Heart of Europe® - Circle Tour

Most of the questions you have regarding your tour can be answered by reading through this material; however, the terms and conditions of your travel arrangements are controlled by the 'Tour Contract'. Knowing as much as you can beforehand will enable you to enjoy your tour experience to the fullest. For these reasons, it is necessary that you read the FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS and the TOUR CONTRACT sections prior to making reservations.

When should I make my Reservation?
As soon as you have decided on a tour and date. The sooner you sign up, the better your chance will be to get the lowest tour price and the best choice of dates.

Are Visas or Inoculations required for U.S. Citizens?
No visas or inoculations (shots) are required for passengers carrying a U.S. passport. Refer to this link for information on how to obtain or renew your U.S. passport.

Are Visas or Inoculations required for Non - U.S. Citizens?
If you do not carry a U.S. passport, you should check with your embassy or consulate or with the embassy or consulate of each country you will visit whether a visa is needed. It is your responsibility to determine which visas or inoculations are required and to obtain them before your departure.

Do the Hotel Rooms have Private Bathrooms?
All rooms have a private bathroom with sink, toilet, and shower and/or bathtub.

What is the difference between a Double and a Twin Room?
A 'double' room consists of one double bed. Often the European 'twin' accommodations consist of two twin size beds made up separately, placed side by side sharing the same headboard. In some hotels it may not be possible to separate these twin beds. Image Tours can request 'twin' or 'double' accommodations, but at some hotels there will not be any choice or, due to limited allotments, passengers may not always receive their preferred choice.

Are Triple Rooms possible?
Triple rooms are an option. There are no discounts for triple rooms. Most European hotel rooms are not designed to accommodate three persons, and 'triples' usually consist of a standard double bed or two twin beds, with a folding bed, cot, or rollaway for the third person. Be aware that this may not be comfortable for three adults.

Can I join the tour if I do not have a Roommate?
The applicable single supplement for each tour can be found in the 'Dates & Prices Guide'. Single rooms are usually much smaller and not as well located as double rooms, and only a limited number are available. Once our standard allotment of single rooms (4 per tour) is sold out, we may be able to confirm additional singles at double the single supplement. Although highly unlikely, if you have paid the single supplement and are forced to share a room, the appropriate refund will be made. Passengers without a travel companion will be required to provide a signed statement of current medical status, acknowledging the passenger is fit to travel alone. Please also read the 'Physical Condition Guidelines'

Can Image Tours help find a Roommate?
Unless advised otherwise at time of booking, non-smokers may request a 'Guaranteed Share' for 50% of the single supplement. If Image Tours assigns you a roommate, you will receive a refund of the 50% single supplement after travel. Please note that your phone number will be provided to your share roommate within 50 days prior to departure. If Image Tours is unable to assign you a roommate of the same gender, you will be assigned a single room but will still only pay 50% of the single supplement. Passengers who request that Image Tours helps them find a roommate will be required to provide a signed statement of current medical status, acknowledging the passenger is fit to travel alone. Please also read the 'Physical Condition Guidelines'. 'Guaranteed Share' requests may be denied without explanation, at the sole discretion of Image Tours. Requests to share a room made within 100 days prior to departure will not be guaranteed and, in these cases, if we are unable to find a roommate, or in the event of cancellation by a roommate, you will be charged the full single supplement. Please note, if you request to change to a single room for any reason, this change will be subject to availability of a single room at the time you request the change. If you request this change more than 100 days prior to departure, you will be charged the full single supplement. If you request this change within 100 days prior to departure or during the tour, you will be charged double the full single supplement.

Is this a Non-Smoking Tour?
In Europe the non-smoking issue is not addressed as aggressively as in the United States. Nevertheless, the tour managers will adopt a non-smoking policy on the motor coaches. Although most restaurants still do not feature non-smoking sections, tour participants are also expected to refrain from smoking when your tour party is seated together for breakfasts and dinners. Image Tours requests non-smoking rooms for all tour participants where possible, but some hotels do not offer non-smoking rooms. Conversely, some hotels have converted to only nonsmoking rooms and charge a substantial penalty to guests who smoke in a non-smoking room. Image Tours expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability in connection with smoking or non-smoking requirements.

Are Airport Transfers included?
One scheduled group transfer hosted by the tour manager is available, at no additional cost on Day 2 from the airport to the first tour hotel and on the last day of the tour from the hotel to the airport. Transfer times in each direction are set based on the scheduled flight times of passengers who have purchased the complete 'Tour & Air' inclusive package from Image Tours. For this reason, passengers who purchase 'tour only' from Image Tours should expect to make their own way between the airports and the hotels at their own expense, but are welcome to join the complimentary transfer if the passenger's actual flight times coincide with the actual transfer times. If you are unable to make the scheduled transfer time due to flight delays or for any other reason, you will need to make the transfer on your own, and the entire cost of this transfer will be your responsibility. The Final Trip Documents Packet will also include instructions and approximate costs for the most economical way to transfer independently. However, we cannot guarantee this information and, under no circumstances, will Image Tours be held responsible for any portion of the cost of these transfers. Many travel insurance programs include coverage for travel delays of more than 12 hours. As you consider travel insurance, check if the policy includes travel delay coverage. Pre- and Post-tour extensions do not include transfers.

Where do I Meet the Tour Manager?
The tour manager will be waiting at an assigned Meeting Point inside the arrival airport in Europe. The Meeting Point location and time will be indicated in your Trip Documents Packet which you will receive at least a week prior to departure. This packet contains information to walk you through travel preparation, check-in at the US airport, and arrival in Europe.

Will the Tour Manager accompany the entire tour?
With only a rare exception, the same tour manager who will meet at the arrival airport in Europe for the group transfer to the first tour hotel will accompany the entire tour through the group transfer from the last tour hotel to the return airport.

Is Tipping to Tour Manager & Driver included?
The tips for the tour manager and driver are not included in the tour price. This allows you to express your level of appreciation for their performance and for their contribution to your overall enjoyment of the tour. Depending on level of service you feel they provided, an average tip is between $2.00 and $4.00 per person, per day, to each the tour manager and driver, paid in the local currency. Based on several requests, we are now providing tipping envelopes with the Trip Documents which you may hand to the tour manager and driver toward the end of the tour.

Is Tipping for Other Services included?
Tipping is included for all services that are pre-arranged by Image Tours, such as hotel staff, restaurant staff and other services that are included in the tour or in the optional excursions. During independent meals, the general rule at restaurants in Europe and the British Isles is 5% to 10% depending on level of service. When you purchase beverages or receive water service with dinner, it is polite to include a 25 cent tip or round up. Generally, if anyone who provides you a pre-arranged tour service is just doing their job, you need not tip them. Feel free however, to tip any service personnel who are extra helpful or friendly, or who provide a special or unexpected service.

How often will I need to carry my own Luggage?
At the airports, you will have the use of luggage carts to transport your luggage to the coach. At each hotel a porter will take your luggage (one suitcase per person per the Baggage Allowance) up to your room and place them outside your door. Each morning you depart from a hotel, you will place your luggage in the hallway outside your room and the hotel porter will take it down to the coach for your driver to load onto the coach. Although highly unlikely, there may be a rare occasion on which individual baggage handling is required at a hotel. You must carry your own carry-on luggage throughout the tour.

How much Time will I spend on the Motor Coach?
Our tours are planned so that the average time on the motor coach between stops is 1½ to 2 hours. For more specific times, here are the links for each tour's "Travel Time":

• Heart of Europe® Circle
• Heart of Europe® Grand
• Heart of Europe® with London
• London, Paris, Rome
• Germany, Austria, Switzerland
• Heart of the British Isles
• World War II Memorial
• Treasures of Italy
• Europe Summer Highlights

How much Free Time will I have?
When you make a sightseeing stop, your tour manager will typically indicate points of interest while on the coach and/or with a walking tour and will also allow time for independent sightseeing. You may forego a walking tour if you prefer more independent time.

What is the Pace of the tour and how much walking is involved?
The pace of the tours featured in this brochure is considered 'ACTIVE'. Due to limited access for motor coaches to old town centers, a fair amount of walking is required to take in all of the old world charm and sights on our escorted tours. It is not unusual to walk a ½ mile to a mile to reach some of the most interesting attractions. In order to keep up with the pace of the tour and take in all the sights, we recommend participants be able to comfortably walk a half mile in 15 minutes. If you are concerned about your physical condition, please consult your family physician as to whether the tour is suitable for you and consider the following guidelines:

Physical Condition Guidelines.

1) If you are not keeping up with the rest of the group, the tour manager will ask you to stay near the motor coach and forfeit any sightseeing that requires walking as a group. In case you are separated from the group during sightseeing time, it will be your own responsibility to position yourself at the pre-designated re-embarkation point, at the agreed time. If you have to take a taxi to do so, it will be at your own expense.

2) Staying on the motor coach during stops is not an option, because when parked, all passengers must disembark so the driver can lock the motor coach and take a break.

3) Tour and hotel personnel will not be available to lift or otherwise physically assist tour participants at any time. Thus, if you require any type of assistance, you must bring a capable travel companion who can comfortably help you keep up with the pace of the tour as described above.

4) With an average of 40 participants per tour, the tour manager's principal responsibility is to ensure the overall enjoyment of the tour by the group. The tour manager may ask you to leave the tour if you are unable to keep up with the pace of the other tour participants to the extent that it impedes the other tour members' enjoyment of the tour; and all resulting costs will be your responsibility.

May I bring a Wheelchair or other Walking Assistance Device?
Passengers who use a walker, wheelchair or any other walking assistance device, or are considering the use of a walking assistance device while they travel, should not take this tour. If this applies to you and you still decide to take our tours, please note the following requirements:

1) If you normally use a walker or similar walking assistance device, you will need to leave it home and bring a wheelchair. A walker is simply not practical or safe on the tour due to motor coach entrances, uneven sidewalks, and cobblestone streets.

2) At time of reservation you must put your request tobring a wheelchair in writing. The motor coaches have limited space for luggage and Image Tours can only accept one wheelchair request for each tour date. If a passenger requests to bring a wheelchair after deposit has been processed and Image Tours does not approve this request, the applicable cancellation penalties will apply.

3) You must bring your own folding wheelchair. Nonfolding or motorized wheelchairs are not allowed on the motor coach.

4) The wheelchair will be stored in the luggage space underneath the motor coach; therefore, it should fold quickly and easily. The charge for handling and storage of a wheelchair on the motor coach is USD $8.00 multiplied by the total number of days on the tour, to be paid with final payment for the tour.

5) You must bring a capable travel companion who can push the wheelchair and assist you in any other way necessary to comfortably help you keep up with the pace of the tour. Please also refer to points 1 through 4 of the 'Physical Condition Guidelines' on this page.

6) You must be able to manage the steps of the motor coach independent of any assistance. In Europe, the laws do not yet require motor coaches to be equipped with ramps/lifts, or hotels to offer provisions for the physically challenged. Please do not expect these facilities on our tours.

7) You must always try to be the first person to get on the motor coach and the last person to get off. This will ensure smooth and swift embarkation and disembarkation for all passengers. To help facilitate this, we recommend you make it a habit to arrive at the motor coach slightly ahead of the other passengers.

May I bring Oxygen or other Medical Devices?
Oxygen tanks will not be permitted on the motor coaches. Due to higher elevations and the active pace of the tour, clients dependent on oxygen assistance devices should not take these tours. Any other medical devices must fit within the 'Baggage Allowances'. Under no circumstance does Image Tours, the airlines, the motor coach company, the tour managers, the hotels, or any other service provider accept any responsibility or liability in connection with medical conditions, medical supportive devices, or any electronic devices. Please also refer to the 'Physical Condition Guidelines' on this page).

Why should I purchase Travel Insurance?
For coverage of cancellation penalties or missed days of the tour, due to unexpected, covered reasons for cancellation or travel delay, Image Tours highly recommends trip cancellation insurance. Please note that many health insurance providers do not cover customers while traveling outside the USA. Therefore, look for travel insurance that includes travel accident and sickness coverage as well as Emergency Assistance. Image Tours also recommends purchasing baggage insurance. Ask your travel agency for travel insurance options. Refer to this link for a description of the travel insurance offered by Image Tours.

When do I pay for the Optional Excursions?
You pay for the optional excursions once you are on the tour. Click here for a list of tours, then click on Optional Excursions for a list. You will also see payment instructions for the optional excursions.

Do I need to bring Formal Attire?
Comfort is the priority on our tours. There are no occasions that require formal attire. Some clients like to bring one dressier outfit to wear for special occasion dinners, but formal attire is not necessary.

How are Seats assigned on the Motor Coach?
Seating on the motor coach will be assigned by a rotation system. Out of fairness to all passengers, we do not accept special seating requests for the motor coach for any reason and expect full participation in the rotation system.

Is there a Bathroom on the Motor Coach?
Although motor coaches are usually equipped with an enclosed 'porta-potty', you are asked to limit its use to 'emergencies only', due to limited disposal sites. Frequent sightseeing and rest stops will be made in order to allow for a comfortable traveling experience.

Do the Motor Coaches have Heating & Air Conditioning?
All our motor coaches are equipped with heating and air conditioning. Due to stringent pollution prevention laws, however, the motor coaches must turn off their engines when at a standstill, and the air conditioning will only function when the engine is running. While the air conditioning is in operation, you will find that on warmer days the temperature in the motor coach is about 10º lower than outside. For instance, if the outside temperature is 80º, then the motor coach will be about 70º.

Do Hotels have Heating & Air Conditioning?
Due to a milder climate, air conditioning is not as widely used in Europe as it is in the U.S.A. Therefore, a number of our hotels do not feature air conditioning, but all are equipped with central heating.

How are Rooms assigned?
Room assignments for each tour are made by the individual hotels. The location, view, and size of the rooms may vary.

When will I know the Hotels used for my tour?
A list of the hotels used for your tour, along with their descriptions, will be included with your Trip Documents Packet, which you will receive about one week prior to departure. Click here for a list of tours, then click on Hotels for a list used on that tour.

What do hotels serve for Breakfast?
Some hotels may still serve a continental breakfast, but usually breakfasts are buffet style with a selection of rolls, butter, jam, cheese, cold cuts, coffee, tea, milk and juice. On occasion, the buffets may also include cereal, sweet rolls, fruit, yogurt, eggs, or other items.

What is typical for the included Dinners?
The included dinners are usually prepared following a prearranged, fixed menu. We work with the hotels to try to provide a variety of meals throughout the tour. Unless notified otherwise by your tour manager, beverages are not included with dinners.

May I request Vegetarian, Gluten-free, or Diabetic Meals?
If notified in writing at least 50 days prior to departure, Image Tours accepts the following diet requests only: 1) diabetic; 2) gluten-free; 3) vegan; 4) vegetarian with dairy and eggs; and 5) semi-vegetarian (no pork or red meat). Although we will inform the tour manager and the hotels of these diet requests, any dietary requirements remain entirely your own responsibility. Please do not give the tour manager a list of items you may or may not eat. Instead, leave items you may not eat on your plate and order additional items 'à la carte', at your own expense. Image Tours does not forward diet requests to the airlines, but passengers may be able to submit such preferences themselves through the airline website. Image Tours expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability in connection with dietary requirements.

May I request Airline Seat Assignments?
Some airlines or flights do not allow for seat assignments until check-in. If the airline does allow pre-assigned seats, you may request seat assignments through the airline website, after final payment. Please note these seat assignments may be canceled by the airline due to schedule or equipment changes, and you should, therefore, reconfirm your seat assignments 25 days before departure and again a few days prior to departure. Any fees charged by the airlines for seating are not included in the tour price and must be paid directly to the airlines.

May I record Frequent Flyer information?
If you are a member of a frequent flyer club and if the airline offers miles on tickets issued by Image Tours, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are credited your mileage. The best way to do this is through the airline website and by presenting your frequent flyer card/number upon check-in for both your departure and return. Image Tours recommends you record your air ticket number and keep your boarding passes even after you have returned so you can provide proof of travel to the airline in the event of any problem. Image Tours cannot provide copies of tickets or ticket numbers after travel is completed.

Is it possible to Extend the Stay before or after the Tour?
If you are considering an earlier departure from the U.S. or a later return after the tour, you must submit a request at the time you make reservations for your escorted tour. Ask your travel agent about availability and how such a revision may affect your price. Pre- or posttour extension accommodations must be requested at the time you make a reservation for your escorted tour and are subject to availability of the air and hotel space. For additional information about extensions offered by Image Tours, refer to the 'Dates & Prices Guide' insert or ask your travel agent.

Is there any Credit for Nights Away from the tour?
If you wish to leave the tour for a night or two and notify Image Tours in writing at least 100 days before departure, we will give you a credit of $35 per person for every night you are away. You may leave the tour at any place on the itinerary, but you can only rejoin the tour at one of the overnight hotels.

What if I need to Interrupt my tour and Return Early?
If you must return early for any physical/medical reason, make sure you obtain a statement from the attending physician/hospital, as this may allow the airlines to waive change fees and this will assist you in making a claim if you have purchased insurance. Air tickets issued by Image Tours are subject to change fees, and you may need to purchase a non-restrictive, one-way air ticket for returns within 7 days or from a different city than scheduled. Therefore, Image Tours recommends purchasing travel insurance with trip interruption coverage.

What Age do Children need to be to go on these tours?
Children under eight (8) years of age are not accepted on our tours, as it is difficult to keep them entertained on the motor coach, and they may distract from the enjoyment of other tour members. Children between the ages of 8 and 17 must be accompanied by an adult. If children are not accompanied by their legal guardian, the legal guardian must sign their Reservation Application and provide a notarized consent form.

Are there any Discounts for Children?
Unless you are informed otherwise at the time you make reservations, the following discount will apply: Children who will be ages 8 through 17 at time of departure and will share a room with at least one legal guardian are entitled to a $150 discount off the tour and air inclusive tour. The children's discount does not apply to those booking 'tour only' through Image Tours, nor is there any discount on extensions, optional excursions, or any other additional costs.

What happens if I get Lost?
The chance that you become lost is very small indeed. If this does happen, you will usually manage to find the motor coach before it leaves at the agreed time. However, in the event the bus has left, you should proceed to your hotel using a taxi, train, or bus. This will be at your own expense. If you need to do this, you can ask for assistance from police, bus drivers, train station or tourist office personnel. Always carry your passport and a copy of your 'Overnight Schedule' with you!

What happens if I Lose an Article?
Neither Image Tours nor any company contracted through Image Tours shall be responsible for articles lost, stolen, left behind, confiscated, or damaged. Such articles are rarely retrieved; therefore, we recommend you check that you have all your possessions each time you leave a motor coach, hotel, restaurant, and on all other occasions throughout your tour. Out of consideration for your fellow travelers, do not ask the driver/tour manager to turn the motor coach around to retrieve a lost article. Any items found by tour managers, drivers, or hotel personnel will be brought to the attention of Image Tours. Locating the owner of a 'lost and found' item will be more likely if the owner reports the loss to Image Tours immediately. Upon receipt of payment for the shipping and handling (on average $50 per item) Image Tours will ship 'lost and found' articles to their owner, provided the item is approved for shipping and customs.

How can I get an Address of a fellow Tour Participant?
Image Tours respects the privacy of their tour participants. If you wish to contact fellow tour participants after the tour, be sure to ask them for their names and addresses during the tour because Image Tours will not be able to provide you with this information.

What is the Weather like in Europe?
The weather in Europe, like that in most places, is unpredictable. While planning your wardrobe, imagine that you are planning a trip through the USA. Season for season, the climate of the midwest is comparable to western and central Europe, and the climate in our southern states is comparable to southern Europe. Even in the summer, bring that warm sweater and a raincoat. Conversely, during fall and winter, you may experience some lovely weather with pleasant daytime temperatures. Enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of Europe is in no way bound by seasons or the weather. You can enjoy our tours as much in November as in August. So, whether guided by your calendar, or by your pocketbook, pick the season that suits you best and capture the fun and enjoyment of an Image tour . . . any season!