Physical Condition Guidelines

Tour Pace and Walking Requirements:

The tours are rated as “ACTIVE,” necessitating a daily walk of three to four miles to fully enjoy the sights. Participants should be prepared to navigate uneven surfaces and steps frequently. It is essential to comfortably walk a continuous mile unaided—without the use of a cane or assistance—within 30 minutes, and without experiencing shortness of breath or physical discomfort. If you are unable to meet these requirements, these tours may not be suitable for you.

What if I am unable to keep up during the Tour?

If you are unable to keep up with the group, the Tour Manager will ask you to refrain from group activities, and it will be your responsibility to be at the designated meeting point at the stipulated time. If you have to purchase a refreshment in return for a place to sit or take a taxi to get to the meeting point, these costs will be at your own expense.

The Motor Coach is NOT Accessible during Free Time or Sightseeing Stops:

During free time and at sightseeing stops, all passengers must exit the motor coach. Staying on the parked motor coach is not an option.

Physical Assistance or other Special Attention:

Tour and hotel personnel will not be available to lift or physically assist you at any time. If you require any type of support, you must bring a capable travel companion who can comfortably help you keep up with the pace of the tour. With an average of 40 participants, it is not possible for the Tour Manager and/or the motor coach driver to provide repetitive, special attention to any one tour member. The Tour Manager may ask a passenger to leave the tour if that passenger is unable to keep up with the pace of the tour to the extent that it impedes the safety or overall enjoyment of that passenger or other tour members. In the event a passenger is asked to leave the tour, all resulting costs will be solely that passenger’s responsibility.

Wheelchairs or other Walking Devices:

These tours are NOT a good fit for passengers who require the use of a wheelchair, cane, walker, or other walking assistance device, or for passengers who are considering the use of a walking assistance device while they travel. If this applies to you and you are still considering a reservation request, please note the following:

1. A walker or similar walking assistance device is not practical or safe on the tour due to motor coach entrances, uneven sidewalks, and cobblestone streets. You will need to leave it home. A cane is also considered unsafe unless you regularly use a cane and feel confident that you will have no difficulty sturdily and comfortably walking a mile in less than 30 minutes (including steps). Image Tours recommends bringing a folding wheelchair for backup.
2. You must be able to manage the steps of the motor coach independently. In Europe, the laws do not require motor coaches to be equipped with ramps/lifts, or hotels to offer provisions for the physically challenged. Please do not expect these facilities on our tours.
3. You must bring your own manual, folding wheelchair. Motorized wheelchairs are not allowed on our tours.
4. You must bring a capable travel companion (Image Tours recommends traveling with two or more capable companions for the greatest success) who can confidently push the wheelchair and assist you in any way necessary to comfortably keep up with the tour pace.
5. At the time of reservation, you must complete and return a “Wheelchair Request” form (provided by Image Tours), signed by both you and your traveling companion(s). Requests will be subject to Image Tours’ approval and availability of storage space. If the request is received after deposit and declined by Image Tours, the applicable cancellation penalties will apply.
6. The charge to store a wheelchair under the motor coach during the tour is $10.00 multiplied by the total number of tour days, to be paid with final payment for the tour.
7. Make sure you and your travel companion(s) feel confident using a wheelchair outside your home before making a reservation. Passengers who are not comfortable using a wheelchair on a daily basis before the tour tend to be less likely to successfully complete the tour. No credits or refunds will apply for missed sights, tour features, wheelchair storage fees, or optional excursions. Additional costs to keep up with the tour or return home early will be entirely the tour participant’s responsibility.

Oxygen, Insulin or Other Medical Concerns:

If you need to bring insulin, ask your physician about travel-friendly storage options. Refrigeration may be available on the motor coach during the day and hotels may be able to provide ice for evening storage, but clients should not be dependent on these options. Oxygen tanks will not be permitted on the motor coach. Due to higher elevations and the tour’s active pace, clients dependent on oxygen assistance devices should not take these tours. CPAPs and other medical devices must fit within the “Baggage Allowances” for the tour. Distilled water will not be provided by hotels or other service staff. If required for a CPAP, clients will need to purchase this at a grocery or gas station. Under no circumstances does Image Tours, the airlines, the motor coach company, the Tour Manager, the hotels, or any other service provider accept any responsibility or liability in connection with medical conditions, medical devices, or any electronic devices.

Geographical Elevations:

Highest expected elevations, based on usual tour routings, are stated with the map for each tour itinerary and in the “Optional Excursions” descriptions. Image Tours accepts no liability for inaccuracies or variations.