Disabled travelers are now on “equal footing” with other travelers as they view all of Italy’s historic sites from a specially designed trekking wheelchair, thanks to Rome and Italy Tourist Services. In this one-of-a-kind chair, offered only by Rome and Italy Tourist Services, visitors can experience every Italian archeological site no matter what the ground surface might be.
Using a seat and frame with only one wheel, plus two arms in the front and back to support the chair when not in motion and allow for movement up or down hills, the chair is easily rolled and carried by two trained guides. 360-degree maneuverability around obstacles such as stones, holes and steps allows visitors to safely navigate the country’s ancient streets and steps, areas previously off limits to disabled travelers. Shock absorbers under the chair keep the ride smooth.
Popular sites such as the Roman Forum, Pompeii and Herculaneum are no longer impossible for disabled visitors to navigate. Notes Program Director Stefano Sghinolfi, “It is our great pleasure to make all of Italy accessible to everyone who would like to visit. This chair is the first of its kind and opens doors to those challenged by walking on our country’s ancient streets.”
The chair is available 365 days a year and can be rented for a single excursion, which includes a guide as well as two assistants to carry the chair. The minimum rental price is € 300 (about $397) for a three-hour tour. The service can be booked directly online at www.romeanditaly.com, by email to info@romeanditaly.com, or by phone to 011-39-06-44258441 (from US). To see the chair in use at the Roman Forum (dialogue is in Italian), visit http://bit.ly/x0PoDE.
(Editor’s Note: The price is a little high, but at least a disabled person now has an opportunity to see some of Italy’s greatest historical sites.)
No comments:
Post a Comment