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The Highlights of Roatan Accessible Private Driving Tour allows you to combine breathtaking scenic views of Roatan with wildlife animal interaction. This tour covers many different interests and is perfect for families wanting to explore Roatan in a short amount of time. Pet friendly monkeys and cuddly sloths, and feed local iguanas!

On this accessible driving tour, the local, English-speaking driver/guide will meet you at the cruise dock in a comfortable, air-conditioned accessible van. The tour guide is knowledgeable and has plenty of experience touring with limited mobility travelers in Roatan. Rest assured this is not just a drive-by tour! The itinerary includes plenty of sites and experiences to meet your interests and accessibility needs.

The Highlights of Roatan Accessible Private Driving Tour begins with a leisure and scenic drive that includes beautiful tropic views. You’ll then have the opportunity to experience a local Monkey sanctuary and interact with the friendly monkeys and cuddly sloths firsthand. This is a once in a lifetime photo opportunity! Don’t be surprised if they jump on your shoulder or want to play! The monkey viewing location has wheelchair ramps to move around to make it accessible to wheelchair users.

Next on this accessible driving tour is the Iguana park, where you and your family get a chance to explore and interact with the iguanas. There is a long ramp leading down to the iguana viewing area so you will not have to navigate steps. This stop also includes a natural saltwater aquarium where you can see live lobsters, barracudas, tarpons, sea turtles and other Roatan sea life animals.

The last stop on your tour is at an accessible restaurant for lunch (cost not included). Enjoy some traditional Roatan food or simply opt for a hamburger. It is up to you! Your tour of Roatan will conclude with your driver taking you back to your cruise ship where your next adventure awaits!

The Highlights of Roatan Accessible Private Driving Tour is designed to visit the unique highlights of Roatan at a relaxing pace with a knowledgeable guide that has plenty of experience touring with limited mobility travelers.

The Highlights of Roatan Accessible Private Driving Tour includes:

Private guide/driver
Guide/Driver familiar with the needs of disabled travelers
Private van transportation
Accessible step free routes
One of a kind animal interaction experience
Great photo opportunities

Tour Details

Roatan Sightseeing
Monkey and Sloth Sanctuary
Iguana and Marine Park
Accessible lunch in an accessible restaurant (cost not included).
Scenic drives and photo opportunities

Accessibility Information:

The Highlights of Roatan Shore Excursion has a 4-star accessibility rating. The route has been customized to make sure it is entirely step-free, and your knowledgeable tour guide is familiar with accessibility in each location. It did not receive a higher rating because some of the monkey cages and some parts of the Marine Park are not wheelchair accessible. An accessible van equipped with a lift will be used between the different venues. Please note, we have very limited access to accessible vehicles. Standard vans are also available for those who are able to transfer into a regular seat at a lower cost.

The accessible van in Roatan is equipped with a lift for easy access.

The port area is flat and easy to navigate in a wheelchair. Curb cuts and ramped are available.

The monkey sanctuary offers some flat and smooth surfaces and some with gravel. Also, you will have access to most of the viewing areas except a few that have a step to enter.

The Iguana feeding area is wheelchair accessible with paved surfaces. Please note, some parts of the area, in particular the Marine Park area, is not wheelchair accessible.

Tour Details:

Duration: 4-5 hours

Cost with an Accessible Van: $345 for 1 Person, $390 for 2 People, $485 for 3 People, $530 for 4 people, $625 for 5 People, $670 for 6 People, $765 for 7 People, $810 for 8 People.

Cost with a Standard Van: $235 for 1 Person, $240 for 2 People, $335 for 3 People, $380 for 4 people, $475 for 5 People, $520 for 6 People, $615 for 7 People, $660 for 8 People.”

* Save $50 when you book an accessible cruise + excursions package * Save $50 when you book an accessible cruise + excursions package.

(NOTE: if you do not need an accessible vehicle, lower sedan costs are also available. Contact us to learn more).

* Save $50 when you book an accessible cruise + excursions package

Days of the week the tour is offered: Every day except Saturday.

Meeting time: Morning.

Meeting place: Roatan cruise docks or hotel lobby

Number of people on tour: 1 – 6 people.

Cancellation Policy:
To review our cancellation policy please click: HERE. Tours run rain or shine.

Not included: Snacks / meals and gratuities.

Not now, but send me Accessible Travel Tips

Roatan is a beautiful island in the Caribbean, where you can experience nature at its finest! It is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras. This 40-mile-long island is formed by the Bonacca Ridge, which is an underground mountain range. This amazing destination boasts many white-sanded beaches and a beautiful mountainous pine lined range. This breathtaking destination is full of beauty, culture, and history. Our tours or shore excursions will take you on a scenic drive in an air-conditioned accessible van where you will see some of the most beautiful places on the island. You will also have the opportunity to interact with the island’s exotic animals. Roatan is known for its mild climate year-round, so it’s the perfect place to interact with wildlife such as iguanas, monkeys and sea turtles. Roatan tours and shore excursions will be an experience you will not forget! Let us plan your accessible day on Roatan!

Highlights of Roatan Accessible Private Driving Tour

The Highlights of Roatan Accessible Private Driving Tour allows you to combine breathtaking scenic views of Roatan with wildlife animal interaction. This tour covers many different interests and is perfect for families wanting to explore Roatan in a short amount of time. Pet friendly monkeys and cuddly sloths, and feed local iguanas!

Essential Roatan Accessible Guided Tour

On this Essential Roatan Accessible Guided Tour is a great way to explore some of the best sites of the island. Enjoy panoramic views, sample and lean about the organic chocolate production on the island, and browse and shop at charming local craft shops. This 3 hour tour is a fun time for all- and it is completely wheelchair

Not now, but send me Accessible Travel Tips

Highlights of Roatan Accessible Private Driving Tour

Essential Roatan Accessible Guided Tour

Not now, but send me Accessible Travel Tips

Highlights of Roatan Accessible Private Driving Tour

Essential Roatan Accessible Guided Tour

Not now, but send me Accessible Travel Tips

Ancient ruins are some of my most favorite places to explore in Europe. However, they are also some of the most challenging attractions I’ve encountered.

Historic, ancient ruins are scattered all across Europe…from Stonehenge in the North to Pompeii in the South….from Pont du Gard in the West to Hagia Sophia in the East. With the right accessibility research, a vetted tour route and an experienced tour guide, you can be in for a real treat when marveling at incredible monuments of ancient civilizations!

In this month’s newsletter, I’m here to let you know that many of them, including the Top 4 Accessible Ancient Ruins, are completely doable in a wheelchair!

Some of our wonderful clients shared this photo from their accessible guided tour to the ancient ruins of Herculaneum in Italy.

The Top 4 Accessible Ancient Ruins In Europe

1. The Acropolis in Athens
One of the most iconic ruins in Europe, the Greek Acropolis, towers over the city of Athens. Reaching the top of the Acropolis to view the breathtaking Parthenon is possible in a wheelchair by using a special lift that has carefully been installed along the rock siding. Please note, you will need special permission to use it. While the top does have some uneven ground to navigate, it is worth tackling to experience the memorable site firsthand. The nearby Acropolis Museum offers good accessibility and is a wonderful place to explore original archaeological finds.

2. The Ephesus Ruins in Turkey

When St. Paul wrote his “letter to the Ephesians”, this is who he was writing it to. Although only ruins remain here, this was one of the most important cities in the Mediterranean 1900 years ago. Lots of uneven terrain and a downhill slope make this challenging (have a look at my full Ephesus access review for more info). Nevertheless, some of the best parts can be visited in a wheelchair and they are simply incredible!

John Sage navigating the grounds of Ephesus

3. The Pompeii Ruins near Naples
From a research perspective, the wonderfully preserved Roman resort city of Pompeii reveals more about Roman life than anywhere else. The ruins were buried in 79 AD and remained preserved for more than 1700 years. Disabled access is very poor through most of the city, however, over the past years, several small ramps have been installed to make navigating the rough terrain easier for wheelchair users.

This photo was taken during our wheelchair accessible Pompeii Shore Excursion from Naples. Using accessible routes, you will be able to sites like this one firsthand.

4. Stonehenge near London

Stonehenge is an incredible valuable piece of prehistory located just outside London, England. The fascinating structure and grounds have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1986. The Stonehenge museum is easily accessible and offers interactive exhibitions that allows you to learn about the background and history of the ancient stones. To reach the actual site of the Stones, visitors must board a bus (with a ramp) for a short drive. The area by the Stones has a flat path available made of dirt and grass. This does not pose any major challenges for wheelchair users to move around.

Wonderful Sage Traveling clients enjoying a visit to Stonehenge

Did you know?

Our website offers endless resources of free disabled access reviews of attractions and museums, accessible travel tips and ideas, accessible travel photos and client feedback. We’d love to share it with you! Have a look…

Travel Wisely,

John Sage, Founder and President of Sage Traveling

Phone: US: 1-888-645-7920, UK: +44 20 3540 6155

Web: http://www.sagetraveling.com

Sage Traveling can provide everything that a disabled traveler needs in Rome. Your journey will include 1) wheelchair accessible transportation from Rome Fiumicino airport or Termini train station, 2) fully-accessible hotel accommodation in one of the most wheelchair friendly neighborhoods in Rome, 3) the best accessible sightseeing tours in Rome, 4) the expert accessibility advice found in our Rome Accessibility Guide, and 5) 24/7 emergency support by our expert team. Our Rome accessible travel packages will make sure your vacation in Rome is a great one!

“I cannot thank you enough for making my trip to Rome and Florence so wonderful. I would highly recommend the hotels and our guides. A special thanks to Donna and to Sage Traveling for offering this much needed accessible travel service who might otherwise not be able to enjoy what the world has to offer.” –Frances, mobility scooter user from Arizona, USA…Read more client feedback

Not now, but send me Accessible Travel Tips

An accessible Copenhagen vacation planned by Sage Traveling offers one of the easiest and most worry-free trips to Europe for disabled travelers and their families. Our expert accessible travel planners will take care of all your trip details for you, so you can spend more time enjoying yourself and exploring Copenhagen. Our Copenhagen Accessible Travel Packages include options for every budget and accessibility needs. We’ve handpicked the best accessible Copenhagen hotels, most memorable wheelchair friendly guided tours and reliable airport transfers to get you from point A to B without any hassle.

“I wanted to give you feedback on the wonderful, perfect vacation that you organized for us! Thank you, thank you so much for the perfect Italian vacation! Every step of the way was executed flawlessly” – Kate & Andy, Manual Wheelchair User

An accessible Naples holiday planned by Sage Traveling provides a worry-free and exciting vacation opportunity for disabled travelers and their families. Our Naples Accessible Travel Packages include options for every budget and accessibility needs. Our expert accessible travel planners will take care of all your trip details for you, so you can spend more time exploring the spectacular Italian town, and less time overcoming accessibility challenges! We’ve handpicked the best accessible Naples hotels, most memorable wheelchair friendly guided tours and reliable airport transfers to easily get you from one place to another.

“I wanted to give you feedback on the wonderful, perfect vacation that you organized for us! Thank you, thank you so much for the perfect Italian vacation! Every step of the way was executed flawlessly. Please let John Sage and everyone in your organization know that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are also looking forward to our next trip abroad with you!” – Kate and Andy, Manual Wheelchair User.

Munich is mostly known as the city of lederhosen and the world-famous Oktoberfest, however, the capital of Bavaria has much more to offer than that. In fact, Munich is one of the most historic, artistic and entertaining cities you’ll find in Germany. Disabled visitors to Munich will have plenty of things to keep them entertained and having fun for several days:

Immerse yourself in the fascinating wonders and setting of Old Town Munich, peppered with old historic churches, a royal palace and numerous beer halls.

Explore the magnificent Nymphenburg Palace, which was originally built as a summer residence for Bavarian kings. The castle shows the opulence of Bavarian Royalty, exhibiting both baroque and rococo styles throughout.

For anyone interested in WWII history, a short day trip from Munich to the nearby Dachau Concentration Camp is a must. The camp shows some of the most tragic aspects of World War II and how the Nazis rose to power.

What Makes Our Packages Fully-Accessible?

Guaranteed-Accessible Accommodation

Step-free entrance & path to room
Accessible bathroom with roll-in shower or bathtub with grab bars (your choice)
Centrally-located in wheelchair-friendly neighborhoods

Accessible Tours Led by Expert Guides

Step-free tour routes
Accessible bathrooms along the route
Expert knowledgeable tour guides
Accessible walking/rolling tours and accessible driving tours are available

Accessible Transfers

Van with wheelchair lift or ramp OR
Four-door sedan with no step to enter
Pick-up at airport, train station, or hotel

Reliable Accessibility Advice

Accessible tourist attraction reviews
Accessible restaurant recommendations
Accessible shopping recommendations
Accessible public transportation route recommendations
Accessible daily itinerary recommendations

Don’t forget that you also get 24/7 emergency support provided by
our international team of accessible travel problem solvers!

What is Included?

Accessibility Features	Standard Package	Premium Package (Our Most Popular Option)	Deluxe Package
Guaranteed-Accessible Hotel * Neighborhood accessibility personally inspected and photographed by John Sage
Essential Munich Accessible Walking / Rolling Tour
Accessible Driving Tour of Dachau Concentration Camp, Nymphenburg Palace, and Konigplatz Square
Private Accessible Pick-up and Drop-off at Airport or Train Station
Accessibility Reviews of Tourist Attractions
Accessibility Reviews of Public Transportation
Recommended Accessible Shopping
Recommended Accessible Restaurants
Recommended Accessible Daily Itineraries * Personally designed by John Sage
Emergency Accessibility Support * Provided 7 days a week by Sage Traveling staff
Assistance with Dinner Reservations
Hotel Accessibility Research Beyond Our Recommended Hotels
Custom Accessible Tours
Package Price (depends on number of travelers, dates of travel, hotel preferences, etc…)

Want something special? Contact us for a custom quote.

What Are Our Clients Saying?

Dear Donna,

I wanted to give you feedback on the wonderful, perfect vacation that you organized for us! Every step of the way was executed flawlessly. Every transportation to and from hotels to train stations and airports was perfectly timed, easy to manage, and extremely helpful. The hotels were above expectations – wonderful accessibility, helpful, friendly staff.

But the best part of the whole trip was the guides. Justin, Rahul, and Patti were simply amazing. All three guides truly made the vacation extra special due to their depth and breadth of knowledge and to their adaptability and patience with Andy and me.

Please let John Sage and everyone in your organization that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are also looking forward to our next trip abroad with you!

Kate & Andy, manual wheelchair user

After visiting 120+ European cities in my wheelchair, I can tell you that there are many accessibility challenges but they can all be overcome!

By utilizing our intimate knowledge of European port accessibility, the accessible travel consultants at Sage Traveling make your trip easier than you ever thought was possible!

Our accessible trip planning services provide you significant benefits:

Benefits of Booking Your Accessible Cruise through Sage Traveling	Sage Traveling	Another Travel Agency	Direct with Cruise Line
1. Cruise Discounts and Promotions only available to large travel agencies
2. Emergency support during your trip using an extensive network of local accessibility experts
3. Pre-trip consultation about accessibility of destinations
4. Pre-cruise accessible hotel recommendations based on first-hand visits and inspection
5. Discounts on accessible shore excursions SAVE €50 on each shore excursion! * (up to €150 per cruise)
6. Sage Accessibility Guides for your Ports of Call

Benefit #1 – Cruise Discounts and Promotions

It’s pretty simple…buying in bulk gets you discounts. We have teamed up with the Cruise Planners organization which is one of the largest travel agency networks in North America. With Cruise Planners we book group cruise space far in advance, and the cruise lines give us onboard credits and other amenities…which we pass onto you! You can not get these benefits by booking directly with the cruise line!

Benefit #2 – Emergency Support for Accessibility Challenges

We love getting people out a jam….and we’re extraordinarily good at it! When you book your cruise with us, you get VIP access to our problem solving specialists. With an extensive network of local accessibility experts including tour guides, wheelchair repair companies, accessible van companies, and translators, we are ready to solve any problems that might arise during your trip. We have solved countless problems for clients in the past, and we’re ready to do the same for you!

If you plan the trip yourself, you will have to stop whatever you’re doing on your trip to try to fix things. If an accessible travel specialist plans your trip, you’ve got a personal problem-solver in your back pocket!

“I just wanted to thank you for an excellent experience in Paris. The wheelchair was delivered exactly on time and we’ve been everywhere with it over the last two days. It has really enabled us to get the most out of our last few days in Europe.” – Suzanne Read more…

Benefit #3 – Pre-trip Consultation about Destination Accessibility

Accessibility at European cruise ports varies greatly, and our local accessibility knowledge will help you make all the right decisions. We have inspected accessibility at cruise ports throughout Europe including Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Berlin (Warnemunde), Bruges, Brussels, Copenhagen, Genoa, Helsinki, Istanbul, Kusadasi, Livorno, Marseilles, Monte Carlo, Mykonos, Naples, Nice, Palma de Mallorca, Paris, Rome (Civitavecchia), Sorrento, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Tallinn, Valencia, and Venice.

On top of that, we have met with local tour guides from a variety of additional cruise ports to educate ourselves on accessibility throughout the Mediterranean and Baltic Seas. We can tell you which of the cruise itineraries are the most accessible! The list of ports that we have visited increases every year, so contact us to see if your cruise port is on our schedule!

“Just wanted to write an appreciation to you all for a saint job helping disabled people around the world. My experience with Donna is so full of compliments. I can’t thank you enough! Donna is doing all with such an open heart and with so much willing to help. I wish this email will reach the right people in this excellent company. Thousands thanks is not enough for what you all do!!” – Shlomo Read more…

Q: What accessibility obstacles will I encounter on a European cruise vacation?

Show AnswerHide Answer

Accessibility obstacles can pop up anywhere: onboard the ship with a non-wheelchair friendly pool, on the cruise tender into port, and especially when you get onto shore!

Cruising can involve steps to get off the ship,
steps to get onto the tender, and steps to get onto the excursion bus.

The ruins at Pompeii, the sand in Mykonos, the cobblestones in Rome, the bridges in Venice, the hills in Istanbul, and the stairs at the Acropolis are just a few of the accessibility challenges that come with European cruise travel.

With Sage Traveling, you’ll learn where the accessibility obstacles
are located in each port so you can easily navigate your way around them!

Q: How does Sage Traveling help me choose the best cruise itinerary?

Show AnswerHide Answer

We help you choose your cruise according to the most important criteria for an accessible cruise. Choose the wrong itinerary and you’ll say “I stayed on the cruise ship in half of the ports”. Choose the right itinerary and you’ll wake up every morning excited for the new accessible excursion awaiting you!

Which of these itineraries is best for accessible cruising?

Our knowledge of both European accessible travel and cruise port accessibility will ensure that you pick the perfect handicap accessible cruise for YOU!

Cruising with a disability doesn’t have to be stressful,
frustrating, or disappointing. You just have to utilize the expertise of
people who specialize in accessible European travel!

Q: How does Sage Traveling save me time planning my cruise?

Show AnswerHide Answer

If you really want to plan a truly accessible cruise, the process can be exhausting. If you plan the trip yourself, you’ll need to:

Research accessibility at the cruise ports to figure out which ones meet your accessibility needs (difficult to do through the internet…even with our cruise port accessibility reviews which cover many ports)
Find handicap accessible cruise excursions in each port
Find a cruise sailing that meets your accessibility needs, itinerary preferences, date availability, and price range
Figure out which cruise cabin to book
Research accessibility at your arrival airport
Figure out how you are going to get from the airport into the city
Find a truly accessible hotel that is centrally located
Figure out what are the accessible attractions in your embarkation city
Book transportation to the cruise dock.

If you plan the cruise yourself, you can count of spending 5 hours per port researching accessibility, 5 hours researching cruise itineraries and dates, and 10 hours researching accessibility of hotels, tours, and transportation in your embarkation city. On a 7 port cruise, that’s 50 hours of accessibility research. EXHAUSTING!!!

Fortunately we love taking all the necessary steps to plan an accessible cruise. We can’t wait to hear that you had a great vacation!

“Thank you so much for providing this service, without it I don’t think we could have undertaken such an adventure.” – Kara Read more…

Q: How does Sage Traveling save me money on my cruise?

Show AnswerHide Answer

There is no cheaper way to cruise with a disability than our handicap accessible cruise packages. We save you money in 4 ways:

We save you money by researching the various cruise lines, itineraries, and dates to find the perfect cruise sailing for you. There’s no need to overpay by booking a crowded ship when another less crowded ship has lower prices.
We save you money by giving you discounts on accessible cruise excursions. By booking an Accessible Cruise & Excursion Package, you’ll get 50 euro off each shore excursion (up to 150 euro off your entire trip).
We save you money by giving you discounts on pre/post-cruise packages. Many cruises depart from fascinating cities and are worth spending a few nights exploring before or after your trip. We waive our normal trip planning fee in Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, London, Rome, and Venice among other places.
We save you money by giving you advice how to save money in one place so that you can spend it on a great experience elsewhere. The money-saving advice we provide is based on years I’ve spent traveling in Europe with a wheelchair plus planning countless trips for other European disabled travelers.

Q: What if I have questions about my trip?

Show AnswerHide Answer

While planning your handicap accessible cruise, you will have numerous decisions to make about the multitude of options you have. For example:

Which ports should I avoid due to inaccessibility?
Which ports are best for inexpensive walking tours?
Which ports are absolutely worth spending the money for a driving tour? (Tuscany,cough, Tuscany)
Which ports are worth a full-day excursion? Which ports only need a half-day excursion?
Which city should I use for my embarkation port?
How many days should I spend seeing the accessible sights in my embarkation port?

Your accessible travel consultant at Sage Traveling will answer all your questions and use their expertise to help plan the best trip possible. In addition, we’ll advise you on the questions you haven’t even yet thought to ask!

You’re spending a lot of money on your vacation.
Use our accessible travel consultants to make sure it’s a great experience!

Benefit #4 – Pre-cruise Hotel Recommendations based on First-hand Accessibility Inspections

We have visited, inspected, and photographed more accessible hotels in Europe than anyone else. No matter where your cruise departs from, we’ve got you covered. Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Istanbul, London, Monte Carlo, Naples, Rome, and Venice are some of the cities where we can recommend the most accessible, most centrally-located, and most affordable hotel rooms.

“All of the connections were flawless. The hotels were in perfect locations. My four friends were very impressed with the transfers, guides, and hotels. We could go on and on but this was the best trip that we could ask for. Our next trip planned will definitely be through you.” – Glenn & Cindy Read more…

Q: What is included in the Sage Traveling pre-cruise accessible city visit packages?

Show AnswerHide Answer

European cruises depart from some of the top tourist destinations in the world, and we provide everything you need for an accessible visit to these cities.

An accessible airport transfer will bring you from the airport to your hotel. If you need a van with a wheelchair ramp we can arrange it, or if you need a low-height 4 door car we can arrange that too.
An accessible hotel that I have personally inspected for accessibility. The hotel will be located in wheelchair friendly neighborhoods with accessible dining options nearby.
An accessible guided orientation tour of the city
My accessibility guide containing dozens of pages of essential accessible travel tips, reviews, photographs, maps, and contact information (available for Athens, Barcelona, Istanbul, London, Rome, and Venice)
An accessible cruise port transfer will bring you from your hotel to the cruise terminal

I have personally inspected numerous accessible hotel rooms so that
we can recommend the best hotels in the best neighborhoods.

Benefit #5 – Discounts on Accessible Shore Excursions

Sage Traveling offers more Mediterranean accessible shore excursions than anyone else in the world. We have worked tirelessly with local providers to design excursions specifically for disabled cruisers. We can arrange 200+ accessible shore excursions across 60+ European ports!

Because the cruise lines pay us a commission, we’re able to offer you discounts on shore excursions! We give you a discount of €50 off each shore excursion if you book your cruise with us! (up to €150 per cruise)

We only provide discounts on accessible shore excursions to clients who have booked their cruise through us. If you have already booked your cruise, some cruise lines will allow you to transfer the reservation to our name within 30-60 days of booking. Contact us and we will check if we can transfer the reservation. Otherwise it might be free to cancel and re-book.

“I wanted to let you and Mr. Sage know that we loved our accessible tour of the Vatican. The tour guide (Viviana) was great….very knowledgeable and personable and made the entire day a real pleasure. People often neglect to write when someone does a good job but I wanted you to know that this guide did a GREAT job. All four of us in our group were thrilled with her.” – Rick Read more

Q: How does Sage Traveling provide me better accessible shore excursion experiences?

Show AnswerHide Answer

Shore excursions provided by the cruise lines often don’t meet basic accessibility needs. In many ports, the cruise lines only use buses with steps to enter. And if they do offer an accessible excursion, it might just be a 3 hour driving tour where you don’t even get out of the bus. There are even some cruise lines don’t allow groups larger than two people to go on an accessible excursion.

When you book a Sage Traveling handicap accessible cruise package you’ll be able to choose from the cruise line’s excursions and our world-class accessible excursions. We can arrange 200+ accessible shore excursions across 60+ European ports!

During your shore excursions, you will avoid the accessibility challenges that are not worth the effort and focus on the world-class attractions that meet your individual abilities. Our shore excursions are proven to meet the accessibility needs of senior and disabled travelers. Step-free tour routes? No problem! Short walking distances? Absolutely! Vans with wheelchair lifts? We’ve got you covered!

We provide wheelchair accessible van excursions at ports throughout Europe.

Benefit #6 – Sage Accessibility Guides for your Ports of Call

The Sage Accessibility Guides may be the most important (and certainly the most exclusive) benefit that we provide. NO ONE ELSE has ever spent the time, effort, and money that we have to put together Port Accessibility Guides that tell you everything you need to know to make good decisions about what to see and how to do it. An accessibility map of the port, an accessibility map of the region, accessibility descriptions of the tourist attractions, and suggested accessible itineraries are all provided to you.

It also includes Do It Yourself advice telling you in which ports you can skip guided tours and private transportation thereby saving you money!!!

“On board our ship, I talked with a man from Ontario who uses a mobility scooter. He hadn’t known that there was a lift at the Basilica Cistern, so he didn’t try to visit, though he would have liked to. That made me even more grateful for your services.”
– Marilyn, Sage Traveling client & part-time wheelchair user

Q: In which ports are Sage Accessibility Guides available?

Show AnswerHide Answer

We have inspected accessibility at cruise ports throughout Europe including Amsterdam, Athens, Barcelona, Bari, Berlin (Warnemunde), Bruges, Brussels, Capri, Catania (Sicily), Copenhagen, Dubrovnik, Genoa, Helsinki, Istanbul, Izmir (Ephesus), Koper (Slovenia), Kotor (Montenegro), Kusadasi (Ephesus), Livorno, Marseilles, Monte Carlo, Mykonos, Naples, Nice, Palma de Mallorca, Paris, Portofino, Ravenna, Rome (Civitavecchia), Sorrento, Split, St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Tallinn, Valencia, Valletta (Malta), and Venice.

Q: How much do your services cost?

A: “Our cruise planning services are COMPLETELY FREE!!! The cruise line pays us a commission when we make the reservation for you. On top of it, we guarantee* that we will match or beat any publicly-advertised cruise fare!

Show DetailsHide Details

* If you receive a better offer from someone else, or at another travel website, let us know and we will try our best to beat that offer. But, we guarantee that no one can match our outstanding personalized customer service! For the guarantee to apply, it must be the same cabin, same sailing date, and same booking conditions. It must be advertised by a cruise line or travel agency that provides legitimate customer service including solving problems during your trip (i.e. no rebate booking engines). If by some chance we are unable to match the offer, we will happily cancel your reservation and allow you to book through any other means you choose.

“Donna, I can’t thank you enough for organising our holiday!

Everything went perfectly: we got the airport assistance and transfers, and we got a big stateroom with a balcony and a scooter waiting to go – all much better than we expected. The guides were friendly and knowledgeable; Nilay in Istanbul was exceptionally caring. All the guides were happy to spend time in the places that particularly interested us and skip the places that didn’t.

Simon was absolutely thrilled. It was the holiday of a lifetime for both of us, thanks to you.”

− Dot, mobility scooter user who took an 11 night eastern Mediterranean Cruise planned by Sage Traveling.

Not now, but send me Accessible Travel Tips

Marvel at the Sistine Chapel ceiling… feel the romance of an accessible boat ride on the Venice canals…taste Chianti wine while visiting a Chianti winery…visit a medieval walled Italian town…walk/roll in the footsteps of St. Peter at the Athens Agora…hear the Blue Mosque call to prayer in Istanbul…taste authentic pizza in Naples…stroll around the yachts in Monaco…relax on an accessible beach in Barcelona…dine on a beach in Santorini…admire the beauty of the Tuscan country-side…catch a sunset on the Aegean…your accessible vacation awaits!

Not now, but send me Accessible Travel Tips

Traveling to Europe can be overwhelming, especially when you have particular accessibility needs that must be met. Preparation and planning is the key to making yourself a smarter and more relaxed traveler, allowing you to just sit back and enjoy the fun ride!

In this month’s newsletter, I’m going to share 10 Things You Should Know Before Your Accessible European Holiday. The more you know beforehand, the more realistic your expectations will be. Throughout my many trips to Europe, I have learned that having a good attitude, being flexible and open to adventure, allows me to relax and enjoy more.

Our client Sylvia exploring Dublin!

10 Things You Should Know Before Your Accessible European Holiday

1. If Europe Isn’t Already Your Home, Don’t Expect Things To Be Like Home. This is a big one! While almost all our feedback from clients is positive, we do occasionally get some complaints that “the hotel did not live up to US standards” or the “lift at the hotel was on the smaller side” etc. It is important to remember, that many European cities are very old, and many hotels are housed in old historic buildings that have been turned into hotels. The hallways, rooms and bathrooms tend to be on the smaller side, especially in cities such as Paris, Rome and Florence.

Accessible bathroom at one of our Florence hotels

2. Accessibility Standards Are Different All Over The World. The ADA standards valid in the United States do not apply worldwide. For accessible vehicles, this means that while you may be used to certain rules about tie downs for your mobility equipment, in some places, you will experience a fully licensed and accessible vehicle without any tie downs (as there is no legislation on this in the particular destination). You may also experience that a hotel categorizes itself as an accessible hotel, only to find that there are steps at the main entrance, no grab bars in the bathroom and no turning space in the accessible room. The best way to avoid these issues with this is to book your accessible European accommodation through an accessible travel specialist who has researched and inspected the hotel for you to guarantee the accessibility.

3. Make Accessible Reservations (far) in Advance. Don’t gamble with something that could potentially ruin your whole vacation. Making your accessible travel reservations (hotel, tours and transfers) far in advance, especially during peak travel season, is the best way to make sure that your trip goes the way you want to, and that you won’t have to “settle” for something not ideal for you and your accessibility needs. The more you have planned beforehand, the less you’ll have to stress about things during your vacation.

4. Build A Cushion Into Your Budget. I know that for most travelers budget is a big concern. Even the most budget-conscious travelers struggle with spending on trips. However, for many, their European holiday is a once in a lifetime experience. It’s almost impossible to account for all the various scenarios in which you may incur extra cost. Don’t let that destroy your mood or vacation as you are traveling. Go ahead and add a decent cushion when planning and realize the likelihood with which you may go over.

5. Just Because Someone Told You It Isn’t Accessible, Doesn’t Mean It’s True. Have you seen photos of ancient European ruins and thought to yourself “there is no way I can do that in my wheelchair!”… I get it. However, don’t let that stop you from looking into accessible tour options. You may not be able to experience 100% of the sites but what if I told you CAN indeed experience fascinating places such as the ruins of Pompeii, the top of the Acropolis, the old Roman Forum and the breathtaking Sagrada Familia Church in a wheelchair? I have! Make sure you book your accessible guided tours through a specialized accessible travel expert who uses professional guides with experience touring with disabled visitors along wheelchair friendly routes.

One of our wonderful clients using the lift at the Acropolis with special permission arranged by Sage Traveling.

6. Always Pay in Local Currency. Yes! Always pay in the local currency of the country you’re in. In many places, vendors will try to convince you to pay in US Dollars or Euros/Pounds. This is in fact a rip-off! The stores will then charge a higher exchange fee than your bank back home does, ending up costing you more money.

7. Don’t Bite Off More Than You Can Chew. The urge to see and do everything while you’re abroad is something I can relate to. However, you don’t want to spend most of your vacation in transit and completely worn out. Find an itinerary that works with your energy level and accessibility needs. By allowing your body sufficient time for sleep and adequate rest between activities, you’ll find that you’ve had a more fulfilling experience.

8. Bring Proof of Disability. In several places, especially in Italy and Greece, guides and drivers will be able to take you up close to the attractions in their accessible vehicles if you bring proof of your disability. Also, several museums and attractions throughout Europe offer free or reduced entrance fees for disabled visitors (and in some cases one companion). It’s definitely worth reaping the benefits of bringing your Physician’s Letter, Disabled Driving Placard or Official Disability Card (whichever is applicable).

9. Call your Credit Card Company BEFORE You Leave. One of the most stressful things that could happen when you’re abroad is that your access to funds is suddenly cut. If you don’t call your credit card company before traveling, there is a chance that their security department will freeze your account once they notice transactions made abroad. An easy way to avoid issues with this is to go ahead and let them know that you will be traveling so they can make note of it.

10. Have Fun! Don’t sweat the little things. In the scheme of things, those won’t matter once you return home. Don’t let small glitches destroy your day(s). Prepare well, get excited and focus on the good things. If you book your accessible holiday with Sage Traveling, you will automatically get access to our 24-7 Emergency Assistance. Our team of accessible travel planners will be able to help with any accessibility emergencies that may occur during your trip, giving you more peace of mind!

Did you Know?

I highly recommend doing research before you leave for Europe so you’ll know what to expect. Read about your destination(s), learn about accessibility, look at maps, learn some of the local language etc. That’s why, when you book your full trip with Sage Traveling, you’ll receive a Sage Accessibility Guide (written by me), with detailed maps, attraction reviews and accessibility details,travel tips and much more.

A short presentation of the Sage Traveling Rome Accessibility Guide

Contact us today to start planning your memorable accessible European Holiday!

Travel Wisely,

John Sage, Founder and President of Sage Traveling

Phone: US: 1-888-645-7920, UK: +44 20 3540 6155

Web: http://www.sagetraveling.com

Group travel is a fun and different way to experience Europe! After escorting our accessible Paris group trip last month, I am even more committed to offering our clients and their families memorable, fully accessible group travel options in the future..

– but I need your help!

Below you will find some of the options we are considering for 2017. We won’t be offering all of these. So help us decide!

(I have numbered them for your reference)

As you read through these descriptions, be thinking about these two questions:

1) Which of these possible group trips would you book?

2) Which one would be your top choice?

All of the possible trip options below feature:

Meet and share experiences with other disabled travelers!
Guaranteed Accessible Accommodation in a 4 star hotel or luxurious cruise ship
Step-Free-Routes and Accessible Transportation using wheelchair ramps or lifts
Guided tours every day of the trip led by expert, experienced tour guides
Tasting of local cuisine in accessible restaurants with accessible bathrooms
Accompanying Sage Traveling employee to coordinate logistics and handle any problems that you have

This picture was taken by me inside our accessible minibus during our accessible Paris Group Trip

Possible 2017 Accessible Group Trips

Group Trip #1 – 7 Nights Fully-Accessible London

Highlights: Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Cabinet War Rooms, Thames River boat tour, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, National Gallery, Trafalgar Square, Windsor Castle, and British Museum.

Free time for shopping, theatre, and sightseeing at places like British Library, Imperial War Museum, National Portrait Gallery, Tate Modern Museum, and more.

Group Trip #2 – 7 Nights Fully-Accessible Paris

Highlights: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre Couer Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Dinner Cruise on the Seine River, and Versailles Palace and Gardens.

Free time for shopping and sightseeing at attractions like Rodin Museum, Orangerie Museum, Marmottan Monet Museum, Pompidou Centre, Les Invalides & Military History Museum, Jewish Art and History Museum, Sainte-Chapelle church, and more.

Group Trip #3 – 8 Nights Fully-Accessible London and Paris

London Highlights: Big Ben, Parliament, Buckingham Palace, London Eye, Westminster Abbey, Cabinet War Rooms, Thames River boat tour, Tower Bridge, Tower of London, St. Paul’s Cathedral, National Gallery, and Trafalgar Square

Paris Highlights: Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, Sacre Couer Cathedral, Louvre Museum, Orsay Museum, Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, and Dinner Cruise on the Seine River.

Travel between the two cities on the “chunnel” train. Extending your stays in London and/or Paris is possible.

Group Trip #4 – 10 Nights Fully-Accessible Italy

Rome Highlights: Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vittorio Emmanuelle monument, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican Museums, Piazza Navona, Pantheon, Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain. Free time for shopping and sightseeing at attractions like Capitoline Museums, Borghese Gallery, National Museum of Rome, many churches, and more.

Florence Highlights: Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo’s David, Florence’s Duomo cathedral, Piazza della Signoria, Uffizi Gallery, Santa Croce Church, Piazzale Michelangelo, Palazzo Vecchio. Free time for shopping and sightseeing at attractions like San Marco Museum, Medici Chapels, Santa Maria Novella church, Pitti Palace, and more.

Venice Highlights: St. Mark’s Basilica, Doge’s Palace, Rialto Bridge, Grand Canal, and Fish Market. Free time for shopping and sightseeing at attractions like Correr Museum, Ca Rezzonico Museum, Accademia Museum, Frari Church, and more.

Accessible transportation by accessible vans, trains, and/or boats.

Extending your trip to visit other regions of Italy is possible.

Group Trip #5 – 7 Nights Fully-Accessible Caribbean Cruise

Cozumel – Day at the beach including beach wheelchair, sea lion show, Mayan displays, snorkeling, and more

Jamaica – Dunn’s River Falls, Fern gully, Coyoba Gardens, and more

Grand Cayman – Cayman Turtle Farm, Governor’s Residence, Hell Post Office, Shopping in George Town, and more

Group Trip #6 – 7 Nights Fully-Accessible Western Mediterranean Cruise

Palma de Mallorca – La Seu cathedral, Palma de Mallorca City Hall, Plaça Major, Plaça Cort, accessible beach, and more.

Provence – Avignon, the Palace of the Popes, Rocher des Doms gardens, Pont Saint-Benezet bridge, old city walls, vineyards, and more

Florence – Ponte Vecchio, Michelangelo’s David, Florence’s Duomo cathedral, Piazza della Signoria, and more

Rome – Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vittorio Emmanuelle monument, Sistine Chapel, St. Peter’s Basilica, and more

Naples – Pompeii, Piazza Garibaldi, Royal Palace, Piazza Carlo III, Castel Nuovo, and more

One free day on the ship – Spa, massage, pool, casino,and many other activities

You can add an optional pre-cruise stay in Barcelona that includes Sagrada Familia church, Barcelona Cathedral, Las Ramblas Boulevard, Gaudi sights, Plaça Catalunya, and more.

Group Trip #7 – 12 Nights Grand Mediterranean Cruise

Barcelona – Sagrada Familia church, Barcelona Cathedral, Las Ramblas boulevard, Gaudi sights, Plaça Catalunya, and more.

Malta – The Old Town of Valletta, Grandmaster’s Palace, St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Tarxien Temples, the town of Mdina, and more

Rhodes – The Old City of Rhodes, the village of Lindos, the Acropolis of ancient Rhodes, and more

Santorini – The Santorini volcano caldera, Archaeological Museum of Santorini, the town of Fira, and more

Athens – Acropolis & Parthenon, the Temple of Olympian Zeus, Syntagma Square, and more

Mykonos – The famous windmills of Mykonos, “Little Venice”, the ancient town of Chora, and more

Naples – Pompeii, Piazza Garibaldi, Royal Palace, Piazza Carlo III, Castel Nuovo, and more

Three free days on the ship – Spa, massage, pool, casino,and many other activities

You can add an optional pre-cruise stay in Barcelona and/or an optional post-cruise stay in Italy that visits Rome, Florence, and/or Venice.

WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK!

Please “click reply” to this email with your answers to these two questions:

1) Which of these possible group trips would you book in 2017? (You can just list the number of the trip…for example “1, 3, and 5”)

2) Which of these possible group trips would be your top choice?

These group trips will ONLY be offered if there is enough interest to fill them!

We want to hear from you!

Travel Wisely,

John Sage, Founder and President of Sage Traveling

Email: john@sagetraveling.com
Phone: US: 1-888-645-7920, UK: +44 20 3540 6155
Web: https://www.sagetraveling.com

You’re beyond excited about your next accessible vacation, but the planning process is a little overwhelming… How should you go about planning your trip to Europe? Where to go, when to go, what to see, where to stay, how to get from A to B, what will it cost? If you try to take shortcuts, you’ll almost certainly encounter some frustration and disappointment on your trip, but if you do it right, you’ll have a great, hassle-free vacation, and it will be all worth it!

10 steps to plan a memorable accessible vacation

Whether you plan your whole trip on your own, or decide to use an experienced accessible travel planner to do the work, these 10 steps to plan a memorable accessible vacation will keep you on track throughout the process…

1. Decide which destination(s) you are interested in. I personally use the book “1000 Places to See Before You Die” and Rick Steve’s guidebooks to get some inspiration for my travel. Another good place to start is our European Accessibility Rating’s page, where you can find a comparison of several European cities based on accessibility, quality of sights and “Worth the Effort” considerations.

2. Check price of flights at various dates. You’ll find that flights in the shoulder months (April, first half of May, September, and October) are often less than flights during the summer months. Most places in Europe still have good weather during these months, and they are usually less crowded. There are countless ways for you to search for flights online using search engines such as hotwire.com, kayak.com etc.

3. Research the accessibility of the tourist sites. It can take numerous hours to browse the internet, send emails and place calls. Accessibility research of the specific places you want to experience is an essential step in the process of planning an accessible vacation without any major disappointments.

Visiting a city that is far less accessible than you expect – This happened to me in Les Baux, France. The medieval hill town had cobblestones in town and gravel in the fortress ruins.

4. Check the accessibility of transportation. Accessible buses are available in many European ports and cities, and some cities even have wheelchair accessible taxis and boats. The official Tourism websites for your desired destination(s) and our accessible transportation pages are good sources of information for accessible public transportation.

5. Find accessible, affordable hotels and research the location. In Europe, many hotels (particularly in the older tourist parts of town) are in 100+ year old buildings. The result is that truly accessible hotels can be difficult to find and generally more expensive. Don’t forget to research accessibility (hills, sidewalk ramps, accessible restaurants, etc…) and safety of the neighborhood surrounding the hotel.

4 star disabled hotel in central London with spacious accessible bathroom including roll in shower, grab bars, shower chair, wide doors and open space under the vanity.

6. Make a daily itinerary… It will help you figure out how many days it will take to see the sights, which days they are closed, how to group them, and in what order. Remember, your itinerary should fit the energy and activity level of your group. Some disabled travelers have no problem with a full schedule with tours and experiences every day, while others may need a break in between to rest.

7. Start Booking! You’re now ready to start booking! I suggest doing it in the following order:

Book your flights
Book your accessible hotels. You can call or email the hotel directly or use a hotel search engine website. Either way, be aware that some accessible rooms might not have all the features you are looking for so make sure to ask before you book.
Book your accessible tours. From my experience, the best tours and guides book fast so you’ll want to do this well in advance.
Book your transfers. Whether you only need airport transfers, port transfers or also need to plan transportation between destinations, setting up your transfers before you get to your destination means that you won’t have to spend valuable vacation time handling logistics.

8. Purchase Travel Insurance. Protect your health, your financial investment and your vacation! Once you make your first arrangement for a trip, that date becomes the initial trip deposit date. Please note that if you have any pre-existing conditions, many travel insurance policies require you to purchase your plan within a specified number of days of making that initial trip deposit if the coverage is to be in effect.

9. Emergency contacts. Before you leave, arrange for someone inside and someone outside of your destination to assist in case of emergencies.

10. Re-confirm. Depending on how far in advance you are booking you’ll probably have to reconfirm your bookings a week or two in advance of your travel dates to make sure everything is set and ready for your arrival.

Did You Know?

To do a good job planning an accessible trip on your own will typically take 20- 40 hours per city. Save valuable time and money by booking all your accessible travel services in one place, with an accessible travel expert doing all the work for you! Check out our accessible full trip planning services today and contact us to start planning your next European vacation!

“I wanted to give you feedback on the wonderful, perfect vacation that you organized for us! Thank you, thank you so much for the perfect Italian vacation! Every step of the way was executed flawlessly. We are also looking forward to our next trip abroad with you!” – Kate & Andy, Manual Wheelchair User

Don’t delay!
Contact Us to start planning today!

Travel Wisely,

John Sage, Founder and President of Sage Traveling

Email: john@sagetraveling.com
Phone: US: 1-888-645-7920, UK: +44 20 3540 6155
Web: https://www.sagetraveling.com

Accessible Italy Travel Packages

Hi Donna!

We’re safely home and I just wanted to let you know that we all had such a wonderful time in Italy…specially my parents. It was a trip of a lifetime and we made beautiful memories.

I can’t commend you and Sage travel enough for an excellent job in planning our trip.

All the services you provided were EXCELLENT!

The transfers were punctual, the people were kind and patient.

The tour guides were all first class.

The hotels were beautiful and so convenient.

Although I was a bit apprehensive about the trip..first time I traveled with my parents internationally, the whole trip went smooth as silk! It couldn’t have been any better. I’ve already given your name and copies of our itinerary to a few of their friends!

Thank you so much for all your help.

Rosanne

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Jennifer, I wanted to thank you! We had an amazing trip. Everything went as planned and we are so grateful to have had such engaging and knowledgeable tour guides. They were all fantastic but Patricia in particular was exceptionally gifted and myself and the girls will remember the fascination and understanding she brought to the art and history of Florence. The apartment was wonderful in terms of accessibility location and management. So often accessible rooms are clinical but this was absolutely beautiful. I would highly recommend this apartment to anyone as it captures the real experience of historic Florence with all the charm while providing access ability. We could just relax and enjoy. Your hard work has made my dream come true. The girls and I will share these wonderful memories and this experience will influence their perspective as they mature.

– Cynthia Matheson , Manual wheelchair user

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Thanks to the Sage team our trip to Fiorenze and Tuscany was amazing. The tour guide for Siena, San Gimignano, Pisa and Luca was warm, knowledgeable and very interesting. We fell in love with Tuscany. The guide who showed us Fiorenze was also wonderful and knowledgeable. We enjoyed the time we spent with them tremendously. They both helped make the trip all we hoped it would be.

I also wanted to say a special thank you to Donna for responding so quickly to my emergency call about blowing out the charger for our mobility scooters. She contacted the local tour company and when our guide arrived the next morning, she tracked down scooters we could rent. This saved the trip.

Thank you so much for the service you provide.
– Susan

florence-2016-susan-david

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First of all, the trip was absolutely WONDERFUL!! We never could have done this, had such great experiences without your help and the assistance of Sage Travel. Italy does naturally have some challenges for those traveling with disabilities – especially the hills and cobblestones. But overall the people were beyond friendly and helpful. There were elevators, ramps, stair lifts where I did not even expect them – at Vatican in the Forum in Rome!! The arranged drivers that Sage Travel hired for pickup at airports, train stations, and at hotels/apartments, all worked out perfectly. The guide in Rome was terrific! She had excellent info and adapted tours to meet Mary’s interest. She gave us hints of eating at places not on the main squares, piazza’s – but on the side streets. She was so good with steering the scooter through crowds- gave an excellent example for me – on how to do this when we did not have a guide, when we were on our own. We managed the taxi system just fine. The electric scooter was perfect- and taken apart, could fit into a cab easily. THANK YOU AGAIN FOR THE GREAT HELP!! Sage travel was a a wonderful help – could not have done without you! Happy Summer

– Chris Schroder

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Dear Jennifer,
I’m sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. We had a fabulous time in Italy, and are all so appreciative of the wonderful experiences you planned for us!
Our guides were wonderful–patient, kind and extremely knowledgable. Our guide in Florence taught us about Renaissance Art and architecture, adding stories and historical anecdotes that really brought the history alive! Our guide in Sienna was so sweet and friendly–she was just what we needed on that day. In Rome our guided knew so much about Roman history, our heads became quite full. She even hauled along a large (&heavy) book with acetate overlays so she could show what each of the ancient ruins would have looked like in their prime. We were surprised and pleased when she showed up the next day for our Vatican tour! In Naples our guide took wonderful care of us and shared her enthusiasm for the elevated life style of the former residents of Herculaneum.
The trains were prompt and wonderful. By the way, their system of “Sala Blu” that helps with accessibility is great. Just a heads up, each trip by train needs to be reserved through Sala Blu. Our trip from Rome to Naples had been booked that way, but the later train trip from Naples back to Florence had not. However after his initial dismay, the fellow in the Naples Sala Blu office took great pride in being able to solve that issue and make everything right!
Our return to our hotel for Annalysa’s last night was fine–we relaxed, feeling familiar with the staff, the layout, the neighborhood, and of course looking forward to their fabulous breakfast on the top floor with up close views of the Duomo! Initially on our return they had us in a room with 4 steps in the hallway. Realizing that would not work for us, they quickly re-grouped and put is in another room (a bit of an upgrade it seemed, as it was much larger than our first room at the start of the trip!)
In Sienna, our food tour was fabulous. We really could have used more directions about where to park and by which gate. As luck would have it we parked about as far away as it could have been possible, not knowing. Once inside the city & realizing we would be late for our tour, I ran on ahead to find our guide. She was very tender hearted about the situation and not at all grouchy. Once we were all united we had such a good time! Annalysa will be teaching her class about Roman history in the next school year, and after our various experiences, she was able to outline her plan for the year! We are huge fans of Sage Travel, and are talking about a trip to France in a year. Do you do France? Let’s talk about that sometime!! Thanks again for this wonderful experience. I think it was very empowering for Annalysa, and certainly a wonderful adventure to have shared!– Katy Meyers

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Hi, Jennifer:

We arrived home safely on Sunday afternoon leaving behind a fantastic trip to Italy. Thanks a lot for helping us to enjoy our family trip abroad. We loved every cities we visited, but Venice won our heart. Here are a couple photos attached where we took in Venice. Hope we can travel to England and France in the future and use Sage traveling again. Thanks a lot – Dongwook

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Dear Donna,

I wanted to give you feedback on the wonderful, perfect vacation that you organized for us! Thank you, thank you so much for the perfect Italian vacation! Every step of the way was executed flawlessly. Every transportation to and from hotels to train stations and airports was perfectly timed, easy to manage, and extremely helpful. The hotels were above expectations – wonderful accessibility, helpful, friendly staff. They were a dream. I enjoyed practicing my italian with Carlo. He was very kind and helpful. The other woman van driver in Florence was also very professional, kind, on-time, and helpful. I’m sorry I cannot remember her name! oh dear! But the best part of the whole trip was the guides. Justin, Rahul, and Patti were simply amazing. We hit it off with Justin from the beginning. We were still a little groggy when we met (day after arriving in Roma), but once we all had our cafe and cornetto, we felt great. Justin had the most interesting perspective about history in relation to current day politics (and we were all on the same page, haha!). The Pantheon and the Ancient City were my favorite parts of his tour, primarily because of the way he discussed them. Rahul was colorful in the way he acted out, almost like a performer, the bits of history he pointed out at the Vatican. The Vatican Museum was Andy’s favorite part.

Patti’s tours of Firenze were particularly interesting because she pointed out small details in the architecture and streets that conveyed fascinating moments in middle ages history. We also loved her mini-tour in the farmacia at Santa Maria Novella. All three guides truly made the vacation extra special due to their depth and breadth of knowledge and to their adaptability and patience with Andy and me.

Please let John Sage and everyone in your organization that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are also looking forward to our next trip abroad with you! warm regards,

-Kate & Andy, Manual Wheelchair User

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John & Donna,

You made our trip to Italy a very memorable one. It was great! All the transports to each destination were on time and most of the time, they were waiting for us. All of the connections were flawless. My four friends were very impressed with the transfers, guides, and hotels. We want to thank you for getting us the most knowledgeable, personal guides in Italy: Viviana and Raoul in Rome, Patrizia in Florence, and Sara in Venice. They were great. We have only compliments for all. The hotels were in perfect locations. But the best was definitely in Florence. As far as handicap bathrooms, they were up to European standards. My wife and I always make due.
The hotel in Venice should be gone over again as far as handicap room. The room had 3 heavy self-closing doors and my wheelchair just went through the doorways. My chair is less than 32′ wide. We figured we are in Venice just 2 nights, liked the location very much, so we made due. (Editor’s note: We have updated our hotel description based on the feedback) We could go on and on but this was the best trip that we could ask for.

Again, I want to personally thank you for everything. I planned this trip more for my wife and friends by making it easier to travel with a wheelchair. Our next trip planned will definitely be through you.

-Glenn & Cindy , (Group of 4 from New York, one in manual wheelchair)

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Hi Donna

Thank you for everything. Our holiday was fantastic. Everything went smoothly. Our taxi driver met us at the airport and took us to the hotel. The accommodation was really good and perfect for myself in the wheelchair. The area it was in was superb. The hop on, hop off bus was a really good way to get around and we used it on the 2 days. The updated route is now slightly different to the one printed, and our receptionist at the hotel advised us to use the bus stop just over the river rather than the one near the Vatican which was a lot closer. We managed absolutely fine. The cobbles were no trouble at all for my wheelchair and I really made use of my “freewheel attachment”

The Vatican tour was well recommended we avoided queues and had to use different routes from others because of the wheelchair. The whole 3 hour tour just flew past. St Peters square nearby was amazing and the church fantastic especially being able to go up on the roof top with a wheelchair.

The Florence day trip was very well organised, Thank you, the train ride there and back went really smoothly. Afterwards we were feeling fit and I pushed from the Train terminal all the way back to the hotel with ease.
The holiday has been a really fantastic experience from beginning to end and we have lots of photos and memories to keep going back to. We will certainly recommend your services to others and use you again in the future. Thank you, Regards

-Jon and Sarah

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Dear Donna,

Just got back from vacation in Italy and Switzerland. It was absolutely wonderful and we wanted to thank you so much for all the excellent help you have given us in putting together this vacation.Everything worked like clockwork. All the complicated transfers, pickups, train rides and everything else was just fabulous. And the tour guides that you have hired for us were really outstanding. Our tour guides in Florence, as well as for Pisa and San Gimignano were outstanding and impressively informed. They kept us entirely engaged all the way the through and were extremely nice too. Thanks again for all your help. We will be sure to use Sage Travel in the future! Best,
-Dave and Mey

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I just wanted to take the time to tell you how much we really enjoyed our trip to Italy. Your organization, Sage Traveling, was professional in every way. Your choice of hotels was appreciated by all of our party. At first when I chose you as our travel agency, I took a chance on you, and I’m very glad that I did.

Everyone in our party, all five of us would defiantly use you again. The hotels were clean, rooms were easy to get around in, and the staff at all places were extremely helpful. Thanks again,
-Mark

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I had the pleasure of using Sage Traveling in Italy. I took the Colosseum and Forum Tour, and I was met at the hotel by Justin. He was friendly and very knowledgeable. When he spoke about ancient Rome it was a though he was there. Handicapped identification will get you in free. Elevators at both the Colosseum and Forum were a huge help. Justin asked if we wanted to go to Basilica di S.Croce in Gerusalemme-Roma, it holds the artifacts of Jesus’ cross. Since I can walk (with assistance), my nephew and I said yes. It was a wonderful added extra to the tour.If the church would put in temporary ramps everyone would be able to visit it. The Vatican Tour (3 hr): Again I was meet promptly at my hotel. Revel, went over the schedule for the day. We taxied to the Museum. Again we were given free passes. Revel pointed out statues, explaining the history behind them. Vatican buildings were also discussed. I was able to visit several of the rooms that were accessible with my wheelchair. Revel spoke about the Sistine Chapel before entering. He had a book which showed the chapel, he used it, showing us what to look for. He was the only guide with a book. We visited St.Peters. He pointed out various parts of the basilica. Revel even went overtime as getting around took longer due to the crowds.

Tuscan Tour Driving Tour: we were met at the train station by Marzia. As we drove through Florence, Marzia spoke about some of the points of interest. We stopped at the Florence American Cemetery, which I had read about. We took a leisurely drive through Tuscany, Marzia spoke about the crops, the small villages and their history. She took us to a small restaurant for lunch. The Tuscan food was delicious.

Rather than take a wine tasting tour, we opted for an olive oil tasting. Marzia took us to a farm house, where we met an olive oil producer. He is also a taster for the oil commission, which keeps quality control. This was a very educational tour. I’ll never look at olive oil the same way again.

Laura, wheelchair user, NY, USA

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Donna,

Just wanted to thank you for all your help in setting up the airport transfers in Rome and train trip to Florence. Everything worked out very well and I would recommend your service to anyone traveling to Europe. As you and John know it is sometimes a challenge to figure out the best way to transport a scooter and still provide a quality experience. Patty was a great tour guide and went out of her way to make us feel very comfortable in Florence. The two van drivers we worked with were on time and very friendly and dependable.

Larry, Mobility scooter user

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Hi Paula,

I want to thank you for all the work you did to make our trip absolutely perfect. Everything went so smooth. The guides and drivers were excellent. They even helped us find a restaurant that had gluten free menu items. Three of our group have an allergy to gluten. They also were able to find out the score for the Spurs game. Since we are from San Antonio. Yeah!!

My husband was so happy with the Lamborghini/Ferrari tour. He and my father-n-law were able to ride in a Lamborghini in the streets of Italy. The guide was able to find a place for them to take advantage of this. They loved it. Thank you again for making this a fantastic trip for all of us.

Linda , Traveling with mobility scooter user, Texas, USA

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Donna,

I have thought long and hard on how to write this letter. How can I put into an email how grateful I am….how grateful WE are….for all that you did to make this Italian vacation simply magical.

The six of us traveled to Paris two years ago. It was an amazing trip, and honestly I was worried we would never to be able to duplicate how wonderful that experience was. I need not have worried.

Thanks to you and our “Team Cameron” Italy was even more amazing. Your information, helpful tips, ability to work through any difficulty we could think of, provided us the ability to create memories that will live with us forever.

From your drivers, who were not only very friendly, but extremely helpful, to your guides, who not only were highly informative, they had a passion and a love for their beautiful cities that was palpable and infectious, this trip was beyond anything we could have hoped for.

We were so lucky to have these wonderful people share their knowledge. The hotels were perfect. The excursions were perfect. I can’t think of a better way to say it. This trip was a gift for all of us. Time moves so quickly. As I get older I have come to realize the importance of time. This trip was a time I will forever cherish. Again, it was a gift, and I thank you for it.
Kelly, Power chair user, Ohio, USA

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Sage Traveling….I want to thank you for the excellent experience for My Mom’s 80th Birthday in Italy.

I couldn’t have asked for a more pleasant experience from the day we arrived in Rome, Italy, to the day we returned to the United States. The tour guides were knowledgeable and eager to share their knowledge with us. Our hotel accommodations were exactly to our specifications as request. I do have to admit, I was a little worried as I began to plan this trip, but once I started my correspondence with Sage Traveling all most worries started to dissipate. Sage Traveling answered all my questions in a timely matter, and with detailed information. I would highly recommend this service for anybody considering traveling in a wheelchair to Europe.

Ludlow Family

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Accessible Italy Tours

Hi Jennifer,

I am just getting in touch to let you know that I would be happy to give a testimonial in regards to the Venice Tour we did with you. The Venice tour in particular was excellent.

Our Venice tour guide was excellent and understood the needs of an individual with mobility issues. He knew all the ins and outs of getting us into sites using alternative entrances; something we discovered would be difficult to accomplish for someone not booked with a specialized tour. For example there was another lady not on a tour trying to get into St. Mark’s Basilica with her husband (who used a wheelchair). We didn’t hear the entire exchange between her and staff but we could tell quite clearly that she was very frustrated by the whole ordeal of trying to get her husband into the building. The ramp was removable and so was not immediately available. We were able to bypass all lines, take side entrances and elevators not immediately available to the general public. Because of his experience in working with local sites staff, our guide had access front and centre to the alter area. He also gave us a great history lesson during the Doge’s Palace portion with an emphasis on the political structure. We went away entertained and better informed. More importantly, this tour helped alleviate any concerns my husband had about enjoying Venice. I should also point out that the water taxis while not cheap, were very convenient. The individuals picking us up worked in pairs. They were skilled, patient and friendly.

-Elizabeth

Paris Accessible Travel Packages

Our Paris trip, arranged by Sage Traveling was perfect. We spent 10 days and saw everything we could hope for with the help of the marvelous guides provided by Sage. Our driver was on time at the airport when we arrived and again got us back for our departure with no stress. Some of our favorite memories were the Eiffel Tower, getting up and very close to the Mona Lisa and the beautiful gardens of Claude Monet in Giverny. We also had an awesome anniversary dinner on a cruse of the Seine. We really couldn’t have been more pleased with every aspect of the trip. Thanks again Sage for another job well done – Jacqueline

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Desiree,

Thanks so much for helping us to have the trip of a lifetime. We had an amazing trip to Paris! Our hotel was wonderful. All of the tours that you arranged for us were fantastic. Every one of the tour guides was knowledgeable and provided great tours. We will definitely want to utilize your services again in the future.
Thanks so much! – Ruth, Crazy woman on wheels

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Danielle.

Just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed our trip back in October. We have been pretty busy and time just flew away from us. Our hotel near the Notre Dame was the perfect spot for getting together, eating, and tours. The hotel is located among café lined streets and amazing restaurants. I had no problem getting around in a wheelchair. The staff at the hotel were very helpful with restaurant ideas and reservations. All of the restaurants they recommended were superb. All the tours were perfect. Being there was seven in our group, all arrangements were on time and the guides were very friendly and knowledgeable. We liked the dinner cruise very much, but Monet’s garden was a hit. Being my wife and I was in charge of planning, we were a little nervous. Our group could not believe how great everything was handled from airport pickups to the private tours. They credited my wife and I with the planning, but we told them it was you and Sage Travelling that should take the credit. We went to Italy 2 years ago.. then France. We’re thinking England next. Again thanks for making our vacation so memorable. We look forward to planning our next trip.

-Cindy & Glenn

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Donna and John,

I have been meaning to write to you to thank you for helping us to arrange the wonderful trip to Paris. It has been a busy summer since we got back. The trip was fantastic. Everything went so well it was quite remarkable. The Accessibility Guide is the most valuable travel document I have ever encountered. Each night before bed we would plan our adventures for the next day and I would read the pertinent sections. Everything was so accurate and helpful. Instead of wandering around wasting time to find the accessible entrance, I would follow John’s very specific advice and it would take us minutes to get to where we wanted to go. It was truly an amazing guide book and I have raved to many people about it. The hotel you suggested MUST be recommended to other people. After a long night’s travel and some problems getting Brian’s power chair off the plane, we were certainly exhausted and poor Brian was very uncomfortable (not having been able to go to the bathroom for 13 or 14 hours!) I was a bit concerned when we pulled into a fairly tiny laneway and the hotel beside it was being demolished. But don’t let people be swayed by that. The staff were so wonderful. I have honestly never been treated so well anywhere I have travelled. They would do anything to make us comfortable and Brian was usually greeted by name at the end of a long day of travelling. After the first breakfast, every day there was a table waiting for us with one of the chairs removed so Brian could slide up to the table easily. The room was incredible. It was right behind the check in “podiums” but we never noticed any noise. There was plenty of room for Brian’s chair, the shower chair I brought and a hoyer lift as well as an extra cot for Michelle. The bathroom was perfect for us again with more room than I have ever had in a hotel bathroom even in North America! Again the staff were very helpful in getting us cabs and answering any questions we had regarding supper, directions or where the best bakery was!

The company that provided the prebooked transportation was excellent. They were prompt (in fact always early) and professional. Their vans were large and could easily accommodate us at the airport (I was worried as we had 2 chairs, 3 large pieces of luggae and three of us!. It worked out wonderfully at Versailles as our driver drove over the cobblestones (which were a bit tough for Brian) right to the entrance and picked us up there afterwards. Definitely needed the extra time in Versailles….wow!

Transportation to Disney worked out well too…although I wouldn’t recommend that….but my daughter really wanted to go there. That was the only place we were not treated terribly well but it was ok and that has nothing to do with your services. They wanted a “disability card” to prove Brian was disabled….I think I was a bit annoyed at one point (and it was for only a 6 euro discount ) and in my not so perfect French I said…He can’t walk and he is in an electric chair..I meant to say elecric wheelchair so perhaps they wondered a bit!!

The night cruise wasn’t great especially for the price. It was wonderful to see the river at night for sure but I wouldn’t bother with the dinner especially with kids. It was very fancy food . There wasn’t even a beef or chicken dish so my kids didn’t eat much and I didn’t realize it came with a bottle of champagne and a bottle of wine…I forced my children to try champagne..why not It’s Paris but am afraid I didn’t make much of a dent in the bottles! It would be great for a couple with an advanced palate! We had fun anyway and the dessert was incredible.

The taxi comapny was good as well. Our first day we booked the wrong one but then the man at our hotel sorted it out for us. Expensive but great service. We actually only used them twice I think as we walked everywhere. The curbs were surprisingly good . The first day we took a cab to the Eiffel tower and then spent the day walking back with stops at Hotel des Invalide, Rodin museum, etc…what a great day.

The area on the left bank where you suggested eating also has the best macaroons in Paris (according to our detailed taste test). I really couldn’t get over how nice people were to us. We didn’t pay at a single museum which shocked me. Some of the museums are difficult to get around but there was always someone to help us find our way and we saw closed off sections of the Louvre and Palais de Versailles along the way. Oh and only our family would appreciate this but after our long flight and a bit of a delay getting in the room, the hoyer lift arrived. I expect a manual one when I travel but it was electric with a remote. Unless you use a hoyer you have no idea how excited we were. My back thanks you and my daughter who would have had to help me with Brian if I had a manual one thanks you too.

Every moment I have with my children is precious and every trip creates memories that get us through more difficult times. Brian turns 18 this year and when he was diagnosed at the age of 3 with MD, the life expentancy of the boys was 18. Thanks to advances in ventilation we have every hope that he will live at least another 10 years but I had in my mind for years, that I wanted to get him to Paris before he turned 18. Thank you for making that wish, that dream, a reality. I couldn’t have done this without you and it was truly a trip of a lifetime. Thank you,

-Suzanne

P.S. Where to next??? Might need to save for a couple years and forget the trauma of flying but maybe England!!

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Hi Donna-

I am pleased that the wheelchair was picked up on schedule. In fact everything was on schedule! The driver was waiting to greet us at the airport in Paris and was very helpful getting us loaded into the van and unloading at the Hotel. The return to the airport was perfect as well.

The wheelchair was waiting for us at the Hotel when we arrived. We were warmly greeted by Hotel staff, Honestly, we were pleasantly surprised to find such a luxurious, clean and well appointed room. Everything was immaculate from the bath room fixtures with towel warmers, deluxe bathrobes, well stocked minibar with an assortment of nonalcoholic juices and choices of sparkling or still water. Because we arrived so early about 9:30am our room was still occupied but the maids were there as soon as it became available for cleaning an restocking.

The Hotel Restaurant staff was exceptional as well. I had dinner there a couple of evenings alone and took food back to the room for my Mother. The waiter left his station and carried the food to our room. The same waiter also went down stairs to search and retrieve some breakfast pastries for my Mother’s dinner. Since our breakfast was included we had our morning meals there. The first morning our coffee was so strong that we could not drink it. Our waiter brought us hot water and hot milk to make it more palatable. The entire Hotel staff took pride in their jobs and were very exceptionally friendly and accommodating. I just can not praise them enough.

Our car tour driver was absolutely wonderful. He was fluent in English and although he is a scientist with university degrees, he has a passion for French history. We saw all the major sites and he answered all our questions and never fumbled for the correct English phrase. He was a careful driver and was able to navigate the bustling streets with confidence. He also took us to Versailles the next day and unfortunately was unable to locate the tour guide there. So rather than simply dumping into the masses of tourists, he conducted a private tour of the Palace. Because of the extreme heat we had to skip the gardens but some were visible from the windows of the Palace.

Due to the taxi driver strike and protest over Uber that occurred two days before our arrival in Paris combined with the extreme heat, over 102 several days, finding a taxi on the street was impossible. However, because of the great location of the hotel we were able to roll to the Louvre, the Orsay and the Museum of Decorative Arts. I was also able to walk to the Hotel Deville and found a wonderful department store nearby. We finally ventured out by taxi to the Gallerie Laffeyette department store near the Opera House on Saturday morning. What a beautiful domed ceiling! I’ve never seen anything like it in a department store and all the luxury brands were on display and available for purchase.

Because of Mom’s limited mobility and energy level there are many things that I still would like to see and places that I would like to visit on a future trip. Paris is without a doubt the most beautiful city I’ve ever visited and I intend to return as soon as I can arrange another trip. Mom of course was equally pleased and had the time of her life.

I can’t praise Sage Travel and you enough. The guide book was invaluable in finding wheelchair entrances and preparing us for imperfect access and cobblestone streets and walkways. Thank you for making our Paris vacation a successful venture! I will let my friends with mobility issues know about your service and just can’t imagine attempting a trip like this without your guidance.

– Earl Graybeal

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Dear John and Donna,

Ramona and I want to thank you for a wonderful traveling experience on our latest trip to Paris through your travel agency. We were met by the van driver at CDG airport without any difficulty and even received a short sightseeing tour of the Champs-Elysees on the way to the Hotel. The driver Farik spoke English well and was very personable. He also took us to the airport for the return flight home. The hotel you recommended was very centrally located and within convenient walking distance to the Louvre and Notre Dame. We even walked to the Latin quarter and to the boat tour! The hotel room was as described and the washroom/shower very convenient. Our tour guide, Claudine, for both walking tours was knowledgeable and also spoke English very well. She walked at a good brisk pace, was very flexible and managed to navigate access to the museums very quickly. The dinner cruise on the Seine River was very enjoyable and romantic. It was worth the cost and best to do after visiting all of the sights that you will see from the river. The only caution is access to the boat landing can be difficult by wheelchair especially the road down from the bridge. Overall from a wheelchair access perspective, Paris can be toured on foot but I think requires a companion who can maneuver the sidewalk ramps. Many have several inches of curb and some can be very steep. I also think that access near many of the museums can be better and can be done without much effort. I’ll try sending a note to the mayor of Paris. Thank you again for making our trip a wonderful and manageable experience.

– Henry and Ramona

PS. Keep us informed of any new destinations.

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Hi Desiree.

We enjoyed the trip in Paris very well. The transfer from an back to the airport was very good. The hotel was very good, the service in the hotel very good. The tours we enjoyed as well. The guide sis speak good English. I do not think we had managed to do this on our own. I`m not in disposition of the photos taken on the trip, but I will ask my manager if it is okey for us to send you some you can use on your website. I will also recommend Sage travel for everyone who need your service.

Best regards from, Bodil

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John,

I just wanted to say thank you for getting me set up nearby the Louvre in Paris. Everything worked out very well. It was a great location and the hotel was real nice. I appreciate your help and the car worked out too. It was really big and we took it all the way up to Normandy. Thanks for everything.

– Keith, Florida

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Donna,

We would like to express our sincere thanks for putting so much effort into planning our European vacation. We had a fabulous time and are already starting to discuss where we would like to go next. A great time was had by all of us.Many Thanks,

– Carrie and Tim, electric wheelchair

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Hi again Danielle,

I just wanted to thank you for an excellent experience in Paris. The wheelchair was delivered exactly on time and we’ve been everywhere with it over the last two days. It has really enabled us to get the most out of our last few days in Europe. Thank you for everything, I appreciate all your ongoing support during our trip. I saw a woman with a walking stick at the Louvre today who looked enviously at the chair and asked if it was my own. I explained I’d hired it with you and she said her daughter told her not to bother due to the cobblestones. I told her that it was really very accessible in Paris (we found Rome much more challenging), we’d had no real issues at all and that I was very happy that I’d had it. She is probably cursing her daughter!

Thanks again
-Suzanne

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Hi Danielle,

Hope you had a great Christmas and New Year period, with a chance to relax and unwind a bit. We’d be happy for you to use this feedback for your website. We had a great holiday, so thanks to Sage Travelling for making our trip to Paris as easy as it could be. I had been daunted by the prospect of finding a truly wheelchair accessible hotel in central Paris, but your recommendation in the 5ieme turned out to be ideal. Not only was the room great, with a bathroom that really worked for a paraplegic, the location near the Luxemburg Gardens was terrific. Your local knowledge about the accessibility of the bus system was great – we had numerous bus routes close to the hotel and we ended up being able to get to all the attractions we wanted to see by bus. The fact that you had dealt with the hotel and confirmed and paid our reservations before we left made it just that much easier. Paris is a great city, and your help made it that little bit easier for us to negotiate. Thanks again,
-Jackie

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Here it is almost November and I haven’t let you know what a wonderful time we had in Paris. The front desk at the hotel were very knowledgeable and friendly and helped us out a lot. It rained the first few days we were there but we still managed to get our sightseeing in as we took our car and boat tours on those days. The wheelchair worked out well, too, so thank you for that. It was, indeed, waiting for us when we arrived. If I/we have another opportunity to travel, we will certainly use Sage Traveling again. Sincerely,

-Caroline, Wheelchair User

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I wanted to personally thank you for your website. It is by far the best and most helpful website we have seen. Danielle Patterson responded to my first email, and has been very helpful and responds to my questions quickly and very thoroughly. She has as of today booked us into a lovely hotel in the central part of Paris. We feel confident this trip will be a highlight of lifetimes. I have signed up for the 50 euro discount. Again thank you for website and professional Travel Consultants.

-Bill, Scottsdale, AZ, USA

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“The taxi from the airport to the hotel and vice versa was very pleasant and comfortable, the taxi drivers very friendly. The private driving tour through Paris was absolutely the highlight of our holiday! The driver was so nice and took all the time to show us everything and tell us all about the history. He let us take as many photos we wanted. Very nice to see all the sights we were not able to go to with the wheelchair! The hotel was in an super location and such a wonderful thing to be able to step outside and be right in the middle of the center. The Latin Quarter is amazing and so lively! Getting tickets for the boat tour was also very straightforward and it was wonderful not to have to think about anything. Just show up on time and everything was sorted. Travelling with a wheelchair can be really stressful, but knowing everything was taken care of was super.

The Paris travel guide was SO invaluable and really helped us massively to maneuver the streets of Paris and especially if attractions were accessible enough or not.

Thank you for all your help and guidance in making this a wonderful and amazing first wheelchair friendly holiday we had. It was unforgettable and we will be sure to keep Sage travelling in the forefront of our minds when we go on holiday in Europe again.

Many thanks and kind regards,

– Femke and Nick

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Danielle,

We have returned safely from France. Mary Beth and I wanted to thank you for all the hard work you put into making our trip a success. The tours through Paris were lovely and our guides did a fabulous job. Your packets were extremely helpful, and your advice was invaluable. Thank you for another successful European trip. Sage truly has a wonderful employee in you. We appreciate all you have done for us.Thank you,

-Greg

Paris Accessible Tours

Hi Danielle.Just got back to the U.S. With my wife. Our tour guide was tremendous and very entertaining. He made our Paris experience very enjoyable and educational.

Best regards, Larry

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Last night we enjoyed the dinner cruise on the Seine, A PEAK EXPERIENCE!!!! Everything was perfect the food, the music, the ambience. The Captain timed the Eiffel Tower just right so we had the perfect view as it magically sparkled, my favorite sight. THANK YOU!

-Sydney Wilde

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Having just returned from Paris and thoroughly enjoyed our River tour and meal on Boat Dinner tour, I feel I must write to you to praise both your Company and Staff, – Donna and Danielle, for their efforts in ensuring that it was faultless and exactly as described in your brochure. I know I had some personal reservations when booking the Tour, but having had an attempted “scam” once, was not prepared to risk it twice. In my opinion no one should risk giving personal details out without checking as fully as possible. Your staff were helpful in every question I had and my wife (the wheelchair user) was treated like a queen everywhere we went and especially by the Canal Cruise people. Your website is correct, true and a very comprehensive and helpful guide. In closing may thank you again and humbly suggest that you may consider opening up an office in England as there are many English travelers who would benefit from your knowledge and experience. To my extensive travel knowledge there is nothing else like it anywhere. A superb holiday.

Should you ever require me to give a reference on behalf of your Company to some other “doubting Thomas” please get in touch. I wish you and your staff a wonderful future. I remain your happy traveller.

– Paul & Diana Greenwood

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The tour went very well and according to plan. Our guide was very good and an amazing city driver. He flowed his car through the insane traffic at the Arc de Triomphe without a scratch, steering masterfully and barely using the brakes! I would not have believed it possible. We saw all the sites on the list, with useful commentary by our guide. Our boat tour was highly enjoyable! The staff knows how to make everyone happy, the food was very good, and the scenery was quite interesting. Excellent value for money spent.

– Claude Meares, manual wheelchair user

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You booked a driving tour and a river boat tour for us in Paris. We liked the driving tour a lot. I think the guide’s name was Raphael. He was very nice and incredibly knowledgeable. We both have visited Paris before and lived there years ago as students, but he knew things about Paris, the monuments and buildings of which we had no idea. The car used is a London taxi – very roomy and comfortable and with big windows so you see well. We covered the itinerary we wanted with some add-ons and after the tour he drove us to a restaurant for lunch. You can see a lot by riding around in taxis but the driving tour is far better as he stops periodically so you can really look around. Expensive but highly worthwhile. We also enjoyed the boat tour. It was fully accessible and the helpful staff let us board early. We highly recommend it as you see many of the best sites without effort from a unique perspective.. Overall – we were very pleased with the arrangements you made for us. Thank you very much for all you did for us and we will keep you in mind for the future.

– Chris, Walker/manual wheelchair user, California, USA

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We thoroughly enjoyed our driving tour (definitely recommend). Nicholas’ English was very good. His colleague’s (Rafael’s) English was also very good. Rafael transported us to and from Versailles.

– Jason and Christine Mills

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Good morning Sena

All went extremely well… The two day trips we did were excellent, both drivers were on time and very helpful.

Thank you so much for your help, it has been much appreciated and made our visit ti Paris so much easer.

All the very best and have no doubt if we travel again with Graham our disabled friend you will be one of the first people I will contact.

– P. Blackburn

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Dear Danielle

Just returned from Paris and as last year were very happy with the meal on the Dinner Cruise. It is to be highly recommended to anyone else who may wish to use your services.

Thanks again and best regards

– Paul Greenwood (return client)

Paris Mobility Equipment Rentals

I want to thank you for stepping in and finding us additional scooters for Dennis. Our vacation would have been a disaster without them. On our next tour we will both bring our own scooters, live and learn. It has been a sobering lesson in aging for Dennis. He still remembers his student days in Europe 50 years ago, but alas joints at 73 are not as resilient as they were at 23.

– Sydney Wilde

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We have just returned from Paris. What a wonderful service Sage Travel provide … As promised wheelchair there waiting for me! Thank you again, will be using you very soon again.

-Regards Margaret Ramminger

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It was a seamless experience, wheelchair arrived exactly on time, was lightweight and comfortable. Highly recommended. Thanks,

-Mark , Florida, USA, Rented wheelchair for his elderly mother

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Thanks so much for helping us out with the wheelchair rental in Paris. Above all else it provided Richard with a safe & comfortable perch during a long presentation in a room without seats.

-Nancy, Wheelchair Rental in Paris for her husband for a night

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Hi Danielle,

I just wanted to let you know that the Paris wheelchair rental worked out. I felt so fortunate that I got in touch with you when I did and persisted to get the wheelchair delivered on Saturday around 12:30 – incredible! It made a massive difference with my Dad – we went all over Paris and he was able to see so much, so comfortably! Thanks again so much for your help and I will keep your information for future trips and be more planful now that I know about this amazing service. Your help and prompt reply – it made all the difference! Sincerely,

= Jean, father uses a wheelchair

Don’t just take our word for it! Read what our clients have to say about our accessible travel services…

Amsterdam

All of the reservations that you made for us in Amsterdam worked out perfectly ! Having you plan the logistics was a wonderful service – Nancy, mobility scooter user
Read more Amsterdam client testimonials

Barcelona

A quick note to let you know our tour guide in Barcelona was wonderful. She was there dead on the dot and was extremely helpful – Grant, Manual WC user, New Zealand
Read more Barcelona client testimonials

Berlin

Just wanted to write an appreciation to you all for a saint job you all making to help disabled people around the world….My experience with Donna is so full of compliments , I can’t thank you enough! Donna is doing all with such an open heart and with so much willing to help. I wish this email will reach the right people in this excellent company ….Thousands thanks is not enough for what you all do!! – Shlomo
Read more Berlin client testimonials

Bruges

photo (1) You were so right about the hotel in Bruges! It’s just lovely! We love it and Bruges. Thanks for all your wonderful planning and for making it all possible. Hope all is well with you – Patricia, Manual wheelchair user, Washington DC
Read more Bruges client testimonials

Edinburgh

Thank you once again for organising my recent trip to Edinburgh. It was very enjoyable and was helped considerably by the fact that Ireland won the match and, consequently, the 6 Nations Championship…Thank You for all your efforts with this and previous trips and I wish you All The Best – Sean O Donnell, mobility scooter user
Read more Edinburgh client testimonials

Florence

capano Best family vacation EVER! We certainly couldn’t have done this without you and Sage Travel’. You were our best decision by far…Your agency delivered us a 10+ vacation. From start to finish… We as a family are so appreciative of all you did! You truly made our first European trip as a family the BEST it possibly could have been! Grateful and Happy – Patti Capano
Read more Florence client testimonials

Istanbul

I wanted to thank you for all your help with our trip to Istanbul. We had a great time and everything went smoothly. The location of the hotel was perfect, short walking distance to attractions and restaurants. We will definitely contact you again for our next trip – Kim Nelson.
Read more Istanbul client testimonials

Italy Travel Packages

I wanted to give you feedback on the wonderful, perfect vacation that you organized for us! Thank you, thank you so much for the perfect Italian vacation! Every step of the way was executed flawlessly. Please let John Sage and everyone in your organization that we thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We are also looking forward to our next trip abroad with you! – Kate & Andy, Manual Wheelchair User
Read more Italy client testimonials

London

I wanted to check in and let you know that we had a marvelous trip to London. We didn’t think it was possible for it to be better than the one Sage helped us with last year, but it really was. Everything was perfect…We will definitely use Sage for every trip in the future! – Jacque and Mitch Thornbrough
Read more London client testimonials

Paris

Rome

My wife (MS patient) and I recently returned from our first trip to Italy. We almost chickened out because of all the information on the web about how difficult it is to travel in Europe with a disability. Then we found your site. Thanks for not only the information but the confidence you gave us to go for it. We booked a Vatican tour through your company while in Rome. I really wanted to call out our tour guide, Titziana. She made the tour of the Vatican museum and St. Peter’s an incredible experience.Just a wonderful and amazing experience. Thanks again for what you do. And kudos to your staff!!! – Kevin, Maryland
Read more Rome client testimonials

St.Petersburg

Please pass on our thanks to our guide and driver . The Tour of St Petersburg was wonderful. Our guide spoke very clear English , and had an extensive Knowledge of the St Petersburg Palaces and their history. She knew of all the ramps and lifts that made wheelchair access practical.She had the skill to clear a path that allowed me to get through the crowds in the palaces. – Mark and Sue Tebbs

Venice

This trip was a huge success for our team in large part because of your efforts. Thank you again for all you did. I have shared the contact information of SAGE with the central office of Emory University in case ever such assistance is needed. Best regards – Anita, Emory University School of Law
Read more Venice client testimonials

Multiple Cities

I’m very late in coming to sincerely thank you for all your hard work in helping us
to have an absolutely fabulous time in London and Rome!
Read more Multiple Cities client testimonials

Shore Excursions

We have now returned from an absolutely amazing trip – largely due to the excellent arrangements made by Sage Traveling!… All in all, I have been recommending your services to everyone who might need them. You made our holiday to be stress-free and highly enjoyable as well as being fascinating and exciting with the outstanding guides you provided. A heartfelt thank you for a holiday of a lifetime! – Nadene, Mobility Scooter User
Read more Shore Excursion client testimonials

Travel Insurance

I wanted to say thanks. The insurance company was very easy to work with over my claim. They paid everything with no hassle. It was particularly gratifying because my boss travels a lot and she kept telling me that the insurance would find some way to reject the claim (she had hers rejected by a different company when her flight to the Galapagos got delayed due to weather) – Tad
Read more travel insurance client testimonials

Group Travel

Danielle, Thanks so much for doing a fabulous job in planning and executing the trip. I think everyone had a great time being with one another and seeing all of the sights. I know we would do it again in a heartbeat. The food was good and the company was good. Thanks also to Jim for his great addition to the group. We could not have done without him.

Please keep in touch! – Beverly Kelly, Baltic Cruise 2014
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Contact Us for a reliable accessible vacation!

Sage Traveling works to ensure that you have the most enjoyable and memorable vacation possible. We do this by focusing on reliability, convenience, and exclusive accessible experiences. We have extensive knowledge of destination accessibility and extensive experience in trip planning, and consequently we are able to guarantee our services.

Our guaranteed-accessible services
allow you to travel with peace of mind!

Guaranteed Accessible Accommodation

Sage Traveling guarantees your accessible accommodation. Unlike hotel search engine websites that rely on self-identification for accessibility features (30-50% of which are incorrectly reported), we have personally inspected accessibility at hotels across Europe. Consequently we understand the accessibility inside the hotel and the accessibility of the surrounding neighborhood.

We have received extensive feedback from previous disabled clients about their hotel stay, and we use that feedback to continually update our list of preferred hotels.

If a problem arises like unexpected construction making the hotel not accessible, we will work with our extensive list of hotels to find you an appropriate substitute.

Guaranteed Step-Free Accessible Tour Routes

We guarantee that your tour route has been designed to be step-free. If you have special requests to the tour itinerary that modifies the route, please ask your guide about the impact on tour route accessibility.

Guaranteed Truly Accessible Vehicles

We guarantee that you will travel in a vehicle with a wheelchair lift or a wheelchair ramp if you request an accessible vehicle.

Guaranteed Timeliness

After you have made your final reservation decisions, we guarantee that we will provide you the final itinerary in a timely manner. This is usually within one month, subject to availability of suppliers, responsiveness of suppliers, and booking restrictions on train tickets.

Guaranteed Accessible Travel Advice

We guarantee that we will provide you more accessibility information than you can get from any other source. While we understand that accessibility can change at a moment’s notice (for example, scaffolding blocking a sidewalk), we make a significant effort to provide our clients more accurate accessibility information than they can get anywhere else. This advice is invaluable in helping you avoid problems that could potentially ruin your vacation!

Guaranteed Travel Protection

We guarantee that we will offer Travel Insurance to all of our clients who book our full trip planning service. The Travel Insurance that we offer protects disabled travelers in case of medical emergency, trip cancellation, or trip interruption. * Subject to availability in your country of residence

Guaranteed Emergency Support

Clients who book our full trip planning services receive access to our 7 days-a-week Emergency Support phone number to use while they are traveling. We have experienced staff working seven days a week to fix the accessibility problems that may arise during your trip. Our team of experts has your back enabling you to travel worry-free!

Not now, but send me Accessible Travel Tips

Your website is correct, true and a very comprehensive and helpful guide.

In closing may thank you again and humbly suggest that you may consider opening up an office in England as there are many English travelers who would benefit from your knowledge and experience. To my extensive travel knowledge there is nothing else like it anywhere. A superb holiday.

Should you ever require me to give a reference on behalf of your Company to some other “doubting Thomas” please get in touch.

I wish you and your staff a wonderful future. I remain your happy traveller.

– Paul & Diana Greenwood

++++++++++

Our boat tour was highly enjoyable! The staff knows how to make everyone happy, the food was very good, and the scenery was quite interesting. Excellent value for money spent.

– Claude Meares, manual wheelchair user

++++++++++

You booked a driving tour and a river boat tour for us in Paris. We liked the driving tour a lot. I think the guide’s name was Raphael. He was very nice and incredibly knowledgeable.

We both have visited Paris before and lived there years ago as students, but he knew things about Paris, the monuments and buildings of which we had no idea.

The car used is a London taxi – very roomy and comfortable and with big windows so you see well. We covered the itinerary we wanted with some add-ons and after the tour he drove us to a restaurant for lunch.

You can see a lot by riding around in taxis but the driving tour is far better as he stops periodically so you can really look around. Expensive but highly worthwhile.

We also enjoyed the boat tour. It was fully accessible and the helpful staff let us board early. We highly recommend it as you see many of the best sites without effort from a unique perspective..

Overall – we were very pleased with the arrangements you made for us. Thank you very much for all you did for us and we will keep you in mind for the future.

Chris
Walker/manual wheelchair user
California, USA

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Emily’s purse was stolen with our passports and credit cards in Delft so we had to rejuggle our travel plans and return to Amsterdam to get new passports, and then our return flight from Paris was cancelled due to the Air France strike. Our advice: get travel insurance (they really helped out when the flight was cancelled), take copies of passport front pages and the contact info for banks with you and as much as possible don’t carry either your passport or all your credit cards with you (leave the passports and at least one card in a hotel safe). Also, we had a cell phone with us for the first time on this trip – what a godsend!

Chris
Walker/manual wheelchair user
California, USA

+++++++++

-Tad

View All Client Feedback

A quick note to let you know our tour guide in Barcelona was wonderful. She was there dead on the dot and was extremely helpful.

-Grant, Manual WC user, New Zealand

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"We could go on and on but this was the best trip that we could ask for. Our next trip will definitely be through you..."Read More...

"The Paris Accessibility Guide is the most valuable travel document I have ever encountered…"Read More...

"We had a splendid time in Europe, thanks to all your planning. We remarked again and again how difficult it would have been without your planning! Thanks again for the wonderful trip!"Read More...

"I wanted to let you and Mr. Sage know that we loved our accessible private tour of the Vatican…"Read More...

"Let me thank all you guys at Sage Traveling. I got my scooter in Berlin. It was a brand new Orion…"Read More...

"I am a wheelchair user and have just returned with my husband from a cruise which started in Istanbul and ended in Venice. The information you provided on both these cities was absolutely invaluable…"Read More...

"The hotel you recommended was very centrally located and within convenient walking distance to the Louvre and Notre Dame. We even walked to the Latin quarter and to the boat tour! Thank you again for making our trip a wonderful and manageable experience…"Read More...

"I just wanted to thank you for an excellent experience in Paris. The wheelchair was delivered exactly on time and we’ve been everywhere with it over the last two days…"Read More...

"We will certainly recommend your services to others and use you again in the future…"Read More...

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The Highlights of Roatan Accessible Private Driving Tour includes:

Tour Details

Tour Details:

What Makes Our Packages Fully-Accessible?

What is Included?

What Are Our Clients Saying?

Benefit #1 – Cruise Discounts and Promotions

Benefit #2 – Emergency Support for Accessibility Challenges

Benefit #3 – Pre-trip Consultation about Destination Accessibility

Q: What accessibility obstacles will I encounter on a European cruise vacation?

Q: How does Sage Traveling help me choose the best cruise itinerary?

Q: How does Sage Traveling save me time planning my cruise?

Q: How does Sage Traveling save me money on my cruise?

Q: What if I have questions about my trip?

Benefit #4 – Pre-cruise Hotel Recommendations based on First-hand Accessibility Inspections

Q: What is included in the Sage Traveling pre-cruise accessible city visit packages?

Benefit #5 – Discounts on Accessible Shore Excursions

Q: How does Sage Traveling provide me better accessible shore excursion experiences?

Benefit #6 – Sage Accessibility Guides for your Ports of Call

Q: In which ports are Sage Accessibility Guides available?

Q: How much do your services cost?

10 steps to plan a memorable accessible vacation

Did You Know?

Don’t delay! Contact Us to start planning today!

Amsterdam

Barcelona

Berlin

Bruges

Edinburgh

Florence

Istanbul

Italy Travel Packages

London

Paris

Rome

St.Petersburg

Venice

Multiple Cities

Shore Excursions

Travel Insurance

Group Travel

Guaranteed Accessible Accommodation

Guaranteed Step-Free Accessible Tour Routes

Guaranteed Truly Accessible Vehicles

Guaranteed Timeliness

Guaranteed Accessible Travel Advice

Guaranteed Travel Protection

Guaranteed Emergency Support

Don’t delay!
Contact Us to start planning today!