Accessible holidays at Lake Garda Ray Carter writes We are both in our late sixties and would like to take a holiday around Lake Garda, staying for about 10 days on half board. However, while my wife can walk a little, she needs a wheelchair, and I am trying to ascertain how easy it would be for her to get around and between the resorts. I also want to know if we can explore the lake by boat. Is this a suitable area for us to visit? Anne Hanley, Italy expert, replies The lakes area of northern Italy is famously mountainous, but many of the towns scattered around the shores of Lake Garda are located mostly or partly on the level coastal strip, making them easy to navigate even for the less mobile. Salò is a bustling town on the lake's western shore with shops and restaurants lining an elegant lake front. Sirmione stands on an isthmus, its dramatic castle guarding the southernmost reaches of the lake. The whole town is flat, though it can be packed with visitors in high season. On the eastern shore, the town of Garda offers good shopping along the flat streets running down to the harbour, while Riva del Garda, right up in the north, brings you up against some very high mountains, viewable from its gorgeous, flat lake-front sweep. All the ferries and hydrofoils plying the lake have wheelchair access. Timetables are available online (navlaghi.it/eng/g-orari.asp). To explore beyond the usual well-trodden routes, contact Bee Boat Service (beeboatservice.com/people-with-mobility-impairments), which uses vessels fitted out for people with restricted mobility. About Anne Hanley Anne has lived in Italy for over 25 years.