Terms & Conditions
Privacy Policy
Booking Conditions
What's Included in the Tour Price
Inter-city Travel: By private motorcoach, trains and ferries (see brochures for further details)
Touring: By air-conditioned / air-ventilated motorcoaches. Please note that on some Regional European First Class Tours and London sightseeing, motorcoaches without toilet facilities are used. In the Middle East and South America, airconditioned / air-ventilated motorcoaches (or minibuses) without toilet facilities are used. If due to circumstances beyond our control coaches are used otherwise than as advertised, a refund of $10 per person will be made.
Air Transportation: Air transportation is only included in the Land price when indicated on specific itineraries.
Hotel Accommodation: Prices are per person and based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private bath or shower. Substitute hotels may be used at certain times and will be of similar standard whenever possible. When booking triple rooms please note that the third bed may be a-roll-away bed. Availability of triple rooms is limited. Note that single rooms in European hotels are generally smaller than twin-bedded rooms and European hotel standards, facilities and services provided may vary from those in other parts of the world and are often local in style. Quad rooms are only available on Family Experiences tours in North America.
Many hotels in North America are now 100% smoke-free. This smoke-free policy includes all guest rooms, restaurants, lounges, meeting rooms, public spaces, and employee work areas. Smoking in a non-smoking room will result in a fine of up to US$350 per room. There are a limited number of twin-shared rooms available with our Room Share Service. Passengers who are members of Hotel Frequent Traveller programmes are not entitled to earn points with any of the hotels featured on a Trafalgar tour.
Special room requests such as handicapped, smoking / non-smoking, adjacent, connecting or lower-floor rooms must be requested at time of booking. These special room requests cannot be guaranteed and are based on availability at the time of check-in.
Cruises: Per person prices are based on two persons sharing a cabin with two berths, private shower and toilet. A limited number of single cabins are available at extra cost. On Nile cruises, triple rooms are only available if the third occupant is a child under the age of 12.
Tour Director: Escorted tours are conducted in English only by a professional multi-lingual Tour Director. Our City Breaks tours include a Trafalgar Representative in London, Paris, Rome and Amsterdam. A host service is provided in Athens for tours with Greek cruises.
Meals: In-flight meals and snacks are served according to airline policy. Continental or buffet breakfast on all European First Class tours except in Ireland and provincial Britain (not including London) where full national style breakfasts are served. Dinners are included as detailed on itineraries. All meals are included on cruises. In the USA and Canada, Full American breakfasts are served when available. When not available, a Continental breakfast is served. Dinners and lunches are included as detailed on itineraries.
Sightseeing: Excursions and entrance fees to places of interest visited as detailed on each itinerary with an English-speaking guide where necessary.
Transfers: Between airports, hotels, railway stations and piers, where indicated as per times, locations and conditions specified in Trafalgar's brochure.
Porterage: Baggage handling for one suitcase per person on tour, at hotels, is included in the tour price. Due to limited coach capacity, this single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30"x18"x10" (76x46x25cm) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs (23kg). A charge of up to US$5 per travelling day will be collected by the Tour Director if a second piece of baggage is carried, or if the suitcase exceeds the established weight and/or dimensions. However it cannot be guaranteed that more than one suitcase will be carried. Hand luggage should be one piece per person and should be limited in size (not exceeding 30x28x14cm or 12x11x6) so as to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead shelf. These are the responsibility of each tour member and should be taken onto the motorcoach with you. Please note that luggage with telescopic handles and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartments and can therefore not be accepted as carry-on luggage for safety reasons.
Airlines may impose stricter weight and size limits for luggage and may also charge fees for checked baggage, including the first checked bag. Please check with your airline(s) directly for baggage regulations and related fees. Trafalgar is not responsible for addditional fees imposed by air carriers regarding baggage.
Porterage at train stations is not included. Trafalgar will not accept liability for any loss or damage to baggage or any of the passenger's belongings. Passengers should report any lost items to the Tour Director who will assist in completing a lost property form that can be used for any insurance claim in this matter. However, Trafalgar cannot assist in locating any lost items once the passenger has returned home.
Tips and Taxes: All tips are included for services on tour provided by dining-room waiters, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports and docks.
*Port charges, Government fees and taxes on cruises are subject to change without notice. Rail/cruise+tour combinations do not include tips on either the train or cruise ship, these are the sole responsibility of the passenger.
What's Not Included in the Tour Price
Airfares to and from your destination, except where specified, airport taxes and fees; passport and visa fees; airline fees for checked and/or excess baggage; insurances of all kinds; tips to Tour Directors, motorcoach drivers, local city guides and cruise staff; gratuities on ferries, trains and cruise ships; porterage at train stations; laundry; phone calls; minibar; beverages; meals not detailed in the itinerary; optional excursions; and all items of a personal nature. The tour price also does not cover costs and expenses, including the return to your home, if you leave the tour at your own volition or due to illness, or as a consequence of official action by the government of any country visited.
Reservations and Payment
Tour Only: NZ$200 Deposit Required within 7 days. Final Payment due 45 days prior to departure.
Tour & Train: NZ$200 Deposit Required within 7 days. Final Payment due 50 days prior to departure.
Tour & Cruise: NZ$500 Deposit Required within 7 days. Final Payment due 80 days prior to departure.
River Cruises & China: NZ$300 Deposit Required within 7 days. Final Payment due 90 days prior to departure.
1. Your Tour reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a non-refundable/non-transferable deposit (as outlined above) per tour which must be within 7 days of booking (except on some departures where space is limited and your deposit may be required sooner. You will be advised at time of booking) or the reservation will automatically be cancelled.
2. Full and final payment is due no later than 90 days (River Cruises & China), 80 days (Tour & Cruise), 50 days (Tour & Train) or 45 days (Tour Only) prior to departure from New Zealand.
3. Trafalgar reserves the right to cancel the reservation and impose cancellation charges should payments not be received within the above specified periods. Trafalgar we will not be responsible for lost reservations.
4. Tours with intra-European air flights included in the price must be paid in full 70 days before the tour departs.
5. Your agent shall, on receipt of any monies, hold such monies for each and every person named in the booking until the booking is confirmed at which times those monies shall be remitted promptly by your Travel Agent to us. All such monies received by us will be deposited as required by law. It is a condition of our confirmation of your booking and acceptance of your deposit in respect of your tour, that all monies paid by you to us through your Travel Agent, whether by way of deposit of otherwise in respect of your tour, may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit or in respect of the services to be provided or fees payable under the tour program, and the payment of a deposit or otherwise for your tour, shall be deemed to be a direction to disburse such monies as aforesaid.
6. Any special meal requirements will be made on a request basis only. Trafalgar cannot guarantee special meal requests nor will it assume any responsibility or liability if passengers' special meal requests are not fulfilled.
7. Any change or substitute of a passenger name within 90 days (River Cruises & China), 80 days (Tour & Cruise), 50 days (Tour & Train) or 45 days (Tour Only) will be deemed a cancellation, and applicable cancellation fees will be applied.
Travel Documents
Travel documents will be sent to you approximately 21 days prior to departure from New Zealand (providing full payment has been received on time). If you are leaving home earlier please ask your Travel Agent to request your travel documents in good time.
Booking Changes, Cancellations and Refunds
Booking Changes:
A fee of $35 per person per tour or $135 per tour and cruise will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed unless the change increases the value of the booking. A change of tour date or tour itinerary within 90 days (River Cruise & China), 80 days (tour and cruise), 50 days (tour including train), 45 days (tour only) prior to tour departure will be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply except when the change is to an earlier tour departure of equivalent or greater value in which case a $35 per person per tour or $135 per tour and cruise amendment fee will be charged
Cancellations and Cancellation Fees:
If you cancel more than 90 days prior to a River Cruise or China departure, 80 days prior to a Tour & Cruise departure, 50 days prior to a Tour & Train departure or 45 days prior to a Tour Only departure, a cancellation fee equal to your deposit paid will be charged, and this amount cannot be credited to any other booking.
Notice of cancellation must be made in writing either directly to Trafalgar or through your Travel Agent.
The following scale of charges (includes GST) will apply when notice of cancellation for River Cruise, Tour & Cruise, Tour and Train and Tour Only is given prior to tour departure. Please also refer to Trafalgarfs Gold Seal Protection.
Tour Only
No. of days prior to tour departure and Cancellation Free as a % of total price:
Over 45 days: NZ$200
45 - 22 days: 27.5%
21 - 8 days: 33%
7 - 1 days: 55%
Departure day or later/no show: 100%
Tours to North America - Tour Only (Land Only)
No. of days prior to tour departure and Cancellation Free as a % of total price:
Over 45 days: NZ$200
45 - 22 days: 25%
21 - 8 days: 30%
7 - 1 days: 50%
Departure day or later/no show: 100%
Tour & Train
No. of days prior to tour departure and Cancellation Free as a % of total price:
Over 50 days: NZ$200
50 - 35 days: 38.5%
34 - 20 days: 55%
19 - 8 days: 82.5%
7 days or less / no show: 100%
Tour & Cruise
No. of days prior to tour departure and Cancellation Free as a % of total price:
Over 80 days: NZ$500
80 - 46 days: 38.5%
45 - 16 days: 55%
15 - 8 days: 82.5%
7 days or less / no show: 100%
River Cruise & China
No. of days prior to tour departure and Cancellation Free as a % of total price:
Over 90 days: NZ$300
90 - 60 days: 35%
59 - 30 days: 50%
Less than 30 days: 100%
Departure day or later / no show: 100%
Extra night hotel accommodation that is cancelled within 14 days of the booked date incurs a 100% cancellation fee; For Canada and North America, accommodation cancelled outside 14 days, a NZ$35 per person amendment fee applies. For all other destinations, when accommodation is cancelled outside 14 days, the cancellation fees are:
Over 45 days: NZ$35 per person
45 - 22 days: 25%
21 - 15 days: 30%
Above mentioned cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that may be levied by your Travel Agent.
Airline Flights: If you purchase intra-European/Middle Eastern air tickets from Trafalgar in conjunction with any tour, the cancellation charge will be 100% of the cost of the flight if cancelled within 35 days of the flight date. Cancellation charges for the Land portion are shown above.
Refunds and Penalties:
Illness or Absenteeism: In the event of your withdrawal from a tour after commencement for reasons of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including but not limited to missed meals or sightseeing. Trafalgar makes no representation or guarantees concerning reimbursements of funds paid by you under any insurance claim.
Airlines & Airfares: if a promotional airfare contained in this brochure is broken or extended for any reason, an additional cost may be incurred. Airfares are subject to change at any time. Changes to flight itineraries and name changes may result in penalties charged by Trafalgar and/or the airline concerned passed on to the passenger. Promotionally priced bookings may be subject to additional cancellation or change fees; please refer to specific promotion terms, conditions and restrictions.
Airline Seating: Seat assignment and special meals can be requested at time of booking. Trafalgar cannot guarantee confirmation of preferences. Frequent Flyer miles can be accrued on most air carriers but upgrades using mileage is not permitted. Seating is solely under control of the airline and subject to change up until departure. Flight delays and schedule changes are the sole responsibility of the airline.
Airline & Airport Taxes and Charges and Service Fees by Trafalgar: Any domestic and international departure or arrival taxes, security charges, and other types of taxes or charges imposed by Airlines, Airports, Governments, etc. are not included in the Tour Price. The amount of these charges will be passed on to each passenger at the time of booking.
General Information and Conditions
Tour Prices: Are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies and exchange rates as at time brochures went to print. Should these change, the price of your holiday may increase. No surcharges in respect of cost or currency fluctuations will be made once payment for the deposit of your land tour is received. This does not apply to fuel surcharges and any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or their agencies. In exchange for these guarantees, no refund will be made if costs are reduced. Please note that if the total tour price increases by more than 10%, passengers will have the right to cancel their tour within 7 days of notification of the surcharge without penalty.
Tour Participation: Children under 5 years of age are ineligible on coach tours. Children under 8 years of age are ineligible on River Cruises. Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Trafalgar's tours provided they are accompanied by an able-bodied companion capable of providing all necessary assistance, and do not require special assistance from Trafalgar personnel. Trafalgar reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone if it is felt the individual cannot cope with the requirements of coach tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Trafalgar cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Trafalgar group of companies responsible for any decision made by any of them or any service provider to refuse to carry you, provide any facilities or accommodation to you or to provide any service to you.
For the benefit of all tour members, Trafalgar reserves the right to accept or reject, or remove any tour member whose conduct is considered to be incompatible with the interests of other tour members. Trafalgar is not responsible for any costs incurred if we have to terminate a tour memberfs tour due to unacceptable behaviour.
Pets are not permitted on Trafalgar trips.
Itinerary Variations: Trafalgar constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary - we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, and sometimes in reverse order in which case hotels may vary from those stated on the itinerary pages. Trade fairs or other events occasionally cause changes from scheduled hotels. In these and in other cases substitute hotels may be used and will be of a similar standard and location whenever possible. On tours that include cruises the ship may be changed due to operational reasons. Ports of call on Mediterranean cruises may be curtailed if weather conditions do not permit docking.
Extended Stays: If you have arranged extra night accommodation with Trafalgar at a destination before or after your tour, please understand your stay will be at your sole expense as is the transfer from or to the airport. Regrettably, Trafalgar cannot provide free transfers to either the hotel or airport for passengers booking extra night accommodation before or after their tour. Please also be aware that if your extra night hotel is not the hotel where your tour begins, you will be responsible for your own transfer arrangements at your own expense. Additional transfers can be purchased from Trafalgar (see brochures for further details or your travel agent).
Extensions/Land tours on River Cruises: Trafalgar reserves the right to reschedule and/or cancel land extensions or land tours if the minimum number of participants (20 people) is not reached or for safety reasons. If you cancel a pre or post extension ninety (90) days or less before departure, pentalies as shown on the cancellation scale will apply to the price of the extension.
Arrivals and Departures: It is essential to allow at least one day before and after your tour if you are joining your Trafalgar tour in London (see brochures for further details or your travel agent).
For your comfort: Trafalgar operate a daily seat rotation system and particular seats on coaches cannot be booked. Also there is a strict non-smoking policy on board coaches; however, regular comfort stops are made on travelling days.
Tour Cancellation: Trafalgar reserves the right to cancel or re-schedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. Trafalgar is not responsible for any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations.
For single travellers purchasing the Twin Share option, please note that there is a no smoking policy in all shared rooms.Travel Insurance: Trafalgar recommends that all passengers purchase comprehensive travel insurance. Certain countries have a requirement for foreign visitors to have valid medical insurance on entry. Trafalgar cannot be held responsible if a passenger is denied entry for being unable to provide details to the authorities of such insurance.
Complaints procedure: Should you have a complaint in respect of your holiday, you should inform your Tour Director/Representative immediately. If the matter cannot be resolved after the Tour Directorfs/Representativefs best endeavours to do so during the holiday, your complaint should be made in writing to your local Trafalgar office within 60 days of the completion of your holiday.
Responsibility
Trafalgar Tours (Bermuda) Limited, (Destination America Inc for USA & Canada), Trafalgar Operations Limited, and Uniworld S.A (River Cruises & China) referred to as the Operators, are the agents for Trafalgar Tours International Ltd. (Trafalgar), who have empowered the Operators on its behalf to undertake the following duties:
1. The Operators shall be responsible to the passenger for supplying the services and accommodations described in this brochure, except where such services cannot be supplied or the itinerary used is changed due to delays or other causes of whatever kind or nature beyond the control of the Operators. In such circumstances, the Operators will do their best to supply comparable services, accommodations and itineraries and there shall be no refund in this connection.
2. This website represents the entire agreement between the passenger and the above mentioned Operators.
3. In the absence of their own negligence, neither the Operators nor their agents or co-operating organizations shall be responsible for any cancellations or for acts of any other service providers concerned, diversions or substitution of equipment of any act, variations, postponements, omission or default whatsoever by air carriers, land carriers, hoteliers or hotels, transportation companies, or any other persons providing any of the services and accommodations to passengers including any results thereof, such as changes in services, accommodations or facilities necessitated by same. Nor shall they be liable for any loss or damage to baggage or property, or for injury, illness or death, or for any damages or claims whatsoever arising from loss, negligence or delay from the act, error, omission default or negligence of any person not its direct employee or under its exclusive control, including any act, error, omission, default, or negligence of any country, government or governmental authority, officer or employee. All baggage and personal effects are at all times and in all circumstances at the risk of the participant. Baggage cover is recommended. The Carriers, accommodation and other suppliers providing services are independent contractors and are not agents, employees, servants or joint ventures of the operators or their affiliates. All certificates and other travel documents for services issued by the operators are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the carriers and suppliers and to the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied. Carriage by sea is subject to the Carrierfs Conditions of Carriage, which are expressly incorporated into this contract, copies of which are available upon request. The Operators are not responsible for any criminal conduct by third parties.
4. Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the Operators nor their agents or co-operating organisations or service providers concerned will be liable for any injury, illness or death or for any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of such accident or incident.
5. Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not onboard planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international conventions which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions that apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to passengers and luggage. Enrolment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company.
6. Trafalgar Tours (NZ) Ltd. is only responsible for the services of reservations and ticketing. It does not accept any responsibility or liability for any of the acts, omissions or defaults, whether negligent or otherwise, of its principal Trafalgar Tours International Ltd., or any of the companies of the Trafalgar group of companies. All matters arising in relation to the services provided by Trafalgar Tours (NZ) Ltd., but not in respect of other things, are subject to the law of New Zealand.
7. In the case of computer or human billing error we reserve the right to re-invoice passengers with correct billing.
8. Every effort is made to ensure website and brochure accuracy, however Trafalgar cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances.
All bookings made with any provider of any transport, facilities, meals, other goods or of any services are subject to the terms and conditions imposed by them in relation to matters not covered particularly and expressly by our agreement with any of the above-mentioned two Operators in the Trafalgar group of companies.
If you decide that you do not want to visit a country or part of a country you intended to visit because of any law, condition or requirement of any government authority, official. Servant or agent, you are responsible for any costs, expenses, charges, fees, losses or damage incurred as a consequence and any cancellation or amendment fees.
None of the companies in the Trafalgar group of companies, or any of their servants or agents, accept any responsibility or liability for your acts, omissions, defaults, conduct, state of health, condition or circumstances.
Other Conditions
Each passenger is required to comply with the terms, conditions, requirements, laws, rules and/or regulations of any service provider, or any country or governmental authority, and shall be liable for any such non-compliance.
Booking Arrangements
Your booking arrangements are to be made by you or your Travel Agent and the person effecting the booking shall be deemed to have accepted the booking conditions.
Things to Know Before You Go
Passports & Visa: You are responsible for all visas, permits, necessary health requirements, and any other documents as required by laws, regulations and orders of the countries visited. All passengers travelling in Europe require a Passport, valid for 6 months beyond the conclusion of their trip, and with appropriate visas. All passengers travelling in Canada and the USA must be in possession of a machine readable passport and applicable visas. Some of our tours enter a country more than once, therefore, multiple-entry visas may be required for some countries. Please contact your Travel Agent or applicable Government authorities to get necessary travel information. It is the responsibility of each passenger to have a valid Passport and necessary visas, as well as to comply with entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited
The Operators and/or their employees and their agents are not responsible for passport, visa requirements, entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited or for any loss sustained by you for failing to comply with laws, regulations, orders and/or requirements of countries visited.
Travel Documents: Your tour documents and travel literature will be sent to you prior to departure. Please read this information carefully, before departure - as it contains a wealth of advice and essential information to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible.
Arrivals & Departures: It is essential to allow at least one day before and after your tour if you are joining your Trafalgar tour in London. (see brochures for further details or contact your travel agent).
Plan Your Budget: You are advised to do this well in advance and be sure to allocate funds for special events whilst on tour, such as theatre, celebration meals, shopping, side trips and Optional Excursions, see brochures for details or contact your travel agent.
Holidays & Changes: During local or national holidays abroad, certain facilities such as museums, sightseeing tours and shopping may be limited. In such instances and whenever possible; slight itinerary adjustments are made by Trafalgar to minimise inconvenience to tour members. If, however, your enjoyment might be diminished by such minor limitations, please check with the respective national tourist office before selecting a departure. Holidays, closing days and other circumstances may change the day of the week for scheduled "dining out", gala dinners, sightseeing and other activities.
Additional Optional Tours: With Trafalgar, you will enjoy many famous highlights as included features on your tour - at no extra cost. However, there is an exciting array of additional Optional Excursions which we make available to enhance your enjoyment further. These excursions are optional, and are offered at special preferential prices. They are available for perusal at www.trafalgartours.co.nz, but can only be booked once you start your tour, as many of them are carefully programmed to coincide with the best highlights available at the time of your visit. A detailed list and cost of these and many more exciting options is included in your travel documentation. You can book and pay for them through your Tour Director, by cash, Mastercard and Visa only or Travellers Cheques. For Optional Excursions in North America payment by American Express is also accepted. Please note optional excursions may vary due to seasonal conditions, minimum passenger participation and are subject to change without notice.
