Wheelchair Accessible Paris Taxis, Rome, Italy, South Africa

GLOBAL ACCESS NEWS TRAVEL E-ZINE
VOLUME V, NUMBER 12, December 2004
Copyright © 2003, Global Access News
http://www.globalaccessnews.com/

Please note: Any Internet links mentioned in this E-Zine were verified as functioning as of the date on this E-Zine. Websites and e-mail addresses, however, change frequently, so changes may have occurred after that date.

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Welcome to the December 2004 issue of the Global Access News Travel E-Zine. Thanks to everyone this month (and throughout 2004) for taking the time to write us and share your travel tips and experiences.

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CONTENTS

1. ACCESSIBLE PARIS TAXI VANS
2. ROME GUIDED TOUR
3. FLORIDA RENTAL
4. ITALY: ACCESSIBLE ITINERARIES
5. WORLD ON WHEELZ OPENS TRAVEL SERVICE
6. SOUTH AFRICA: WHEELCHAIR SAFARI
7. NEW SOUTH AFRICA TOUR GROUP

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1. ACCESSIBLE PARIS TAXI VANS

In a recent access breakthrough for both disabled visitors and residents alike, G7, a private Paris company, recently opened an accessible taxi van service. Howard C., of San Francisco, sent Global Access a November 17, 2004 New York Times article by Helene Fouquet that describes the new service.

According to the article, G7 currently has 30 accessible vans available and plans to expand that number to 50 vans by year’s end and eventually 100 vans by 2006. The G7 vans feature either a retractable ramp for wheelchair users or a rotating front seat.

The vans operate from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and the 2-euro fare (about $2.50 US), plus .62 euro per kilometer (.75 US) rates match those of regular taxis. There are also surcharges of $1.30 for night use, as well as $6.50 for airport or train station service, and $1.10 per bag.

G7 provides a 24-hour reservations number at (33-1) 47.39.00.91 and a website in French at www.taxisg7.fr

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2. ROME GUIDED TOUR

See the Eternal City through the eyes of a Secret Walks tour guide in Rome, Italy. The company offers 30 tours of the city in English, including one for disabled travelers. Most tours cost $10 to $12 (12 -15 euro) and last about two-and-a-half hours.
To learn more, call Secret Walks (Viale Medaglie d'Oro) at 06-397-28728.

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3. FLORIDA RENTAL

Kurt, of Gulf Coast Management, sent in some additional information on his Florida rental home described in our November ’04 Travel E-Zine.

Kurt writes: “The location of the home is Tee View Court, Rotonda West, FL 33947. Mapquest can be used for a mapping source. The weekly rate total is $1620. There are discounts for longer stays. Sometimes there are last-minute deals if the home is vacant. Most of the time, the pool is solar heated. There is a heat pump option for the pool and Jacuzzi spa, and the cost is $150 per week. Longer stays will have to be arranged.

The home is in a quiet area backing up to a nice fresh water lake. Beaches are within a 15-20 minute drive. The 4-bedroom home comes fully stocked with towels and linens, kitchen utensils and dishes. The two master bedrooms come with a queen bed and their own bath. Bedroom 3 has a full/double bed, and bedroom 4 has two twins and both share a full bath. The fifth bedroom is a sleep sofa and uses the 4th bath, which is shared with the pool area. The 4th bath has a wheel-in shower area with a rolling waterproof chair provided.

The pool is protected with a removable baby guard fence if little ones are running about. The pool has a water-powered lift chair easily connected by a garden hose.”

The following website offers information on that Gulf Coast area with a link to the Englewood/Cape Haze Chamber of Commerce. www.visitenglewood.com

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4. ITALY: ACCESSIBLE ITINERARIES

Patrizia Barassi, of Avi Events in Milan, Italy, wrote to share the news about her company’s many accessible itineraries.

Barassi writes:

AVI Events is pleased to propose some suggestions for an unforgettable and accessible travel in Italy in a double formula, whether you fancy a cultural itinerary through its amazing artistic beauty, or you wish a pleasant stay where you can appreciate the attractiveness of an uncontaminated an relaxing nature or a full immersion in sport activities in the beautiful Italian surroundings. The itineraries are flexible and adjustable to the clients’ needs.

DISCOVERING UMBRIA

Identified as the ‘Green Heart of Italy’ Umbria is still unknown to many travellers and therefore it has remained relatively unspoiled and expresses, today, the very essence of the Italian culture and history. It is worth visiting this marvellous and peaceful region, which offers a gorgeous natural environment for a quiet holiday, as well as medieval art and architecture, and many sites of religious and historical interest.

The programme is organised for you from our team of experts, who tested the accessibility of each path, each cultural site or sport facility. One escort will accompany you through most of your trips, providing you with assistance and some artistic or cultural insights.

We have two 3-star accessible hotels, modern structures provided with every comfort. One Hotel distances itself only few km from the principle cultural centres like Trevi, Spoleto, Assisi, Spello, Montefalco, Perugia, Orvieto, Bevagna Gubbio, Cascia, whereas the second one is immersed between sweet Umbrian hills in the Menotre River Valley, at an altitude of 500 metres. Surrounded by a blooming natural park crossed by a spring river, it is well connected with major historical cities, such as Foligno, Assisi, Perugia, Spello, Bevagna, Montefaleo, Spoleto, Cascia and Norcia.

On Leonardo’s Traces… how to discover Milan through the works of a genius

This journey plan will lead you into the works and life of the great Leonardo da Vinci. A tour designed for keen people, who want to know a bit more of the charming Renaissance period and his art. A Leonardo expert escort team will be at your complete disposal for full explanations and charming insights of this Italian genius. You will see paintings, drawings and projects in exhibitions, which are housed in the major and most famous areas and museum in the Milan region. A great chance to experience and enjoy one of the most important Italian cities, which has outclassed all the other European cities by its innate style and fashion trends.

GRADO: THE SUN’S ISLAND AND ITS LAGOON
Enjoy a holiday in a relaxing and gorgeous place in the north of Italy close to the borders of Slovenia. The island of Grado and its lagoon represents a geographic, artistic, historical and anthropological reality, an original and autonomous place in the region Friuli - Venezia Giulia and in the Province of Gorizia. Today, Grado has become an important beach resort with modern and well-equipped hotels overlooking the lagoon, which will assure you a pleasant stay and an unforgettable holiday.

We have an English speaking person at our disposal, who welcomes clients and will keep in touch with them during their stay. This person that can be contacted anytime by mobile phone, always at their disposal for their requests and needs and will drive them to the airport on departure. There are many possible excursions depending on the season, the weather and your own preferences, such as: a day trip to the city of Trieste or to the small towns of Aquileia and Palmanova, an exciting night excursion in the lagoon; or an excellent chance to listen to the night birds and to enjoy a moonlight dinner.

JESOLO: SUN AND LONG BEACHES
Jesolo is located on a sandy strip of land between the deltas of the Piave and Sile rivers on the Adriatic coast in the Veneto region of Italy and is only a few kilometres from Venice. With its 15 kilometers of fine beaches, Jesolo has one of Italy's longest sand seashores. This together with all the numerous entertainments offered will make a holiday here a relaxing and fun experience. The Lido is also famous for the Euro Beach Cup, the International Tennis Open for disabled people.

We have well-assorted options of 3 and 4-star hotels fully equipped for you and a wide range of sport activities you can easily practise. There is an association managed by two exceptional partners: Sandra Truccolo team gold medal in the Para Olympic games in Sydney in the year 2000 and Daniele Scarpa Olympic canoeist where you will have the opportunity to canoe and kayak with excursions organised in the sea, in the river or in the lagoon. In addition you might join the water moto, sailing or tennis lessons.

AN ACCESSIBLE JOURNEY IN THE HEART OF THE
ITALIAN NATIONAL PARK
A special holiday in the National Park of Abruzzo, Lazio and Molise, in the heart of Italy, which is the oldest and the biggest one on the Italian territory. Inhabited by bears, wolves, deer, and other different and particular species of animals, this national park is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Italy, an interesting archaeological site, and an important gastronomic centre. With its natural surroundings, its archaeological sites, and its culinary specialties the national park constitutes today an open window on the Italian culture, history and tradition.

The offer includes a comfortable stay in a modern and well-equipped residence, located in the natural and peaceful environment, two hours away from Rome.

A SAILING HOLIDAY IN THE CIRCEO NATIONAL PARK
Located 80km south of Rome, the Circeo National Park takes the name from Circe, the enchantress who bewitched Ulysses in Homer’s Odyssey. The legend tells that she should now lives in one of the forty-four caves accessible only via water. If you observe the promontory from the sea, it really looks like a magic island, especially in the warm summer mornings, when its peak is covered by amazing haze or when the wind brings a dense sea fog and it seams like Circe will soon appear. In this magical and natural environment, you can enjoy an enchanting holiday of relax and excitement.
Hosted in comfortable 4-star hotels with accessible beaches, you will have plenty of time to enjoy the peace of the Mediterranean Sea and the flavours of the Italian cuisine and wine. In addition, you may enjoy well-structured sailing lessons. The aim of this five days course is to allow people with disabilities to learn or re-experience the pleasure of the open sea.

Services

We plan and organise accessible itineraries for people with special needs, in which we pay particular attention to issues of security and comfort. We create custom made programs (accessible sport holidays, music, cultural and gourmet itineraries)
We offer a booking service for all accessible structures in Italy (i.e. hotels, residence, farm holidays). We book tickets for all accessible cultural events, organise the transport and mobility, provide a bi-lingual tourist guide and offer an Information centre for disabled travellers and an emergency help-line.

Patrizia Barassi
AVI EVENTS Via Vincenzo Monti, 26
20123 MILANO
Tel : +39 02 80 43 57
Fax : +39 02 3652 53 13
avievents@avitravel.com
http://www.avievents.it/english/accessible_travel.htm

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5. WORLD ON WHEELZ OPENS TRAVEL SERVICE

James Glasbergen, a C4 quadriplegic who excels in planning accessible trips, has teamed up with Frederick Travel to offer accessible vacations. They are now featuring accessible trips to five Canadian cities (Quebec City, Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Vancouver), as well as Hawaii and Curacao, but they can arrange accessible trips wherever people would like to go. Read more on Glasbergen’s website at www.worldonwheelz.com

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6. SOUTH AFRICA: WHEELCHAIR SAFARI

Earlier this year, Ian Popay traveled from his New Zealand home to visit South Africa for three weeks. Come along on his adventure as he tours that nation's game reserves and views wild animals in their native habitat. http://www.globalaccessnews.com/southafrica04.htm

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7. NEW SOUTH AFRICA TOUR GROUP

If Ian Popay’s South African adventure made you long to go on an accessible safari, consider this tour offered by Jennae and JJ Bezuidenhout, of South Africa. They wrote us to announce their accessible ecotourism tour packages along South Africa’s North East Coast.

Jennae and JJ write:

“A very special slice of Africa, Hluhluwe is situated along the Elephant Coast where 280 kms of pristine coastline forms part of the Greater St Lucia Wetland Park, a world heritage site. This area offers visitors some of the most diverse wildlife and outdoor experiences imaginable. The Elephant Coast is located in the largest ecotourism area of South Africa and is home to Big 5 Game Parks such as Umfolozi/Hluhluwe Game Park, the second largest game reserve in South Africa.

We offer packages to cater for every need including the following:

Airport transfers: For those who can drive and prefer to self-drive, we arrange hired vehicles that are suitably adjusted

Accommodation: A wide choice of accessible accommodation is available. All accommodation offers the ultimate in the African Bush experience.

Sightseeing and activities: Birding, trails, game drives to Big Five Game Parks, visits to a snake and crocodile farm, Zulu dancing, whale watching, deep sea fishing, historical sites and cultural visits.

Scuba diving and snorkeling: Lessons for those who are disabled and have special needs. (Our scuba diving instructor is highly qualified and will instruct on a one-on-one basis. Hluhluwe is close to Sodwana and is a renowned diving resort with beautiful beaches.

Carers: We offer full experienced nursing and support for those requiring assistance.

For further information please contact Jennae Bezuidenhout or Janet Cuthbertson at shisaplant@ballmail.co.za

PO BOX 159
HLUHLUWE 3960

Tel: (0027)35 5620 378
Cell: (0027)82 3562167

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7. SOUTH AFRICA: WHEELCHAIR SAFARI

Earlier this year, Ian Popay traveled from his New Zealand home to visit South Africa for three weeks. Come along on his adventure as he tours that nation's game reserves and views wild animals in their native habitat. http://www.globalaccessnews.com/safricapopay.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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