Disabled Traveler – Trip Report: Lake Maggiore and Tuscany
By Holidays in Europe / October 9, 2025 / No Comments / Visiting Italy
Exploring Italy with Accessibility in Mind: A Traveler’s Journey through Lake Maggiore and Tuscany
Traveling as a person with a disability presents unique challenges, but with careful planning and the right accommodations, exploring iconic destinations like Italy can be both rewarding and enjoyable. Over a 12-day trip spanning Lake Maggiore and Tuscany, I experienced firsthand how accessible travel is achievable with thoughtful arrangements. Here, I share my journey, insights, and practical tips to help fellow travelers with mobility needs navigate Italy’s beautiful regions confidently.
Journey Overview
Our trip included five nights in Stresa on Lake Maggiore and seven nights in a charming villa in Altopascio, Tuscany. I am grateful to the supportive community and resources that helped me plan this adventure, ensuring that accessibility considerations were prioritized throughout.
Staying at Lake Maggiore: Unraveling the Charm of Stresa
Accommodation and Transport
We stayed at Hotel La Palma in Stresa, which proved to be an excellent base for accessible travel. Renting a car was essential, allowing us flexibility with our itinerary. Roads around Stresa, particularly the switchbacks leading to the lake, can be narrow and steep, but taking it slow ensured safe navigation. Stresa is notably friendly for ambulatory wheelchair users, making it a stress-free experience.
Daily Activities
Mornings often began with a scenic run along the lakeshore while my husband conducted physical therapy sessions at the hotel. Our evenings featured relaxed dinners, opting for the hotel’s half-board plan, which simplified logistics and allowed us to enjoy local cuisine without concerns about transportation.
Leisure and Excursions
On our first full day, we explored Stresa at a leisurely pace—lunching at Pappagallos (noting there is a single step at the entrance), lounging at the hotel pool, and sipping aperitivo from the rooftop bar with stunning lake views.
Lake and Island Tours
A highlight was taking the ferry across Lake Maggiore. We arrived early to be among the first to board, and the ferries accommodated my wheelchair comfortably. For convenience, I folded my wheelchair and walked off the vessel, which simplified boarding and disembarking procedures. While we didn’t disembark on the Borromean Islands, I believe accessible options exist to explore Isola dei Pescatori and enjoy waterfront dining. We also visited Verbania-Intra, adding another scenic stop to our itinerary.