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Booking Your Tour

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What does the tour cost include?

The prices listed in our brochure and website cover all hotel accommodations, all applicable sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary, motor coach, cruise or rail transportation, services of a Travel Concierge, all meals as shown in the itinerary and porterage. All tips have been included for services on trip by dining-room staff, chambermaids and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations.

What is the difference between a definite departure and a departure that is not marked definite?

A definite departure has reached the minimum number of guests for the tour to operate. If a tour and departure date you are interested in is not yet definite, do not let this discourage you from booking. The more paid guests we receive, the odds of the tour operating increase.

In the slim case that we happen to withdraw a tour you are booked on due to a lack of numbers, you are entitled to a full refund on the funds already paid or if flexible with your time, we can move you onto another departure.

When do tours become designated definite?

As a rule of thumb, a tour becomes a DEFINITE departure once we have sold approximately half of the maximum capacity of a specific departure.

What does it mean if a departure says Call Us. And what does On Request mean?

A departure listed as Call Us on the website is almost full. In this scenario, one of our Travel Experts will need to confirm if the tour is still available.

If you select a departure and then receive a message saying that the departure is On Request, this means availability is limited. You will still be able to complete your booking request but your place won't be confirmed immediately. General tour requests usually take 24 – 72 hours to get confirmation. Your place on an On Request tour will likely be confirmed.

If you have selected additional hotel nights and the hotel is listed as On Request, the time to confirm this can vary. We aim to get requests answered in 24 – 72 hours.

Can I change my date and/or trip at any time?

Luxury Gold guests can book with confidence. You're free to change your travel plans up until your final payment is due. If you are within the cancellation period, additional charges will apply.

All changes are subject to differences in rates and availability. This policy only applies to your Luxury Gold tour, airlines will have different policies and costs.

Please note: additional amendment fees may be incurred. For full details, please see our Booking Conditions.

What happens if I can’t go on my tour?

For bookings made through a Travel Agent, please contact the agent if you're unable to travel.

If you booked directly with Luxury Gold, please Contact Us.

For trips departing within 24 hours, please call us using the phone number on the website.

Payment

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How can I make a payment toward my booking?

How you make your payment depends on how you booked your trip.

If you booked with a Travel Agent, you should make payments through them.

If you booked directly with us, you can pay via our website by signing up/logging into MyLuxuryGold You'll require your name and booking reference (for example B123456).

Alternatively, please Contact Us and we will send you a one-time secure payment link to make a payment. If required, our reservations team is also available to take payment over the phone.

If you are a Travel Agent, you can also make payments directly in our system using our Travel Agent Portal (TAP). You can also view invoices within TAP.

What payment methods are accepted?

We accept credit/debit card payments (Visa, MasterCard), AMEX and PayPal.

How much deposit is required to secure a tour?

A deposit is required per guest to secure your place on the tour. Please see our Booking Conditions for further information.

Additional Hotel Nights

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Can I add additional hotel nights before or after my tour?

Yes, you can book additional hotel nights through Luxury Gold. Many guests like to give themselves a little extra time in a destination before or after their trip.

If you haven't booked your tour yet
Additional hotel nights can be added to your booking during the online booking process, simply select your departure date and follow the booking steps.

If you are booking through a Travel Agent, they can add your extra hotel nights during the booking process too.

If you have already booked your trip
Don't worry, you can still add extra hotel nights even if you've already booked.

If you've booked through a Travel Agent, please reach out to them and they will add the extra nights to your reservation.

If you've booked directly through Luxury Gold, you can add additional hotel nights through the MyLuxuryGold Portal. Travel Agent Partners, please log in to TAP where you can add these. Alternatively, please Contact Us and we will be happy to add these extra nights for you.

Please note: All hotels are subject to availability.

If I book the same hotel before or after my tour, will I be in the same room as my tour?

The hotel will do its best to keep you in the same room, however, this can't be guaranteed. Should you need to change rooms, the hotel will typically let you know at the time of check-in.

Is breakfast included when I book additional nights before or after my tour?

This will vary depending on the hotel.

When you receive your travel documents on the MyLuxuryGold portal your hotel booking will show whether breakfast is included.

Registration & Documents

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Passport & visas

Ensure you have a valid passport for all the countries you will visit or travel through; many countries require your passport to be valid for a longer period than the length of your stay (usually a minimum of 6 months), so check what applies to your itinerary. You might also need to obtain visas (depending on your nationality). Talk to your Embassy if you are unclear about what documentation you require.
It is a good idea to have copies of your passport details, insurance policy, visas and credit card numbers, keeping them separate from the originals and perhaps leaving an additional copy with someone at home.

Travel Insurance

Give yourself peace of mind by purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance package to cover you for cancelations, baggage delays or loss, medical expenses and activities. Our 'Gold Seal Protection' offers a great deal on the additional cover.

Getting Ready to Travel

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What are my options if I'm a solo traveller?

Our luxury guided tours are perfect for solo travellers. Our smaller group size is ideal for meeting like-minded travellers while your Travel Concierge tends to all the details and personalises your experience.

Visit our solo traveller savings page for more information.

Where can I find solo pricing?

The price displayed on our tour pages is for a twin room. To check the solo price for a tour, select Continue on the departure of your choice and view the price and availability of solo rooms in the next step.

Once you've selected your trip and departure date, select 'Continue' to select your room type and check pricing/availability.

If you see the message that the room is 'on request', this means the departure has limited single-room availability. In this instance, we will need to request a single allocation.

Please Contact Us if you need any further assistance.

If you're a Travel Agent, you can see all pricing and availability in our Travel Agent Portal (TAP).

What is included in the tour cost?

Our website prices include private door-to-door transfers and everything that is listed in the itineraries: all luxury accommodation; all sightseeing, admissions and VIP access; all coach, cruise or rail transportation; the services of a professional Travel Concierge; all meals and fine dining, as noted in the itinerary; and all luggage handling.
All tips for services from Local Experts, dining-room staff, housekeeping and porters at hotels, airports, docks and train stations are also included. If you pre-pay for your holiday, you can also opt to have the tips for your Driver and Travel Concierge included too.

Credit Cards

Notify your credit card providers of your travel details (specifying the location and duration of your vacation) to reduce the risk of your cards being frozen due to unusual activity.

Special dietary requirements

When you book, specify any special dietary requirements so that your Travel Concierge can notify hotels and restaurants in advance so that they can do their best to provide a suitable menu alternative. Please note that such requests cannot always be guaranteed.
If booking your own flights, make the airline aware of any special dietary requirements.

Connecting with your fellow travellers

Connect with fellow guests who will be travelling with you before you travel by registering on Luxury Gold’s online Community. This forum is a great way to seek advice from experienced travellers before you go, share your travel highlights, and stay in contact with friends after your tour. 

What are the best travel apps to help me prepare for my tour?

Each of these apps is recommended to enhance your travel experience, keep you informed, and help capture every moment of your journey: 

  • WhatsApp: This messaging app is great for connecting with your friends and family and is free to use over Wi-Fi. Your Travel Concierge may also enhance your journey by using WhatsApp Communities as an additional way to share real-time updates, meeting points, and memorable tour photos directly to your device. If your Travel Concierge is a WhatsApp user, you will be welcomed into your tour's exclusive Community when you start your journey. If you don’t have the app, it is best (and recommended) to download and set up the app before your departure. Simply open the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store on your device and search for WhatsApp.
  • Facebook & Instagram: Elevate your travel storytelling with Facebook and Instagram, the quintessential social media apps for sharing your unforgettable experiences. Capture and share your journey with friends and family and let us revel in your adventures alongside you. If you don’t have the app, it is best (and recommended) to download them before your departure. Open the Apple App Store or Google Play App Store on your device and search for Facebook and Instagram. Once you are all setup, follow us @LuxuryGoldVacations. When you are on your tour, use your unique hashtag in your posts provided by your Travel Concierge when you start your journey to showcase your moments. Should you need assistance, your Travel Concierge will be delighted to help you download and set up your profile on these apps when you meet them, ensuring your digital journey is as seamless and inspiring as your travel experience. 
  • Packr & PackPoint: These apps offer sophisticated packing guidance, tailored to forecasted weather and planned activities at your destinations. 
  • Weather Channel & AccuWeather: These apps keep you impeccably informed about the local weather at every destination you explore. 
  • Duolingo: This app is perfect for mastering a new language in just minutes a day, enhancing your travel experience with ease and elegance. 
  • Google Translate: This app transcends language barriers, offering quick translations, real-time conversation mode, and image translations, ensuring seamless communication with locals. 

Packing

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How much luggage can I bring?

Each guest can bring a single bag measuring no more than 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in) and weight not exceeding 50 lbs. (23kg). You can also bring one hand luggage bag that is no bigger than 12”x11”x6” (30x28x14cm) to fit under your coach seat or in the small overhead compartment. Hand luggage cannot have wheels or a telescopic handle.
If you wish to bring a second item of luggage, please request this at time of booking. Additional charges will apply.

Is there a dress code I need to be aware of for my tour?

Make sure you are aware of dress code expectations for the locations you will be visiting, particularly Muslim countries so that you can pack for your tour accordingly. When visiting a place of worship, shoulders will need to be covered so take a wrap or shawl with you.

Lost Luggage Protection

Luxury Gold partners with Blue Ribbon Bags (BRB) to offer you peace of mind whilst travelling. As a guest of Luxury Gold, you are automatically enrolled in Blue Ribbon Bags' lost luggage retrieval service for all international flights purchased with us that start and end in your home country.

 

Blue Ribbon Bags tracks and expedites the return of all lost luggage by the airline and sends real-time updates via email and text message regarding the status of your delayed luggage, provided these details are added to your booking. Blue Ribbon Bags also pays a guaranteed amount for each lost bag that is not returned within 96 hours of your flight landing (in addition to any compensation by your travel insurance or airline).

Your Health & Medical Needs

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Medication

Check with your doctor if you need any vaccinations or to take any other health precautions prior to your vacation.
Make sure any medication you regularly take is legal in the countries you will be visiting and perhaps carry a doctor’s prescription with you for any medicines you take. You should also keep your medication in your hand luggage if possible.

Getting to Your Destination

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What do I need to know about border crossings, visas, entry requirements and passports?

Information about border crossings and visas, entry requirements varies by destination. Please check the destination you're visiting below for more information:

Europe trips
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. Multiple-entry visas may be required if you are entering a country more than once on your holiday.

Guests are advised that only the countries you plan to visit can provide up-to-date information about their specific visa requirements. Guests should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of the countries they plan to visit well in advance of travel. Please check your itinerary carefully. Remember that requirements vary based on a passport's place of issue and that the process can take time.

Check that multi-entry visas have the correct entry dates and destinations before you travel. Please be aware that with some itineraries, you may travel through a country without making an overnight stop. If this happens on your itinerary, you will still need a visa to enter/exit the country.

Please ensure that you always carry proper identification with you, as border crossings will need to see your entry documents and passports. Usually crossing borders is a very straightforward process that is managed by your Travel Concierge. However, be advised that you may be required to open your luggage and answer simple questions about the length of your stay, purpose of travel, etc.

 

United Kingdom and Northern Ireland trips incl transiting travelers

From January 8, 2025 UK law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the UK and Northern Ireland to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained in advance of travel. It costs £10 and is valid for 2 years.


This is a tiered approach, with application for passports including but not limited to US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Singapore, open from November 27, 2024. For a full list of passports requiring the ETA for entry from January 8, 2025 or to start your application, visit the UK Government website.


For many other passport holders, you can still travel without an ETA until April 2, 2025 date but will require an ETA after this date. Applications for travel after this date will open on March 5, 2025. For full details please visit the UK Government website.


For more information, read our helpful ETA page. For all other entry requirements please check with your nearest consulate.


USA trips incl transiting travelers

US law requires travelers both entering and transiting through the United States are required to obtain an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) which must be obtained in advance of travel. ESTA applications can be made at the U.S. Customs and Boarder Protection website.

Rest of the World trips
Each guest must ensure that their passport is valid for at least six months beyond the conclusion of their trip and that they have acquired all necessary visas and permits. You are responsible for obtaining all necessary visas before the departure of your guided holiday. Depending on your nationality, you may need visas to enter certain countries included on your trip. Please note that obtaining visas can take up to six weeks before your departure. It is strongly advised that you consult your Travel Agent (if applicable) and the local Consulate or Embassy of the country you are visiting well in advance to determine which visas they require and how to obtain them.

Are flights included in the tour price?

No, flights are not included in the price of your tour. However, you can add flights to your tour through Luxury Gold, subject to availability. To add flights, first find the tour you wish to travel on, select your departure date and press ‘Continue’.

Can I book my flights through Luxury Gold?

Of course you can. You can book business or first class when you book your tour. We have fantastic contacts and rates with many airlines and our friendly team can assist with booking your flights. You can either request to add flights when booking online or call one of our team to book your tour, letting them know you also require flights.

Airport check-in

Generally, check-in times require guests to arrive at the airport a minimum of two hours before a domestic flight and three hours for international flights. This allows you plenty of time to check in and pass through security to the boarding area. Online check-in means you can save time and fuss at the airport by checking in for your flight via the website prior to your arrival at the airport.
Please allow enough time to get to your flight - be aware that during busy travel periods or at airports with heightened security you may experience longer queues. Boarding usually starts 30-45 minutes before departure and the gate generally closes 20 minutes prior to departure. Check with your airline to see what time check-in counters open.

Airline connections

Travelling internationally may require you to change planes in major airports and your airline will provide you with details of the minimum connection time required to transfer from one gate to another at each specific airport. When checking in for your flight ensure you check in to your final destination so you do not need to claim luggage and re-check it during flight connections.

Online check-ins

Many airlines allow online check-ins and seat selection before you travel. It is worth finding out if your airline offers online registration, where you can receive an email or text message to notify you of any flight delays.

Does Luxury Gold provide airport transfers?

Airport transfers are included on your journey start and end dates, and where additional accommodation has been booked in advance through Luxury Gold. Transfers to train stations or alternate hotels, in the same start or end city as the itinerary, may be requested.

Luxury Gold also provides private door-to-door transfers. Before your trip, we will collect you from your front door to drive you to the airport. When you arrive, you’ll also enjoy a private transfer service to your hotel. At the end of your holiday, you will be greeted inside the terminal and escorted to your car for a smooth and comfortable journey directly back home.
The private door-to-door transfer service is available for all guests travelling in a party of three or fewer from and to the same address within a 50-mile radius of major international airports. You can read more about it on our transfer page.

If my flights were booked through Luxury Gold and the flight times change, do I need to do anything?

No. If your flights were booked through Luxury Gold then we will notify you or your Travel Agent of any schedule changes. Sometimes the airline will notify you at the same time they notify us. Rest assured, we will contact you if required.

If flights are booked with Luxury Gold, are my airline seats guaranteed?

Airline seats are not guaranteed.

Some airlines will allow us to pre request seats in advance, where others will offer advance purchase seating once airline tickets are issued. Most airlines will allow guests to allocate seats at time of check in for flight(s). All seating availability and allocation is subject to the airlines terms and conditions.