At the time of booking, you will be asked what type of room you would like.

A double room has either one large bed or two smaller ones. Double rooms are perfect for couples or if you’re travelling with a companion and wish to share a room. There are plenty of double rooms available on our tours.

A single or solo room has only one bed and may be smaller in size. These rooms are first come, first-served, as most properties have only a limited number of these rooms available.

We will forward your request to the hotel and do our best to accommodate your needs; however, please know that we cannot make any guarantees.

In certain countries, the hotel rooms may not be as large as standard hotel rooms in your home country due to the fact that hotels may be in historical buildings. In some hotels, the air-conditioning and heating systems may be centrally-controlled and only operate seasonally. It is also important to note that not all hotels have AC, and those that do may not cool to the degree that you are used to at home.

Here are a few details to keep in mind:

Check-in times are set by individual hotels and can vary, but most hotels offer afternoon check-ins. Depending on your arrival time, you may have to wait before you can get into your room. Some hotels may be willing to store your luggage in a secure location until your room is ready. In these instances, the hotel will not be responsible for lost or stolen items and there may be a charge for this service.

Please observe check out times at all properties. Hotels designate these as well.

Some hotels require a credit card imprint or your passport information upon check-in in order to activate telephones in the rooms and for potential incidental charges. Most hotels charge an access fee for using phones in hotel rooms. Please check with the front desk personnel at each hotel for specific policies. You will be responsible for all incidental fees occurred during your stay, and these must be paid at time of check-out.

Hotel membership programs are not applicable.

All of the hotels we use are equipped with air conditioning and heat. However, in an effort to be more energy efficient, European governments regulate the specific time of year when hotels can turn on their air conditioning and heating systems. This means that during the spring and fall, hotels will not always have their air conditioners and heaters turned on. Air conditioning is only available between May 15 and September 15. Heating can only be turned on between November 1 and March 31.

Hotel rooms in this region are generally smaller than average, as most hotels are renovated historic buildings which don’t offer a lot of space.

Please be aware that many standard hotel rooms do not have walk-in showers, as the rooms will often have a combination bathtub/shower. Please also note that bathtubs in this region tend to have much taller sides requiring agility to climb in and out. Usually bathtubs are equipped with safety handles, however this cannot be guaranteed, and you may consider packing a grab bar for travel.

The Americans with Disabilities Act does not apply outside of the United States.

We will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of our guests. However, if you require individual assistance you must be accompanied by a companion who is capable of, and totally responsible for, providing the necessary assistance. Neither our personnel nor the personnel of our destination partners may physically lift or assist clients onto transportation vehicles at any time while on tour. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a guest who has special mobility or other like needs.

Due to varied flight schedules and arrival times of our tour guests, there are no scheduled activities prior to dinner on arrival day. Should your flight schedule allow for an early arrival, enjoy this opportunity for some independent exploration.

If you are staying post tour, your Tour Manager will be available to offer suggestions for your additional time in the area.

Should you have some extra time to explore Vienna before your tour begins, you’ll find plenty to do!

Your hotel in beautiful Vienna is quite central to so many sights, restaurants and transportation.

The cathedral is just a short walk away.

There are over 30 museums in the city, and numerous Viennese cafes and pubs offering typical foods, beer, wine, and Viennese coffee.

Many people also choose to try the chocolates and cakes (most famous is the Sachertorte) at the famous Sacher Hotel.

The main shopping street of Vienna is also only a few minutes away by tram or taxi (both of which stop right in front of the hotel) where you can visit brand name shops like Swarvoski and Louis Vuitton.

If you are staying post tour in Lucerne, your Tour Manager will be available to offer suggestions for your additional time in the area.

When you’re deciding what to bring on your trip, we have a few suggestions for you.

In regards to clothing, think layers. It’s much easier to maintain a level of comfort if you can add or remove a layer at a time, especially if you’re traveling to a destination where the temperature can vary widely. So always, bring a light jacket or sweater. Fleece or wool is best. We recommend staying away from cotton sweaters or jackets as they won’t keep you warm if they get wet.

Comfortable footwear is crucial. Make sure you bring a pair of shoes that fit well and give you the necessary support. If you decide to purchase new shoes for your trip, we suggest you wear them a number of times before you leave to break them in. Your feet will thank you.

Be prepared for all types of weather. For warm, sunny weather, pack sunscreen, a hat or a bandana/scarf to protect your neck from sunburn. For cool, rainy weather, pack a light raincoat, travel umbrella, waterproof shoes and a thin pair of gloves.

For your toiletries, pack anything that could leak in plastic bags or a waterproof case. In addition, you might want to bring a washcloth or two. Not all hotels provide them.

If you take prescription medication, make sure to bring enough for your entire tour plus a few additional days in the original prescription containers.

Medication should be packed in your carry-on bag, never your checked luggage; this is in case your luggage is delayed. You don’t want to be without your medication. You could also bring extra medication in a separate bag in case any gets lost.

In general, we recommend not packing anything of value in your checked bag.

You’ll want to take pictures of everything, so make sure to bring a camera as well as extra memory cards and batteries for your entire trip. If you decide to bring a video camera, don’t forget an extra battery for it plus a charger. Be sure to pack chargers and cords for all your electronic equipment.

It’s also a good idea to bring a travel alarm clock, a travel sewing kit, a portable scale to weigh luggage, and some hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t readily available.

If you are travelling with a companion, we suggest dividing the contents of your suitcase with them, that way if one bag is delayed, some of your belongings are still available to you both.

If that is not an option for you, you could put a change of clothing in your carry-on if there’s room. That will give you something to wear if your checked luggage is delayed as well.

Last but certainly not least, leave room! You’ll need it to fit all the souvenirs you want to bring home.

As you’re deciding what to bring to the Alpine region, we have a few suggestions for you.

Casual clothing is fine. Khakis, slacks, polo shirts, and cotton tops are all appropriate. For special evenings, we recommend a more formal outfit, such as a dress or pantsuit for women and a jacket and tie for men.

Think layers. It’s much easier to maintain a level of comfort if you can add or remove a layer at a time. So bring a light jacket or sweater. Fleece or wool is best. We recommend staying away from cotton sweaters or jackets, as they won’t keep you warm if they get wet.

Comfortable footwear is crucial. Make sure you bring a pair of shoes that fit well and give you the necessary support. We recommend rubber-soled shoes as they work best over uneven terrain.

If you decide to purchase new shoes for your trip, we suggest you wear them a number of times before you leave to break them in. Your feet will thank you.

Be prepared for all types of weather. For warm, sunny weather, pack sunscreen, a hat or a bandana/scarf to protect your neck from sunburn. For rainy weather, pack a light raincoat and a travel umbrella.

Don’t forget your bathing suit! Many of the hotels you will be staying at have pools.

For your toiletries, pack anything that could leak in plastic bags or a waterproof case. And you might want to bring a washcloth or two. Not all hotels provide them.

You’ll want to take pictures of everything, so make sure to bring a camera as well as extra memory cards and batteries for your entire trip. If you decide to bring a video camera, don’t forget an extra battery for it plus a charger. Be sure to pack chargers and cords for all your electronic equipment.

It’s also a good idea to bring a travel alarm clock, a travel sewing kit, a portable scale to weigh luggage, and some hand sanitizer for when soap and water aren’t readily available.

If you are travelling with a companion, we suggest dividing the contents of your suitcase with them, that way if one bag is delayed, some of your belongings are still available to you both. If that is not an option for you, you could put a change of clothing in your carry-on if there’s room. That will give you something to wear if your checked luggage is delayed.

Last but certainly not least, leave room! You’ll need it to fit all the souvenirs you want to bring home.

It used to be when traveling abroad, you had to go to a bank to exchange your home currency for that of the country you were visiting. Thanks to technology, those days are gone. Now you can use your bank card at any ATM in almost any city around the world just like you would at home. There may be a fee for this convenience, but it makes getting local currency quick and easy.

You can find ATMs in airports, hotels, and banks. Fees tend to be lower at hotels or within cities than they are at the airport. There is no ATM or currency exchange available on the ship. You may need some local currency for gratuities and small items you wish to purchase.

You can also pay with a credit card when travelling. The price will automatically be converted to your home currency by the system. Some merchants charge a fee for this service, but it adds an extra guarantee on your purchase, so it’s a nice option.

If you have a credit or debit card with a chip in it, it is recommended you use it rather than a card with a magnetic stripe. The chip adds an extra layer of protection against fraud.

Many of our tours include optional excursions that are available for purchase. If you decide to go on one of these during your trip, please note, the credit card you use for payment must have an expiration date greater than 30 days from the start of the tour.

If you choose to review exchange rates or exchange currency before you depart for your trip, the currency accepted in this region is the Euro with the exception of Switzerland where the currency is the Swiss Franc.

If you plan to enter or leave the EU carrying the equivalent of €10,000 or more in cash, you must declare it at customs. Cash includes currency notes, coins, bankers’ drafts, checks, and travelers’ checks. If you do not declare the cash, customs authorities could take away your money, and you may receive a fine of as much as €8,000.

When traveling to another country, you may need an adaptor and/or electric converter to plug your electrical devices and appliances into the local power grid. An adaptor changes the plug so it fits into the outlet. A converter changes the voltage coming out of the outlet.

To determine what you need, first verify if the plugs on your devices fit the outlet of your destination.

In Europe, the plug type is C, which has two round pins. If your plugs do not match this description, you will need an adaptor.

Next, verify the voltage of each device you intend to bring. You can find this information on the cord, plug, or on the device itself. Many devices are dual-voltage. For those, you do not need a converter. If your device is not dual-voltage and it differs from the voltage of your destination, you will need a voltage converter.

In Europe, the voltage is 220v-230v. If necessary, make sure to get a converter that converts to this voltage.

If you plan to bring a sleep apnea machine, please remember to bring an extension cord along with the adaptor and voltage converter as not all hotels have sockets next to the bed.

The highest elevation encountered on this tour is 6,000 feet.

Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for the people who help keep your tour running smoothly. But it can be confusing who to tip, when to tip, and how much. For baggage handling and waitstaff gratuities for included meals, the tips are handled by us. For hotel housekeeping staff, local sightseeing guides, transfer drivers, on-tour motor coach drivers, and Tour Managers, gratuities are not included in the price of your tour. The suggestions below are provided in US Dollars to help you budget for your trip. They can be converted and issued in the local currency, which is generally the preferred option. Personal checks should not be used as they cannot be cashed outside the United States.

Here are a few of our suggestions:

Tour Manager: To express appreciation for your Tour Manager’s delivery of excellent service, $5-8 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each travel day is customary. (When to tip: at the end of your tour)

Local Guide: For the insights, knowledge, and stories they share with you, $2-3 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person is recommended. (When to tip: at the end of the time with your guide)

On-Tour Motor Coach Driver: To express your appreciation for a job well done, $3-5 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person for each travel day is customary. (When to tip: at the end of your tour or time with your driver)

Airport Transfer Driver: If your airport transfer is included in your package or purchased from Collette, gratuities might already be included. Please reference the transfer information section in your final tour documents for confirmation. If gratuities are not mentioned, the suggested amount is typically $3 US Dollars (or equivalent in local currency) per person.

Hotel Housekeeping: It is common for travelers to leave a gratuity of $1 US Dollar (or equivalent in local currency) per day, per room for hotel housekeeping staff. (When to tip: each day before leaving for your touring)

Here is a list of entities we recommend you contact before you depart on your tour:

1.) Your cell phone/mobile carrier if you are planning on using your device. You will want to confirm you will have access in the area(s) you will visit and inquire about any charges you may incur.

2.) Your credit card company for any card(s) you plan to use. Make sure the card company knows when and where you will be traveling to avoid any charges being declined.

3.) Your bank, so you can use your ATM/debit card worry-free. If you are travelling to another country, your bank will be able to tell you if your card will work at the ATM machines to dispense local currency, including if your PIN will be accepted. Also, indicate if you plan to use your debit card as a credit card if your card has that option. Your bank will advise you of any charges for each transaction as well.

Leave a copy of your itinerary, hotel list (included in your tour documents bundle) and a contact number with a designated person in case an emergency comes up while you’re away and someone needs to reach you.

We recommend you leave a copy of your passport at home in a secure location and bring an additional copy with you as a precaution.

During your flight, make sure to stand up and walk around as much as possible, and drink plenty of water. These simple suggestions will help you stay comfortable, particularly during long flights.

As an added measure of confidence while traveling internationally, visit www.travel.state.gov. The U.S. State Department offers a “Smart Travelers Enrollment Program” (STEP), which you may individually choose to enroll in. This allows the U.S. to better assist with lost passports or in the event of any emergency abroad.

We recommend you take advantage of free time by exploring the cities on you tour. You can do so on foot or try public transit. City trains are timely and quite reliable, as are buses. Your Tour Manager can give you directions to train stations or bus stops from the hotel in each city. Taxis are readily available, too; however, make sure the cab driver uses the meter and ask about the zone of service. Rates vary according to zone, so you should establish this right away, so you have an idea what the fare will be.

Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi access has improved, with free or cheap internet available in many public spaces. Some restaurants, cafes, and hotels offer complimentary Wi-Fi, though it may not reach rooms in hotels. Wi-Fi will not be available onboard motorcoaches or other modes of transportation used during your tour.

At the beginning of your tour, your Tour Manager will distribute a personal radio and headset. You should wear them on sightseeing tours to make sure you can hear your guides clearly at all times. Please bring them with you every day. Your Tour Manager will collect them at the very end of your tour, typically on your last evening. You are responsible for returning these devices and will be charged a replacement fee should you fail to do so.

Thank you for choosing to travel with us and allowing us to guide you along this adventure! From the moment you step out your door, we strive to provide a comprehensive, stress-free, and unforgettable travel experience. To that end, the following features are included with your tour: motor coach transportation, accommodations, hotel luggage handling (porterage), select meals, admission to attractions as outlined in your itinerary, and gratuities for bellmen, door attendants and wait staff.

You’re in for a treat as you truly savor the local flavors of the Alpine region.

Germany is filled with delicious specialties including Currywurst — a fast-food dish made from hot pork sausage cut into slices and seasoned with curry sauce and generous amounts of curry powder or a ketchup-based sauce seasoned with curry and other spices.

You’ll also find Königsberger Klopse in Germany. This Prussian specialty consists of meatballs in a white sauce with capers.

Pfannkuchen is a Central European doughnut made from sweet yeast dough fried in fat or oil, with a marmalade or jam filling and usually icing, powdered sugar or conventional sugar on top and you simply cannot leave Germany without trying it!

In Austria, look for the beef soup — Rindsuppe — a clear soup with gold color that is as tasty as it looks!

The Tafelspitz is beef boiled in broth, often served with an apple and horseradish sauce. It’s one of Austria’s most savory dishes.

Austria’s famous Gulasch is a must; this hotpot is similar to Hungarian pörkölt and often eaten with rolls, bread or dumplings which are called “Semmelknödel.”

If you like bread with dips, you must try the Liptauer while you visit Austria. This spicy cheese spread is eaten on a slice of bread and it truly melts in your mouth.

Austrian cuisine is exemplified with Selchfleisch — smoked, then cooked meat served with Sauerkraut and dumplings.

Try the Powidl — a thick, sweet and spicy jam made from plums.

For a sweet, fruity snack, try the Kaiserschmarrn — a soft, fluffy pancake broken into bite-sized pieces and lightly roasted in a pan, served with applesauce or stewed plums.

Germknödel is a yeast dough dumpling filled with spicy plum jam and garnished with melted butter — in short, it’s a delicacy of Austrian cuisine that you must try.

In Switzerland, sample the delicious, famous Polenta — a dish made from boiled cornmeal. Polenta has been a Swiss staple for centuries.

Papet vaudois is from the Canton of Vaud. This filling dish of leeks and potatoes is usually served with Saucisse au chou (cabbage sausage).

The most famous Swiss menu item is perhaps its fondue! Fondue is made out of melted cheese and eaten by dipping small pieces of bread or potatoes in the melted cheese. It’s a truly tasty meal that you cannot leave Switzerland without trying.

Raclette is hot cheese dribbled over potatoes, served with small gherkins, pickled onions and other various condiments.

Carac is a Swiss pastry made of chocolate that is a delightful dessert item famous in Switzerland.

Swiss Meringue is made with double cream from Gruyère.

While in Switzerland, sample the Pizzoccheri — short tagliatelle made from buckwheat flour cooked along with greens and cubed potatoes.

Saffron Risotto is a common dish from Ticino, the southernmost canton of Switzerland.

In order to enhance your experience on tour, six local guides will accompany the group in specific locations. These guides come from the region and have a deep understanding of the people and culture. They are joining the tour to share their knowledge with you. Please refer to your Tour Manager for the cities these guides will join your tour and refer to the gratuities section for tipping recommendations.

Guests flying to the United States from all international destinations will require extra screening when carrying powdered products weighing 12 oz./ 350 ml or more in carry-on luggage for security reasons. This added security measure will apply to all powders, with the exception of baby formula and medications. For your convenience, please consider packing any non-essential powders in your checked bag. Items that cannot be verified by a TSA officer risk being confiscated. Please visit www.tsa.gov for more information.

Your day of departure is almost here, and it’s time to think about what to pack. We have a few guidelines to help you. But before you pack anything, you must check with your airline for any luggage fees or restrictions. These can vary widely depending on your carrier and destination.

Let’s begin. The first thing to consider is how many bags to bring. We recommend one large bag that will be checked on the plane and onto the touring bus and one carry-on bag. It’s very important you keep this in mind. We have limited space on our buses, so limiting the bags ensures there’s room for everyone’s luggage.

Your larger bag can’t be more than 62 in/157 cm in length, height and width and cannot weigh more than 50lb/23kg. Your carry-on cannot be bigger than 17 x 12 x 10 inches (43 x 30 x 25 centimeters) so it will fit under the seat or in the overhead racks on the buses. Your carry-on should be a size that you can carry comfortably. You will use this bag to hold your personal items during sightseeing trips.

Please note that if you bring more than one checked bag and one carry-on, we cannot guarantee there will be room for them on the bus. You’ll need to store or ship any additional luggage at your own expense. If there is room for your additional luggage, we will charge a fee of 4 USD per bag per hotel. It’s also very important that all your bags be labeled clearly. In your packet you will find a luggage tag. Please attach it to the bag you plan to check.

The name on this tag should match the information on your reservation exactly, so the Tour Manager and all baggage handlers can properly identify the bag as yours. This will ensure the bag is delivered to you quickly and efficiently.

Finally, we recommend you purchase travel insurance to ensure peace of mind while you’re on tour. We cannot assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft or normal wear and tear that results from hotel, airline and group carrier handling. But we offer comprehensive “No Worries Travel Protection” for your convenience. With insurance, you’ll be able to focus on creating wonderful memories, not worrying about your luggage.

Please note, some attractions do not allow large backpacks into their sites, so you may need a smaller bag for sightseeing.

Remember the 3-1-1 rule: Each airline passenger is allowed to bring 1 quart-sized bag containing no more than 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) of any liquids, gels, and aerosols in their carry-on bag. Any liquids, including water bottles, that don’t fit in the one quart-sized bag or are larger than 3 ounces will be discarded by security. Common items that must comply with this rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and lotion. For a complete list of what is allowed and not allowed to bring on a plane, visit www.tsa.gov.

Special Diet

North America offers diverse dietary options due to ingredient availability and acceptance of alternative diets. However, traveling abroad may pose challenges as menus reflect local tastes, alternative diets may not be common, and medical conditions requiring dietary adjustments may not be understood. Group meals typically offer a pre-fixed menu that cater to diverse travelers. It’s important to note that while some dietary requests can be accommodated, options may be limited.

The food people eat is a window into their history, traditions, and values, and sharing food brings people together. One of the many wonderful aspects of travel is to experience as much of the regional cuisine as possible. Your tour includes many meals as outlined on your itinerary. Our team has carefully chosen restaurants that feature local ingredients and offer regional flavors.

For meals that are not included in your itinerary, your Tour Manager will be happy to recommend eateries and local businesses that best fit your taste and needs.

The average price for meals in this region ranges from 10 to 25 US Dollars for lunch and 25 to 50 US Dollars for dinner. Pricing will be higher in Switzerland. Tipping is rarely necessary as restaurants normally include a service charge. However, you may leave extra change to acknowledge good service.

The water is safe to drink. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout each day of your tour to stay hydrated.

Please let your Tour Manager know of any food allergies or dietary needs you may have at the beginning or your tour.

Included in your tour documents bundle is your personalized name tag. We ask that you put this on before your first gathered event and wear it throughout your tour. This helps your fellow travelers get to know you and for your Tour Manager to better identify you in large groups.

As you prepare for your tour, reading is the perfect way to learn about the culture, people and history of your destination.The following is a list of novel and book recommendations that will immerse you into the destination long before your arrival. Let this set the scene for you as you prepare for the tour of a lifetime and get excited about all that is to come!

When in Germany, Do as the Germans Do by Hyde Flippo

An insightful and light-hearted cultural guide packed with tips, advice, and trivia to help travelers avoid faux pas, blend in seamlessly, and transform from typical tourists into savvy connoisseurs of authentic German culture.

Scrambles Amongst the Alps by Edward Whymper

The first conqueror of the Matterhorn recalled the excitement and perils of early mountain climbing—violent storms, plummeting rocks, freezing temperatures—yet still conveyed the thrills of summiting high peaks and beholding glorious alpine vistas.

Airs Above the Ground by Mary Stewart

A woman travels to Vienna and the Austrian Alps on a quest to find her vanished husband, becoming entangled with magnificent Lipizzaner horses and mountain intrigue in this thrilling classic novel.

Swiss Watching: Inside the Land of Milk and Money by Diccon Bewes

A revealing journey across linguistically fragmented Switzerland that peeks behind the scenic Alps and urban banks to uncover the real people, histories, and cultural contradictions that define this unique and misunderstood country at the heart of Europe.

Culture Shock! Germany by Richard Lord

CultureShock! Germany unveils the realities behind the stereotypes of unified Germany through lively insights on varied customs, practical advice on fitting into everyday life, and tips on appreciating unique aspects like beer, wurst, and the German work week.

The Austrians: A Thousand Year Odyssey by Gordon Brook-Shepard

A masterful survey covering Austria’s controversial central, unifying role in European history from the Reformation through the Napoleonic and Cold Wars to the EU, including 24 pages of illustrations.

In the European Union, the law states all passengers must wear a seat belt in all vehicles whenever one is available. Most of the motor coaches we use will have them, so if you see one, be sure to wear it. Failure to comply could result in a personal fine of up to €750 Euro. Please be aware that we will not issue refunds to passengers fined for non-compliance. While on tour, your Tour Manager will remind you to buckle up.

One of the best parts of traveling is coming back home with souvenirs that really reflect the place you’ve just been. The Alpine countries are filled with countless crafts that reflect the charm and beauty of this gorgeous area of the world.

As you make your way through Austria, look for crystal figurines, jewelry, traditional clothing, Mozart chocolates, as well as hummel figurines, leather goods, designer wear, fashion accessories, and beer steins.

Germany is world-renowned for its cuckoo clocks, beer steins, wood carvings, nut crackers, smokers, and Christmas ornaments.

Be on the lookout in Switzerland for watches, music boxes, wood carvings, embroidered linens and lacework, Swiss Army knives and chocolate.

If you purchase DVDs or other electronic equipment abroad, check that they are compatible with your PC or other home equipment.

Bargaining in local markets does not typically take place, although it is not a bad idea to make a counter offer at the time of purchase. In general, the quality of everyday items and standard goods is as high or higher than what you will find elsewhere.

Our tours are non-smoking throughout. If you require a smoking room, please let your Client Care agent know when you book your tour. Please note we cannot guarantee your request as many hotels prohibit smoking in rooms and on property.

Please be mindful of other locations where smoking is not allowed. These include the motor coach, at dining venues, and any other restricted areas on tour. Guests are responsible for any fines they incur for failing to comply with smoking regulations.

All countries on this tour are 6 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time and Eastern Daylight Time.

Peace of mind for our guests is our number one priority. When you’re on tour with us, your only thoughts should be to immerse yourself in creating lifelong memories. Your Tour Manager is a destination expert on the people, places, history, and culture and ensures that you will have the best experience with us. Please utilize your Tour Manager’s expertise for any concerns or questions you may have while on tour.

If you have chosen our air-inclusive tour package, you have opted that we take care of all your air travels from your home to the destination and back. This also includes any inter-flights from city to city within the tour package if applicable. We ask that you keep the following in mind:

1) In order to comply with Homeland Security’s “Secure Flight” mandate, you must provide full name (including middle name or middle initial, if applicable), as it appears on your valid, non-expired, government issued photo ID that you will show at the airport. The name on your airline ticket must be an exact match to this ID, or you may be prevented from boarding the aircraft.

2) If you are a member of a participating frequent flyer program, make sure to provide the number when you book your trip and retain the copy of your ticket and boarding pass so you will receive proper credit for your mileage. Please note that some air tickets are not eligible for mileage accrual.

3) Whenever possible, we will add charges for air departure taxes to your invoice. Some international arrival and departure fees are not included in your air ticket and must be paid by you during the tour in the local currency.

If you chose to purchase a land-only tour package, you have opted to purchase your own airline tickets to and from home and, if applicable to your tour package, flights from city to city (inter-flights). In this case, we ask that you keep a few important factors in mind when booking your round-trip flights:

1) Please make sure your round-trip flights work with your tour itinerary. There may be scheduled activities on these days.

2) You must provide us with your flight schedules for the entire tour upon final payment. This ensures that we can arrange any other services you may have purchased from us, including hotel transfers, and that your Tour Manager will know when to expect your arrival. This also allows us to maintain contact with you in case of an emergency.

We offer full-service transfers from start to finish. So, when you arrive at the airport of your destination, arrangements will have been made to transfer you to your first hotel on the tour.

If you purchased our air-inclusive tour package, you will enjoy this service free of charge.

If you purchased your air ticket on your own (our land-only tour package), you may purchase a round-trip transfer for a fee.

Meeting locations and times will be set up to accommodate your transfer arrival and departure schedules, which will be provided to you in your documents packet. If you decide to arrange your own transportation to the hotel, please make sure to check in with your Tour Manager once you arrive.

Your comfort is important to us. With that in mind, we charter coaches that are temperature-controlled.

While some coaches may have a toilet facility, it is for emergency use since local laws require the vehicle to stop for safety reasons. Rest assured that frequent stops will be made along the touring route for your comfort and convenience.

Please note, outlets for charging devices may not be available on the coach. Therefore, if you anticipate using electronic devices, we recommend bringing portable power banks.

Change your seat, change your view! At least once a day, the Tour Manager will ask all guests to change seats. This ensures that every guest has an opportunity to enjoy a variety of views as they travel and a chance to get to know each other better. Depending on availability, single passengers may be seated next to another traveler. In fairness to all, there will be no exceptions to this policy.