The description of a 10-day Italy tour which includes Venice, Florence, and Rome states, "This is one of our most active tours! Most days are strenuously paced with 2–8 miles of walking, including hilly terrain and lots of stairs". We are very interested in this tour. However, my husband is very concerned about the stress level on his hips while going up on stairs. I will appreciate much any advice on the intensity of walking, mostly related to walks including stairs climbing. Is it possible for a person to skip a part of walking and join the group later on at a further point? Thanks in advance! P.S. Walking on a flat surface is not a problem, even for long hours. The concern is only longer walking upstairs.
Posted by
SE Pennsylvania
2482 posts
I assume you are referring to this Rick Steves tour?
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy/venice-florence-rome
It's pretty difficult to avoid stairs, cobblestones, and other uneven surfaces in these old cities. Yes, you can always opt out of parts of the tour, if you think that will help.
Posted by
872 posts
Visit on your own, choosing flat areas at your own pace.
Posted by
Sidney, BC, Canada
897 posts
Venice is flat apart from the many stepped bridges, most of which are manageable. I have bad knees and found Rome quite easy, especially discovering the elevator at the Colosseum and at the Spanish Steps. The staircases at some of the galleries can be problematic, but there are usually elevators.
I had to skip a couple of walks on the village Italy tour and on the Southern Italy tour. I just talked to the guide and met up with the group later on.
Might be useful to talk to the RS office…sometimes it can be a bit of a hike to hotels from where the bus drops you and you will have to haul luggage.
Posted by
Charleston & Birmingham
4442 posts
RS Tours also do not guarantee an elevator in hotels.
Posted by
USA
6 posts
I can relate to your concerns as I have similar issues. To alleviate, I've purchased some very good walking shoes (Hoka sandals and trainers) that are wider at the base to give maximum surface to surface coverage (so I don't fall). They are really shock absorbent and I'm counting on them to give good cushion for my knees and hips. Additionally, I'm bringing along my trusty walking stick which also helps with stairs. I have one stick I've used for years and I see others walking with two sticks. I've heard the dual sticks are amazing and well worth the expense. I believe they are collapse-able and would fit into your suitcase nicely. Last but not least, start walking and conditioning now if you can and drink lots of water. Hope you enjoy and maybe we'll see you on the trail!
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks a lot to everyone for your thoughtful responses to my question!