Key Items to Know Before You Leave Home
We strongly encourage you to read this document in its entirety before you begin your journey. A couple key highlights include:
 

• Make sure your airline reservations reflect the correct dates, cities, name(s), and seat arrangements.
• If traveling internationally, confirm that your passport is valid for six months beyond the completion of your trip (an entry requirement in many countries) and that you have all necessary visas.

If you have any questions or concerns, contact Premier Tours & Travel.

General Terms and Conditions

Premier Tours & Travel (“Agency”) represents and is an agent for carefully selected tour operators, destination management companies, transportation services, hotels and restaurants, all of which are disclosed principals and independent contractors. The Agency is not responsible for any injuries, damages, or losses to any traveler in connection with mechanical or construction difficulties, social or labor unrest, adverse climatic conditions, diseases, terrorist activities, or any unnamed actions, omissions or conditions outside the Agency’s control. By registering for this program and embarking upon his/her travel, the traveler voluntarily assumes all risks involved in such travel, whether expected or unexpected. Traveler is hereby advised of such risks and advised to obtain appropriate insurance protection.

Special Events and Tours

All components, services, and suppliers related to this itinerary have been selected by the client, including selected private events, experiences, and entertainment. The Agency is solely acting as the tour / event coordinator and under the guidance of the incoming land supplier(s), the selected tour operator(s), and the client.

 

If there are any discrepancies between the terms of this agreement and the terms of any other agreement between the suppliers/tour operators and the client or group, referring to the client or group party to this itinerary/contract only, then the terms of this agreement shall govern.

Package Itinerary and Inclusions

The confirmation provided to the client sets out the package inclusions. Services not described in the confirmation are not included in the package. The confirmation sets out the Tour Package Itinerary. Times indicated may vary depending on third-party supplier confirmation and matters beyond its control and/or the control of the Agency. The Agency and/or its independent tour operators and incoming land suppliers reserve the right to modify or reschedule programs and itineraries (including arranged sightseeing, accommodations, aircraft, trains, vessels, and so forth) at any time due to unforeseen circumstances, “force majeure,” and/or other circumstances beyond their control. This could include but is not limited to: Delay in departure due to flight disruption, closure of a hotel, strikes, riots, natural occurrences (e.g., weather related, such as hurricanes, tsunamis, wild fires; health related, such as local outbreaks, epidemics, pandemics), decisions by state governments or tourist organizations that force alterations to a planned itinerary, its duration, time spent in a city and/or requiring the need to remove a city or part of from the itinerary.

 

The Agency reserves the right to cancel, modify, alter, reschedule, or substitute all or any part of the services when necessary or advisable without incurring any liability. Should this occur, the Agency, agrees to provide the best reasonable alternative available. Every effort is made to operate itineraries as planned, but alterations may need to be made to accommodations, activities, and so forth after the final itinerary has been issued.

Program Director Group Policy

The group must have a designated representative or program director accompany the tour from beginning to end as a Director/Group Escort. The Director/Group Escort’s responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
 

o    Ensuring individual hotel/restaurant incidental charges incurred by individual guests have been paid prior to departure; charges not collected will be the responsibility of the client/group and not that of Premier Tours & Travel

o    Arranging luggage pulls time/group check-in

o    Ensuring that all vouchers are presented to suppliers at the beginning of each service

o    Premier Tour & Travel Director/Group Host is a manager, problem solver, organizer and friend, and she/he often must juggle trying to keep everyone happy at once; no simple task, given that each guest has individual opinions, likes, and dislikes.

o    If you have a problem, we will be happy to promptly try to help solve it when we are advised, so it does not become a broader situation.

Expert Hosts
If your tour includes an Expert host and the Expert host cancels due to unforeseen circumstances, Premier Tours & Travel has the right to substitute another Expert host (e.g., a chef) in such an emergency (timing allowed) and/or the tour will continue in its entirety.

Deposits

Premier Tours & Travel, Inc. and independent tour operators/packages require(s) a NONREFUNDABLE deposit. Deposits are utilized to secure services on your behalf and are nonrefundable. Deposits are transferrable to a future Expertly Done Culinary & Wine Travel tour.

Gratuities

Gratuities for the guides, drivers, and other service providers encountered (e.g., bellman, concierge, server) are not included, unless otherwise stated, and are at the discretion of the client.

 

We have chosen not to include motor coach driver and guide gratuities in the price of your tour because we truly believe that gratuities are an important way for you to express your appreciation.

We ask you that you extend gratuities on an individual basis rather than as a group, and we offer the following guidelines to assist you in determining an appropriate amount.

 

• USD $10.00 per traveler, per day for the hotel and/or villa staff, or equivalent amount in local currency.
• USD $4.00 per traveler, per day for the driver, or equivalent amount in local currency.

Payments Terms

Client/group balance shall be paid to the Agency for the purchase price for all bookings no later than 90 days prior to the tour departure. If full payment is not received prior to the designated due date, the respective booking(s) for any and/or all spaces on the tour may be cancelled at Premier Tours & Travel’s sole discretion.

Travel Insurance

Should the unexpected occur, the Agency recommends being protected prior to and during client travels to ensure the client’s travel investment and well-being are protected. If the client wishes to purchase travel insurance, please see our website www.premiertravelsc.com or call our office at 843.237.9903.

 

Cancellation

In the event of cancellation by the client, the following will be assessed prior to departure:

Between 60 - 90 Days Prior to Departure – 50% NON-REFUNDABLE

Between 30 - 59 Days Prior to Departure –75% NON-REFUNDABLE

Fewer than 30 Days Prior to Departure – 100% NON-REFUNDABLE

Should the client wish to cancel any travel arrangements, the client must notify the Agency in writing. Please note, deposits are utilized to secure services on your behalf and are nonrefundable. Deposits are transferrable to a future Expertly Done Culinary & Wine Travel tour.

For itineraries that include outside vendors such as cruise companies, please see their Terms & Conditions for cancellation policies.

Alterations by Client

If the client requests any amendments to airline travel arrangements once the booking has been confirmed, an amendment fee of $350.00 per alteration will be charged in addition to any fare increases. If the client requests any changes in services or accommodations once travel commences, the Agency will do everything possible to accommodate the request, however, the client will be liable for any cancellation/retention charges that may be levied for the previously booked service and/or for any costs incurred to secure revised arrangements.

Refund Policy

There is no refund for the unused portion of a partial trip if a client does not complete all confirmed days of travel. No refunds will be made because of airline delays, unused services, and/or other acts beyond the control of the Agency.

Liability

The client agrees that the Agency, notwithstanding any other terms or conditions of this agreement, is not responsible for any claims, losses, damages, costs, or expenses arising out of injury, accident, sickness, disease or death damage, loss or delay of baggage or other property, or delay, inconvenience or loss of enjoyment resulting from any cause beyond the reasonable control of the Agency, including but not limited to:  mechanical breakdowns, fire, theft, civil disturbances, strikes, government actions, weather and other factors and causes beyond its control.

Accommodation Information

Hotel Bookings

Hotels are selected by the client, with the guidance of the Agency, tour operator, and incoming suppliers. Hotels are paid in advance for the client/group and are non-refundable after payment is made.

Please be advised that certain mandatory, hotel-imposed charges, including, but not limited to, daily resort or facility fees, may be applicable to your stay and payable at check-out. You may wish to inquire with the hotel before your trip regarding the existence and amount of such charges.

Our standard is to provide the best hotel accommodations and services available to us while acknowledging that quality varies depending on where you travel. We select hotels and villas for their location, comfort, ambiance, style, service, and value.

Room assignments are made by the hotel’s front desk staff, usually on the day of arrival. This allows for a random, impartial assignment of rooms of the better rooms from the hotel’s available inventory that day.

Charges on hotel bills such as telephone, laundry, in-room movies, room service, liquor, or massages are not included in the price of the journey. Charges of this type are guests’ responsibility and should be paid directly to the hotel cashier prior to departure.

Adjacent or Connecting Rooms

If you have requested adjacent or connecting rooms when making your reservation with Premier Tours & Travel, we have already advised your hotel(s) of your preference. However, please note that not all hotels offer such rooms, and we cannot guarantee their availability.

Air Conditioning

Air conditioning varies from locale to locale, particularly outside of the United States. European air conditioning is usually far different from what is found in the United States. For example, European air conditioning is far less efficient/effective than what you may experience in your own home. What’s more, the use of air conditioning in certain countries is strictly controlled by the government (rather than by hotel partners). For example, air conditioning may or may not be available in Italy during the spring and fall months due to Italian laws, and in Switzerland hotels can only be cooled to a maximum of 5° C below the outside temperature.

Documentation Required for Travel
Passports, Visas, and Client Responsibilities

For international travelers, a passport with at least six months validity beyond completion of travel is required. The client accepts full responsibility for obtaining all travel documentation, including but not limited to passport, entry visas, and permits prior to commencement of travel, and is solely responsible for any consequences resulting from missing or defective documentation. Any information or advice given by the Agency regarding visas, vaccinations, climate, what to pack, baggage, and so forth, is purely advisory and provided as a courtesy. The Agency is not responsible of any errors or omissions within the information provided by third parties. Visas may be required to travel to the client’s chosen destination and U.S. citizens should consult with the appropriate Consulates and Embassies. It is the responsibility of the individual traveler to secure the proper documentation prior to commencement of travel.

The Suppliers secured by Premier Tours & Travel reserve the right to refuse carriage to any passenger who has not complied with applicable laws, regulations, orders, demands, or requirements or whose documents are not complete. For U.S. passport holders, country-specific documentation and passport validity requirements are accessible at http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country.html. Due to frequent changes, Premier Tours & Travel cannot guarantee the accuracy of the information provided and expressly disclaims any liability for any inaccurate or incomplete information contained on the foregoing website.

 Airline Information

Flight Arrivals, Departures and Air Services

International airfare may be purchased through the Agency for travel originating in the United States. By using Premier Tours & Travel services, the client agrees that the Agency, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as the client’s agent and is not liable or responsible for any accidental death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by the Agency. The client’s airline ticket constitutes a contract between the client and the airline (and not with the Agency/Premier Tours & Travel), even if purchased through the Agency. The Agency is not liable for, and does not assume responsibility for or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, name changes, schedule changes, flight changes, missed connections, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss or expense incurred by the client for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization of a carrier or similar relief from creditors) when purchasing or using the carrier’s services.

If the client misses a connection, cancels or changes his/her/their flight and the flight does not arrive within one hour of scheduled transfer time, it is the client’s responsibility for securing transfers to the client’s destination.

                                                                                    

Airline Seat Reservations

Due to the different policies and/or charges regarding client seat preferences, types of aircraft, and so forth, it is the client’s responsibility to secure and/or confirm seat preferences with the individual airline chosen for travel.

Airline Security Measures

The Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name and date of birth provided to your airline exactly match your name and date of birth as they appear on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. If you made your air travel arrangements through Premier Tours & Travel or a travel agent, please take a moment to verify that the name and date of birth you provided precisely match the information shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you made your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.

The name and date of birth you provided will be compared against the TSA’s No Fly List for security purposes. Please note that this security check will occur well in advance of your actual flights, and thus prior to the printing of your boarding passes. Due to differences in airport boarding pass systems, boarding passes may not always display the exact name you provided, and the absence of a middle name or initial, hyphens or apostrophes on your boarding pass should not present any problems when clearing airport security or boarding your flight.

Due to heightened security regulations, certain items, such as a metal nail file, a cigarette lighter and/or a pocketknife, may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. In addition, liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on bags must be packaged in 3.4-ounce bottles or less by volume. 

Finally, please be sure to arrive at your airport with plenty of time to pass through security. According to the TSA, wait times vary by airport, checkpoint, and time of day.

Luggage Handling and Restrictions

For Domestic Travel, please check with the applicable airline carrier for luggage restrictions.

Due to space restrictions, we ask that the client please limit checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 lbs. (23 Kg). Luggage exceeding the maximum restrictions is subject to expensive overage fees or is at risk of being left behind. Many airlines are now charging fees for checked luggage, regardless of the number of bags.

Although every effort is made to handle guests’ luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel airline and group carrier handling. For additional information with regards to luggage, please contact the individual carrier.

Lost Luggage

Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today’s world of airline travel. Some helpful hints to consider: Pack some basic clothing in your carry-on bag. Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion’s suitcase. Don’t pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage. Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your destination at airport check-in. Be sure to place your luggage claim tags in a secure place during your flight. File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area. Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications and be certain that the airlines have your onward itinerary.

NOTE: If filling a claim for your missing luggage is likely to result in a significant delay, and if you have access to a phone, please attempt to advise our local transfer provider of your status. Please note that your Premier Tours & Travel Director/Group Host can assist you with airline communications but has no inside contacts to guarantee or expedite the recovery of lost luggage.

Damaged Luggage

Premier Tours & Travel cannot assume responsibility for damaged luggage. 

Lost or Left-Behind Items:

Be sure to take a moment before departing each airplane/motor coach/hotel/villa for any items you may have left behind. Keep in mind that nightwear, travel alarms, jewelry, and cameras are the items most frequently left behind. Always check drawers, closets, in-room safes, wall hooks and under beds before departing the hotel/villa.

Please be advised that the recovery of any personal items lost or left behind during a Premier Tours & Travel tour is solely the responsibility of the guest. We ask that guests work directly with any hotel, restaurant, or other location where they suspect lost items may have inadvertently been left behind.  In addition, all costs associated with the recovery of lost or left-behind personal items, either during or after a journey is the responsibility of the guest.

Additional Transportation Information

Motor Coach

Should motor coaches (or mini coaches) be used for transportation and sightseeing on your Premier Tours & Travel journey, it may or may not be equipped with restrooms. However, several rest stops are scheduled into each day’s sightseeing and activities for your comfort and convenience. All motor coaches and mini coaches will be air conditioned for your comfort. Sometimes, the distribution of cool air is unequal. Most motor coaches tend to be cooler toward the rear than toward the front. Your driver will make every effort to ensure the temperature is balanced. Please note that smoking (including e-cigarettes and other electronic smoking devices) is prohibited aboard the motor coach.

Personal Dietary, Mobility & Other Health Considerations
Special Dietary Requests

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with will all do their best to accommodate special dietary request from Premier Tours & Travel’s guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants), some of our partners are better able to accommodate such requests than others. We, therefore, cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Mobility Issues and Other Health Considerations

For this itinerary, you should be able to easily walk one to two miles, which may include climbing one or two flights of stairs and walking over uneven pavement, groomed hiking trails or cobblestones. Standing up to one hour or more may be required.

Your journey is moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended travel times in the motor coach.

We regret that this itinerary cannot accommodate wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Likewise, we regret that we’re unable to provide individual assistance to guests with walking difficulties or other personal needs. The responsibility of the Host who accompanies your trip is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.
 

Additional Information
Shopping

Some travelers love to shop; other have little interest. We try to accommodate everyone. Rest stops are a necessity when traveling; occasionally we will allow we extra time at these stops when they offer something of interest to all, or to provide just a bit of shopping time.

Some areas that you will visit on your journey are noted for their shopping opportunities. Guests wishing to take advantage of these opportunities should refer to a local guidebook or contact the hotel concierge. Guests who wish to go shopping are encouraged to exercise their discretion and use caution, as quality and terms of sale (such as return policies) can vary from vendor to vendor. Please note that many shops in Europe are closed on Sundays.

Courtesy – Please Be Prompt!

Please be considerate of your fellow travelers by being on time for motor coach and sightseeing departures. Although we try not to run on a rigid schedule, 15 minutes wasted, four times a day results in an hour delay in reaching that evening’s destination.

Cell Phones

We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel. Cell phones allow us to keep in touch with friends and family, and it is reassuring to know that loved ones can contact us in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to other guests who are enjoying their vacation.

As a courtesy to others, we ask that guests refrain from cell phone usage during motor coach travel.

Using Credit and Debit /ATM Cards

For convenience and competitive exchange rates, we suggest using major credit cards for purchases or using a debit/TM car to obtain cash for purchases at the many conveniently located ATMs. Please note that using a credit card for purchases in a growing number of European countries requires a “chip-and-PIN” credit card with an embedded microchip and an associated PIN number. (This PIN number is specific to the credit card and is NOT the same as the PIN associated with your debit/ATM card.) If you have questions about using your credit card in a foreign country, please contact your bank in advance of your journey.

Most travelers find it useful to have a modest amount of local currency with them when they arrive in a foreign country. If upon arrival you require local currency, you can visit one of the many currency exchange facilities at the airport or use an ATM.

We recommend contacting your bank in advance of your departure to ensure that you will be able to use your debit/ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, be sure to notify them of your travel dates and destination. This will allow the bank to anticipate charges being made outside of your local area and help prevent the bank from incorrectly suspending your cards for charges that might otherwise appear suspicious.

We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your debit/ATM card credit cards to leave with someone at home who can assist you in the event your cards are lost or stolen.

Customs and Tax-Free Shopping

Upon re-entry into the United States, U.S. residents may bring back $800 worth of items duty-free, provided those items physically accompany the traveler back into the country. There are limits to the amount of alcohol and tobacco that can be a part of this exemption. As of this writing, those limits are one liter of alcohol, 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars per traveler. Customs regulations are subject to change without notice, and we therefore recommend that you confirm the accuracy of these limits if you plan on bringing alcohol or tobacco products back from your journey. Please call your local Customs office or consult the U.S. government’s Customs website at www.cbp.gov.

General Safety Awareness

It is always advisable to lock airline tickets, passports and valuables in a safe. When in public, always try to be aware of your personal security and safety. Do not carry anything of value in your outside pockets, be mindful of your surroundings, and exercise the same commonsense precautions that you would at home.

Photos and Video Taken by Premier Tours & Travel

Premier Tours & Travel will occasionally use photos or video footage taken by guests or Premier Tours & Travel’s Directors during our tours for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your likeness not be used in any marketing activates, please notify your Premier Tours & Travel Director/Host at the beginning of your journey.

Traveling with Minors

If you are traveling internationally (including inbound travel into the U.S. from abroad), please be advised that many foreign countries have added specific entry requirements for minors under the age of 18 who are traveling without one of both parents. These requirements have been implemented to help stem the growing problem of children being abducted and taken abroad, usually by a parent during a divorce or custody dispute 

Expectations Versus Reality

We have been traveling for most of our lives, and one thing we have learned from our travels is that every journey begins with some preconceived image of what to expect along the way. When the actual experience exceeds our expectations, we feel joy. When it falls short, we feel disappointment.

We have carefully planned each itinerary. Yet with all our attention to detail, you should expect the unexpected when you travel. For example, behind every journey there are literally hundreds of persons, each of whom has a responsibility to do and say what is right should one or two let you down, and such things do happen. We hope you will have the flexibility to accept the reality of the situation rather than let an isolated incident upset your vacation.

So much of the fun of travel is to experience the unexpected. We hope you share that philosophy.

All of us at Premier Tours & Travel wish you a fun and enriching journey.