Activity-Level Ratings

Find the journey that’s right for you.

The information below explains each activity level.

Please keep in mind that all trips involve group activities, and your level of preparedness and ability will have an impact on the other participants. Those requiring special assistance must be accompanied by someone who can and will provide all required assistance. Travel to and from the tour is not factored into our activity-level ratings. You should take into account your stamina when traveling long distances, and factor in multiple flight changes as well as handling personal hand luggage independently throughout the itinerary.

Level 1 

What to expect: These trips often involve travel by motor coach. Travelers should be able to stand and walk during group activities, board transportation, and climb one flight of stairs without handrails or assistance. Elevators are not always available. Outings last one to two hours on most days.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk up to two miles, or 4,600 steps, each day.

Level 2 

What to expect: These trips often travel by motor coach, ship, or train. Touring days may include full-day motor coach excursions or extended periods of standing and walking during city tours, museum visits, and/or outdoor activities. Travelers should be able to board transportation, walk over sometimes-uneven terrain, and climb a few flights of stairs, occasionally without handrails or assistance. Elevators are not always available. Outings last two to four hours most days.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk two to four miles, or 4,600–6,900 steps, each day.

Level 3 

What to expect: These trips feature long touring days with travel via motor coach, ship, zodiac, all-terrain vehicle, or train. Travelers are required to board transportation without assistance as well as stand and walk over uneven terrain for extended periods of time. Some tours may include optional higher-intensity activities and travel at higher altitudes with steep ascents and descents. Outings last four to six hours most days.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk four to six miles, or 6,900–9,200 steps, each day.

Level 4 

What to expect: These tours feature longer touring days and many full-day excursions, plus full, active itineraries that move at a faster pace to cover longer distances. Travelers are required to stand and walk over uneven terrain for extended periods of time, and should be comfortable at higher altitudes with steep ascents and descents. Outings last more than six hours each day.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably walk six to eight miles, or 9,200–11,500 steps, each day.

Level 5 

What to expect: These programs are very active with demanding daily schedules of physical activities, such as hiking, kayaking, rafting, or bicycling. Travelers should expect walking or hiking tours to be across uneven terrain with limited leisure time (sometimes only in the later evenings). Accommodations may vary from camping tents to deluxe lodges.

Suitable for: Travelers who are able to comfortably participate in more physically demanding activities covering distances of eight or more miles, or 11,500+ steps, each day.