Activity Levels

Expectations: Tours stay in just one city. Standing and walking for extended periods of time during museum visits or city tours. Shorter travel days. Walking typically on flat terrain; stairways sometimes without handrails; elevators sometimes available.  (Typical travel opportunities: leisurely journeys such as Smithsonian at Chautauqua) 

Appropriate for: Travelers in good health with overall good mobility, and who are comfortable participating in at least three hours of activity per day.

Expectations: Long touring days with many full-day motor coach excursions. Standing and walking for long periods of time during city tours, museum visits, and/or outdoor activities. Walking over sometimes difficult terrain (e.g. cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, an absence of elevators, and climbing aboard trains with high steps); some longer walks to get to city centers where coaches are prohibited. River cruises may offer a choice of excursions with varying activity expectations. (Typical travel opportunities: Most Cultural Stays, River Cruises, and some Classic Land Journeys)

Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit and comfortable with longer days of touring (both walking tours and coach time).

Expectations: Most trips will feature long touring days, many full-day excursions, and a full and active itinerary with a faster pace and longer distances. Some tours may have activities with higher intensity and more active choices/options. Excursions require standing and walking for extended periods of time over more difficult terrain (cobblestones, city hills, stairs without handrails, limited or no access to elevators, muddy/slippery walking/hiking trails), and walking to city centers where coaches are prohibited. Specific itineraries may feature hiking, use of local transportation, extended overnight train travel, extensive use of Zodiac crafts or other smaller ship conveyances, or multiple internal plane rides. Safaris would incur extended drives over rough terrain for optimal game viewing. Some itineraries may require early morning departures and later evening returns. Travelers may be in remote and/or rugged regions, and may be touring at higher altitudes with steep ascents/descents. Leisure time may be limited (sometimes only in the later evenings). Certain tours feature more active excursions (such as moderate hiking, swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, bicycling, rafting, or kayaking), though another choice may be offered for an alternate skill level. Walking/hiking tours may feature up to eight-mile walks/hikes. (Typical travel opportunities: Longer Classic Land Journeys, Wildlife Safaris, Ocean Cruises, International Train Journeys, U.S. National Parks Tours, and many Active Journeys)

Appropriate for: Travelers who are physically fit, lead active lives, are comfortable participating in long days of activities, and expect some physical exertion.

Expectations: Programs are at a very active pace, with long travel days and a demanding daily schedule of physical activities, i.e. hiking, trekking, kayaking, or bicycling. Walking/Hiking tours can be on difficult terrain (up to 14 miles on uneven terrain, city hills, or narrow trails along steep hillsides with no railings). Bicycle tours may feature daily cycling of 10 to 25 miles. Travelers may be in remote and/or rugged regions with challenging terrain, possibly at high altitudes with steep ascents/descents. Leisure time may be limited (sometimes only in the later evenings). Accommodations may vary from park lodges to deluxe lodges. Travelers carry a daypack for their daily necessities while support vehicles transport all other gear.  (Typical travel opportunities: Active Journeys with longer or more rigorous hikes) 

Appropriate for: Travelers who have a high fitness level, expect a vigorous pace, are comfortable participating in up to eight hours of physical activity per day, and enjoy challenging themselves physically.

Expectations: Program at a very challenging pace, with long days and a demanding/challenging daily schedule of physical activities, i.e. hiking, trekking. Hiking/trekking tour will be on challenging terrain (up to 15 hours, with altitude up to 19,340 feet, with areas of exposure). Leisure time will be very limited (sometimes only in the later evenings). Accommodations will be camping tents, but also feature a comfortable lodge at the conclusion. (Travel opportunity: Climbing Kilimanjaro) 

Appropriate for: Travelers who have a very high fitness level, expect a vigorous pace, are comfortable participating in up to 15 hours of physical activity per day, and enjoy challenging themselves physically. A doctor’s certificate will be required for participation in this active journey.