The moment I realized this would be something special When our taxi stopped in front of the Elysium Hotel in Paphos, I didn’t expect the wave of emotion that washed over me. I understood right away that this vacation would be something special. Before I could even plan how to get out of the taxi and settle into my wheelchair, there was already a smiling bellboy. He not only helped me carefully out of the car, but also set up my wheelchair professionally, took the luggage, and accompanied me to the reception desk, as if it were the most natural thing in the world. I realized I had arrived at a special place. Not just another hotel that tries to “manage” with guests with disabilities, but a place where accessibility is naturally part of the service. The hotel is located, like a jewel, next to the historic Tombs of the Kings in Paphos and just steps from the blue waters of the Mediterranean. The architecture combines classical elements with contemporary design, and the lobby terrace—oh, that terrace!—at sunset, when the sky turns shades of golden red and purple above the sea, you understand why people fall in love with Cyprus. The room that awaited me – smart accessibility planning The Elysium Hotel has 14 adapted rooms for people with disabilities—six designated for wheelchairs and eight more for reduced mobility. But the technical details actually tell the whole story. Room entrance The 85 cm wide door opens easily and stays open if pushed all the way, and the peephole is adjusted to wheelchair height. Door with a peephole at wheelchair height Inside, there’s a maneuvering space of 104 cm and a full turning circle of 1.5 m. The space between the bed and wall is designed so that guests don’t have to make unnecessary wheelchair movements. The floor is carpeted—not always ideal—but here it’s a high-quality carpet that doesn’t block the wheels of powered chairs. Entrance to an accessible room Accessible bathroom Truly impressive. The door is extra wide—93 cm—leading to a bathroom designed by someone who really understands accessibility. Accessible sink Accessible toilet Some rooms include roll-in showers that can be entered directly with a shower chair, while others offer an adapted bathtub with an adjustable seat. Roll-in shower The safety rails around the toilet and shower don’t look like an “add-on” but are part of the integrated design. The sink is set at 65 cm with free access underneath, and the overall space allows comfortable wheelchair maneuvering. Shower room Accessible balcony The room opens to a balcony with only a 3 cm threshold (which is possible for some of us) — something that may sound minor, but when you’re sitting outside with a morning coffee looking at the sea, you appreciate every centimeter that saves effort. Room balcony Smooth movement throughout the hotel The hotel has been thoroughly checked by Cypriot tourism authorities, and the results are impressive. Spacious elevators The elevators measure 1.37 m by 1.31 m, with a 91 cm wide door—wide enough even for large electric wheelchairs. The most exciting detail: all buttons include Braille markings. A small feature that proves the hotel gave thought to every level of accessibility. Elevator Elevator buttons with Braille markings Indoor spaces All floors are fully accessible, with no steps or changes in level. Corridors are carpeted with quality material that doesn’t hinder movement of a power wheelchair, and the lighting is pleasant and well designed. Accessible passage to the spa alongside stairs Accessible passage to the spa alongside stairs Additional facilities Public restrooms: fully accessible, 1.60 m by 2.90 m. Example of accessible restrooms in the pool area Example of accessible restrooms in the lobby and restaurant area Restaurants: The hotel has 5, all with accessible entrances. Adapted tables are always available. At buffets, staff will reserve a table near the food for guests with mobility issues and are happy to assist with carrying plates. Reception desk: not lowered, but staff are attentive and provide front-facing service. The buffet area is accessible; even the placement of the plates is wheelchair-friendly The buffet area is wheelchair accessible The pools The main outdoor pool is large and stunning, but has one clear drawback: no hydraulic lift for independent access. There is a stair entry with a handrail on the right side, but not everyone can use it. Accessible entry to the main outdoor pool The spa pool has the same type of water access as the main pool. There is no hydraulic lift for independent entry of a person with a disability into the water. However, there is a stair entry with a handrail on the right side, but not everyone can use it. Accessible entry to the indoor spa pool Changing rooms, showers, and dressing areas near the pools are fully accessible, so at least preparation for swimming is not an issue. Access to the beach The path to the beach is defined as suitable and convenient, with a smooth direct route. The hotel itself does not provide beach wheelchairs, but nearby public beaches do offer good solutions. Moving around the hotel grounds The hotel is very accessible, attracting tourists from around the world, including many with disabilities. Guests moved around on electric wheelchairs and mobility scooters. Scooters can be rented locally and delivered to the hotel lobby. The site wheelerz.online  can assist with arranging this service. A guest’s mobility scooter at the hotel, rented from a local company Paphos - city accessibility Accessible beaches Cyprus leads the way with 52 accessible beaches — 36 fully accessible and 16 partially. In Paphos you’ll find: Municipal Baths – special lift for wheelchairs to the sea and floating chairs. Vrisoudia A Beach – floating wheelchair and adapted pathways. Yeroskipou Beach – floating chair with lifeguard assistance. Accessible historical sites Tombs of the Kings:  Partially accessible – it is possible to view from above and reach some of the sites. The impressive structures from the 4th century BCE are available for viewing and are well worth the effort. Located within walking distance of the hotel. Kato Paphos Archaeological Park:  Partially accessible with guidance from local staff. The famous Roman mosaics can be seen. Paphos Castle:  Adapted access and nearby parking. The Old Town:  Souvenir shops, clothing, and locally made Cypriot products. Shaded passage in the old city market. Shop entrances are accessible or have a ramp at the entrance Another shaded passage in the old city market. Shop entrances are accessible or have a ramp at the entrance. Paphos Harbor  – Accessible spaces with restaurants and taverns. Accessible nature trails Livadi Trail in the Troodos Mountains  – a 1.5 km circular route. Mantra tou Kampiou Trail  – a 1 km trail in the forest. Essential Information – Electricity and Sockets It is important to know: the electrical voltage in Cyprus is 240 volts, 50 Hz, with type G sockets (three pins, like in England). This is different from mainland Europe and the USA. The Elysium Hotel lends one adapter per room for the duration of the stay. If you are arriving with an electric wheelchair, medical equipment, or charging devices, you must bring a UK/Cyprus adapter — prepare one in advance. Hotels do not always provide suitable adapters. Transportation and Advanced Services Airport Paphos Airport complies with European regulations, offering full accessibility services, charging stations for electric wheelchairs, and ramps for buses. Assistance desk for people with disabilities at Paphos Airport Assistance desk for people with disabilities to book accessible transportation Public transportation In Paphos, public transport consists mainly of buses and taxis. If you need an accessible bus, it is recommended to contact the bus company in advance to arrange a special bus with a ramp, seatbelts, and air conditioning. In addition, there are special taxis adapted for wheelchairs. The bus network includes accessible buses with ramps, and they also offer discounts for people with disabilities. Bolt (taxi app):  Bolt is a taxi application operating in Cyprus and can serve as an alternative to Uber. You should check with their customer service about the availability of adapted vehicles when booking a ride, or select a suitable vehicle at the time of booking. Car rental:  This option provides complete freedom, allowing easy access to different sites in and outside the city, and enables a flexible daily itinerary. Roads in Paphos are convenient and easy to navigate, but remember that driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Personalized transportation:  You can look for private transportation services specifically adapted for people with disabilities, or check for special shuttles that can be booked in advance. This service can be arranged through the website wheelerz.online . Support System The European Blue Parking Card  is recognized throughout the island. The European Disability Card  grants discounts at various sites. The city buses  are equipped with ramps and designated spaces for people with disabilities. Practical Tips for a Perfect Trip Book an accessible room in advance:  Although the hotel offers 14 adapted rooms, availability is good but it’s still recommended to reserve ahead of time. Lithium battery and wheelchair approval:  Make sure to get airline approval for your wheelchair/scooter and lithium battery(ies) at least a week in advance—and even earlier during peak seasons (holidays, summer). The process can take time, and early preparation will save stress and disappointment. Choose your room type:  Specify whether you require a room with a roll-in shower or an adapted bathtub. Power adapter:  Bring a UK/Cyprus adapter—essential for charging electric wheelchairs and medical equipment. Assistive equipment:  You can rent a local mobility scooter for maximum convenience in the city. Beaches:  Visit Municipal Baths or Vrisoudia Beach for the best accessible sea experience. Transportation:  Pre-book accessible transfers, especially for airport rides. Conclusion – Paphos as an Accessible Dream Destination The Elysium Hotel in Paphos is more than just a luxury hotel – it is a gateway to an accessible and fulfilling vacation in this charming city. With well-adapted rooms, advanced roll-in showers, professional staff, accessible historical sites, and modern services, Paphos becomes a destination where you can feel true freedom. The accessible beaches and adapted services make Cyprus one of the most inclusive destinations along the Mediterranean. It’s not just a vacation spot – it’s a place where accessibility is treated as a basic right and implemented at the highest standard. And most importantly: in Paphos, I never felt like a “guest with special needs.” I simply felt like a guest who came to enjoy a perfect holiday – and that’s exactly how a vacation should feel.

By: Merav Avitan Zerahia Merav in Prague We woke up at 3 on Monday. A grueling and exhausting day – arrival from the airport and arrival at the Michelangelo Hotel. The hotel has excellent accessibility, and the bed is high. The shower and the toilets (I brought a toilet seat riser) and excellent accessibility including breakfast, and relatively not expensive. At 2 – by public transportation: line 100 is accessible and metro B is accessible. We rested a little, ate a little, and went out to walk through the streets of the magical city. Ancient and historical buildings – Prague is beautiful, clean, and spotless. The alleys, the special pavements – I will describe separately. Boutique shops alongside chains, many restaurants and cafés. In the evening – dinner at the "HaMizlala" restaurant, strictly kosher. Very tasty. Public transportation . Tuesday – Culture and Art Day of Culture and Art: The National Museum of Prague – 4 floors, two buildings, new and old. We parted with our belongings. We went through a tunnel because of accessibility and through elevators. Every route was interesting and not boring. We returned through the streets and alleys – everything was beautiful, attractive, and full of many, many shops. In the evening, we booked tickets for the Black Theater – very beautiful, recommended! A show that combines elements in glowing colors on black, with shapes, animals, dance, and spectacular acrobatics. Wednesday – Group Tour Group tour with Mika – Visit to the Powder Tower, the Astronomical Clock and its fascinating story, the Jewish Quarter in Prague and its extensive and well-known community. Visit to the synagogues: the Spanish and the Old – with fascinating stories about its roof and the Golem, and about World War II. The Nazis preserved all the buildings and synagogues with the idea of creating “a museum of the extinct people” after the war – chilling. Synagoge History of these buildings together with the history of the city’s rabbis. Visit to the Jewish cemetery and the grave of the Maharal of Prague (the story of the Golem). Here it is relatively accessible, the restrooms are relatively less accessible. This was quite a tough day for me in terms of accessibility and hours – we were out from morning until evening. We returned exhausted but satisfied. A stop for Kürtősh – one of the tastiest I’ve ever had (and I’m not a fan of the Kürtősh in general anyway) with added ice cream or whipped cream. Kosher! Accessible Kürtősh After that, we walked on foot through the entire Jewish Quarter back to the center of Prague to look for a kosher restaurant. We went to King David – a kosher hotel owned by Israelis, but not accessible at all, so we gave up. Not far from there – an excellent grill restaurant, HaMizlala. Unfortunately for us, there were groups and it was closed to the public. We debated whether to order take-away or wait, and then the group organizer – saw us waiting outside and freed up a table for us. It was delicious and heartwarming. Thursday – A Touching Ending On Thursday my friends went to the grave of the Noda BiYehuda (not accessible). I stayed for two hours in the hotel by myself with some space for myself. They returned, and since it was the last day we decided to go to the castle – Prague Castle. We climbed and went all the way up the hill. There is no transportation up there. A beautiful viewpoint. Unfortunately, there was a step that with a power wheelchair I couldn’t go up. And then we had to go down the entire way on the shaky stones (see video) – it was very tough, not flat at all, with a very steep slope. At first, I went down backwards with my friend’s guidance, and slowly, with breaks and some photos, we made it all the way back down. Sidewalk From there we took tram line 22 – accessible. We were supposed to connect to the metro, but it was not accessible – only an escalator instead of an elevator. So we walked about 17 minutes again through the Jewish Quarter. Lunch: an excellent salad, an incredibly tasty pizza. And of course, we couldn’t miss tasting the famous Czech beer – at U-MILO restaurant, kosher and recommended. Here too there was a step – I couldn’t get inside the restaurant. They offered to lift me with the power wheelchair – which is both very heavy and could also break. Beer in Prague And then I had an idea: I asked them to bring a table outside. It was perfect! And kudos to the restaurant for the flexibility – I must point out that legally there is no accessibility requirement there for small businesses. From there we walked to the Palladium Mall – last shopping. It was short, to the point, and also expensiveeee. The recommendation: go to the locals’ mall – not touristy – Chodov Mall, Prague. From here we returned to the hotel – by now we knew the way by heart. We took our suitcases and headed back to the airport. In the end – an amazing, fun, wonderful trip, highly recommended. Also suitable for couples – it’s very romantic there. Maybe next time :)

Illustration of a wheelchair user in Prague In June 2025, I set out for a week of exploration and experimentation in Prague, a city of rich history and breathtaking beauty, but also cobblestone sidewalks and changing public transportation. The goal was clear: to take a closer look at how accessible Prague really is for travelers with mobility limitations, not based on passwords but through my wheels. Astoria Hotel – a successful base in the heart of the Old City I stayed at the Astoria Hotel. As a writer, traveler, and daily mobility challenger, I examine every tourist accommodation not only through the eyes of a visitor but also through the wheels of my scooter and motorized, foldable wheelchair. That's exactly how I discovered the Astoria Hotel in Prague, located in the historic heart of one of Europe's most beautiful cities and offering an accessible stay experience. Strategic location with slight difficulty under the wheel The hotel is located about a 5-minute walk from the Old Town Square and Prague's iconic Astronomical Clock. In terms of accessibility, the location is perfect for those who can handle the historic צשט cobblestone sidewalks. Yes, my wheels were wobbly, but careful maneuvering allows you to reach most of the tourist attractions in the area even with a motorized folding wheelchair. תמונה מאתר מלון אסטוריה Boutique-style rooms, with basic mobility adaptations The room I was given was on an accessible floor, with a wide entrance door and spacious enough to maneuver even with a wheelchair. The room's design combined classic aesthetics with modern comfort, including comfortable beds, a minibar, a flat-screen TV, free internet, and air conditioning. However, the sizes of the rooms vary and should be inquired about in advance. תיאור החדר הנגיש בקומת קרקע במלון אסטוריה פראג The bathroom – between design and functionality The entrance to the bathroom was wide enough for a wheelchair to enter. The shower was wide and had no doors but a plastic curtain. Since there was no grab bar on the wall, I used a vacuum grab bar that accompanies me on every trip. Additional services: accessible parking, available reception, and a fast elevator The hotel offers accessible underground parking for an additional fee, a spacious lobby and a 24-hour reception. The breakfast is adequate, although fairly standard. For me, the most important point is that the staff is aware of the issue of accessibility and is willing to help. לובי המלון אסטוריה The street in front of the hotel: a classic challenge in a historic city The advantage of a central location in historic Europe also has its drawbacks: interlocking stone sidewalks, uneven slopes, and sometimes narrow passages. This is not a bonus, but it is not an insurmountable obstacle either; all that is required is a good orientation plan and patience. small cobble stones Bigger cobble stones Another kind of cobble stone Tourist sites and points of interest near the hotel Jewish City (300 meters) Charles Bridge (400 meters) Old City Square (300 meters) In conclusion – would I return to the hotel? Absolutely. The Astoria Hotel in Prague is a suitable solution for travelers with mobility issues, mainly due to the accessible rooms, elevator access, and staff awareness. It provides a good balance between location, comfort, and accessibility, as long as you are prepared to deal with the cobblestone streets outside. Before ordering, I recommend: Check availability of specifically accessible rooms Verify the bathroom structure Arrange accessible parking or transportation in advance. Use a folding scooter or wheelchair adapted for urban terrain - for those who can From the perspective of an independent traveler in a wheelchair, this is one of the most accessible hotels in the heart of Old Prague. And, in my opinion, this is already the beginning of a successful accessible story. Public transportation – extensive but uneven upgrades Metro The Prague metro system includes 61 stations, of which 47 are fully accessible (77 percent) – a figure verified by the official DPP website. Most of the C line stations are extremely convenient, but central stations like Můstek and Anděl are still inaccessible, which is a point that requires attention. I used Sign for an accessible entrance to the metro Sign for the elevator to the metro Trams The new trams (mainly line 22) are equipped with a retractable ramp and wide doors, but only about 16 percent of all trams in the city are air-conditioned. My recommendation – travel during quiet hours and prioritize new Škoda 15T models. Tram Major sites – accessibility varies, but most major destinations are accessible • Prague Castle: Good access via Hradčanské Náměstí. The entrance to the main cathedral is accessible. The southern gardens are less adapted due to slopes. Old Town Square: Areas with rough paving, but there are smoother side passages. The Astronomical Clock has an internal elevator. Charles Bridge: Challenging paving. Access from Křižovnické náměstí is more recommended. The National Museum: Includes elevators and wide passages. In practice, I encountered good accessibility and accessible restrooms. Carl bridge Wenceslas Square Town square Entrance to Carl Bridge Clock tower Statue on Carl Bridge Franz Kafka Statue Recommended restaurants – accessibility verified Ginger & Fred Restaurant - great view, accessible balcony, spacious elevator Hard Rock Cafe Prague - officially accessible, includes accessible bathrooms Potrefená Husa Restaurant -accessible, good environment Additional service: Accessible Prague There are several options for getting help for a trip abroad, and in this case, in Prague. One option is to use the accessible or partial trip organization service through the *Disclosure - The article is not sponsored and is not in collaboration with this company. A company active since 2007, offers: Up-to-date accessibility information. Personal escort services with qualified guides. Mobility equipment rental – including scooters and wheelchairs. Accessibility equipment awaits you in Prague: this is how you can easily rent mobility aids Prices are correct for the day of my trip and may change. (I suggest using the help of Wheelerz) th Electric scooter rental Model Cityliner 410 Price: 700 kroons (about 119 NIS) per day Shipping fee: 500 kronor (about 85 NIS) Range: Up to 30 kilometers Speed: Up to 10 km/h Maximum load capacity: 130 kg Invacare Leo model Price: 700 kroons (about 119 NIS) per day Maximum speed: 8 km/h Length: 122 cm Weight: 83 kg Invacare Colibri model Price: 700 kroons (about 119 NIS) per day Range: Up to 15 kilometers Weight: 49 kg Manual wheelchairs Daily price: 200 kronor (about 34 NIS) Weight: about 15 kg Seat width: 45 cm Additional equipment for pre-order Portable shower chair Electric hoist Medical bed walker Please note : Open from Sunday to Thursday Important tips for travelers with disabilities • Check that the hotel is accessible for a heavy scooter • Keep in mind that the scooter's range varies depending on terrain conditions. • Order equipment in advance • Check the status of public transportation elevators in real time • Start the day early to avoid congestion • Manual wheelchair owners, bring gloves for cobblestone streets A tourist from England on a mobility scooter In conclusion Prague, despite its long history and cobblestone streets, offers many accessible solutions. The public transportation system is largely accessible, hotels and adapted services are available – and those who plan ahead can enjoy a powerful vacation even with a wheelchair. As someone who has had a stroke and knows what a true rehabilitation experience is, I can say with confidence: Prague is suitable for us too. If we just insist, we will get there.

Brief introduction I flew to Greece with the goal of visiting ancient sites (a kind of childhood dream) that are inherently not the most accessible. Therefore, it is impossible to judge the general accessibility situation in Greece based on that. I use a manual wheelchair and hired a local guy (whom Hadar from Wheelerz found) to help me during the day. He helped me get to inaccessible parts of the sites as well. However, all the places I visited have some level of accessibility. Within Athens, I mainly used public transportation, including buses and an inaccessible subway line, combined with taxis (which were on strike on the second and third days of the trip). For trips outside the city, I hired a chauffeur (a regular car without a lift). All the sites I was on were free for the disabled person and their companion. Some of them asked to see a disability certificate. hotel: Athenian Montaza Hotel It has one accessible room. - 3 single beds (2 of which were connected) of normal height (not high). - Roll-in shower including shower chair - There is an elevator at the entrance. The hotel employees don't always see that there is someone outside to come and operate it. Sometimes it took them a while to succeed (each time they played with buttons and switches). - And now for the problematic part. To get from the road to the sidewalk, there is a steep concrete pour. Not sure if even a motorized chair would be able to handle it. ho Hotel wet room transport subway - All stations are accessible (with elevators) - 2 of the 3 lines are fully accessible - On the third line (the green line), in most cases the train does not stick to the platform and a large gap is created. Buses - There are accessible buses with a manual ramp like in Israel, but in 80 percent of cases I encountered inaccessible ones. Day 1 Temple of Poseidon - Temple of Poseidon Right after landing, I went to see the Temple of Poseidon in an area called Cape Sounio - ruins of an ancient temple from which there is also a beautiful view. There is a long and quite steep climb that reaches almost to the temple itself. After that there are a number of steps and then a ramp. This lack of logic surprised me, but after a while I realized that this is how Greek accessibility is. From there I went to Athens. Panathenaic A marble stadium built on the site of an ancient stadium. The place is accessible without steep climbs and proper ramps (a rare sight on this trip). Only a small museum in an inaccessible place (there is a long staircase). Temple of Zeus - Temple of Zeus A small park with the remains of a temple in its center (of which a few columns remain) and some less important antiquities of which barely a few stones remain. The paths are mainly a dirt road with a fairly steep descent at the entrance. Arch of Hadrian A gate built in the Roman period that simply stands next to the road. Day 2 Hadrian's Library - Ruins of an ancient library and church. The paths are a dirt and gravel road with steep climbs. There is a separate accessible entrance and someone has to go to the main entrance to ask for it to be opened. There are accessible toilets on site (I didn't go in to check how good they are). The Roman Agora A small area of Roman antiquities. Most of the site is accessible by dirt paths, but they are reasonable. I don't remember there being an accessible walkway at the entrance to the site. Ancient Agora A much larger area of antiquities (the second most important in Athens after the Acropolis). The two significant things there are the Temple of Hephaestus and a small museum with finds from the Agora built in the shape of the original structure that stood there. Only part of the agora is accessible. And even what is requires effort. The museum is completely accessible, including elevators to the second floor. And there are accessible restrooms (I checked them). To get to the temple, you have to enter through a special gate at the other end of the place. And here I met the Greek "little head". When I was done with the rest of the site, I went to the cashier and asked the employee to send someone to open this entrance. She claimed that there was no such entrance. I won't tell the whole story, but after ping-ponging with several of the employees of the place (including on the phone) I arrived at the long-awaited entrance and the temple, which was the most impressive ancient temple I had ever seen (the temple remains almost intact to this day). Phone number of the Agora to ask to open that gate (insist and ask to speak to the manager if necessary): +30 210 321 4824, +30 210 321 0180 Aristotle's Academy Aristotle's Lyceum Ruins of a school founded and taught by Aristotle. The site is accessible by reasonable dirt paths. Not much remains of it, so it is recommended only for serious archaeology enthusiasts. War Museum A small museum with weapons mainly from recent centuries, reconstructions of ancient Greek weapons and some original antiquities. Day 3 מ Theater of Dionysus An ancient amphitheater located under the Acropolis. Preserved in fairly good condition. As far as I remember, there is no accessible way to get to it. Odeon of Another ancient amphitheater not far away where performances are occasionally held. It is accessible but entry is only allowed during performances. Therefore, it can only be seen from the outside. Acropolis Museum An accessible museum with finds from the Acropolis site (mainly statues). On the ground floor outside you can see the remains of an entire ancient town. Keramikos Another ancient site with a museum. The place is closed for upgrades until 2026, but a significant part can be seen from the outside. Day 4 National Archeological Museum A huge and accessible museum with ancient artifacts from all regions of Greece. Statues, weapons, gold, pottery (the second floor is mostly pottery), etc. Hellenic Motor Museum A different place from everything else on the trip. It's an accessible 3-story museum of antique cars, the museum has accessible restrooms. Athens National Garden Nice and accessible park. Syntagma Square The most important square in Athens. Next to it is the parliament, where every hour there is a changing of the guard ceremony (in my opinion the ceremony is nice, but nothing more than that). Day 5 A day outside Athens Corinth View of a canal built to shorten shipping lanes. Ancient Corinth Ancient Corinth An ancient site where the most impressive structure is the Temple of Apollo, located right at the entrance. You can reach the temple on a completely accessible and paved path. The rest of the site is a combination of paved and dirt roads. There is also a small museum near the entrance, which is also led to by a completely accessible path. Ancient Nemea and the Temple of Zeus - Ancient Nemea - Temple of Zeus A site that only has a temple. To get to it there is a path made of stones. The path is narrow and elevated. You have to be very careful not to fall off it. Ancient Stadium of Nemea An ancient stadium located very close to the previous site. Relatively accessible except for the entrance, which has a very steep (and unpaved) climb. Epidaurus One of the most impressive and accessible sites. Most places can be reached by a paved path, sometimes a bit steep (with a manual chair, fitness is required). The most impressive and famous site is a huge amphitheatre that is fully preserved. Performances are occasionally held there. It is one of the most impressive antiquities in Greece. The second site (walking distance from Hampi) is Day 6 Another day outside Athens Mycenae - Tomb of Agamemnon A huge, fully preserved burial structure. It was once thought to be a relative of King Agamemnon (which was proven wrong, but the name remains). To enter the building you have to climb a step or two, but seeing it from the outside is also worth a visit. Citadel of Mycenae Walking distance from the previous site (but I went by car). One of the least accessible sites on the trip. The citadel is not accessible (only stairs). There is a gate that is a highlight of the place called the Lions Gate (it turns out they also have one) but to get to it there is a paved but long and steep climb. There is a museum on site, but it is not particularly impressive. Nafplio The first capital of modern Greece. The old city (at least the part I was in) is a paradise of accessibility. The area of restaurants, shops, the central square Syntagma Square, the promenade in front of the sea - flat and paved. There is an accessible museum (of antiquities, of course) in the square, located in a 300-year-old building. You just need someone to come up and ask to turn on the alarum. I just don't know if and where there are accessible restrooms in the area. The only ones I found were accessible but, of course, with a step at the entrance. And now for the "fun" part. There is a small island in the sea right next to the shore with a centuries-old fortress (Bourtzi Fortress). To my surprise, I discovered that two years ago they installed an elevator on it that allows you to visit most of the fortress's areas. There are even accessible toilets there. What they didn't think about was that a disabled person would first have to somehow get to this island, and the boats that take tourists there are of course not accessible. The boat operators came out guns blazing and manually lifted me up (I had spoken to them from Israel). They even refused to take payment despite my insistence. Day 7 Olympia A famous archaeological site located about 3 and a half hours drive from Athens. The site is home to the original Olympic Stadium. In addition, it contains the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, inside which stood a giant statue of Zeus, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The trails at the site are a mix of dirt and gravel. At least it's relatively flat. The most sinking gravel is at the entrance to the stadium. There are also two accessible museums - "Museum of Ancient Olympia" and "Museum of the History of the Olympic Games" (accessible).    Day 8 We have arrived at the last day of the trip. Some of you are probably wondering how it is the last day and I haven't yet visited the Acropolis of Athens. About three weeks before the flight, the elevator that goes up there broke down and no one knew when it was expected to be back in operation (there were even several articles in the local press about it). I checked its condition every day until, towards the sixth day of the trip, I gave up. Before leaving the hotel on the eighth day, I decided to check anyway and a miracle happened - the elevator was back in operation! When you arrive at the entrance to the Acropolis by taxi, you should ask the driver not to drop you off where everyone else is entering, but to continue to the ticket office - which saves time (they allow it if there is a disabled passenger). After the ticket office, you are directed to a vehicle (with an elevator) that takes the visitor to the elevator. On the Acropolis hill there is a paved path that allows you to see the main Parthenon building up close and from all sides and get closer to part of the famous Erechtheion building with columns in the form of statues (5 of the original columns are in the Acropolis Museum and one in the British Museum in London). And of course, see the view from the hill. Piraeus After the Acropolis, I took the subway to the neighboring city of Piraeus. I visited the marina and the maritime museum, which is also accessible. Lycabettus Hill The highest hill in Athens. You can't get to the top (there are a lot of stairs), but even from a partial height you can see a great view. From here I returned to the hotel, collected my suitcase, drove to the airport and said to Greece, "See you next time."

We went on a trip to Jaffa, and it was amazing. The guide, Giora Smolensky, enriched us with knowledge about the ancient and wonderful places of Jaffa, and the guided and group experience is absolutely wonderful. We invite you to go out with us next time, but in the meantime if you want to travel independently, we share with you the accessible route of the trip in Jaffa. Clock Square Old Jaffa (the zodiac streets) is not accessible and is full of stairs in the alleys, but its surroundings - the Psega Garden, the port, the clock square and the flea market - are definitely accessible and worth a trip on a beautiful day or a pleasant evening. Parking - you can park in the Psega Garden, put "Hapaninim 1" or "Hazorifim 14" in the Viz and you will arrive at a convenient parking lot. There is another parking lot at the port itself, but from there you will have to board it if you start the route at Gan Pisega, take this into account. Gan Pisega parking lot (HaPninim Street) Going up from the parking lot towards the Ramses Gate We start the trip next to the parking lot of Gan Pisega - Shaar Ramses (Ramses Gate). In the southeastern part of the garden there is an excavation area where remains of the entrance gate to the city from the time of Ramses II were uncovered, and a reconstruction of the gate was placed. Recently, accessibility works were done to the gate and it is completely accessible. Ramses Gate After that, continue up towards Gan Pesega, where there is a spectacular view over Jaffa and Tel Aviv. The ascent to the summit garden will be made to the right of the Ramses gate, that is, you must turn right from the parking lot, the other ascents are steeper. It is important to note that the ascent to the summit garden, right before the arrival, is relatively steep, and if you are using a manual wheelchair without an auxiliary motor and without an attendant, this ascent requires a relatively great effort. A moderate ascent from the right (north) side of the Ramses Gate towards the summit At the end of the climb you reach the highest point in the peak garden and the spectacular view, if your ability to move allows it - we recommend not to miss the wonderful view from the peak. In the observatory you can look into the past in three directions (look west and east). In the center of this square was placed the work "The Gate of Faith", a sculpture in the shape of a gate by the sculptor Daniel Kafri. The sculpture depicting three biblical events related to the motif of faith and the promise of the land to the three fathers. On the first page, the binding of Isaac is depicted in an unacceptable way, and Abraham is seen kneeling over the ram and lifting Isaac up. The other page shows Jacob's dream. On the beam, the conquest of Jericho by Joshua is seen. (from Wikipedia). Adjacent is the "Bridge of Wishes" but it is not accessible from both sides. After that, we recommend moving to the hanging orange, those of you who are willing to go through steep ramps can go directly to the square of Saint Peter's Basilica located at the foot of the peak - in Kadumim Square, but take into account going through a relatively steep ramp. The steep ramp at the transition to Kedumim Square So, as we recommended, we will reach the hanging orange first, in order to reach it, we must go back the way we came from the parking lot and not choose other roads, which are steeper and less comfortable to descend. We will return and leave the entrance to the parking lot and turn right (south) towards the hanging orange. From the hanging orange, continue into the shady alley, turn left onto "Mazal Teumim" (Gemini) street, then turn right to an accessible exit towards the road, heading west. First you enter the alley, and immediately turn left to " Mazal Teumim " street. An accessible ramp on "Mazal Teomim" street. Crossing with an accessible slalom to prevent the entry of vehicles further down "Mazal Teomim" Street After exiting "Mazal Teomim" street, turn right and do not cross the road, returning will be problematic. When necessary, get off the road and stick to its right side until you reach the accessible entrance to Kedumim Square, which will be waiting on the right, next to the accessible parking available there. The ascent towards Kedumim Square On our trip with Giora, we skipped this point and continued to the port, crossed the road and went down towards the port, where there are accessible toilets at the entrance (where the floor relief is located). Accessible toilets at the port (1st floor by elevator) We turned right (north) and walked along the harbor near the boats moored there. An accessible exit to the pier in the port Finally, we left the north side of the port and continued to the Suleiman Mosque, the mosque and finished at the Clock Square. Those of us who wanted to, continued to lunch at the accessible flea market. Flea market restaurants In terms of accessible toilets - there are several accessible public toilets located near the hiking route, in the summit garden, near the clock square (near the visitors center) and there are two in the flea market, next to the "Italkia" restaurant and next to the "Lorence" supermarket In conclusion, for those who are expected to arrive and travel, remember that the road is not leveled, there are ups and downs, and as you can see part of the route is on stones and not a smooth pavement. But the travelers testified that the route is wonderful and the road is beautiful, and there is no doubt that the view is spectacular. Enjoy!

Written by Eli Kaneti The trip was in the composition of a couple + 2 (14,14), when my wife has difficulty walking due to muscular dystrophy and gets around with a (folding) scooter. She can walk slowly and climb stairs if she has to, but it's not ideal. We helped her walk where needed and lifted the scooter when needed, so take that into account. Flights - El Al to Milan. We informed them in advance about the scooter and they made sure to help get on and off the plane and helped taking and returning the scooter. It worked great and they were very kind. Vehicle - because of the scooter I wanted to guarantee a big trunk, so I ordered a manual Passat station wagon category from Europcar. At the counter, they initially offered us a Focus station wagon, but after I insisted that it was indeed a station wagon, but in a smaller category, they gave us a Peugeot 5008 automatic. A large upgraded and great car with lots of space. The scooter and two large bags fit easily. We traveled for two weeks, of which one week in the Dolomites and the second week in Lake Garda. I will not detail every day of the trip but will focus on the places we were and their level of accessibility. On the one hand, we made an accessible route, but on the other hand, it was important to also include attractions for children. Apartments/hotels You should check in advance with the hotel/apartment if they are accessible in terms of stairs and if there is an elevator. It is not always clear before booking. We made contact and confirmed with the place (except for the last night where we messed up and didn't check and precisely where the place, a small and cute Agroturismo, was not accessible (even though it was excellent in almost every other way). The first night, we landed in the evening and stayed the night in a hotel adjacent to Malpensa airport - idea hotel . The hotel is reasonable for one night, accessible and by chance (it was not booked in advance and we don't need it) we got a room accessible to the disabled including a seating facility in the shower and elevated toilets adapted for the disabled. From there we went to the Dolomites but we decided to split the trip into two days driving in Izzi. On the way we stopped at Lakes Ledro and Idro. Both are beautiful. Lake Idro, accessible by reaching the lake. Access to the water is less wheelchair accessible due to the sand and stones, but the path comes close and there is an accessible boardwalk along the lake. We did a paddle boat cruise there and it was great. At Lake Ledro we walked along the southern bank path. A gravel path that the scooter passed with some effort. After that we saw that there is a more accessible path along the northern bank, paved right along the lake, parallel to the road. We spent a night in the Molveno lake area. We slept in a hotel called Hotel Castel Mani - fifteen minutes south of Molvano, a family hotel on a cliff with a stunning view of the entire valley. Molvano lake itself is charming in its beauty. The lake has an accessible beach with paved paths. By the lake, there is access to the Pradel cable car, which actually consists of two stages of a cable car. In the first cable car, the workers stopped the cable car to raise the scooter. They may also have a wheelchair ramp. We didn't check. Above the paths are gravel paths that require effort for a scooter. There is an amazing view of the lake there and it is worth going up to be impressed. The second cable car is a ski cable car not suitable for going up with a scooter or wheelchair and up unpaved and inaccessible paths. Then we slept in the town of Selva in the Val Gardena valley and hiked the whole area. We stayed at the Hotel Garni dolomieu - an excellent spa hotel with an indoor pool with steps to enter the pool (not a ladder). We visited the town of Ortisei and were on the Seceda cable car, which again consists of two cable cars. The first cable car is accessible, we were offered a ramp to get on the car. The second cable car has a gap in the carriage and requires someone to help a little. The second cable car is large and designed for many people standing. Upon reaching the top, a breath taking view with gravel paths for walking. It was possible with the scooter to go around only in the compound in front of the entrance, the other paths around are actually inaccessible. Ortisei is a cute town that has no problem getting around. Lake Dobbiaco , a beautiful and less touristic lake. You can go around with the scooter on the path around the lake but not reach the water line if you want to reach the beach intended for bathing (freezing water by the way). The paths near the bathing beach become less accessible and the bathing beach is less organized. Lake Braies - an amazingly beautiful lake but very touristy. There are several parking lots and in the busy months (July and August) entry to the parking lot is only by reservation unless you arrive before 9 AM or after 4:00 PM. Arriving at the lake on foot from parking lot p4 (closest to the lake) the path splits both to the right and to the left. Most people turn left towards the boat rental, but in terms of accessibility it is recommended to turn right towards the restaurant where the path is more accessible and you can even start a bit of the path around the lake. Most of the path around the lake is not accessible at all. The boat rental is also not accessible and requires going up the stairs and across to a floating dock on the water. The Charlotte Horse Riding horse farm - the parking is about 200-250 m away from the farm itself. The path to the farm is a partially accessible dirt and gravel path, we managed to get there with a little effort from the scooter. I think it is better to ask them for permission to enter with the vehicle. My wife didn't get on a horse. From there we continued to Mount Marmolada , the highest mountain in the area - you can't hike there, but it is an ascent with cable cars to the top and from there a view of the entire area. The place is completely accessible except for the possibility to leave the balcony at the end of the second cable car to the mountain itself, which most people don't do either. There are 3 cable cars to the top. There is no problem to ride the scooter into the cable car (a large cable car for several dozen people standing). Upstairs (at the end of the third cable car) there is an elevator that takes you up to the upper balcony or down to the lower balcony where there was still snow! Unfortunately, while we were there, the elevator was not working and there are quite a few stairs to go up and down, but we were told that it was temporary..... You can partially take in the view there from the windows. Meran 2000 - an attraction area adjacent to the town of Meran. We came for the mountain sledding (which is not accessible). Arrival via an accessible cable car to the top of the mountain where you can walk around without a problem. Mountain passes in the Dolomites. There are several crossings that you can simply drive through or stop with your car and take a hike or cable car. We just drove and stopped a bit for the view, the trips there are not accessible but the view is stunning. We have been to several, including the Sela Pass and the Pordoi Pass, but the most impressive in our eyes was the Gardena Pass, an amazing view. We also did the ziplines at the Adrenaline X-Treme Adventures park and rafting at Avisio. Both are recommended and fun attractions for children, but not accessible. In the Lake Garda area we slept in a secluded apartment in a town above Bardolino. An apartment called BELVEDERE CERIEL with a view overlooking the lake. We visited Sigurta Park south of Lake Garda - we rented a golf cart and toured the park along the marked route. A cute and accessible park. Adjacent there is a small town called Borghetto. A cute town but we ran out within an hour. Towns in the Garda area - we were in the towns of Bardolino, Sirmione, Riva del Garda and Lemona sul Garda (not consecutively but during the week). Basically, the towns are accessible for walking around except for a few points here and there. In Sirmione, we encountered the problem that the short way to the bathing beach in the lake is not accessible and requires a flight of stairs. With us, my wife went down them, but for those who can't, you can simply make a larger turn from the west through the alleys, the road eventually reaches the beach. Lake Tenno - not accessible at all, there are dozens of steps to go down. Those who cannot go down, can admire the beautiful lake from above. Gardaland amusement park - by presenting a disabled card, you get a shorter queue for the whole family (but only if the disabled person joins the ride). It should be noted that they have a pre-closed list of facilities that are suitable for different types of disability and only to which the disabled may go. To get an entrance ticket for the disabled, you have to stand in a separate line at the entrance to the park. Even though my wife is not in the category, they put her in the category of needing an escort on their initiative and thus she got a free ticket. (We were refunded even though we bought a "regular" disabled card at almost full price in advance). In addition, another nice thing is that if you navigate using the park's app, it asks every time if you are interested in an accessible route without stairs. Caneva world water park - as expected the facilities themselves are not accessible at all, except for the wave pool. Movie land park - a cute amusement park on the theme of Hollywood movies, with several accessible facilities. There are no discounts in either. Venice - was undoubtedly our biggest challenge. We knew this in advance and were debating whether to travel there, but we still chose to try what was possible. Let's start from the end. Most of the city is inaccessible. The city networked with bridges, the vast majority of which are inaccessible and there are quite a few steps. With a short Google search you can find the map of the accessible bridges (there are about eight of them in the whole city, while we only came across two) but it doesn't help too much. My wife did get off the scooter from time to time and go up the stairs, but some of the bridges are not easy. The entrance to the city from the parking lot is also not accessible. What we did was park the car at the train station in Mestre and from there get to the city (10 minutes drive), from where there is an accessible entrance to the city. From there there is an accessible entrance to the city. There we took a water bus directly to St. Mark's Square and walked around it as much as we could. We also arrived at Moreno Island, but it turns out that there are several water bus lines that arrive and we mistakenly chose line 7 which reached the other bank of the Glass Museum, which required crossing the bridge. On the way back, it turned out that there are stations of other lines on the same bank as the museum. in general, the water buses are accessible and have mobile ramps that they place for wheelchairs to pass. For a wheelchair/scooter, they do not sell a daily travel ticket, but they do sell one-way tickets for the disabled + a companion that are valid for 75 minutes at a significant discount (for some reason, our one-way ticket is valid for the whole day...). On the last evening of the trip we got caught in a hail storm near Lake Garda while in the car, when the hail the size of tennis balls knocked the car and shattered the windshield with glass scattering in the car. A bit scary experience but we got out safely. Hope it helps those who need it. Enjoy, beautiful Italy.