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STANDARD INSIGHT VACATIONS - BOOKING CONDITIONS & OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Tour Prices:
Are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies and exchange rates as at 07 June 2006. If the total tour price increases by more than 10%, passengers will have the right to cancel within 7 days of notification of the surcharge without penalty. No surcharges in respect of cost or currency fluctuations will be made once payment for the deposit of your land tour is received. This guarantee excludes fuel surcharges and does not apply to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or its agencies. In exchange for these guarantees no refund will be made if costs are reduced. Prices include the Goods and Services Tax where applicable. All prices are in Australian Dollars, unless otherwise specified.
Tour Membership:
1. Children under 5 years of age are ineligible.
2. Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Insight's tours providing they are accompanied by a person capable of providing all assistance required, and do not require special assistance from Insight personnel. Insight reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone it is felt cannot cope with the requirements of coach tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Insight cannot guarantee will be available. You agree to not hold the Insight 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 services to you. Please note that wheelchair access on Nile Cruise boats is limited, please check with your travel agent for details.
3. Insight reserves the right to withdraw tour membership from anyone whose behaviour is deemed likely to affect the smooth operation of the tour, or adversely affect the enjoyment or safety of other passengers, and Insight shall be under no liability to any such person for refund, compensation, repatriation or any other matters arising.
Itinerary Variations:
Insight 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 peak periods, duplicate departures may operate, sometimes in reverse, in which case hotels will probably vary from those listed in this brochure.
- 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 Insight Vacations to minimise inconvenience to our passengers. If, however you feel your enjoyment might be diminished by such minor limitations please check with the respective national tourist office before selecting a specific departure. Similarly, holidays, closing days and other circumstances may necessitate a change of the day of the week for scheduled highlight dinners, sightseeing or other activities.
- Christmas markets are organised and operated by the local towns and villages and Insight cannot be held responsible if they are closed or curtailed for any reason.
- Nile cruises will be operated by MS Miriam, MS Sapphire, MS Tower Prestige or alternative 5 star government rated cruisers. On occasions alternative cruise boats of equal standard may be used, and in such instances, every effort will be made to advise you at the earliest opportunity.
- Certain Nile cruises operate in reverse, from Aswan to Luxor. Due to the unreliability of domestic air scheduling, religious festivals and other unforeseen circumstances, the order of this itinerary may need to change at short notice.
- Esna Lock Closure: The Esna Lock will be closed from 01-16 Dec 2005, and cruise boats will not be permitted to travel between Luxor and Esna at this time. On tours spanning these dates, Luxor sightseeing as featured in the itinerary will be operated by coach from Esna instead of by boat.
- Pre or post tour accommodation is subject to availability. If not available, an alternative may be offered, however, additional transfers to or from the tour hotel are not included.
Tour Cancellation:
Insight reserves the right to cancel or reschedule any tour departure in accordance with operating requirements or circumstances beyond its control. Should this occur, we will offer you an alternative arrangement. If there is a difference in cost this will be for your account. If you do not accept this alternative arrangement within 7 days we may treat this contract as at an end. We will refund all monies & will be under no further liability. Insight is not responsible for the costs of any other travel arrangements affected due to our cancellations or reschedulling of any tour departure.
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE
Inter-city Travel:
By private motorcoach, trains and ferries (see itineraries).
Touring: By air-conditioned luxury motorcoaches with on-board washroom and reclining seats for maximum comfort.
- Insight's premium touring coaches are configured with 40 or 41 seats for just 40 guests. Transfer coaches, sightseeing vehicles or relief coaches may occasionally feature 49 or 53 seats.
- In the Eastern Mediterranean, some smaller motorcoaches without toilet facilities may be used.
- If, due to circumstances beyond our control, coaches are used on tours otherwise than advertised, a refund of $10 per person will be made.
Air Transportation:
Within Europe is only included in the land price only when indicated in the Features panel on specific itineraries.
- Reservations for our Egyptian airline are given well in advance, however actual flight timings cannot be confirmed prior to departure. Internal flights in Egypt may involve very early or very late departures and arrivals.
Hotel Accommodation:
Prices per person are based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private bath or shower.
- When booking triple rooms please note that the third bed may be a 'roll-away'. Availability of triple rooms is limited. Triple rooms are not available on Nile cruises.
- Substitute hotels may be used at certain times and will be of similar standard and location whenever possible.
- Please note that single rooms in Europe will generally be smaller than twin-bedded rooms.
- Passengers who are members of Hotel Frequent Traveller programmes are not entitled to earn points with any of the hotels featured on an Insight Vacations tour. Tour Director: Escorted tours are conducted in English only by a professional multi-lingual Tour Director.
- In Egypt and Greece, only tours of 10 people or more will be escorted by an Insight Tour Director.
- Hosted service is provided in London on the London Week and London & Paris tours. Meals: Continental or buffet breakfast as indicated on all tours except in Scandinavia, where full national style breakfasts are served. Dinners are included as detailed in itineraries. All meals are included on cruises. In-flight meals and snacks are served according to airline policy. Sightseeing: Excursions and entrance fees to places of interest visited as detailed on each itinerary with an English-speaking guide where necessary. Headphones will be provided as advertised on the itinerary pages. No refund will be made if they cannot be provided for operational reasons.
- Premium Highlights: The values shown on each tour page are based on approx prices charged by some other operators for similar optional excursions. They are integral to our tours, therefore no refund will be given (or value attached) if not used or operated for any reason. Airport/Hotel Transfers: See page 27 Baggage Allowance & Porterage: Porterage for one suitcase on tour is included in the tour price and at arrival or departure from each tour hotel. Due to limited coach capacity this single bag should have a weight not exceeding 30kg (66lbs) and dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Charges will be levied in the event these limits are exceeded and our promise to transport you as indicated may be invalidated.
** Note: Airlines may restrict check-in baggage to 20kgs per person. Tips & Taxes: All tips are included for services on tour provided by dining-room waiters, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and stations and to the crew on Nile cruises.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE
Airfares to and from Europe, airport taxes and charges imposed by third parties, visa and passport fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to Tour Directors, motorcoach drivers and local city guides, items of a personal nature, excess baggage, optional excursions. Note that in Egypt, service charges of up to 33% will be levied on all additional services, meals, beverages etc not included in the tour price. This service charge will be applied on your hotel bill at time of checkout.
PAYMENTS
Non-refundable Deposit: $200 + $220 per person per tour. Final Payment: 45 days prior to departure from Australia.
1. Your land reservation will be confirmed on receipt of a non refundable deposit of $200 + $220 per person, per tour which must be within 7 days of booking or the reservation will automatically be cancelled.
2. Payment in full is required at time of booking for reservations made less than 45 days before departure from Australia.
3. Insight reserves the right to cancel the reservation and apply cancellation charges should payments not be received within the above specified periods.
4. Tours with intra-European air flights included in the price must be paid in full 70 days before the tour begins.
5. Your agent shall, on the 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 agent to us. All such monies received by us will be deposited as required by law. We will be entitled to keep for each account any interest earned on such monies. 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 agent, whether by way of deposit or 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 programme, 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. Travel documents and instructions for joining your tour will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure from Australia (provided full payment has been received).
7. Any special meal requirements will be made on a REQUEST basis only. Insight can not GUARANTEE special meal requests nor will it assume any responsibility or liability if clients' special meal requests are not fulfiled.
CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS & BOOKING CHANGES
1. Notice of cancellation must be made in writing either directly to Insight or through your Travel Agent.
2. A fee of $35 + $55 per person 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 45 days of 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 + $55 per person amendment fee will be charged.
3. There are no refunds for any unused services including unused London airport transfers.
4. If you cancel more than 45 days before departure, your $200 + $220 deposit will not be refunded, nor can it be credited to any other booking.
5. The following scale of charges will apply when cancellation is notified.
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No. of days prior to tour commencement
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Cancellation fee as % of total price
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Over 45 days
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$200 + $220 p.p. per tour
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45-22 days
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27.5% + $220 p.p. per tour
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21-8 days
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33% + $330 p.p. per tour
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7-1 days
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55% + $330 p.p. per tour
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Day of departure
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100% + $330 p.p. per tour
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6. If you purchase intra European or Middle Eastern air tickets from Insight 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.
Hotel Accommodation:
Hotel Accommodation which is cancelled within 14 days of the booked dates incurs a 100% cancellation charge. These cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that may be levied by your Travel Agent.
Illness or Absenteeism:
In case you have to withdraw from a tour after it has begun for reasons such as illness, be sure to obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. We regret that we are not able to make refunds for absences from a tour, including but not limited to missed meals or sightseeing. If a promotional airfare is broken or extended for any reason, an additional fare may be payable.
RESPONSIBILITY
Insight Vacations Pty Ltd, referred to as the Operators, 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 of 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 brochure represents the entire agreement between the passenger and the Operators.
3. In the absence of their own negligence, neither the Operators nor their agents or co-operating organisations shall be responsible for any cancellations, delays, diversions or substitution of equipment or any act or omission whatsoever by air carriers, transportation companies, hotels or any other persons providing any of the services and accommodations to passengers including any results thereof, such as changes in services or accommodations 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, or negligence of any person not its direct employee or under its exclusive control. 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 will be liable for any injury, illness or death or for any 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 on board planes, transportation or conveyances. The passenger contracts in use by the airlines or transportation companies when used shall constitute the sole contract between the airline, transportation company and passenger or purchaser of this tour and the Operators assume no responsibility in this connection. 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. All matters concerning this booking shall be subject to the Laws of the State of NSW and legal action arising under the Contract shall be litigated only in the appropriate Court having jurisdiction in that State, which Court both parties acknowledge to have exclusive jurisdiction in relation to any legal action brought hereunder.
7. Every effort is made to ensure brochure accuracy at the time of going to press; however Insight cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances.
8. All tours are operated by Insight Vacations Pty Ltd, 35 Grafton Street, Bondi Junction, NSW 2022. Any correspondence arising should be mailed to this address.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Your tour documents, travel literature, wallet, travel bag and comprehensive pre-departure documentation will be sent to you prior to departure. Please read this information carefully as it contains essential information and helpful advice to make your vacation as enjoyable as possible.
Passports & Visas:
All passengers require a Passport, and it is the responsibility of each passenger to have a Passport valid for the entire duration of their trip, including appropriate visas. Multiple-entry visas are needed for some countries. Your Travel Agent or Airline will advise you on this.
Walking Tours:
A number of cities in Europe are developing as havens for pedestrians (for example Rome, Florence, Venice and Salzburg) and many of Insight Vacations' tours feature special walking tours in these locations. Comfortable walking shoes are therefore recommended for all passengers.
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 and side trips, and 'Optional Excursions'. Optional Excursions: Unlike most Tour Operators, with Insight Vacations you will enjoy many of Europe's famous highlights as included features on your tour - at no extra cost. However, there is an exciting array of additional 'Optional Excursions' available to further enhance your enjoyment.These Excursions are optional, and are offered at special preferential prices. They are only bookable 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. It may be a seafood lunch in Venice; a concert in Vienna, or a Cabaret in Paris. A detailed list and cost of these and many more exciting options is included in your tour documentation. You can book and pay for them through your Tour Director. Don't forget to budget for these Exciting Optional Excursions. They will only come around once on the tour of your choice, and you won't want to miss out on them.
Complaints procedure:
Should you have a complaint in respect of your holiday, you should inform your Insight Tour Director or Representative during the course of your holiday. If the matter cannot be resolved after the representative's best endeavours to do so during the holiday, your complaint should be made in writing to Insight Vacations as soon as possible after the holiday.
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