Accessbility & Physic
Accessibility & Wheelchair Access Questions
Of the many things that go into planning a pilgrimage, physical demands are just
as important. Beyond the distance and locations, we understand that a pilgrims
with mobility limitations must consider the accessibility of their pilgrimage.
Whether you are accompanying a friend/family member, or researching for options
based on your own needs, we are happy to make as many provisions for you as
possible, so please read the information below in order to help us - help you!
The layout of the Roads, Shrines, and Churches on your
pilgrimage
Israel are based on
a myriad of old buildings, cobblestone roads, and split-levels/uneven surfaces
everywhere. Due to the structure of the old buildings, access to some
establishments may not be convenient for wheelchair use, will require the use
of stairs, or the facilities for the disabled in general may be limited. Many
streets are narrow, and due to strict traffic regulations, they are
"Pedestrian only" and the buses are not permitted.
We encourage all
pilgrims to be able to walk 3 - 4 miles per day, comfortably.
Walking each day is not done all at once, as it is broken up throughout the day
with Mass, and time on the bus driving from one site to another. However, you
will need to walk to/from the Churches/Sites/Museums, as well as the walking
that you will do while touring the sites from within.
Physicality (how committed to the wheelchair/walker the
pilgrim is)
Walker
If you have a
walker, or are not able to walk long distances at one time etc, rest assured
that you will still be able to join our pilgrimages, just let us know at the
time of registration so we can make note. Masses and visits to Museums are
confirmed for set times, with some sites closing during the day for cleaning,
so a pace must be kept. However, that pace is easily kept by most, and still
allows time to prayer and reflection. Also, while it is noted that you can
expect 2 - 3 miles of walking per day, that is not at one time! It is broken up
by being on the bus, Mass, breaks, etc.
Scooters
We would not
recommend bringing them on the pilgrimage. There is a set limit of space and
weight available underneath the bus for each pilgrims checked bag, and nowhere
on the bus to fit them. You would also incur additional costs from the Airlines
in order to ship it to/from your destination, along with charging the Scooter
etc. If you have additional questions, please feel free to contact our office
anytime.
Partial Use of
Wheelchair
Should you need a
wheelchair only sometimes, or just in case you feel tired, we can arrange for a
wheelchair to be placed on the bus, and available to you should you need it.
Just advise us of which options (below) will make your pilgrimage easier.
*We advise that someone travel with the client to help throughout the day,
as well as in the evenings at the Hotel.
Full Use Wheelchair
Should a wheelchair
be necessary at all times, we can arrange a Private Bus with a lift that will
make it easier for you to go on and off. Please be advised, these busses must
be rented, and require an additional expense to the pilgrim, which are often quite
costly.
Special Request Options
Private Cab Ride to Sites
Your guide will let
you know about the layout of the walk for each day, such as Hills or areas that
are not "Barrier Free". If you choose, we can arrange for a car to
pick you up, and drop you off as close as possible to sites (at the clients
expense.)
Hotels
In the Hotels, we
can arrange for you to stay in Handicap Accessible rooms where available. In
the event they are not available, we will inquire for rooms on the Main Floor,
or, near an elevator. (or on a Main Floor / Near an elevator.)
Flights
We can make requests
for Handicap seating, or, we can request for Bulk Head seating. We can also
arrange for Wheelchair Assistance from the moment you arrive at the Airport, to
your Terminal, or all the way to your seat.
*Note: while we will do everything we can to ensure your request for
specific seating
Sites
When it comes to the
layout and structure of these Holy sites (Monasteries, Churches, and
Basilicas), some of them are not "barrier free". For that reason, we
will advise you of the sites where there are no elevators,
These options all
depend on the physicality of the pilgrim, or how committed to the wheelchair
the pilgrim is. Should the wheelchair be necessary at all times, it would
require a special bus with a lift to carry you on and off - those busses must
be rented, and require an additional expense to the pilgrim, which are often
quite costly. When going to Qumran and the Dead Sea, they are split between
dirt and tar road, they also include uneven and long steep hills. For that
reason, Private transfers to the sites (with that bus) may be necessary for the
duration of your trip, and are at the clients expense.
In the event that a particular client requires more
assistance, or rely on the use of a wheelchair
We can suggest tour
companies whose pilgrimages are designed solely around the needs of the
pilgrims. They are more equipped to help, and special provisions are made
throughout. As a Group Pilgrimage - those arrangements are more affordable when
split amongst all those attending, rather than the sole individual. This will
also supply for a more comfortable pilgrimage.