Understanding physical activity levels
All of our guided tours have physical demands. Our rating system ranks tours as low, moderate, high, or very high for physical activity to give travelers an idea of what to expect.
Physical activity level is determined based on an itinerary's included activities. We consider things like the amount and type of walking, standing, and stair-climbing involved with the group's participation.
Free time activities are not reflected in the overall rating. How each traveler spends this time—on an excursion, exploring on their own, or resting—may make the physical activity feel more intense.
How to find and use physical activity level
A physical activity level is listed on each tour's website page. Select the level name—low, moderate, high, or very high—to access its description.
Use the physical activity level to help decide if a trip is the right fit for you. Pair this information with the detailed itinerary and pace FAQ to understand what the tour experience will be.
If you’re already booked on a trip, you can find your tour's physical activity level under the "Health notes” section of your online account (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers) or Go Ahead mobile app.
What each physical activity level means
Low
You prefer short walks and low-intensity activities. Soaking in the scenery? Yes, please. You won’t have to exert too much energy if you don’t want to.
On these tours, you’ll
- Walk about 1 mile a day (more if you add excursions)
- Be on mostly flat, paved ground, or indoor surfaces
- Climb occasional well-maintained stairs
- Stand for short periods of time during guided commentary and photo stops
- Manage your own luggage
- Climb on and off a motor coach unassisted
Example activities
- Stroll along rows of colorful flowers on Amsterdam & the Keukenhof Gardens (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers)
- Board a boat to ride through a city’s canals on London, Paris & Amsterdam (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers)
Moderate
You’re comfortable keeping up on casual walks that aren’t too strenuous. You’ll do plenty of exploring—and have time to pause and take in your surroundings.
On these tours, you’ll
- Walk about 2 miles a day (more if you add excursions)
- Be on mostly flat, paved ground with some stairs and slight hills
- Climb some stairs, typically well-maintained
- Stand for varying periods of time during guided commentary and photo stops
- Manage your own luggage
- Climb on and off a motor coach unassisted
Example activities
- Tour a vineyard by foot, then take a cooking class on Food & Wine: Southern Italy & Sicily (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers)
- Walk through a museum with a local guide on Scandinavia: The Capitals & the Fjords (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers)
High
You’re on the move on a regular basis and feel confident being out and about making new discoveries. You want to see all the highlights when you travel.
- Walk about 2–3 miles a day (more if you add excursions)
- Be on varying terrain—think city streets, cobblestones, stairs, and hills
- Climb stairs of varying heights often, sometimes without a handrail
- Stand for long periods of time during guided walking tours
- Manage your own luggage
- Climb on and off a motor coach unassisted
Example activities
- Walk alongside ancient ruins on Grand Tour of Italy (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers)
- Explore a royal palace on Jewels of Alpine Europe (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers)
Very high
You enjoy vigorous activity for long periods of time. Hiking experience? Check. Keeping up an active lifestyle while traveling? Check. These trips—our most challenging options—are for you.
On these tours, you’ll
- Take extensive walks, about 3–5 miles a day (occasionally more—and more if you add excursions)
- Be on varying terrain—think city streets, cobblestones, rocky paths, uneven stairs, and steep hills
- Climb tall sets of stairs often, sometimes without a handrail
- Stand for extended periods of time during guided walking tours
- Manage your own luggage
- Climb on and off a coach unassisted
Example activities
- Hike to the top of a mountain on Japan Adventure: Kyoto, the Japanese Alps & Tokyo (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers)
- Walk through hilltop villages on Amalfi Coast Walking Tour (U.S. travelers/Canadian travelers)