Help with limited mobility travel partner in Rome
 

My husband is now only able to walk slowly and not for long distances. What is the best way to show him Rome.

By the way, we are in Rome now.

Are you in a hotel? If so, ask the front desk/concierge for help. Or perhaps there is a private tour service where the guide will ferry you around to appropriate tourist sites. I am sorry that you find yourself in this difficult circumstance. Can you provide a few more details on what, if anything, you have already tried?

If you can afford it, the obvious choice would be to take taxis. A private driver would be even better, so do ask at your hotel if they know someone you could hire at such short notice.

There is a driver and a car available, but the cost is almost prohibitive (have not checked for competitive rates, but I will) Do you have any suggestions as to which sites would be best to choose under the circumstances or should I rely on the car driver. Went to the Borghese gallery today, but that was too difficult. Are there sites that can be appreciated without walking around?

Most sites do require walking around. It's difficult to see Rome without quite a bit of walking, even if the driver drops you off at the door, which isn't always possible either. Your best bet might be to pick some churches to visit (note that many are closed in the afternoon) and end with the Piazza Navona, where you can sit at a cafe and watch the people, performers & artists.

A few things are worth just driving by if you can't manage going in, like the Colosseum and Vittorio Emanuale II Monument.

Agree your bet choices would be:

Private guide with car

Taxis from place to place

Also if you don;t have one get a shooting stick/seat - so he can sit and rest whenever he needs to You can get them that fold up like an umbrella and you carry on your shoulder with a canvas strap.

Rome can be a difficult for persons with mobility challenges.

Wheelchair rental comes to mind.
Are you able to push the wheelchair? If not, perhaps you can hire someone to push the wheelchair. Although this will not be the complete answer, it will certainly open up many more options.

As social worker asked, are you staying in a hotel, how long will you be in Rome?

I think a car and driver would be best. If that's not possible, the second best way to show him Rome might be an open top bus tour, if he can climb up the bus steps, combined with ataxi rides to and from a few select places. I also would buy a portable seat of some sort.

One important site you can visit without much walking is the Pantheon, and then enjoy a coffee or meal in the piazza that faces it.

You might also opt for a dinner or drink atop the Hotel Forum, whose restraurant has expansive views of the Roman forum. Ask your hotel if there are other bars or restaurants with wonderful views.

Another fine destination by taxi might be the church of Santa Maria in Trastevere, and a meal in the piazza that faces it.


The slow travel website has an extensive section called "Accessible Rome" which describes the major sites and what you will encounter in terms of steps and wheelchair availablity.

A good taxi tour and enjoying sitting down in Rome's piazzas is a very good way to understand what Roma is. Don't grieve if you don't end up with the mobs inside the Vatican. Enjoy people watching and relax.

Hi Bliss - You might find some useful ideas here:

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/accessible/rome/index.htm

Hope this helps ...

Steve

>> A few things are worth just driving by if you can't manage going in, like the Colosseum ...

Just a quick comment on this. We were in Rome in Nov with my 20 month old son, so we had his stroller. I actually found the Colosseum to one of the most accessible sites we visited. Visiting is done on two flat levels around the "stands" on a wide "sidewalk" and there is an elevator between levels.

Paul