FAQ
For 27 years we have been sharing our passion for touring Europe with like-minded Australians looking for something authentic
FAQs
In relation to COVID-19, have your Boutique Small Group Journeys of Europe resumed?
Yes, we are very pleased to confirm that we resumed touring Europe in 2023.
Please contact us any time by email or on Tel. (07) 5575 7591 with any specific tour queries you may have.
We refer to the official Australian Government Smart Traveller updates for accurate information covering all of our European destinations.
We hope to welcome you on board shortly, please enjoy browsing our website today.
Is TIKI TOURS an accredited tour operator? What is CATO?
Yes, we are proud to confirm that TIKI TOURS is a full member of the Council of Australian Tour Operators. CATO Membership Number TO1137. Those that meet the requirements are awarded national accreditation and receive the right to use the CATO branding, a symbol of quality and professionalism.
Membership of the Council of Australian Tour Operators (CATO) is a hallmark of competence and integrity. CATO is the representative body for wholesale tour operators who supply travel and tour packages to domestic and international destinations. Members have specialised expertise in all aspects of travel, they work in conjunction with licensed travel agents to make the customers' journey a better and safer experience.
FAQ
How many different tours do you run in Europe?
Over the last 27 years we have personally designed 11 hand-crafted tour itineraries in Europe.
In addition to the 6 tours on offer as per our current website, our popular departures include ‘Elegant Italy & France in style’, ‘Ancient Kingdoms of Northern Spain and Portugal’ , the ‘Mountain Magic’ tour including Germany, Switzerland and Austria’, ‘Spain and Portugal in Castles & Palaces’ and finally the ‘Classic Italy Coast to Coast’ tour.
From time to time we inter-change our itineraries and bring back old favourites.
Can I organise my travel insurance through TIKI TOURS?
The answer is no. Can we please ask you to organise your own travel insurance for your trip. (we will require a copy of the Insurance Certificate for our office records).
What does ‘Land Only’ mean?
Our boutique small group journeys of Europe are available on a ‘Land Only’ basis giving you options when it comes to flight route, stopovers and preferred carrier.
IMPORTANT: We kindly ask you to organise your own flights Ex Australia as well as within Europe (copy of your flight itinerary required for our office records).
Please contact us with any queries prior to booking your flights.
Where do I meet up with the group in Europe?
To take advantage of our airport transfers and to play it safe, we recommend arriving in Europe / your destination one day prior to the start of the tour and stay 1 night at a nearby airport hotel. This will make meeting up at the airport with the tour director and our private coach at a designated place and time nice and easy the next day.
As part of your final travel documents, we will confirm all details you will need in relation to the official meeting place and time at the airport.
IMPORTANT : If you travel to Europe ahead of your tour, to assist with your planning, please contact us at any time if you require details from our side earlier.
To allow for flight schedule changes and / or delays, we also recommend to book 1 night at an airport hotel on the last day of your tour and fly home the day after.
FAQ
Are my monies secure?
From the very start we have operated a secure Client Trust Account where your monies are kept until we pay our suppliers. At no time are your funds made available for any use other than your travel services.
Do I need to book the tour through a local travel agent?
No, TIKI TOURS is a fully accredited Australian tour operator and tour bookings can be made with us directly, its easy, just call or email us.
Alternatively, if this has your personal preference, you are most welcome to place your booking through your preferred local travel agent.
Does TIKI TOURS take bookings from licensed Australian travel agents?
Yes absolutely! If you have a client interested to book one of our tours then we are only too happy to work with you. Contact us for more details by email or on (07) 55 75 75 91.
What does the tour include?
Typical inclusions for each tour are: airport transfers on the arrival and departure day of the tour, multiple nights in boutique/heritage accommodation, daily three-course dinner including wine, coffee and tea and mineral water, daily breakfast, all entry fees covering sightseeing and evening entertainment, hotel service charges, most tipping, baggage handling in Europe, modern air-conditioned coach travel, airport check in assistance, services of a professional tour director and licensed expert city guides.
FAQ
Who books my flights from Australia / flights in Europe?
Our packages are only available on a ‘Land Only’ basis. This means that you will need to book your own flights into Europe as well as any additional European flight sectors you may require.
You can book your flights through your preferred local travel agent or provided you feel confident you can do this yourself on line using one of the many booking engines.
We recommend arriving at your destination 1 day prior to the start of the tour and book 1 night at a nearby Airport Hotel. This makes meeting up with our European Tour Director, our coach and other tour members nice and easy. As indicated earlier, we also recommend booking 1 night at an airport hotel on the last day of your tour and fly out the day after.
Unless arranged with us otherwise, please carefully note, all tours start and finish at the airport at a designated place and time.
IMPORTANT : Prior to booking your own flights into Europe, please always check in with us first in relation to the tour status. Please don't book any flights / travel arrangements until the tour is solidly confirmed by us.
What kind of accommodation is included and what is the star rating?
TIKI TOURS packages personally selected boutique, heritage hotels, mostly 4 and 5 star. To give you the best of both worlds, many of our properties are located in the country side, offering peace and calm, close to vineyards and quaint villages. Others are located in the city, for easy access to sights, the combination works well.
To give you an example, in Spain and Portugal you will stay in the the charming Paradores in Spain and Pousadas in Portugal, historic hotels, castles, monasteries and convents etc. from a different time and era. In France you will stay in typical family owned chateaux and in Italy you will stay in medieval villas and turn of the century hotels. All have been carefully selected for their warm hospitality, charm and character, many of the hotels are owner operated, offering unforgettable settings and an authentic travel experience.
A popular feature on all of our luxury small group tours of Europe are the convenient multiple 3 and 4 night stays, avoiding daily packing and unpacking ensuring that you will enjoy your stay in each region to the max.
I dread the idea of a big tour group!
Then you’re in good company. It is important to us that you will indeed have a 'small group' travel experience and that the dynamic of the tour feels exclusive and personalised.
Over the years most of our groups have consisted of around 10-14 people. Some groups are slightly smaller and operate with approx. 8-10 tour participants on board.
Who travels with TIKI TOURS?
We cater for the mature, discerning Australian traveller age 60+. TIKI TOURS attracts clients nationwide, well educated and well travelled, looking for a different travel experience with quality high on their list. Most are retired or semi-retired and many have only recently stopped travelling independently. But life changes and you are now looking for someone who can take the hassle out of forward planning, a European specialist with an eye for detail and service. You are looking for the ease and security of an organised tour without loosing a degree of freedom and flexibility, basically, you want it all !
Tour participants on board have a strong interest in the culture and history of our European destinations. You have a passion for the arts, visiting galleries and exhibitions in Australia and overseas. Many have lived or studied abroad and taken up a second or third language over the years, always a plus when on tour!
You appreciate the company of a solid tour director, with personality, humour and expertise, someone who is there from start to finish. Our European tour directors have been with us pretty much from the start, they know what makes you tick. You value comfort, style and travelling in a relaxed fashion and enjoy multiple night stays in accommodation off the beaten track. And what do you all have in common? A strong passion for Europe’s food and wine… who can blame you?!
FAQ
What is the age range and make up of a typical group?
Our tours are hand-crafted with the needs and interests of the mature traveller in mind (60+ market).
Our groups are comprised of travellers who enjoy cultural immersion and the element of travelling with like-minded Australian tour participants within a small group environment is important to you. Many form strong friendships during the tour and decide to stay in touch once home. Whilst each tour varies, in general your touring companions will be made up of a mix of couples, friends travelling together and single travellers. Very pleased to say a large percentage opt to travel with us again and again, and with new friendships even book another tour together.
Can I extend my stay in Europe?
Absolutely, this is entirely up to you. You may wish to catch up with family and friends in Europe before returning home. Please consider all carefully before you book your flights.
Will I have free time?
You will enjoy ample free time during lunchtime and in the hours between touring in the day and dining at night.
At what time does daily touring start?
Our tours typically start around 08.30 / 09.00 a.m. after a good breakfast!
FAQ
What is the fitness level required for tours?
Although the content is carefully balanced on a day-to-day basis, overall, average fitness levels are needed for all tours. Travellers of any age with a normal level of health and mobility should not experience difficulty in participating in all aspects of the tours. The daily site visits are not strenuous but some visits will require moderate walking, sometimes including steps.
There are no late evenings and the multiple nights at our hotels are a real bonus. Moderate coach travel. Whilst we have a full-time tour director in charge of all tours, all tour participants should be able to individually take part in all activities. The places visited are unsuitable for travellers requiring wheelchairs. Wheelchairs or walking frames cannot be carried on or provided on our coaches.
What is the general mode of transport on the tours?
Depending on the destination, group size and taking into consideration local roads and access, we will travel in a private 30, 19 or 16 seater coach offering all modern facilities. Generally speaking, we work with the same coach operators year in year out and consequently often work with the same senior drivers.
Is there a tour director on each tour?
Yes! Our longstanding European, full-time tour directors are what will truly make your tour very special, regardless of group size. You will be met on arrival at the airport and they will be with you every step of the way until finally waving you through the departure gates for home or your next stop.
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FAQ
How do I book one of your tours?
The booking process is easy and straight forward. If you are ready to book one of our boutique small group journeys of Europe, just email or call our friendly team on (07) 5575 7591.
Alternatively, book through your favourite local Travel Agent.
Upon receipt of your email / call, we will forward our reservation form by email and the booking request is accepted once you have paid your deposit and we have issued a written booking confirmation.
It is at this point in time that a contract between us and you comes into effect subject to our Booking Terms and Conditions.
Can I pay by credit card?
Yes. Payment for the tour can be made by direct bank deposit or credit card / debit card i.e. Visa, MasterCard or American Express.
Depending on your card type, these payments will attract a merchant fee determined by our merchant facility. Please contact us for more info.
Can I follow you on Social Media?
Yes. TIKI TOURS has a Facebook and Instagram Page. We invite you to like and follow us on social media to stay up to date at all times about our tour departures, info about our destinations and any promotions.
How do I stay up to date about your tours? Do you have a Newsletter ?
Please take this moment to subscribe to our regular digital ‘Travel News’ and it will be our pleasure to keep you up to date about tour departures, promotions, competitions and feature articles on our destinations.
Subscribing to our newsletter is quick and easy as per the info on this website. We promise not to bombard you with too much info and usually send out a newsletter or newsflash approx. every 6 weeks.
This FAQ section was last updated on 1 July 2024.