Rome 7 day, How much walking?

Read the description on the 7 day itinerary on the site, some days are labeled strenuous:
https://www.ricksteves.com/tours/italy/rome

I have heard some on the forum walk a lot more at home to get in shape before going on trip

We did that tour. We were approximately 58 and at least half the group, probably more, was older with varying fitness levels. Many of the days, we had about a half day to ourselves. If it weren't for the walks/exploring that my husband and I did on our own, I don't think I would have gotten my 10,000 steps in on some of the days. Ostia, Vatican and Coliseum/Forum days had a fair amount of walking. Some days, a person or two would opt out of the activity, for various reasons. Also, many days there were easy options for taking a break. For example, on the Ostia day, our guide gave us a tour that was at least 1 1/2 hours. Then we had free time. Quite a few of the group elected to go to the cafe and relax, while the rest of us did more exploring. People were very respectful of each other, offering encouragement or helping in any way. There was a gal, probably mid 70s or older and she was joined for the tour by a son and daughter.

People shared some of their limitations with the RS guide and he offered options, but nothing for the entire group was altered. For, example, I'm a bit claustophobic, I'm fine with some accommodations, like being the last or among the first people to enter the catacombs, stairs over elevators, etc.

Anywhere from six to eight miles per day.

Note that there is no bus that picks you up every day to take you to sights and brings you back. So everywhere you go, you are on foot or taking the metro or tram.

A lot. Rome is big.

I took this tour, I have a fit bit and a phone that counts steps. We did all the activities and did more sightseeing during free time. If you are looking at the walking required for the tour, only, it was no more than 5 miles a day, probably less. The hotel was about 4 blocks from the tram stop and about 5 blocks to the coliseum. We were given tram passes. When we went to the Borghese, we took a taxi. A charter bus picked us up to go to Ostia Antica.

Hi dz,

If you conclude the Rome tour would be too strenuous for your relative, you can always model and customize your own tour at your leisure using RS or other travel company itineraries as your guide.

Perhaps you could watch some current YouTube videos on Rome travel to get ideas.

If you would book your own tickets to attractions and museums, always check their official
website for current information, policies, and pricing.

Keep in mind:
Some of the larger restaurants on or adjacent to a major attraction will be geared for the tourist and probably more expensive. Maybe look for a little restaurant down a little alley street.

Rome city centre is very walkable.

Around every corner, you find a surprise.

You may want to look at a map of Rome. Determine what areas you wish to visit on each day to make the most of your time so you are not backtracking or zigzagging to sites.

For example: if you will visit the Vatican museums, you may be interested in visiting St. Peter's Basilica which I highly recommend.

(St. Peter's is like a breath of fresh air compared to the crowding in the Vatican. St Peter's has altars - some with benches where you could rest a bit; whether you light a candle, say a prayer, or sit and reflect for a while.

From there, if you wish, you could visit Castel Sant'Angelo which is only a few minutes from St. Peter's. You could stay in the neighborhood and find a little restaurant.

If you are tired, you could also take city center buses - either #64 or the express #40. Both buses travel to and from Termini Station.

Just make sure you pay attention to the stop you want. Find out where your particular stop is at.

The bus stops are announced in Italian.

For instance, if you want the next stop after via Nazionale, get ready once that stop is announced and people step off - move towards the door.

Depending on the attraction or site, a bus may leave you off along the route and you would have to walk a bit.

There are zoned areas buses and vehicles cannot enter.

No tickets are sold on buses; no money is accepted on buses. BIT (tickets) are sold in tabbachi shops, cafes ("coffee bars"), some gift shops, and some corner markets.

The BIT is sold for 1,50€ each. They do sell day passes, but you would really have to do the math to see if it is worth your paying the extra money.

The bus ticket is good for 100 minutes with a transfer. It is very important that you validate your ticket once you are on the bus. When I was in Rome a few times, Transit Inspectors were increasing their presence and frequency stopping buses at random and checking tickets and passes. You could be subject to a fine for an unvalidated ticket - unless the machine is broken of course.

The BIT is also good for one single Metro ride.

(I don't know if there has been an increase in the BIT in the last year or so.)

40 is the express bus with less frequent stops and a bit less crowding. You still want to be watchful and alert with your valuables.

Both buses "can be" intimidating but no worries. Keep all your valuables and your bag in front of you with your hand covering. Leave nothing of great value in Any pockets. If you do take #64 and it seems extremely crowded like to sardines, just wait for a few minutes and another one comes along.

edited

Another idea dzipio,

If you go on this tour with your relative, you don't "have to do" every single activity they have planned.

It would be nice to get your money's worth...but...

If something might be too strenuous, you can always opt out and plan something a little lighter and meet up with the group later on - of course, communicating with your guide is key.

Also, have your relative bring a cane. A cane is allowed because it is considered an assistive device. Walking sticks and walking poles are subjected to being checked on airlines and tourist attractions.

**Forgot to mention:
Keep in mind some hotels on an escorted tour may not always have the convenience of a lift. Even if they do, you may still have to walk up some stairs to get to that particular area.

I have not been on a RS tour, but I have found Rome to involve more walking than any other European city I've visited because the public transportation is not as convenient in Rome. Also, because it's so spread out, you can't easily go back to the hotel for a mid-day rest. It can also be quite warm in the summer.

Also, if you plan your own trip, there is a hotel down the steps from the Vatican Museums-it used to be the cheaper Alimandi but I think now it's called the Hotel Vatican(on Via Tunisi. We stay there every time we go to Rome, although on one trip we moved to a different hotel near the Colosseum for a few days. When our daughter was 15 mo old, we tag teamed staying with her at the hotel while others in our party toured the Museums.

I've only done one cruise and it was a Viking River Cruise. The walking was much less than for the RS tour we did for Rome. Have you thought of maybe doing a Viking ocean cruise that would include Rome?