Rome & Venice - accessible areas/limited mobility
Jul 13th, 2019 | 01:25 PM
#1
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Rome & Venice - accessible areas/limited mobility
We are going to Rome, Venice and Paris with our elderly parents and 3 young children (8, 8 & 6). This is a very last minute trip and I’m not prepared. Husband and I went to Paris 13 years ago. None of us have been to Italy. My dad can only walk for short bits so we are thinking of taking his walker that has a seat and possibly a cane. Should we just take a wheelchair or is that too much baggage? We will be taking the train between the cities.
- what is a good area to stay in each city where the grandparents can easily walk to a cafe or some outdoor place to people watch? We will get AirBnB’s. Grandparents will not sightsee everyday with us.
- Dad can walk, but is it manageable to take a wheelchair with us for the whole trip or is it easier with just a walker with seat? He needs frequent breaks but likes to feel independent.
- Any tips about trains? Especially Venice to Paris? I found mostly overnight ones.
- Any kid-friendly things we should know about? Tips? My twin girls are just turning 8 and my son is 6.
I will I’ll take any advice you have. We leave July 27 and I’m in panic mode.
Thank you!!
- what is a good area to stay in each city where the grandparents can easily walk to a cafe or some outdoor place to people watch? We will get AirBnB’s. Grandparents will not sightsee everyday with us.
- Dad can walk, but is it manageable to take a wheelchair with us for the whole trip or is it easier with just a walker with seat? He needs frequent breaks but likes to feel independent.
- Any tips about trains? Especially Venice to Paris? I found mostly overnight ones.
- Any kid-friendly things we should know about? Tips? My twin girls are just turning 8 and my son is 6.
I will I’ll take any advice you have. We leave July 27 and I’m in panic mode.
Thank you!!
Jul 13th, 2019 | 01:53 PM
#2
Joined: Jun 2017
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I'd fly Between Venice and Paris.
Venice is so small location matters less but you'll want some place that doesn't require dealing with a dozen bridges.
Rome any where in the historic centre should work.
In both cities you're going to need accept what's left. AirBnB's ? It's the height of high season if it's not rented already I'd wonder why. Hotels can have a room or two but an empty apartment now I would want to be especially careful.
Venice is so small location matters less but you'll want some place that doesn't require dealing with a dozen bridges.
Rome any where in the historic centre should work.
In both cities you're going to need accept what's left. AirBnB's ? It's the height of high season if it's not rented already I'd wonder why. Hotels can have a room or two but an empty apartment now I would want to be especially careful.
Jul 13th, 2019 | 02:40 PM
#3
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The Piazza Navona in Rome is a great place to people watch and there are lots of restaurants and cafes in the area. I have never used Airbnb so don't know what's in that area, but as Nick noted, you may have trouble finding something decent on such short notice in high season. I took a quick look, and there doesn't appear to be much in that area. Does it have to be Airbnb? Of course, even hotels or B&B's in that area may not have a lot of availability, and you would need more than one room.
Jul 13th, 2019 | 07:02 PM
#4
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Venice is full of bridges over all those canals. As you come out of the train station, you are facing the canal and that first sight of Venice never fails to please me. If you turn left (rather than crossing either of the bridges, you'll find fewer steps to negotiate so I'd try to get something in that direction (and not too far from the train station. Taking a vaporetto is also another choice but you may need to steady your dad while he boards. If you can get away without the wheelchair I would as you'll have to lift it a fair bit where it can't travel over the bridges. It might be of more value in Rome or Paris.
In Venice, get the kids to spot the lions - this will get them looking out and about. Gelato is always a winner. Going up one of the campaniles is great for people of all ages. My daughter who was 9 when we visited, found her inner shopper, buying inexpensive glass beads. Basically Venice is such a visual feast that they will find lots to entertain them just by being there. However, it is very easy to get separated so I'd make sure the kids have your mobile number or the phone number of your hotel in their pocket or whatever so someone can contact you (probably not needed but made us feel more comfortable).
Trains in Italy often involve steps up into the train. If taking a train with reserved seating, look out for the signs on the station showing where your nominated carriage is likely to pull into. Minimising your luggage will help a huge amount and I recommend getting the kids a backpack each (school bag sized) so they can manage their own luggage but be hands free. In Paris, I'd try the buses instead of the metro as you'll see more. The metros often have quite long underground passages.
In Venice, get the kids to spot the lions - this will get them looking out and about. Gelato is always a winner. Going up one of the campaniles is great for people of all ages. My daughter who was 9 when we visited, found her inner shopper, buying inexpensive glass beads. Basically Venice is such a visual feast that they will find lots to entertain them just by being there. However, it is very easy to get separated so I'd make sure the kids have your mobile number or the phone number of your hotel in their pocket or whatever so someone can contact you (probably not needed but made us feel more comfortable).
Trains in Italy often involve steps up into the train. If taking a train with reserved seating, look out for the signs on the station showing where your nominated carriage is likely to pull into. Minimising your luggage will help a huge amount and I recommend getting the kids a backpack each (school bag sized) so they can manage their own luggage but be hands free. In Paris, I'd try the buses instead of the metro as you'll see more. The metros often have quite long underground passages.
Jul 14th, 2019 | 08:52 AM
#7
Joined: Jan 2003
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How long is the trip?
I would not do AirBnB rentals. It's too late in the game to find good ones and there will likely be accessibility issues. I would stick with hotels, B&Bs, or apartments rented thru a hotel. Not try to find 3 owner direct rentals at this late date.
I think Venice is the trickiest for moving around. There's simply bridges everywhere. There's no way a wheel chair would work. Even a walker will be tricky there. Venice is my personal favorite city I have seen so far, but I might actually think about dropping it for your trip and just stick with Rome and Paris. That would be one less city move.
The reason Venice to Paris by train is usually done as an overnight is that it's almost 14 hours! Are you sure you want to do that? If you decide to, then do it as a night train and get a 6-bunk couchette for your family and a 2-person private room for your folks?
I would have him bring his cane and walker, but look into renting wheelchairs in Paris and Rome so you have the information if you need it once there.
Do you have plane tickets yet? Where are you flying into? Out of?
No need to panic, I think you can get this pulled together
The more simple you keep the plan, the easier it will be. Don't try to pin down daily activities, for that you can plan day by day once you've arrived. You just need to make sure everyone has their passports in order, get plane tickets, finalize the cities, and make hotel/apartment reservations. Concentrate on those first.
I would not do AirBnB rentals. It's too late in the game to find good ones and there will likely be accessibility issues. I would stick with hotels, B&Bs, or apartments rented thru a hotel. Not try to find 3 owner direct rentals at this late date.
I think Venice is the trickiest for moving around. There's simply bridges everywhere. There's no way a wheel chair would work. Even a walker will be tricky there. Venice is my personal favorite city I have seen so far, but I might actually think about dropping it for your trip and just stick with Rome and Paris. That would be one less city move.
The reason Venice to Paris by train is usually done as an overnight is that it's almost 14 hours! Are you sure you want to do that? If you decide to, then do it as a night train and get a 6-bunk couchette for your family and a 2-person private room for your folks?
I would have him bring his cane and walker, but look into renting wheelchairs in Paris and Rome so you have the information if you need it once there.
Do you have plane tickets yet? Where are you flying into? Out of?
No need to panic, I think you can get this pulled together
The more simple you keep the plan, the easier it will be. Don't try to pin down daily activities, for that you can plan day by day once you've arrived. You just need to make sure everyone has their passports in order, get plane tickets, finalize the cities, and make hotel/apartment reservations. Concentrate on those first.
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Jul 14th, 2019 | 02:05 PM
#8
Joined: Oct 2005
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Venice will be very difficult no matter where you stay. Bridges, steps, cobbles everywhere. He may have to just accept not seeing as much of it as the rest of you. You definitely need hotels, and fairly modern ones with elevators. At this late date, just use booking.com to see what has availability - you can filter for elevators, city center, etc. I'd really consider flying between Italy and praise.
Jul 14th, 2019 | 06:40 PM
#10
Joined: Aug 2012
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If Venice is a must, consider staying in Padua instead. It is a really under rated city in my opinion, and must more accessible for your father. There is a tram that goes directly to the train station, and an easy train ride to Venice. Your parents could enjoy the view in Padua while you and the children explore Venice for the day.
Jul 14th, 2019 | 10:04 PM
#11
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I think, with planning that Venice is quite doable and will be wonderful for your parents.
As Peter S suggested, stay in Dorsoduro. Stay near Campo Margherita on the side towards the Vaporetto stop (if possible) or towards San Barnaba. The Campo is a large space, frequented by locals, children playing and people relaxing. It has outdoor cafes and restaurants and shops. It is close to a vaporetto stop and only a couple of blocks from San Barnaba with flower and fruit boats, and lovely views. They can easily take a vaporetto to many areas, including out to the Lido and back where they will have great views of Venice. They could even have lunch on the Lido. It is flat. They can take a vaporetto to the Academia bridge Vaporetto stop. (They do not have to go on the bridge.) The Peggy Guggenheim museum is right there if they want a little visit. Right at the foot of the bridge is also a good place to get a gondola ride and there is a little outdoor pizza place there.
I recommend staying in a hotel so someone could be there for advice for your parents while you are out. I can’t make a specific rec because my favorite hotel does not have air conditioning or elevator and in July, you will want air conditioning and for your Father, an elevator. Remember, when booking, their first floor is the second for us, so a first floor room would have stairs if there is no elevator.
Make reservations for dinner. It is customary and respectful. Calling ahead or stopping by even a half hour before will get you much better service. There are some pretty good restaurants in Dorsoduro.
Of course, your parents will want to see San Marco and Rialto. Go to San Marco. super early in the morning or very late in the afternoon when it will hopefully be less crowded. Just see Rialto from a vaporetto or gondola. Take a vaporetto up and down the Grand Canal really late, after dark, when everything is alight inside.
A little tip:
Vaporettos can get so crowded going towards Santa Lucia Station, especially at San Marco, you can hardly get on. Instead, get on going the other way. When the vaporetto returns, you will already be on it. You could also go a stop or two in the wrong direction, get off at a less crowded stop and get on going in the right direction.
A gondola is a great way for them to see the back canals and your kids will enjoy it too. Don’t skip it just because it is touristy. Do check for times of tide. You don’t want water to be too high to go under bridges and be stuck mostly in Grand canal.
As Peter S suggested, stay in Dorsoduro. Stay near Campo Margherita on the side towards the Vaporetto stop (if possible) or towards San Barnaba. The Campo is a large space, frequented by locals, children playing and people relaxing. It has outdoor cafes and restaurants and shops. It is close to a vaporetto stop and only a couple of blocks from San Barnaba with flower and fruit boats, and lovely views. They can easily take a vaporetto to many areas, including out to the Lido and back where they will have great views of Venice. They could even have lunch on the Lido. It is flat. They can take a vaporetto to the Academia bridge Vaporetto stop. (They do not have to go on the bridge.) The Peggy Guggenheim museum is right there if they want a little visit. Right at the foot of the bridge is also a good place to get a gondola ride and there is a little outdoor pizza place there.
I recommend staying in a hotel so someone could be there for advice for your parents while you are out. I can’t make a specific rec because my favorite hotel does not have air conditioning or elevator and in July, you will want air conditioning and for your Father, an elevator. Remember, when booking, their first floor is the second for us, so a first floor room would have stairs if there is no elevator.
Make reservations for dinner. It is customary and respectful. Calling ahead or stopping by even a half hour before will get you much better service. There are some pretty good restaurants in Dorsoduro.
Of course, your parents will want to see San Marco and Rialto. Go to San Marco. super early in the morning or very late in the afternoon when it will hopefully be less crowded. Just see Rialto from a vaporetto or gondola. Take a vaporetto up and down the Grand Canal really late, after dark, when everything is alight inside.
A little tip:
Vaporettos can get so crowded going towards Santa Lucia Station, especially at San Marco, you can hardly get on. Instead, get on going the other way. When the vaporetto returns, you will already be on it. You could also go a stop or two in the wrong direction, get off at a less crowded stop and get on going in the right direction.
A gondola is a great way for them to see the back canals and your kids will enjoy it too. Don’t skip it just because it is touristy. Do check for times of tide. You don’t want water to be too high to go under bridges and be stuck mostly in Grand canal.
Jul 15th, 2019 | 03:28 AM
#12
Joined: Jan 2003
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My husband has new mobility issues and uses a cane and sometimes a walker. He did use a wheelchair at the beginning as well. I wouldn't recommend the wheelchair in those cities - too difficult to navigate and uneven streets are very difficult.
I echo those that think a hotel might be better at this late date. You'll need an elevator and I know from experience they are more difficult to find in rental apartments. But also I assume you'll need a walk-in shower (you do) which is adding complexity to the short notice airbnb idea. Hotels in all those cities have family rooms which could work for you. And newer hotels will have proper disabled rooms with grab bars, etc.
Re where to stay - we're very familiar with all 3 cities. The next time we visit them I would stay in Dorsoduro (Venice) possibly somewhere near the Tiber in Rome (Hotel Sisto?) or I might stay around the Vatican as the streets are wider with fewer cobblestones (IIRC). In Paris probably in the 5th/6th near St. Germain des Pres.
It's going to be challenging I can assure you. We're in Stockholm now - after a long 24 hour travel day. Do request wheelchair assist in the airports for your FIL. Give yourselves lots of time everywhere --- especially in the airport as wheelchair assists can take longer (as it's sometimes done in a relay). And don't rush - that's when accidents happen. And have a great time! It can be done! (with planning and patience)
I echo those that think a hotel might be better at this late date. You'll need an elevator and I know from experience they are more difficult to find in rental apartments. But also I assume you'll need a walk-in shower (you do) which is adding complexity to the short notice airbnb idea. Hotels in all those cities have family rooms which could work for you. And newer hotels will have proper disabled rooms with grab bars, etc.
Re where to stay - we're very familiar with all 3 cities. The next time we visit them I would stay in Dorsoduro (Venice) possibly somewhere near the Tiber in Rome (Hotel Sisto?) or I might stay around the Vatican as the streets are wider with fewer cobblestones (IIRC). In Paris probably in the 5th/6th near St. Germain des Pres.
It's going to be challenging I can assure you. We're in Stockholm now - after a long 24 hour travel day. Do request wheelchair assist in the airports for your FIL. Give yourselves lots of time everywhere --- especially in the airport as wheelchair assists can take longer (as it's sometimes done in a relay). And don't rush - that's when accidents happen. And have a great time! It can be done! (with planning and patience)
Last edited by Elizabeth_S; Jul 15th, 2019 at 03:31 AM.
Jul 16th, 2019 | 03:48 AM
#14
Joined: Jul 2019
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karinehm It's wonderful that you are looking forward to visit Rome, Venice and Paris. I'd only like to add certain details and an all around information for yoru trip in general.
With regards to your elderly parents, you can better book a car, a taxi would be good to go for all of you and simply better than any public transport. In this way, they can even rest a bit in the car while you and your young champs go and visit certain sights which are the least in importance or demand a long period of incessant walking/hiking. I'd also like to mention here that during our recent private tours of Rome for families, it went really tiring for our aged parents because of the abundance of cobbles, though it is full of places where they can sit and relax. But, on the other hand, Venice is smaller, with the paths more paved-like. While on the contrary, it has got less resty places to be in.
Furthermore, taking a wheelchair might be convenient for yoru dad, but carrying it along the way would again be an insurmountable challenge.
You won't be finding too many hassles with your children though because Rome is quite a place to get them ecstatic. Places like Rainbow MagicLand, musical performances/Operas, Museums and the plenty of art and sculptural masterpieces would get them thrilling and would infuse in them the artistic ambience.
With regards to your elderly parents, you can better book a car, a taxi would be good to go for all of you and simply better than any public transport. In this way, they can even rest a bit in the car while you and your young champs go and visit certain sights which are the least in importance or demand a long period of incessant walking/hiking. I'd also like to mention here that during our recent private tours of Rome for families, it went really tiring for our aged parents because of the abundance of cobbles, though it is full of places where they can sit and relax. But, on the other hand, Venice is smaller, with the paths more paved-like. While on the contrary, it has got less resty places to be in.
Furthermore, taking a wheelchair might be convenient for yoru dad, but carrying it along the way would again be an insurmountable challenge.
You won't be finding too many hassles with your children though because Rome is quite a place to get them ecstatic. Places like Rainbow MagicLand, musical performances/Operas, Museums and the plenty of art and sculptural masterpieces would get them thrilling and would infuse in them the artistic ambience.
Jul 16th, 2019 | 04:44 AM
#15
Joined: Jan 2003
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IMO, Danielle's suggestions border on insanity - elderly parents "sitting in the car" in Venice is quite obviously impossible and in Rome and Paris sounds like elder abuse if it's even possible to find a parking space. A car is a major liability, a huge expense, and just a PITA in each of those cities. Taxis are great and generally very affordable.
My first reaction to a wheelchair in Venice was along the lines of what Thin wrote, but Sassafrass is correct that with VERY careful planning, one might be able to make it work. I've been in a wheelchair in Paris, and it was no fun at all - for me, or for my DH, who was pushing me - but we managed (and the airlines and train company were beyond wonderful in accommodating me). Rome, don't know, never tried it, but I have enough trouble getting across the street in Rome on my own two feet, so I'd expect you'd have to be prepared for some challenges. You don't need to bring a wheelchair; you can rent them from pharmacies in Europe.
My first reaction to a wheelchair in Venice was along the lines of what Thin wrote, but Sassafrass is correct that with VERY careful planning, one might be able to make it work. I've been in a wheelchair in Paris, and it was no fun at all - for me, or for my DH, who was pushing me - but we managed (and the airlines and train company were beyond wonderful in accommodating me). Rome, don't know, never tried it, but I have enough trouble getting across the street in Rome on my own two feet, so I'd expect you'd have to be prepared for some challenges. You don't need to bring a wheelchair; you can rent them from pharmacies in Europe.
Jul 16th, 2019 | 07:47 AM
#16
Joined: Mar 2007
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https://www.hotel-grandes-ecoles.com/
It has been years since I have been here, and don’t remember about elevator or air conditioning, but this hotel or something similar could work for your parents. They could feel as if they are experiencing Paris without doing too much. A taxi can get them there and take them to a few other places. They could take a boat down the Seine and even visit a museum or two. Skip the Louvre though. No one mentioned them anyway, but HOHO busses would not be good. A car in any of your cities is not a good idea, though using taxis to get from place to place works fine in Rome. Agree totally with St Cirq. Paris is very difficult for anyone in a wheelchair.
It has been years since I have been here, and don’t remember about elevator or air conditioning, but this hotel or something similar could work for your parents. They could feel as if they are experiencing Paris without doing too much. A taxi can get them there and take them to a few other places. They could take a boat down the Seine and even visit a museum or two. Skip the Louvre though. No one mentioned them anyway, but HOHO busses would not be good. A car in any of your cities is not a good idea, though using taxis to get from place to place works fine in Rome. Agree totally with St Cirq. Paris is very difficult for anyone in a wheelchair.
Jul 16th, 2019 | 10:39 AM
#17
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 98,200
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I think finding 1st floor or apartments with elevators on AirBnB at this late date will be next to impossible. I would use a search engine that has a filter for that amenity for each city's hotels. You could spend hours hunting around for hotel rooms or apartments checking one by one to see who might have a lift.
Jul 17th, 2019 | 11:41 PM
#18
Joined: Aug 2005
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So booking.com has several filters for handicapped access. Spend some time on the DESKTOP version. There are more options than on the mobile phone version of the site.
In Rome, Hotel Alimandi is across the street from the Vatican Museums. It has an elevator. Rooms are small but good. I have stayed there and I've sent friends and family there. Has a shuttle from the airport for a fee as well. (Well worth it IMO). They have a suite for families that I think sleeps 4. Not sure if that still works since you are 5.
Consider a convent that has handicapped rooms or an elevator.
This one in Monti would be very affordable to get three rooms and has handicapped access rooms.
House Il Rosario
An outlier for Rome--Holiday Inn Aurelia. It's got a pool, full amenities, and because it's outside the tourist part of the city, it is pretty inexpensive to get three rooms. I don't think it's your best option if you can find a hotel closer into the city. Your parents won't be able to walk to cafes and shops. On the other hand, they may feel at home here. Since you are looking kinda late, I thought I'd mention it.
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotel...w.ma.ul.ki.va#
In Rome, Hotel Alimandi is across the street from the Vatican Museums. It has an elevator. Rooms are small but good. I have stayed there and I've sent friends and family there. Has a shuttle from the airport for a fee as well. (Well worth it IMO). They have a suite for families that I think sleeps 4. Not sure if that still works since you are 5.
Consider a convent that has handicapped rooms or an elevator.
This one in Monti would be very affordable to get three rooms and has handicapped access rooms.
House Il Rosario
An outlier for Rome--Holiday Inn Aurelia. It's got a pool, full amenities, and because it's outside the tourist part of the city, it is pretty inexpensive to get three rooms. I don't think it's your best option if you can find a hotel closer into the city. Your parents won't be able to walk to cafes and shops. On the other hand, they may feel at home here. Since you are looking kinda late, I thought I'd mention it.
https://www.ihg.com/holidayinn/hotel...w.ma.ul.ki.va#
Jul 26th, 2019 | 09:52 AM
#19
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 21
Likes: 0
I read a trip report in here recently where someone had rented a wheel chair in Rome for 10euro a day.
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