Reformation
Tours’ Christian Emphasis
Q: Why should I take a Christian tour?
A: These are fun tours! You’ll be encouraged in your faith
and come home excited about God’s faithfulness. Fellowship
will be rich and you’ll return home inspired by what God has
done in the past, and encouraged by what He is doing today in Europe.
Take a break, get away from the routines of local life and be stirred
in your spirit and soul- God did mighty works in the past through
key people. He is still at work in renewal in Europe. Let Reformation
Tours take you there and experience it firsthand!
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Q: What makes Reformation Tours Christian?
A: We are Christians whose chief desire is to connect modern believers
with their church history roots at the very places where important
events happened. Also, we delight in connecting our Christian clients
with local ethnic believers for times of fellowship and cross-cultural
worship. Reformation Tours wants to connect you to your church history
roots and get you face-to-face with the living church in these countries.
No other company strives so earnestly to do so. RT has actively
cultivated relationships with foreign local pastors in towns and
cities along your tour. We can get you face-to-face with key leaders
who are shaping Europe’s Christian future.Back
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Q: Is Reformation Tours a Christian company?
A: Yes, absolutely. Yes, unashamedly! Our purpose can best be summed
up by Isaiah 12: 4-5, “Give thanks to the Lord, call on His
name; MAKE KNOWN AMONG THE NATIONS WHAT HE HAS DONE, and proclaim
that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done glorious
things; let this be known to all the world.” That’s
it really in a nutshell- we want to educate and inspire believers
by taking them to sites of God’s faithfulness- see where Luther
nailed his famous 95 Thesis, and then go fellowship with some lively
German Christians and have a fellowship meal at their church. Share
testimonies and prayers through your guide as they interpret. Wow!
We can connect you with leading people and churches in the renewal
movements in Europe today, while you see the sites where God did
great acts through His people in past centuries. For example, if
you are Baptist, we can arrange for you to have Sunday or midweek
church with Baptists on your Baptist Heritage Tour. Presbyterians
will be so encouraged as they can worship and pray alongside of
their Scottish cousins in the faith. We delight in making such get-togethers
possible. With our extensive overseas connections, we can make your
tours be truly rich and memorable!
Reformation Tours’ entire staff is Christian and our target
market is only Christian travel. Furthermore, we want Christian
travelers to have times of rich cross-cultural fellowship in villages
and cities on their tours. Through these times of sharing praise
and worship, prayers or perhaps a meal in a local church, may the
Body of Christ be knitted together in love.Back
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Q: What is Reformation Tours’ Statement
of Faith?
A: Go to Reformation Tours’ Statement of Faith Back
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Q: Will our guides be Christians?
A: When possible, but they will all certainly be experts in Christian
history. They will be screened for their knowledge. They will be
required to allow your group the freedom to worship and pray your
way through your tour. Reformation Tours wants you to be edified
and encouraged as well as educated about church history on your
tour. We do our best to use guides who share your passion for your
Christian history. Honestly, a good guide makes all the difference-
so does a bad one! You will be furnished with extensive notes on
church history people and places that you will be experiencing on
your tour. A local Christian co-host can join your tour to add fascinating
cultural and spiritual insights that non-Christians guides won’t
know. For example, Reformation Tours can arrange for a retired English
Anglican Vicar to join your tour of Britain, or a bi-lingual Swiss
believer to add a real richness and depth. Back
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Q: Can we meet with local ethnic believers?
A: Yes, if you desire! What a great way to add real fun and depth
to your tour. Our competitors usually shy away from providing these
fellowship opportunities, due to logistics and the numerous details.
Any additional costs for providing these services will be shared
by the group, or by those persons participating. Usually, foreign
believers will meet you at your hotel, to keep things simple. These
activities will be optional, and you may opt to rest in your room
or go out and make local friends instead. However, if the fellowship
gathering is offsite from your hotel, this will incur transportation
expenses and you will be required to pay a reasonable, shared portion
of the expenses. Back to top
Q: Will we travel with people from our
own denomination?
A: Yes, if enough of you form together from your church or sister
church to make a group; minimum size is 12. You can build your own
group and travel at super discounts; see Group Leaders Travel Free.
Ideally a pastor would advertise the tour in his/her church and
assemble a group. Alternatively, people from a variety of Christian
denominations may happily travel together on a guaranteed departure
date. Back to top
Q:
Have any religious services been planned?
A: Yes, as many as we can reasonably fit into your schedule. Your
fellowship with foreign believers is a key element in our tours.
It is tough on logistics and schedules, but we feel it’s essential.
This way you can experience both the historic AND the living church
body. Back to top
Q:
Are there study lectures on the tour?
A: Yes, and these will be exciting and really help to add to the
educational nature of your travel. Reformation tours wants learning
about your church history to be fun and simple. Before you go on
tour you’ll be given study notes to better prepare yourself
about the people, events and places of the Reformation. Then, while
on tour you’ll have lectures from local pastors and believers,
expert local guides, your tour guide. Also we’ll be watching
videos of church history that are relevant to your tour. Imagine-
watching a video about the life of Martin Luther, and then your
bus arrives at the very site where Luther labored for the Lord!
Our study programs encourage and equip you. Back
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Q: Who leads devotionals on tours?
A: You have the freedom to choose! If you are traveling as a church
family group, your pastor will do so after breakfasts, or on route
in the bus. If your tour group is gathered from different cities,
it can be done using a daily devotional guide that relates directly
to the people or sites of your itinerary. Please bring your worship
CDs and cassettes along so you can play them on the bus. Back
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Q: What extra/unique value does Reformation
Tours add to their tours?
A: Compare us with competitors, look to see if they feature these.
(Can you have an unforgettable Christian tour WITHOUT these?)
-tours for Christians, designed by Christians themselves. (We’ve
personally been to many of these sites and know firsthand how exciting
these visits can be.) Our staff is British and American, so we have
lots of connections and travel knowledge.
-see church history while meeting modern believers on site. (very
exciting!)
-the most comprehensive tours about Christian history. (Competitors
will take you to some of the sites, but we’ll make the history
come alive and teach you how events there shaped you modern Christianity.
You’ll learn about key people in Church history. You’ll
return home encouraged by God’s faithfulness in the past and
believing Him to see more of it in your own life!
-we’ll arrange fellowship with local believers of your denomination.
-guaranteed Christian tour co-hosts.
-daily worship and church services built into your itinerary.
- Reformation Tours tithes it’s profits back into church renewal
movements in the countries you’ll tour.
-free devotional book written by ‘local’ author- British,
French, German, etc
-free Christian travel guide book and comprehensive study notes.
-free travel advice by phone or email from our knowledgeable staff.
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Q: Are we allowed to do ministry/evangelism
on tours?
A: Yes, in a sensitive fashion that honors the Lord and loves people.
At Reformation Tours we pray that the Lord will minister to and
through groups as they travel. For those groups wanting to do hands-on
visits to ministries, we can build a tour that best suits your group’s
objectives. Email or call us with your requests and we’ll
try to turn them into realities. There are some very exciting things
happening in the European church scene and we can connect you with
the key people god is working through.
Want to fellowship with a Welsh church where the famous Welsh revival
happened?? Want to do street ministry in Paris? How about preaching
yourself at London’s famous Speakers’ Corner at Hyde
Park- where Wigglesworth preached? Some of your group can do outreach
with local German church and experience the move of God today amidst
the history of your tour. What’s your desire? Tell us at REFORMATION
TOURS. Back to top
Q: What types of tours does Reformation
Tours offer?
A: Escorted tours of early church history sites with numerous opportunities
to meet local, believers for fellowship. These are overtly Christian
tours for those believers who want to get a hands-on educational
experience of sites that are important to our Christian faith. You’ll
see the historical sites, learn why these are important AND meet
the modern living church. These are unique travel products. Our
competitors have nothing similar. Go and be blessed! Sorry, we do
not offer independent travel packages- as Reformation Tours exists
to promote unity and fellowship in the Lord’s body. We find
group travel to be the best way to achieve these dynamics. Back
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Q:
Are there Separate Denominational tours?
A: Baptists, Lutherans, Episcopalians, Pentecostals all have custom-designed
tours that focus in on people and places key to your denomination.
For example, Baptists can meet fellow bi-lingual Baptists is the
very town and cities where your denomination has grown from. Lutherans
can see the location where Luther nailed his famous 95 Thesis- and
then go have a cup of coffee and fellowship with local bi-lingual
Lutherans. This is exciting and unique travel that will enrich you
soul- that’s our prayer at Reformation Tours! Back
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Q: What is a Reformation Tours Christian
tour like?
A: You will be met on arrival and join a group of fellow travelers
with the same itinerary and your English-speaking guide. Your guide
will be an expert in Christian history. Reformation Tours can also
arrange a guaranteed Christian co-host, resident to the country
you are visiting. This fellow believer will be bi-lingual and will
add exciting insights about the growth of the modern church along
with your regular guide’s teachings. Your group will stay
in the same accommodations, uses the same transportation, and share
the camaraderie of educational Christian travel. Back
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| Touring
and Pricing
Q: Which countries does Reformation Tours
travel to?
A: Germany, Switzerland, France, Luxemburg, Belgium, England, Wales,
Scotland, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Greece and Turkey-all have
fascinating Christian history sites and people who forged Christianity.
We delight in arranging fellowship with local believers for an unforgettable
travel experience.
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Q: Does Reformation Tours operate tour year round?
A: Absolutely! Europe is lovely in November or even January. Temperature
will be tolerable, and best of all, there will be no crowds. Chances
for fellowship with local Christian believers are often better in
the winter months as life is slower paced. Also, prices are cheaper!
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Q: Will our guides be Christians?
A: When possible, but they will all certainly be experts in Christian
history. They will be screened for their knowledge. They will be
required to allow your group the freedom to worship and pray your
way through your tour. Reformation Tours wants you to be edified
and encouraged as well as educated about church history on your
tour. We do our best to use guides who share your passion for your
Christian history. Honestly, a good guide makes all the difference-
so does a bad one! You will be furnished with extensive notes on
church history people and places that you will be experiencing on
your tour. A local Christian co-host can join your tour to add fascinating
cultural and spiritual insights that non-Christians guides won’t
know. For example, Reformation Tours can arrange for a retired English
Anglican Vicar to join your tour of Britain, or a bi-lingual Swiss
believer to add a real richness and depth.
Back to top
Q: Can we meet with local ethnic believers?
A: Yes, if you desire! What a great way to add real fun and depth
to your tour. Our competitors usually shy away from providing these
fellowship opportunities, due to logistics and the numerous details.
Any additional costs for providing these services will be shared
by the group, or by those persons participating. Usually, foreign
believers will meet you at your hotel, to keep things simple. These
activities will be optional, and you may opt to rest in your room
or go out and make local friends instead. However, if the fellowship
gathering is offsite from your hotel, this will incur transportation
expenses and you will be required to pay a reasonable, shared portion
of the expenses.
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Q: Why are no prices published on the website?
A: Sadly, most travelers shopping for a tour too easily make quick
decisions based solely on price-they are in a hurry, etc. At Reformation
Tours we have built in numerous added value items for Christians.
These are specialty tour products designed just for Christians-
lots of study lectures, fellowship and church services ALREADY designed
into the itinerary. We PURPOSELY do not give you the price. Why?
So we can listen to your particular travel needs, and then fully
explain the superior quality and benefits to you of our tours. Prices
are very good, far better than our competitors for what you actually
do get. We can even assist you in doing an educated cost comparison
with our competitors- cost per day, what is/not included. Sorry
for not having prices on the web! Just select a tour and contact
our sales office for a prompt price.
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Q: What IS included in the tour price?
A: As per your specific tour quote, however, typically these are
include: Flights, accommodations, All transfers, meals, (except
for some lunches), sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned
motor coach, services of English-speaking tour escort/manager throughout,
services of local guides in many major cities, entrance fees per
itinerary, hotel taxes and tips to hotel staff (maids, waiters,
porters for one piece of luggage only)
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Q: What’s NOT included in the tour
price?
A: Items of personal nature such as airport security taxes, shopping,
telephone calls, tips to guides, bus drivers, laundry, wines, mineral
water, beverages, coffee, tea, food other than the table d'hote
menu, passport and visa fees, insurance, and foreign port taxes.
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Q: Are tips included in the tour price?
A: Some, but not all; as our competitors use this slightly
misleading approach to pricing, we must do the same to enable you
to more easily compare prices. Your tour price already includes
tips to these people: hotel dining room staff, hotel bellmen (one
piece of luggage only), housekeeping staff.
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Q: What tips are NOT included?
A: Tips to your tour director, bus drivers, and local guides are
not included in the tour price. Please view our recommended tipping
guidelines for suggestions. (Our competitors don’t include
these items, and for your ease in comparing tour prices, we do not
include these costs as well.) . The guides and drivers are paid
a standard salary based on their union wages. We offer a suggested
guideline of $3.00 per day for the guide and $2.00 per day for the
driver. You may wish to plan for this gift in advance.
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Q: What extras will I have to
pay for?
A: Any items of a personal nature such as: phone calls, tips, laundry,
beverages and meals not stated in the itinerary, taxi and bus fares,
passport and visa fees, etc.
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Q:
How do I meet the person doing my transfer?
Our Reformation Tours representative will greet clients scheduled
for airport/hotel transfers at the selected destination. They will
meet you as you exit the luggage area. You will see your greeter
holding a Reformation Tours sign or your name. Our Reformation Tours
rep representative will assist you as appropriate and transport
you to your hotel or tour. If you have not purchased your flights
from Reformation Tours, you must make your own transfer arrangements,
using taxi, bus or train. Alternatively, we can arrange a private
transfer for you, for a fee; just email our Reservations Dept. to
discuss.
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Q: What is the policy on smoking?
A: Our motor coaches are non-smoking, however when stops
are made, passengers are permitted to exit the coach to smoke. Smoking
as well as non-smoking rooms may be requested.
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Q: What are the limitations on luggage?
A: Be ready to carry your own bags and pack light! Airlines
allow one checked bag, and one carry-on bag. Excess luggage may
be subject to an airline penalty of $100 per bag excess. Motor coach
tours provide for porterage of one piece of checked luggage, pre-paid;
excess bags may be charged a daily surcharge by the porters at hotels.
Be advised! Due to limited coach storage, we strongly recommend
that this single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30"x18"x10"
and weight not exceeding 60 pounds (27 kg). Airline regulations
state that carry-on bags should not exceed the dimensions of 17”
x 14” x 8”.
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Q: Will our tour guide speak English?
A: Yes, we personally screen them for accent, clarity and
knowledge. English is the only language spoken on Reformation Tours
coach tours. Yes, we’ll happily do Spanish or other language
tours, and excellent guides for your language will be provided.
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Q: How strenuous are Reformation Tours'
tours?
A: Our tours are physically active with lots of walking, standing
while sightseeing, and even more stair climbing. Age is not a concern
as long as you are physically fit and a strong walker. You must
be able to carry all of your own luggage. Regardless of your age,
before you leave for Europe, get in shape. Try to walk at least
an hour every day and hike up lots of stairs.
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Q: How long will it take to travel from
the airport to the hotel?
A: Depending on your itinerary, the transfer can be as short as
a few minutes or as long as 2 or more hours. It may seem unwise
to have such a bus ride following an international overnight flight,
but remember: your hotel room will not be ready until late afternoon.
So even if you stay in the same city for the first night, you will
tour the area for about five or six hours before arriving at the
hotel.
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Q: Will Reformation Tours staff be available
to assist us with problems or details during the tour?
A: Yes! Your friendly guide will serve as the tour manager and will
professionally assist you. These are all veteran guides, hand selected
for their depth of knowledge, friendliness, and abilities to problem-solve.
Our affiliate partner in Europe has served over 200,000 travelers
in Europe in the last five years alone.
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Q: What meals are included in my tour price?
A: Breakfasts will usually be a buffet. Lunches usually will be
on your own. This allows you to sample local cuisine of your choice.
We find most people like this freedom. Your guide will assist you
with ordering and restaurant staff do speak English. Dinner will
be a three-course meal served at the hotel. Beverages are not included
with lunch or dinner; this is to keep costs low to you. Hotels try
to charge a lot for beverages, and many people just want water.
Bottled water, coffee, tea and soft drinks are available at a supplemental
charge. (NOTE: It is not appropriate to make your lunch from breakfast
foods provided at the hotels.)
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Q: How long is the typical sightseeing day?
A: On most days, you will depart the hotel after breakfast (about
8:00 AM) and arrive at your next hotel in the late afternoon, around
5:00 PM. Reformation Tours plans each day to be full, but not too
tiring. In the evening you’ll have personal time to relax,
pray, or go explore locally on your own. Go shopping or meet some
locals! Also, we’ll have numerous times of fellowship with
local believers arranged in advance. Being with local Christians
makes for a great balance to museums and historical sites.
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Q: What are the buses like?
A: Excellent! Clean, modern and driven by safe, courteous drivers.
Most will have emergency restrooms on board. The deluxe motor coaches
can accommodate up to 55 passengers. Smaller groups may have a smaller
bus. Our tours will operate with as few as 20 people, and to keep
costs reasonable to you, a smaller bus may be used.
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Q: Are there rest rooms on the buses?
A: Yes, most will have emergency restrooms on board. Your tour will
be making stops during the day at which time toilets can be used.
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Q: Will the bus be making frequent rest stops?
A: Yes, sufficient stops will be made for the comfort of our passengers.
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Q: Does Reformation Tours accept passengers with
disabilities?
A: Yes, however persons needing wheelchairs or ambulatory
assistance will find travel not easy- but still very rewarding.
Many of the sites on our tours have poor access. Please e-mail RT
so we can discuss access to particular sites and help you best select
a tour that has the most full access for you. RT welcomes you on
our tours, but you must be realistic- can you and our aid move at
the pace of a group tour? If not, you could consider doing a similar
trip, but by yourselves, at your own leisurely pace. We empathize
with you and really want to see you enjoy the treasures of Europe’s
Reformation.
Here’s an idea- gather enough people like yourself, build
a group and we’ll arrange for a custom tour with a wheel-chair
equipped bus- just for your group! Can you find twenty friends who
want to go but just can’t keep up with a more active tour
pace? We think you can, and we’ll help you. See our Group
Leaders Travel Free section and then contact our sales staff and
we can arrange a tour that features accessible sites and an accessible
bus.
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Q: What are the US Customs regulations?
A: A returning USA resident is allowed $400 in purchases duty free.
Gifts may be mailed to the USA duty free, but are limited to $50
per person/per day. If you are not a USA citizen, please check with
the website for your own government’s Customs regulations
and details. Happy shopping!
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Q: May I smoke while on the tour?
A: Yes, but smoking is not allowed on the aircraft, on the bus,
or in many of the hotels.
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Q: Can I request a special diet?
A: For your flight meals, yes. Contact the airline directly for
this. However, while on the tour, you will need to either bring
these items with you from home, or go get them from local store
while on the tour. Europe has all of the products and specialty
dietary food you are now using at home. So, if you need refrigerated,
perishable items, rest assured that you can find them while on tour.
Many shopkeepers speak English and your guide can assist you with
shopping. The hotels cannot handle special diets, as your meals
are based on a group plan.
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Q: Should I bring my prescription medicines?
A: Bring your medicine in the original bottle, with you. Hand-carry
these items if they are critical to you. Also bring a copy of the
generic names for each in case they need to be filled. If you have
medicines which need to be refrigerated, you can make arrangements
with the airlines and hotels as you travel. Such medicines should
be labeled with your name and contact info and sealed in a zip-log
plastic baggie.
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Q: In case of an emergency, will a physician
be available?
A: Yes, the hotel desk will contact a physician for you. Also, your
tour guide will give assistance. Hopefully, you will have purchased
travel insurance which will cover trip interruption, etc. Your guide
will assist in contacting your family and the Reformation Tours
staff. Although Reformation Tours is not responsible for any medical
advice or attention the physician may provide, we would like to
know if you are ill. Please Note: If you require hospitalization,
the group will continue the tour without you. When you are released,
you will need to make arrangements to meet up with the tour in progress
or to return home. We can offer limited assistance in this area.
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Q: How about phones in Europe?
A: GSM cell phones should work in Europe, others will not. To phone
home, buy a pre-paid phone card while you are on your tour, and
just enter the correct access codes and say “hello.”
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Q: What is the minimum age for children
to travel with Reformation Tours?
A: All children under the age of 18 must be accompanied
by an adult. Reformation Tours does require that children traveling
on our Escorted/Guided tours are age 7 or older.
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Q: Tour Itinerary jargon?
A: Visit: your bus will stop and you will tour that site.
View: A brief stop to take photos.
See: The bus will drive by the site, but probably not stop. Depends
on traffic and schedules.
”Why not see” or “perhaps enjoy”- ideas
for you to do on your own for free in your leisure time; or possibly
a for a fee during a day of leisure. Optional city tours, for example,
can be purchased from the guide or on your own on that day.
“Time to explore and discover” – do as you like
in your free time. Get out of the hotel and savor the charms of
quaint and modern Europe!
“A day to relax/day of leisure”- no planned group activities.
Your guide may be available only for an hour or so in the morning
and evening. These days are memorable, you can do as you like. Have
that cup of espresso with your spouse, shop, sleep, make new friends.
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Hotels
Q: If I do not have a roommate, must I
pay the single supplement?
A: While Reformation Tours will try to match you with a roommate,
we cannot guarantee one will be available. Therefore, you should
try to find a roommate and notify us of your selection as early
as possible. If no roommate can be found, you will receive an invoice
for the single room supplement charge as listed on the brochure.
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Q: What are the hotels like?
A: Hotels are Four-Star rated, and are very good. They are chosen
based on location to city center and closeness to nearby sites.
We want you to be able to have a pleasant evening stroll on your
own and explore the local culture. RT has purposely not chose cheaper
out of town four star hotel- just so you can have more enjoyable
leisure time in the evenings or that exercise walk before breakfast!
Reformation Tours knows you deserve good hotels and we are using
only hotels that have been inspected by our affiliate's overseas
staff. Each room will have a private bath, unless your tour has
specialty historic hotels or B&Bs.
Single room sizes may be smaller than in your home country. Triple
rooms consist of standard twin beds plus a sofa/folding bed or cot
for the third person.
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Q:
What are beds like in the hotels?
A: Most rooms have 2 twin beds, which is standard in Europe. Beds
are comfortable. After a full day of touring the charms of Europe,
we know you want a good comfy bed! Triple rooms consist of standard
twin beds plus a sofa/folding bed or cot for the third person.
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Q: Are hair dryers available in the hotels?
A: Some but not all hotels have hair dryers. If you do not have
a 220 volt hairdryer, purchase one upon arrival- this is easier
than buying a voltage converter and bringing your own hairdryer
from home.
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Q: What is the electricity voltage?
A: Remember the voltage is 220 Volts in Europe. You will need a
voltage converter and adapter plugs for all electrical appliances.
Check with the labels on your electronics items, many will be dual
voltage- laptop computers, video chargers, etc...
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Q: When is check-in time at the hotel on the first
day?
A: Your arrival overseas will be in the mid morning, typically.
The hotels will not let you occupy rooms until 4:00 PM. RT has the
first arrival day planned to help you ease gently into the new culture.
To best beat jetlag, stay up until the local bedtime and sleep well.
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Q: What about add-on hotel days and night
before or after the tour?
A: Yes, contact us by e-mail for details. Rates are reasonable and
you’ll have plenty of leisure time to explore the city on
your own. However, transfers to/from the airport will be a surcharge-
your transfer with your group is included. Also, the low group airfare
will not be offered to you as you are now flying individually. Still,
why rush home? Stay on in Europe for several extra days- you’ll
be glad you did! Purchase only the land portion of your tour and
get your air tickets yourself on the Web. Easily done.
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Airlines
Q: Which airlines will be used?
A: Depending on your tour and destination: Lufthansa, British Airways,
American Airlines, Delta, Continental, US Airways, Northwest Airlines
Swiss, KLM, Air France, Aer Lingus, SAS, Austrian, Turkish Airlines,
Alitalia, Olympic, Sabena, Canadian
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Q: May I choose the airline I travel on?
A: Yes, if you choose to purchase only the land portion of our tour,
and your individual airfare will most likely be higher priced. To
get you the lowest airfare, we have negotiated group blocks of seats,
so you must travel with the selected airline. Due to the volume
of passengers traveling on various itineraries from many departure
cities, you cannot select the airline for your travel to/from your
destination.
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Q: Can I purchase air only from Reformation
Tours?
A: No. Our airline agreements require land services (e.g.
2 nights hotel).To purchase air only see www.expedia.com
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Q: Can I purchase my own domestic tickets
to the departure city?
A: Yes; however, we strongly recommend that passengers DO NOT purchase
discounted domestic air tickets because of unforeseen schedule changes
that may result in high cancellation fees. All flight times are
subject to change without advance notice. Airlines have been known
to change a flight time by five (5) or more hours, either earlier
or later.
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Q: Can I purchase my own international
tickets?
A: Yes. But remember, airport/hotel/airport transfers are not provided
to "ground only" passengers (passengers who have purchased
their own international flights). If you are a "ground only"
passenger, you will meet the group at the first hotel and leave
the group at the last hotel. You will be responsible for making
your own travel arrangements to/from the international airports.
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Q: Who is responsible for any airline
schedule changes and/or expenses?
A: All flight times are subject to change by the airlines without
advance notice. Reformation Tours is not responsible for changes
and/or delays in airline schedules, nor the expenses associated
with such changes. We highly recommend you purchase travel insurance
which will cover most, if not all, of expenses related to schedule
changes.
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Q: What if I miss my flight, or
it is canceled, on the day of departure?
A: If your flight is delayed or cancelled, insist with the airline
representatives that they rebook you on the earliest flight to meet
the tour. As soon as you have your new flights confirmed, please
call our toll-free line 1-800-303-5534 immediately to notify us
of your change in flights, so we can have PT staff to meet you upon
your arrival overseas. If the situation is not rectified, contact
the Reformation Tours office immediately so we can inform our overseas
office. Again, we highly recommend you purchase travel insurance
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Q: May I request special seating
and/or meals on the flights?
A: Yes. Requests should be submitted in writing no later than 90
days prior to your departure. However, we cannot guarantee your
request can or will be granted by the airline.
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Q: Will my group travel together
on the same airline?
A: Every effort will be made to keep groups together; however, depending
on your itinerary, the size of the group and the availability of
flights, some groups may be on several different domestic and/or
international flights.
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Q: Will a company representative
be available at the airports?
A: Our personnel will meet groups at the foreign arrival airports
and will help with return departures to your home country. In most
cases, there will not be representatives at US airports.
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Q: What are the limitations on
luggage?
A: Be ready to carry your own bags and pack light! Airlines allow
one checked bag, and one carry-on bag. Excess luggage may be subject
to an airline penalty of $100 per bag excess. Motor coach tours
provide for porterage of one piece of checked luggage, pre-paid;
excess bags may be charged a daily surcharge by the porters at hotels.
Be advised! Due to limited coach storage, we strongly recommend
that this single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 30"x18"x10"
and weight not exceeding 60 pounds (27 kg). Airline regulations
state that carry-on bags should not exceed the dimensions of 17”
x 14” x 8”. For more ideas on what to bring, check out
Rick's Packing List. We also have some Packing Tips for Women.
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Q: What if my luggage is lost or damaged?
A: File a claim at the airport before you leave the baggage claim
area. It will be the airline's responsibility to get lost luggage
to you or compensate you for damaged luggage. You must follow-up
with the airline. We strongly suggest that you pack at least one
change of clothes in your carry-on bag.
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Q:
What does air up-sell mean?
A: If air at the brochure rate is unavailable, we will
offer the next best alternate to you. You always have the option
to revise your departure city or make the booking land-only, prior
to ticketing, if the up-sell charge is unacceptable.
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Q: I lost my airline tickets,
what should I do?
A: Pray, then look again! Contact Reformation Tours immediately,
our staff will advise you how to file a lost ticket application
with the airline. You will have to pay for a new ticket, but you
should receive a refund within 6 months assuming the lost ticket
is not found and used.
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Q: What is an e-ticket?
A: An e-ticket is an electronic airline ticket. At check in, you
must present your passport and a second form of identification,
along with your passenger receipt. Your passenger receipt and an
itinerary are included with your documents. Not all of Reformation
Tours’ airline tickets are e-ticket Tours.
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Q: Can I earn frequent flyer
miles for my trip?
A: Most airlines do allow passengers to earn frequent flyer miles.
Please check with the airline to see if you are eligible.
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Q: I made a request for a seat
assignment, why don’t I see it on my
flight itinerary?
A: Although Reformation Tours forwards all requests for preferred
seating to the airline, they will not always provide you a seat
assignment in advance. You do have a confirmed reservation even
if you do not see a seat assignment on your air itinerary.
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Documentation
Q: Do I need a passport or a visa?
A: All Reformation Tours destinations require you to have a valid
passport. If you do not have a passport, apply for one immediately;
it normally takes four to six weeks to be issued.
There are some destinations that require a visa. Visas can be obtained
on arrival at the airport for countries in Europe and Turkey. It
is your responsibility as the passenger to ascertain if a visa is
required for your destination, however, Reformation Tours provides
a list of our destinations that are known to require a visa for
entry, and information on where you can obtain one. (This information
only applies to U.S. Passport holders.) Reformation Tours does not
offer visa service.
For non USA clients, we ask you to kindly check this great website:
www.--------------------. Here you can learn easily if a visa is
required.
For more information on visas click here.
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Q: How do I get a passport?
A: Obtain an application at your nearest passport office, courthouse,
or post office. You will need a certified birth certificate (with
raised seal and file number), and 2 duplicate non-glossy photographs
measuring 2" x 2", taken within six months of application.
(These are USA guidelines, please do check with your own government
first if you are not a USA citizen.)
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Q: My trip is paid in full, when can I
expect to receive my documents?
A: Documents are generally sent between 14 and 21 days prior to
departure. For more information see Terms and Conditions.
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Q: When may I receive my flight information?
A: Flight information will be available as soon as possible, but
possibly no sooner than 30 days prior to departure. We will of course
let you know your flight details as soon as possible, as we know
you are curious.
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Q: Why do I have to provide my name as
it appears on my passport?
A: The name on your ticket must be the same on the passport-
no nicknames. Reformation Tours can not be held responsible for
the denial of services by an airline due to any name discrepancy.
Name changes must be advised in writing and are subject to airline
penalties plus a $100.00 revision fee per change. (Small revisions
can take hours to get remedied.)
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Q: I have lost my airline tickets, what
should I do?
A: First, pray! Look again. Still can’t find them?
Then, contact Reformation Tours immediately. We’ll put you
in touch with the folks at the airline who can sort it all out.
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Q: I made a special request (i.e. special
meal) with your representative. Why don't I see it on my itinerary
A: We have forwarded your special request to the airline,
but the airlines do not always confirm special requests in advance.
We recommend that you repeat your request when reconfirming your
airline reservation with the airline 72 hours prior to your departure.
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Q: Will I need any vaccinations?
A: None are required, but you may wish to contact your personal
physician for his/her advice.
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Insurance
Q:
What does the Travel Insurance cover?
A: Travel insurance covers many aspects of your vacation from cancellation
to medical coverage. It is strongly recommended and reasonably priced
for the peace of mind it proivides you. Please see our Travel Insurance
Information.
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Q: What happens if I need to cancel my
trip and I didn't purchase travel insurance?
A: Oops! You should have purchased travel insurance! Penalties vary
depending on how close to departure you are at the time of cancellation
and the services you have booked. For more information see Terms
and Conditions.
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Q: What if I lose something of value on tour?
A: Leave valuables, including items of sentimental value, at home!
Put your name, address, on all items. Any loss or shipping costs
to return items to you will be your responsibility. We suggest you
make a list of all the items you take along with their perceived
value. Double-check before you leave the hotel, bus, airplane, etc.
We cannot assume responsibility for lost items.
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While away from Home
Q: How can my family contact me in an emergency?
A: If you can/must, bring your laptop and your family can stay in
touch with you via your email. You may use the hotel phone lines
or local internet cafes to get online. Also, your family can email
or telephone you at your hotels If there's an emergency at home
while you're traveling with Reformation Tours. You will be provided
with all of this contact information with your pre-departure packet.
You should leave a copy of this hotel contact info with your family
prior to your departure. Rather than contact our office, we recommend
your family contact your hotel directly, as this will be quicker.
Your Tour Guide or will then assist you with whatever you need to
do at that point to take care of the problem at home. If you need
to leave the tour and return home, and if you have purchased Travel
Insurance, your emergency travel expenses should be covered.
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Q: Do I need a credit card to travel?
A: Yes, you’ll want the peace of mind having it. But, bring
your PIN number, so you can make cash withdrawals from ATM machines!
(Make sure your card has the Do yourself a favor, don’t bring
travelers checks- they are a hassle, take time, and you’ll
not want to stand in line to cash a check while the group is waiting
on YOU. Bring a debit card and get cash in about one minute from
hundreds of thousands of ATM machines around Europe. Most of all,
you’ll get the best exchange rate this way- and it’s
quick, and available 24 hours a day! Your credit/debit card will
be charged a transaction fee, about $1.50. So, make your withdrawals
few, but large.
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Q: How much money should I bring?
A: Depart with some cash, say $100. Then make an ATM withdrawal
at the airport upon arrival. You’ll be ready to shop with
the local currency. Plan on $20-100 per day for shopping; depending
on your budget. For most purchases, you can use your debit/credit
card; see the question above.
Remember that most everything- the essentials- have already been
included in your tour cost; except for lunches, shopping, and optional
tours (where applicable). Also, you must remember to budget for
tips to your tour guide, any local guides and your bus driver. See
Tipping Guidelines (in the Terms and Conditions section), for estimates
on this item. Tips to guides are a tradition in the industry- like
tipping a waiter/waitress at a restaurant.
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Q: Do I need a money belt?
A: Yes, these are great for your peace of mind, safety and security.
You don’t go on a vacation to worry about pick pockets, so
play it smart & safe- buy a money belt! Keep your tickets, passport,
any credit cards and extra cash in the money belt. Meanwhile, in
your wallet is the cash for the day. Travel worry free and secure,
invest in a money belt! Money belts are worn under your shirt/dress,
and are a safer alternative to a bumbag or “fanny pack”
as the North Americans call them.
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Q:
Will USA currency be accepted for extra expenses?
A: Yes, in most cases. But you will want to shop with the new Euro
currency, which you can get at any ATM with your credit/debit card.
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Q: Will ATMs be available?
A: Yes, you’ll find them easily. This is the best way to get
cash. Forget the Travelers Checks and wasting your precious vacation
time waiting in bank lines to cash these. The ATMs, for a small
fee, will give you Euros 24 hours a day- with a handy receipt. Most
villages and all cities have ATMs which accept Visa, Master Card
and Euro Card. Some also accept American Express.
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Q:
Should I exchange some money before departure?
A: No. Save yourself the hassle and bank commissions. Just find
an ATM machine at your arrival airport and do a quick withdrawal.
Now you are ready to shop, armed with a wallet of Euros!
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Q: Will I be able to shop while on tour?
A: Oh, Yes! Sufficient time will be allotted for shopping. Evenings
will generally be free time for you to browse in the local shops.
While some will feel that too much time is spent for shopping, others
will think it is not enough. Guides are not authorized by Reformation
Tours to recommend any store.
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Q: What is the "VAT" or Value
Added Tax?
A: The "Value Added Tax" is sales tax. In most countries
abroad, VAT is charged on all items purchased. As a tourist, you
can get a refund on this tax, as you depart, IF:
(1) Your purchases in one store exceed a certain amount
(2) You receive from the store a Tax Refund form
(3) You present this form and your unopened merchandise to customs
officials at the airport or border of the country where it was purchased.
Customs officers will validate your form with an official stamp.
At airport, proceed to tax-free counter to receive cash refund.
Note: Specific procedures may vary by country, so look for forms
& instructions at stores or the airport.
Depending on your shopping, this VAT refund is great. In the United
Kingdom the VAT is a hefty 18%, so keep your receipts- and then
smile wisely at your group members who didn’t! Happy shopping
in the great shops and stores on Europe!
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Privacy Policy
Q: What is Reformation Tours ' Privacy Policy?
A: Click here to view Privacy Policy.
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Security
Q:
Is travel safe, should I go with political unrest?
A: Good question! Relevant. However- Stay home and worry or go on
a trip and have a blast! The choice is yours. Don’t stay home
when your heart longs for adventure. How cruel. Pray for safety,
purchase travel insurance, watch the current events and then go.
IF RT and our overseas affiliates believe your tour group is at
risk, the necessary precautions and changes will be made. Hey folks,
you can get mugged in your own home town- but you sure can’t
have exciting cross-cultural experiences on your front porch. Europe
beckons, charm, history and intrigue- will you reply and come for
the memories and the fun? See ya’ over there!
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Q: What is my security code?
A: It is an important new Internet security feature that
now appears on the back of most Visa and MasterCards, and on the
front of American Express cards. This new code is a three or four-digit
number which provides a cryptographic check of the information embossed
on the card.
The security code helps validate that the customer placing the online
order actually has the credit card in his/her possession, and that
the credit/debit card account is legitimate.
Click here for image showing location of security code.
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Q: How does my security code protect me?
A: The security code is only printed the card and it is not contained
in the magnetic stripe information nor does it appear on sales receipts
or billing statements - you must have the card in your possession
in order to use this code. Card Security Codes are not raised, so
they are not scanned into standard credit card readers. In theory,
these numbers are only visible to you. When you give your Card Security
Code to a merchant, you assist the merchant in verifying that the
order is being placed by you, the card holder.
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Q: Do I have to enter my security code?
A: If this code is printed on your card, YES, you must enter the
code. Visa, MasterCard, and American Express now require Internet
stores to obtain the security code for all cards that have a code
printed on them. In order for this transaction to be accepted and
processed, you must enter this code if it's printed on your card.
This is done for your protection.
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Q: Should I carry on my luggage or check it through?
A: When you can carry your luggage on the plane, it's less likely
to get lost, damaged or stolen. You don't have to worry about it
and when you arrive, you can leave the airport immediately. Keep
in mind that most airlines limit your carry-on size and weight.
Most airlines allow a height, length, and width combined of 45 inches
and a weight limit ranging from 13 to 70 pounds. Check with your
airline for their specific restrictions. If you do check your bag,
make sure you keep certain essentials with you on board the plane:
all valuables such as money, passport, tickets, etc. (which should
be in your money belt under your clothes); all medications; cameras
and film; glasses and contact lenses, etc. It's also a good idea
to carry on your toiletries kit and a change of clothes in case
your bag is delayed. Finally, don't forget to label your bag inside
and out with your name as well as the name, address, and phone of
your first hotel. Many people also find it helpful to tie a ribbon
on their bag or have some unique way to distinguish it from other
look-alike bags.
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