The size of each travel program varies depending upon destination and type of trip. Most of our land programs have approximately 25 or fewer participants. Ocean voyages are usually smaller than 75 travelers, and river voyages range between 50 and 90 travelers.
Activity Levels
Light | These programs involve a minimum of one (1) mile of walking each day, averaging a pace of around 30 minutes per mile. During walks, there may be stairs without handrails to climb, and walking periods can last up to an hour. While the routes generally consist of level ground, there may be occasional cobblestones, uneven pavement, or unpaved paths. Please be aware that there will be times when you'll need to stand during the walks. Additionally, embarking and disembarking from motor coaches and other transportation methods will be part of the program. |
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Intermediate  | On these programs, you can expect to walk one to two (1-2) miles at a time while visiting different sites and participating in walking or architectural tours. Some excursions may involve climbing multiple flights of stairs without handrails, as well as walking on uneven pavement, unpaved roads, paths, or cobblestones. Please note that there may be instances where you'll need to stand for up to an hour at sites where seating is not available. |
Active | These programs may include more active components such as hiking, bicycling, and walking longer distances of three (3) miles or more per day. You can expect to encounter hills and/or uneven terrain on several days. Additionally, on each day of the program, there may be instances where you'll need to stand for long periods of time without difficulty. |
Adventurous | These programs are specifically tailored for travelers who are physically fit and vigorous. Participants should be able to walk five (5) or more miles without difficulty, even on steep or highly uneven surfaces. Throughout the program, there will be several days that involve active pursuits lasting three to four hours at a time. These activities may include hiking in mountainous regions or in the bush, cycling for several miles, or sea kayaking. |
Trip Tempo/Pacing
Tranquillo | These programs offer a high degree of flexibility when it comes to choosing activities and pacing levels and are usually based on small-ship travel. On these journeys, you may be able to opt out of morning or afternoon excursions and other activities if you prefer. Additionally, there may be multiple groups available on the excursions, each with their own distinct pacing options, allowing you to find the pace that suits you best. |
Moderato | These programs offer a full schedule of excursions, with some opportunities for free time and independent meals. It is possible that you may stay in more than one hotel during the program as you explore different locations. Additionally, there may be early-morning hotel departures and extended coach, air, or train travel between cities or to remote sites. |
Vivace | These programs feature a packed schedule of active sightseeing and visits, often starting early in the day and potentially including evening activities. There may be substantial travel times on coaches, trains, or planes. Throughout the program, you can expect to stay in more than two hotels as you explore different locations. Vivace programs frequently involve visits to multiple countries and have limited free time. |
Presto | These programs consist of packed and active days, including evening activities. You can expect extended travel times and the use of various local transportation methods. Additionally, there will be frequent changes of hotels throughout the program. |
Yes, all of our tour directors are native English speakers, or are as fluent as if English was their native language. In addition, those sections of tours led by local guides are also in English. For other requests, please contact our office at 1-800-221-1944 or 1-212-514-8921.
The emphasis is on comfortable clothing. Daytime attire is casual both aboard ship and ashore. Depending on the destination, you may wish to bring warmer clothing to layer during cruising and for some of the excursions. A windbreaker or a raincoat will be useful in damp or rainy weather. A hat or an umbrella is recommended for protection against the sun, as are sunglasses and sunscreen.
Most passengers on cruises change for dinner. Jackets and collared shirts are appropriate for men, and we suggest skirts and blouses, dresses, or suits for women. At welcome and farewell dinners, attire is more formal. A jacket and tie are appropriate for men and a cocktail dress or suit for women.
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for shore excursions! Shoes with rubber soles are best for walking. If you are traveling on a program that involves a river boat or a voyaging ship, choice of footwear should include shoes that have non-skid soles to ensure maximum traction on the wooden ship decks.
Arrangements Abroad has a long standing policy of accepting only program reservation deposits by credit card. As a consequence, all final payments are to be made by personal check or wire transfer.Â
Arrangements Abroad will be delighted to assist you with air travel arrangements for your trip, including specially negotiated group airfare when available, suggested group flights, or your requests. The cost of this service is $40 per person. All airfares are guaranteed once the ticket has been issued.
This includes personalized access to a broad range of airfare options, many of which are exclusive to your group. In addition to the pre-flight fare analysis and consultation, once ticketed your reservation will be monitored for any changes that might affect your travel plans. If your airline travel plans are affected, which might include potential weather delays, your adviser will assist you with alternate arrangements to minimize the disruptions.
Complete details are provided in the program confirmation mailing.
We welcome individuals who are traveling as singles. If you wish to reserve a room or cabin for single occupancy, generally we must pass along the cost of a single supplement.
Arrangements Abroad is pleased to offer group rates for additional nights at the group hotels before and after trips. Regrettably, we cannot assist with individual arrangements at hotels not included in the program itinerary. For more information, please contact our office at 1-800-221-1944 or 1-212-514-8921.
As a group tour operator, typically we cannot assist with individual arrangements such as private touring and dinner reservations. We recommend seeking the services of a travel agent or hotel concierge to help you with these arrangements.
In order to maintain the integrity of the program, travelers are unable to skip portions of the tour. Please contact our office with questions or concerns.
Pending availability, Arrangements Abroad will hold a place for you for seven days to allow you to make a decision. After seven days have passed, a signed reservation application along with a deposit to guarantee your place are required. The deposit will be applied toward the total cost of your travel program.
Deposit amounts (of which $500 is non-refundable for administrative fees) vary depending on the tour. You may pay your deposit with a credit card, wire transfer or personal check.
Airport transfers are not included for those who are not on the group flight. However, if your flight is arriving prior to the group flight, you are welcome to meet the group for the transfer. We suggest that you arrive at least one hour prior to the group flight in case your flight is delayed.
If you are on a flight to exotic destinations where you may not wish to take public transportation or a taxi, we recommend arranging a private car. Please contact us at 1-800-221-1944 or 1-212-514-8921 if you would like to make any of the special arrangements above.
Travelers are welcome to make arrangements to meet the group flight in the departure city, and Arrangements Abroad is happy to assist you. Please contact us at 1-800-221-1944 or 1-212-514-8921.
In order to provide travelers with flexibility in their travel arrangements, we do not include round trip airfares in program rates. However, flights within and between foreign countries that are part of the travel itinerary are generally included in program rates.
If you are interested in a specific program but are not affiliated with the sponsoring organization, please contact our office at 1-800-221-1944 or 1-212-514-8921 for availability.
