Our tours are designed to be enjoyed by as many different types of travellers as possible. That being said, you are responsible to ensure that you can participate in our tours as they are designed – that includes ensuring that you have an appropriate level of physical fitness for the tour that you choose to book, making sure that you can enjoy the activities we have planned for you, as well as packing accordingly (we will help you with a detailed packing list of must-have and optional items to pack for your specific tour).
Please click here to review the physical requirements for your individual tour.
Understanding Our Age and Fitness Guidelines
While the physical requirements vary slightly tour to tour, to join an Approach tour, you are required to:
- Keep a good pace walking 5+ hours per day (regular breaks are scheduled)
- Go up and down stairs independently (sometimes without handrails)
- Walk on slick, uneven, or uphill surfaces (eg. wet cobblestone)
- Stand for longer periods of time (during walking tours or in popular museums exhibits)
- Carrying your own luggage through the airport
- Climb on and off the coach bus unassisted
The use of a wheelchair, walker or cane while on tour or during your time in the airport is prohibited. As per our terms & conditions, you will be required to leave the tour if you are unable to walk without one of these devices.
Be prepared to spend most of the day in warm weather upwards of 25°C and also be physically prepared to spend lots of time outdoors while exploring famous highlights and hidden gems.
I use a cane, walker, wheelchair, or walking sticks — can I join an Approach Tour?
Unfortunately, our tours aren’t suitable for travellers who rely on a cane, walker, or wheelchair for mobility, as activities involve extensive walking, stairs, and getting on and off coaches. You’re welcome to join if you use walking sticks by choice for balance or pace — but not if they’re required for support.
What if I have a minor health condition or joint pain?
Many travellers join us with mild conditions such as arthritis or knee pain. As long as you can walk independently for several hours and handle stairs, you’re welcome to participate. If you have any concerns, we recommend speaking with your doctor and letting our team know before booking so we can help you choose a suitable tour.
Why are the physical requirements so important?
There are two main reasons why we take our physical requirements so seriously (and expect you to as well):
- For your safety and the safety of others. We never want to see anyone get hurt. If you overestimate your physical abilities, the risk of incidents—such as slipping on cobblestones and sustaining a serious injury—is too high. Please do not join a tour unless you are completely confident that you meet its physical requirements.
- For the enjoyment of the group. While Approach tours include generous free time to explore on your own, many key activities—from navigating airports to enjoying lunch—occur as a group. If you’re unable to maintain the required pace, it can negatively impact others’ experience and put the group at risk of falling behind schedule or missing activities. It’s only fair to your fellow travellers that you take these requirements seriously and avoid joining a tour that exceeds your physical ability.
What fitness preparation should I do before my tour?
Before your tour, build up your walking endurance and stair readiness to handle several hours of daily activity. Start with 20–30 minute walks a few times per week and gradually increase duration and intensity. Incorporate hills or uneven terrain to simulate real conditions, and practice stairs regularly—both ascending and descending—to strengthen your legs and improve stamina. Balance and strength training, like squats, lunges, calf raises, and core exercises, will enhance stability and reduce the risk of fatigue or injury on tour.
Equip yourself with supportive footwear and proper gear. Choose comfortable walking shoes with good traction, moisture-wicking socks, and consider trekking poles for extra stability on uneven surfaces. Use a small backpack during training walks to get used to carrying light weight. Break in all gear before your trip, and aim to walk confidently for 60–90 minutes at a steady pace before departure—so you can fully enjoy your travel experience.
Is there a minimum or maximum age to join an Approach Tour?
Everyone 18 and older is welcome on our tours — from young adults to energetic seniors! Our trips are designed for active travelers aged 50+, but many younger guests (like adult children joining parents) also enjoy the experience. There’s no maximum age limit — only a love for travel and the ability to meet our physical activity requirements.
What are the cognitive requirements on tour?
For everyone’s safe enjoyment of the tour, it is important you do not join if you or your travel companion experience any symptoms of cognitive impairment, no matter how minor. These include:
- Memory loss or confusion
- Difficulty speaking, understanding, or expressing thoughts
- Repeating questions
- Wandering or getting lost
- Losing balance or problems with movement
What if my physical condition changes between booking and my travel date?
We get it – things can change between booking and departure, especially when you’re planning well in advance.
If your physical condition changes, and you’re no longer confident you can meet the requirements for your tour, please reach out to us immediately! Unfortunately, we can’t modify the physical demands of our tours, as they’re designed around specific activities and destinations for everyone’s safety. This is exactly why we strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance when you book.
Please check out our cancellation policy to make sure you fully understand when your payments become non-refundable.
We are proud to provide quotes and sell trip cancellation and interruption insurance underwritten by Manulife. The price of coverage depends on your travel dates, the price of your tour, your age, and your chosen coverage. To receive a quote, select that option when you complete your online booking or ask your Sales & Traveller Champion when you complete your booking over the phone.
