I will be staying at a hotel in Barcelona rather than visiting on a cruise ship. Is there a way for me to rent one of your players in Barcelona?
Yes. Discovery Walks has an agent in most of our walking cities and for a small fee we can arrange to have the Discovery Player and the accompanying map delivered to, and picked up from, your hotel. Or, if you prefer, you can pick the program up at our agent’s office in the city.
How long will it take for me to complete a walk?
The time required for each complete walk varies from city to city but generally requires from 2 to 3 hours. Of course, most of our cities have much to offer in terms of museums, cathedrals, parks, and shopping so if you choose to spend significant time in any of these locations the walk could take much longer. But remember, the choice is yours: walk through the city as fast as you’d like or take as much time as you want at a more leisurely pace.
How far will I have to walk?
Most of our walks cover a walking distance of from one to two miles. Since you are free to choose your own route there are always opportunities to cut a walk short if you get tired. Also, many of our walks contain additional spots that you may choose to visit and, if so, your own walking route could take you farther.
Will I be safe walking through the streets of these cities by myself?
There are several things to keep in mind regarding a walk in any city in any country. You should always be aware of your surroundings and protective of your valuables. Pickpockets can appear anywhere so make sure all of your valuables are as hidden from view and as tightly protected as possible. And in any city, automobile traffic can be dangerous so always look both ways before crossing a street and always cross at marked crosswalks. Also, be aware that old cities often have uneven walking surfaces or surfaces that may need repair, so watch where you are walking. But our walks are intended to be taken during daylight hours and are routed through safe areas so, with these sensible precautions, they are safe for you to use.
Do I have to be physically fit to take these walks?
All of our walks require moderate walking and climbing so, yes, you should be in good physical condition. But remember, our programs are structured so that you walk at your own pace, as fast or as slow as you want. And there is no time schedule to keep so you are free to take breaks to rest or refresh yourself with something to eat or drink as often as you need.
What languages are offered?
As of spring 2007 all of our walks are in English with the exception of Barcelona, Spain. We are testing the additional languages of Italian and German in Barcelona and, if successful, we may add additional languages to other cities in the future as well.
