Trip Details

Does an expert join every trip? 

Yes! We develop each Journey hand-in-hand with our experts. They are more than travel guides; they are scholars, professors, authors, researchers, speakers, and seasoned professionals who bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to each journey. Many are presenters for The Great Courses. With years of experience in their respective fields, they offer unparalleled insights and a unique perspective that elevates every trip. Most importantly, they are passionate about sharing their knowledge with others.

How do I reserve my spot?

A deposit of $500 (unless otherwise specified) is due to secure your space. Deposits are refundable up to 50% until 120 days prior to departure.

How big will our group be?

Our trips have a maximum group size of 28 people. They are large enough to meet new people with diverse backgrounds, but small enough to be on a first-name basis with everyone.

Are solo travelers welcome? 

Absolutely! There is always a good number of solo travelers on our trips, and they are welcomed with open arms. Group meals generally take place at medium to large tables, and our Travel Directors ensure that everyone is included in the conversations. Because our trips are priced for doubles sharing a room, there is a supplemental cost for those who choose not to share.   

How much free time should I expect to have? 

Our trips are designed to give our travelers special insight and understanding of the places we visit. The talks and commentary by our hosts and local guides are what make our itineraries special, and this kind of curated experience cannot be obtained on your own. For this reason, our trips generally do not incorporate long periods of free time during the day, although evenings and some meals will be at leisure.

What do I need to bring on my trip?

We'll send you a detailed clothing list well before departure, so you know what you'll need. We provide the rest: comfortable accommodations, an engaging daily itinerary, expert trip management, and access to people and places that will thrill and delight you.

Can I arrive early, or stay on after the tour ends?  

Yes! In some cases, where we have extra nights added to our room block, our Guest Services Advisors can assist you in extending your stay. Additional nights will be added to your final invoice and will be subject to the same Terms and Conditions of your main program. In other cases, you may need to contact the hotel directly to reserve additional nights on your own.

Once I reserve my trip, what happens next?

After you reserve your trip and pay your deposit, you will be sent a confirmation email, insurance information, a Participant Information Form, and other information needed to prepare for your trip. Your Guest Services Advisor will reach out when it’s time to book airfare after a minimum of 13 travelers have enrolled on your departure date. Final trip details will be sent roughly 2-3 weeks before departure.

Health and Safety

Are you able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?

Menus are typically pre-set to showcase the region or season. That said, every effort will be made to try to accommodate any special dietary requests you may have (e.g. low salt, vegetarian, or vegan). Please discuss your requests with us when signing up for a trip.

What are the physical requirements of this trip?

Travelers should be in good health and able to walk up to 2 miles (with stops) over uneven terrain and be able to navigate stairs unassisted. In city centers, we do try to walk from place to place due to traffic restrictions, and in keeping with our commitment to environmental sustainability.

Do I need trip insurance?

We strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance to help protect your investment and provide you with financial recourse should you face trip cancellation or interruption due to sickness or quarantine. When purchasing a policy, please consult with a trip insurance agent to review what COVID-19-related contingencies are covered. We recommend using our partner insurance provider, Travel Insurance Services, which offers three different policies for you to choose from.

What happens if I get sick on tour?

Our top priority is to keep our travelers, staff, and the communities we visit as healthy and safe as possible. Not only do we care about your well-being, but illness on tour alters the group dynamic, diverts staff attention, and interrupts the smooth functioning of the trip. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers stay up to date with CDC recommended vaccinations. Additionally, we encourage traveling with a mask and notifying your Travel Director immediately should you feel any symptoms of illness.

Are tips included?

Yes!  Tips to local guides, restaurant staff, bell staff and drivers are all included in the trip price.  Your Trip Expert and Tour Manager, however, will not accept tips.  The only time tips are not included is during free time and meals on your own. 

Are drinks included?

Soft drinks are included in all group lunches and wine or beer and non-alcoholic beverages are included in all group dinners. Any additional alcoholic beverages are not included in the program price.

What about airfare?

Airfare to and from the starting and ending point of the program is not included in the price to give you maximum flexibility in choosing your preferences for air travel. This way you can use frequent flier upgrades, depart from your airport of choice, or add pre- and post- trip extensions with no constraints. Please refrain from booking your airfare until your Guest Services Advisor reaches out to confirm your departure.

What are the physical requirements of this trip?

Travelers should be in good health and able to walk up to 2 miles (with stops) over uneven terrain and be able to navigate stairs unassisted. In city centers, we do try to walk from place to place due to traffic restrictions, and also in keeping with our commitment to environmental sustainability.

How much free time should I expect to have?

Our trips are designed to give our travelers special insight and understanding of the places we visit. The talks and commentary by our experts and local guides are what make our itineraries special, and this kind of curated experience cannot be obtained on one’s own. For this reason, our trips generally do not incorporate long periods of free time during the day, although night times and some meals will be at leisure.

What's Included?

Are tips included? 

Yes! Tips to local guides, restaurant staff, and drivers are all included in the trip price. Your Trip Expert and Tour Manager, however, will not accept tips. The only time tips are not included is during free time and meals on your own.  

Are drinks included?

A couple glasses of beer or wine are included for all group dinners. Any additional alcoholic beverages are not included in the program price. Non-alcoholic beverages are included at all meals. 

What about airfare?

Airfare to and from the starting and ending point of the program is not included in the price, in order to give you maximum flexibility in choosing your preferences for air travel. This way, you can use frequent flier upgrades, depart from your airport of choice, or add pre- and post-trip extensions with no constraints. Please refrain from booking your airfare until your Guest Services Advisor reaches out to confirm your departure date.

Rates & Cancellations

Are tips included? 

Yes! Tips to local guides, restaurant staff, and drivers are all included in the trip price. Tour staff do not expect and will not accept tips. The only times tips are not included are during free time and meals on your own.

Are drinks included?

A couple glasses of beer or wine are included for all group dinners. Any additional alcoholic beverages are not included in the program price. Non-alcoholic beverages are included in all meals. 

Is airfare included?

Airfare to and from the starting and ending point of the program is not included in the price, to give you maximum flexibility in choosing your preferences for air travel. This way, you can use frequent flier upgrades, depart from your airport of choice, or add pre- and post-trip extensions with no constraints. Please refrain from booking your airfare until your Guest Services Advisor reaches out to confirm your departure date.

What is your cancellation policy? 

All cancellations must be submitted in writing (email or fax) to Academic Travel Abroad, our facilitating partner for The Great Courses Journeys. Per person cancellation fees are based on the date of the cancellation notice reaching ATA. Deposits will be 50% refundable 120 days prior to departure. Cancellation made between 119-91 days before departure: 100% of deposit is forfeited. Cancellation made between 90-61 days: 50% of the Trip price is forfeited. Cancellation made within 60 days of departure: no refund. Cancellation of program by ATA: full refund.

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