Wheelchair accessibility in Tuscany

**kleonard19** · November 24, 2019, 01:42 PM

Hello,

I am new here and have never posted to a forum before.....

I am travelling with my husband next August (2020) and have questions/concerns about accessibility in Tuscany. I am able to walk but have serious mobility issues and get around daily with a cane. I am only able to walk extremely short distances with no stairs and no inclines. I will be bringing my wheelchair to get around.

I want to visit Tuscany and have done some research but feel overwhelmed and am having trouble finding good advice on getting around and what places are accessible. I would like to stay for 12 days and be based in Tuscany. We would like to stay for some of the time in the country, visit small towns, and mostly relax, experience the culture and local food and restaurants.

Does anyone have any insight or knowledge that my assist? I very much appreciate any help in advance!

Thank you!

**DonnaDenise** · November 29, 2019, 02:27 AM

Buongiorno,

Obviously, someone who doesn't "have" to use a wheelchair may not notice all the nuances and difficulties about getting around with one but, I hope to reassure you just a bit.

Most major sites - and transport - have to make accommodations for those who have difficulty traveling. The main train stations have elevators to take you from track to track and museums all have facilities for moving those with wheelchairs from place to place. It may make your life easier if you may want to book with a guide who can take care of the logistics.

This article also provides more detailed information for the Uffizi:
http://www.visituffizi.org/museum/services/

and this article confirms the mobility in the Galleria dell'Accademia:
http://www.accademia.org/plan-your-visit/

I had friends arrive with their elderly parents - and we did a whirlwind tour of Pisa and Lucca with an NCC (a driver with his own vehicle) and he knew just where to go to ease us into the sites, and it was well worth it. You could look into hiring a driver for a day or two to really enjoy the small towns, vineyards and landscape. (here are two suggestions, and they both speak English and I have worked with both. You can reach out to them with WhatsApp: Simone - +39 334 7053211 or Beppe - +39 392 1400056)

When booking in the countryside - be sure to ask how accessible the accommodations are, many times things are not on the ground floor. Though by law, larger hotels and agriturismo (farmhouse accommodations) have to have a place that will accommodate wheelchairs.

You will find that many restaurants are also prepared to accept wheelchairs, so no worries about eating! (Even the little tiny restaurant by my house in the deep countryside has a ramp for a wheelchair)

For more info, try reading this article:
https://www.visitflorence.com/moving...isability.html

Buon Viaggio,

Donna Denise

**Lourdes** · November 29, 2019, 06:14 AM

I think we have to be honest from the start and say that it won't be super easy as many places you will want to visit are towns located on hills. And hills means slopes and uphills. This is the case for Siena and Montepulciano, for example. Other places will be easier because they are mostly flat, such as Florence and Lucca, for example.

So if your wheelchair is not motorized, you might also want to consider getting a motorized one while here (you can rent them!)

Aside from that, I would suggest start with a list of places you WANT to visit - feel free to post on here - and we will give you more focused feedback on making it easier to visit those places, what you need to consider or keep in mind.

Most places are wheelchair accessible, but even streets can be bumpy.... but preparation is key and thinking about it now will help you be ready to visit Italy and Tuscany!

**kleonard19** · January 18, 2020, 12:21 PM

Originally Posted by DonnaDenise

Buongiorno,

Obviously, someone who doesn't "have" to use a wheelchair may not notice all the nuances and difficulties about getting around with one but, I hope to reassure you just a bit.

Most major sites - and transport - have to make accommodations for those who have difficulty traveling. The main train stations have elevators to take you from track to track and museums all have facilities for moving those with wheelchairs from place to place. It may make your life easier if you may want to book with a guide who can take care of the logistics.

This article also provides more detailed information for the Uffizi:
http://www.visituffizi.org/museum/services/

and this article confirms the mobility in the Galleria dell'Accademia:
http://www.accademia.org/plan-your-visit/

I had friends arrive with their elderly parents - and we did a whirlwind tour of Pisa and Lucca with an NCC (a driver with his own vehicle) and he knew just where to go to ease us into the sites, and it was well worth it. You could look into hiring a driver for a day or two to really enjoy the small towns, vineyards and landscape. (here are two suggestions, and they both speak English and I have worked with both. You can reach out to them with WhatsApp: Simone - +39 334 7053211 or Beppe - +39 392 1400056)

When booking in the countryside - be sure to ask how accessible the accommodations are, many times things are not on the ground floor. Though by law, larger hotels and agriturismo (farmhouse accommodations) have to have a place that will accommodate wheelchairs.

You will find that many restaurants are also prepared to accept wheelchairs, so no worries about eating! (Even the little tiny restaurant by my house in the deep countryside has a ramp for a wheelchair)

For more info, try reading this article:
https://www.visitflorence.com/moving...isability.html

Buon Viaggio,

Donna Denise

Thank you so much for the information and references! I will definitely check them out.