I’m planning to visit Florence this year and I know I won’t be able to manage the distances. I have COPD and have to usually take my time and sit down and rest a lot. I do have a Rollator walker, but I still think it would be too much on me to try and use that in Florence. I’m looking for a place that I can rent a scooter for the length of my stay, and a company to provide a few accessible day tours while I’m there. I’d like this to be a very leisurely vacation, so I’d like some days to just explore things on my own, at my own pace. Do you have any suggestions.

I have to give you a gold star for your advance planning and assessment of the situation. It’s much better to plan for a scooter in advance, than to try and tough it our with your Rollator, and perhaps risk injury. I would suggest checking with the good folks at Accessible Italy (www.accessibleitaly.com). This San Marino based company can provide accessible tours, transfers and scooter rentals in Florence. They’ve been around for a long time, and they really know what they’re doing access-wise. Many travel agents in the US use these folks, but it’s always a good idea to deal directly with the supplier whenever possible. I know you’ll have a great time in Florence. It’s a beautiful city.