Although we were a bit nervous as this was our first International travel, we were beyond excited to be in Italy. Our adventure started with a black Mercedes picking us up at the airport, and then driving us past the Coliseum before getting to our beautiful hotel which had a light blue Vespa and a cute basket hanging off of it, outside in the front entry. After making it to our tiny room where we got an excellent night's sleep, we woke to our first European breakfast, expresso, croissants with Nutella, fruit, and a whole tray of meats and cheeses. We learned that this is a typical breakfast throughout Europe and therefore have started practicing it at our own home in California.

As nervous as we were the first time we went to Europe and used the rail system, it truly is the best system. First and foremost, they truly accommodate my physically challenged friends, from ramps, to elevators, to lifts helping you get into the train, to special seating. The one thing that is super important, on the other hand is you need to make arrangements prior to travel. They will even give you an attendant to help with wheelchairs and getting luggage to the train. This goes for all of Europe!

Another form of transportation that we used in Italy was the bus. We even took the bus to the Amalfi Coast around corners which was completely scary. I do not recommend the buses in Italy for people with mobility issues as rarely do people give up their seeds to the elderly, pregnant women, and even people who can barely stand for long periods of time. This actually happened to me in Amalfi. No one would give up their seat and I ended up standing and could barely hold on to anything.

Finally, there is the subway which is also a great option for transportation. The only thing with the subway system is that I suggest researching where they have elevators because not all stops have them. When we took the subway to see the Trevi Fountain, an elevator took me down to the subway, we took the subway to the Trevi Fountain stop, and when I got off, I noticed there were no elevators. SURPRISE! For the first time in my adult life, I was taking an escalator, with the help of my husband on one side of me and a very handsome Italian Gentleman on the other who took my arms, on the largest escalator, the steepest escalator I've ever seen in my entire life.

The only red flag I would throw at Italy is they are not very accessible when it comes to wheelchairs or other mobility devices. It is rare that I see a ramp on a curb, and the steps off of the curb are very deep, sometimes 12 in, and many of the streets are damaged and bumpy. I advise those with mobility issues to stay in the newer parts of town if Italy is your jam. All part of the adventure!