How best to visit Rome with elderly grandparents?

[Anonymous]

This is the one place they'd still like to see. They're both healthy but grandma's mobility can change from day-to-day. Do you just plan the trip and get (rent?) her a wheelchair? (She's resisted any cane, chair, scooter, etc., so far but I feel she'd agree to using it if I can get her to Rome). Any suggested things to do or avoid? Anything else I could do to make this experience great for grandparents (and a good-sported 9 yr old DS)? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

A wheelchair would be pretty tricky in Rome, but others may disagree. We did it last year with my mother, who is older, and a 9 month old, and we basically never used the stroller. So many cobblestones, and very few ramps or curb cuts. I think you'd be better off getting a car service or just planning for a lot of taxis. I would also think about renting a centrally located apartment to have a comfortable place to rest, cook, etc.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. Do you mean hire a car or taxi to take us to a destination, hop out and do a tour or whatever and then call for another pickup to next place? Or is it something more organized (like hiring a tour guide with car/driver day-to-day)? I think you're brave with a 9 month old in Rome!

[Anonymous]

I would hire a guide with a car.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I would hire a guide with a car.

This is 9:55. I agree. If you can spring for it, i think this would be the way to do it. We did it for a day through American Express so my mom could get to Ostia, and it was great.

[Anonymous]

Thanks. Any ideas about where to stay? Our group is more restaurant-eating than cooking-in but a kitchenette is always nice to have. We'd need at least 3 rooms. And if anyone has an opinion, when would be the best time to travel that's not peak tourist season and reasonably mild weather?

[Anonymous]

Italians are generally very accommodating for the elderly and young but Rome can be a tough city for those with limited mobility. Something like the Vatican requires lots of walking and often waiting in a long line (there may be a way to skip that). As noted, accessibility is limited because everything is so old, though I think getting into most churches would not be so difficult. One area that might work because it is centrally located is Campo de Fiori, pretty easy access to good restaurants and tourist attractions, or Piazza Navona where you might find larger hotels. The Spanish steps also has many hotels, but more expensive and for me, not so centrally located. Worth trying but I would keep your expectations relatively low in terms of how much you will see on any particular day, and spend some of the the days sipping coffee or a drink in the many plazas. Spring might be best time to go, but that would be in May when your child may not be able to get out of school. Avoid Easter if you are trying to avoid crowds, and the city is crowded and hot in the summer, though it is still wonderful.

[Anonymous]

Google is your friend. For example the Vatican Museum site has info on accommodation for disabled visitors.

[Anonymous]

I went to Italy when I was getting over a sprained ankle. It is pretty bad, mobility wise. Cobblestones and stairs. If you can afford a private car, do that. Otherwise, stay at a hotel that has a taxi cab stand nearby.

I would think a chain hotel would be better than apartment because they are more likely to have Ada rooms.

Maybe hire the private car for the day or afternoons, and spend mornings and or evenings having leisurely meals in squares like piazza navona that you can take cabs to and from. Let her stay seated while you flag down a cab.

[Anonymous]

Defn don't do July or August

Avoid Easter weeks

[Anonymous]

One thing to consider, cabs can be expensive and difficult to locate in Rome, and they will drive totally crazy. Fun for kids not so much for the elderly. A driver would be a good solution but it is likely to be pricey, and would be best if you decided to do a country tour outside the city.

[Anonymous]

Agree with hire a car and guide, but realize it will cost you a pretty penny (it's $100 flat taxi rate just driving from the airport.

I wheel chair definitely won't work in Rome.

[Anonymous]

No ADA in Italy, it's a US law.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:No ADA in Italy, it's a US law.

Chains like Weston will have Ada rooms

[Anonymous]

Some really useful info and things to consider here. Thanks!