Travels Across The Adriatic

I have just returned from a visit to Rovinj, Croatia, on the Adriatic Sea, just across from Venice, Italy. We quickly found that Veramar welcomes guests with any disabilities, and while there, we met many Europeans who were taking therapy with friends and family, who were along to enjoy it with them.

By Andrew Fisher

Veramar's visitors explore the back streets of Rovinj, Crotia. (Andrew Fisher)

By Andrew Fisher

The narrow alleys twisted toward the depths of the town, revealing glimpses of azure sea. As we wandered, I was struck by the human element -unique arched doors, brightly painted shutters, balconies adorned with vibrantly coloured flowers. Clean laundry strung out to dry from window to window. As we continued up cobblestone roads to the pinnacle of Rovinj, the view was breathtaking.

I have just returned from a visit to Rovinj, Croatia, on the Adriatic Sea, just across from Venice, Italy. I stayed at Veramar Health and Wellness Retreats at the Rovinj Orthopedic and Rehabilitation Center, which was established in l888, during the Austrian-Hungarian revolution, to continue the long-standing European tradition of health and wellness travel.

For the past 100 years, people have travelled to Rovinj for rest, relaxation, fitness and physical therapy. Europeans still visit annually for vacations and to maintain their health with the help of the centre's preventative health care. Veramar was founded and organized by a family-run Canadian company called Eternal Essentials.

I have always had a passion for travel and a desire to see Europe. Being a quadriplegic, I need daily attendant services, but I could not afford to hire help to travel with me. The trip to Veramar, however, offers 24-hour assistance in the overall cost, and thus I was able to experience a vacation and enjoy some Old World charm.

The group that I left Canada with consisted of two ambulatory seniors, two ladies with MS who used scooters, and myself, a male quadriplegic who uses an electric wheelchair. We quickly found that Veramar welcomes guests with any disabilities, and while there, we met many Europeans who were taking therapy with friends and family, who were along to enjoy it with them.

On the first morning, our group met with a medical specialist, who helped prioritize our health needs. My therapy consisted of breathing and strength exercises, massage and ultrasound directed at my tense shoulder muscles. My favourite activity was a daily swim in a pool filled with heated seawater. Even my ambulatory friends partook in these sessions.

Our routine included many types of physiotherapy and rehabilitation, namely kinesi therapy, hydrotherapy and electrotherapy with the use of natural factors (helio (light)-talasso therapy), as well as individual and group exercises and all types of massages.

Several side trips were offered. One, to Venice, was included in our initial cost. We also went to Pula, 40 kilometres south of the resort, to see the 2,000-year-old Roman amphitheater and other antiquities. After disembarking from the bus, we could only gasp at the magnitude of the amphitheatre. Reputed to be the sixth largest in the world and the best restored, it was majestic.

As we ventured farther into town, we found an ancient Roman forum, which sits in the old quarter's main square, and nearby, the temple of Augustus, built between 2 B.C. and l4 A.D., and one of the finest Roman temples outside Italy.

Also included in our costs was a full-day tour to Venice, which was less than two hours away by hydrofoil. Although it is difficult to see Venice in one day, we were very pleased that we had gone. We toured the Grand Canal to take in the amazing architecture; meandered through the winding streets to visit San Marco Square; and browsed among the many Venetian glass shops.

The water taxis were a thrilling experience, and those of us using mobility aids quickly learned that the secret to getting on and off was to anticipate the rise and fall of the choppy water and then move when the time was right. Both staff and passengers were cooperative and would even move to the side of the boat to provide balance. Although Venice was not particularly accessible, the friendliness and cooperation of the people made up for it.

The last outing our group took was to a nearby family-owned vineyard and restaurant overlooking the town of Motovun, which is perched on a conical hill. The narrow country roads with hairpin turns were probably driven by Motovun's native son, race-car driver Mario Andretti.

The owner and his family welcomed us warmly and assisted our party of six in arranging our chairs and scooters around the table. A traditional Croatian dinner of creamy pasta with rosemary and truffles, followed by tender lamb and veal and vegetables, was delicious. We also enjoyed the owner's exquisite, award-winning wines while we spooned dessert out of small wine pitchers, a unique local delicacy.

The Veramar experience is customized for each individual, and packages are priced accordingly. They include very clean and spacious accommodations, three delicious, home-cooked meals per day, three therapy sessions with experts per day, and a day trip to Venice. (Airfare is not included. Contact your travel agent, visit www.veramar.ca, or call Lydia at 905-477-6575, ext. 453, to inquire about trips currently offered.)

Despite differences in culture and language, our group enjoyed all aspects of this trip. The food at the resort was healthy and delicious. We were enchanted by Veramar's beautiful setting, and we enjoyed our interaction with the European guests and the pleasant staff.

This was an experience that I would like to repeat, and I highly recommend this destination for a vacation you will never forget.

Andrew Fisher is a writer who lives in Richmond Hill, Ontario. For more articles about accessible travel, please visit www.abilities.ca.