Simply give us a call at 914.255.3733 or email us at info@nextstepwalks.com.

Next Step walking tours are designed to be accessible to any fit person. No special training or technical equipment is required to enjoy our walking trips. Walks may be tailored to your desires. Should you choose to shorten or lengthen a day’s outing, this is always an option.

In general, between six and ten miles depending on terrain, though each day’s walk may be shortened or lengthened if you wish.

We depart from the hotel most mornings at 9:00 a.m. After our morning ramble, we usually stop for a tantalizing lunch between 12:30 and 1:00 p.m. Afternoon walks are optional and are usually shorter and easier than the morning walks. We arrive back at the hotel between 4:00 and 5:00 p.m. There is plenty of time to explore or enjoy a little down time before we meet for dinner between 7:00 and 8:00 p.m.

Next Step walking trips are all-inclusive. Everything but your transportation to the initial meeting place is included. All accommodations, meals including alcoholic beverages, admission fees, tips and transfers during your stay with us are included. From the time you check in to the time of your departure on the last day, the only money you may need is for personal shopping or spa treatments.

Meals are a celebration of each area’s rich culinary history. We choose only the finest and most authentic restaurants—the ones we would not want to miss! Full menu choice is almost always available (sometimes we enjoy meals with friends in farmhouses where many plates are presented family style.) Each meal is complimented by unique vintage wines to further enhance Europe’s exquisite culinary traditions.

Yes. There are always options available for vegetarian diets or those with allergies. Because most dishes are prepared to order, chefs are happy to prepare a dish excluding specific ingredients.

A single supplement is the additional cost for a single participant who is not sharing a room. You may have noticed that in many European hotels, single rooms are uncommonly cramped. On a Next Step trip, all participants enjoy double rooms. Participants traveling alone may avoid paying the single supplement charge by sharing hotel accommodations with another participant, if available.

To book a specific trip, simply visit the tour page of your choice and click the “Book Now” button. Or give us a call at 914.255.3733 or email us at info@nextstepwalks.com.

Due to the limited size of our groups, we recommend that you book your walking tour as early as possible.

A $1,000 deposit per participant is due upon sign up. Final payment is due 60 days prior to your trip departure date.

If we receive your written cancellation prior to 60 days before your tour departure date, we will refund all payments received less a $300 administrative fee. Should cancellation occur between 60 and 30 days prior to your departure, a penalty fee of $500 per person will be incurred. Cancellations received within 30 days but no less than 15 days before departure will result in a cancellation charge of 50% of the tour price. If you cancel within 15 days of your tour departure date, there can be no refund payment. However, we will credit you with 50% of the tour price, which may be applied to any other tour.

You may avoid all of these fees by securing a replacement participant for your trip. In this instance, we will issue a 100% refund to you as soon as we have received full payment from your replacement. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance for your journey.

Next Step walking tours are all-inclusive. From the time that you first check in to the time of your departure on the last day, the only money that you may require will be for personal shopping or spa treatments.

Throughout Europe, ATMs are plentiful. These accept bank cards which run on the Cirrus and Access systems, and any debit or credit card with the VISA or Mastercard symbol. A debit card is a very convenient way of obtaining foreign currency at the best exchange rate. Travelers’ checks receive a less favorable exchange rate and some banks will not accept them. Also, banking hours in Europe are often very limited, especially in small towns, so it can sometimes be difficult to cash your checks.

As with all outdoor activities, you should be prepared for weather changes. For the trail, we suggest “layering”: a simple short-sleeve shirt under a warmer long-sleeve shirt that can be removed or replaced as desired. One good sweater or fleece jacket should handle most temperature fluctuations. A light-weight rain slicker or a collapsible umbrella are also recommended. Loose fitting pants or shorts are fine for the trail. For the evening, attire is casual, though our hotels would appreciate no shorts or T-shirts at dinner. Men may want to bring a sports coat.

We recommend a light-weight hiking shoe with skid-resistant sole and some ankle support. Sneakers and other street shoes are not sufficient. We also suggest that you bring footwear that is well broken in.

We have found that a small day pack for the trail is very useful. This allows you to carry an additional shirt, your rain gear and other personal items such as cameras, water bottles, etc. Many people also find a collapsible walking stick helpful.

Your luggage will be transported for you on the days we have a hotel change and will be waiting for you in your room when you arrive from your walk.