What can I expect from my tour group?

We travel in a small group to allow you a more "Family Time" vacation instead of spending your holiday with multiple strangers on a cramped tour bus. We offer small private tours for up to 6 people, with larger groups upon request. Your tour could be only you and other family members or several small families. Maybe it will just be a few good friends looking to make lasting memories together. An advantage of a small group tour is that we are not on a strict timetable, unlike the big bus tours, allowing us to be much more relaxed and flexible with our tours. Our private autos and minivans are equipped with air conditioning and tinted windows for your privacy and comfort.

When should I book my tour?

We recommend that participants book early to increase their chances of securing a spot on their preferred tour. Because we travel in small groups, our tours can book up very quickly. An average time would generally be 3-4 months in advance.

Special requests, such as single-room bookings, extended travel arrangements, or special dietary needs, are easily accommodated. Please let us know at the time of booking what your special request will be.

When and how will I receive my booking confirmation?

After we receive your information, we will send out a booking confirmation. Once you have decided on the vacation and dates, a 20% deposit of the total package price must be paid to reserve your vacation. Payment in full is required 30 days before the start of your vacation tour. We will then send you your final travel documents and all pertinent information. For more details, please read our Terms & Conditions.

What happens if I have to cancel my booking?

Very seldom do we have cancellations, but if you need to cancel for any reason, a charge will apply. Please see our cancellation policy in the Terms & Conditions.

Can I book a tour for a shorter or longer period than your company offers?

You can request to modify a tour schedule that would fit your needs. Please ask at the time of your reservation, and we will do our best to meet your needs. 

Can you help me with air transportation to and from Germany?

We can help arrange any flights or train/bus transportation for you. Please get in touch with us with the required details, and we will provide you with a quote ASAP.

What is an Escorted Tour?

Escorted tours are typically conducted by a tour director who takes care of all services from the beginning to the end of your tour. This includes hotels, transportation, transfers to and from the airport/hotel, and most meals. The escorted tours are typically conducted with one of our minivans.

Will I receive a refund if I choose not to participate in a particular activity during the tour?

It is your choice whether to participate in any particular activity. If you let us know that you won't be participating in a specific activity at the time of booking, we can attempt to provide a refund for that activity.  If it becomes evident during the tour that you will be unable to participate in an activity, please notify your tour guide in advance so that alternative arrangements can be made for you. This does not apply in the case that the refund would breach any legal or official regulations. All activities are undertaken at your own risk. Our company is responsible for carrying out the services agreed upon in the contract, within established safety limits.

What travel documents will I need?

You will need your passport while traveling to Germany and throughout Europe. While traveling between European Union countries, the use of a passport is largely unnecessary at previous border checkpoints. However, you may be asked to produce your passport while within the EU, so always carry it with you in a very secure place. Please remember to obtain your passport before traveling outside your home country. Usually, it takes 4-6 weeks for a passport to be issued. Other documents could be a visa, insurance information, and your flight/travel itinerary. Sometimes border officials require information about where you are staying, who you will be visiting while in their country, and proof of return travel. Print out your flight information, hotel reservations, and/or tour reservations, as this information may be requested of you.

* Your passport must be valid for at least three months past the time you will complete your travel, or you will be denied entrance to Europe.

Do I need any vaccinations to travel to Germany?

There are no required vaccinations for travelers to Germany. You should verify that all your general vaccinations, such as measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) or diphtheria/pertussis/tetanus (DPT), are up to date, and update them if necessary.   Please consult your family physician for any questions you may have.

* If you are taking prescription medicines, ensure you have an adequate supply of medication before departing on your vacation.

Do you know if your tours are guaranteed?

Our tours are guaranteed to run with a minimum of two people booked in. When there are fewer than two people booked on a tour, we'll allow you to cancel without incurring any costs or transfer to another Germany tour with more participants. The price for the tour you have selected will be locked and guaranteed as soon as we receive your deposit. For more details, please read our Terms & Conditions.

How flexible are the tour itineraries?

There is flexibility to adjust the itinerary according to factors such as weather, special events, and group preferences. Of course, all group members must agree if any significant changes to the itinerary are to be made. If you have a specific request that is not on the itinerary, we will do our best to accommodate it. Any requested changes to an existing itinerary while on the road will be at the guide's discretion as to whether the request is feasible. The earlier these wishes are mentioned to the guide, the greater the chance that they can be accommodated.

I am traveling on my own. Do I have to book a single room and/or pay a surcharge?

Single travelers have the option to book a single occupancy room or share a room with another single traveler who has the same request. The surcharge for single occupancy varies depending on the tour and the requested dates. Please get in touch with us with any questions regarding the single surcharge amount for the tour you are interested in.

What grade of hotel does your company use?

We use 3 to 5-star standard accommodation, including hotels, bed & breakfasts, and country inns. All quoted rooms will feature twin, full, queen, or king beds, along with private bathrooms equipped with a shower and/or tub. Please note that if you book a triple room, the third bed may be a rollaway bed or a pull-out sofa, depending on the hotel's availability. Sometimes, we will be staying in older, historic properties, so that the rooms may vary in shape and size. Some hotels and B&Bs do not offer wheelchair access, elevators, or air conditioning. This is because they are not allowed to, as they are listed on Heritage Protection Lists and are protected buildings with restrictions on what can be done in terms of making changes to the property.

How much money should I bring?

Our tours include all breakfasts and dinners as well as all group tours and sightseeing admissions as outlined in our itinerary. We also provide refreshments during your travel between tour sites and cities. You will need to bring enough money to cover your extras, such as additional meals, beverages, and other purchases, while sightseeing independently.

How do I access my money in Europe?

Your debit card allows you to get cash from your checking account in local currency from German ATMs at a rate usually close to the daily exchange rate. To use your card in Germany, it should have a MasterCard or VISA logo. A MasterCard or VISA credit card also offers excellent exchange rates, as well as important fraud protection. You can use your credit card for meals, souvenirs, and other personal expenses. While many credit cards can also be used for "cash advances" at ATMs, the interest rate and fees may be higher than using your debit card. Credit card cash advances are recommended for emergencies only. Before leaving, ensure you have a credit card PIN and ask your bank and credit card companies about overseas transaction fees, which typically range from 1 to 4%, as well as your daily spending limits. Ask which banks in Germany are affiliates, and using these banks can reduce ATM service fee charges.

* Please inform your bank and credit card companies that you plan to use your debit or credit cards in Germany. This will ensure that your bank or credit card company does not freeze your account/card because they detect "unusual spending patterns" when they see transactions in Germany.

Will I be expected to leave a gratuity or tip?

It is common in Germany & Europe to leave a small gratuity in restaurants if you have received good service, usually a 10%-15% tip. It is also customary to give your tour guide a tip at the end of the tour if they have done a good job. The amount or percentage given is entirely at your discretion and is not mandatory, but is always greatly appreciated.

Can special dietary needs (meals) be accommodated?

We will do our best to meet your dietary needs, but please inform us at the time of booking so we can pass this information on to our hotels. Some of the properties that we may stay at are family-owned and small. We must notify them in advance so they can be prepared for alternative meals. All special meal requirements are subject to request only and cannot be guaranteed.

What should I pack?

Most importantly, pack light! You are responsible for carrying all of your luggage. Sometimes, we may need to walk several blocks before reaching the hotel or possibly climb several flights of stairs at the hotel. Additionally, you will want to save space in your suitcase for the souvenirs you will collect during the tour.