How can I book my vacation?
After you have fully explored this web site and found a tour that
suits you, simply complete the short enquiry form that you will
find at the foot of each page. We will check availability for
your preferred date and respond by e-mail or telephone. Once availbility
has been confirmed and you are happy to go ahead with the booking,
we charge a booking deposit to your credit card. An e-mail confirming
all the details of the tour, including flights if booked with
us, will be sent immediately. The full travel pack will be sent
to you by UPS 21 days prior to your departure.
Do
your tour guides sell optional sightseeing programs?
No. We want our tour guides to spend their time informing and
looking after you rather than being sales people, so you enjoy
a pleasant and interesting travel experience. We typically offer
more sightseeing features and evening shows with dinner which
are included in the tour. Once you are touring with us, you do
not pay for any admissions or special entertainments.
Are prices guaranteed?
CIE guarantees that no increase in land costs will occur, once
you have paid the deposit for your tour. This is your protection
against international currency fluctuations. When you have paid
for your airfare in full, there will be no change in the cost
of the ticket, even if airfares rise later.
What travel documents do I need to visit Ireland and Britain?
If you are a US or Canadian citizen, the only travel document
you need is a valid passport. If you are hiring a car, you will
need your current driver's license.
Can
I combine a coach tour with a self-drive program? Or can I
combine a coach tour with a second one?
Yes, yes to both questions! Many of our coach tours are ideally
suited for combining and we offer you a discount if you take two.
If you are considering a self-drive vacation, a coach tour is
an excellent introduction to both Britain and Ireland and will
get you used to distances, customs and being "on the other
side of the road."
Why should
I purchase travel protection?
For the same reason that you have house and car insurance - to
protect you, your loved ones, your possessions and your travel
investment. If you or your family have unexpected health problems,
experience flight delays or have possessions stolen during your
vacation, you receive money back. This year we have a new trip
cancellation waiver benefit. Read the full details of this plan
by clicking to our Travel Protection
Plan.
Why do I see no triple
room rates featured in your brochure?
Because there is no reduction in cost for a third person sharing
a room with two others. European hotel rooms tend to be smaller
than North American rooms and the third bed may be a rollaway.
We suggest taking a twin and a single so that your party will
be more comfortable. However, we can request triple rooms in most
hotels in Ireland.
How much
luggage can I take?
On coach tours space for luggage is limited so each passenger
is permitted to take one piece of luggage (suitcase or garment
bag) per person. In addition, all passengers on coach tours receive
a handy carry-on bag, which may be stowed under your seat or overhead
in the coach. Self-drive clients need to consider the capacity
of the car rental and soft-sided luggage is easier for stowing
in a vehicle.
At what time does
the coach tour leave the hotel in the morning?
Departure time depends on the itinerary to be covered on any particular
day. In Britain departures are usually at about 8:00 am to 8:30
am, while in Ireland distances are shorter and the group usually
leaves at 8:45 am to 9:00 am.
How early can I check into the hotel on day of arrival?
You may check into rooms between noon and 1:00 pm, depending on
the hotel policy. As transatlantic flights generally arrive in
Britain or Ireland early in the day, this can mean a wait at the
hotel when the hotel has been heavily booked the night before.
Or you may use this time to take a walk, have a snack or do a
little exploring.
How much
time do we spend on the coach every day?
We want you to see as much of Britain or Ireland as possible without
spending all of your time on the coach. We generally incorporate
a sightseeing feature each morning and afternoon. And there are
breaks at two-hour intervals or less so that you may stretch your
legs, purchase a snack or lunch, take photos, smoke and avail
of restrooms.
Will we have opportunities
to take walks and exercise?
Many of our tours incorporate walking tours in interesting places
such as York, Chester, Waterford, Kinsale and Derry. These are
leisurely paced walks with a guide. As you will have some free
time when you arrive in the hotel in the afternoon, you may like
to take a walk on your own or use leisure facilities which are
offered in most hotels. We suggest that you take a pair of comfortable
shoes with non-slip soles as many historic places have uneven
paving.
What is a table d´hote
dinner?
It's a 4- or 5-course meal with a choice of appetizers, soups,
entrees and desserts served in a hotel. Most hotels feature a
good assortment of red and white meats, fish and vegetarian foods
so that, if you have certain tastes or dietary restrictions, you
will be sure to find something appealing.
Why do you offer independent transfers in London? And are
they complicated to use?
As there are so many different flights to both Heathrow and Gatwick
from different cities throughout North America, it is not possible
to have our tour escort greet all clients at the airports on arrival.
Therefore, in keeping with our transfer policy, we include vouchers
for a reputable airport transfer coach service at the start and
end of your tour. You will get full instructions as to how this
service operates with your travel documents.
How
much money do I need to take with me?
As most components of your tour have been prepaid, you will need
cash for lunch each day and a couple of dinners when you have
an evening at leisure. Are you an avid shopper? Do you like a
cocktail in the evening? These costs are left entirely up to you.
Also it is customary to tip your guide and driver at the end of
the tour. Credit cards and ATMs are widely used so there's no
need to carry a lot of cash.
Are
there any free days for activities?
All of our tours are carefully planned with attractive sight-seeing
every day. However, as most tours offer 2-night stays, you may
choose not to travel with the group and pursue your own interests
on a day when the coach will be returning to the same hotel.
Would a coach tour be suitable for
a honeymoon trip?
After arranging a wedding, honeymooners are quite happy to leave
all the details of their trip to us! We find that many newly-married
couples choose our programs and also our tours are becoming more
popular with under 30s. People of all ages realize that a vacation
can be more relaxing when someone looks after all the driving
and arrangements for them. |
