Kevin Deal

My wife is in a wheelchair with a severe case of MS and if we don't go to Italy now we won't be able to later. We are at a point now where it is almost to difficult but I will make it happen. <BR><BR>My concern is cobblestone streets which is impossible for wheelchairs. Do you think we can stuff to do and avoid them to a degree?<BR><BR>Is there an area that anyone can suggest to stay in, or a hotel that is splendid for about $250 a nite? There will be three of us. <BR><BR>lastly...we are going Nov 1...is it colder than heck? <BR><BR>Thanks so much.<BR><BR>Kevin Deal

Kristen

I'm not a Rome expert, but I did a quick search and found a web site that might help you:<BR><BR>www.twenj.com/romewheels.htm <BR><BR>Good luck and enjoy Rome!

Marilyn

Rome with a wheelchair would be difficult, but not impossible. Perhaps you could hire a driver to take you to the sites. We've stayed at the Alimandi Hotel near the Vatican and they have a wheelchair lift and provide transportation to and from the airport. They also have a tour company so possibly they could get you a driver. Marilyn

Carol

We found that the best way to get around was by taxi. They are not expensive and save so much time. Of course, you will need to request a large enough car to accommodate the wheelchair. <BR><BR>Rome can be quite hilly (7 hills of Rome) and can be quite exhausting even for those who are able. So taxiing would save on wear and tear.<BR><BR>You might want to contact a few hotels and ask about their accessibility for wheelchairs, bathrooms, breakfast rooms, etc. Most have Web sites and email addresses. <BR><BR><BR>We stayed at two hotels in Rome, one was the Colonna Place. The room was quite large as was the bathroom and they do have an elevator. They are centrally located which is also important for you.<BR><BR>You might also wish to take a city tour which would handle the baggage, etc. which is one less thing for you to be concerned about. <BR><BR>Unfortunately, there are many sites in Rome which have areas which are difficult to navigate, the Forum comes to mind. Maybe some travelers with a better memory of this can assist you. Sorry I can't be of more help with this.

Lesli

Kevin -<BR><BR>Although I have no personal experience with this issue, I want to commend you on planning this trip! Something both of you will always remember, and I'm sure it will be well worth the effort.<BR><BR>There are many websites which might help in your planning; I did a search on Google for "accessible Rome" and came up with the following:<BR><BR>http://www.tour-web.com/accessibleitaly/rome.htm<BR>http://www.accessiblecitybreaks.co.uk/misc/rome.htm<BR>http://andi.casaccia.enea.it/andi/coin/tur/inglese/centro/hotelB.htm<BR>http://goeurope.about.com/cs/accessible_travel/<BR>http://www.access-able.com/<BR><BR>You'll find many more with a similar search. I also recall a post here about a trip with someone in a wheelchair, though I'm not sure of the destination. You might try a text search for "wheelchair" and see what comes up.<BR><BR>Best wishes for a wonderful trip. Your wife is a lucky woman.