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Frequently Asked Questions
We welcome your questions about our tours. For your
convenience, though, we list the most frequently asked.
- Do you accept payment by credit
card?
We accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express. You may
use your credit card to make your deposit in a secured area
on our site, by mail or telephone.
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- What does a single supplement
cost cover?
Tour prices are based on double occupancy in hotel rooms.
Guests who travel single and would like a private room must
pay a supplement. The cost varies on each tour. This cost
is not marked up. We pass along only what the hotel charges
us.
If you would like to share a room with another participant,
we will be happy to try and match you with a roommate.
Travelers who pay single supplements should understand that
the additional cost does not imply that private rooms are
of higher quality than doubles, only that they are private.
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- Are my flight arrangements included
in the tour cost?
We do not include air transportation to and from the tour
origination and completion cities because our travelers
come from so many different locations and have various
travel preferences. We do include the domestic flight
from Barcelona
to San Sebastián on the “Barcelona to Bilbao”
tour.
However, our office is happy to provide you recommended
flight routing and refer you to travel agents knowledgeable
about our tours. You may purchase your air tickets from
the the travel agent of your choice, the airlines, or online.
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- What does the tour cost include?
On all our scheduled tours, the price covers:
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full-time multi-lingual guides |
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taxes and baggage-handling tips |
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medical and trip cancellation insurance/interruption
insurance |
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site admissions |
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modern, roomy motor coaches |
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charming hotels in great locations |
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breakfast, main meal of the day, wine |
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- What other costs can I expect?
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International air and connecting flights |
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Single supplement (if you choose that option) |
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Customs fees |
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Some meals |
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Telephone charges |
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Excess baggage charges |
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Any medical expenses |
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Hard liquor/mini bar charges |
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Laundry costs |
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- Do I need to make a deposit to
reserve a spot on the tour?
We require a $100 deposit per person to hold your place.
It is refundable up until 60 days before departure, when
full payment is due.
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- How many people does a small group
tour accommodate?
We limit our tours to a certain number of people so that
each guest can have the best experience possible. Our
maximum
number of guests for our tours is
21. Tier pricing allows us to offer our tours for as few as four.
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- What does your medical and
trip cancellation insurance cover?
We buy trip medical cancellation/interruption insurance
for scheduled tour members. If you cancel within 60 days
for an insured reason (illness or injury to you, your traveling
companion, or immediate family member as certified by a
qualified physician), you will suffer no financial penalty.
We will be happy to send you a copy of the policy with full
details.
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- What documents and papers do I need
to take?
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Passport |
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List of tour hotels (we provide in invoice package) |
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Tour connecting sheet (we provide in invoice package) |
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Enhanced tour itinerary (we provide in invoice package) |
We suggest you make a copy of your passport and write down
all phone numbers needed to report lost or stolen credit
cards and travelers’ checks before leaving the United
States. While crime rates are low in the places we visit,
it is better to be prepared. No Visas are required.
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- Do you handle custom and private tours?
We happily design custom itineraries around your special
interests in art and architecture, food and wine, history,
and culture. Destinations, cuisine, and the pace of
travel all can suit your particular group. You also can
expect the same personable guides and attention to detail
that participants enjoy on our established tours. Affiliates
of museums, arts associations and clubs — as well
as families wishing to explore their heritage — appreciate
our style and knowledge, which create a memorable and “authentic” experience.
In designing individualized tours, we consider such variables
as your interests, special needs, and size of your party.
We also may consult local specialists on your behalf. Because
of the complexity of these arrangements, we charge a $100
per person deposit. The deposit can applied to your tour cost. To learn more about our exclusive tour experiences
keyed to your personal interests, please contact us by telephone
or e-mail.
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- What is the activity level of your tours?
Good physical and mental health are necessary for the enjoyment of our tours.
Most days we probably spend a couple hours total on our feet, the time divided
among leisurely strolls through pedestrian-only centers of ancient towns and
climbing a few castle stairs. Our walks are mostly over level ground, but often
include some uneven or cobblestone terrain. The pace is leisurely, and includes
time for the guides to describe what you are seeing, but you really do need to be
able to walk unassisted by others. We ask that you be honest in assessing your abilities so as not to inconvenience other members on the tour. More active
participants will have plenty of opportunities for higher levels of activity.
Please call our office if you have any questions.
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- What is your cancellation policy?
We will issue full refunds up until 60 days prior to tour
departure. If we receive a cancellation notice of less than
60 days, we refund all but $1,000. If you cancel for an
insured reason, you will suffer no penalty. No refunds are
given during the tour. We give full refunds for any trip
we must cancel.
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- What do I need to pack?
We visit a climate similar to northern California’s.
Layering is the best approach. We recommend bringing:
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a light jacket or sweater |
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comfortable walking shoes (suitable for cobblestone
streets) |
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light raincoat |
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small alarm clock |
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personal medication |
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camera, film and batteries |
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ATM card (remember you PIN code) |
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credit cards |
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passport |
When we dine, men do not need suit jackets. Pants for women
are fine.
Be sure to check your flight’s baggage requirements/allotments.
Hairdryers are available at the hotels. If you bring your
own, be sure to include a 110 adapter for the outlet.
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- What about crime and safety?
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Crime remains low compared to most parts of the
United States |
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Money belts provide convenience and safekeeping
of passports, money, etc. |
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Be alert in crowds (i.e. avoid having your wallet
in your back pocket) |
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Carry small amounts of cash |
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Use the hotel safe for valuables |
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- What money is needed, and what
about tipping?
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The currency for Spain, Portugal, and Italy is the
Euro |
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Exchange rates may be more favorable when charging
purchases |
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Cashing travelers’ checks require check, passport
and time |
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Local banks charge approximately $5 to cash travelers’
checks — regardless of cash requested |
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It is customary to tip the guides and drivers at
the end of the trip — $7-$10/day/person
for guides, half that for the driver. The amount, of course, remains entirely
up to you. Our guides really appreciate a personal
note in the envelope. (Your tour price includes
tips for restaurants and baggage handling.) |
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- Do you commission travel agents?
Fully accredited travel agents may receive a commission
for enrolling tour members only when those enrolled are
not already on our private mailing lists.
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- Do you cater to single travelers?
Our tours are perfect for those wishing to travel solo and
who enjoy the company of others having similar interests.
Approximately one-third of our tour members travel single.
If you desire, we will attempt to match you with a compatible
roommate. However, if it doesn’t work out for any reason
(at the last minute or while on tour), each roommate must
pay the pro-rated single supplement in order to get other
rooms. Single supplements — additional costs for a
private room — vary for each tour. We charge you only
what the hotel charges us.
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- What if my question is not answered
here?
Contact
us if you have any other questions.
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