Mix & Match: Serene Sardinia
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 is either fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader or guided by experienced local guides at each destination. If your itinerary includes local guides, a new guide will meet you in each location, and any internal flights will be unescorted. For further details, please refer to the Essential Information for this tour.
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 4 and 5-star accommodation
✓ Breakfast daily and 3 lunches
✓ Private transportation throughout
✓ Arrival and departure airport transfers
✓ Fully escorted by English-speaking tour leader
✓ Sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary
✓ 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 Sardinia, one of the Mediterranean's oldest cities. Cagliari has been shaped by Phoenicians, Romans, and Spanish rulers, and the layers of history are visible everywhere — from the medieval towers of the Castello quarter perched high above the city to the pink flamingos that wade in the lagoons fringing its coastline. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. With the rest of the day free, there's no better introduction than wandering the narrow streets of the old town, finding a harbour-side table and letting the island pace wash over you.
Special Information
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to your hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
If you are arriving early and have made your own arrangements prior to your tour commencing, airport transfers will not be included. However, if you are purchasing pre-nights accommodation as part of your Inspiring Vacations package, airport transfers will still be provided to the starting hotel.
After breakfast, the day is yours to explore Cagliari freely before joining your group tomorrow. For food lovers, a visit to the Mercato di San Benedetto is a must — one of Italy's largest covered markets, its lower floor is piled high with the catch of the morning while the upper level overflows with local cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal produce. From there, the harbour-front streets of the Marina quarter are lined with trattorias and wine bars worth exploring at lunch. If you have room, seek out seadas — a crispy Sardinian pastry filled with fresh cheese and drizzled with bitter honey that has been a staple of the island's table for centuries. Those looking to round out the afternoon could head to Poetto Beach, a sweeping stretch of pale sand just minutes from the city centre, where Cagliari locals come to swim, stroll and unwind.
After breakfast, meet your Tour leader at 10am in the lobby before joining a local guide for a walking tour through Cagliari's historic districts of Castello, Stampace and Marina. Along the way you will see the Bastion of Saint Remy, the Elephant Tower and the Cathedral of Santa Maria, each telling part of the city's long story.
You will return to the hotel with the afternoon at leisure to explore the city at your own pace. You might wander down to Poetto Beach for a relaxed stroll along the sand, browse the shops and cafes around the Marina district, or simply find a sunny piazza to enjoy a coffee and watch island life go by. Tonight is at your leisure to seek out a local restaurant for dinner.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast, the road trip continues north into Barbagia, one of Sardinia's most authentic regions. Your first stop is Nuoro, a town known for its museums and craft traditions, where you will have time to explore before heading up into the mountains.
Here you will sit down to a traditional lunch with local shepherds, surrounded by the unspoiled nature of Barbagia. Enjoy a spread of Sardinian dishes with drinks included, in a setting that feels a world away from the everyday. After lunch, continue to Orgosolo, a village famous for its striking murals and strong pastoral traditions. From here you will travel on to Alghero, your home for the next two nights.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 5 hours.
This morning after breakfast, set out on a walking tour through Alghero's old town, where Catalan roots and handsome architecture give the city a character all its own. At lunch, enjoy a gastronomic experience on a local estate, tasting your way through regional Sardinian cuisine with drinks included.
In the afternoon, visit the ancient Nuragic site of Palmavera to see its Bronze Age remains, then head to Capo Caccia for sweeping views out over the cliffs and sea. You will return to Alghero with time at your own pace. Tonight is at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast, travel east across the island. Your first stop is Castelsardo, a hilltop coastal town looking out over the Costa Paradiso, where you can explore the medieval centre and take in the view. From here, continue inland to Tempio Pausania, a peaceful town rich in granite buildings and baroque churches.
Here you will enjoy a traditional Sardinian lunch featuring local specialties with drinks included, followed by a tour of the town. Later, continue your journey to Olbia, a lively port town known for its beaches and its links to the Costa Smeralda, where you will spend your final two nights.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 4 hours.
This morning after breakfast, head out to explore the Costa Smeralda, calling in at Porto Rotondo and the glamorous Porto Cervo with free time to wander these pretty coastal towns at your own pace. Around the middle of the day you will return to Olbia, where the rest of the day is yours.
You might stroll through the streets of Olbia, relax by the hotel, or spend some time down by the beach. It is a day to slow down and enjoy the island on your own terms. Tonight is at your leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Costa Smeralda - Porto Rotondo and Porto Cervo visit
Your Sardinian journey comes to a close today. After breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport for your onward journey. Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Special Information
Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Pre/post accommodation
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 two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,350.00 per person, in addition to the twin-share price, you guarantee the privacy of your room throughout the entire tour.
Please note when choosing Single Supplement for this tour, your room will generally consist of a double or semi-double bed. Occasionally there may be a hotel that will provide a single bedded room for single travellers.
2- Shared Room with a known friend
If travelling together with a friend, you can opt to share your room with them 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 as adding extra accommodation, flights, etc), making separate payments and having individual access to our Traveller 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
Secure your trip with a $99.00 deposit per person.
Once we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
Instalment Schedule:
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 included as part of your package, so long as you are arriving as per the purchased itinerary. If you have purchased an extension, either pre or post-tour, the applicable transfer service will be forfeited from your package and you will need to make your own arrangements to the starting hotel.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Where the service remains included, on arrival in Cagliari look out for a representative after you have collected your baggage and exited the arrivals area. If you cannot find them, try to avoid wandering around and instead stay in one place and call the emergency contact number on your documentation.
Where the service has been forfeited due to an early arrival and extended stay, 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.
Airport information desks can provide helpful advice, and most destinations offer ride-share services. If you are having any problems finding the hotel, please ring the hotel directly or you can phone our customer support team for on-tour assistance.
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
You are welcome to arrive at any time on the first day of your tour, with your first evening and day in Cagliari are leisure to settle in and start soaking up the island atmosphere. On Day 2 there will be briefing in the hotel lobby at 4pm to meet your tour leader and fellow travellers. On Day 3 Your guided walking tour of Cagliari runs after your time at leisure in the city, so please be ready at the time advised in your final documentation.
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 included as part of your package, so long as you are departing as per the purchased itinerary. If you have purchased an extension, either pre or post-tour, the applicable transfer service will be forfeited from your package and you will need to make your own arrangements to the airport.
Where the service remains included, you will be collected from your hotel in Olbia at the appropriate time and transferred to Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport. The pick-up time will depend on the flight you have booked, and generally you will be required to be at the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled departure.
If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.
Where the service has been forfeited due to an extended stay, 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.
Tour Suitability
Trusted Travel Partner Tour
Your chosen tour will be operated by one of our trusted travel partners. These are meticulously crafted tours designed by established travel partners we know and trust. These tours offer a unique and exciting way to explore the world, packed with incredible sights and experiences.
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 5 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 steps and uneven ground without assistance to fully participate.
Terrain and key walks: the Castello district of Cagliari sits on a hill with steps and steep lanes; Orgosolo and Castelsardo are hilltop with uneven surfaces; the walking tour of Alghero covers the flat old town; Capo Caccia has clifftop viewpoints; and Palmavera is an open Bronze Age site with uneven ground.
Mobility and accessibility: best suited to passengers who can manage steps, cobblestones and periods of standing and walking during touring. Some sightseeing takes place on foot and cannot always be avoided. The historic centres are not well suited to wheelchairs.
Hotels, transport and climate: travel is by coach and private vehicle throughout, with comfort stops on longer drives. Lifts and step-free rooms vary by property. Expect significant heat in the summer months.
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 fully escorted by a dedicated tour leader who will accompany you throughout the tour.
Tour Type
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 across Sardinia is by private coach or vehicle with a local driver, with your local guide accompanying the touring days. Town sightseeing is on foot. Some days involve longer drives between regions, with comfort stops along the way.
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 on this tour has been carefully selected and is well placed for the towns and sights on your itinerary. Rooms in the historic centres can be compact, and some properties may not have a lift or air-conditioning. Bedding configuration (double or twin) is on request only. Where applicable, local city or tourist taxes are payable directly at the hotel.
Packing Essentials
A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this tour. While there are no internal flights, you may encounter narrow hotel entrances or cobblestone streets where you'll need to manage your own bags. Aim to keep your main luggage under 20kg, with 15kg being a practical target. A medium-sized backpack (around 45–50 litres) is also suitable. Don’t forget a small day bag to carry your daily essentials—like water, a jacket, your phone or camera—while exploring.
Climate
Sardinia has a Mediterranean climate. Summers (July and August) are hot and dry, often reaching the mid 30s Celsius, with the coast feeling humid. The shoulder seasons (May to June and September to October) are warm and pleasant, generally in the low to mid 20s. Winters are mild and wetter. The interior and the Barbagia mountains are cooler and can be windier than the coast, which is tempered by sea breezes. The Mistral wind can occasionally affect coastal and sea conditions.
Currency and ATMs
The currency is the Euro (EUR). ATMs (bancomat) are widely available in Cagliari, Alghero and Olbia, and cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants and larger shops. Carry some cash for small cafes, markets, rural stops in the Barbagia region and for tipping. Let your bank know you are travelling so your cards are not blocked.
Food and Allergies
Sardinian cooking is distinct from mainland Italy and rooted in its pastoral and coastal traditions. Look out for porceddu (suckling pig), culurgiones (stuffed pasta), pane carasau (crisp flatbread), pecorino sardo, fresh seafood and bottarga along the coast, seadas (a honey and cheese pastry), and local wines such as Cannonau and Vermentino.
While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you'll enjoy iconic sightseeing, as well as experience the vast array of local cuisines. While many meals will be eaten together with your group, not all meals are included in your tour which gives you maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. If you have dietary requirements and/or food allergies, please let our Customer Support Team know before departure. Your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide will also be able to give suggestions on which restaurants to try during your trip. For those with a particular food allergy, your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader will endeavour to advise the main ingredients in the dishes consumed. It is, however, still your responsibility to ensure that you do not ingest any problematic ingredients.
Local Customs
Sardinians are proud of an island identity that is distinct from mainland Italy. A polite greeting goes a long way, and dress modestly when visiting churches, covering shoulders and knees and removing hats. Many shops and businesses close in the early afternoon for a rest period, so plan around this. Meals are unhurried and sociable, and in the pastoral communities of the Barbagia a respectful, relaxed approach is appreciated.
Dress Code
Dress is generally smart-casual. Lightweight, breathable clothing is best for the heat, with a light layer for cooler evenings and sea breezes. Cover your shoulders and knees when entering churches. Beachwear is fine at the beach and pool but not in towns, restaurants or religious sites. Comfortable, supportive shoes are essential for cobblestones and uneven ground.
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
A friendly reminder that tipping is not included in your package. Tipping in Italy is not obligatory and service is often included, with many restaurants adding a cover charge (coperto). Rounding up the bill or leaving a few euro for good service is common.
For guides and drivers, the suggested amounts are as follows:
Peak Travel Times
July and August are the peak months, when the island is hottest and busiest with Italian and European holidaymakers, and the Costa Smeralda in particular is crowded and expensive. May to June and September to October are ideal, with warm weather and fewer crowds. Easter and Ferragosto (15 August) are very busy.
Safety and Security
Most national governments provide regularly updated foreign travel advice on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your own government's advice for the most up-to-date travel information before departure and ensure that your travel insurance covers you for all destinations and activities on your trip.
Your Inspiring Vacations Tour Leader or local representative will accompany you on all included activities listed on the itinerary, however, you'll have some free time to explore on your own. While your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide will assist you as best they can with your requests and the options available outside your itinerary, please note Inspiring Vacations makes no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running the activity. Please use your judgement when selecting an activity in your free time.
Please also note that your Inspiring Vacations tour leader or local guide has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
Sardinia is generally very safe, and normal precautions apply. Keep an eye on your belongings in busy tourist areas, markets and on beaches, and watch for petty theft and pickpocketing. Roads in the interior can be winding, and some beaches have currents, so take local advice before swimming. The general emergency number in Italy is 112.
Apps to Download
Some useful apps you may want to consider downloading before your tour include Google Translate, the lens function is especially useful when wanting to read product labels, signs, and menus. Google Maps with offline maps downloaded is great for easy navigation without being reliant on wifi. We also recommend downloading WhatsApp before you leave and using this to communicate with other group members while on tour.
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.