Looks like I "missed the boat," on a Rick Steves tour in Italy, since several of the days are marked "strenuous". I will be 70, and have aching but functioning knees. Is this a correct assessment?
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32325 posts
ricki,
You haven't necessarily missed the boat. Which tour were you considering?
While some days may be marked as "strenuous", you can always opt out of those activities and just do local touring on your own at a speed that's comfortable. Just be sure to tell the guide. You'd still be able to enjoy all the other activities on the tour.
Posted by
Placentia, CA
1067 posts
I took the 17 Day Best of Italy tour and I never walked so much in my life. That said, most of my walking was on my own outside of the group activity. There was a lot of walking in Assisi and in Rome. In Varenna there were a lot of steps to negotiate and Venice there was one day where we walked a lot but it was at a slow pace. There was one lady on our tour who recently had knee surgery and Rome gave her lots of pain. Looking back on the tour, I feel that there were plenty of opportunities to take it easy on your free time during the tour. I think you could deal with the aching knees if you were willing to opt out the group sightseeing in Rome for at least a portion of the day and opt out of a part of group sightseeing in a couple of other places. It is easy to return to the hotel on your own once you think you had enough of the group sightseeing.
If you are thinking of doing the 17 Day Best of Italy tour and want to send me a private message, I can go over with you the amount of walking we did each day as part of the group activity and maybe make some recommendations on what you could cut out to save your knees.
Posted by
Berkeley CA
1320 posts
I have some arthritis in my knees and feet but remain active and can walk at least 4 miles in a day, although not every day. My upcoming Best of the Adriatic will test this, of course, but I am prepared to opt out of some "forced marches" if necessary. (My characterization is tongue in cheek ... the other tours I have done are at a slower pace and spread out over a day.)
Your mileage (as it were ...) may vary, but I find that the judicious use of Aleve (or sometimes Advil) can help when necessary. Look closely at the various itineraries and see if one looks more doable for you than others.
I've been on a few tours where some folks opted out on some days and still seemed to having a wonderful time.
I hope you can make this work for you!
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thanks to all who replied, and for your information. I had not thought of most of what you suggested. It is all well considered and helpful. I won't be on a walking tour this year, but maybe next. This fall my son and I are taking a short Viking river cruise. My wife and I went two years ago, and it was great. Walking was probably minimal, and I was able to (slowly) get along!
Thank you!
Rick
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23562 posts
But you shouldn't be throwing the towel at 70 either. Come on, supposed to be the new 40. We are 75 and one knee really aches but got to keep moving it. There are exercises you can do to improve knee function but it does take some effort. We are headed to Machu Picchu in October with dire warnings about nearly everything. But have to do it before we get any older. Get on bike. One of the best exercises for aching knees according to our PT daughter-in-law. See a PT get a program in place and you will be fine.