Frequently asked questions

Choosing a trip depends above all on your interests, your pace, your budget and the kind of experience you are looking for. Some travellers prefer guided tours to discover several destinations with a structured itinerary, while others prefer the freedom and comfort of a cruise.

The length of the trip, the number of stops, the activity level, the type of accommodation, the time of year and the included services are also important to consider. Your travel advisor can help you compare the options and choose the product that best matches your expectations.

A guided tour generally lets you discover a destination in depth through a planned itinerary covering several cities, regions or points of interest. Depending on the program, transportation, accommodation, some visits, some meals and the services of a guide or tour escort may be included.

A cruise lets you visit several destinations while keeping the same accommodation for most of the trip. Meals, activities and onboard entertainment vary by cruise line and ship.

Premium Tours offers both ways of travelling to suit different kinds of travellers.

We generally recommend booking as early as possible, especially for fixed-date departures, guided tours, popular cruises and trips during peak periods.

Booking early usually gives you a better choice of dates, rooms, cabins and, when air travel is included or added, flights. Some products may also offer early-booking promotions.

Availability and prices can change quickly, however, and remain subject to each supplier’s conditions.

Yes. Many of our tours and cruises are well suited to solo travellers.

Depending on the product, a single supplement may apply. Some cruises also have cabins designed specifically for solo travellers, and some tours may offer special single-occupancy conditions.

Ask your advisor about the options available for the trip you are interested in.

Many products can suit families, but the experience varies greatly from one itinerary to another.

Some tours involve a lot of travel, visits or long days, while some cruises offer facilities and programs designed specifically for children and teenagers.

We recommend checking the minimum age, the pace of the trip, the activities offered and any special conditions before booking with young travellers.

Inclusions vary by product. They may include, among other things, accommodation, some meals, ground transportation, the visits in the program, the services of a guide or tour escort, the cruise, some transfers and, in some cases, air travel.

Inclusions and exclusions are listed in the description of each trip. We recommend reading them carefully before booking.

If in doubt, your travel advisor can tell you exactly what your package includes.

Depending on your trip, you may need to budget for some meals, drinks, optional excursions, gratuities, personal expenses, local transportation, baggage fees, insurance, visas or other entry formalities.

On a cruise, some specialty restaurants, drinks, excursions, spa treatments, Internet access and other services may also involve extra charges.

Expenses vary by destination and by product.

Applicable taxes and fees depend on the product and the services booked. Price details and inclusions are presented at the time of booking.

Your travel advisor can give you the total price for your file before confirming your booking.

The deposit amount varies by tour, cruise, departure date and the suppliers involved.

Some bookings may also require a non-refundable deposit. The deposit amount, the final payment date and the applicable conditions will be given to you before your booking is confirmed.

In many cases changes are possible, but they remain subject to availability and to the suppliers’ conditions.

Change or cancellation fees may apply. They may increase as the departure date approaches, and some products may become fully non-refundable after a certain date.

We recommend contacting your travel advisor as soon as possible if you need to change or cancel your trip.

Required documents vary according to your citizenship, your destination, the countries visited or transited and the type of trip.

Depending on your itinerary, you may need a valid passport, a visa, an electronic travel authorization, entry forms or other specific documents.

It is the traveller’s responsibility to make sure they have all the necessary documents. As requirements can change, we recommend checking the official information of the governments concerned before departure.

Passport validity requirements vary by country. Some destinations require your passport to remain valid for a certain period after your planned date of departure from the country.

It is therefore important to check the requirements of every country on your itinerary, including countries where you connect or stop over.

It depends on your citizenship, your destination, the length of your stay and the purpose of your trip.

Even when a traditional visa is not required, some countries require an electronic authorization or an entry form before arrival.

Travellers should check the official requirements well before departure to allow time to complete the necessary steps.

A carrier, a cruise line or a country’s authorities may refuse boarding or entry to a traveller who does not have the required documents.

Costs resulting from a refusal of boarding or entry may be the traveller’s responsibility. It is therefore essential to check your documents well before departure.

Yes. Adequate travel insurance is strongly recommended, even when travelling to a destination considered safe.

Depending on the coverage chosen, insurance may cover situations related to trip cancellation or interruption, emergency medical care, medical evacuation and baggage.

Coverage, exclusions and conditions vary by insurer. Your travel advisor can tell you about the different protections available.

Tell your advisor at the time of booking about any allergy, dietary restriction, functional limitation or special need that could affect your trip.

We will pass relevant requests on to the suppliers concerned. Some requests may, however, be subject to availability and cannot always be guaranteed.

If you carry medication, we recommend keeping it in your carry-on bag, ideally in its original packaging, and checking the rules that apply at your destination.

It depends on the product and the itinerary.

Some tours involve walking, stairs, cobblestone streets or places that are difficult to access. Likewise, the accessibility of ships, coaches, hotels, ports and excursions can vary.

We recommend telling us about your needs before booking so we can check whether the trip is suitable and which services may be available.

Cruise lines and ships offer very different experiences. Ship size, number of passengers, dining, entertainment, atmosphere, facilities and itineraries are all things to consider.

Large ships generally offer a wide choice of activities and restaurants, while smaller ships can offer a more intimate atmosphere and reach some less-visited ports.

Your advisor can help you compare the options according to your travel style.

The choice mainly depends on your budget and your preferences.

Interior cabins are generally the most economical option. Ocean-view cabins offer a view of the sea, while balcony cabins give you a private outdoor space. Suites offer more space and may include additional services.

The location of the cabin on the ship may also matter to some travellers.

A change of category can sometimes be made if cabins are still available.

The price will then be adjusted to the current fare and the cruise line’s conditions. Fees or restrictions may also apply.

A cruise usually includes accommodation on board, meals in some restaurants, many activities and shows, and sea transportation between ports of call.

Drinks, gratuities, excursions, specialty restaurants, Internet and some services may be offered for an extra charge or included in certain fare categories.

It is important to check exactly what your package includes.

It is not always required, but it can be worthwhile to book the excursions you are most interested in ahead of time, as some activities have limited space.

You may also have free time to explore some ports of call on your own when conditions allow.

A guided tour follows an itinerary planned in advance. Depending on the program, you travel with a group and enjoy organized services such as transportation, accommodation, some visits and the support of a guide or representative.

This formula lets you discover several places without having to organize each transfer and activity yourself.

The detailed itinerary and included services are presented in the program of each tour.

It depends on the program.

Some tours include all breakfasts and a selection of lunches or dinners. Others offer more free time so travellers can discover local restaurants as they wish.

Included meals are shown in the tour itinerary.

Yes, when the itinerary allows. Many tours combine organized visits with free time to explore a city, shop, visit an extra site or simply enjoy the destination at your own pace.

The amount of free time varies by tour and by day.

The activity level varies widely from one tour to another.

Some trips are relatively easy, while others involve long days of walking, stairs, uneven ground or several changes of accommodation.

It is important to read the itinerary and talk to your advisor if you have any particular limitations.

When documents become available varies by supplier and type of trip.

Your advisor will let you know when they are ready and tell you what to do before departure, including check-in with an airline or cruise line when required.

It depends on the product booked.

Airlines and cruise lines usually ask travellers to complete some formalities online before departure. For a tour, the organizer may also ask for additional information.

The relevant instructions will be given to you with your travel documents.

Always keep your travel documents, passport, medication, valuables and anything essential you might need during the journey with you.

It can also be useful to pack a few permitted toiletries and a change of clothes in case your checked baggage is delayed.

Baggage allowances depend on the carriers used and the type of trip.

The weight, size and number of bags allowed can vary between airlines, ground carriers and cruise lines. Extra fees may apply.

Check the information provided with your booking before packing.

It depends on the countries visited.

Credit cards are widely accepted in many destinations, but it is usually handy to have a small amount of local currency for everyday expenses.

Also ask your financial institution about conversion fees and let it know about your trip if needed.

Electrical outlets and voltage vary by destination, hotel and ship.

A universal adapter can be useful for international travel. Check that your devices are compatible with the local voltage before plugging them in.

Keep with you the contact details of the local representatives, guides, suppliers and assistance services listed in your travel documents.

In case of an urgent problem, first contact the representative or supplier concerned so a solution can be found quickly. Your travel advisor can also guide you when needed.

An itinerary may exceptionally be changed because of weather, operational conditions, local events, decisions by authorities or other circumstances beyond Premium Tours’ control.

When this happens, the teams in charge try to preserve the spirit and quality of the planned program as much as possible. The terms that apply depend on the supplier’s conditions and the situation.

Your travel advisor remains your best resource.

Every trip is different, and some questions require taking your destination, itinerary or personal situation into account. Do not hesitate to contact your travel agency for information tailored to your booking.