Do your guides sell optional tours?
No. We want our tour guides to spend their time informing and looking
after you rather than being sales people, so you can enjoy a pleasant and
interesting travel experience. We feature daily sightseeing programs and
many evening dinner/shows, which are included in your tour. Once you are
touring with us, you do not pay for any admissions or special
entertainments.
Are prices guaranteed?
CIE Tours guarantees that no increase in land costs will occur, once you
have paid the deposit for your tour. This is your protection against
international currency fluctuations. Once you pay airfare in full and we
issue your ticket, there is no change in the cost of the ticket, even if
airfares rise later.
What travel documents do I need to visit Ireland or Britain?
If you are a U.S. or Canadian citizen, the only travel document you need
is a valid passport. If you are hiring a car, you need a current driver's
license.
Can I combine a coach tour with a self-drive program? Or can I combine
a coach tour with a second one?
Yes, yes to both questions! Many of our coach tours are ideally suited for
combining and we offer you a discount if you take two. Our Ireland and
Italy programs are great for combining. If you want a self-drive vacation,
consider taking a short coach tour as an introduction to Britain and
Ireland and to familiarize you with distances, road signs and being "on
the other side of the road."
Why should I purchase travel protection?
For the same reason that you have house and car insurance – to protect
you, your loved ones, your possessions and your travel investment. If you
or your family have unexpected health problems, experience flight delays
or have possessions stolen during your vacation, you will receive
reimbursement. We offer a great trip cancellation waiver benefit. See full
details
How much luggage can I take?
On coach tours space for luggage is limited so each passenger is permitted
to take one piece of luggage (suitcase or garment bag) per person. In
addition, all passengers on coach tours receive a handy carry-on bag,
which may be stowed under your seat or overhead in the coach. Self-drive
clients need to consider the limited trunk capacity of the car rental and
soft-sided luggage is easier to stow.
At what time does the coach tour leave the hotel in the morning?
Departure time depends on the itinerary to be covered on any particular
day. In Britain departures are usually at 8:00 am to 8:30 am, while in
Ireland distances are shorter and the group usually leaves at 8:30 am to
9:00 am.
How early can I check into the hotel on day of arrival?
You may check into rooms between noon and 1:00 pm, depending on the hotel
policy. As transatlantic flights generally arrive in Britain or Ireland
early in the day, this can mean a wait at the hotel when the hotel has
been heavily booked the night before. Or you may use this time to take a
walk, have a snack or do a little exploring.
Do you offer triple rooms?
We do not feature triple rooms in our brochure because there is no
reduction in cost for a third person sharing a room with two others.
European hotel rooms tend to be smaller than North American rooms and may
contain either a double and single bed or, if two single beds, the third
bed will be a rollaway. So that everyone in your party will be comfortable
throughout the tour, we suggest that adults should take a twin room and a
single room.
How much time do we spend on the coach every day?
We want you to see as much of the country you are visiting as possible
without spending all of your time on the coach. We generally incorporate a
sightseeing feature each morning and afternoon. And there are breaks at
two-hour intervals or less so that you may stretch your legs, purchase a
snack or lunch, take photos, smoke and avail of restrooms.
Will I be able to take walks or exercise?
Many of our tours incorporate walking tours in interesting places such as
York and Waterford. These are leisurely paced walks with a guide. As you
will have some free time when you arrive in the hotel in the afternoon,
you may like to take a walk on your own or use leisure facilities which
are offered in most hotels. We suggest that you take a pair of comfortable
shoes with non-slip soles as many historic places have uneven paving.
What is a table d'hote dinner?
It's a 4- or 5-course meal with a choice of appetizers, soups, entrees and
desserts served in a hotel. Most hotels feature a good assortment of red
and white meats, fish and vegetarian foods so that, if you have certain
tastes or dietary restrictions, you will be sure to find something
appealing.
Why do you offer independent transfers in London? Are they complicated
to use?
As there are so many different flights to both Heathrow and Gatwick from
different cities throughout North America, it is not possible to have our
tour escort greet all clients at the airports on arrival. Therefore, with
your final travel documents we include vouchers for a reputable airport
transfer coach service and instructions for use.
How much money do I need to carry?
As most components of your tour have been prepaid, you will need cash for
lunch each day and a couple of dinners when you have an evening at
leisure. Are you an avid shopper? Do you like a cocktail in the evening?
These costs are left entirely up to you. Also, it is customary to tip your
guide and driver at the end of the tour. Credit cards and ATMs are widely
used so there's no need to carry a lot of cash.
Are there any free days for activities?
All of our tours are carefully planned with attractive sightseeing every
day. However, as most tours offer 2-night stays, you may choose not to
travel with the group and pursue your own interests on a day when the
coach will be returning to the same hotel.
Would a coach tour be suitable for a honeymoon trip?
After arranging a wedding, honeymooners are happy to leave the details of
their trip to us! We find that many newly-married couples choose our
programs. People of all ages realize that a vacation is more relaxing when
someone looks after all the travel arrangements.
