Tour prices are shown per person, based on two people sharing a twin or double room. In most cases, the price includes:

• Hotel accommodation throughout the tour
• Daily breakfast and selected evening meals, as detailed in the itinerary
• Sightseeing and included experiences listed in the itinerary
• Services of a professional Tour Director and driver
• Hotel service charges, local taxes, porterage and restaurant gratuities
• Some destinations include scheduled airport transfers (availability varies by tour)

What’s included can vary slightly by tour operator and itinerary, so we always recommend checking the individual tour description.

Typically, the tour price does not include:

• International flights (these can be added through Bressenden Travel)
• Pre- or post-tour hotel nights (available on request)
• Optional or Choice Experiences booked and paid for during the tour
• Travel insurance and visas
• Personal expenses, taxi fares and non-included meals

International flights to and from the starting place of tours are not usually included in the advertised tour price. Bressenden Travel can arrange flights as part of your booking, or you are welcome to book your own.

Any internal flights within a tour itinerary are usually included in the price.

Some tours include complimentary shared airport transfers at scheduled times, while others offer transfers at an additional cost. Transfer availability depends on the destination, tour itinerary and arrival/departure dates.

If you book your own flights and flight times change, transfers may need to be updated. This is something we can assist with, subject to availability.

A Definite Departure means the tour has reached the minimum number of guests required and is scheduled to operate, barring exceptional circumstances.

If a departure is not yet definite, it may still become confirmed as more guests book. Should a tour not reach minimum numbers, you would be offered alternative dates or a full refund of tour-only payments.

Most tours are priced on a twin-share basis. Options may include:

• Twin or double rooms
• Triple rooms (generally suitable for two adults and one child)
• Solo rooms (subject to a single supplement and availability)

Triple rooms are not recommended for three adults, as the third bed is often a rollaway.

Solo travellers can usually choose between:

• Solo room share: Sharing a twin room with another guest of the same gender (available on selected itineraries)
• Solo room: A private room, subject to a single supplement

Availability and options vary by destination.

Please contact us to check solo pricing.

Yes. Children are typically accepted from 5 to 17 years old at the time of travel. Family room configurations depend on tour and hotel availability.

Yes. Pre- and post-tour hotel nights can usually be added, subject to availability. These are often booked at the same hotel used at the start or end of the tour.

Hotels will try to keep you in the same room, but this cannot be guaranteed. Room type will be confirmed based on availability.

This varies by hotel. Your booking documents will confirm whether breakfast is included. Please check with us before booking.

Some tours may be suitable, but requirements must be reviewed before booking. Guests with mobility aids, service animals or medical needs should let Bressenden Travel know in advance so suitability can be assessed.

Tour staff are unable to provide personal physical assistance, so travellers requiring this support must travel with a companion.

Changes are usually permitted up to the final payment date, subject to availability and fees. Cancellation charges vary depending on how close to departure you cancel. Airline bookings are subject to separate rules.

See full terms and conditions HERE.

Tour deposits are generally non-refundable. However, many operators offer deposit protection, allowing the deposit to be credited toward a future tour within a set timeframe.

Deposit amounts and final payment dates depend on the tour operator and itinerary. Full details will be outlined at the time of booking. Usually a deposit of between £100 and £200 per person is required at time of booking. The balance is due between 120 and 60 days prior to departure.

Payment methods depend on how your tour was booked:

• If booked through Bressenden Travel, all payments are made directly through us.
• If booked directly with the tour partner, payments may be made through their secure guest portal or payment links.

Accepted payment methods usually include major debit and credit cards.

Vegetarian and some medical diets can often be accommodated with advance notice, though this cannot be guaranteed in all destinations.

Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended and should cover medical expenses, cancellations, delays and repatriation. Insurance should be arranged at the time of booking.

Groups of 9 or more travellers may qualify for group discounts. Larger groups may also have the option of exclusive departures or customised itineraries.

Many tour operators offer loyalty discounts for guests who have travelled with them or related brands previously. Eligibility is confirmed during booking.

Electronic travel documents are normally available approximately 21 days before departure, these will be emailed to you.

This depends on your travel style. Budget for meals not included, optional experiences, shopping, gratuities and personal expenses such as laundry.

Yes, porterage for one main suitcase per guest is included on most tours, except where trains or certain transport types are used.

Most escorted tours allow:

• One main suitcase (up to 23kg / 50lbs)
• One small carry-on bag that fits under the coach seat or overhead space

Wheeled or hard-shell carry-on cases are generally not permitted on coaches due to space restrictions. Luggage limits may be lower on tours in Africa, Asia and parts of the Eastern Mediterranean.

Exact luggage allowance will be confirmed on booking confirmation.

We recommend packing layered clothing suitable for changing weather conditions, comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate outerwear, medication, chargers and adaptors. A scarf or shoulder covering may be required for visits to religious sites.

Useful extras include a day bag, reusable water bottle, copies of travel documents and personal earphones for guided commentary systems used on some tours.

We recommend packing layered clothing suitable for changing weather conditions, comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate outerwear, medication, chargers and adaptors. A scarf or shoulder covering may be required for visits to religious sites.

Useful extras include a day bag, reusable water bottle, copies of travel documents and personal earphones for guided commentary systems used on some tours.

Hotel tips, porterage and restaurant gratuities are usually included in the tour price. Gratuities for tour staff may be prepaid or given during the tour, depending on destination and itinerary.

You are responsible for ensuring your passport is valid (usually at least six months beyond travel) and that you obtain any required visas.

Entry requirements vary by destination and nationality. We strongly recommend checking official embassy or consulate advice well in advance.

Important updates may include:

• EU Entry/Exit System (from October 2025) for non-EU travellers
• UK Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for entry or transit
• US ESTA for entry or transit through the USA

Please check the foreign office travel website here: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Your meeting point and welcome time are outlined in your itinerary and travel documents.

Optional experiences are additional activities offered during the tour and booked locally. This gives you flexibility to choose what suits you once you arrive.

Group sizes vary depending on destination and travel style. While final numbers aren’t confirmed until departure, escorted tours typically operate within the following ranges:

• Europe: average 40–45 guests, maximum around 50+
• USA & Canada: up to approximately 50 guests
• Australia & New Zealand: up to approximately 50 guests
• Asia: generally smaller groups, often up to the low 30s
• Africa: usually capped in the mid-30s
• Latin America: typically around 40–45 guests

You’ll meet your fellow travellers at the welcome meeting on Day 1.

Escorted tours are supported by a dedicated on-tour team who manage the day-to-day running of the trip. This usually includes an experienced Tour Director (or Tour Manager) and a professional driver who remain with the group throughout the journey.

They take care of logistics such as transport, hotel arrivals, sightseeing arrangements and daily schedules, allowing you to relax and focus on enjoying the experience.

In many destinations, local guides also join the group to share their expert knowledge and insider perspective.

The Tour Director is your main point of contact while travelling. They provide guidance, destination insights, practical information and support throughout the journey. Tour Directors are trained professionals with strong local knowledge and experience in managing escorted groups.

English is used throughout the tour, and many Tour Directors and local guides also speak regional languages.

Daily plans, timings and updates are explained clearly in person by your Tour Director. Some tours may also use messaging apps such as WhatsApp to share reminders, meeting points or photos.

Please note that using mobile apps abroad may incur data roaming charges. We recommend checking your mobile plan before departure or using WiFi where available.

Daily driving times depend on the itinerary and distances covered. Coaches generally stop regularly for comfort breaks, sightseeing or refreshments, and it’s uncommon to remain on the coach for extended periods without a break.

Modern, air-conditioned touring coaches are used, offering comfortable seating and large windows for sightseeing. Facilities vary by destination but may include onboard WiFi, USB or power outlets and, in some regions, onboard restrooms.

In certain destinations, smaller vehicles may be used due to road conditions or group size.

You may bring one small carry-on bag onboard each day, such as a backpack or tote. Due to space limitations, wheeled or hard-shell hand luggage is not permitted inside the coach.

Your main suitcase is stored securely in the luggage hold.

Many escorted tours use a seat rotation system so everyone has the chance to enjoy different views and seating positions during the journey.

Porterage and gratuities related to included services are generally covered. Gratuities for the on-tour team are discretionary and may be offered at the end of the tour if you feel service has enhanced your experience.

Local tipping customs vary, and your Tour Director can provide guidance on what’s appropriate when dining or sightseeing independently.

Optional Experiences are additional activities offered during the tour for an extra cost. These are booked and paid for while travelling, allowing you to decide what suits your interests once you’re there.

Optional Experiences are not pre-bookable and may vary due to local conditions, seasonality or availability.

Yes. Itineraries are designed to balance organised sightseeing with free time to explore independently or relax.

Vegetarian and some medically recommended diets can usually be catered for if advised in advance. While every effort is made, specific religious or highly specialised dietary requirements cannot always be guaranteed.

Included meals are listed in the day-by-day itinerary for your tour. Breakfast is usually included daily, with selected lunches or dinners depending on the itinerary.

Accommodation is typically a mix of comfortable 3 to 5 star hotels, selected for location, quality and service. Some itineraries also include characterful or locally owned properties that reflect the destination.

Star ratings will differ depending on the tour operator.

Triple occupancy is available on selected ships and in specific suite categories only. Availability is limited and varies by ship and sailing, and some higher-grade suites may be excluded.

Because policies can change, we recommend checking availability with Bressenden Travel at the time of booking so we can confirm the most up-to-date options for your chosen itinerary.

Many first-time river cruisers enjoy the Danube or Rhine, both of which offer a wonderful introduction to river cruising with a mix of iconic cities, scenic cruising and cultural highlights.

Travellers who have already experienced these rivers may enjoy exploring less-travelled regions such as Eastern Europe, Portugal’s Douro Valley, or more adventurous destinations including South America or combined rail and cruise journeys.

We’re always happy to help you choose the itinerary that best suits your travel style and interests.

Due to international immigration and security regulations, all guests must complete a Passenger Information Form. This information is required by the cruise operator before final documents can be issued.

Final travel documents cannot be released until all required details have been received.

River cruising is relaxed and informal, with a focus on comfortable, smart‑casual clothing both onboard and ashore. Weather can vary by season and region, so layering is recommended.

Suggested items include:

• Comfortable trousers, skirts or dresses
• Lightweight tops, knitwear and layering pieces
• Comfortable walking shoes with good support (cobblestones and uneven surfaces are common)
• A lightweight waterproof jacket or windbreaker

Evenings onboard are smart‑casual. Shorts are generally not worn at dinner. Some guests choose to pack a jacket or dressier outfit for welcome or farewell events, though formalwear is not required.

River cruises in warmer or more adventurous regions tend to be more casual due to climate and daily activities. Lightweight, breathable clothing in lighter colours is recommended, along with sturdy walking shoes or sandals.

Please note that when visiting temples or religious sites, shoulders and knees should be covered. Specific destinations may also have additional cultural considerations, which your cruise documentation will outline clearly.

Most river ships offer either a self‑service laundry facility or a laundry service for an additional charge. Dry cleaning is generally not available. Facilities vary by ship, so please ask us if this is important to you.

River cruises are known for their high culinary standards, with onboard chefs preparing dishes inspired by the regions you’re travelling through, alongside familiar international favourites. Ingredients are often locally sourced where possible.

Many dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, gluten‑free or low‑sugar, can usually be accommodated if advised in advance. Requests should be submitted before travel so they can be passed on to the cruise operator.

While every effort is made, highly specialised diets cannot always be guaranteed.

Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Europe and many other river cruise destinations. Debit cards can usually be used to withdraw cash from ATMs onshore.

There are typically no ATMs onboard, so we recommend carrying a small amount of local currency and notifying your bank before travelling.

Electrical voltage varies by region and sometimes by ship. European river cruises generally use 220V, with at least one 110V outlet available in most cabins.

For destinations outside Europe, adapters and voltage converters may be required. We recommend checking your cruise documentation or asking us for guidance before departure.

Many river ships offer complimentary Wi‑Fi, though speeds may be slower than at home and service can be interrupted while sailing, passing through locks or in remote areas.

River ships often dock within walking distance of historic town centres. In some locations, the ship may dock farther away and transfers will be provided.

At busy ports, ships may moor alongside one another. Docking arrangements are controlled by local port authorities and can change at short notice.

Optional excursions can usually be booked once onboard with your Cruise Manager and charged to your onboard account. Availability may be subject to minimum numbers, and cancellation policies apply.

Some premium experiences may be available for advance booking—please speak with us if you’d like to explore these options.

Smoking is generally permitted only in designated outdoor areas, such as parts of the sun deck. Smoking is not allowed indoors, on coaches, or during shore excursions.

While every effort is made to operate cruises exactly as advertised, changes may occasionally be required due to weather, water levels, safety considerations or local conditions.

If a planned site is unavailable, alternative arrangements or additional free time are typically offered.

Many river cruises offer optional pre‑ or post‑cruise land extensions. For groups of 10 or more, customised arrangements may sometimes be possible.

Please speak with Bressenden Travel to explore available options.

Shore excursions are led by expert local guides, with each group having its own English‑speaking guide. Audio headsets are commonly provided so commentary can be heard clearly

River cruising is generally best suited to adults. Children are welcome on selected sailings, subject to minimum age requirements, which vary by destination.

Family‑focused departures may be available during certain seasons. Adults travelling with children are responsible for their supervision at all times.

On many river cruises, gratuities for onboard staff and guides are included. Policies vary by destination, and full details are confirmed in your final travel documentation.

Entertainment varies by itinerary but may include local musicians, cultural performances or guest speakers who bring the destination to life in the evenings.

All guests traveling on one of our tour or river cruises through to at least December 31, 2022 are required to be fully vaccinated.

You will need to provide an authentic COVID-19 vaccination certificate (electronic or paper showing date and time of vaccination(s)) which is current and valid in the travel destination, with the final dose and/or booster dose given at least 15 days prior to the start of the tour, to your Travel Director, Cruise Manager or Wellbeing Director upon arrival.

Please check your destination’s entry requirements, as well as requirements for accessing restaurants and venues to ensure that you’re prepared for your journey. For children not eligible for vaccination and/or booster at the time of travel, you will need to provide proof of a verifiable negative test result for COVID-19 (electronic or paper showing date and time of test) taken within 72 hours prior to the start of the trip departure until further notice.

Please note that guests will also need to comply with specific requirements imposed by airlines and/or authorities in the destination visited, which may be more restrictive than above.

Fully vaccinated means that you have had a complete course of an approved vaccine at least 14 days. The day you had your final dose does not count as one of the 14 days. In the future, this may also include any booster shots to keep the vaccine current and valid.

Different countries only accept certain types of vaccines so please ensure you check the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to.

You will be asked to show an authentic COVID-19 vaccination certificate (electronic or paper showing date and time of the vaccination(s)) with the final dose given at least 15 days before the start of your tour, to your Well-Being Director or Cruise Manager upon arrival and before joining the trip. We recommend taking a picture of any paper vaccination certificates in case of loss of the original. Certain destinations may also require you to fill out additional forms online.

Any testing that is required pre travel will be the responsibility of the guest to organise, as these requirements will be in accordance with airline policies, and the entry requirements of the destination you are travelling to. During your tour, your Wellbeing Director, Cruise Manager and Travel Director will facilitate any mandatory testing and this will be done with as little impact as possible to your experience. This testing will be at the expense of the guest. Any testing required post travel will again be the responsibility of the guest to organise.

If you or a guest tests positive during a trip, your Travel Director and Wellbeing Director will follow a specially-designed protocol as follows:

• First, they will notify the local health department of the country you are in (together with our Operations and Guest Support teams) to initiate contact tracing for the locations your tour has visited.
• Then, they will work to establish who in the tour group may have been exposed (close contact), check them for symptoms and initiate further testing.
• Guests who are identified as being (potentially) positive will be separated from the group and referred for additional medical services. The local health department may require quarantine. Our Guest Support Team would stay in touch with these guests at all times until they are able to resume travel or return home.
• Those who are cleared as fit-to-travel by a health care professional may rejoin the group.
• Fully vaccinated people without symptoms and those who have recently recovered (without new symptoms) do not need to be tested (as per current CDC guidelines). Other countries may have different requirements.
• The CDC also recommends that anyone with any signs or symptoms of Covid-19 get tested, regardless of vaccination or prior infection.

Bressenden Travel highly recommends you obtain travel insurance to cover situations such as quarantine. Unexpected events can happen when you travel, like an accident or illness during your trip (such as Covid-19), which can bring additional personal risks and costs. Please be sure you are covered for the complete dates of your tour and please validate that you have the appropriate level of coverage in the currency for your country of origin, in the following categories: Trip Interruption (to cover the cost of your trip, including air); Trip Delay; Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation; Medical Expenses from Illness (covering individual or pandemic event); etc.

Depending on the airline you travel with, you may be required to show proof of vaccination and/or testing, and similarly the destination you are travelling to may have specific requirements with regards to the vaccine and / or testing.

In terms of travelling on any trip, we highly recommend you purchase travel insurance ahead of your tour that covers you for unexpected events including accident and illness (such as Covid-19). You will also need to fill out our pre-travel Travel Declaration. In terms of testing requirements, vaccine passports etc, most countries are still evolving their requirements. The cost will depend on the country you are travelling to and their specific testing requirements.

Your Wellbeing Director, Cruise Manager and Travel Director will facilitate any testing requirements while you are on tour. Currently testing requirements differ from country to country. Rest assured, your Travel Director and Wellbeing Director will clearly communicate what is required and what you need to do while you are on tour, and as policies are confirmed we will of course keep guests informed and up to date.

If you test positive for Covid-19 prior to flying home, you will need to quarantine in that country for the required number of days as stipulated by your local government. In this situation, your Travel Director, Cruise Manager, Wellbeing Director and the support team behind the scenes will defer to the advice of the local authorities, but please be assured we will be able to make necessary arrangements for your accommodations, keep in touch with you and support you until you are able to return home.

Any costs incurred for having to quarantine will be your and/or your insurance provider’s responsibility, which is why we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance before your tour begins.

If you test positive upon re-entering your home country once your trip is complete, you will need to follow the guidelines as stipulated by your local government.

If you test positive for Covid-19 prior to flying home, you will need to quarantine in that country for the required number of days as stipulated by your local government. In this situation, your Travel Director, Cruise Manager, Wellbeing Director and the support team behind the scenes will defer to the advice of the local authorities, but please be assured we will be able to make necessary arrangements for your accommodations, keep in touch with you and support you until you are able to return home.

Any costs incurred for having to quarantine will be your and/or your insurance provider’s responsibility, which is why we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance before your tour begins.

If you test positive upon re-entering your home country once your trip is complete, you will need to follow the guidelines as stipulated by your local government.

We highly recommend you obtain travel insurance to cover situations such as this. If you test positive on your pre-travel PCR test, you should self-isolate and delay travel as symptoms may well develop, or until you have recovered from COVID-19. You will be unable to join your tour with a positive PCR test and we recommend you contact your local health department and health care provider.

Your Travel Director, Cruise Manager or Wellbeing Director will be on hand to help facilitate any required testing while on trip, with as minimal inconvenience as possible. Test requirements vary by destination. It is important to note that any testing will be at the expense of the guest.