Are Passport Books required? Passport Books are required for all travelers. Please be sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return date. If you need to apply for, or renew, a passport, start the process as soon as possible and at least six months prior to departure.
Are Visas or Vaccinations required? Non-U.S. Citizens must check with their embassy or consulate, before making a deposit, to determine which vaccinations or visas they will need for each of the countries they will visit. At time of printing, no visas are required for passengers carrying a U.S. passport. Vaccination, visa and other documentation requirements are subject to change, and it is the passengers’ responsibility to become familiar with and fulfill the requirements applicable at time of travel. Image Tours will make every effort to pass along new information applicable to U.S. passport holders as it becomes known but is not responsible for the consequences due to the inability, for any reason, to provide proper documentation at time of travel. Cancellation or denied entry due to the inability to obtain or provide proper documentation or meet requirements will be subject to the Image Tours “Cancellations” policy.
What are the Current Expected Travel (Vaccination) Requirements for 2022? Image Tours will provide up-dated information on Travel Requirements and procedures in March of 2022, a month prior to departure and with the Trip Documents. In the meantime, passengers need to be prepared that any or all of the following may apply during the 2022 departure of this tour program:
· Documentation of full Covid-19 vaccination will be required to travel on this tour. (Updated 6/14/2022) You must have had at least three doses (if the last dose is dated after 1/20/2022, then two doses will be acceptable) of Pfizer/Bio-Tech, Moderna, or AstraZeneca; or at least two doses of Johnson and Johnson. Last dose must be dated at least one month prior to departure.
· Dutch Declaration of Vaccination Form must be completed and carried with you on June 30 and July 1.
· Negative COVID-19 testing is currently NOT required prior to departure or return.
· Temperature checks and health screenings may be conducted at any time.
· Hand sanitizer will be offered on the motor coach and in hotels, but you should also carry some with you.
· Masks will need to be worn on flights and as local regulations require. Pack your own supply of masks for the trip duration, keeping in mind that some locations specifically require KN95/N95/FFP2 masks. Image Tours will have a limited supply of masks at an additional but minimal cost.
Are Airport Transfers included? Complimentary airport/ hotel transfers are scheduled based on the arrival and departure times of participants who purchased ‘Air & Tour Inclusive’ from Image Tours. Passengers who purchase ‘Tour Only’ from Image Tours should expect to make their own way between the airport and the hotel at their own expense, but are welcome to join the complimentary transfer if the passenger’s flight times coincide with the actual group transfer times. Student bus participants are expected to purchase ‘Air & Tour Inclusive’ to assure travel on the same air as the rest of the group. Requests to book
air separately are subject to approval by Image Tours and the group leader.
May I request Airline Seat Assignments? The airlines will assign seating. Image Tours does not accept any special requests for seating on the STUDENT tour. For the ADULT tour, seating requests received by Image Tours, in writing, more than 100 days prior to departure will be
noted but will not be guaranteed.
May I record Frequent Flyer information? If you are a member of a frequent flyer club and if the airline offers miles for tickets issued by Image Tours, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are credited your miles. The best way to do this is to enter your information through
the airline website a week prior to departure. Image Tours recommends you record your ticket number and keep your boarding passes even after you have returned, and until your frequent flyer statement includes your miles, so you have proof of travel to show the airline if necessary. Image Tours cannot provide hard copies of tickets.
Air Schedules. Prices are based on Economy Class fares. The airlines and air schedules provided by Image Tours are subject to change at any time, and cancellation by tour participant due to airline or schedule changes, will be subject to the cancellation penalties as outlined in the
‘Cancellations’ section. If tickets are purchased by a source other than Image Tours, Image Tours shall not be held liable for any penalties incurred from the cancellation or change of the air ticket, for any reason. Therefore, we recommend tickets purchased through another source not be issued until within 75 days prior to departure.
Is it possible to Extend the Stay? Air for the students and group leaders/chaperones must be blocked as a group traveling on the same departure and return dates in order to better assure that students will travel together with the group leaders/chaperones. All students are required to depart on the same date as the group. All requests to deviate
from the return date will be subject to availability and require the approval of Image Tours and the group leader. Additional fees and/ or price increases will be charged to cover additional costs/time in association with any deviation. If approved and available, the legal guardian is responsible to provide proper arrangements directly with/to
the airline, such as an adult travel companion or documentation for a minor traveling alone. Deviations to the return date may be limited or may not be available. Requests must be submitted, in writing, including specific date, and will be considered in the order received. The sooner the request, the better chance of availability, acceptance, and minimizing additional cost. Regardless of availability, requests for return date deviation will not be accepted by Image Tours within six months prior to departure.
What if I need to Return Home Early Unexpectedly? Air tickets are subject to change fees, and you may need to purchase a non-restrictive, one-way air ticket if you need to change your return date or location. If you must return early for a medical reason, obtain a statement from the
attending physician/hospital, as this documentation may help reduce airline fees and will be necessary to make a claim with the Travel Protection Plan.
Will any credit be available for Unused Tour Nights? There will be no credit or refund for unused services. With prior notice to Image Tours or the Tour Manager, you may leave the tour at any stop, but may only rejoin at one of the overnight hotels. Students may not leave the tour without prior approval from the group leader.
How are Rooms Assigned for the Student Buses? These will be assigned by the group leader.
Are Single Rooms or assistance finding a Roommate offered for the Adult Bus? Single Rooms for the ADULT bus are usually much smaller and not as well located as double or twin rooms, and only a limited number are available at a $900 supplement. Although highly unlikely, if you have paid the single supplement and are forced to share a room, an appropriate refund will be made. If you are a single traveler on the ADULT bus and are a non-smoker, you may request, on your Reservation Application, for Image Tours to place you on a list of passengers looking
for a roommate. Please note, if you request to be placed on the list of passengers looking for a roommate, you are authorizing Image Tours to give your contact information to prospective roommates. It will be your responsibility to contact prospective roommates. Image Tours will need to receive a written request from both roommates to remove your single supplement and assign you to a twin room. If you do end up in a single room for the entire tour or at any time during the tour, for any reason, you will be responsible for the single supplement.
Are Triple Rooms offered for the Adult Bus? Triple Rooms for the ADULT bus usually consist of one double or two twin beds with a folding bed or cot for the third person, and may not be comfortable for three adults. There are no discounts for triple rooms.
Is this a Non-Smoking Tour? The term “smoking” also refers to vaping/e-cigarettes. Student participants are not allowed to smoke at any time during the tour. For the ADULT bus, regardless of the policies within the countries or facilities visited, the tour manager will adopt
a non-smoking policy on/near the motor coach, during breakfasts, during group dinners and during any other group activities. Image Tours requests non-smoking rooms for all tour participants, where possible. In fact, many hotels have converted to only non-smoking 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.
What do the Hotels serve for Breakfast? Breakfasts are commonly served buffet style with a selection of rolls, butter, jam, cheese, cold cuts, coffee, tea, milk and juice. Breakfast usually also includes one or more other items such as cereal, sweet rolls, fruit, yogurt, eggs, or other items.
Some options and preparation will reflect the local area.
What is typical for the included Dinners? Dinners are most commonly served at the tour accommodations following a prearranged, fixed menu. We work closely with the restaurants to provide a variety of dishes throughout the tour. Unless otherwise advised by your tour manager, beverages are not included with dinners. Although it is not
customary in Europe, our hotels will provide tap water with dinner as a special courtesy to Image Tours’ clients.
May I request Special Diet Meals? If notified, in writing, at least 100 days prior to the departure date, Image Tours accepts the following diet requests only: 1) diabetic; 2) gluten-free; 3) vegan; 4) vegetarian with dairy and eggs; 5) semi-vegetarian (no pork or red meat); 6) no shellfish/
fish; and 7) lactose-free. Please specify any serious food allergies. Although we will inform the tour manager and the hotels, 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 New requests during the tour cannot be accommodated. Leave items you may
not eat on your plate and order additional items, at your own expense. Alternatives may not be available for the students. Therefore, you may wish to pack a few ‘sealed’ snacks or purchase them during the day, just in case. Image Tours expressly disclaims any responsibility or liability in
connection with dietary requirements.
Will the Tour Manager accompany us throughout the entire tour? One Tour Manager will provide coordination for all the STUDENT buses. One tour manager will accompany each ADULT bus. Under certain circumstances, Image Tours may have the driver double as tour manager on the ADULT bus.
Are Tips for the Tour Manager & Driver included? The tour price includes tips, taxes and service charges for all aspects of this tour that are prearranged by Image Tours, including tour managers, drivers, hotel staff, and restaurant staff. Any additional tipping is strictly at your own discretion and must never be considered mandatory, either by the tour participants or by the tour personnel.
Is there a Bathroom on the Motor Coach? Although motor coaches are equipped with an enclosed portable toilet, you are asked to limit use to ‘emergencies only’, due to infrequent disposal sites. Frequent sightseeing and rest stops will be made to allow for a comfortable 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, the motor coaches must turn off their engines (which also turns off the heating and air conditioning)
when at a standstill (for example, while parked or waiting at a light). On warmer days when air conditioning is in use, the temperature in the motor coach is about 10º lower than outside temperature. For instance, on an 80º day the temperature on the motor coach will be about 70º.
Do Hotels have Heating & Air Conditioning? Due to a mild climate, air conditioning is not as widely used in Europe as it is in the U.S.A. Therefore, most of the accommodations do not feature air conditioning All hotels are equipped with central heating.
What is the Weather like? The climate of Western Europe is comparable to that of Midwestern U.S.A.. Like most places, the weather is unpredictable. Pack for summer weather, but also bring a sweatshirt and raincoat.
How can I use my Cell Phone during the tour? Contact your cell phone provider about short term international data and calling plans. If you have a smartphone, WhatsApp is a cost-free way to communicate with other smartphones. If you will use your phone for photos, consider
increasing your memory and taking a USB battery pack.
What happens if I am Lost? At each stop, write down the meeting time and the name of the cross streets or landmark near your meeting point so you can ask for assistance in case you get lost. In the unlikely event that you do not arrive at a meeting point on time, proceed to your next
hotel using a taxi, train or bus. All costs will be at your own expense. If you need to do this, you can ask police, public bus, train station or tourist office personnel for direction. Always carry your passport and a copy of your Overnight Schedule with you! Student participants will be required to stay with travel buddies at all times. Students are expected
to be on time for all departures and late students will be responsible for the consequences, including their costs (and the costs of the chaperone who has to stay behind) to catch up with the group.
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. To prevent disappointment, check to ensure that you have all your possessions each time you leave a motor coach, hotel, restaurant, shop, and on all other
occasions throughout your tour. Out of consideration for your fellow travelers, do not ask the driver/tour manager to wait or turn back to retrieve a lost article. If services are able and willing to attempt to ship the item, all retrieval and shipping costs (on average $75 per item) will be the responsibility of the owner, even when unsuccessful. Phones and other electronic devices may not be shipped internationally
May I leave my Carry-on in the Motor Coach? You will not be able to store your carry-on in the luggage compartment under the motor coach. During the day, leaving your carry-on in the motor coach (you must place it under your seat) is at your own risk. You must remove your carryon from the motor coach upon arrival at the hotel each day.
Baggage:
1) Suitcase – Motor Coach Allowance: Each participant on the tour is allowed one suitcase on the motor coach. The suitcase cannot exceed 50 lbs in weight and cannot exceed 62 total linear inches (length + height + width, excluding wheels and handles – Examples: 28” x 21” x 10.5” or 29” x 21” x 11”). Participants will need to carry their own luggage throughout the tour.
2) Suitcase – Airline Allowance: Airline baggage fees are not included in the tour price and must be paid by the tour participant directly to the airline at time of airport check-in. As of this writing but subject to change, the suitcase allowance described in “1)” above also applies to the airlines, free of charge.
3) Carry-on Allowance:
a) STUDENT BUS participants will need to bring instruments,
equipment or supplies as their carry-on. We expect that instruments, equipment and supplies in cases measuring less than 50 linear inches will need to be taken as the carry-on. This includes Flutes, Clarinets, Oboes, Alto Saxophone, Trumpet, Bassoons, Tenor Saxophones, and
Trombones. Those of you with flutes, clarinets or oboes may prefer to pack your instrument in your suitcase. Those who do not have an instrument as a carry-on will need to assist with the larger cases and equipment or may be assigned to take equipment or supplies as a carry-on. Students may bring a small tote, such as a purse, small backpack, fanny pack or small hand bag. This should not have wheels and should be made of light, flexible material that is easy to carry over your shoulder. This applies to all Student participants, regardless if they are assigned an instrument or equipment as a carry-on.
b) ADULT BUS participants may bring one carry-on to fit under the motor coach seat. This space measures 15” x 12” x 7”. (Note: wheeled carry-ons are not suitable). Adult bus participants may also carry a small tote/purse/camera bag.
4) Loss or Damage: Baggage loss or damage sustained while in the custody of an airline, hotel, bus company, or transfer company is not the responsibility of Image Tours. A statement outlining airline liability for passengers’ baggage, as part of the Contract of Carriage, can be found on
file for inspection at the offices of the airline or on the airline website. The airline’s liability shall in no event exceed the actual loss incurred by the passenger, subject to proof of amount of the loss.
Tour Pace and Walking Requirements: Due to limited access for motor coaches to enter town centers, a fair amount of walking, three or four miles per day regularly encountering uneven surfaces and steps, is
required to take in all of the old-world charm and sights on this tour. Consequently, these tours are a good fit for persons who can Comfortably walk a mile within 30 minutes without shortness of breath or other physical discomfort. 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 points:
1) During free time and at sightseeing stops, all passengers must exit the motor coach. Staying on the motor coach during stops is not an option. When parked, all passengers must disembark so the driver can lock the motor coach and take a break.
2) Tour personnel, hotel staff, drivers, group leaders, and chaperones will not be available to provide repetitive, special attention to any one tour member or to lift/physically assist a tour member. If you require any type of support, you must bring a capable travel companion who
can comfortably help you keep up with the pace of the tour.
3) The tour manager may ask a passenger to leave the tour if that passenger is unable to keep up with the pace of the tour to the extent that it impedes the safety or overall enjoyment of that passenger or other tour members. All resulting costs will be solely that passenger’s
responsibility.
Wheelchairs or other Walking Devices: Image Tours does not recommend these tours for passengers who require the use of a wheelchair, cane, walker, or other walking assistance device, or for passengers who are considering the use of a walking assistance device while on this tour. If this applies to you and you still decide to make
a reservation request, please note the following:
1) A walker or similar walking assistance device is not practical or safe on the tour due to motor coach entrances, uneven sidewalks, and cobblestone streets. You will need to leave it home and bring a folding wheelchair. If you regularly use a cane and feel confident that you will have no difficulty sturdily and comfortably walking a mile in less than 30 minutes (including steps and cobble stone streets), Image Tours still recommends bringing a wheelchair as a back up.
2) You must be able to manage the steps of the motor coach independently. In Europe, the laws do not 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 this tour.
3) You must bring your own manual, folding wheelchair. Motorized wheelchairs are not allowed on this tour.
4) You must bring a capable travel companion (Image Tours recommends traveling with two or more capable companions for the greatest success) who can confidently push the wheelchair and assist you in any way necessary to comfortably keep up with the tour pace.
5) At time of reservation you must obtain, complete, and return a ‘Wheelchair Request’ form (provided by Image Tours), signed by both you and your traveling companion(s). Requests will be subject to Image Tours’ approval and availability of storage space. If the request is received after deposit and declined by Image Tours, the applicable cancellation penalties will apply.
6) The charge to store a wheelchair under the motor coach during the tour is USD $10.00 multiplied by the total number of tour days. This amount is to be paid with final payment for the tour.
7) Make sure you and your travel companion feel confident using a wheelchair outside your home before making a reservation. Passengers who are not comfortable using a wheelchair on a daily basis before the tour tend to be less likely to successfully complete the tour. No credits or
refunds will apply for missed sights, tour features or wheelchair storage fees. Additional costs to keep up with the tour or return home early will be entirely the tour participant’s responsibility.
Oxygen or other Medical Devices: Oxygen tanks will not be permitted on the motor coach. Due to higher elevations and the tour’s active pace, clients dependent on oxygen assistance devices should not take this tour.
CPAP and other medical devices must fit within the “Baggage Allowances” for the tour. Under no circumstance does Image Tours, the airlines, the motor coach company, the tour manager, the hotels or any other service provider, the group leader, or any other entity associated with the tour accept any responsibility or liability in connection with medical conditions, medical devices or any electronic devices.
Geographical Elevations: At 3500 feet, the hotels in Austria and Switzerland are the highest expected elevation on the tour. If it is necessary to take the Arlberg Pass instead of the tunnel, the elevation is 5883 feet. Image Tours accepts no liability for inaccuracies or variations.