Frequently asked questions
How do I sign up for a tour? How much of a deposit is required?
To sign up for a tour call (914) 576-5687 from 10 am to 5 pm, Eastern time. Or you can reserve your tour by filling out and mailing to GBT the Registration form you can access by clicking on it on the Price & Conditions page of each tour. The deposit per person is $ 1,000 US dollars, of which $ 500 is non-refundable if you cancel your booking for any reason. Deposits must be by check only.
When is the balance of my tour cost due?
Balance of the tour cost is due when we receive six (6) or more registrations for the group and the tour becomes viable. We ask you to pay the balance of the tour cost no later than 40 days before tour date. Balances may be paid by check, Paypal or credit card.
When does a tour become viable?
GBT tours are guaranteed to run once six (6) or more guests book the tour; we usually have that information 50 days or more before the tour date. Only after the minimum number of guests in the group is guaranteed we will ask you to pay the balance of the tour cost; if we don’t reach the minimum number of people, your full (100%) deposit will be refunded.
What is included in the tour price?
We include hotel room and all breakfasts, private transportation during the tour program, services of a tour director and occasional local guides, specified meals with (wine and beverages included), most gratuities, guided visits, admissions to visits and classes in the program (museums, exhibitions, cooking classes, wine tastings, etc).
What is not included?
Airfare; private transportation or company of tour director and guides during your free time; your personal expenses; gratuities and extra services in the hotel (baggage carrier, room service, fax or internet charges, phone calls, etc)
How big are the groups?
GBT groups are limited to eight people (8) with a minimum of six (6) for tour viability.
What if I have to cancel my tour? What is GBT cancellation/refund/transfer policy?
If you have to cancel for any reason 60 days or more before tour starts, you will receive a refund of $500 (half the deposit) plus 100% of all other payments you may have made; if you cancel between 60 and 30 days of tour date, a refund of $500 plus 50% of all payments made will be paid; there are no refunds for cancellations made 30 days or less of tour date. You may also choose to transfer from one trip to another up to 30 days of tour start, with credit according to the payments you have made; we regret that we cannot offer any refund or transfers to another tour within 30 days of tour date.
What if I change my mind and transfer to another tour after I’ve already made a reservation?
You may transfer from one tour to another no later than 30 days before the start of the tour you have registered for. When transferring to a different tour, if it costs more than your original tour, you must pay the difference.
What if GBT cancels a tour?
GBT may cancel a tour, if circumstances beyond our control – weather related disasters, strikes, war, terrorism or civil unrest - may deem travel unsafe at a tour’s destination. In such cases a full refund (100%) of all your payments will be made, or you may choose to transfer all payments to another tour at a later date.
Why would I need a travel protection plan?
We recommend that you buy a trip cancellation insurance, which will cover your investment if you have to cancel the tour or if an emergency arises during the tour. These policies usually cover cancellations for medical reasons as well as possible medical expenses or medical evacuation during the tour. Lost baggage or airline cancellation charges, among others, are also part of these packages.
Does GBT offer travel protection plans?
We don’t sell such plans, but we can recommend reputable companies in the field.
Where does the tour start?
Tour starts at the airport or train station at the tour’s destination. We are not responsible for booking your travel ticket or for the cost of your airfare.
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How do I get to the start of the tour?
Specific information on how to get to tour destination will be provided when you sign up for it. We will provide the names of airlines serving the area, as well as convenient arrival time for you to join the group. If you work with a travel agency for your reservations, we will be glad to help their agents at no extra charge.
What type of hotels or inns GBT works with?
We select only first-class hotels and inns for our programs. We favor authentic, small boutique hotels with fewer rooms and excellent service; before we make our choices we check every detail, from room size and comfort to the type of meals served and the distance to the town’s main attractions.
What types of meals are served during the tour programs?
We personally select the restaurants, bistros or taverns where we have group meals based on either outstanding food or the authentic charm and special cuisine of places favored by locals. In some locations we opt for meaningful historic locations or extraordinary views.
How do I get around during the tour program?
All GBT groups are transported in a private minivan with driver; the service is available for the duration of the program. The vehicles we select are all brand new and are equipped with air conditioner. We personally choose our drivers, to make sure they are courteous, friendly and helpful.
Will I have free time?
There will be free time for you to explore on your own or with other group members. If you have specific interests, please let us know when you sign up for the tour so we can give you related information and addresses.
Is the minivan available during free time?
The drier and the minivan are not available during free time - nor is the tour director or the private guides we hire - but we will give you maps and information to make sure you will have an enjoyable and safe free time.
Can children be part of the groups?
No, we ask that our tour members are 21 years or older.
What is the average age of GBT tour members?
We have a mix of all ages over 21, but most members are in their 40’s and 50’s.
If I’m traveling alone, will I feel uncomfortable?
Many tour members travel alone, and since our groups are small, a sense of camaraderie always develops right at the start of the tour; everyone becomes familiar with everyone else after a day or two.
If I’m traveling alone, will GBT find me a roommate?
If you would like a roommate, we will try to pair you with one of the same gender. If no suitable roommate or a shared room is not available, you will have your own private room at the single occupancy price.
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Finally, why should I travel with GBT?
Because we are insiders to our destinations, where we benefit from extensive networks of friends and select tourism professionals, people who will offer you an insider’s point of view of their cultures and the kind of access usually reserved for locals; because our groups are small, which fosters camaraderie and creates a friendly atmosphere during the programs; because we don’t cut corners to lower prices and the hotels and restaurants we include in our programs are the finest and most beautiful; because our tour directors speak the local languages, are familiar with the local culture and offer the highest standards of international travel, taste, culture and savoir faire; because if you travel with GBT we guarantee that your voyage will be a pleasant, sophisticated and world-class experience of a lifetime.
Can children be part of the groups?
No, we ask that our tour members are 21 years or older.
