Gibraltar - Eclipse - May

[Tel1234]

The ship docks for the afternoon and if at all possible we would like to see something of the area. However my husband has MS and can only walk a limited amount, he is taking a mobility scooter but none of the tours seem to be suitable for him.

Does anyone know if the port would be suitable for a scooter - is there anything to see? Have considered hiring a cab for a couple of hours? Anything info would be welcome.

Thanks in advance.

[John Bull]

It's always difficult to advise regarding disabilities without knowing or seeing the person.

But on a land-based visit to Gib we shared a van tour of the Upper Rock with a severely physically & mentally disabled Dutch guy. Way way more handicapped than your hubby. He couldn't even stand, had a wheellchair & he had to be physically lifted in & out of the front seat. Driver was very good to him. Some sharers might have considered that extent of handicap an imposition, but we're easy-going & had no time constraints.

It was a standard Upper Rock tour, which a high proportion of cruisers & other visitors take, costing about 25 euros pp including admissions, & taking toward 2 hours.

All the standard Upper Rock tours follow broadly the same format, including ship's excursion so you can get a idea from their offerings:

Drive up the Rock, photo-stop on the way up,with views over the straits & Morocco.

On to a 20 minute stop at St Michael's cave. Hubby won't manage the cave, but super views if he waits with the vehicle.

On to the apes den, about a 20 minute stop. If hubby can't easily get out of the vehicle, no worries - the apes climb onto the vehicles. Great views from here too, though only to the west if from the vehicle.

On to the Great Siege tunnel, about a 20 minute stop. Doubtful hubby can go in, or at least very far in, cos although the surface is pretty smooth it's quite a slope.

Then back down the Rock past the entrance to the WW2 tunnels & the little Moorish castle. You can be taken back to the ship, but most folk get dropped at Casemates Square for a beer or a snack, & then wander the shops & minor sights of Main Street before walking (too far for scooter or wheelchair) or taxi back to the ship. The main part of town is flat & surfaces pretty decent.

After dropping any sharers, you could ask the driver to take you (at extra cost) on a circular tour of the base of the Rock, with a stop at Europa Point & mebbe somewhere along the Mediterranean side. About 20 to 30 mins including stops.

 

As long as the taxi master/driver are made aware, I don't see any problem in taking a shared standard Upper Rock tour with a fold-up wheelchair.

The big problem - and probably a no-no for a standard on-spec tour - would be a scooter, because of the size & weight.

If a fold-up wheelchair or no chair at all are not options, I'm sure a private tour with scooter can be pre-booked in a suitable van. Perhaps get quotes for Upper Rock only or Rock + circular tour.

Gib is well worth the effort.

 

JB :)

[GloriaF]

Great suggestions and detail, John Bull. We've been to Gib a number of times, but always find something new to do and see. We spent more than an hour in the cemetery last visit.

 

Tel1234 -- It is definitely worth the effort to tour Gibraltar, and I hope you and your husband decide to go.