Frequently Asked Questions
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YOUR Deposit of $1000 is ALL that is required to hold your spot in this Taste and Savor Travels!
How much does it cost and what’s included?
Please click on Trip Links in the Navigation bar above for costs and everything included.
Trip price guarantee:
The price for the tour you’ve selected will be locked and guaranteed the moment we receive your deposit.
What should I expect from Taste and Savor Travels?
An interesting, enriching, rewarding, and memorable travel experience. On Taste and Savor travels you are not simply a tourist; you are a guest. You’ll taste wine, sample new and authentic regional cuisine, meet locals and discover the history and traditions of the countries we visit.
What is the age group of people who join Taste and Savor Travels?
Any adventurer over 21 who is interested in culturally immersive, active, small group travel. We have had travelers as young as 25 and as “experienced” as 80.
GREAT NEWS! Our COVID Update is OUT of DATE as of 2024!
As vaccines have become commonly accessible and billions of people around the globe have received their shots, being fully vaccinated is now an almost universal requirement for entry into countries as well as many public attractions and accommodations. For the sake of ALL the travelers on our trips, we require guests ages 12 and older to be vaccinated and to carry proof, such as the CDC Vaccination Record Card, with them at all times while traveling with Taste and Savor.
How much walking should I anticipate?
Mountain climbing and fording rapids are not required, but you should be ready for action to enjoy Taste and Savor Travels. We do a considerable bit of walking in old historic city sections, in and around attractions, over cobblestone streets, up hills, and climbing staircases.
Should I get travel insurance?
We encourage travel insurance for everyone. This can cover lots of challenges. Although we hope you never get sick or have an accident “across the pond” you need to check and see if your U.S. medical insurance will apply in Europe.
How do I make a reservation?
Email us to tell us you’re ready to sign up! Your deposit of $1000 will hold your spot. As a small boutique business, we prefer a check, however, we can take credit cards with a 3% charge.
What kind of information should I expect to receive after I make my reservation?
When you book and deposit your Taste and Savor Travel, you will receive a participant agreement. This gives us vital information about you and how we can make your travel enjoyable.
Between the time you book your trip and the trip itself, we’ll keep in touch on the Taste and Savor website and blog and email. About a month before your Adventure begins, we’ll have a Traveler Get-Together and you’ll receive additional information and a final itinerary, with contact numbers and further information.
How many people go on your trips?
We have a maximum of 12 travelers on any specific adventure. That means we can visit places, people and sights that bigger groups can’t access.
Can I Travel Solo?
There are two options – If you prefer to have your own room then you can book and pay an added single supplement ($500). Alternatively, we will try to match you up with someone of the same gender, thereby saving you the cost of the single supplement.
Do I need to worry about getting to or from the airport on the trip?
Not at all. We don’t want you to worry about transportation the entire week. We will meet you at the airport, and deliver you back at the end of the tour.
Does the price include any flights?
No. We will take care of you when you reach our designated meeting point, and deliver you back to the airport for your departing flight, but you will need to schedule and purchase your airplane tickets yourself. When you book the trip, you’ll receive a general itinerary which will let you know what time and what airport to fly in and out of, so you can book your travel.
How will I know who’s on my trip?
Great question! We think it’s important for our travelers to know each other, even before our trip starts! We’ll hold a Traveler Get-Together about a month before departure. You’ll have a chance to meet everyone and get some additional information about the trip.
When is the final payment for the trip due?
Your final payment is due 90 days before departure. A deposit of $1000 is required to book your place on the trip. If you sign up for a tour less than 90 days before its departure, the entire tour price must be paid,
What kinds of meals are included on the trip?
We’ll enjoy foods from the countries we are visiting. We never sacrifice taste, but we are committed to having you go home feeling great. So, we carefully consider what to serve at each meal to give you an authentic culinary experience. All meals are included, except for the ones noted on each the itinerary. (We will know any food preferences or allergies, because you will fill out your participant agreement after you send your deposit.) That’s when you tell us more about yourself – so that we can make sure the trip is perfect for you!
What kind of hotels will we stay in?
The hotels we choose always have three things, a great location – close to key historic and cultural sights, regional ambiance and excellent service. The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths and comfortable amenities. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the hotel types may differ, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering.
Why is it called a planned itinerary?
We pledge to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, we reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Europe is full of surprises, and we need to be flexible enough to take advantage of whatever comes along (good or bad!) so that we may provide you with the best possible tour. We will cover any resultant added expenses. If for some reason beyond our control, a trip is canceled, we will refund your money promptly and completely.
Can I cancel my participation in the adventure or change my plans?
Your deposit will be refunded in full, minus a $200 administration fee until 90 days before departure. If you let us know less than 90 days before departure that you are unable to take the trip, your deposit/full payment is refundable in part.. Your Taste and Savor Adventure is an important investment – we highly recommend purchasing travel insurance. We’ll send out more information on Travel Insurance after you send your deposit.
What should I wear on a Culinary and Wine Adventure?
Typically, we wear casual clothes. Almost anywhere we travel, you’ll be comfortable in dark, attractive jeans, a nice sweater or shirt and comfie shoes. Remember that winery floors can be wet and wine cellars are cool! If there is anywhere that you’d feel better in dressier attire, we will be sure to let you know when you receive your final itinerary.
Will I have to carry my suitcase?
Yes. Most itineraries have at least 2 nights in a hotel, so our packing and unpacking are minimized, but keep in mind that a heavy suitcase can be a drag! We’ll help you in any way we can, (and our bus driver will, too!)
Will our hotels have elevators?
Sometimes. But remember, we’re not staying in typical tourist accommodations; we are staying in hotels with authentic regional ambiance, or an even smaller gasthaus, often owned by people we know. Many wonderful accommodations in Europe have NO elevators.
How much extra money should I count on bringing?
The meals, hotels, admissions and fares are detailed on each trip. So, you will just need to pay for any meals on your own, or any admissions during your free time. You pay want to take home some souvenirs – you’ll need cash or credit card for these as well.
How can I change dollars to euros?
When we meet you at the airport on our first day, we will give you time to exchange cash. Otherwise, we suggest you use a credit card for any of your extra expenses like shopping or souvenirs.
