Are Rick Steves' Europe Tours Extremely Strenuous? Here's What Reviewers Say

Touring a destination for the first time is a deeply rewarding experience, but all that sightseeing isn't without challenges. Tired legs, travel-weary feet, and sore shoulders from hauling a backpack all day sure can take their toll. This is especially true if you travel with a tour group, where a packed schedule is the norm. But does this include the tours run by Rick Steves' Europe?

Given Steves' TV fame and iconic guidebooks, his namesake tours are perhaps some of the best known in Europe. They're not guided by the travel expert himself but are led by carefully selected professional guides. The tours can be a great way to see the top sites, understand a place's history, and avoid tourist traps and scams. There are a range of itineraries available, including week-long city tours, two-week country-wide tours, and even tours spanning three weeks that take participants across the continent.

To help you judge the physical demands of each tour, Rick Steves' Europe offers specific details on its website. In general, though, the company states in its Tour Conditions Agreement that "RSE tours are physically active," adding that the guides can't offer physical support. So just how strenuous are the trips? Reviewers shared their experiences online so you know what to expect.

Rick Steves' Europe tours are open to all types of travelers, but if you're not one to stay active in your daily life, you may find the schedules and activities difficult to keep up with. On Reddit, u/StoryCottage suggested that if a tour is listed as being moderately or highly active, believe the rating. "[T]he tours as a whole are quite active with lots of hilly and/or uneven terrain and stairs. Plus you cover a lot of ground and are often walking to your hotel with your luggage," they wrote.

In the same thread, multiple tour alumni warned that not packing light can also make travel days physically difficult. That means you may need to stick to a minimalist wardrobe and forgo souvenir shopping during your trip. (Here's the complete guide to packing light.) Otherwise, pulling and carrying your luggage around may be a pain in the neck — literally.

Some reviewers also assert that Rick Steves' tours aren't appropriate for those with mobility issues or physical disabilities. On the Rick Steves forum, commenter Alan explained that he witnessed multiple falls during his guided tours, suggesting that the itineraries can be taxing on the body. On a Tripadvisor discussion board, a user named D0bby also wrote that, based on their experience, they don't believe Rick Steves' tours are a good fit for anyone using a wheelchair.

Before you assume Rick Steves' European tours are too advanced, note that most people who participate aren't Olympians or even particularly sporty. On Reddit, u/cbscanner wrote, "I would say that the tours were pretty active but most of the people in the tours weren't super athletic just active types." On a similar note, u/tPTBNL explained that they were able to tolerate one of the most physically challenging tours because they were used to standing and walking a lot. However, they felt that getting into shape years later helped them cope with the demands of their second Rick Steves tour.

If you wind up on a trip that feels exceptionally demanding for your body type and activity level, you may be able to make some adjustments. Redditor u/ckeenan9192 shared that while there was a lot of walking during their Paris tour, there was always the option to skip portions of the trip to rest. Rick Steves forum user Patty has also experienced this with their travel companion. "On the Italy trip he opted out of hiking the trail in Cinque Terra [sic] and on the Greece tour he skipped climbing 'The Rock' in Monemavasia [sic] and climbing to the Palamidi fortress in Nafplio ... He wasn't the only one to skip some of these and there were plenty of other things to do."

Ultimately, the arduousness of Rick Steves' Europe tours comes down to the itinerary you choose, your fitness level, and how frequently you decide to rest. In some cases, upping your walking routine or lifting weights may prepare you for the most tiring aspects of the tours. If you're still unsure, or if you have physical limitations, contact Rick Steves' Europe to find out which trips may best suit your needs.