TERMS AND CONDITIONS for ITALY WITH FRIENDS TOURS:
(including helpful information and suggestions)
1. PRICES, DEPOSITS, PAYMENTS, REFUNDS
a. Prices are shown per person, double occupancy (sharing room).
b. Single supplement applies to anyone traveling alone.
c. The deposit is $500, due at time of booking. (Add $25.00 (non-refundable) if using PayPal) Final payment is due on or before 60 days before departure of tour.
d. Deposits and balance payments are accepted by check or credit card using PayPal. Make checks payable to: Suzan Rozypal. PayPal information is available at www.PayPal.com. There is a 5% fee if using PayPal. After your deposit has been received you will be sent an invoice with the due date for the balance of payment.
e. Cancellations and refunds: In the unlikely event that the tour would be canceled, (must have at least 6 persons to run tour) you would be entitled to a 100% refund within 2 weeks after the tour's cancellation.
If you cancel the tour reservation for any reason:
- Less than 60 days before tour starting date: 100% of your total payment, less your deposit ($500), is refundable for emergency medical reasons for yourself or immediate family member or for documented cases of accident, flood, fire, or crime. I am very flexible on reasons for tour cancellation, remember I work in the airline business. I will do my best to work with you on whatever issues arise. I will also work to make changes to your rooming arrangements if necessary, but please understand that it may be too late to make any changes. If you booked as a double room traveler and have to change to a single room traveler, you will have to pay the single supplement plus any other charges that the hotel may require at such a late date.
- Less than 30 days before tour starting date: If you must cancel for any reason after this period, I will calculate your refund based on expenses that have been prepaid for the upcoming tour such as hotels, meals, tours, etc., that cannot be refunded to me. Your trip deposit of $500 will not be refunded.
- After tour starting date (In Italy): If for some reason you must interrupt your trip after arriving in Italy, I will calculate the amount to be refunded based on daily costs already incurred during the tour and any prepaid expenses. Your trip deposit of $500 will not be refunded. Once again, I will work with you on this as well. (See trip insurance information below)
2. INSURANCE: You are encouraged to purchase your own travel insurance to cover cancellation coverage, airline tickets, trip delay, lost luggage or any potential medical expenses. This tour does not provide any protection coverage of any sort and you agree to travel at your own risk. You can find trip insurance for sale online and at most local travel agencies. You can also go directly to my Global Travel website: www.srozypal.globaltravel.com and purchase your travel insurance. If you would like to call Global Travel directly for information, the phone# is 1-800-715-4440 and my ID number is 4431892.
3. LUGGAGE: You are allowed one roller bag no larger than 24"-26" tall and one small carry-on type bag. Sorry, but a roller computer bag is too large to be considered your small carry-on type bag. See FAQ page for more on luggage restrictions. ( Click here for information on packing suggestions ) If you exceed this limit there may not be space in the van to transport your excess luggage. You are also responsible for handling your own luggage throughout the trip. This includes loading or unloading the van. I suggest that you bring a fold up type bag for purchases during the trip. You can also buy suitcases very cheap at local street markets. It is a good idea to check your airline luggage restrictions and rules. They seem to be changing frequently. Remember the TSA restrictions for what you can bring (3 oz. liquid rule) in your carry-on bags. (www.tsa.gov)
4. STRENOUS PHYSICAL ACTIVITY: Most medieval towns were built as hill-top fortifications so you will find some challenging climbs. There is a lot of walking on this tour and you will spend quite a bit of time on your feet while sightseeing. Some days you may possibly walk several miles, especially in towns like Rome or Florence. Also, you may be on your feet for up to 3 hours at a time while visiting a museum. Comfortable shoes are a necessity. Most of the streets are cobblestones and very hard!!! I have included a Walking Key on your itinerary and note level for each day. (Please read the physical requirement note at bottom of page.)
5. NO SMOKING: Sorry but there will be no-smoking allowed in the van or during guided tours. Italy has recently banned smoking in all public buildings, including restaurants. Many hotels are following suit. Some hotels may be able to provide smoking rooms if necessary. There will be plenty of time during the tour for you to grab a quick fix in the outdoors if necessary.
6. LIMIT OF LIABILITY: No responsibility is accepted for any loss, expense, accident, injury, or damage to any persons property due to the actions or omissions of any person, or any cause, including but not limited to acts of God, acts of terrorism, war, strikes, defects in machinery, breakdowns or equipment, weather, quarantine, negligence, loss of baggage, or other causes beyond our control. Such losses being the responsibility of the guest.
7. TOUR CHANGES: All information provided on website or printed information is, to the best of my knowledge, correct. However, I reserve the right to make changes in accommodations, visits, and itineraries at any time should it become necessary or desirable. Delays or itinerary changes caused by strike, by weather, traffic, or other unforeseen circumstances are beyond my control and I am not obligated to pay guests compensation. Also, there will be no refund for any pre-planned activities or meals that you choose to have away from the group.
8. PRIVACY POLICY: Any and all information submitted to us by you is held in strict confidence. Your name, address, phone number, email address, tour inquiry or purchase information will be used only for the purpose of this tour and will not be shared with any third parties.
9. TOUR SIZE: Italy With Friends tours are small group tours. The tours are limited in size to 16 people, plus drivers. There must be at least 6 people for a tour to run. Most tours will consist of 8 people. For a tour to go over 8 people is completely my decision. This decision can be made at any time up until departure of each tour. If a tour consists of over 8 people there will be two vehicles, so there will be times that guests will not be in a vehicle with me. This will make it necessary for everyone to sit in both vehicles at some time during the tour.
Note on Physical Activity
You MUST be in very good physical condition to sign-up for this trip. This is not a "walking or hiking" tour, but there will be plenty of walking, some uphill and most on uneven cobblestones. You will need to be on your feet for extended periods of time. (Especially in museums and in Rome.) I am NOT exaggerating about this! There are many steps throughout the trip that you will have to climb. A hilltown really means a hilltown! You will also have to handle your own luggage most of the time. Many hotels do not have elevators. If for some reason you are unable to take part in all scheduled activities, you can usually stay at the hotel and relax. I will be glad to work with you on possible alternative activities if they are possible, but cannot guarantee it and you will not be compensated for this time on your own. Also, if you decide to take public transportation to or from a sight or restaurant that I usually walk to, it will be at your own expense. Please make sure that you do understand these requirements fully before you consider signing up for one of my tours. I will plan time for you to relax, but have found that most people want to see as much as possible while in Italy. Most towns are made for walking and this is how we get around. Don't worry, I bring plenty of ibuprofen along.
DREAMING OF ITALY?
ITALY WITH FRIENDS TOURS
