping?

3) We already have purchased a train ticket from Florence to Rome, but were told by our travel agent we need to go to the station in Florence to execute the reservation for a particular departure time and pick up the actual ticket. Does this sound right to you, and do I need to worry about accidentally paying twice?

Also, if you have a can't miss, absolutely fall over backwards, great restaurant reco in Florence or Rome, please pass along.

Thanks!!

I'll tackle a couple of these.

1. You don't say how you are arriving in Florence. Assuming you are flying, a taxi from the airport to the city center should cost 15-20 euros. I think that will be less expensive than a private car and just as convenient.

2. I have not done this in Florence, but I have done it elsewhere (with my mother) and have a few suggestions. Italy in general is nowhere near as wheelchair-accessible as the US. Fortunately, your husband will be able to do some walking.

Will you be traveling with your own wheelchair? We used a folding one that weighed about 18 lbs and folded up to fit in a car trunk easily.

If I were you I would either scope some places out ahead of time, or have a few alternative plans. Perhaps your hotel can assist you, phoning ahead to check on the amount of stairs, etc.

Everything will take a little longer with the wheelchair. Allow for extra time to get it in and out of a taxi, to get it up the stairs or to find the elevator if there is one.

And do take care of yourself. You are likely to get more tired if you are helping him and pushing the chair. Just don't try to do too much.

It's Italy anyway...relax and enjoy the ambience. Don't push yourselves too hard. This will be a little different trip, perhaps, than the one you originally planned, but there's nothing wrong with sitting in a cafe and watching the Florentine world go by.

3. I'm sure someone else will know more specifically about the train ticket, but you can also check with any travel agent and they may be able to help you. If you do need to go to the train station, it's quite centrally located and easily accessible.

Have a fantastic time!

Your train info sounds probably correct to me. Usually you can buy an undated ticket and carry it around - but when you get on the train you have to have it dated. (In Venice you do it by punching your ticket in a machine.)

2. As to the wheelchair part, I would suggest strong drink to keep up your spirits. There are lots of cobblestones in Italy, not to mention the steps. You may want to venture out alone first to find a route to your destination.

I traveled to Florence with someone on crutches. The old center of Florence is not wheelchair friendly. Some sidewalks are more narrow than the width of a standard wheelchair. The "pedestrians only" streets are paved with cobblestones--not a very smooth ride. Yes, buildings have retrofitted elevators, but with sometimes absurd results. At the Pitti Palace, we followed wheelchair signs to the elevator. We rode to the third floor. When we arrived we discovered we would still have to walk down half a flight (10 steps) and then up half a flight to get to the gallery. Finally, through our own snoopiness, we opened a door and discovered we could go through an office and avoid the stairs. Probably this is the system is use for wheelchairs, but there was no sign to indicate this option. Even the breakfast room at the hotel was half a flight away rom the closest elevator.

Also, to get on the train, you will have to go up three steep narrow steps.

None of this stopped us from enjoying our visit--just be prepared for some creative thought.

Hi lexi,

3) Your travel agent has sold you an "open" ticket, which is the only one you get if you buy from a TA outside Italy.

If this ticket is for an ES* train, you will need to get a reservation for a particular train. You can do that at the Florence station a few days ahead of time. You will pay about 9E/seat for the reservation.

If your ticket is on an IC train, you will probably want reservations. You do the same as above. Cost about 3E/seat.

I fyou don't want reservations for the IC, just stamp your ticket at the yellow box at the head of the track when you go to board your train.

Enjoy your trip.

PS,

See my trip report for restaurants in Florence
http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34451044

Thanks to all for the very helpful info!! Ciao!