16 Day Algeria & Tunisia Uncovered

• 15 nights in 3 to 4-star hotels
• Airport transfers on arrival and departure
• Breakfast daily, 7 lunches and 7 dinners 
• All internal flights
• 4x4 excursion to the Star Wars filming locations at Ong Jmel
• Dedicated private transportation throughout
• Fully escorted by English-speaking guides throughout
• Incredible sightseeing including entry fees as per itinerary

• Algiers – Casbah and Citadel
• Algiers – Basilica of Notre-Dame d’Afrique
• Algiers – Bastion 23 and Museum of Calligraphy
• Ghardaïa – M’zab Valley ksour
• Ghardaïa – Local market
• Djemila – Roman site and museum
• Timgad – Roman city
• Constantine – Panoramic city tour
• Constantine – Ahmed Bey Palace and Cirta Museum
• Cherchell – Archaeological museum and Roman remains
• Tipaza – Archaeological site
• Tipaza – Royal Mausoleum of Mauretania
• Tunis – Bardo Museum
• Tunis – Medina of Tunis
• Sousse – Ribat and Great Mosque
• El Djem – Roman amphitheatre
• Matmata – Troglodyte village
• Tozeur – Ong Jmel 4x4 and Star Wars filming locations
• Nefta – Oasis visit
• Kairouan – City sightseeing
• Carthage – Archaeological site
• Sidi Bou Said – Village visit

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

• $225.00 per room, per night for double and twin share
• $113.00 per room, per night for solo travellers

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 $850.00 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.

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

Arrival airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be met upon arrival at Houari Boumediene International Airport in Algiers 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.

Please note: 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.

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

You are welcome to arrive at any time on the first day of your tour and the day is at your leisure. On arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel. On the morning of day 2, the tour group's welcome meeting will occur in the hotel lobby after breakfast. During check-in on day 1, you will receive a welcome letter that includes important information and further instructions on where to meet your guide and the rest of the group to ensure you have all the most up-to-date information. 

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

Departure airport transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to Tunis-Carthage International 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.

Please note: if you choose to extend your stay and have booked additional accommodation independently, this included service will be forfeited.

Tour Suitability

• This tour includes several long overland drives between regions, with some travelling days of approximately five to six hours by road. Passengers should be comfortable with extended time on the coach.
• The tour includes a return domestic flight between Algiers and the M’zab Valley, with the return leg operating as a late night flight and a late arrival back in Algiers.
• The 4x4 desert excursion to Ong Jmel in Tunisia travels off sealed roads over sand and rough tracks, with a maximum of five passengers per vehicle, and may not suit passengers prone to motion sickness.
• The M’zab Valley and Ghardaïa in Algeria, and southern Tunisia around Tozeur, Nefta and Matmata, can be extremely hot from late spring through summer. Sun protection and hydration are essential in both regions.
• Beni Isguen, in the M’zab Valley, is a conservative traditional town with strict local customs, including restrictions on photography and a requirement to be accompanied by a local guide. Modest dress is required there and at mosques and religious sites in Algiers and Constantine. Kairouan is one of the holiest cities in Islam, and modest dress is also required at the Great Mosques in Tunis, Sousse and Kairouan.
• Heritage and archaeological sites on this tour, including the Casbah of Algiers, the Roman cities of Djemila, Timgad, Tipaza and Cherchell, the El Djem amphitheatre, the Medina of Tunis, Matmata and Carthage, all involve walking on uneven, stepped or cobbled surfaces.
• Many of our tours are the combination of several smaller journeys. You may join a group where some travellers have already been together prior to your arrival, or some of your fellow passengers may be travelling onwards when your tour comes to a finish. If you’d like more information on alternative tour options or extensions, please feel free to contact us.

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. This pace applies consistently across both Algeria and Tunisia on this tour.

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.

Activity snapshot

• Activity: A moderate level of physical activity, mixing flat city walking with heritage and Roman sites on uneven, stepped ground, the stepped lanes of the Algiers Casbah and the M’zab ksour, a desert 4x4 excursion in Tunisia, and several long road days across both countries.
• Typical walking distances: roughly 2 to 5 km on sightseeing days, across medinas, museums and archaeological sites in both countries.
• Key walks:
  ○ Casbah of Algiers and the M’zab Valley towns (El Atteuf, Beni Isguen, Ghardaïa): steep, narrow, stepped and uneven lanes, often in heat.
  ○ Roman cities (Djemila, Timgad, Tipaza, Cherchell), the El Djem amphitheatre and Carthage: extensive sites with uneven stone, ramps, stairs and limited shade.
  ○ Matmata troglodyte dwellings: reached by steps and sloped ground.
  ○ Ong Jmel 4x4 excursion and the Nefta oasis: short walks on soft, uneven ground.
• Touring style: private road vehicles throughout, with a 4x4 (maximum five passengers per vehicle) for the Ong Jmel desert excursion over sand and rough tracks. Several days involve long drives of approximately five to six hours, with regular comfort stops on longer journeys.

Mobility requirements

• Mobility: best suited to travellers comfortable with moderate, stop-start walking, steps and uneven ground at key sites in both countries.
• Walking surfaces: cobblestones, stone pavements, sloping and stepped lanes, uneven archaeological stone, and soft sand and rough tracks in the desert.
• Luggage: porterage is not included, so passengers must manage their own bags, including short walks to and from vehicles and at hotel and airport check-ins. The domestic flight within Algeria limits luggage to one checked bag up to 20kg and one carry-on up to 5kg.
• Accessibility: most hotels have lifts, subject to property and room category, and all have adequate power outlets for CPAP machines. Several sightseeing locations in both countries are not wheelchair accessible and have no step-free alternative routes. Vehicles can generally accommodate wheelchairs, so please contact Inspiring Vacations directly to discuss wheelchair use.
• Climate considerations: the M’zab Valley and Ghardaïa in Algeria, and southern Tunisia around Tozeur, Nefta and Matmata, can be extremely hot from late spring through summer, with cool desert nights. Sun protection and hydration are essential in both regions.

Terrain & environment

• Cities and towns (Algiers, Constantine, Tunis, Sousse, Kairouan): central areas are mostly flat pavement, with cobbled, uneven medina and souk lanes and some steps. The Casbah of Algiers is steep with narrow, stepped lanes.
• Heritage and archaeological sites (Djemila, Timgad, Tipaza, Cherchell, El Djem, Carthage, Matmata): uneven stone, ramps and stairs, with limited shade.
• Desert and oasis areas (M’zab Valley, Tozeur, Nefta, Ong Jmel): sloping uneven ground, soft sand and rough tracks, with high heat and little shade.

As a general requirement across all of our tours, you may be required to walk up and down stairs, get on and off transportation, handle your own luggage, and participate in all scheduled sightseeing that may be conducted on uneven ground and terrain. 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: 6 people, Maximum: 20 people

Escorted Style

This tour is fully escorted throughout, with a dedicated English-speaking guide accompanying you in Algeria, including on the domestic flight to Ghardaïa. A new dedicated English-speaking tour leader then takes over for the Tunisia portion of your tour. The connecting flight between Algeria and Tunisia is unescorted, and your Tunisia guide will meet you on arrival to continue 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

• International airfares
• Visas
• Travel insurance
• Hotel city and tourist taxes (payable directly at each hotel)
• Porterage
• Tipping
• Optional activities
• Personal expenses
• Anything not mentioned in the itinerary

Getting Around

Touring is by private road vehicle in both countries, with the vehicle type (a microbus, minibus or coach) matched to the group size. In Algeria the tour includes a return domestic flight between Algiers and Ghardaïa, with the return leg operating as a late night flight. Travel between Algeria and Tunisia is by a regional flight, which is unescorted. In Tunisia, a 4x4 (maximum five passengers per vehicle) is used for the Ong Jmel desert excursion. Several touring days involve long drives of approximately five to six hours, and comfort stops are provided on longer journeys. Bottled water is provided on touring days in Tunisia. Porterage is not included, so please be able to manage your own luggage.

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 3 and 4-star hotels throughout, with five nights in Algiers, two nights in Constantine and one night in Ghardaïa in Algeria, followed by seven nights across Tunisia. Standards can vary between properties, and capital and major cities generally offer a wider range of amenities than smaller towns or desert locations. We always select quality accommodation with a strong track record with travellers.

Packing Essentials

We recommend you pack as lightly as possible, ensuring that you can carry and lift your luggage, and walk with it for short distances or up or down a flight of stairs.

A lockable suitcase with wheels is ideal for this tour. This tour includes a domestic flight within Algeria, which has luggage restrictions of one checked bag up to 20kg and one carry-on up to 5kg, so please keep your main luggage within these limits. A small or medium-sized backpack (45-50 litres) is another good option. You’ll also need a day pack or bag to carry water, a camera, a jacket, and your essentials while touring during the day.

• Day pack: for carrying essentials such as water, camera, snacks, a jacket, and other necessities while exploring.
• Lightweight clothing: pack a mix of breathable, lightweight clothing with some warmer layers (season-dependent). Bring clothing that covers the arms and pants or skirts that go past the knee for entry to religious sites. Female travellers may also want a light scarf to cover shoulders and arms.
• Comfortable shoes for all-day walking: closed-in shoes offer protection from cuts, scratches and uneven ground when walking through cities, archaeological sites and the desert.
• Wind and waterproof jacket
• Sun protection: a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and lip balm.
• Electrical travel adapter plug
• Money belt
• Torch or flashlight
• Hand sanitiser
• Earplugs: helpful for blocking out street noise or snoring.
• Entertainment for long journeys: consider bringing a book, journal, or music player for the long drives and the domestic flight.

Whenever possible, avoid bringing valuables. Use your hotel safe, and we recommend photocopying important documents like tickets, passport, and vaccination certificates, keeping the copies separate from the originals.

Climate

• Coastal Algeria and Tunisia (Algiers, Tipaza, Cherchell, Tunis, Sousse): hot, dry summers and mild, wetter winters.
• Constantine: sits inland at altitude and is cooler year round, with cold winters.
• Southern Algeria and the Sahara fringe (the M’zab Valley and Ghardaïa): markedly hotter and drier than the coast, with very high daytime temperatures in the warmer months and cool nights.
• Southern Tunisia and the Sahara fringe (Tozeur, Nefta, Matmata): similarly hot and dry, with intense summer heat and cool nights, particularly in winter.
• Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are the most comfortable times to travel across both countries.
• Summer departures (June to August) will encounter intense heat, especially in the southern desert regions of both Algeria and Tunisia.

Currency and ATMs

Algeria's official currency is the Algerian Dinar (DZD) and Tunisia's is the Tunisian Dinar (TND). Both are closed currencies and cannot legally be obtained or exchanged outside their respective countries, so plan to exchange cash on arrival in each country and reconvert any surplus before you depart. Algeria is largely a cash economy: card acceptance is very limited, even in hotels, and ATMs that accept foreign cards are scarce and can be unreliable, so bring sufficient cash in euros or US dollars to exchange. In Tunisia, ATMs are more widely available in cities and larger towns, and cards are accepted in many hotels and larger establishments, though cash is still needed for smaller venues, markets, tips, hotel city taxes and the southern oasis towns.

Food and Allergies

Algerian cuisine draws on Berber, Arab, Mediterranean and French influences. Expect couscous, tajine, chorba (a hearty soup), merguez sausage, brik and bourek pastries, fresh bread, olives, dates and sweet mint tea. 

Tunisian cuisine has similar Berber, Arab and Mediterranean roots but is generally spicier, featuring couscous, brik, grilled fish and lamb, harissa (a fiery chilli paste), olives, dates and mint tea. Vegetarians can be catered for in both countries, though menus are often meat led, so please advise any dietary needs at the time of booking. Tap water is best avoided in both countries; bottled water is recommended throughout and is provided on touring days in Tunisia.

Local Customs

Both Algeria and Tunisia are Muslim-majority countries. Algeria's local norms are observed more conservatively than Tunisia's, particularly in the M’zab Valley. In both countries, dress modestly, remove your shoes when entering mosques and homes, and use your right hand for eating and passing items. Ask before photographing people, and note that photography is restricted in parts of the M’zab Valley, including Beni Isguen, where a local guide is required. Friday is the main day of prayer in both countries and many businesses close.

Dress Code

Light, modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is appropriate for towns, markets and religious sites in both countries, and women should carry a scarf for mosque visits. The M’zab Valley in Algeria is more conservative and warrants extra care with dress. Beachwear in Tunisia is suitable only at resorts and pools. Evenings and the cooler months call for a warm layer, and the desert can be cold after dark in both countries.

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 customary in both Algeria and Tunisia and always at your discretion. In restaurants and cafes, rounding up or leaving around 10 per cent is usual where service is not already included. Small tips for hotel staff and drivers are appreciated, and it is customary to tip your guide and driver at the end of each country's portion of the tour as thanks for their service. Tipping is not included in your package.

For guides and drivers, the suggested amounts are as follows:

• Algeria – Guides: 400 to 700 Algerian Dinar (DZD), around $3–5 USD, per person, per day. Drivers: 250 to 400 DZD, around $2–3 USD, per person, per day.
• Tunisia – Guides: 10 to 15 Tunisian Dinar (TND), around $3–5 USD, per person, per day. Drivers: 5 to 10 TND, around $2–3 USD, per person, per day.

Peak Travel Times

The most popular times to visit both Algeria and Tunisia are spring (April and May) and autumn (September and October), when temperatures are mild across the coast, the interior and the desert regions of both countries. European summer (June to August) is hot, particularly in the M’zab Valley, southern Tunisia and other desert areas, and coincides with domestic and regional holiday travel to the coast. Religious observances, including Ramadan and Eid, shift each year and can affect opening hours and the pace of daily life in both countries.

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.

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:

• Safety and Security: Current risks and precautions for the country you'll be visiting.
• Visa Requirements: Ensure you have all the necessary documentation for entry.
• Entry and Exit: Up-to-date border regulations and health requirements.

Here are some helpful links to get you started:

• Australia: https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations
• New Zealand: https://www.safetravel.govt.nz/
• America: https://travel.state.gov/
• Canada: https://travel.gc.ca/travelling/advisories 
• India: https://www.mea.gov.in/travel-advisories.htm

In the unlikely event of a situation that could potentially disrupt your tour, we want to assure you of the following:

• Local Expertise: We maintain regular communication with our trusted travel partners in your destination.
• Constant Monitoring: We continuously monitor official travel advisories from relevant government websites.
• Flexibility and Safety: Should it become necessary, we will make appropriate adjustments to your itinerary to prioritise your health and safety.

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:

• Your booking is confirmed
• Your departure date is within 11 months
• You  have completed your passenger detail form

Visit our Flight Hub for more information on terms and conditions, amending your flights and information on luggage allowances.