moderate activity tour choices

Hi Pear, what tour are you interested in? I looked at Best of Spain in 14 days and the itinerary shows 2 days with strenuous activity. Those days are walking tours and one of the days also includes a museum visit. Both afternoons are free time.

I haven't done Spain but I have taken 7 other Rick Steves tours. Based on my experience, the tours are active, but in most cases, you can adjust the level to suit your personal situation. For example, you can use your free afternoon any way you like. You can take a long lunch or stop in a café for a break or return to the hotel for a rest. You are always free to opt out of an activity (just let the tour guide and your buddy know that you'll be absent). I always "train" for a trip and increase the time/distance I walk each day.

If you contact the Rick Steves Tour Office, I'm sure they can give you more info. I hope you find a tour that works for you!

The tours are very active. Would you be interested in one of the "My Way" tours, so you could set your own pace at each location? They have a My Way: Spain in 11 Days Tour.

Great! I will look into both of these options. We have always traveled by ourselves but thought this might be fun to see and feel what others are, now that are 'kids' are on their own.
Thank you!

I just looked at the Best of Spain daily itinerary. The days listed as "strenuous" are Madrid, Ronda and Toledo.

Madrid is strenuous because it's tons of walking, but all pretty flat. Much of Ronda is pretty flat too. The strenuous there is probably just climbing down the gorge and it's optional. You can see the bridge and the gorge without the climb. You can buy a postcard with a picture from the bottom. I did. ☺ Toledo is really hilly, so is Arcos, but there are parts that aren't steep or with lots of steps.

You'll be able to consult with your guide about the difficulties of each day and plan how you can avoid what you think will be too taxing - like where you can rest while the group does something for 30-60 minutes, where you can skip a part and join the group later or where you can drop out if it gets to be too much.

Group tours aren't marathon races. RS tours move quickly because they are smaller groups, efficient getting on and off the bus, being on time, etc. etc. They walk at a normal pace and stop often while the guide talks to the group.

If I were you, I'd call Edmonds and have a conversation with someone who is familiar with the Spain tours. Figure it out together with them. They are really helpful and accommodating. I haven't had a lot of experience with RS, but it's all been positive and I've always been left with the impression that their first priority is for you to have a great trip.

Several people have commented that for RS tours, there is usually a way to opt out of more difficult activities.

I agree with Chani's suggestion to call the tour department and get direct advice for your specific limitations and abilities. The number is 425-608-4217.

I think it all depends on your individual situation, preferences and "other issues". I am older than you are, and also "bionic". I walk a great deal when I travel. I have taken several RS Tours, including the RS Spain Tour this past April, usually with additional days before and after. I find I generally walk more on my own days than the tour days. Most tour days include either a half day of free time, where you choose your activities and pace, or time on the bus (or rarely train) getting from one place to another. Many people say the standing, as in a museum, is more difficult and tiring than the walking. Good idea to call RS Tours and discuss your individual situations.

Rick Steves tours are meant to be physically active unlike some other tour companies which might be easier for those with some mobility challenges. You might want to check Road Scholar tours, many are quite slower paced with less walking.

Thank you Donna, Jean, Chani, Harold, Larry and phaedra! We have decided to go on an 8 day tour of Sicily with a leader we know in our town. We have met with ones who are also going as well as those who have gone in the past and it sounds like just what we'd like this first time. Then, we also heard about Road Scholar and will look into their tours also. Thank you again for all the information, it's greatly appreciated.
Pear

Sicily is wonderful, and it has a great deal to see. If I might make a suggestion: Give serious consideration to staying on for a while after the tour ends. By that time you'll be comfortable with traveling around Sicily, and it will give you time to see some of the places the tour will not get to. Eight days is a very short visit to such a large and varied island.