RS Villages/Vineyards Tour

Sharon, I haven't been on that particular tour, but can provide some perspective on RS tours in general, based on the five tours I've taken so far. In my experience, the disclaimers are referring to a "worst case scenario", but in most cases these won't be a problem. I don't see that carrying bags up flights of stairs will be an issue for the individual with the "bad ankle". Would it not be possible for the other members of the group to provide some assistance to her? I don't know which Hotels are used on that particular tour, but it's very likely they will be modern, and an Elevator will be available. One potential problem area for the person with the injury will be walking for an hour or more, either during familiarization in new cities or local walking tours. If she thinks that might be a problem, she could pack along one of those folding chairs that doubles as a walking cane (check the Magellans catalogue). It's difficult for any of us to know the exact condition of the ankle, so a consultation with her Physician might be a good idea prior to the trip. In the same situation, I'd probably wrap it with Crepe to not only provide some support, but also minimize the swelling. One other thing to remember is that the RS Tours have somewhat of a "relaxed" structure. Regular free time is provided (tour members can set their own pace) and if a tour member doesn't feel like taking part in a particular outing, just tell the Guide and sit back at the Hotel with a good book. As always, the best place for the most detailed and specific information would be to contact the RS Tour department. They will be able to provide all the answers. Based on what you've posted, I'd say "go for it"!!! Happy travels!

Ditto to everything Ken said, especially the advice to consult a doctor and the issue with standing for long periods of time. to answer your question, I have been on four RS tours and yes, you really do carry bags up many flights of stairs. This happened in at least one or two hotels for each of my tours. For the village style tours, you're much less likely to have elevators in smaller hotels. The RS folks err a little on the side of caution when rating the physical nature of each day - but overall they are indeed active, busy, and you do need to be ready for this. I checked the itinerary for that tour and compared to others, it lists far fewer "strenuous" days than the tours I have taken. You're always welcome to skip a tour activity if you're not up to it, you just have to tell the guide. This could mean that your friend sits on the bus though, as some activities are on the way between cities. On every tour I have been on, there have been people who skipped activities because they weren't feeling up to it.

Thank you both for your input. Actual Rick Steves travelers are exactly what I need. I certainly trust your advice and opinion more than a travel agent, even one who sits in the ETBD offices.

If you click on the "Tour" tab on this website then click on "Scrapbooks" you can read people's reports from their trips on a RS tour. Some are a lot of fun to read (2011's 1st prize winner for instance) and really give you a good sense of what it's like to go on a RS tour.

Sharon, " I certainly trust your advice and opinion more than a travel agent, even one who sits in the ETBD offices." Actually, the Tour department at ETBD are your BEST source of information, as some of the people working there are also Guides and lead some of the tours. NO ONE will know the specifics of each tour better than they will. They're not just "Travel Agents". You might find it interesting to have a look at the Tour department page on the website. They're a VERY well travelled group! Cheers!

"Do you really need to carry your bags up flights of stairs? Really?" Yes, you really do need to be able to carry your bag up flights of stairs. I have taken this tour and some of the hotels did not have lifts. In particular, I recall that the hotel in Vaison la Romaine had no lift. However, I think the best thing would be for her to call the tour department and discuss her concerns. The tours change from year to year.

Sharon - I took the Eastern France tour in 2009 and as I remember, tour members were assigned to rooms on various floors in our hotel in Villefranche sur Mer. Some had to carry luggage up 3 or 4 flights, and some were assigned rooms on lower floors with only one or two flights of stairs (the rooms had a wonderful view of the Med so was worth the effort). Also the hotel in Vaison la Romaine had no elevator and required stair climbing and was my favorite hotel on the tour, very charming. Our hotels in Reims and Chamonix had an elevator. So yes, the possibility exists that you'll have to carry luggage upstairs but the hotels are really memorable hotels so very worth it if you are able. Other than that, the tour was not strenuous at all.