Information & Guidelines - Terms & Conditions

If you have any health issues or special needs we must know before you register.

COVID-19: Travel restrictions to UK

  • It is NOT required to be vaccinated to enter UK.
  • Masks are NO longer required on international flights.
  • It is NOT required to present a negative COVID result test before boarding a flight to UK.
  • Wearing a face mask during the tour in all places we travel and stay at is OPTIONAL. (It is completely at your own discretion if you wish to wear a mask.)

BASIC ITINERARY SCHEDULE: September 1-22 2024

Note: Departure times each day subject to change while touring, for the best interest of the group.

ITINERARY – PART 1 – Scotland Tour – Sep 1-8, 2024

DEPARTURE to Scotland – Saturday Aug 31, 2024
Departures traveling from USA and other far away destinations
Depart for Glasgow International Airport and arriving the next day. (D)

Day ONE: Sunday Sep 1, 2024 – Arrival day
Your guides will meet you at Glasgow Airport. Coach to the hotel in Oban, stopping for lunch. Orientation meeting after check-in. Dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Oban (D)
Day TWO: Monday Sep 2, 2024. Overnight in Oban (BL)
Day THREE: Tuesday Sep 3, 2024. Overnight in Oban (LD)
Day FOUR: Wednesday Sep 4, 2024. Overnight in Pitlochry (BD)
Day FIVE: Thursday Sep 5, 2024. Overnight in Pitlochry (BLD)
Day SIX: Friday Sep 6, 2024. Overnight in Edinburgh (BLD)
Day SEVEN: Saturday Sep 7, 2024. Overnight in Edinburgh (BD)
Day EIGHT: Sunday Sep 8, 2024
This morning after breakfast, there is a one-hour drive to Glasgow Airport for return flights home for anyone ONLY doing the Scotland section, or continue on to England!

B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner

ITINERARY – PART 2 – England Tour – Sep 8-15, 2024

DEPARTURE to England – Saturday Sep 7, 2024
Departures traveling from USA and other far away destinations
Depart for London Heathrow Airport and arriving the next day. (D)

Day ONE: Sunday Sep 8, 2024 – Arrival day
The group who have been in Scotland with us and who are continuing with Elan’s tour in England will fly from Edinburgh Airport to London City Airport, where they will be met by our coach and transferred to our hotel in Bristol, Somerset.
Those people joining the tour in England will be met at London Heathrow Airport by Sacred Site Explorer hosts, and transferred to our hotel in Bristol. You are free to make your own way to our Bristol Hotel as well, if you are traveling in England prior to the beginning of the tour.
Hotel Check-in time ??:00 PM. Welcome Dinner. Overnight in Bristol (D)
Day TWO: Monday Sep 9, 2024. Overnight in Penzance (BLD)
Day THREE: Tuesday Sep 10, 2024. Overnight in Penzance (BLD)
Day FOUR: Wednesday Sep 11, 2024. Overnight in Tavistock (BD)
Day FIVE: Thursday Sep 12, 2024. Overnight in Bath (BD)
Day SIX: Friday Sep 13, 2024. Overnight in Bath (B)
Day SEVEN: Saturday Sep 14, 2024. Overnight in Bath (BD)
Day EIGHT: Sunday Sep 15, 2024
This morning after breakfast you will depart for Heathrow Airport for your flight home or continue with us onto Ireland from Bristol Airport!

B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner

ITINERARY – PART 3 – Ireland Tour – Sep 15-22, 2024

DEPARTURE to Ireland – Saturday Sep 14, 2024
Departures traveling from USA and other far away destinations
Depart for Dublin International Airport and arriving the next day. (D)

Day ONE: Sunday Sep 15, 2024 – Arrival day
After collection from Dublin Airport we drive to our hotel in Killarney in County Kerry for 2 nights. Buy lunch at the airport. Lunch on the coach. En route we will open the circle for our journey at the Neolithic Grange Stone Circle.
Hotel Check-in time ??:00 PM. Welcome Dinner at Hotel. Overnight in Killarney (D)
Day TWO: Monday Sep 16, 2024. Overnight in Killarney (BLD)
Day THREE: Tuesday Sep 17, 2024. Overnight in Sligo (BD)
Day FOUR: Wednesday Sep 18, 2024. Overnight in Sligo (B)
Day FIVE: Thursday Sep 19, 2024. Overnight in Dublin (BD)
Day SIX: Friday Sep 20, 2024. Overnight in Dublin (BD)
Day SEVEN: Saturday Sep 21, 2024. Overnight in Dublin (BLD)
Day EIGHT: Sunday Sep 22, 2024
Depart to Dublin Airport for return flights home! (B)

B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner

View Detailed Itinerary of Tour

HOTELS

ROOM SHARE

Note: If you are not traveling with a companion and you wish to be in double occupancy we pair women with women, men with men.

GRATUITIES

For all group tipping to waiters, hotel and restaurant staff, baggage handlers, guides bus drivers, etc. are included. The price does not include tipping for personal items: Your room housekeeper, laundry service, drinks, health clubs tips for personal meals and other personal items.

WIFI

Complimentary wifi in all hotels and individual bedrooms as well as communal areas.

TOUR COSTS

Our itinerary provides information as to the costs of the tour and the accommodations and services that are included. Unless otherwise explained in the tour itinerary, the fee includes: lodging and meals usually drinks on your on your own as indicated per day (other food or beverages may be purchased by you at your own cost). The tour price also includes all transportation during the tour, sightseeing as specified in the itinerary, entrance fees for parks and other areas that are designated in the itinerary, and services of a tour guide. We reserve the right to substitute lodging accommodations if necessary, and will endeavor to provide accommodations of similar quality. Tour costs are based on group rates and no refunds will be given for unutilized services.

TOUR PRICE INCLUDES

  • Transportation on arrival/departure – to and from airport/hotel:
    • One collection from and return to Glasgow International Airport for Part 1
    • One collection from and return to Heathrow International Airport for Part 2
    • One collection from and return to Dublin International Airport for Part 3
  • When registering for two or three tours (Part 1 - 2 - 3), an internal flight from Edinburgh to London City and from Bristol to Dublin is included.
  • Deluxe bus tour
  • Entry to all listed sites, churches, monasteries, museums and parks including the special private access evening at Rosslyn Chapel
  • All lectures, activities, meditations
  • Accommodation in 4* star hotels for Scotland & Ireland and 3&4* star hotels for England
  • Meals per Itinerary:
    • Scotland – All breakfasts, 6 Dinners, 3 Lunches

    • England – All breakfasts, 6 Dinners, 2 Lunches
    • 
Ireland – All breakfasts, 6 Dinners, 2 Lunches


  • Festive Welcome Dinners
  • Festive Farewell Dinners
  • Gratuities to tour guides & bus drivers
  • Porterage in and out of each hotel for 1 suitcase and 1 piece of hand luggage per person

ITEMS NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR COSTS

  • Airfare from your country, and back to your country
  • Travel Insurance (Cancellation and Medical Insurance)
  • Visa and/or passport charges
  • Charges for personal services (i.e. laundry, drinks, telephone calls, personal clothing)
  • Extra meals not included in itinerary, sodas, juices and alcoholic drinks
  • Gratuities to waiters, hotel and restaurant staff – at your discretion
  • Any item that is not specified as being included

TRAVEL INSURANCE

It is highly advisable that you obtain comprehensive Travel Insurance.

We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive Travel Insurance (Cancellation and Medical Insurance) to protect against cancellation fees and additional travel expenses or financial default that may incur before, after or during the trip.

There are 3 types of insurance you should consider under a comprehensive plan: trip cancellation insurance, travel health insurance, and medical evacuation insurance. These will cover different situations and may give you financial peace of mind, as well as allowing for safe and healthy travel.

Please contact your medical provider, airline or travel agent to obtain a policy for this trip. This is important.

Important: Please make sure you have your medical insurance policy provider contact information with you, before leaving for the UK.

Recommended Travel Insurance companies:

For Americans and citizens of other countries

We suggest you call and speak with an agent about all options available

World Nomads
www.worldnomads.com/usa/travel-insurance

HTH Worldwide
Tel: 1-888-243-2358
www.hthtravelinsurance.com/index.cfm

USI AFFINITY Travel Insurance Services
Tel: 1-800-937-1387
www.travelinsure.com/what/wmedhigh.asp?32963

For Canadians

TIC (Travel Insurance Coordinators)
Tel: 1-800-379-9628
www.travelinsurance.ca

PASSPORT & VISA

Many visitors to the UK will not need to obtain a visa for visits to the UK of up to 180 days. This includes citizens of all other European Union countries, Canada, Australia, Japan, and the United States. Please check with your local Embassy or Consulate to see if you need to obtain a ‘Tourist Visa’ for the UK as soon as you register.

Below is more information regarding Tourist Visa requirements for all countries worldwide:
www.gov.uk/apply-uk-visa
travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/country/united-kingdom.html

Valid Passport

Be sure that your passport will not expire during your stay in the UK.

All visitors to the UK must hold a passport that is valid for the entire length of your stay in the UK.

Visitors are entitled to remain in the UK up to six months from the date of their arrival, in accordance with the conditions of the visa issued to them.

People with no nationality must hold a valid laissez passer, as well as a visa back to the country that issued it.

Passport Safety

Keep your passport in your purse or a secure pocket where it cannot be seen; never pack your passport in your suitcase.

Leave a copy of the front inside information page at home, another copy in your suitcase, three more copies for hotel check-in and your original passport with you. If you use your hotel safe, remember to check your hotel safe before checking out of your room. Total 4 copies to bring with you and your original passport.

AIRFARE

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is advisable to book your airfare ahead of time. Usually the air tickets go on sale about twelve months in advance. Please contact your travel agency for more information.

Most international airlines operate flights to the UK.

Glasgow International Airport (Code - IATA: GLA, ICAO: EGPF)
Heathrow Airport (Code - EGLL, LHR)
Dublin International Airport (Code – IATA: DUB, ICAO: EIDW)

AIRPORT TRANSFER TO OUR HOTEL

PART 1 – Sunday Sept 1, 2024
SERVICE UPON ARRIVAL IN GLASGOW AND TRANSFER TO OUR HOTEL


Collection from Glasgow International Airport at 12:30 PM.
NOTE: In order for you to leave with the bus by 12:30 PM you should have arrived at the airport by 11:00 AM (if flying internationally you should arrive no later than 10:00 AM, if flying domestically/from within Britain you should arrive no later than 10:30 AM), have gone through customs, picked up your luggage, used the toilet facilities and either had lunch or picked up lunch to bring with you on the bus.
Travel by bus to Oban, check in to hotel by 3:30 PM. Overnight in Oban (D)

  1. Please send us your arrival and departure flight details to and from Glasgow after you purchase your airfare: flight number, airline, dates, times to: info@shalohaproductions.com
  2. Please arrange your flight to arrive at Glasgow International Airport (GLA) by 10:00 AM on the first morning of the tour, or arrive a day early, so that you can make the departure time from the airport.
  3. Upon your arrival at Glasgow International Airport (GLA), ‘Sacred Site Explorer’ staff members will be available from 11:00 AM in the Arrivals Hall of Glasgow Airport (after passport control, baggage reclaim and customs clearance) holding signs with ‘Sacred Site Explorer – Elan Cohen Tour’, to escort you to your private coach.
  4. If you arrive earlier than 10:00 AM, there are cafes and seating areas in the Arrivals Hall for your use.
  5. ‘Sacred Site Explorer’ staff will transfer you from the airport to the hotel by private tourist bus.
  6. ‘Sacred Site Explorer’ staff will help you with your hotel room check-in.
  7. In the event that you need to reach our operators ‘Sacred Site Explorer’ by phone upon your arrival, please call/text +44 7715 525 747 or +44 7746 707 006

Departure – Sunday Sept 8, 2024: Transfer on the final day of the tour back to Glasgow airport is also included. Arrival at the airport by 10:00 AM.

Note: If you are participating only in Part 1, book your return flight home to depart AFTER 1:00 PM. You will need to arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight departure time.

Extra Nights:
If you want/need to arrive a day or more before the tour begins you need to make your reservation and payment directly with the hotel for those extra nights.

If you have a later flight and cannot join the group’s private coach, you can take the train to get to Oban on your own:
The average journey time between Glasgow Queens and Oban is 3 hours 5 minutes. There is only one train on a Sunday afternoon: at 6.21 PM, getting into Oban at 9.24 PM. This is a direct train, so you won’t need to change trains anywhere. Getting a taxi or private hire driver is another option.

PART 2 – Sunday Sept 8, 2024
SERVICE UPON ARRIVAL IN LONDON AND TRANSFER TO OUR HOTEL


Collection from London Heathrow Airport at 12:30 PM.
NOTE: In order for you to leave with the bus by 12:30 PM you should have arrived at the airport according to the following times, have gone through customs, picked up your luggage, used the toilet facilities and either had lunch or picked up lunch to bring with you on the bus.
11:00 AM Meeting Time at Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall – this is the seating area by the round Tourist Services Information Desk
If flying internationally, you should arrive no later than 10:00 AM if flying into Terminal 3, or 9:00 AM if flying into a different terminal.
If flying domestically/from within Britain, you should arrive no later than 10:30 AM if flying into Terminal 3, or 9:30 AM if arriving into a different terminal.
If flying into a different terminal, you will be responsible for making your way to Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall.
Travel by bus to Bristol, check in to hotel by 3:00 PM. Overnight in Bristol (D)

  1. Please send us your arrival and departure flight details to and from London after you purchase your airfare: flight number, airline, dates, times to: info@shalohaproductions.com
  2. Please arrange your flight to arrive at London Heathrow International Airport (LHR), (NOT Gatwick Airport!) by 10:00 AM on the first morning of the tour, or arrive a day early, so that you can make the departure time from the airport.
  3. Upon your arrival at London Heathrow International Airport (LHR), ‘Sacred Site Explorer’ staff members will be available from 11:00 AM at the ‘Meeting Point’ in the Arrivals Hall of Heathrow Airport – Terminal 3 (after passport control, baggage reclaim and customs clearance) holding signs with ‘Sacred Site Explorer’ – Elan Cohen Tour’ to escort you to your private coach. The ‘Meeting Point’ is next to the Tourist Services Information Counter, but is not marked by any sign.
    Note: If you are flying into a different terminal, you will be responsible for making your way to Terminal 3 Arrivals Hall ‘Meeting Point’.
  4. If you arrive earlier than 10:00 AM, there are cafes and seating areas in the Arrivals Hall for your use.
  5. ‘Sacred Site Explorer’ staff will transfer you from the airport to the hotel by private tourist bus.
  6. ‘Sacred Site Explorer’ staff will help you with your hotel room check-in.
  7. In the event that you need to reach our operators ‘Sacred Site Explorer’ by phone upon your arrival, please call/text +44 7715 525 747 or +44 7746 707 006

Departure – Sunday Sept 15, 2024: Transfer on the final day of the tour back to Heathrow Airport is also included, or continue with our coach to Part 3 – Ireland Tour. Arrival at the airport by 10:00 AM. Drop off at Terminals 2, 3, 4, 5.

Note: If you are participating only in Part 2, book your return flight home to depart AFTER 1:00 PM. You will need to arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight departure time.

PART 3 – Sunday Sept 15, 2024
SERVICE UPON ARRIVAL IN DUBLIN AND TRANSFER TO OUR HOTEL


Collection from Dublin International Airport at 12:30 PM.
NOTE: In order for you to leave with the bus by 12:30 PM you should have arrived at the airport according to the following times, have gone through customs, picked up your luggage, used the toilet facilities and either had lunch or picked up lunch to bring with you on the bus.
11:00 AM Meeting Time at Terminal 2 Meeting Point in Arrivals Hall – this is upstairs in the terminal and is next to the Spar Shop
If flying internationally, you should arrive no later than 10:00 AM if flying into Terminal 2, or 9:00 AM if flying into Terminal 1.
If flying domestically/from within Ireland, you should arrive no later than 10:30 AM if flying into Terminal 2, or 9:30 AM if arriving into a Terminal 1.
If flying into Terminal 1, you will be responsible for making your way to Terminal 2 Arrivals Hall; it is just a short walk.
Travel by bus to Killarney, with a stop at one site en-route. Overnight in Killarney (D)

  1. Please send us your arrival and departure flight details to and from Dublin after you purchase your airfare: flight number, airline, dates, times to: info@shalohaproductions.com
  2. Please arrange your flight to arrive at Dublin International Airport (DUB) by 10:00 AM on the first morning of the tour, or arrive a day early, so that you can make the departure time from the airport.
  3. Upon your arrival at Dublin International Airport (DUB), *‘Sacred Site Explorer’ staff members will be available from 11:00 AM at the ‘Meeting Point’ in the Arrivals Hall of Dublin International Airport – Terminal 2 (after passport control, baggage reclaim and customs clearance) holding signs with ‘Sacred Site Explorer’ – Elan Cohen Tour’ to escort you to your private coach. The ‘Meeting Point’ is next to the Spar Shop and is marked by a sign.
    Note: If you are flying into Terminal 1, you will be responsible for making your way to Terminal 2 Arrivals Hall ‘Meeting Point’.
  4. If you arrive earlier than 10:00 AM, there are cafes and seating areas in the Arrivals Hall for your use.
  5. ‘Sacred Site Explorer’ staff will transfer you from the airport to the hotel by private tourist bus.
  6. ‘Sacred Site Explorer’ staff will help you with your hotel room check-in.
  7. In the event that you need to reach our operators ‘Sacred Site Explorer’ by phone upon your arrival, please call/text +44 7715 525 747 or +44 7746 707 006

Departure – Sunday Sept 22, 2024: Transfer on the final day of the tour back to Dublin International Airport is also included. Arrival at the airport by 10:00 AM. Drop off at Terminal 2.

Note: If you are participating in Part 3, book your return flight home to depart AFTER 1:00 PM. You will need to arrive at the airport 3 hours before your flight departure time.

MONEY

Your home currency may be exchanged at the airport, your hotel, one of the local money changers, or at one of the many ATMs throughout the UK. It is advisable to stop and get some Pounds Sterling (£) before you leave the airport.

In the UK the Pounds Sterling (£) is used as their currency. Exchange rates vary depending on what you use in the exchange: cash, check, travellers check or credit card. Be sure to check with your hotel for the exchange rate as it can fluctuate daily. At all larger stores and restaurants you may use either your credit card or debit card.

Please check Visa or MasterCard on the web before departure for the current rate of exchange.

Major credit cards as Visa or MasterCard or your ATM card are excellent to have in case of an emergency and for buying more expensive items. They provide a good exchange rate and receipt. Always ask for the carbon, if used, along with your customer copy. Important: before you depart overseas, please notify your bank or credit card provider of your schedule, and that you will be making purchases out of the country.

in the UK Euros will NOT be accepted in shops but may be changed in banks along with all other currencies. Each different denomination bank note is a different colour and size to help identify them. (US please take note!) There are £5, £10, £20 & £50 notes. Some smaller shops will not accept £50 notes especially for smaller purchases due to giving away their ‘register float’ and because of forgeries. We’ll let you figure out the coins when you’re there except to say there are 8 in circulation – 1p (‘p’ stands for pence but is usually referred to as ‘pea’) & 2p bronze coins, 5p, 10p, 20p & 50p silver coins (the 5 & 10 are round and the 20 & 50 are pentagonal) and a £1 gold coin and a £2 gold and silver coin; I knew I shouldn’t have said anything!

We do not recommend the use of traveller’s checks, as you may experience difficulty using and/or cashing them. In addition, banks usually charge a handling fee when cashing traveller’s checks. Major credit cards are recommended for purchases.

VAT TAX

It is possible for international visitors to get a VAT refund on purchases of goods made and/or business expenses incurred while visiting the UK.

The UK has a standard VAT (Value Added Tax) tax of 20% levied on most goods and services except basic food items, books and children’s clothing. Restaurants must, by law, include VAT in their menu prices. If you are traveling for leisure purposes or visiting friends and family, you may be eligible for a VAT refund. You need to have spent fewer than 365 days out of the two years prior to making the purchase living in the UK, and you must be leaving the EU (for at least 12 months) within three months of making the purchase.

The VAT refund scheme is called the Retail Export Scheme or Tax-Free Shopping. Not all shops participate in the scheme, and different shops will have different minimum purchase conditions (normally around £75 in any one shop). On request, participating shops will give you a special form (VAT 407). This must be presented with the goods and receipts to customs when you depart (VAT-free goods can’t be posted or shipped home).

After customs has certified the form, it should be returned to the shop for a refund (minus an administration or handling fee), which takes about eight to 10 weeks to come through. To find out more about tax reclaim opportunities for leisure travellers an agency such as Premier Tax Free for Leisure Travel.

Read more:
GOV.UK Tax on shopping and services
Heathrow Airport: VAT refunds – reclaim UK sales tax

UK: TIPPPING & ETIQUETTE

LUGGAGE

  • Please arrive with one (1) suitcase per person only and one carry-on!
  • On tour buses in the UK luggage storage space is limited. Only one suitcase per person will be stored in the luggage compartment of the bus.
  • Inside the bus, storage space is limited to the under-seat space in front of you and the shallow space above your head.
  • You are responsible for additional pieces at all times.
  • Porters are tipped for all group transfers of luggage. For Private porter’s assistance the tip to the porter helping you is on you.
  • Always pack fewer clothes than you think you need.
  • Include a closable canvas bag inside your suitcase, in case you need extra luggage for items you have purchased.

PACKING, CLOTHING & THINGS TO TAKE

  • For touring wear loose, comfortable cottons or other lightweight clothing that can be layered.
  • Dress in the UK is casual and very much the same as in other western countries.
  • Pack a light waterproof jacket and rain pants as the weather is always unpredictable and you don’t want to be walking around sacred sites getting wet.
  • Comfortable waterproof walking shoes are a must! Please break them in before you come to the UK. Include a more formal pair of shoes for dinners at the hotel. High heels are NOT recommended for women.
  • Be sure to include: swimsuit, waterproof shoes, small flashlight, travel packages of tissues, sleeping mask, earplugs, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm, moistened towelettes, washcloth, pocket size tissues (for restrooms), hand & body lotion (dry climate), notebook, pen, highlighter, compact folding umbrella in case of rain.
  • Travel alarm clock, you don’t want to miss an early morning outing!
  • Hotels will supply hairdryers.
  • If you want to write postcards, your address book would help
  • We find that writing a journal deepens your experience and allows you to review your journey at a later date refreshing your memory.
  • Check with your airline about luggage weight and remember to leave some room for goodies you may want to take home.
  • Extra film and batteries for camera with protective case for x-ray machines.
  • Adaptor (240 volts) Plug G, and a voltage converter for electrical appliances. We recommend a universal adapter and converter kit.
  • Prescription medicines in original container.
  • Calling cards or cell phone or smartphone.
  • Money (more than you think you will need, in small bills).
  • Only bring the debit and credit cards you would like to use and let your bank(s) know the time period you’ll be traveling to prevent your cards from being denied.
  • Do not pack: valuables, including items of sentimental value. Leave them at home.
  • There are plenty of wholefood stores in Britain so please don’t worry about obtaining vitamins and healthy snack bars. For those of you who are vegetarians all hotels and restaurants have a veggie selection. Herbal teas are not standard in all restaurants and cafes but they are readily available in the wholefood stores. You might wish to bring some with you if you have an unusual favorite variety.
  • We recommend checking the weather forecast before you pack.

VACCINATIONS

None are required for entry into the UK.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICINES

  • Be sure to pack enough of your prescription medications to last through the tour. Pack your medicine in the original bottle and bring some in your carry-on bag.
  • Bring an extra week’s supply, your doctor’s phone number, and a copy of the generic names for each.
  • Have your doctor write a UK-equivalent prescription for life-dependent medications. Not all prescriptions are interchangeable. Your doctor will be able to advise you.
  • If you are allergic to any medicines, please keep a list of these with your passport.
  • In the UK you may need a prescription for medicine that is sold over the counter in other countries.
  • You should pack some aspirin, antacids, and similar items you use at home that you feel you might need on the tour.
  • If you suffer from motion sickness, bring along any medication you use to prevent this on the bus and plane.

TIPS TO REDUCE JET LAG

  • Get ample rest before your flight departure, and drink plenty of water and fluids.
  • Go to bed and get up at normal times for the new time zone. Your body will adjust quicker if you do not stay up all night or sleep during the day.

TIPS FOR THE FLIGHT

  • Wear comfortable clothing on the flight. Dress casually; wear loose-fitting clothes.
  • Bring a jacket and inflatable neck pillow for long overseas flight.
  • Drink plenty of fluids while traveling. Avoid coffee and alcohol.
  • Stand up and stretch several times during long flights. Stretch and contract your calf muscles with frequent foot exercises.

VOLTAGE

The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. The power sockets are of type G. You will need a voltage converter, and plug adapters in order to use U.S. appliances. We recommend getting a universal adapter and converter kit.

More information here: www.power-plugs-sockets.com/united-kingdom

PREPAID PHONE/SIM CARDS – CELL PHONES & SMARTPHONES

COMPUTERS, LAPTOPS, iPADS

  • You can bring your own laptop or iPad, or use the public computer in the lobbies of most hotels in the UK.
  • To use your own devices, it is best to buy a small adapter plug (230 volts, for the UK) to put on the end of your electrical cord, so it will fit into the sockets in the UK. This will save your battery life – either in the hotel or elsewhere – and keep you online. Purchase the adapter plug for about $5 at a travel store or on-line – it’s easier to buy them beforehand.
  • For some devices to work, you may need a converter with an adapter attached.
  • Complimentary wifi in all hotels and individual bedrooms as well as communal areas.

BUSES & RESTROOMS

  • The deluxe touring motor coach is air-conditioned, and will accommodate approximately 50 passengers.
  • Be on time and be prepared to rotate seats on the bus.
  • Bottled water available on the bus at a cost of £1 per bottle, but tap water is drinkable – so why not bring your own lightweight water bottle and be environment-friendly? Or you can buy large bottles of water at a much lower price, and fill up your drinking bottle each morning.
  • There is a restroom on the buses. However, they should be considered for infrequent use, as they can clog up with overuse.

DAY TOUR DEPARTURE & RETURN

Usually, we will depart the hotel after breakfast between 8:00-9:00AM. Your tour guide will announce the sightseeing schedule and a wake-up call for each day’s itinerary.

LOST ITEMS

  • Double check your belongings before leaving the plane, hotels and buses. We cannot assume responsibility for lost items.
  • Put your name and a contact number on your belongings. You can include our company information too.
  • Please check your hotel safe for any valuables before your leave the room.

WEATHER IN THE UK

The UK has a widely diverse climate from one region to another – be prepared. We recommend checking the weather forecast before you leave for the UK.

Comfortable warm casual clothing is the key, with accessories to dress things up a bit for evenings out. The temperature will be 45-65 degrees Fahrenheit or 7-18 Celcius. It will be chillier in the evenings. It can rain sometimes and it’s better to be prepared with layers including a waterproof parka, rain pants and waterproof walking boots.

TIME IN THE UK

The UK is in Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +0100 UTC. Greenwich Mean Time is the same as Coordinated Universal Time standard, written as an offset of UTC +/- 00:00. That means to find the standard time in the zone you only need to refer to Coordinated Universal Time.

The UK is 5 hours ahead of US Eastern Standard time, 8 hours from the West Coast and 12 hours from Hawaii. Current time in the UK

SECURITY CHECK (UPON DEPARTING THE UK)

Passengers must arrive at the airport 3 hours before departure time.
Passengers will check in their luggage and receive a boarding pass and seat number. All passengers will have to pass through security with their carry-on luggage and at London Heathrow Airport the walk to the gate from security can be as long as twenty minutes.

  • Have all travel documents readily available at check-in, placed in your carry-on or purse, NOT in your luggage.
  • Be prepared to submit yourself to a body check by metal detector or by physical means if necessary.
  • Be prepared to open all luggage for inspection at check-in. All packages, including gifts, may be opened at this time.
  • Do not lock your CARRY-ON bag in any way, because they may check the carry-on in front of the passenger.
  • Do not accept anything presented to you unless you have inspected the contents.

TOUR DATES, DELAYS, ROUTE CHANGES AND CANCELLATION

Organizing the tour has substantial financial commitments, contracts, and conditions with many of the tour suppliers in the UK (Hotels, Buses, Venues, Parks, Sites, Restaurants, Operators, Drivers, Guides, and other services). The schedule is established over one year or more before the tour, so it is possible that route changes, delays, postponements, or new tour dates may become necessary if there are circumstances beyond our control, such as unexpected weather conditions, political turmoil, pandemic and/or similar causes that may require changes to the itinerary. We and our providers reserve the right to cancel or postpone the tour prior to departure, in which case the refund policy is as follows:

  • If the tour is canceled 150 days before the first day of the tour, any payment you have made to us will be refunded minus a 10% cancellation fee within 30-60 days.
  • If the tour is canceled 120-149 days before the first day of the tour, any payment you have made to us will be refunded minus a 20% cancellation fee within 30-60 days.
  • If the tour is canceled 90-119 days before the first day of the tour, any payment you have made to us will be refunded minus a 30% cancellation fee within 30-60 days.
  • If the tour is canceled 60-89 days before the first day of the tour, any payment you have made to us will be refunded minus a 50% cancellation fee within 30-60 days.
  • If the tour is canceled 30-59 days before the first day of the tour, any payment you made to us will be refunded minus a 60% cancellation fee within 30-60 days.
  • If the tour is canceled 15-29 days before the first day of the tour, any payment you made to us will be refunded minus a 70% cancellation fee within 30-60 days.
  • If the tour is canceled less than 15 days before the first day of the tour, any payment you made to us will be refunded minus a 90% cancellation fee within 30-60 days.

In the unforeseeable event that the tour was to be canceled while the tour is taking place, due to a pandemic or other causes beyond our control, no reimbursement of unutilized days of the tour may be returned to the participants – as these fees would be non reimbursed to Shaloha Productions.

Note: Elan Cohen and the UK Operator Tour Guides have been traveling the world for over 30 years and has rarely missed a tour he was scheduled for and committed to. In the unforeseeable situation due to circumstances beyond thier control that will prevent them from participating in the tour, we will do everything in our power to reschedule the tour to a different date; however, if we are not able to do so and the tour is cancelled, the same cancellation policy fees above will be applied.

If the tour is postponed to another date, any payments you have made will be applied to the new tour dates. If you are not able to attend the new rescheduled tour dates, the same cancellation policy fees above will be applied.

You waive the right to any further claims for compensation or damages, for any loss, consequential damage, expenses, or loss of time or inconvenience which may result from such cancellation. These terms, conditions, and policies may not be challenged nor negotiated. Herein you make a full agreement.

We will always do everything in our power to postpone a tour rather than cancel. Also, we will always strive to refund you as much of your funds as possible, taking everything into consideration at the time of cancellation. It is highly advisable that you obtain comprehensive Travel Insurance to recuperate any losses you may incur.

IMPORTANT NOTE

The services described herein, and in the itinerary, are organized by us and/or our providers. All arrangements made on behalf of you are made on the condition that we and our providers shall not be held responsible for any injury, death, accident, delay, loss or damages which may be caused in all or in part, by the acts or omissions of others. The information contained in this page is correct to the best of our knowledge, but we accept no liability for any inaccuracies herein.

We reserve the right to alter any itinerary or service at any time without penalty. Any additional expense or cancellation costs shall be borne solely by you. We reserve the right to withdraw or refuse any service to any customer in our sole discretion. Your payment of your deposit is your acknowledgment of, and agreement to, the terms herein.

CONSUMER DISCLOSURE NOTICE

We and our agents act only in capacity as agents for our customers in all matters connected with lodging accommodations, tours and transportation by any means. You hold us free of responsibility or liability for any damages related to the tour, regardless of cause. We and our agents will not be responsible or liable for any damages, expenses or inconveniences caused by late departures, changes of schedule, strikes or work slowdowns, pandemic, natural catastrophe, hostile acts, or any other events. We will not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage to baggage or any of your personal property. We and our affiliates, officers, employees, servants and agents shall not be responsible for personal injury, illness, death, accident, delay, loss, damage, terrorist acts, natural catastrophe, irregularity or property damage as a result of force majeure, or for any other losses or damages incurred by any person or tour participant caused by any delay, cancellation or change of itinerary or arising out of any act, including, but not limited to, any act of negligence by any person acting for or on behalf of us.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND ASSUMPTION OF RISK

You understand and agree that during the course of the trip certain risks and dangers may occur, including but not limited to the hazards of traveling in the UK. You agree to assume all risks associated with the journey and agree that no liability will attach to us or our outfitters, employees or agents, or to any member of the tour group in respect of death, personal injury, illness or delay, or for any loss of or damage to your property during the course of the trip, regardless of cause. You accept all risk of any walking, hikes, cable rides, motorcar, bus and boat trips. We reserve the right to withdraw a service or any part of it, to make alterations in the itineraries as we deem necessary or desirable. We reserve the right to decline, to accept, or to retain any person as a member of any party at any time. “Catch-up fees” are the responsibility of you in the event of missed transportation at any leg of the trip. You understand that neither traveler’s insurance nor medical insurance is provided by us, and it is your responsibility to obtain such insurance if it is desired.

SPECIAL NOTE

We place great emphasis on harmony amongst the tour-goers and all other persons involved in the tour. We reserve the right to remove any disruptive attendee from the tour, without reimbursement of any fees. If an attendee chooses to leave the tour for any reason, there will be no reimbursement of any fees.