What RS trip to take?

Larry, all of Rick's tours on the itenary page show the daily amount of walking needed for that day. Each day shows light, moderate, or strenuous. 14 day Village Italy only has 2 days of strenuous walking as an example. I would check out each tours daily schedule and find one or two that you like and might be able to handle. You could opt out of a strenuous day and do something on your own. Stay away from mountain tours and remember most tours give you the afternoons free to do what you want. They will always be a lot of walking, but if you pick a few tours that are easier, maybe you could do them. Good Luck and maybe some will post on tours they have taken that are easier to do.

Thanks Tony. I am now looking through the tour list with thoughts about just what you suggest. Have considered the My Way option too. The people make the tour and that's worth more then walking trouble.

Hi Larry,
Tony is spot on with advice. If you do have further questions or would like some further guidance regarding what you have found or ability please feel free to give us a call in the Tour Department at 425-608-4217. A few of us are lead guides, escorts and all of us assist on Rick's tours. We are also well traveled so we could give you some further information outside of our tours as well.

Since you mentioned that the people in the group make the tour, I'll also throw out the idea of looking into European river cruises, etc. It would give you the comraderie of traveling with others but be less strenuous than the RS tours.

I would also suggest the My Way Tours - you can set your own pace - walk, sit, or lay down when necessary. Am doing my first one in 2015 and cannot wait! Good luck and keep traveling.

I am so sorry to hear about these painful mobility issues- especially for someone that loves to travel. We went through something similar, although on a less intense level, with my husband. We took the "Heart of Italy" between knee replacement #1 and #2. He wasn't able to do some of the walks/ hiking in the Cinque Terra, so we opted for other transportation on our own. He 'd usually wear a brace, but was still swollen by the end of the day. We got used to skipping things or taking it slow during our free time. It's gotten better since replacement #2, but on the RS Greece tour he still couldn't attempt some of the hikes. We know that as time goes on, we'll be taking the less strenuous tours.

What we have tried is to get him into the best shape possible before we go. He does some weight training to strengthen muscles and limits diet so he's not carrying too much extra weight. On tour, we'll usually take a break in the middle of the day so he can put his legs up. On the Greece tour, there was a fellow with one of those canes that folds out into a seat. Also, if you check baggage, a hiking stick will relieve pressure on your hips when walking up and down hills.

Thank you all for suggestions and advice. The My Way option had struck me before and I am making more serious study of this. The river cruise option is another good variation. People do make so much of the tour, and I've loved the alumni gatherings (hope to make Edmonds at the alumni time in January of next year) to talk and remember and compare and find new memories. Am determined to travel again, so your encouragement keeps me focused! Also travel to a favorite city makes easier connections and deeper research into the people, history, museums, neighborhoods, and churches. And the chance of repeating tours of Rome and London that were past travel highlights, certainly are well worth considering going to again.

Hi Larry, congrats for trying to work out a way to continue your travels. I think a city tour might be easier for you to handle. You are based out of one hotel and it would be easier to get a taxi and get back to your room for a break or quick nap. I loved Paris in 7 Days. Good luck!

Thank you! Have thought the same considering Rome, Paris or London as best on alternate ways around the sights. Taking train to Edmonds for alumni days next month to reinforce my Travel Jones!