Best of Europe May 2026

I hope someone answers and is on your tour! Is it the 21 day or 14 day?

I did the 21 day years ago and it remains one of my favorites! I learned so much and had the very best time!

You’ll want a waterproof rain jacket as well as figuring out a capsule wardrobe that will help you travel as light as you can. You’ve got time to work on this, lol!!

Woohoo!

Hi Pam
It is the 21 day tour, thanks for info about packing!

Wonderful! I do recommend you consider "training" for this tour! Although I did this tour before the era of Apple Watches, the pedometer counts from many group members for the days in Amsterdam and Rome topped 10 miles! Not 10 miles at one whack, certainly, but 10 miles spread over the day.

I think I had my walks here at home up to 7 or 8 miles once a week with 3 or 4 miles on 2 or 3 other days.

Also consider your shoes. One of the other gals had shoes which turned out not to be comfortable. She'd worn them at home some but wound up with blisters and some other issues so make sure you've got broken in athletic shoes.

You've got a good amount of lead time!

Along with Pam's shoe advice. Be sure to also test the socks you plan to wear with the shoes. Sometimes what works for around your home doesn't work when you're on your feet all day putting on the miles.

Thanks Ladies,
I actually looked at the other recommendations on the forum for shoes so I will think of that. I’m a nurse so I do at least 10-15000 steps a day but not hills or cobblestone so I will focus training on hills .

Oh good, yes, you will know what comfortable shoes feel like! I hope you will have enough time off to arrive a day or 2 ahead AND to stay as long as you can in Paris at the end!! I will also say that this tour will have you so focused on what you are seeing that ALL the knots in your brain will disappear. TRUST me on this, lol (retired hospital social worker here....).

And good point about the socks, Jean! I didn't have any problem BUT since that tour I've converted to wearing toe socks and they are great for keeping your feet dry and the area between your toes chafe-free!

@heinsalbguy - Welcome to the forum. I guess looking at what you've added to your profile I'm surprised you would sign up for the 21 Day Best of Europe.

"Traveling for me is about slow exploration — wandering markets, chatting with locals, and discovering hidden gems beyond the guidebooks."

And no need to be a "seasoned long-distance walker" for the tour. Yes, you would put in a good number of steps especially in Amsterdam and Rome. Florence, as you know since you indicate you live there, is pretty compact for the main tourist sights as is Venice.

Anyway, hope you enjoy this tour next May!

Wonderful that have someone reply who’s on the tour! I’m trying to decide what to do in free time. I will be in Amsterdam a couple days early. I’m flying from BC Canada so I don’t want to start out jet lagged. I also hope to stay a few days after in France. Any tips on areas to see in Northern France ? I will use the train for transport and fly out of Paris.

Hi, tracey; welcome to the Forum. ( heinsalbguy, you too!) How exciting that you're both on the 21 Day BOE tour.

Tracey, you said you're spending a few days pre-tour in Amsterdam; may I respectfully suggest you take a look at Haarlem instead? We've actually taken this tour twice, and both times we spent our pre-tour time in Haarlem. It's a very short train ride from Amsterdam, the hotels are less expensive, we found great restaurants and museums, and it's much smaller, therefore easier to find your way around in.

Wherever you stay, you will have a wonderful time. Happy planning!

Thanks Jane , that’s where our tour starts and will likely try and see both. I’ve heard Haarlem is charming.