How Much Walking Is Required on a European Tour? What Travelers Over 50 Should Know

If you are considering a trip to Europe, especially if you are in your 50s, 60s, 70s or beyond, one question is probably on your mind: How much walking is required on a European tour?

It is one of the most common questions we hear from travelers, and it is an important one because the answer depends heavily on where you are traveling. A sightseeing day in Paris can easily involve 15,000 to 20,000 steps, while a tour through rural Ireland may involve much less walking because transportation is used more frequently. Croatia can be relatively easy and flat, while Rome can involve long distances, cobblestones and countless stairs.

After more than 15 years of operating small group tours throughout Europe, we have learned that the amount of walking can vary dramatically from one destination to another. Here is what travelers should realistically expect.

How Much Walking Should You Expect on a European Vacation?

There is no universal answer. On some European tours, you might walk only a few thousand steps in a day. On other days, particularly in major cities, you might walk 15,000, 18,000 or even 20,000 steps.

The important thing to understand is that walking in Europe is often different from walking at home. It is not simply about distance. European travel may involve cobblestone streets, uneven sidewalks, stairs, hills, train stations, Métro stations, long museum corridors, periods of standing, crowded pedestrian areas and weather conditions.

A five-mile day in a European city can therefore feel considerably more demanding than walking five miles on a flat path at home.

Paris: One of the Most Walking-Intensive Cities in Europe

Of all the cities we visit, Paris probably involves the most walking. Paris has an outstanding public transportation system, including the Métro, buses, trams and suburban trains, but excellent public transportation does not mean you will avoid walking.

You still need to walk to stations, navigate through them, climb stairs, move between attractions and explore the neighborhoods that make Paris so special. Visitors may spend the day walking through areas such as the Latin Quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, Montmartre, the Marais, the Champs-Élysées, the Louvre and the Seine riverfront. It all adds up quickly.

How Many Steps Might You Walk at Versailles?

A visit to Versailles is a perfect example. Between traveling to the palace, walking through the enormous interior, exploring the gardens and moving through train stations, a day at Versailles can easily total approximately 20,000 steps.

That surprises many travelers because it does not necessarily feel like walking nonstop for hours. The steps simply accumulate throughout the day, which is why travelers considering a Paris tour should be comfortable with a significant amount of walking.

Rome: Lots of Walking, Cobblestones and Stairs

Rome is another destination where travelers should expect considerable walking. The historic center is filled with extraordinary attractions, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona and Vatican City.

Many of these sites are relatively close together, but reaching them usually means walking. Rome also presents another challenge: uneven surfaces. Cobblestones are common, and many historic buildings, churches and archaeological sites contain stairs. Even travelers who regularly walk several miles at home may find walking in Rome more tiring than expected.

Edinburgh: Lots of Steps, but a Compact City

Edinburgh can also involve a surprising amount of walking. The city is built on hills, and there are numerous staircases throughout the Old Town. Walking along the Royal Mile or exploring Edinburgh Castle may require more effort than travelers initially expect.

However, Edinburgh has one major advantage compared with cities such as Paris or Rome: it is compact. Many of the major attractions are located relatively close together, so while Edinburgh has hills and stairs, travelers are not necessarily covering the enormous distances they might experience in Paris.

Inverness: Flatter and Easier to Walk

Inverness is very different from Edinburgh. The city is relatively flat, compact and less crowded, and walking tours often move at a more natural pace.

That can actually make walking easier. In heavily congested cities such as Paris or Rome, travelers frequently walk slowly, stop repeatedly and navigate around crowds. Surprisingly, that stop-and-start walking can be more tiring than walking at a steady pace. Inverness allows travelers to move more comfortably without constantly navigating congestion.

Norway: Walking in Oslo and Bergen

Our Norway tours include walking in cities such as Oslo and Bergen. Both are highly walkable, but they are considerably smaller than Paris or Rome, which means travelers can often see many of the major attractions without accumulating as many steps.

Oslo is relatively spread out but has excellent public transportation. Bergen is more compact, although parts of the city can be hilly. Travelers should still expect regular walking, but the distances are usually more manageable than in Europe's largest cities.

Ireland: Less Walking Because of Private Transportation

A cross-country tour such as Ireland typically involves less walking than a major European city tour. One important reason is transportation.

When traveling through Ireland by private van, travelers are frequently brought close to hotels, attractions, castles, scenic viewpoints and historic sites. There is still walking through small towns, castles, gardens, museums and coastal areas, but you generally are not spending the entire day walking across a major city.

For travelers who are concerned about endurance, Ireland can often be easier than a destination such as Paris or Rome.

Iceland: Less Walking, but Weather Can Make It More Challenging

Iceland usually involves relatively small amounts of walking, but there is another factor to consider: weather.

Wind, rain, wet pathways and changing temperatures can turn a short walk into something more demanding. Many of Iceland's famous attractions involve walking from a parking area to waterfalls, geothermal areas or scenic viewpoints. The distances are usually manageable, but travelers should wear good footwear and be prepared for unpredictable conditions.

In Iceland, the challenge is often not how far you walk, but what the conditions are like while you are walking.

Croatia: One of the Easier European Destinations for Walking

Croatia is generally one of the easier destinations we visit when it comes to walking. Much of the walking along the Croatian coast is relatively flat, and while there are historic towns and pedestrian areas to explore, the overall amount of walking is usually much less than what travelers might encounter in Paris or Rome.

For travelers concerned about extensive walking, Croatia can be an excellent choice. The combination of smaller coastal towns, ships, transfers and compact historic centers reduces the amount of walking required.

Which European Destinations Require the Most Walking?

Based on our experience, major city destinations tend to involve the most walking. Paris can require long sightseeing days because of the city's size, museums, neighborhoods and public transportation system. Rome also involves significant walking, with the added challenge of cobblestones, uneven pavement and stairs.

Edinburgh can be demanding because of hills and steps, although the city is compact. Oslo and Bergen involve regular walking as well, but the distances are generally more manageable because the cities are smaller.

Destinations such as Ireland and Croatia often involve less walking because transportation plays a larger role. Iceland can also involve shorter walks, although terrain and weather conditions can make them more challenging.

How Many Steps a Day Should You Expect on a European Tour?

There is no exact number, but a typical sightseeing day might involve:

• 5,000–8,000 steps: lighter touring day

• 8,000–12,000 steps: moderate sightseeing day

• 12,000–15,000 steps: active city sightseeing day

• 15,000–20,000+ steps: very active day in cities such as Paris or Rome

These numbers are only guidelines. Some travelers may cover more or less depending on their itinerary, free time and transportation.

Are European Tours Suitable for Seniors?

Absolutely. Age itself is usually not the deciding factor. We travel with many guests in their 60s and 70s who comfortably participate in European tours.

The more important issue is mobility and stamina. A physically active 75-year-old may handle a European walking tour much more easily than a sedentary 55-year-old. Instead of asking, “Am I too old for a European tour?” a better question is, “Can I comfortably handle the walking required on this itinerary?”

Can a 70-Year-Old Handle a European Tour?

For many travelers, the answer is yes. Many people in their 60s and 70s travel through Europe very comfortably, but travelers should realistically evaluate their ability to walk for several hours throughout the day, handle stairs, navigate uneven surfaces and cobblestones, get on and off trains or vans, stand for periods of time and carry their own personal belongings.

The best tour is not necessarily the tour with the least walking. It is the tour that matches your physical abilities.

How to Prepare for Walking in Europe

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make is waiting until they arrive in Europe to start walking regularly. Preparation can make an enormous difference.

Start increasing your walking several weeks before departure. If you normally walk 3,000 steps per day, do not suddenly expect to comfortably walk 15,000 steps in Paris. Gradually increase your distance and, if possible, include hills and stairs.

It is also important to practice walking on consecutive days. European tours usually involve sightseeing several days in a row, so walking five miles one day may be easy while walking five miles for four consecutive days can feel very different.

Finally, wear the shoes you plan to bring to Europe before the trip. Never break in a new pair of walking shoes on the first day of your vacation. Comfort is far more important than appearance.

Why Small Group Tours Can Make Walking Easier

Group size can have a major impact on the physical demands of touring Europe. Large motorcoach tours may involve considerable walking simply because buses cannot always stop near historic centers or major attractions.

A large group may also move slowly while waiting for dozens of travelers to enter museums, restaurants or attractions. Small group tours can often be more flexible and may use smaller vehicles, public transportation, scenic trains, ferries and centrally located hotels.

Staying in the center of a city can also make sightseeing easier. Instead of spending time commuting from a large hotel on the outskirts of town, travelers can often walk directly from their hotel to nearby attractions, restaurants and neighborhoods.

Should You Avoid Europe If You Have Difficulty Walking?

Not necessarily, but choosing the right itinerary becomes especially important.

If you are concerned about walking, ask the tour operator specific questions before booking. Do not simply ask, “Is there a lot of walking?” because that question is too subjective.

Instead, ask:

• How many hours do we typically walk each day?

• What is the longest walking day?

• Are there many stairs?

• Is the terrain flat or hilly?

• Are there cobblestones?

• Can transportation bring us close to attractions?

• Are there days where 15,000 or more steps are common?

• Will I need to carry my own luggage?

Those answers will give you a much better idea of whether the trip is right for you.

What Are the Best European Destinations for Travelers Concerned About Walking?

Travelers looking for an easier itinerary might consider destinations where transportation plays a larger role and cities are relatively compact.

Based on our experience, destinations such as Croatia and Ireland often involve less walking than Paris or Rome. Iceland can also involve shorter walking distances, although weather conditions need to be considered.

Scotland offers a mixture. Edinburgh has hills and stairs, while Inverness is relatively flat and easier to navigate. The important point is that there is no single definition of an “easy European tour.” Every itinerary is different.

The Most Important Question Before Booking a European Tour

Do not choose a tour solely because of your age. Choose it based on your abilities.

Ask yourself whether you can comfortably walk several miles during a sightseeing day, handle stairs and uneven pavement, and repeat that level of activity several days in a row. If the answer is yes, there are many European tours you can comfortably enjoy.

And if you prepare before the trip, you may find that walking through the streets of Paris, Rome, Edinburgh or Bergen becomes one of your favorite parts of the journey.

Frequently Asked Questions About Walking on European Tours

How much walking is typical on a European tour?

Walking varies considerably by destination. A moderate touring day may involve 8,000 to 12,000 steps, while an active sightseeing day in a city such as Paris or Rome can reach 15,000 to 20,000 steps or more.

Which European city requires the most walking?

Paris can involve an exceptional amount of walking because of its size, museums, neighborhoods and public transportation system. Rome can also involve significant walking combined with cobblestones and stairs.

How many steps might you walk at Versailles?

A full sightseeing day at Versailles can easily approach 20,000 steps, particularly when transportation, the palace and gardens are included.

Is Europe too difficult for travelers over 70?

Not necessarily. Physical condition is usually more important than age, and many travelers in their 70s comfortably tour Europe when they are accustomed to regular walking.

Which European destinations involve less walking?

Ireland and Croatia can generally involve less walking because of private transportation, smaller destinations and flatter terrain. Iceland may also involve shorter walks, although weather conditions can make walking more challenging.

Should I train before a European vacation?

Yes. Regular walking in the weeks before departure is one of the best ways to prepare. Practice walking several days in a row and include stairs or hills if your itinerary requires them.

Final Thoughts

Walking is part of the European travel experience. It is how you discover hidden streets, neighborhood cafés, historic squares, local shops and places a tour bus could never reach.

But travelers should know what they are signing up for. A day in Paris can involve 20,000 steps. Rome can mean cobblestones and stairs. Edinburgh may be hilly, while Inverness is flatter. Norway's cities are smaller and easier to navigate. Ireland involves more transportation and generally less walking. Iceland has shorter walks but unpredictable weather, and Croatia is generally among the easier destinations for walking.

Knowing those differences can help you choose the European tour that is right for you. At Small Group Tours by The Traveling Professor, we believe travelers should know exactly what to expect before they book. Our goal is not simply to show you Europe, but to help you choose a trip you can comfortably enjoy from the first day to the last.