RamblingRoses

Thanks. That certainly wouldn't be fun if one wasn't desiring that kind of excursions. I realize there are certain cruises that are specifically "active" as there are shore excursions on different cruises that are specifically "active". I was asking about companies that as a rule, offer different levels of activity for the same excursion such as a city tour, where the guests are separated by desired activity level and see similar sights in different ways. On Amawaterways, for example, we were in a city with a church on a hill, and the "Gentle" walkers rode to the top, explored the church, took in the view and rode down the the square. They walked a little, sat some, had a refreshment, while the guide introduced the info. The "Regular walkers", also rode to the top, I think had the option of riding or walking down, and then walked all around the square and town. The "Active" walkers were dropped at the square where we walked up to the church (past a historic theatre, roman ruins, cemetery...)saw the sights, walked back down to the square, all around the town, etc...before boarding bus back to the ship. How great it was for all levels to get exactly what they wanted without feeling like they were being pushed or holding anyone up, feeling rushed, or feeling like they were walking too slow or not seeing enough! (And for me, not having to ride a bike through the countryside on an "active" tour when I really want to see the old cities and towns.

Only because there are deals on various cruise sites and Ama isn't always the one being offered. (Our Ama trip was 2 river tour combined into one trip for less than the cost of one of the trips from AMA:)

Not in my opinion, but it might seem that way to somebody who hasn't tried. And if they thought they needed to be instructed and they hadn't had the opportunity, then they might never try them on their own. I remember feeling "intimidated", wondering how the poles coordinated with my steps...until i started using them and discovered it varies depending upon pace, slope, etc. Sometimes my poles alternate with my left and right, sometimes I uses them in sync both in front at the same time, sometimes I shorten or lengthen them when ascending or descending and sometimes i don't bother. Any way I use them, (and I usually prefer to use them when I'm walking on trails) I REALLY find they offer both stability AND a better workout.

Sounds like my kind of adventure!!

So you are saying that on a stop in a port, there would be multiple "levels" to the same tour- like a city walk, but the'd be varied for the level of the participants? When I spoke to the Avalon Rep, they said they do differne tapers for active (like biking and hiking), but with the option for the city tour, for example, all would be doing exactly the same itinerary and in the same way. I repeated the question and they seemed to say they did not offer activity levels within a given excursion name. I had been excited about trying Avalon until then....

THANKS! Will look at Scenic. Oh YES! I don't mind the bus IF the payoff is adventure. In fact on one of the days, the bus ride was at least an hour, but the local tour made the time worthwhile with interesting information during the ride, and then of course an excellent location upon arrival. I just don't want to simply tour FROM the bus:)

We went on our very first cruise in November 2022 on Amawaterways for a week on the Rhone and a week on the Rhine, and had the most incredible time! The best thing about the cruise (aside from absolutely everything) was that at each stop, there were choices of shore excursions ALL included in the cruise. AND beyond that, within each tour, there were usually 3 activity levels (except for the biking excursions which were all considered active). For example, when we went on the city tours, there were local guides for "Gentle Walkers", "Normal Walkers", and Active Walkers", and we'd typically be in our own buses. So nobody who had needed to go slowly would be holding up those who like to go up/down/and all around at a steady pace to get it all in. And those who like to go fast wouldn't be frustrated by those who like to stroll, rise more on the busses, and sit on benches or pews while listening to the guides. Occasionally, there were only two groups, but this was rare. One excursion I selected was a 6 mile walk along the Rhine through a Vineyard, and even though only 3 couples chose this tour, they don't cancel. (Most of the others that day rode a tram to the top of the vineyard and did wine tasting:) We went truffle hunting, had a wine and chocolate pairing evening and also a visit to a castle at night lit only by candles! The food was incredible from self serve or menu breakfasts, lunch with a sample of appetizers brought per couple while we ordered from the menu or the carving options, and dinner of four+ course meals from the menu. They were happy to bring me a large mixed salad every lunch to which I added cheese or meat from the cutting station. Happy hour of wine, beer and mixed drinks (Lemon Drop!), and wine and beer with meals. I thought Avalon might be a good option, but when I called, they said they have active options (like a hike) while the regular option might be a city walk. I want to do the city walk...I just want to do it at a good pace. I could go on... So, my question is really for someone like me, who isn't keen on a long bus ride with a short stroll at the destination, but want to do most of the city tours at the locations, as well as cool and unusual adventures, what companies would you recommend? TIA!!