Peter Greenberg: Europe for the Physically Challenged

By: Peter Greenberg | Source: Peter Greenberg | 2008-08-26

Q: I heard that there is a lot of walking when one travels to Europe, and European countries do not have the convenience of ADA compliance like the U.S. Does this mean that my sister and I (who are both physically challenged) will never get to see Europe? We would like to make the trip, but everyone tells us, "No way!” She's 80 and I'm 64. Can you suggest anything?
-Jean, Anaheim, Calif.

A: You can still travel around Europe with limited mobility. There are many sites online that give tips on how to get around Europe, such as Access-Able.com and Mobility International.

Some companies even specifically offer wheelchair tours of cities. For example, AllegroInVenice.com offers the “Easy-Access Venice” tour for people who need more assistance getting around. AccessiblEurope offers plenty of wheelchair-accessible tours, including an eight-day Cyprus tour and four-day Paris tour.

While not all places are wheelchair accessible, a lot of the main museums and tourist attractions have started to make accommodations. Entrance fees for the main museums in Paris, including but not limited to the Louvre, the Musée d’Orsay, and the Picasso Museum, are free for people in wheelchairs and for the person pushing it. You’ll be able to cut the lines as well.