Is The Trinity Tour Company the right tour for me?


If you want:

 

  •  personally created tours for "YOU".. Then YES!

  •  a guaranteed "To Go" Tour.. Then YES! 

  •  to know WHO your guides and traveling companions are upfront.. Then YES!

  •  to be asked what YOU want to see.. Then YES!

  • more free time for you to encounter your own personal pursuits and interests..Then YES!

  • a tour that shows you the True Flavour of Culture in each country.. Then YES!

  •  a tour to go above and beyond Tourist Traps.. Then YES!

  •  a tour NOT to be "herded" around..Then YES! 

  •  to be treated like a well loved family member and not just a "client".. Then YES!

  •  a relax-paced and culturally enriched tour.. Then YES!

  •  to travel on tours with an amazing reputation.. Then YES!

  •  a GREAT VALUE tour that MAXIMISES  your every dollar..Then YES!

  •  small deposits and a payment plan.. Then YES!

  •  a balanced mix of structured time as a group with free time on your own.. Then YES!

  •  not one but TWO guides that are knowledgeable, have travel experience, knows life-saving techniques  and will take care of you..Then YES!

  •  to share some meals with the group at AMAZING local restaurants.. Then YES!

  •  surround yourself with like-minded travellers.. Then YES!

  •  make Lifetime Friendships.. Then Yes! 

  •  AMAZING FOOD.. Then YES! 

  •  a private group page for you to banter with your travelmates.. Then YES!

  •  a Pre-Trip Shopper so you don't have to wait in lines.. Then YES!

  •  a group with a sense of humour and are a lot of fun to be with.. Then YES!

  •  wonderful accommodations with character and charm.. THEN YES!

  •  an OVERALL tour experience like no other.. Then YES! 

Below you will find different sections many answers to questions that are often brought. If you can not find what you are looking for, feel free to contact us and we will help in anyway possible.

 

   1. Booking the Trip    

  • How do I know which trips are available?

  • Does the tour price include flights? 

  • When should I book my tour?

  • Do you offer payment plans, and when are they due?

  • Do you offer DISCOUNTS?   

  2. Getting Prepared    

  • Do I need a passport?

  • What immunisations do I need?

  • Do I need to take any medical supplies?  

  • How much luggage can I take?

  • Do I need Travel Insurance?    

  • Do you have a checklist I can use to prepare for the trip and instructions on what to pack?

  • What is the dress code and what should I wear?

3. Your Travelling Companions  

  • Are there more couples or singles in your group?

  • Who will I be travelling with?

  • Are there any age limits?  

  •  How many people will be on the trip?

 4. Money Matters    

  • What’s included in the trip cost?

  • What is the best way to take money with me?

  • Are tips included in the Land Package price? 

  • Can I bring gifts for people?

  • What is the best way to exchange money 

  • What happens if I need to cancel?         

 5. The FOOD                 

  • What will the food be like?

  • I’m a vegetarian or have special dietary needs, can you help?

  • Many tours included table d´hote dinners but you don't, why?

6. On Tour

  • How do I get to the start of the tour?

  • How much free time is there?

  • What happens if my flight is delayed and I get there after the pick-up time?

  •  Will I be able to do any laundry? 

  • Can I get online whilst travelling?

  • Will my mobile work overseas?

 7.  Accommodations

  • What are the Accommodations like?           

  • Can I book extra accommodation for the start or end of the tour?

   

1. Booking the Trip

 

 

  • How do I know which trips are available?  

All our tours are listed as "guaranteed to go" as we do not have a minimum number for the trip to go ahead like other tour companies.  This is just the way we like it.  This gives you the confidence that is very important when booking your tour and planning ahead.  There may be limited places remaining, however, unless the tour does not read " SOLD OUT",  you may still join us.

  • Does the tour price include flights?

The prices listed on our site do not include flights. We have found that many people want to book their own flights so they can find the best possible deals.  Many of our guests also want to use frequent flyer miles and take advantage of upgrades. We do have many people traveling on the same flights however.  We also have many people who extend their trips and we feel it would restrict their freedom if we set a return date by purchasing their flights.  We send out a list of flights other guests are booking and if you are traveling from the same airport, you too can book that flight and fly with other guests traveling on our tour.

  • When should I book my tour?

Don't delay! Our trips sell out very fast and to avoid disappointment you should book your place and pay your deposit before the deadline. We can and will usually take bookings for all of our tours after the deadline has passed but you will run the risk of it being SOLD OUT or the price has increased.  We understand not everyone can plan far in advance but we suggest locking yourself into our lowest price by signing up before or on the deadline date. 

  • Do you offer payment plans, and when are they due?  

Absolutely! This is one of our specialities.  This is something we created when I first started planning smaller events.  This is a huge benefit for people who need to save and plan accordingly.  I find many people can afford to go on their Dream Vacation if the deposit is low and payments are not all due at once.  Our payment plans can differ for each tour.  Please find your specific tour and see the information regarding when your payments are due. Any last minute bookings require payment up front before confirmation.  Also see our Budget Plan to help you find creative ways to make your "Once in a Life Time" adventure a reality.

 

 

 

 

 

  • Do you offer DISCOUNTS?  

Absolutely! We wouldn't be here if we didn't reward everyone who traveled with us. Choose one below.  Discounts may not be combined.

Option 1: Before Deadline Discounts

If you sign up before or on the Deadline date you have automatically saved. After our deadline, the price increases.  So you have an AUTOMATIC savings.

Option 2: Frequent Guests on our tours Discounts

If you have travelled with us on any previous International Tour, you will receive $50 off your next tour with us.  

Option 3: First Time Tour-Bring your friends Discount 

If you bring a friend, your friend also receives $50 off their tour. That's a total of $100 off between two people signing up at the same time.

Option 4: Early Bird Discounts for BRAND NEW TOURS

  • If you sign up during our "Early Bird" registration on any BRAND new tour, you will receive a discount.

  • If you bring a friend on any BRAND NEW TOUR, your friend also receives a discount off their tour.

Option 5: Multiple Tour Discounts

If you sign up for two or more tours during any one year, you will receive a discount off each tour.

Option 6: Military Discount

If you are currently on Active Duty or you are a Veteran, you will receive a $150 discount.

Option 7: Any other Special Promotion Discount

We will have special promotions for special causes throughout the year. Discounts will vary and will be clearly stated on promotions.

2. Getting Prepared

 

 

  • Do I need a passport?

Yes! Make sure you get one if you don't have it already, and make sure the one you have will be valid for the entire duration of the trip plus 6 months after. If you're not an American citizen, you may need a travel visa. Check with the proper embassy or local immigration USCIS office.

  • What immunisations do I need?  

Unless you're going to other countries that require shots on your trip, France, Italy and Ireland do not require any immunisations.  If you are susceptible to allergies or allergic reactions, you may develop a "new to you allergies" to things such as cypress trees, olive trees, and other local pollens that are not found in the US.  Make sure you bring your allergy medication. If you do not have allergies, be mindful that you may develop some during your trip and local pharmacies will have over the counter medications. Please see current regulations regarding special requirements regarding Covid-19 for each individual country you are visiting. We adhere to each countries laws.

  • Do I need to take any medical supplies?

We recommend you carry all your personal medical items and medications.  Travellers who take regular medication should take an appropriate supply plus a few extra days extra; incase of loss or missing RX.  All prescription medications must come in its orginial packaging with your name on the label.

 

How much luggage can I take?   Choose ONE Option Below.

   OPTION 1      One Medium size suitcase 22"-26"  with wheels plus a backpack

  OPTION 2     One Carry on suitcase with wheels plus a backpack

  Additional suggestions to add to either OPTION. 

     -Bring a foldable duffle bag in your suitcase for any souvenir shopping.

   -Bring a "Day Pack" -a small version of a shoulder bag or backpack. (No purses).

 

  •  Do I need Travel Insurance?    

Yes, but we don’t require it. We advise all our guests to have travel insurance.  Should you have to cancel for any unseen circumstance, or you lose your luggage, your travel insurance will help protect you. Your policy should also cover medical costs in case of hospitalisation and emergency travel. All deposits and payments are non-refundable. Insurance should therefore be organised at the time of booking to protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances that would require you to cancel before travelling.  If you don't mind running the risk of losing your deposit and or payments and you wish not to purchase travel insurance, this is entirely up to you.

 

  • Do you have a checklist I can use to prepare for the trip and instructions on what to pack?

Yes!  A “Traveller’s Checklist” will be provided by email once you have signed up for the trip. You can also find more tips on packing on this page.  Not only is a checklist helpful for packing and being prepared, but also for knowing what you should bring and what you should leave behind, safety issues, airport regulations, etc.

 

  • What is the dress code and what should I wear? 

Our tours are very casual, and your comfort is most important.  A good pair of walking shoes is a must.  While visiting churches and other Holy places on any of our tours, all shoulders and knees are required to be covered.  On many of our tours, we do at least one fine dining experience. You can dress in your Sunday Best or come in casual wear. Jackets and ties or ballgowns are not required.  In Ireland, this is also a great opportunity for the ladies to wear fascinators, which quite popular among the Irish at weddings or special events.

 

 

3. Your Travelling Companions

  • Are there more couples or singles in your group?

We started out caterering to singles and found that we have had several couples join us in recent years. There is usually a wonderful mix of people of different status' and of different ages.  Our goal is to combine everyone together who share common interests. We specialize in treating everyone like "family" so everyone feels more comfortable than traveling completely alone.

  • Who will I be travelling with?  

While every group is different,  our tours appeal to a wide range of guests that share an adventurous spirit and a desire to experience an Authentic and Bespoke Personal tour. Our group age range from the 20's-80's and 90% are ranging from their 30's-60's. Because what we have to offer you in a fun, adventurous tour, the different mixes of age work out beautifully and you wouldn’t believe how the older generations we have had, have more energy and spunk then our younger generations.

The guests we have had travel with us have actually found lifetime travel partners to explore other holiday options and often get together for other trips, tours, get togethers and even a game of golf.  Lifetime friendships are made on our tours and we ultimately become like new family members.   The rewards of learning from each generation has been a blessing and we welcome this mixture on all our tours.

We even make it easy for you to "get to know" other guests traveling on your specific tour.   We have set up a meeting space on-line for bantering, story telling, ask questions, offer suggestions and compare notes.  We add current updates and give you many options you can avail while on your tour.  In an effort to give you complete privacy, this option is ONLY available to those CONFIRMED on our tours and must request to join. 

  • Are there any age limits?

Yes. Our tours are for adults only and 18 years old is the minimum age to be considered for our tours.

 

  •  How many people will be on the trip?

Our group size varies on all trips, however we average 15-20 people on each tour. 

 

 

4. Money Matters

 

  •  What’s included in the trip cost?

Included:  Airport Pick Arrivals and Departures, all your accommodations, transportation on tour by coach and/or Ferry, entrance fees to all the major highlights listed on your final itinerary, all Breakfast, some meals (dinners/lunches), travel information on arrival, all taxes and service charges, Newsletters via email.

  • What is the best way to take money with me?  

A combination of cash, an ATM/Debit card and perhaps a credit card as back-up is good.  Please do not bring travellers checks as it is often difficult in some areas to exchange them and many people refuse them.  Check with your bank about using your bank cards overseas. Take some USD cash before you leave. You can exchange it at the airport, if needed.

  • Are tips included in the Land Package price?

    Yes and No. 

WE DO include all tips for all group meals we have via the Meal Plan Price not your tour package.

WE DO NOT feel you should pay for tips as a portion of your land package. We think you should base any tips off of the service you feel you have received.

We do ask that you tip our drivers if you feel you have received great service.  The amount is around €5-€10 a day. We have some amazing drivers and our drivers GO ABOVE AND BEYOND for us while on tour. They are often ONE of US and we reward them by making them apart of our tour as well.  I will collect all tips for drivers near the end of the tour and will we present the tip on the last day. This usually happens the day the driver leaves us or at our Good Bye dinner the night before.

 If you would like to reward your guides their services, you can choose to do so individually or make a group presentation at the end of the tour. 

  • Can I bring gifts for people?  

Absolutely! For our Ireland Tours, it's an old Irish custom to bring a small, hometown prezzie to any one you stay with. 

Often because you know your Travel Companions ahead of time, guests want to bring a little something for them too. Holy medals, local chocolates, books, etc. This too is always a nice gesture but certainly not required.

  • What is the best way to exchange money

The absolute best way is through us. That's right! We will exchange your currency for Euro and we will do it COMMISSION FREE

Your local bank will convert your USD to EURO.  DO this a few weeks ahead of time. You may add your USD to your payments and I will have your EUROS waiting for you when you arrive to start your tour.

 

  • What happens if I need to cancel?

 For unforeseen circumstances such as cancellations for any reason is why Travel insurance is highly recommended. Our deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Please see the Terms and Conditions information for cancellation procedures.

 5. The Food

 

  • What will the food be like?

    AMAZING!! Food is a highlight our tours. Whether you are a foodie or not, we take you to out of the way places and experience the best and most interesting cuisine of the cultures. You will certainly not go hungry on our tours! All meals provided on the tour, whether included in your price or apart of the MEAL PLAN, will be typical regional dishes mostly made up of local specialties. Our main objective is for you to experience the true regional dishes. Breakfast will vary from tour to tour.

  • I’m a vegetarian or have special dietary needs, can you help?

Absolutely. Just let us know in advance and we will do all we can to ensure you have meals best suited for your needs.  We will contact all our restaurants and see what is available for you.  If you require foods outside of what is available or dietary supplements, the cost for these is not included. We’ll do our best to accommodate you and will let you know ahead of time before your tour, what can or can not be done.

  • Many tours included table d´hotel dinners but you don't, why?

    Many tours do include table d'hotel dinners that comes along as a package with the hotel. We don't do this because feel this lessens your opportunity to eat where you want and eat what you want.  Eating out in local restaurants where you have the opportunity to eat with the locals and try AMAZING food  is one of the most important things you can do on tour and in a new country.  Our guests love that we give this option so you can soak in all the best of each region.  We do add on our Meal Plan and includes our group dinners, some lunches, snacks, waters, etc. This is an extra fee (included on your FRANCE tour) but with it we can choose the best places to have our group dinners or lunches depending on our itinerary and location at the time.  Each tour is different because we give YOU the option to help plan YOUR dream trip.  Sometimes on certain days, you have free time to eat wherever and whenever you want. Other days, as a group we will have some amazing food in amazing places.  For example, our dinners include relaxing in your Country Home with actual HOMECOOKED Irish meals, eat at one of the BEST places in ROME, enjoy a fantastic 5 Star meal in your own Tuscan Villa, eat fine dining in a French Chateau or go into a small local village and eat with the locals for true Authentic dishes.  We also receive great value and you will get more than if you were to go on it your own.  Many of the places allow us to choose ANYTHING you want off their menu and some places will have a set menu with wonderful choice as well.

 

     

 6. On Tour

  • How do I get to the start of the tour?

We will pick you up personally at the airport or hire a car service. Once you have landed, cleared customs and exited the baggage area, we will be waiting for you or your driver will be waiting for you.

 

  • How much free time is there?

All our trips are a combination of organised activities and free time. With all of our tours, we strongly believe we have well balanced itineraries to enable you to explore all the places you are visiting. 

We know it’s important that you have time to yourself.  Many of your most memorable experiences will occur when you search out your own personal interests and pursuits. We build the framework in our itinerary and many details are taken care of.  I will send a list of separate list of activities to sign up for to help you customize your very own tour.  We will not sell any extra trips while we are on tour.

 

  • What happens if my flight is delayed and I get there after the pick-up time?

Unfortunately, sometimes flights are late, and even when they are on-time, your luggage may still be running a few hours (or sometimes days) behind you. As a preventative measure, make sure you have at least 3 hours between connecting flights. If your flight is tremendously late, cancelled or for some reason you have arrived to the specified city (relative to the tour you are signed up for) after the pick-up time, it will be your responsibility to get to the accommodation from wherever you are (airport, train station, etc.). You will be given the addresses, phone numbers and emergency numbers before you leave the US, so you can come and meet up with the rest of the group and continue with the tour. Consider purchasing a travel insurance policy to cover any unexpected expenses.

 

  •  Will I be able to do any laundry?  

Some of the places we stay will have laundry facilities.  The accommodations that do not have laundry facilities you may find some nearby in local cities.

  • Can I get online whilst travelling?

Internet cafés are plentiful throughout much of the world, particularly in major cities – an internet email address and a webcam/phone account (such as skype) are good ways of staying in touch. All of our accommodations will have wi-fi.

  • Will my mobile work overseas?

If you want to take your phone with you, there is a good chance that it will work in most major cities. Check with your service provider before you go if they have an agreement with the countries you are travelling to and make sure you remember to get international roaming turned on.

7.  Accommodations

 

  • What are the Accommodations like?         

    All accommodations for International Tours are kept confidential. This is for the privacy of our group.

    We take special pride in the accommodations we secure.  Our goal is to stay where the character is second to none and we also choose our accommodations based on location and convenience.  We spend as little time in hotels as possible, in an effort to bring you a more Authentic feel. 

In Rome, you will have a choice in staying in a luxury apartment or a 4 star hotel. In Tuscany we stay in a Tuscan Villa surrounded by 1000's of Olive Trees. Our Villa has a cool water Pool to refresh you and plenty of shade around the grounds.
In France, we stay in French Chateaux, B & B's and Hotel’s in Paris.  For Ireland, we stay in Country Homes, Hotels and Irish Castle.

 

  • Can I book extra accommodation for the start or end of the tour?

Yes, In all cases, we can organise extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour. Just let us know and we’ll organise a quote for you.

 

 

 

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