Wheelchair Accessible Europe: Burgundy, Perigord, Dordogne, France, Milan, Venice, Ravenna, Bologna, Italy, Madrid, Amsterdam

GLOBAL ACCESS NEWS TRAVEL E-ZINE

VOLUME VIII, NUMBER 8, August 2007

http://www.globalaccessnews.com/

Please note: Any Internet links mentioned in this e-zine were verified as functioning as of the date listed at the top. Web sites and e-mail addresses, however, change frequently, so changes may have occurred after that date.

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Welcome to the August 2007 issue of the Global Access News Travel E-Zine. This month we have an excellent array of new European access reports that will inform and entertain disabled travelers.

This issue, Howard and Michele Chabner shared another delightful journey to France. This trip, they visited Burgundy and the Perigord (Dordogne) regions and capped off their fascinating road trip with another Parisian stay.

Mark and Margaret Edwards sent in a treasure trove of access insights this month. Come along as they tour the museums and art venues of Madrid, the canals of both Amsterdam and Venice, the early Christian art of Ravenna, the timeless art and architecture of Milan and the many historical sights of Italy’s culinary capital, Bologna.

Syd and June Burns also shared their holiday fun cruise aboard an accessible ship to Amsterdam for a weekend.

We also received news regarding accessible accommodations in Cape Town, South Africa and Argentina, as well as new access guides focusing on San Francisco and Colorado, along with on-line guides to Portugal.

As always, thanks to everyone for taking the time to write us and share your travel experiences, tips and links.

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CONTENTS

1. ACCESSIBLE PORTUGAL

2. ACCESS ANYTHING: COLORADO GUIDE

3. SOUTH AFRICA: MNANDI LODGE

4. CABAÑAS SOL Y PAZ ACCESIBLES-BARILOCHE-ARGENTINA

5. AFRICAN INPUT NEEDED

6. NEW SAN FRANCISCO ACCESS GUIDE

7. FRANCE: BURGUNDY & PERIGORD (DORDOGNE)

8. AMSTERDAM
9. MADRID MUSINGS BY WHEELCHAIR

10. MILAN, ITALY
11. VENICE, ITALY

12. RAVENNA, ITALY
13. BOLOGNA, ITALY
14. AMSTERDAM WEEKEND 2007

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1. ACCESSIBLE PORTUGAL

Luís Varela sent us information on their new web site, Accessible Portugal. Varela, a Lisbon, Portugal tour operator, promotes accessible tourism and provides holiday packages and assistance for clients seeking accessible accommodations, restaurants and transportation. To find out more about their accessible tours and services, write info@accessibleportugal.com or call Joana Prates (+351 91 773 11 02) or Luís Varela (+351 91 919 56 80). Or visit http://www.accessibleportugal.com

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2. ACCESS ANYTHING: COLORADO

Andrea Jehn Kennedy, Director of Operations at Colorado’s Access Anything, wanted our readers to know about her two new guidebooks: Access Anything Colorado, Adventuring with Disabilities and Access Anything: I Can Do That!

Access Anything Colorado is a comprehensive guide to all that western state provides and Access Anything: I Can Do That! is a how-to guide for disabled travelers, adventurers, and sports fans. It addresses the world of adaptive sports and recreation for disabled people.

Learn more about all that Access Anything has to offer at http://www.accessanything.net/

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3. SOUTH AFRICA: CAPE TOWN’S MNANDI LODGE

Ferruccio and Jean, of Cape Town, South Africa’s Mnandi Lodge, announced the availability of their lodge that provides one wheelchair friendly room. The lodge, just 300 meters from the Atlantic beach, is four blocks from the Table View restaurant and entertainment.

Ferruccio and Jean write: The property is accessed from the left driveway, through the level gate, on to a paved walkway. Our "King # 4" room is at the end of the paved walkway. All doors are level and of standard width (90 cm), with enough turning space on the inside. The shower is also level. It has a double door, folding seat, hand-rail and a removable/adjustable telephone head. The basin is wall-hung at a convenient height. There is a hand-rail next to the toilet and plenty of turning space.

The external and internal dining/lounge/bar areas are all on the same level and accessed by a paved ramp. The rooms overlook a solar-heated pool. Amenities include air conditioning, TV, heated towel rails, wall-mounted hair dryers and safes. Customized gourmet breakfasts, high-speed internet access and laundry services are also available. They also offer car hire, airport or city transfers and personalized guided tours of the city.

View photos depicting the accessible room and bathroom on our Accessible Accommodations page at http://www.globalaccessnews.com/mnandi_lodge1.htm

To learn more, write Ferruccio andJean at info@mnandilodge.co.za

Or visit their web site at www.mnandilodge.co.za

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4. CABAÑAS SOL Y PAZ ACCESIBLES-BARILOCHE-ARGENTINA

Thanks to Gordon Rattray, operator of Able Travel, http:/ www.able-travel.com/

for notifying us of the availability of six adapted log cabins for people with limited mobility in Bariloche, Argentina. Learn more at http://www.solypazbariloche.com.ar/

Proyecto Rotae is working with this business to offer activities, excursions, transport and a team of doctors. For more information, visit www.proyectorotae.com.ar

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5. AFRICAN INPUT NEEDED

Gordon Rattray, is now writing a travel guidebook, “African Safaris for People with Limited Mobility.” He invites any disabled travelers to Africa to share their experiences. Contact Rattray at gordon@able-travel.com

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6. NEW SAN FRANCISCO ACCESS GUIDE

Bonnie Lewkowicz sent word that the newly updated fourth edition of the San Francisco Access Guide is now available from the San Francisco Convention and Visitors Bureau (SFCVB). Access Northern California (ANC) compiled this free resource that provides access information on over 100 San Francisco-area attractions, restaurants and hotels; as well as information on accessible transportation, local disability organizations, wheelchair rentals and medical supply dealers. To receive your copy, call SFCVB at (415) 391-2000 or (415) 392-0328 TTY. Large print and audio versions of the guide are available in August. Updated access information is also available at www.AccessNCA.com

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7. FRANCE: BURGUNDY & PERIGORD (DORDOGNE)

Howard and Michele Chabner, of San Francisco, CA, toured the Burgundy and Perigord (Dordogne) regions of France, before capping off their trip with another Parisian visit. They stayed in an accessible 12th century abbey, visited picturesque villages, ancient monastic sites, and sculpted gardens. Along the way, they also sampled fine wine, gourmet dining and some of France’s most scenic terrain.

http://www.globalaccessnews.com/burgundyperigordchabner07.htm

If France is on your itinerary, don’t miss Howard & Michele’s 2007 Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle Survey at http://www.globalaccessnews.com/accessible_vehicle_Chabner07.htm

Or their 2007 Paris Hotel Survey at

http://www.globalaccessnews.com/parishotelsurvey07.htm

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8. AMSTERDAM

Mark and Margaret Edwards, of the United Kingdom, share their Amsterdam holiday. In the city of canals, they coped with cobblestones, dodged cyclists, enjoyed cozy restaurants and toured some of the city's top venues, including the Van Gogh Museum, the Rijksmuseum and the Rembrandthuis. http://www.globalaccessnews.com/amsterdam07edwards.htm

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9. MADRID MUSINGS BY WHEELCHAIR

Mark & Margaret Edwards, of the United Kingdom, took on Madrid, Spain, where they quickly found that their extensive trip planning paid off. Come along as they visit the Prado, Palacio de Liria, Teatro Real, El Escorial, Palacio de Liria, Museo Thyssen and so much more.

http://www.globalaccessnews.com/madrid_edwards07.htm

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10. MILAN

During their holiday in Milan, Italy, Mark and Margaret Edwards viewed the “Last Supper,” tracked down lifts to the top of the Duomo and toured a series of world-class museums, galleries, churches, castles and gardens.

http://www.globalaccessnews.com/Milan%2006%20Edwards.htm

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11. VENICE

While this city of water does not fully embrace wheelchair travelers, Mark and Margaret Edwards remained undeterred in their quest to navigate its many bridges and buildings. They did their research, then focused on accessing such historical; venues such as St. Marks, the Doges Palace, the Academia and many other attractions.

http://www.globalaccessnews.com/venice06edwards.htm

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12. RAVENNA, ITALY

Ravenna, Italy is world famous for their early Christian art, Byzantine architecture and one-of-a-kind mosaics that date from the 6th century. Travel with Mark and Margaret Edwards as they experience this city so rich in history, medieval art and icons. http://www.globalaccessnews.com/ravenna07.htm

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13. BOLOGNA, ITALY

During a recent trip to Bologna, Italy, Mark and Margaret Edwards delighted in how easy the city was to navigate. While there, they discovered access to a variety of historical venues and enjoyed the range of frescoes and artifacts on view in the many museums, galleries and churches.

http://www.globalaccessnews.com/Bologna%20Edwards%2007.htm

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14. AMSTERDAM WEEKEND 2007

Syd and June Burns, of Penrith, England, booked an accessible room aboard the King of Scandinavia cruise ship to Amsterdam to celebrate their son’s birthday. Come along as they bump the cobblestones of the city, sample street food and ferret out accessible bathrooms.
http://www.globalaccessnews.com/amsterdam_burns07.htm

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Global Access News welcomes your travel reports, tips and comments at clearpath@cox.net Thanks for sharing!

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