Planning our 2019 trips my boyfriend and me realized that we hadn't been to Italy for more than 10 years and that we both would like to revisit Rome. What a good opportunity to refresh dusty Italian language skills. A look on the map of Italy revealed: The city of Verona was a perfect stop in between Stuttgart and Rome.
Thanks to our positiv experience with the Austrian Federal Railways on our trip to Budapest we decided to take the train. The wheelchair space was in the comfortable first class coach and I enjoyed the late summer landscape to pass by the window. Another entertainment was a small child that annoyed the old lady next to us. The child was thrilled by running up and down the aisle screaming and the old lady could hardly keep her resentment to herself. We had to switch trains in Rosenheim and when we got off our seats the child asked his mother if he was allowed to ride my wheelchair aka 'monster truck'. Sad to say that this time our journey wouldn't go on as funny as that.
Vineyards, Alto Adige
At Rosenheim station nobody knew that we were coming. Luckily another mother and here child had booked the mobility service, too and the station staff was kind enough to help us. We had a short walk around the station before hopping on our next train through the Alps to Verona.
Brenner Pass was where our train came to an unexpected stop that lasted 90 minutes before we were told to get off the train. Another train in front of us had broken down. We should continue our journey with a local train. Nobody came to help us so we disembarked without help via the steep steps. Luckily another passenger came to help my boyfriend to get me down the steps safely.
Station, Brenner
When the local train pulled in the young Italian conductress was overchallenged and refused to take us with her at first. There was no lift for wheelchairs at the station and she was afraid that nobody could help us in Verona without booking the mobility service. After a short and verbal international dispute between the Austrian and Italian conducters I was finally lifted on board the train by a few passengers. In the end we arrived at Verona with a two hour delay.
We stayed at the ibis Verona. The location next to the fair right in the industrial area of Verona was not the most convenient one. There was a bus stop in walking distance, though. I guess the hotel was ok for our two night stay.
Accessible room, ibis Verona
After a more or less restful night we took a bus to the city center. Our first stop was the Torre dei Lamberti, an old tower that gives a good overview. Or at least it is said to do so. The guidebook promised a lift to the top of the tower, the lady at the entrance did not. Mi dispiace.
Torre dei Lamberti, Verona
Next we walked to the Casa di Giulietta, the house where Juliet, Romeo's unfulfilled love, used to live,...maybe. The place is paved with love message post-its and hashtags.
Casa di Giulietta, Verona
Down the street we found the Pasticceria Cordioli, a small Italian bakery. An epresso and sweet pastries on the go, a typical Italian breakfast. I appreciated that one of the employees was clever and turned a barstool into a small table for me in no time.
Veneziana senza burro, Pasticceria Cordioli
Verona's most famous sight is the Arena. This Roman amphitheatre is still in use today. It is internationally famous for the large-scale opera performances given there. Wheelchair users and carers don't have to pay an entrance fee.
Arena, Verona
Auditorium, Arena
Verona is a beautiful Italian city, but I was excited to go to another place for the afternoon. Lake Garda is only a short bus trip away.
Lake Garda, Peschiera
And of course there is Gardaland, Italy's biggest theme park. I knew I wouldn't be able to go on all the rides, but Gardaland is well-known for its impressive dark rides. Reason enough for a visit!
Information for Guests with Disabilities, Gardaland
To enter the theme park, guests with disabilites are allowed to use a separate entrance, away from all the masses.
Disabled entrance, Gardaland
First ride of the the day was the Flying Island which features beautiful views of the park as well as Lake Garda.
View from the Flying Island, Gardaland
For far more thrilled views we went on Space Vertigo next, a small but intense drop tower, that features a natural theming and scary surprise on the enclosed top: Loads of spiderwebs and huge spiders. I guess, this is a drop tower where lots of people look forward to the drop, to escape the spiders.
Space Vertigo, Gardaland
Our first dark ride was Ramses Il Risveglio. This is one of the largest interactive dark rides in the world, featuring a Continuous Loop Ride System which takes rides into a pharao's tomb. I didn't like the cross over with aliens, but I liked the special car for guests with a wheelchair.
Ramses Il Risveglio, Gardaland
I Corsari is another iconic dark ride. To get to the ride station, wheelchair users can take a lift. Here you board small boats and enter the dark world of the pirates. Not as good as the Disney version but still a reaon to visit Gardaland.
I Corsari, Gardaland
The only rollercoaster I was able to ride was Mammut. Ice age in Italy. Mh, ok..?!
We left the park to visit the small town of Peschiera before heading back to Verona. Our first ice cream on this Italy trip at La Cremeria was delicious.
Ice cream, La Cremeria
Back at the bus stop we waited for the bus to arrive, 5 mintues, 15 minutes, 30 minutes. After one and a half hours we decided to take a train back to the city. Luckily this one was accessible with a wheelchair.
Wheelchair accessible train, Verona station
Due to the unexpected delay it was dark when we arrived at the last highlight of the day. The Funicolaro di Castel San Pietro. This funicular works like a lift, you are allowed to operate it yourself.
Funicolaro di Castel San Pietro, Verona
A fun way to get to Verona's most romantic spot. Looking down on the city's lights from up here you know why Verona is called the city of love.
View from Castel San Pietro, Verona
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