Physical Activity Levels on Tour
What to expect …
While we don’t offer “adventure” or “walking” tours, walking is an essential element of our trips. The amount of walking varies, but you should be in relatively good health to enjoy our tours to the fullest. To help you assess whether a tour is right for you, you’ll find a Physical Activity Level rating from 1 to 5 on each of our tours, indicating the level of difficulty: Easy (1), Easy/Moderate (2), Moderate (3), Moderate/Challenging (4), Challenging (5). See below for full descriptions of each of these ratings.
In addition, near the top of every tour, you can click on the rating for a list of physical activity details specific to that tour, including high altitude, lengthy walks, early morning or late-night departures, and the like. We hope this information helps you to make an informed decision about traveling with us. If you have any questions or concerns about your ability to participate in a tour, please don’t hesitate to discuss them with one of our Travel Counselors.
Easy
Very little walking, up to 1-2 miles per day. Travelers should be able to climb some stairs without handrails; stand for extended periods of time; and walk during group activities. As these tours often include travel by motorcoach or private vehicle, travelers should be able to board transportation without assistance. Elevators are not always available at sights or all hotels.
Easy/Moderate
A fair amount of walking most days, from 1-3 miles per day. Touring days may include full-day motorcoach excursions or extended periods of standing and walking during city tours, museum visits, and/or outdoor activities. Travelers should be able to board transportation, walk over sometimes-uneven terrain including cobblestones, and climb a few flights of stairs, occasionally without handrails or assistance. Elevators are not always available at sights or all hotels.
Moderate
Consistent amount of walking most days, about 2-4 miles per day. These trips feature long touring days and may include travel via various modes of transportation. Travelers are expected to board transportation without assistance as well as stand and walk over uneven terrain including cobblestones for extended periods of time. Some tours may include activities and travel at higher altitudes. Elevators are not always available at sights or all hotels.
Moderate/Challenging
Substantial amount of walking most days, up to 4-6 miles per day and 1-3 miles of walking at one time. These trips feature long touring days and may include travel via various modes of transportation. Travelers are expected to board transportation without assistance as well as stand and walk over uneven terrain including cobblestones for extended periods of time. Some tours may include activities and travel at higher altitudes. Elevators are not always available at sights or all hotels.
Challenging
Significant amount of walking most days, up to 6-8 miles per day and 2-4 miles of walking at one time. Full days of touring may include demanding daily schedules of physical activities, such as hiking, kayaking, rafting, or bicycling. Travelers are expected to board transportation without assistance as well as stand and walk over uneven terrain including cobblestones for extended periods of time. Some tours may include activities and travel at higher altitudes. Elevators are not always available at sights or all hotels.
