Our trips have a maximum group size of 25 people. They are large enough to meet new people with diverse backgrounds, but small enough to be on a first-name basis with everyone.

We will be following local guidance on this matter and will not require the use of masks. However, to mitigate the risk of infection among our group and to help keep the local community safe, we encourage you to wear a mask on the motor coach and in crowded indoor public settings where physical distancing is difficult to maintain.

Yes, absolutely! There are always a good number of solo travelers on our journeys, and they are welcomed with open arms. Group meals generally take place at medium to large tables, and our Tour Managers ensure that everyone is included in conversation. Because our trips are priced for doubles sharing a room, there is a supplemental cost for those who choose not to share.

Travelers should be in good health and able to walk up to two miles (with stops) over uneven terrain and be able to navigate stairs unassisted. In city centers, we do try to walk from place to place due to traffic restrictions and also in keeping with our commitment to environmental sustainability.

Our trips are designed to give our travelers special insight and understanding of the places we visit. The talks and commentary by our hosts and local guides are what make our itineraries special, and this kind of curated experience cannot be obtained on one’s own. For this reason, our trips generally do not incorporate long periods of free time during the day, although night times and some meals will be at leisure.

Every effort will be made to try to accommodate any special diet requests you may have (e.g., kosher, low salt, vegetarian or vegan). Group meals will be “kosher style” (i.e., no pork or shellfish); however, will not necessarily be kosher. Please discuss your requests with us when signing up for a trip.

Yes, absolutely! If you wish to arrive early at the first hotel on the itinerary or stay on at the last hotel, partner travel agency will be happy to facilitate the reservation of extra nights. Additional nights will be paid by you directly to the hotel. Room upgrades are also available for an additional cost.

We’ll send you a detailed clothing and equipment list well before departure so you know what you’ll need. We provide the rest: comfortable accommodations, an engaging daily itinerary, expert trip management and access to people and places that will thrill and delight you.

Yes! Tips to local guides, restaurant staff, bell staff and drivers are all included in the trip price. Your Trip Expert and Tour Manager however, will not accept tips. The only time tips are not included is during free time and meals on your own.

Nonalcoholic beverages are included at all group meals and wine is included in all group dinners.  Any additional alcoholic beverages are not included in the program price.

Airfare to and from the starting and ending point of the program is not included in the price in order to give you maximum flexibility in choosing your preferences for air travel. This way you can use frequent flier upgrades, depart from your airport of choice, or add pre- and post- trip extensions with no constraints. Please refrain from booking your airfare until your Guest Services Advisor reaches out to confirm your departure.

All cancellations must be submitted in writing (email or fax) to Academic Travel Abroad, Inc. (ATA). Per
person cancellation fees are based on the date of the cancellation notice reaching ATA. Up to 120 days
prior to departure; refund of deposit less an administration fee of 50% of deposit. Cancellation between
119-91 days before departure: 100% of deposit is forfeited. Cancellation between 90-61 days, 50% of
the trip price is forfeited. Cancellation within 60 days of departure: no refund. Cancellation on day of
departure or after trip departs: no refund. No refund for unused portions of trip, including, but not
limited to, missed meals, hotel nights and sightseeing. Cancellation of program by ATA would result in a full refund.

We strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance to help protect your investment and provide you with financial recourse should you face trip cancellation or interruption due to sickness or quarantine. When purchasing a policy, please consult with a trip insurance agent to review what COVID-19- related contingencies are covered. While ATA will do our best to recover any unused portion of your trip due to sickness, it is often the case that payments cannot be refunded. We recommend using our partner insurance provider, Travel Insurance Services, which offers three different policies for you to choose from.

After you reserve your trip and pay your deposit, you will be sent detailed information about your itinerary and destination, insurance information, a Participant Information Form, a packing list, and other information needed to prepare for your trip. Your Guest Services Advisor will reach out when it’s time to book airfare after a minimum of 10 travelers have enrolled on your departure. Final trip details will be sent roughly 2-3 weeks before departure.