Highlights
► 2 Flightseeing Tours, 1 Over Milford Sound & 1 Over Mount Cook
► Jet-Boating Top-Speed Along a Turquoise-Colored River
► A World-Famous Suspension Bridge Jump (optional)
► Running Off a 60-Meter Cliff (optional)
► Zip-Lining in the Forest
► Cable Car Ride Over Stunning Landscape
► Four-Wheel Driving in a Scenic Valley (seasonal)
► Boat Rides Around Icebergs (seasonal), Fjords & a National Park & Inside a Cave
► A Cruise on a Historic Steamship
► Visits to Boiling Geothermal Sites
► Bathing in a Mud Spa
► Glacier-Hiking
► A Tour of Lord of the Rings’ Movie Set
► A Show Demonstrating Centuries-Old Native Rituals
► And Much, Much More...
What's Included
International Airfare *For VIP members only (ask us for details)
Lodging *Some restrictions apply
Tour Guides
All Ground & Water Transportation
All Activities in Itinerary Below
All Entry Fees
Your Own On-Call Concierge
Breakfasts
Lunch x 1
Dinners x 2
What to Expect on This Tour
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Itinerary
Day 1: Starting in New Zealand's Most Popular Destination, First Impression
Our tour starts in Queenstown, a vibrant resort which serves as New Zealand’s most popular destination. It is from here we make 2 daytrips, both fun for all ages and types of travelers. Note that you can extend this standard 11-day tour by one day if you wish to engage in some extreme sports activities near Queenstown. Specifically, on this added day, you would jump off a 43-meter (141-foot) bridge called Kawarau and/or swing off a cliff. It is called Shotover Canyon Swing. Obviously, these two activities are not for everyone. This is why we are offering them as a one-day extension to our standard 11-day tour around New Zealand. Let us know if you are interested.
Day 2: A Pilot's View of Paradise as Well as Blue Lakes
Today we make a daytrip to Milford Sound, getting to there and back to Queenstown by scenic flight. Upon arrival, we go on a boat tour cruising atop clear waters and in between postcard-perfect mountains. Milford Sound has been judged the world’s top travel destination in an international survey taken by TripAdvisor, receiving the Travelers' Choice Destinations Awards. Milford Sound is acclaimed as New Zealand's most famous tourist attraction.
Please note that due to unpredictable weather conditions in and around Milford Sound, it is common our customers get to there or return from there by land. When this happens, stops are made so we can enjoy Lake Te Anau, Mirror Lakes, the mountainous Monkey Creek and a national park called the ‘Chasm’.
Day 3: Four Different Pleasures in Just One Day
We start our day with a quick drive to a picturesque gorge called Skippers Canyon. It is mostly one-way, narrow and steep with sheer drops of several hundred meters. After our scenic land expedition, we head to the nearby Shotover River. There we go on a very fast and swerving jet-boating ride. Following lunch, we go zip-lining near the village of Glenorchy.
Next, we take a cruise on the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship. While on the tour, we make a stop at a homestead which is known for its sheep, alpacas and a beautiful garden. After dinner, we visit a purpose-built amphitheater. There we see a farmyard of sheep shearing (cutting the sheep’s wool) and otherwise watch a ‘sheepdog round-up’ (the dog makes the sheep walk together as a group). This evening we head to a place called Skyline Queenstown. There we take a cable car ride to the top of a mountain called Bob’s Peak. Beautiful views can be seen in every direction.
Day 4: Coming Face-to-Face with the Country's Highest Mountain
Today we relocate from Queenstown to Mount Cook Village. Upon arrival, we can hike along Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park’s Hooker Valley Track. The lookout point at the end of the track is the closest any walking track comes to seeing the highest mountain in New Zealand (Mount Cook). The end of the track reveals completely unobstructed views, with Hooker Glacier seen in the valley below.
Day 5: Landing on a Field of Ice & Leaving the World Behind
Before relocating to the city of Christchurch, we make a daytrip to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park’s Tasman Glacier. We get to there and back to Mount Cook Village by scenic flight. Of New Zealand's 20 peaks over 3,000 meters, all except one lie in this park. Glaciers cover 40 percent of the park area, notably the Tasman Glacier. After landing on this glacier, we go on a guided snow shoeing hike, seeing blue ice grottoes and caves.
Please note that due to unpredictable weather conditions in and around Tasman Glacier, it is common our customers get to there or return from there by land. When this happens between September and May, we replace the flight-seeing tour with a popular boat ride which visits icebergs. When this happens between June and August, we replace the flight-seeing tour with a four-wheel drive expedition around Tasman Valley.
Day 6: The Charming Colonial Architecture of Christchurch
Before relocating to the town of Nelson by flight, we are provided with a guided tour around Christchurch. This city was established in 1850 by Anglican English settlers. The heritage shows in its fine older buildings, especially the neo-gothic ones. The city highlights are the cathedral, riverside market and botanical gardens.
Day 7: The Finest Beaches on This Tour
Before relocating to the town of Rotorua, we make a daytrip from Nelson to Abel Tasman National Park. There we are provided with a scenic boat tour. Abel Tasman National Park is in one of the sunniest places in the country, with over 2,000 hours of sunlight per year. The most notable features of this park are its golden-sand beaches, arguably the finest in New Zealand.
Day 8: A Natural Healing Pool, a Volcanic Crater, Hot Water Springs & Eating with the Islands' First People
This morning starts with a daytrip to the nearby Waimangu Volcanic Valley. On a self-guided tour, there we see volcanic craters, hot water springs and other geothermal features. We also go on a boat ride on Lake Rotomahana. Upon returning to Rotorua, we are taken to the so-called Hell’s Gate Geothermal Reserve and Mud Spa. There we bathe in a mud pool. The evening ends at the nearby Tamaki Maori Village. There we learn about native rituals, watch a show and have a traditional dinner. The meal is included this evening.
Day 9: An Internationally Acclaimed Film Made Here & Glowworm Grottoes
When relocating from Rotorua to the city of Auckland, two important stops are made along the way. The first is at the Hobbiton Movie Set, home to the internationally acclaimed Lord of the Rings trilogy. There we are provided with a guided tour and lunch. The other important stop before reaching Auckland is at the Waitomo Caves. There we are provided with a boat ride through glowworm grottoes. The site is spectacular, to say the least.
Day 10: The City of Sailboats & Seafood Restaurants & a Dazzling Skyline
Today we are provided with a guided sightseeing tour. Auckland is a modern cosmopolitan city with a population of over 1 million people. Popular attractions include the waterfront, Albert Park, Domain Park, the central business district and arguably best of all, Sky Tower.
Day 11: Our Tour Ends Today
Transportation will be arranged for you to reach the airport in Auckland.
Customer Reviews
CharlieTheTraveler’s tour to New Zealand was remarkable! It was evident the company did everything they could to keep their price low for me without compromising on any of the experience. There was so many activities to go on but there was never a rushed or stressful moment. The tour guides provided were professional and respectful of our time.
Almost every activity we went on was my favorite! It is so hard to choose just one. However, one aspect of the trip that stood out to me as it was unique was the jet boat. The water was so pretty and it was such a fun water activity, unlike anything I’d been on before!
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The trip to New Zealand organized by CharlieTheTraveler was packed with active and fun activities! I had a blast on every tour we took, especially the flight tours. I am so happy I went on this trip and cannot wait to book my next through this company!
As I said before, the flight tours were my favorite part of the trip. It was such a unique way to explore the beautiful landscape of the country. I also appreciated that although our experience and entertainment were prioritized, I still felt safe while doing every adventure.
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My trip to New Zealand did not disappoint! The tour guides that CharlieTheTraveler planned for the tours made me feel welcome and safe throughout the trip. I am very pleased with the organization and planning that went into this trip so that I could enjoy every aspect!
I had never done anything like the glacier hiking trip in the Mount Cook National Park. It was such a wonderful experience and a unique vacation activity. I absolutely adored the views of the glaciers and caves.
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I don’t travel often because I hate planning everything out. However, when I came across CharlieTheTraveler tours, I felt assured I would get a great trip for a low price and without any hassle. I could not have asked for a better trip to New Zealand, as it exceeded all of my expectations!
I chose the trip to New Zealand for the wildlife and landscape attractions, but I had no idea I would also get a pop culture tour! I am thrilled we went to the set of Lord of The Rings, as it is one of my favorite film series. The tour was so cool! I had never been to a movie set before so this was a great experience for me!
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A trip to New Zealand was on my travel bucket list, so I was excited to see it on the list of CharlieTheTraveler tours. I’ve seen so many great reviews of this company’s tours and wanted to try one out. My tour was everything I expected and more.
It was very cool seeing both glaciers and beaches on the same trip! Not many tours will highlight both of these landscapes, which is what I appreciated most about this trip. Both natural landscapes were beautiful in their own ways and I loved exploring them.
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My friend and I wanted to go on an adventurous trip that kept us busy and wasn’t boring. In my research I had found this New Zealand trip from CharlieTheTraveler. It looked amazing and I was impressed when we booked the trip, the company prepared us thoroughly. By the time we left, I barely had to plan anything to get ready which was so great! It was also great to see all aspects of New Zealand, both natural and cultural.
The cable car ride up Bob’s Peak was a unique experience. The views were breathtaking and the entire tour was well-organized. That was the moment I couldn’t believe where I was and that it was all real!
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I really liked every aspect of my trip to New Zealand. The company organized great activities for each day but also made sure we had enough time to explore on our own. I enjoyed enjoying the nightlife of Queenstown in the first half of the tour, especially since our tour guide provided by CharlieTheTraveler recommended some great attractions!
Although I loved the active tours, I really enjoyed touring the historical city of Christchurch. It was a window into the history and culture of New Zealand which made me appreciate all other aspects of the trip.
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I don’t think I could have planned a more perfect trip to New Zealand. There was a decent balance of activities and there weren’t any issues I encountered. I never wanted the trip to end! I’m sure I’ll be booking my next trip through CharlieTheTraveler soon.
Waitomo Caves was so interesting to visit. The view of the glowworms was like nothing I’ve seen before in my travels. I’m glad this tour was included!
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What can I say about my trip to New Zealand? It was perfect! There were so many interesting activities, all of which were included in the price. CharlieTheTraveler provides a bargain for everything I did and experienced throughout this trip.
I really enjoy flying in planes so I was thrilled to have gone on not one but two flight tours of the country. It was very picturesque and I’m appreciative for the tour guide provided as I didn’t miss any views!
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I never thought of New Zealand as a place I would want to visit. However, as I was exploring highly rated tours, I read the tour provided by CharlieTheTraveler and it was so enticing, I just had to book. I have no regrets because the trip was so much fun!
The last full day of my trip was very memorable. I remember feeling so relaxed and being able to reflect on the entire trip while enjoying the mud spa and exploring the volcanic area. It was a great ending to a great trip!
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Awesome trip! I would definitely go on this trip to New Zealand again. This company prepared me well for how to pack and specifically what to bring. Every aspect of this trip went smoothly.
Snow shoeing on Tasman Glacier was a unique experience for me. I never Imagined doing something like that on vacation and I would have never thought to book such a great excursion, so I’m happy CharlieTheTraveler did!
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CharlieTheTraveler has a great price for the amount of amenities included for the New Zealand trip. I was impressed with the meals that were provided as they were authentic and delicious. It is evident the company knew the country well. I felt truly immersed.
The ice grottoes in Mount Cook National Park was breathtaking! It was such a great, active tour. The ice looked impeccable and untouched!
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I haven’t been able to stop raving about my trip and recommending this company to my friends and family. New Zealand is so beautiful and I think CharlieTheTraveler did a splendid job highlighting its beauty in the many activities planned.
The gorge cruise was my favorite part of the trip. The steamship was very cool and I loved learning about the history of the ship. I’m a history buff, so the educational part of this tour along with the beautiful views made for the perfect day trip!
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All of the positive reviews for CharlieTheTraveler made me really want to go on one of their trips. I decided to go on the New Zealand tour after seeing all that was packed into the itinerary. I had such a great time and I have a whole new appreciation for the country. The landscape views were spectacular!
Touring Milford Sound in a boat was the best experience of the trip. The water was so beautiful I could have lived in it. Those images will stay with me forever!
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A few of my friends had taken a trip through CharlieTheTraveler last year and loved it so I booked the New Zealand trip with confidence. From the moment I booked the trip until I returned from the trip, I knew I was in good hands. On the trip, the tour guides provided made sure I enjoyed myself and took out all the stress of traveling. My safety and enjoyment were made a priority.
I’m an adrenaline junkie, so I loved the active tours, especially zip lining. I think zip lining is the best way to experience any beautiful country, but New Zealand offered amazing sights that could only be experienced zip lining.
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There was such a perfect balance of adventurous activities and educational tours that I felt immersed in all that New Zealand has to offer. CharlieTheTraveler picked very fun and exciting day trips that kept up the momentum throughout the week.
I enjoyed walking around Christchurch and learning the history of the city. The buildings are beautiful and our tour guide highlighted the best parts of the city. I would love to go back there!
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What I liked about my trip to New Zealand was that CharlieTheTraveler kept the group size to a minimum. I felt the tours were much more personal than other tours I’ve been on. The tour guides provided were friendly and made us feel safe for the duration of the trip.
The jet boat was such a fun activity! It was like a roller coaster on water. I give CharlieTheTraveler credit for including this excursion on the trip!
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There are not enough good things I can say about my trip to New Zealand with CharlieTheTraveler. The day trips were fun, the food provided was delectable, and most of all, I didn’t have to plan any of it!
The film set of Lord of the Rings was a great tour to be included. I definitely “nerded” out the entire time! I was impressed by the tour guide’s knowledge.
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I am very picky when it comes to vacation, but the numerous positive reviews of all CharlieTheTraveler convinced me to book their New Zealand tour. It exceeded me expectations and standards for a good trip, but I didn’t have to stress out to plan out the small details. I was pleased with all the transportation to and from day trips and the tour guides that were provided.
The mud spa was a very relaxing and interesting excursion. The mud bath paired with the exploration of the volcanic craters was ideal. That was my favorite part of the trip!
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5 stars for a great trip to New Zealand! All of the activities were right up my alley as I enjoy adventure. I also loved that CharlieTheTraveler used the activities to highlight the beautiful landscapes of the country, such as the blue waters and the glaciers.
The best way we explored the beautiful landscapes was at Skyline Queenstown where we took the cable car ride. The aerial views were picture-perfect and etched in my memory forever!
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Financing Offered for This Tour?
A 4-installment payment plan is available, often with 0 percent interest to those with at least decent credit. Ask us for details. Our luxury-oriented and itinerary-packed “New Zealand in 11 Days” tour is available for $3,334 USD per person. This price includes all transportation, except flights. It also includes tour guides, food, all activities and all entry fees. If you would like lodging included for all nights on this tour, then the combined (transportation, tour guides, food, activities, entry fees and lodging) total would be $4,594 USD per person. This price is based on 2 per room and is offered to those booking at least 6 weeks in advance. Note that whereas there is no fee associated with paying by check, there is a 3.5 percent surcharge for payments made by credit card. We accept both forms of payment. Moving forward, to better understand your specific circumstances and wishes, and for us to accurately quote you, please tell us:
1. How many persons in your party-including yourself-would be joining this tour? Solo travelers are welcomed, in case you were wondering.
2. Would you be sharing the room with others in your group (e.g. a spouse, relative or friend) or do you want the room exclusive to you?
3. Where would you be flying from (and back to)?
4. On what date would you like to leave home?
5. Would you like to extend the duration of this tour so you have some free days just to relax? If you have 1 extra day, then we recommend Christchurch. If you have 2, then we recommend 1 in Christchurch and 1 in Queenstown.
6. Lastly, would you like to add another day to this standard 11-day tour so you can do-as a daytrip from Queenstown-the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge jump as well as the Shotover Canyon Fox cliff jump? This would make your New Zealand tour 12 days in total. Note that doing both activities on the same day is recommended only for the type of traveler who enjoys extreme sports.
What’s Excluded in the Price?
Any airfare, alcohol, travel insurance, any government-imposed visa fees and anything not mentioned in the itinerary.
Although airfare is not included in the price, we will find you the exact flights you need. Just ask.
Are Domestic Flights Needed for This Tour?
Below are the domestic flights needed for this tour:
Day 1: If you cannot fly directly to Queenstown, then you will need to take a connecting flight most likely from Auckland.
Day 6: Christchurch to Nelson
Day 7: Nelson to Rotorua
At What Specific Hotels Would We Be Staying?
Below are the names of the hotels where we commonly have our customers stay. Note this is subject to availability.
Nights 1-3: Queenstown, Preferred Accommodation: Crowne Plaza Hotel or Sofitel or Novotel or Holiday Inn Express
Night 4: Mount Cook Village, Preferred Accommodation: The Hermitage Hotel
Night 5: Christchurch, Preferred Accommodation: BreakFree on Cashel or Crown Plaza Hotel
Night 6: Nelson, Preferred Accommodation: Shelbourne Villa or The Sails Nelson or Delorenzo’s Studio Apartment
Nights 7-8: Rotorua, Preferred Accommodation: Pullman Rotorua or Regent of Rotorua Boutique Hotel
Nights 9-10: Auckland, Preferred Accommodation: Auckland City Hotel or M Social Auckland
Is This a Private or Group Tour?
Although virtually all activities on this multi-day tour are shared with other travelers, we can make the trip almost completely private, per your request, at an additional cost.
Am I Sharing the Room with Someone?
Your room is exclusive to you and whomever is in your party. Strangers (meaning customers who book on the same start date but do not know each other) do not share rooms on this tour. On a side note, please let us know if you and the other person(s) in your booking want separate rooms.
What is the Age Range & Nationality of the People Who Book This Tour?
Although we get customers of all ages and from several countries, our statistics show most people who book are 30 to 65 years old and from USA, UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
Are Kids Allowed on This Tour & Are They Charged the Same as Adults?
We welcome your kids specifically and only when the tour is exclusive to you and your group-meaning other customers are not joining you. We define kids as anyone under 18 years old. In order to make the tour exclusive to you and your group, your booking would need to be for 4 persons or more for any of our tours except Iceland. For our Iceland tour, your booking would need to be for 8 persons or more. Regarding the cost of bringing a non-adult, we do deduct from the total based on the amount of activities you request we remove from the tour. Note that reducing the total price of the tour by removing activities is something offered for non-adults only. Adults can opt out of activities but the total price does not change.
How Strong Do I Need to Be For This Trip?
We do not expect you to be an Olympic champion. We know some of the tour members are more fit than others…and we are well prepared for this. However, we do hope you take into consideration this is a very active tour, just like every other tour we offer.
Are Disabled People Allowed on This Tour?
Please let us know about any disability you have. Some disabilities would not affect you taking this tour. Others would prevent you from joining altogether. Although we want all of our customers to have fun, your safety is our first priority.
Do I Get Any Free Time to Myself?
Of course. Once each day’s tour is over, you have the rest of the evening to yourself. Because our tours tend to be very active, our customers typically want to simply relax once the sun sets.
What Happens If I Arrive Late?
Notify us as soon as possible and we will do our very best to arrange a meeting point. Please note that we do not refund for any days or activities that you miss.
Can I Opt-Out of Certain Activities?
Generally speaking, you can opt out as long as we are given adequate notice. Please note that opting out of certain activities does not reduce the price of this tour.
What Happens If I Get Injured on This Trip & Cannot Continue?
We would do our best to keep you safe and make you as comfortable as possible, as well as make special arrangements to address your situation. Partial refunds are not offered if you cannot continue with the tour. However, most travel insurances reimburse you for such situations. This is one of many reasons why we require our customers to purchase travel insurance before taking this tour.
What Happens If I Cancel This Trip?
To confirm your tour, full payment is needed at the time of your purchase. However, refunds are offered. You will receive a full refund if canceling at least 91 days in advance from the departure date. Cancelling between 90-60 days prior to departure entitles you to a 50 percent refund. Cancelling between 59-31 days prior to departure entitles you to a 25 percent refund. Canceling 30 days or less prior to departure is not eligible for a refund. Cancellation requests need to be made by email and become effective on the date received by CharlieTheTraveler.
What Happens If You, CharlieTheTraveler, Cancel This Trip?
In the unlikely event CharlieTheTraveler needs to cancel this trip, such as because of very poor weather conditions, we will give you a full refund for the tour within 14 business days of the cancellation. Note: We are not a participant in the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund, nor is this transaction covered by the Restitution Fund.
How Do You Help Prepare Us For This Trip?
You should receive an email from us within 24 hours of purchasing this tour as well as a week before departure. The first email gives details about what to bring, how to prepare yourself, etc. The second email is more like a timetable combined with important contact information.
Is There Anything Out of the Ordinary I Should Bring on This Trip?
We ask you to wear sturdy shoes (preferably boots and never flipflops!). Also, bring warm clothes and a water-resistant jacket. On a different note, you may need to bring adapters for your electronic devices.
Is CharlieTheTraveler Licensed & Which State in America Issued it?
The owner of the travel license is the same owner of CharlieTheTraveler. Charlie is a California born and bred resident. The company is headquartered in Greater Los Angeles. The registration number is CST 2136740-70. Please note that travel agents registered as a seller of travel in California does not constitute approval by the State. Also please note that California law requires sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. CharlieTheTraveler has a trust account.
Are the Tour Guides Licensed & Will They Be With Me the Entire Time?
Our tour guides/drivers are licensed, speak English and know how to bring excitement to your day. What we deliver is the complete opposite of the cookie-cutting tours the big corporations offer, leaving you in complete boredom. Although our tour guides/drivers are attentive, accommodating and engaged, they also know when to give you your private space and free time. It's a perfect balance.
Are We Required to Have Travel Insurance?
Travel insurance is required for all of our customers, for their protection and safety. CharlieTheTraveler does not sell travel insurance. We cannot endorse any specific company. Please check out different companies online and go with the one which offers the most comprehensive coverage.
In Which Language(s) is This Tour Offered?
All of our tours are offered in English. If you prefer another language, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Can We Customize This Tour?
Although we are open to customizing this tour to fit your liking, as a general rule, we discourage the practice. We do our best to keep the cost of the tour low. The more we customize it, the quicker the price goes up. As our tour is currently advertised, you absolutely will not find another one out there as packed with activities and attractions. What’s more, you will not find another tour out there that offers it all "FIRST CLASS," yet for a relatively low price. We have thousands of travelers taking this specific tour every year, and that's because no competitor can beat us on quality, price & substance.
Do We Need to Get Our Own Transportation to and From the Airport?
Absolutely not. We make the arrangements for you.
Is Someone Available for Us 24-7 While on This Tour?
Yes! You have your own concierge for this tour who is at your disposal. You could reach this person when you need anything.
Where Can I Read About All of Your Terms & Conditions?
Why Our Tours Beat Competition
- We routinely pick up the phone and otherwise respond to messages quickly and thoroughly.
- We do not cancel because of group size turnout, unlike with most competitors.
- Virtually no company offers multiday tours as comprehensive as ours. This is a verifiable fact.
- We do not charge solo travelers single supplements for the tours.
- For most of our tours, you can start on any date.
- We have hundreds of 5-star reviews online.
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