Mix & Match: Rome to Venice
Build your perfect European journey your way. Choose a single eight day module for a focused regional experience, or stack two or more together for a longer adventure. Every module is designed to connect seamlessly, with Saturday departures making it simple to plan. From independent rail journeys to small group tours, there's a style to suit every traveller. Each product is handpicked and built to Inspiring Vacations' premium standards, so you can mix and match your holiday with confidence.
Designed to take you to iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, ensuring a rich blend of must-see sights. Travel with no more than 26 people (on average 16-20), allowing for a more personalised and immersive experience.
This tour features a combination of escorted and independent travel. Part of your journey will be enjoyed as a group experience, led by expert tour leaders or local guides. The remainder is self-guided—whether by rail, cruise, or overland—allowing you the freedom to travel between destinations independently and explore at your own pace.
Our Steady tours offer a good mix of guided sightseeing and personal free time. With a combination of 2-3 night stays and occasional 1 night stops in key locations, this pace allows for deeper exploration while minimising long travel days.
✓ 7 nights in 3 and 4-star hotels
✓ Breakfast daily and 3 lunches
✓ 48-hour Rome Hop-On Hop-Off bus ticket
✓ Escorted by an English-speaking guide from Days 3 - 5
✓ Sightseeing with local guides in Florence, Bologna and Venice
✓ Dedicated coach transportation from Days 3 - 5
✓ Easily combinable with other Mix & Match itineraries
✈️ Needing international airfares to accompany your Inspiring Vacation? You will be able to access our flight portal after securing your package to add international airfares to your booking.
"I created Mix & Match because our travellers kept telling us the same thing. They wanted to travel Europe their own way. Whether they're adding a week or two with their group tour, or building a longer journey from scratch, this series gives them the freedom to choose exactly where they go and how long they stay, designed with all the comfort, confidence and experience of trusted travel experts."
— Maeson, Product Manager
Every Mix & Match module connects seamlessly with Saturday departures, and with styles ranging from independent rail journeys to small group tours, there's something to suit every traveller. Choose a single eight day module or stack two or more together for a longer adventure. Each product is handpicked and built to Inspiring Vacations' premium standards, so you can mix and match your holiday with confidence.
Welcome to Italy. On arrival in Rome we make our way to our hotel, where the rest of the day is ours to settle in and relax before the days ahead.
This evening is at leisure to find a nearby eatery and enjoy our first taste of the city. During your stay you have a 48-hour Rome Hop-On Hop-Off Bus ticket that you can use at any time.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Hotel check-in time is at 3pm. If arriving prior to this, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available. The hotel may grant early check-in, however this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Today is yours to enjoy Rome at your own pace, with an included hop on hop off bus ticket to help get around the city and take in the sights.
You might spend time around the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, wander to the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, or stroll through Piazza Navona and pause for a coffee. The hop on hop off route is an easy way to move between the main landmarks without long walks in between.
The evening is at leisure to find a local restaurant and enjoy a relaxed dinner.
Inspiring Highlights
We set off early this morning by coach, travelling north to the medieval town of Assisi. Here we visit the Basilica of St Francis with its well known frescoes, and stop for lunch in the town.
We continue to Siena, known for its shell shaped Piazza del Campo, before travelling on through the Tuscan countryside.
Arrive into Florence in the evening and check in to our hotel, with the rest of the night at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Our travel time today will be approximately 7 hours.
This morning after breakfast we explore Florence on a guided sightseeing tour, taking in the Duomo with Brunelleschi’s Dome, Giotto’s Bell Tower and the Baptistery, along with Piazza della Signoria, Palazzo Vecchio and the Santa Croce Basilica. Enjoy lunch at a traditional Tuscan restaurant.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore Florence further at our own pace, or to join an optional visit to Pisa. Dinner tonight is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
The optional tour to Pisa can be booked and paid on tour with your guide.
This morning after breakfast we travel to Bologna, a city known for its arcades and its food. On a walking tour we take in Piazza Maggiore and the San Petronio Basilica, and enjoy a light local lunch of regional specialties.
There is time to stroll the medieval streets and markets before we continue on to Venice in the afternoon. On arrival we check in to our hotel, with the evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Bologna - Piazza Maggiore and San Petronio Basilica
Special Information
Our travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
This morning after breakfast we transfer to Piazza San Marco for a guided tour of Venice, seeing the exterior of the Doge’s Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. We pause for a glass of spritz or prosecco with cicchetti, the local Venetian snacks.
The afternoon is at leisure to explore the canals and artisan shops at our own pace before returning to our hotel. The evening is at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Venice - Guided walking tour of Piazza San Marco
Today is at leisure to enjoy Venice at our own pace. We might take a vaporetto across the lagoon to the islands of Murano and Burano, known for glass and lace, or explore the quieter lanes of the Dorsoduro and Cannaregio neighbourhoods away from the busier squares.
The Rialto market and the bridges along the Grand Canal are pleasant to wander, and there are plenty of small cafes to stop and watch the day go by.
Your Italian journey comes to an end after breakfast at the hotel.
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Pre/Post Tour Accommodation
Pre and post tour accommodation is not available on this tour.
Upgrades
Not available
Airport Transfers
Some of our packages will include airport transfers in either one or both directions when arriving or departing from your destination. To know if transfers are included please view the ‘inclusions’ section of your selected package. If airport transfers are stated, transfers will be included as advised.
If transfers are not included, we also offer the option to book your airport transfers using our online portal. Access to this portal is available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed. Transfers are readily available and do not need to be booked until your final hotel list has been confirmed. Once you have made a transfer booking, please refer to your confirmation email for all transfer details including a local contact number for the transfer company.
If you book pre and/or post-tour accommodation on your arrangement, and the tour includes transfers, note that these will be forfeited. The transfers are only provided in line with the tour dates and pre and/or post-tour accommodation purchased through Inspiring Vacations when available.
Bedding Configuration
Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences, but we can not guarantee your request will be available at all properties.
Single travellers
When booking this tour, solo travellers will be presented with three options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $0.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your own room throughout the entire trip.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with him/her and avoid paying a single supplement.
You and your friend can create a unique booking each. Creating a unique booking, gives each of you the flexibility of making different travel arrangements (such adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), make separate payments and have individual access to our Traveller’s Hub
During the purchase path, you will need to provide your friend’s booking ID (if known) or at a minimum, your friend’s full name.
Triple Share
Not available
Payment Information
This product requires a $99.00 deposit per person and full payment within 48 hours to secure your booking.
Once you have created your booking you will be directed to your invoice to choose your preferred payment method.
Cooling Off Period
A refund will be available within the 7-day cooling-off period unless otherwise restricted by the purchased product.
Where 'last minute' bookings are available within 71 days of departure, the cooling-off period does not apply and bookings are immediately non-refundable.
Terms and conditions
Please review our terms and conditions here: https://www.inspiringvacations.com/au/page/terms-and-conditions
Starting Point
Your starting hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation, which will be provided approximately 14–30 days before departure, for your confirmed hotel list.
If you need to book pre-tour accommodation independently, we suggest you do this only once you have received your final hotel list for your tour. If you would like to book something sooner, we recommend that you book using a flexible rate that can be cancelled through your chosen third-party provider without penalty.
Travellers will arrive at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. If arriving before standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm, you are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available as there are no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary. The hotel may grant early check-in; however, this is strictly subject to availability and at the hotel’s discretion.
Note: If you need to apply for a tourist visa before departure, we recommend using the details of the suggested hotel on the tour itinerary if you wish to fulfil this before the release of your final tour documentation. Please refer to our visa section for more information on whether or not a visa is required for your destination.
Arrival Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the airport to the hotel will be comfortable and hassle-free.
As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. These must be booked at least 70 days prior to departure.
To make your own way to your hotel from the airport, it is recommended to use taxis booked from an official taxi booking desk at the airport, or alternatively you can use ride share apps such as Uber.
If you're having any problems finding the hotel, please ring the hotel directly or you can phone our customer support team for on-tour assistance.
Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.
Optional Airport Transfers - Transfer Portal
Depending on the package purchased, you may have the option to add airport transfers to your booking and you can do so through your Traveller Hub account. We partner with an online marketplace where travellers can compare and select the transfer of their choice.
Inspiring Vacations acts as an agent on behalf of our transfer service partner and any service is delivered by the provider. Inspiring Vacations cannot be held liable for any loss resulting from the transfer service provided. It is the customer's responsibility to ensure any transfer booked meets the requirements of any other travel arrangements. Likewise, your tour leader or any of our on-ground representatives cannot be held responsible for the service of your transfer nor are they in a position to assist with amending your reservation. Any transfer booking is separate from any other booking with Inspiring Vacations, regardless of whether purchased with regards to the same travel journey.
When you make your transfer service booking, you will receive a confirmation email and this will include your meeting instructions, as well as direct contact details. Please ensure you print and bring this with you as you will need to ensure you can make direct contact with your transfer service provider.
Welcome Meeting Instructions
There is no formal welcome meeting on this tour. Your first two days in Rome are at leisure, with your included hop-on hop-off bus ticket to explore the city at your own pace.
The touring portion begins with a 7:15am morning coach departure from your Rome hotel, travelling north to Assisi. Please be ready in the hotel lobby at the time confirmed in your final documentation, as the coach departs promptly.
In Case of Emergency
Although we strive to deliver exceptional holiday experiences, unforeseen circumstances can occasionally arise during travel. If any issues arise during your tour, it is essential to promptly communicate them to your tour leader or local representative so they can take immediate action to address the problem and minimise any negative impact on the remainder of your journey.
If your tour leader or local representative is unable to resolve a situation to your satisfaction, please request that the matter be escalated to their direct manager for further assistance.
When your final tour documentation is released, this will include an emergency contact for our local travel partner while you are on tour. If this is not included in your documentation, you will receive this information on arrival during your welcome meeting.
Finishing Point
Your finishing hotel may differ from the original itinerary. Please refer to your final documentation which will be provided approximately 14–30 days before departure for your confirmed hotel list.
If you need to book additional post-tour accommodation, please do so once you have the final hotel list. We recommend booking a flexible rate that can be changed or cancelled without penalty should there be any unforeseen changes to your booking.
Travellers will depart at various times throughout the day depending on flights booked. Check-out time is generally from 10am–12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments exploring the area, or speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. This service is subject to availability and may incur an additional cost payable directly.
Departure Details
Airport transfers are not included as part of your package. However, we trust that your journey from the hotel to the airport will be comfortable and hassle-free.
As an added service, we do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub. We recommend you wait until you receive your final documentation to book transfers as your start and end hotels will only be confirmed at this point. Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader cannot be held responsible for any unforeseen circumstances that may arise, nor can they resolve any concerns that you may have with your transfer service.
To make your own way to Venice Marco Polo airport, options include the Alilaguna water bus, a private water taxi, or the land bus from Piazzale Roma. If you are having any problems, you can speak to hotel reception before your departure.
Tour Suitability
The Rome and Venice portions are at leisure and unescorted. You will need to be comfortable navigating and getting around these cities independently.
There are two long coach travel days: Rome to Florence is approximately 7 hours, and Florence to Venice is approximately 5 hours, both with comfort stops.
Assisi and Siena are hill towns with sloped, uneven and cobbled streets.
Venice has no roads. Getting around is on foot and by water bus, over many stepped bridges with no lifts. It is not well suited to passengers with significant mobility limitations.
Rome, Florence and inland Tuscany can be very hot in summer, and the major historic sites are extremely busy and crowded during peak periods.
This tour is a combination of several smaller journeys through Italy. You may join a group where some passengers have already been travelling together before your arrival, or some of your fellow passengers may continue onwards when your tour comes to a finish. There may also be times during your trip when some passengers depart and new ones join.
Hotel City Taxes
All current taxes are included in your tour (VAT, city permits, road taxes, visitor taxes, fuel charges and any other applicable charges), with the exception of city taxes in Italy, which are to be paid directly to each hotel. The tax will vary from €3-€5 per person per day depending on the hotel booked. Please note that this tax is dictated by the government entities, can only be paid locally and can change without any warning to Inspiring Vacations.
Visas & Entry Requirements
Many countries require a visa and obtaining the correct visa for your trip and any countries you may transit through is your responsibility. We recommend you check your visa requirements as soon as you have booked your trip. This will ensure you have time to prepare your documents and for your visa application to be processed. You can check the visa entry requirements for your nationality via our page here:
https://inspiringvacations-8357211.hs-sites.com/visa-information
You’ll need a valid passport to travel internationally and most countries require your passport to have a minimum of 6 months validity, so remember to check the expiry date.
We need your passport information to get everything ready for your trip so the information on your booking must match your passport exactly. Please take care to provide the correct details. We recommend carrying a copy of the photo page of your passport while traveling and leaving a copy at home with family or friends.
Child Policy
Children must be 6 years old or above and share a room with parents at all times. Children are charged the same price as adults.
Pace
This tour category is Steady
Our steady tours offer a good mix of guided sightseeing and personal free time. With a combination of 2-3 night stays and occasional 1 night stops in key locations, this pace allows for deeper exploration while minimising long travel days.
Activity and Mobility
This tour is categorised as: 3 out of 5 – Balanced
Our Balanced tours involve a moderate level of physical activity and are designed to suit the majority of travellers. Be prepared for walking on varied surfaces, which may include cobblestones, gravel paths, and noticeable inclines common in historic towns and natural areas. You must be confident on your feet and capable of navigating multiple flights of stairs and uneven ground without assistance to fully participate.
Any physical ailments you may have must be disclosed at the time of booking to determine your suitability and where required, supporting documentation may be requested to ensure that we are comfortable that you will enjoy your tour.
Group Size
Minimum: 2 people, Maximum: 25 people
Escorted Style
This tour is escorted by a dedicated Tour Leader who will accompany you throughout the tour from days 3 to 5. In Rome and Venice you will have no dedicated tour leader, and this part of your tour will be independent.
Tour Type
You have purchased a combination package, meaning that certain components of the tour are operated differently.
In Rome at the start, and in Venice at the end, you are travelling on an Independent basis. You explore at your own pace, with accommodation and your Rome hop-on hop-off ticket pre-arranged.
The touring portion between Rome and Venice runs as one of our Small Group Tours. Our expertly crafted Small Group Tours take you to iconic landmarks and hidden treasures, ensuring a rich blend of must-see sights. Unwind in premium accommodations after each day filled with sightseeing alongside your dedicated tour leader, leaving you free to explore at your own pace during designated free time. Benefit from smaller group sizes, creating a truly unforgettable travel experience.
Exclusions
Getting Around
Travel between destinations is by coach. The route runs from Rome north to Assisi and Siena and on to Florence, then via Bologna to Venice. The coach days between Rome and Florence, and between Florence and Venice, are long (approximately 7 hours and 5 hours respectively) with comfort stops along the way.
In Rome, a 48-hour hop-on hop-off bus ticket is included for getting around the city at leisure.
Venice has no roads. Coaches terminate at Piazzale Roma or the nearby Tronchetto, and you continue into the historic centre on foot or by water bus (vaporetto). Luggage may need to be carried or wheeled over bridges and steps.
Hotel Ratings
Star ratings can differ between countries, reflecting diverse standards and amenities. To give you the most accurate picture possible, we don't just rely on a single source for hotel ratings. We go beyond by researching various trusted travel websites like Tripadvisor and Booking.com. This allows us to analyse a wider range of genuine customer reviews and experiences, giving you a well-rounded understanding of the hotel's typical star rating.
This means you can book with confidence, knowing the hotel has a strong track record of satisfied guests.
Accommodation Details
Accommodation is in carefully selected 3 and 4-star hotels. Properties are chosen for their location and are subject to change, so your confirmed hotel list is provided with your final documentation.
Rooms in Italian city hotels can be compact by international standards, and some historic buildings have small lifts or stairs only. Twin rooms may consist of two beds placed together, and bedding configurations (double or twin) are on request only. Air-conditioning availability and operating dates vary by property and season. City and tourist taxes are often payable locally.
Packing Essentials
Suggested items for this tour:
Climate
Italy has hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, with regional differences across this route. Rome, Florence and inland Tuscany are the hottest in summer, often in the low-to-mid 30s Celsius and sometimes higher, so plan for heat if travelling in peak summer.
Bologna and the Po Valley can be humid in summer and foggy in the cooler months. Venice is milder by the water but is prone to acqua alta (high-water flooding) in autumn and winter. Spring and autumn generally bring the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.
Currency and ATMs
The currency in Italy is the Euro (EUR). ATMs (bancomat) are widely available in cities and towns. Cards are widely accepted, though it is worth carrying some cash for small cafes, markets, public toilets and tips. Let your bank know you are travelling to avoid your card being blocked, and if a card machine offers to charge you in your home currency, choose to be charged in Euro to get a better rate.
Food and Allergies
Italian food is strongly regional. In Rome, look for pasta dishes such as cacio e pepe and carbonara. Tuscany around Florence is known for hearty dishes, ribollita and grilled meats. Bologna is famous for tagliatelle al ragu, tortellini and mortadella, and Venice for cicchetti, seafood and risotto. Gelato, pizza al taglio and panini are widely available for a quick bite.
While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you will enjoy a taste of the local cuisine as part of your tour. Italy caters well for common dietary needs and gluten-free (senza glutine) is widely understood. Please advise any allergies or dietary requirements at the time of booking so that restaurants can be informed in advance. Tap water is safe to drink.
Local Customs
Italians are warm but value courtesy. A simple "buongiorno" or "buonasera" on entering a shop or cafe is appreciated. Churches are places of worship: dress modestly, keep quiet, and avoid photography where it is signed as not permitted.
Coffee has its own etiquette: cappuccino is usually a morning drink, and an espresso taken standing at the bar is cheaper than sitting at a table. A cover charge (coperto) is normal at restaurants. Dinner is generally served from around 7:30pm.
Dress Code
Dress is generally smart-casual, and Italians tend to dress neatly. For churches and religious sites, shoulders and knees must be covered, so carry a light scarf or shawl, particularly in the warmer months when you are in lighter clothing.
Comfortable, supportive shoes are essential for cobblestones and long days on foot. Pack light layers for summer, and warmer layers and a waterproof for the cooler months.
Responsible Dining
Avoid consuming endangered species or items harvested unsustainably. Be respectful of local customs and food practices, and always tip fairly to support local workers. Responsible dining helps protect the environment and promotes the well-being of local communities.
Tipping
Tipping in Italy is not obligatory and is more modest than in some countries. Many restaurants add a cover charge (coperto) or a service charge (servizio). Rounding up the bill or leaving a euro or two for good service at a restaurant is appreciated, and a few euros for a local guide or driver is a kind gesture. None of it is expected as a fixed amount.
Peak Travel Times
The busiest periods are summer (June to August), Easter, and Venice Carnival in February. Rome is especially busy around major religious events. August sees many local businesses and family-run restaurants close for the holidays, particularly around Ferragosto in mid-August. Spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October) offer the most comfortable weather and thinner crowds. Venice is extremely busy during peak periods.
Safety and Security
Italy is generally safe for travellers. The main risk is petty theft and pickpocketing in crowded tourist areas, on public transport and around major sights, so keep valuables secure in a crossbody bag or money belt and stay alert in busy squares and stations. Be wary of distraction tactics and unofficial sellers of tickets or "skip-the-line" access near major attractions. The general emergency number throughout Italy is 112.
Apps to Download
Some useful apps you may want to consider downloading before your tour include Google Translate, whose lens function is especially useful for reading labels, signs and menus. Google Maps with offline maps downloaded is great for easy navigation without relying on wifi. We also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you leave and using it to communicate with other group members while on tour. For Venice, the AVM Venezia Official app is handy for water bus timetables and tickets.
Itinerary Changes
Sometimes, unexpected things can happen, like unpredictable weather or higher-than-usual crowds at attractions. In these situations, your tour leader might need to adjust the itinerary slightly to improve your overall experience.
This flexibility ensures you get the most out of your trip! Your tour leader will always keep you informed of any changes and explain the reasoning behind them. Remember, when travelling with a group, sometimes going with the flow can lead to even more amazing experiences.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is strongly recommended on all our trips. We require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. It is also important to consider forced pre-trip cancellations and how your chosen insurance policy may cover such circumstances, so please keep this in mind when choosing your provider.
We strongly recommend all travellers have a policy that also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage or personal effects. For international trips, you will be asked by your tour leader for your travel insurance details if they were not already added to your Traveller Hub account pre-departure.
If you have credit card insurance your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide may require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number, and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and your credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details before arriving in-country.
Before you depart, you will be asked to submit your Travel Insurance details through the booking holder's Traveller Hub account through the Inspiring Vacations website. This is to ensure that we have this information readily available should we ever need it.
Health, Wellness & Fitness Requirements
All travellers need to be in good physical health to participate fully on this trip. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements.
When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully to assess your ability to manage and enjoy our style of travel. If we find that you are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to yourself and/or the rest of the group, we reserve the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or any necessary vaccinations before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements in their original packaging as they may not easily be obtained while travelling. If you are carrying medication, ensure you check your government's foreign travel advice for any local restrictions or requirements. For the safety and wellbeing of yourself and others, if you are unwell before travelling, please stay at home and contact us to make alternative arrangements and we would be more than happy to assist you.
Important Information for Customers with Mobility Limitations
We want to ensure everyone has a fantastic and inclusive experience on our tours. If you require the use of a mobility aid, such as a cane, walker, or wheelchair, please disclose this information at the time of booking.
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for the entire group, our tours are designed with a specific itinerary in mind. This may involve moderate walking, uneven terrain, or stairs. While some itinerary adjustments may not be possible, we'll do our best to find alternative solutions within the planned activities whenever possible.
Open communication helps us ensure your trip is a perfect fit and it allows your local guide or tour leader to assist you where possible.
Information for CPAP Users
If you use a CPAP machine, please let us know at the time of booking. Some portions of our itinerary, like overnight cruises or camping trips, may have limited access to power outlets. In such cases, we recommend travelling with portable battery packs.
Certain activities, like overnight journeys on board smaller vessels, may not be suitable for CPAP use due to space limitations or noise concerns. We can discuss these potential limitations upfront and help you make informed decisions about your trip.
Documentation
Tour documentation is typically emailed to the lead passenger or your travel agent between 14-30 days before your scheduled departure. This will include your final hotel list.
Official Travel Advice
To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, we recommend referring to the official travel advisory website of your home country for the latest updates on your chosen destination. These websites provide valuable information on:
Here are some helpful links to get you started:
In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:
By staying informed and working together, we can ensure a fantastic travel experience for you. We will post our own travel updates to our website here.
Connect with fellow travellers on Facebook
During your booking journey, you might have received an email inviting you to join a special Facebook group dedicated to your chosen destination. These vibrant online communities are exclusively for Inspiring Vacations travellers headed to the same incredible place. Joining this group unlocks a wealth of information and connections. Swap travel tips, share packing insights, or even see if anyone's interested in travelling together.
We also regularly host insightful webinars featuring travel experts who share their tips and tricks for navigating your destination and maximising your itinerary. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and get even more excited about your upcoming trip!
Travelling in a Group
Travelling in a group means you will experience both the pleasures and perhaps at times, some of the frustrations of travelling with people you don’t know. The good news is you all have at least one thing in common: a love of travel and exploration. Your fellow travellers will probably come from different parts of the world, and fall into different age groups. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group, patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the overall benefit of the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, please ensure that you respect this request from your tour leader or local guide. Due to privacy reasons, we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip before departure.
Community Guidelines
Inspiring Vacations does not tolerate any kind of violence, harassment (whether physical, verbal or sexual), or disrespect toward fellow travellers, our teams (Inspiring Vacations Tour Leaders and local expert guides) or local communities.
Any behaviour that prevents your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader from continuing the itinerary as planned, breaks local laws or opposes any of these guidelines, may result in Inspiring Vacations removing you from the tour.
If something concerns you during your travels, please speak to your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader immediately. Alternatively, when you are on-tour and require immediate support you can contact our Customer Support team and select the “On-Tour” option when listening to the options.
Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader vs Guide
While both tour leaders and local guides enrich your travel experience, their roles differ. Tour leaders, who often accompany you for the entire trip, handle logistics, ensure smooth sailing of the itinerary, and act as your point of contact for any concerns. They might provide general information about destinations, but in-depth historical or cultural knowledge often comes from local guides. Local guides, frequently native to the area, lead tours at specific sites or attractions, offering a deeper understanding of the local history, art, or way of life.
Coach Transportation
The size of your coach will comfortably accommodate your group. There's usually room for some extra seats, ensuring a relaxing journey. Your luggage will be safely stored either underneath the coach or in a dedicated trailer.
While the exact coach style may vary depending on the departure, all our coaches offer comfortable seating. Keep in mind that Wi-Fi and charging outlets might not always be available. To stay connected and avoid dead batteries, we recommend fully charging your devices beforehand or bringing a portable charger.
For longer journeys, we'll make sure to include ample restroom breaks along the way, so you can freshen up and recharge at your convenience, as facilities are not on-board the coach.
Staying Connected
If you want to stay connected and access reliable internet while on tour, there are a few options available. It is possible to purchase a virtual sim and we recommend contacting your mobile phone provider for assistance in doing so. You can add a roaming data plan to your existing phone contract is another option, albeit an expensive one. You will need to arrange this before departure. Purchasing a local SIM may be possible as a final option.
We also recommend downloading WhatsApp and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour, and of course, after the tour if you’d like to stay in touch. Our tour leaders may also use this as a means of communicating essential trip information with you, as well as if you choose to add-on transfers to your booking, as your driver may use this to confirm arrangements with you.
Post-Tour Feedback
Once your booking is confirmed, you will receive a link to a post-purchase survey, which is your opportunity to share your feedback with us on your booking experience and interactions with our Sales and Customer Success teams. This feedback is invaluable to ensure that we are servicing our customers to the best of our ability.
Furthermore, towards the end of your travels and while you are in your destination, you will receive an email from us with a link to an in-depth trip survey. It is very important to us that we hear from our customers to ensure that we continue to meet and exceed customers' expectations, so this will be your opportunity to let us know how your trip has been, what has worked well and potentially what could be improved.
This is a Land Only package.
This package does not include international airfares. If you would like to add airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub. The flight portal will allow you to search for all available airfares to your destination. The function works like most general flight search engines allowing you to select your preferred airline, book different cabin classes (eg. Business class) and view flight durations and transit times to your destination.
The flight portal will be available via your Traveller Hub once the following criteria has been met:
Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.