Cancellation Policy

Notice given: Cancellation Fee:

60 days or more Loss of deposit 30 days- 60 days 50% of tour. Less than 30 days, all monies paid are forfeited unless you find a replacement to take your place.

Separate cancellation fees apply to rail and air travel. We strongly recommend Travel Insurance to cover cancellation charges. Amendment fees will apply to any addition or modification requested after the original booking has been confirmed.

Distances Travelled

How far do we travel each day? Some days you may well travel over 500 kilometres (300 miles), other days less. Naturally, when we are travelling on bitumen or paved roads, we are able to travel further distances. On unsealed roads the going can be rough and a lot less distance is covered. Some days there will be no coach travel at all as you will have free time to enjoy the sights at your leisure.

Don't Forget to....

Cancel your milk and newspaper deliveries.

Arrange for someone to collect your mail.

Let your neighbour know you will be away.

Turn off your hot-water service.

Leave your itinerary and contact details with friends/family.

Keep your travel documents handy - don’t pack them in your suitcase.

Exclusion of Liability

1. Whilst the company will take all reasonable steps to provide an enjoyable tour, it accepts no liability for any loss of enjoyment experienced by passengers due to circumstances beyond its control. The company further accepts no liability for any other loss beyond its reasonable control and provides no warranties in addition to those set out under the Trade Practices Act 1974, and nothing herein restricts the passenger from exercising his or her rights and remedies pursuant to law.

2. Your travel agent will forward deposits and other payments to us on your behalf, but your travel agent is not our agent for the purpose of receipt of moneys. Receipt of deposits and subsequent payments by the travel agent does not constitute receipt of those moneys by us and the travel agent has no authority expressed or implied to receive moneys on our behalf. There is no liability on the part of the company in respect to any moneys paid to the passengers travel agent unless and until the company notifies the passenger (by way of a booking confirmation advice or payment receipt advice) that moneys have been received by the company.

3. The optional tour excursions are not operated by or at the direction or on behalf of Alpine Coaches or its employees or agents or any other persons or companies associated with Alpine Coaches. By taking bookings for these tours, Alpine Coaches acts as each optional tour operator’s agent.

4. These tours include the services of operators other than the company eg. hoteliers, airlines and optional tour excursions, which are not under the direct control of the company, and whilst the company takes all reasonable care in selecting these operators, it cannot accept responsibility for those operators conduct or the conduct of their representative employees or agents or for any ramifications of that conduct.

5. These tours may include activities such as trekking, climbing, exploring, swimming and snorkelling. The passenger accepts that these activities involve varying degrees of risk.

6. No passenger will be permitted to embark or continue on the tour while their mental or physical condition is, in the opinion of any representative of the company, such as to render them incapable of caring for themselves, or whereby they become objectionable to other passengers, or they become a hazard to themselves or other passengers. The company will not be responsible for expenses resulting in such persons being precluded from completing the tour for any reason.

 Expenses

Fares are fully inclusive of boat cruises, entrance permits, accommodation, most meals, gear and equipment hire, and sightseeing as stated in your specific itinerary. You will need money to cover refreshments, lunch (when not included), personal items and activities on free days.

 Fares/Deposits : A deposit per person per tour is required within seven days of making a booking. Final payment must be made within the specified time. The Company reserves the right to cancel any ticket or booking, or refuse to carry any passenger where payment has not been received by the Company within the specified time. All fares quoted supersede all prices previously advertised.Children under 15 sharing with one adult are entitled 15% off the adult fare. Children under 7 years of age are not recommended to participate in an escorted coach tour. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Indemnities : The involvement of airlines, rail, boat or any other relevant operator is as air, rail, sea and road carriers only. They shall not be responsible for statements in this publication relating to the transport arrangements. Alpine Coaches shall indemnify these operators against any claim action, loss or damage arising there from.

The company can give no guarantee as to the exact arrival and departure times for carriers and operators used by the company in the tour and the company will not be liable for failure to make connections with any other services or attractions beyond its control.

As is normally the case with group tours, a minimum number of bookings are required in order for a tour to be financially viable and to have a pleasant group atmosphere. In the event that adequate numbers cannot be achieved, it may be necessary to cancel a scheduled departure and to offer the nearest possible alternative date (or, of course, a full refund of monies paid). The date on which the decision is made whether a tour will operate is usually four to eight weeks before the scheduled departure date.

Laundry/Ironing Facilities

It is not necessary to bring a lot of luggage, as most of the hotels utilised will offer free or coin-operated laundry facilities. Ironing facilities are also provided either in the hotel laundry or can be supplied to your room on request.

Luggage Limits

Each passenger is entitled to take one suitcase, the sum of its width, length and depth not to exceed 160cm (63inches), weight limit is 20kilos (44lbs). Airlines permit 1 cabin bag per person to be carried on aircraft. (Limits may vary from country to country).

Baggage is entirely at "owners risk" during the tour, and the company strongly recommends travel insurance to be taken out by the passenger.

Passports/Visas/Taxes/Health Requirements :Please check with your travel agent at the time of booking regarding current passport, visa and health requirements for the relevant country you are travelling to, along with applicable taxes that are not included in the fare.

Seat Changes :To ensure that all passengers have the opportunity to enjoy front and window seats, a daily seat rotation system is employed

Smoking : In the interest of other passengers’ comfort, smoking is prohibited on board touring vehicles. Smokers will find that frequent stops provide an opportunity for those who wish to smoke. Requests for smoking/non smoking rooms will be passed onto hotels but can not be guaranteed.

Strikes : In the event of industrial action affecting tour related transportation the company will make every endeavour to contact the passenger to advise alternative arrangements.

Tipping : Although tipping is not compulsory in Australia or New Zealand, it is perfectly acceptable to tip for excellent service, it is always the individuals choice. Your Tour Director will be happy to answer any questions you may have about when to tip and how much. A tip of between 5 and 10% is a general rule.

Travel Insurance : We strongly recommend passengers to take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances which may arise. Please ask your Travel Agent for details at time of booking.

What to Pack : Of course, this depends on personal preference, however we do list suggested items to assist you with your packing. Take sufficient lightweight, comfortable clothing to last for a week. Drip dry clothing is easy to launder. Most people dress casually on these tours, however if the group is heading off for a night in town, you might want to wear something a little more formal.

When packing take into consideration the time of year you are travelling. The summer months in Australia fall between November and March. Winter is July/August early Sep

Dress on tour is very casual, however an outfit which is a little more formal is suggested for evenings out. Gentlemen are generally required to wear a shirt with a collar in restaurants .

Comfortable shoes are essential on all tours, and we suggest that you also pack a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a torch and insect repellent.

Additional Accommodation

Q. Can I stay longer after the tour?

A. We would be pleased to offer accommodation before or after your tour at discounted prices. This accommodation must be pre-booked and paid with your final fare.

Airfares

Q. Can my flights be added to my Frequent Flyer Points?

A. All flights booked by Alpine Coaches on your behalf qualify for Frequent Flyer Points. Ask your travel agent to advise us of your membership number.

Amending a Booking

Q. I have booked my holiday but wish to make some changes. Is this possible?

A. Once you have booked your holiday you may make changes. Be aware that an amendment fee may apply to any additions or modifications requested after the original booking has been confirmed.

Booking a Tour

Q. Where can I book a holiday?

A. Your preferred travel agent can make a booking on your behalf for any of our tours. Make sure the travel agent you choose is a licensed travel agent.

Cancellations

Q. I have to cancel my booking, what is your cancellation policy?

A. Cancellation fees do apply and will be charged. Where notice is given 60 days or more prior to travelling an administration fee is required. Where notice is given between 30-59 days prior to travel 50% of the total cost is charged. Where notice is given between 0-30 days prior to travel 100% of the total cost is charged, although if you find a replacement for you, there will be no charge once the replacement had paid. If the tour has already commenced, no refund of fare or unused portion of the tour will be given. We strongly recommend all travellers invest in Travel Insurance to cover cancellation charges.

Clothing

Q. What will I need to pack?

A. You will find casual clothing of all types comfortable and relaxing and we suggest clothing which can be layered to accommodate changing weather conditions. Lightweight drip-dry clothing is ideal and this can be washed by hand in your motel room. Some warmer clothing for evenings will be handy. Regular laundry facilities are available and clothing to last one week should be sufficient. Remember to include something a little more dressy (tie and jacket for men) for special dinner occasions. Very comfortable footwear is a must on all tours.

Coach

Q. What sort of coaches will I be travelling on and what features will it have?

A. Every Alpine Coach has, reclining seats, rest rooms in groups over 36, individual public address system, air suspension, air conditioning, heating and ample legroom. Some coaches will even "kneel" for you for easy access and exit. (Features will vary depending on number in group.)

Q. What is the legroom like on board the coach?

A. Your comfort is uppermost in our minds and you are guaranteed the ultimate comfort. The law prescribes standard length and width of touring couches. The difference between operators is the number of seat rows installed, therefore we have reduced the number of seats to give you more room to stretch your leg.

Motels

Q. Are the motels close to everything?

A. Alpine Coaches motels are always in key sightseeing locations. For the best touring value, we carefully select motels in or near national parks, historic reserves and major towns in the centre of key sightseeing locations.

Itinerary

Q. Is everything listed in the itinerary paid for up front?

A. One of the reason for the high satisfaction of the Alpine Coaches product is that all of the things you really want to see and do, all entry fees, cruises and most items of necessary expenditure such as meals are included in the price you pay. You do not have to worry about those essential, but "hidden extras" that are usually sold on tour by competitors. We include most things !!

Q. Do I have to do everything listed on in the itinerary?

A. Our highest priority is that you are welcomed and treated as an individual. You will enjoy the companionship, convenience and camaraderie of travelling with a group, but the flexibility of being able to do "your own thing".

Luggage

Q. Who will carry my luggage?

A. There is no need to worry about your luggage. Porterage is taken care of by your Alpine Coaches Director and Coach Captain who will look after the efficient and safe luggage handling at all motels.

Q. How much luggage can I take on my tour?

A. Due to limited storage space on the coach all passengers are limited to one suitcase per person. In addition you may also bring a small carry-on bag to take on the coach with you.

Meals

Q. What are the meals like ?

A. We at Alpine Coaches know how important meals are to the success of a holiday. This is why we have placed particular attention and care in ensuring that your meals are a memorable dining experience . From fruit juices, cereals and fruit platter, right through to fully cooked English-Style breakfasts . Dinners are usually set menu, of good quality and quantity. Past customers attest to our ability to provide good meals.

Q. What meals are included in the price?

A. All the meals listed in the itinerary are include in the cost of your tour. Most breakfasts and dinners are included with a number of feature lunches on summer and some specific tours. The meals included and are not just "bus tour" meals but good buffet breakfasts and dinners.

 Non-air Travel

Q. How can I meet the tour if I don’t like flying?

A. Where possible you may wish to connect to an Alpine Coach tour by taking an express coach, passenger ship or train. We will make all the necessary arrangements.

Optional Excursions

Q. Are there going to be any optional tours or activities?

A. There will be the occasion during free leisure time where you are able, if you wish, to undertake optional excursions, consisting of scenic flights, ballooning, helicopter flights and four wheel drive excursions. We have not included these experiences in the tour fare as they do not necessarily appeal to all passengers, and weather or seasonal conditions may not permit their operation. The optional excursions can be booked through your coach captain or tour director. You will be asked during the early part of your tour to name those which you wish to join.

Seat Allocation

Q. Can I sit in the same seat for the duration of the tour?

A. To ensure all passengers have the opportunity to enjoy front seats and window seats there is no seat allocation. Each passenger will participate in a daily seat rotation system, which has been developed by Alpine Coaches .

Single Travellers

Q. I will be travelling by myself. Can I share a room to save on cost?

A. There is no need to pay for a single supplement. Typically, our tours will include several single people, some travelling alone, some with friends. We undertake to accommodate you with another person of the same gender also wishing to share a twin room. Should we be unable to find another room partner for you, we will give you your own single room at no additional charge. If you prefer, your own individual room can be guaranteed at a small additional cost.

Q. Can I travel on a tour on my own?

A. For many people, part of the enjoyment of travelling on an Alpine Coaches tour is the opportunity to meet and mix with other people from all over the world. We always ensure our single travellers meet, mingle and enjoy the ambience and camaraderie of the group.

Smoking

Q. Is smoking permitted on the coach?

A. In the interest of other passengers’ comfort, Alpine Coaches enforces a non-smoking policy on all coaches. Smokers will find that frequent stops provide an opportunity for those who desire to smoke. Requests for smoking or non-smoking rooms will be passed on to motels but cannot be guaranteed.

Spending Money

Q. How much spending money will I need?

A. Everything listed in the itinerary is included in the cost of the tour. Our prices are fully inclusive and there are no "hidden extras". Therefore, the only spending money you need is for any meals not listed or gifts or souvenirs you may wish to purchase. There may be optional excursions which you may need to budget for. A brochure is provided with your documentation.

Strikes

Q. What happens if there is a strike caused by industrial action?

A. In the event of industrial action affecting tour related transportation the company will make every endeavour to contact the passenger to advise alternative arrangements. Please feel free to contact your travel agent or Contact us to make any enquiries.

Transfers

Q. How do I meet the tour? Are transfers included?

A. No need to worry about arriving at an unfamiliar international airport and then trying to find your own way to an unfamiliar hotel. All Alpine Coaches passengers (regardless of whether you buy your airfare from us or not) are met at the airport upon arrival and transferred to their motel. At the conclusion of the tour, we will transfer you back to the airport to join homebound flights.

Travel Insurance

Q. Is travel insurance included?

A. We strongly recommend passengers take out travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances which may arise (including cancellation fees, medical and curtailment expenses, loss of luggage, early departure from your tour due to illness etc

Travel Kit

Q. Do I receive a travel kit?

A. You will receive a kit which includes luggage labels, name badges, personalised itineraries, touring information.

Weather Conditions

Q. What will happen if the weather becomes bad and the tour can not continue?

A. Alterations to the tour itinerary may come about due to road or weather conditions. Our team of experienced Tour Planners, in conjunction with the Coach crew will amend the itinerary with the minimum affect as possible to your tour.