Country Walkers

Activity Level

Every Country Walkers vacation offers enough activity to energize—but never enough to discourage. To help you choose one that best matches your ability and interests each adventure is given an Activity Level rating. Of course, we’re always available to assist you in selecting the right tour; call or email us and we’ll guide you to a 'best match.'

Easy

Our Guided and Self-Guided Walking Adventures are rated Easy when they incorporate walking distances of 2-6 miles daily, with little elevation gain or loss. Typically the walking surface is gentle, along well-maintained dirt trails, paved paths, cobblestoned streets, and dirt roads. There will be some uneven terrain, and the pace is leisurely, approximately 2 miles/hour.

Our Self-Guided Biking Adventures are rated as Easy when they incorporate cycling distances of 5-15 miles (2-3 hours) daily, with little elevation gain or loss. Cycling surfaces are typically paved roads or unpaved trails with packed surfaces. There will be some uneven terrain, and the pace is leisurely, 7 miles/hour. An Easy Biking Adventure is an ideal introductory level tour, allowing plenty of time for leisurely lunches and cultural visits.

Our Small Ship Cruising Adventures are rated as Easy, with limited walking. Off-ship explorations are accompanied by expert guides and incorporate explorations along paved pathways and city streets. Swimming, kayaking, and snorkeling are available on some of the small ship itineraries.

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Easy to Moderate

This rating is applied to many of our Guided and Self-Guided Walking Adventures, with itineraries that average 4-8 miles daily, with additional walking options on some days. Daily ascents and descents are modest, with a maximum elevation gain (or loss) of 1,200 feet. The terrain is gentle to rolling, and can include unpaved dirt roads, single-track trails with some loose stones, gravel, or roots. The pace of these tours is leisurely, with stops along the way at historic sites and villages.

Easy to Moderate Self-Guided Biking Adventures cover an average of 10-20 miles (2-5 hours) daily on the cycling days. There are almost always layover days at each property where cycling is optional.  While some terrain is flat, routes often include hill ascents and descents. This level of Biking Adventure is perfect for the occasional biker rider and allows time for cultural explorations or leisurely lunches.

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Moderate

The activity level is considered Moderate on Guided and Self-Guided Walking Adventures that cover 4-10 miles daily. With ascents and descents of 1,000-2,000 feet, walking surfaces can be uneven and sometimes steep.

Our Self-Guided Biking Adventures receive a Moderate rating when they include 15-25 miles (3-5 hours) of cycling. There are almost always layover days at each property, with cycling optional. While some terrain is flat, routes include hill ascents and valley descents. Cycling surfaces are usually paved roads or unpaved trails with packed surfaces. With detailed maps and route notes there are sometimes longer cycling options noted. Because you set the pace there is likely time for a swim or cultural stops along the way.

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Moderate to Challenging

A Guided or Self-Guided Walking Adventure is rated as Moderate to Challenging when daily walks range from 6-12 miles and incorporate hilly to mountainous terrain. With elevation gains and/or losses of up to 3,000 feet the trails are sometimes steep with uneven surfaces. Itineraries can sometimes include stone steps. The pace is still leisurely with much emphasis on a region’s flora and fauna, and local history. Walking sticks are recommended.

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