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- What types of tours does ALPTravel offer?
- Reservations - When should I book?
- Individual Arrangements — If I do not see a programmed tour that is exactly what I want,
what should I do?
- Confirmations - How can I be sure that everything is arranged the way we want it?
- Payments — What form of payment do you take?
- Travel Documents — When will I have the tickets and other necessary information in hand?
- Room sharing — Does Alp Travel find roommates for the single traveler?
- How do I meet the person doing my transfer?
- Will the coach be modern and comfortable?
- Are the hotels air-conditioned?
- How many people are on tour with me?
- Will I be traveling with people from other countries?
- How much luggage can I bring?
- Is baggage handling provided?
- How do I change my currency?
- Are tips are included?
- What type of outfits do I pack and will I need formal attire?
- What type of weather can I expect?
- Do I need any vaccinations?
- What is the single supplement?
- Are prices based on double occupancy?
- Are airport transfers included?
- Do I need Travel Insurance?
- Can I extend my holiday?
- Can I select my airline seats before departure?
- Can I request special dietary meals?
- What are optional excursions and when do I purchase them?
- Can I use my electrical appliances?
- Must I know the native languages of the countries I am visiting?
- Can I have laundry done?
- How can I keep in touch with family and friends?
- How will I keep up on current events?
- Is there seat rotation?
- What if I become ill on tour and am unable to continue?
- What if I arrive late and miss a feature on the tour?
- Is smoking allowed on the coach?
- Health — Are there any special health and/or shot requirements for these tours?
- Passport/Visas — What do I need in terms of passport and visas?
- Insurance — How do I obtain travel insurance?
- Frequent Flyer Mileage — Can I get mileage on my air and land programs?
- Terms and Conditions — What is the refund or cancellation policy?
What types of tours does Alp Travel offer?
We offer a variety of travel and touring options which enable travelers to select the service that suits their individual needs. Our tour types range from group and hosted tours to fly-and-drive programs. Escorted tours allow you to enjoy the same group of fellow travelers, guide, bus and driver throughout. City Packages - Hosted tours provide transfers, accommodations, and local guided tours offer more individualized dining and free time activities. Fly-and-drive programs enable travelers to do their own thing at their own pace. Basic arrangements are available including accommodations and other travel needs you might have while visiting our destinations. We provide professional and experienced assistance with your travel plans.
Escorted Tours: On these tours, you are met on arrival and join a group of fellow travelers with the same itinerary and your English-speaking guide. The group stays in the same accommodations, uses the same transportation, and often dines together. This is the worry-free way to go, especially if you are visiting a new environment for the first time.
City Packages - Hosted Tours: These are tours that combine escorted tours with additional destinations in a hosted mode, where you are met on arrival for transfer to your accommodations and may join local professionally guided day tours. These packages often enable you to efficiently cover a wider variety of sites and countries in the area you visit.
Independent Travel: These services include transfers, accommodations, and professionally guided local sightseeing tours to destinations such as capitol cities and popular areas like Cappadocia and the Greek Islands.
Reservations — When should I book?
This should be completed no later than 45 days prior to departure. For summer and other high season travel times, 90 days is a good idea. Ask your travel agent for assistance with reservations, or call us directly.
Individual Arrangements — If I do not see a programmed tour that is exactly what I want, what should I do?
You can send us an e-mail at info@alptravel.com and request your desire services and we will customize, price it and send it to you accordingly.
Confirmations — How can I be sure that everything is arranged the way we want it?
Before a booking is made, you will receive a itinerary for your requested services. There is no deposit required until the services are quoted the way you want them. If a requested hotel is not available, we will substitute a similar or better one.
Payments — What form of payment do you take?
Checks and most major credit cards are acceptable forms of payment.
Travel Documents — When will I have the tickets and other necessary information in hand?
Fourteen days prior to departure, travel documents, including an information booklet, are forwarded to each traveler by Airborne, FedEx or another appropriate shipper. If you have special needs in this area, please ask for assistance.
Room sharing — Does Alp Travel find roommates for the single traveler?
Because it is often difficult to find roommates with the same interests and personal preferences (i.e., smoking / non-smoking), we offer low-priced single supplements to accommodate the single traveler.
How do I meet the person doing my transfer?
A representative greets clients scheduled for transfers at the selected destination, assists as appropriate and transports you to your hotel or tour. (For airport arrival, this normally occurs as you exit the luggage area. You will see your greeter holding a Alp Travel sign or your name.)
Will the coach be modern and comfortable?
Rest assured that you will ride in comfort, as Alp Travel has the finest fleet of air-conditioned motor coaches, all with reclining seats from Mercedes, Setra, Mitsubishi and Fiat.
Are the hotels air-conditioned?
We use in our itineraries minumum 4 star hotels and Supeior Fist Class Hotels (5 Star) All hotels has AC
How many people are on tour with me?
There will be a maximum of 49 people on First Class tours throughout Europe, on Costsaver and Breakaway tours the maximum is 53.
Will I be traveling with people from other countries?
Alp Travel sells its tours in more than 38 countries around the world. It is therefore quite typical to find 6-10 different nationalities on any one tour. You'll forge new friendships with other Alp Travel guests from Australia, America, Canada, Europe, New Zealand, South Africa, Singapore, Japan, UK etc.
How much luggage can I bring?
Due to limited space on the motor coach Alp Travel recommends one suitcase per person with the dimensions of 30 in. x 18 in. x 10 in. and weight not exceeding 27kg / 60 lbs - plus the Alp Travel travel bag.
Is baggage handling provided?
Baggage handling is provided. One suitcase per person will be brought to your hotel room.
How do I change my currency?
Currency can be exchanged at airports or banks throughout Europe, and traveller’s cheques are easy to obtain. Whilst small amounts of cash are necessary, it is advisable to carry mainly traveller’s cheques as they can be replaced if lost or stolen. Also, most bank machines (ATM’s) throughout Europe accept debit cards. Currency packs are also available.
Are tips are included?
Alp Travel Tours has pre-paid certain tips and gratuities for you such as all baggage handling at hotels and ports. Tips to restaurant staff for meals are also included in the price of your tour.
Tips are customarily given to your Tour Director, Driver and Local Guides at your discretion. The recommended amounts are: Tour Guides US$5 per day, Drivers US$2.50 per day.
What type of outfits do I pack and will I need formal attire?
This will depend on your personal preferences, where you are traveling, and on the time of year. It is advisable to bring at least one ‘smart’ outfit for special evenings or highlight dinners. Please note that some churches/places of worship require covered shoulders and in some cases, knee length shorts/skirts. Always pack enough clothes and wear pieces that you feel comfortable in. Items that are casual and lightweight, requiring little or no ironing are recommended.
What type of weather can I expect?
Weather varies in different parts of the world, therefore always check the weather forecast before travel. This will also help you determine what to bring with you. For local weather conditions go to www.weather.com
Do I need any vaccinations?
Please see your travel agent or doctor to find out which vaccinations are required, and/or visit http://www.who.int/ith/chapter06_01.html . If you are taking medication or suffer from any form of illness, be sure to have an adequate supply of medicines before departing on your tour.
What is the single supplement?
The single supplement is the discount price that is offered to those who would like to stay in a room on their own.
Are prices based on double occupancy?
All prices quoted on the Alp Travel website and in the Alp Travel brochures are per person, sharing a room (unless stated otherwise).
Are airport transfers included?
Transfers will dependent on the tour you choose. In general, if you buy Alp Travel ’s Land and Air package then return transfers between the airport and hotel are included.
Do I need Travel Insurance?
Alp Travel strongly recommends that all clients have an insurance policy to ensure your peace of mind before and whilst traveling. It’s important that you protect yourself in case of trip cancellation/interruption for any reason, travel/baggage delay or loss of baggage and medical expenses. Travel Guard
Can I extend my holiday?
Yes, you may extend your holiday either pre or post tour. Your Tour Manager can also assist you, whilst on tour, with booking additional tours or hotel accommodation.
Can I select my airline seats before departure?
All carriers have different policies when it comes to seating assignments. Special seating can be requested in advance through your travel agent, whilst some carriers only do seating assignments at time of check-in.
Can I request special dietary meals?
The meals on tour will provide you with a balanced diet and are based on local foods and menus. We can accommodate passengers who prefer a vegetarian diet and can assist with diabetic, gluten free and other medically recommended diets. Please advise at time of booking. We regret that we are unable to supply meals in accordance with strict religious requirements.
What are optional excursions and when do I purchase them?
Optional excursions are side excursions that are offered to clients to enhance their experience. Examples of these are the Moulin Rouge in Paris, a Mozart/Strauss concert in Vienna or a fabulous ascent of the Klein Matterhorn in Zermatt. They can be purchased at the beginning of the tour through your tour director. Whilst we include a great deal of excursions in all tours, we cannot and would not want to include everything. We understand that free time and personal choice are important and we leave it up to you to decide the perfect balance of included activities and time on your own. Payment can be made by cash (in local currency or Sterling), traveller’s cheques or credit cards, except tours to Russia where cash or travelers checks are preferred.
Can I use my electrical appliances?
Electrical currents vary in Britain, on the continent of Europe and also in different countries throughout the world. Some newer appliances have dual voltage, but if not, we suggest you carry a converter for your electric shaver, travelling iron and other small appliances to prevent damage. Additionally, plugs/outlets differ everywhere, so you’ll need a universal electrical travel adaptor before you go in order to use your appliance.
Must I know the native languages of the countries I am visiting?
Whilst it is a nice gesture to great local people in their native language, it is not essential as your Tour Director will normally be able to assist you.
Can I have laundry done?
Most hotels do offer laundry service, and in some cities Laundromats are also available. However, it is a good idea to try and pack enough clothing without having to do laundry, as it can sometimes be costly and/or inconvenient.
How can I keep in touch with family and friends?
Almost all hotels will add a service charge to the cost of any phone calls you make from your room. This charge can be high, especially for international calls. It is always cheaper to use public telephones (pay phones) or an international calling service such as Optus or Telstra or E-kit calling cards. Calling cards are great for a set amount of phone time - no change required and no big bills.
How will I keep up on current events?
There are cyber cafes throughout most destinations. Many hotels are also equipped with Internet access and all have television so you can keep current on worldwide events.
Is there seat rotation on tour buses?
Yes, your Tour Guide will implement a seat rotation system, whereby clients rotate seats on the coach daily. This allows for all passengers to experience the different views from various seats and maximise interaction.
What if I become ill on tour and am unable to continue?
Your Tour Director will assist with a doctor’s visit or hospitalisation. Alp Travel has a dedicated Customer Care Department, which will contact you to offer assistance and advice, coordinate with your travel insurance company and keep in touch until you rejoin the tour or return home. This service is included in the cost of your tour but is not intended as a replacement for travel insurance.
What if I arrive late and miss a feature on the tour?
We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including but not limited to, missed meals or sightseeing.
Is smoking allowed on the coach?
There is a no smoking policy whilst on board the coach. However, we make plenty of comfort stops, allowing you ample opportunity to smoke if you wish, stretch your legs, take a scenic snapshot or just time to enjoy a cup of coffee.
Health — Are there any special health and/or shot requirements for these tours? At the time this document is being prepared (December 1, 2004), there are no special immunization requirements for the countries to which we travel. Travelers requiring wheelchairs or walkers are welcome on private vehicle tours, but our buses are not equipped to handle wheelchairs, and special services can not be provided during the bus tours. However there may be other options, please ask our advice during the booking process.
Passport/Visas — What do I need in terms of passport and visas?
A valid passport is necessary throughout your travels. Contact your destination country’s nearest consulate for visa requirements. For most of our destinations, when a visa is required, it can be easily obtained while clearing customs at the point of entry.
Insurance — How do I obtain travel insurance?
Alp Travel recommends that the traveler buy adequate and comprehensive travel insurance. We offer coverage from one of the more reputable companies.
Frequent Flyer Mileage — Can I get mileage on my air and land programs?
Often our preferred air carriers cooperate with an American carrier and offer their mileage, or they may have their own mileage program. However, Alp Travel works with different airlines on different itineraries, and sometimes you will not have the option to use your preferred carrier, or you may need to pay a supplement to fly your preferred carrier.
Terms and Conditions — What is the refund or cancellation policy?
Please check this see our Terms & Conditions pages for details.
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