Village Italy

The 'Village Italy' tour is fabulous. As the name says, it's primarily away from any large cities, so the pace and general feeling of the tour is less frenetic than, say, being in Rome or Florence with hordes of tourists. The Italian countryside is gorgeous and the visits in the various villages quite relaxing. A couple of the most strenuous parts might be the walk across the bridge to Civita di Bagnoregio because there's a bit of an uphill just before entering the village. And I recall being a little fatigued when we arrived in Orvieto and had to walk a bit with our suitcases to our hotel. But if you are reasonably fit, it should be OK. We also rode bikes together in Lucca, but you wouldn't have to do that, if you didn't feel comfortable. At one great hotel, which was more like a small resort, there were some stairs to get to some of the rooms, and the proprietor offered to help carry some of our luggage up for us. But that can't be counted on. Still, there was such fantastic camaraderie and bonding among the tour members on that tour that we all were quick to help one another where there was a need. I strongly encourage you to take the tour, if you can. It will yield long-lasting memories. Also, call the Tour Dept. and discuss any concerns with them.

(Contd) One more thing - the tour includes a stay in the Cinque Terre. There are very easy, short train connections between the 5 villages, so you wouldn't have to do any actual hiking, other than walking within the villages themselves. There are also boats between the villages, so you can see some from the water as well, if you want. The day in the CT was almost entirely free time, so you could pace yourselves to your own comfort level, and the guide will be able to make suggestions for how best to see and do what interests you. Weatherwise, I did the tour in May and it was perfect - brilliant blue skies and hardly a cloud the entire time. I liked it so much I might do it again, in September or October the next time.

Francine, Do consider this trip. I was in my late sixties when we took it. I wouldn't consider my self fit but was able to participate in all activities.
This could be considered the "food,food and more food with a wee bit of drink thrown in" tour. It was a great tour. Yes, there are some experiences that could be challenging but nothing for two active and healthy people. PM me, if you have any specific questions.

I have taken 5 RS tours and this is my absolute favorite. I was in my mid 60's and not as fit as I should be, but even managed to hike the CT trails. We had so much good food and tended to have group 'drinkies' together every night and really bonded. I was exhausted by the time we hiked from the 3rd to 4th CT town, but my lovely group all waited for me at the end of the trail (and applauded) and one dear gentleman backtracked to carry my day bag the rest of the way. I would not have missed that walk for anything. All the villages were lovely, the hotels we stayed in were delightful and the tour group and guides were fabulous.