9 Day Magical Malta Premium Small Group Tour
This package does not include international airfares from your home airport. Any flights within your tour itinerary are included. If you would like to add international airfares to your booking our flight portal will be available after your booking is made.
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 Leisurely tours are designed for a relaxed travel experience, they feature longer stays in each destination and ample free time. Unpack, unwind, and explore at your own pace with minimal early starts or hotel changes.
✓ 8 nights in 4-star hotels
✓ Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 2 dinners
✓ Arrival airport transfer
✓ Dedicated air-conditioned transport throughout
✓ Return ferry crossings between the islands of Malta and Gozo
✓ Local experiences including a wine tasting, cheese making and a folklore show
✓ Fully escorted by a licensed English-speaking local guide
✓ Incredible sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary
✈ 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.
🛏️ Shared room available for solo passengers. This tour offers solo passengers the option to share a room with a fellow passenger of the same gender and avoid the Single Traveller supplement.
Explore the islands of Gozo and Malta, from Gozitan salt pans and the Ta Pinu Basilica to Vallettas St John Co-Cathedral and the ancient temples of Ħaġar Qim. Wander hilltop Mdina, taste local wine and Maltese cheese, and take in the colour of Marsaxlokk harbour.
Welcome to Malta! On arrival at Malta International Airport you will be met by a local representative and transferred to the ferry terminal at Ċirkewwa. From here you will make the short, scenic ferry crossing to the island of Gozo independently, gliding across the channel toward its honey-coloured cliffs, quiet villages and open countryside. On arrival in Gozo you will be met by another representative and transferred to your hotel.
Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the day is yours at leisure to settle in and soak up the island's relaxed charm, perhaps unwinding on the hotel terrace with views across the water or wandering down to a nearby harbour. This evening, gather with your tour guide and fellow travellers for a welcome meeting, where your Maltese adventure truly begins.
Special Information
Shared arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at the airport and transferred to the ferry terminal, and met again on arrival in Gozo and transferred to your hotel.
No ferry ticket is required for the crossing from Malta to Gozo. Your return ferry ticket will be provided to you on tour by your guide.
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, or booked pre-accommodation through Inspiring Vacations, airport transfers will not be included.
We begin our exploration of Gozo today. We drive to Xagħra, where our first stop is the Dream of Horses Farm, a multi-purpose Equestrian farm where we will have a tour and enjoy lunch.
Afterwards we will stop at Sannat for some photographs before continuing to a local venue for a wine tasting on the veranda, with a walk through the vineyard. The venue is a tasting venue rather than a working winery.
Return to the hotel in the early afternoon, with the rest of the day at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours.
After breakfast we begin the day at the salt pans at Qbajjar, where sea water has been turned into geometric pans along the coast for generations. We continue to the Basilica of Ta’ Pinu, a national shrine near the village of Għarb.
From there we visit Dwejra, with its Fungus Rock and inland sea setting, before heading to the Citadella in Victoria, the island’s former capital, where there is some free time to wander.
You have some time to relax at your hotel before being taken to a local restaurant for dinner this evening.
Inspiring Highlights
We say addiju (farewell) to the island of Gozo as we are transferred back to the island of Malta. On the way to our hotel in Malta, we make a brief stop at Popeye Village to capture some memorable photos.
The remainder of the day is free for you to relax or explore the local area.
Inspiring Highlights
Popeye Village photo stop
Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
After breakfast enjoy a guided tour of Valletta, Malta’s capital. We visit the Upper Barrakka Gardens and St John’s Co-Cathedral, then take in The Malta Experience, a short audiovisual presentation on the island’s history at the Sacra Infermeria.
Lunch is served at a restaurant in the heart of the city. You then have free time to explore Valletta on foot at your own pace.
Return to the hotel in the early evening for time at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
We continue our exploration of Malta after breakfast, when we visit the Mosta Rotunda. Modelled on the Pantheon in Rome, it features the third-largest unsupported dome in the world. The Maltese miracle happened here, when a German aerial bomb pierced the dome during World War II and fell into the church during mass, but did not explode.
We then enjoy a visit to Dingli cliffs, followed by the Buskett Gardens whose history goes back to pre-Christian times where Pagan rituals would take place.
Our day is highlighted by a visit to Mdina, whose striking fortified hilltop location will take your breath away. The city was founded by the ancient trading civilisation known as the Phoenicians and was later taken over by the Romans. Mdina was the capital of Malta throughout the Middle Ages, when some magnificent buildings were built. Lunch is included before a guided walking tour.
The day finishes with a cheese making and tasting experience. We return to the hotel this evening, with the evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
After breakfast, we visit one of the most important archeological sites in the region, Hagar Qim.
A megalithic temple complex, dating back to approximately 3600-3200 BC, these are among the most ancient religious sites on Earth. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the complex is thought to be older than sites in Mesopotamia, Egypt and Greece.
Afterwards, we visit the nearby Tal-Hamrija coastal tower, built in the 17th century.
We then drive through Wied iż-Żurrieq to a viewpoint over the Blue Grotto, a set of sea caves on the south coast, where photographs can be taken from the lookout, you will have free time and the option (weather permitting, additional charges apply) for a Blue Grotto boat trip. Return to your hotel in the afternoon.
This evening you are collected from your hotel for a traditional folklore show with dinner at a local restaurant.
Inspiring Highlights
We venture out for a final day of touring with a tour fondly known as the ‘three cities tour’: Vittoriosa, Senglea and Marsaxlokk. The tour itself is of three neighbouring areas to the south of Valletta’s old town, and offers travellers a more off-the-beaten-track experience. One of the first settlements in the modern-day Grand Harbour, settlers in Valletta used the many harbour inlets from Phoenician times, resulting in locals identifying the three cities as the cradle of Maltese history. The area is known also for being the original settlement for Knights of St. John in the 16th century.
We start visiting Vittoriosa and Senglea by foot and continue to the fishing village of Marsaxlokk, known for its brightly painted luzzu boats, where lunch is included. There is time to take in the harbour or take a relaxing boat trip (weather permitting, additional charges apply) before returning to your hotel.
We return to the hotel in the late afternoon, with the evening at leisure.
Inspiring Highlights
Thank you for travelling with Inspiring Vacations. We hope you had a memorable experience.
Depending on your flight details you have some time at leisure before it is time to head to the airport for your flight back home.
Special Information
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier departure experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Pre/post accommodation
You can enhance your holiday by arriving or departing before or after the tour. On this tour you can choose from the following options:
Pre Tour Accommodation
Post Tour Accommodation
Please select the number of extra nights required in the 'Additional Nights Accommodation' field when making your purchase. The additional cost for these arrangements will be added to your final payment invoice and are subject to availability.
Please note: All add-ons, including upgrades, pre/post accommodation, and optional tours, are subject to availability until confirmed by our operators. We recommend waiting for final confirmation of all itinerary components before making irreversible bookings like flights.
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 two options:
1 - Single Supplement
By paying an additional $1,450.00 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.
3- Shared Room with a fellow traveller
In this tour you can opt to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same gender – as specified in your passport - and avoid paying a single supplement.
If you believe you may prevent your travelling companion from enjoying a peaceful night’s rest, please refrain from selecting this option.
You will meet your rooming companion at the beginning of your tour.
Should you wish to change from a shared room to a solo room, this would be at the cost of the traveller who has requested to change the room type. Changes to room configuration during the tour must be organised by travellers directly with the hotel, subject to availability and additional charges.
This option is not available on additional accommodation booked before or after
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 we receive your deposit, we will send you an invoice with your remaining balance and payment options.
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 to 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 the first day 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
Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package, so long as you are arriving as per the purchased itinerary. On arrival at Malta International Airport you will be met a local guide and transferred as a group to Ċirkewwa to board the ferry across to Gozo, then on to your hotel. Transfers are provided on a shared basis and are arranged around one group arrival, so please provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfer can be confirmed.
If you have purchased a pre-tour extension, or you are arriving early and making your own arrangements, the arrival transfer will be forfeited and you will need to make your own way to the starting hotel. We do offer airport transfers at an additional cost which can be booked via your Traveller Hub.
Please note that if you are choosing to book an independent airport transfer service, your Inspiring Vacations guide 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
On arrival at Malta International Airport you will be met by your licensed local guide, who will accompany you to your hotel on Gozo and remain with the group. Depending on your arrival time, the remainder of the first day is at leisure to settle in. Your guide will confirm the start time for the first morning's touring of Gozo. Please ensure you are on time.
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 to 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 to 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 on departure 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 guide 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 way to the airport from your hotel in Malta, there are regular bus connections, official taxis and ride-share services. If you're having any problems, you can speak to hotel reception before your departure.
Tour Suitability
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 travelling 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: Leisurely
Our leisurely tours are designed for a relaxed travel experience, they feature longer stays in each destination and ample free time. Unpack, unwind, and explore at your own pace with minimal early starts or hotel changes.
Activity and Mobility
This tour is categorised as: 2 out of 5 - Relaxed
Our Relaxed tours involve a moderate level of physical activity with plenty of free time. Guided sightseeing is taken at an easy pace with regular stops, but you must be confident on your feet and able to manage cobblestones, slopes, steps and uneven ground at heritage sites without assistance to participate fully.
Activity Snapshot
Mobility requirements
Terrain & environment
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: 12 passengers, Maximum: 24 passengers
Escorted Style
This tour is fully escorted by a tour leader who accompanies you throughout the touring portion of your trip, from your arrival meet and greet through to the final day of sightseeing. Your guide handles the day-to-day running of the itinerary and provides the local history and cultural commentary at each site.
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 guide, 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
Touring is by dedicated, air-conditioned coach. On a few narrow roads the coach cannot pass, including the approaches to the Dream of Horses farm and the Qbajjar salt pans, so smaller mini vans are used. In this case your guide travels in one of the vehicles and shares time across the group.
Crossings between the islands of Malta and Gozo are by scheduled passenger ferry (Ċirkewwa to Mġarr and return). Valletta is a walking city and is explored on foot rather than by coach. Porterage is provided at both hotels on arrival and departure.
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 passengers.
Accommodation Details
This tour features 4-star hotels in Malta. Each accommodation has been carefully chosen based on a stringent set of criteria, ensuring the high standards of comfort and convenience. Our team continuously reviews and updates our selections, incorporating customer feedback to guarantee that every hotel is well-located and offers a comfortable stay.
Packing Essentials
Climate
Malta has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. The departures run in late spring (May and June) and autumn (September and October), when days are warm to hot and largely dry, evenings are mild and the sea is still pleasant. Midday heat and strong sun are common, so plan to pace sightseeing and stay hydrated. The shoulder-season departures can bring the occasional shower, particularly in October.
Currency and ATMs
The currency of Malta is the Euro (EUR). ATMs are widely available in towns and tourist areas, and credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants and shops. Carry some cash for small purchases, market stalls, tips, the optional boat trips and the ECO tax, which is payable in cash to each hotel on arrival.
Food and Allergies
Maltese cuisine reflects the islands' history, blending Mediterranean, Italian and North African influences. Look out for ftira (the local sourdough bread, tasted on Gozo), rabbit stew (fenkata), pastizzi (flaky savoury pastries), fresh seafood, Gozitan cheeselets (ġbejniet) and local wine. Marsaxlokk is known for its fish, and the islands' bakeries and cafes are easy places to eat well between included meals.
While travelling with Inspiring Vacations you'll enjoy iconic sightseeing alongside a taste of the local cuisine. On this tour, breakfast is provided daily, along with 4 lunches and 2 dinners as set out in your itinerary, including a wine tasting on Gozo, a cheese making and tasting experience near Mdina, and a traditional folklore show with dinner. Remaining meals are at your own arrangement, giving you the freedom to explore local restaurants and cafes at your own pace.
If you have any allergies or dietary requirements, please advise us at the time of booking so we can inform our local partner. While every effort is made to accommodate dietary needs, options can be more limited at smaller venues and on Gozo, and cross-contamination cannot be guaranteed.
Local Customs
Malta is a strongly Catholic country and religion is central to daily life, with frequent village festas, particularly in summer. Churches are active places of worship as well as visitor sites, so dress modestly, keep noise down and follow any photography restrictions. The Maltese are warm and hospitable, English is an official language alongside Maltese, and a polite greeting goes a long way. Sunday and feast days can mean reduced opening hours for some shops and services.
Dress Code
Dress is generally casual and light to suit the warm climate. For churches and religious sites, including St John's Co-Cathedral, the Mosta Rotunda, Ta' Pinu Basilica and Mdina, both men and women should cover their shoulders and knees; carry a light scarf or wrap to cover up as needed. Sleeveless tops, short skirts and beachwear are not appropriate at religious or official buildings. Comfortable, flat walking shoes are best for the cobblestones and slopes. Beachwear is fine at the coast and around hotel pools only.
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 is not included in your tour price. In Malta tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving around 5 to 10 % for good service is customary where a service charge has not already been added. Small change for cafes, bar staff and porters is welcome. Tips for your guide and driver are at your discretion and reflect your satisfaction with their service.
If you are happy with the services provided, we recommend tipping €3 - 5 EUR per day per person for your drivers and €5-7 EUR per day per person for your tour leader.
Peak Travel Times
July and August are the hottest and busiest months in Malta, with peak crowds, higher prices and intense heat. The tour departures fall in the quieter, more comfortable shoulder seasons of late spring and autumn. Expect livelier conditions around the summer village festas, Carnival in February and the Holy Week and Easter period, when some sites and services adjust their hours.
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 tour.
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.
Malta is generally a safe destination with low levels of serious crime. Take the usual precautions against petty theft, such as pickpocketing, in busy tourist areas, on public transport and at markets, and keep valuables secure. Take care on uneven and slippery surfaces at heritage and coastal sites, and follow your guide's advice and any operator instructions on the optional boat trips, which run weather permitting. In summer, manage sun exposure and stay hydrated.
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. English is an official language in Malta, so day-to-day communication is straightforward.
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 to 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.
Australia
United States
Canada
