FAQs

Who will I be travelling with?

Our unique touring style and better itineraries attract a wide variety of travellers, from early empty nesters to baby boomers. Perhaps more importantly, it is about the type of people we carry… usually Australians and New Zealanders. People who want to see more, experience more and who want a more authentic European holiday experience.

What is the average Albatross group size?

With  Albatross Tours some groups may be as small as 15 travellers and we cap all tours at only 28 guests.

We believe travelling in a smaller group ensures a more pleasurable touring experience for you. It allows us to select more private hotels and attractions for you to experience, plus you have much more room on the coach!

What is the typical age of an Albatross traveller?

The typical age of an Albatross traveller is 45 years and over. Our unique style of touring allows our tours and itineraries to attract a wide variety of travellers, from empty nesters to baby boomers and families on our Christmas & New Year tours. Perhaps more importantly, it is about the type of people we carry, usually Australians and New Zealanders. People who want to see and experience more, people who want a more authentic European holiday experience.

Why do you stay longer at each stopover?

How do Albatross tours differ from other European Coach tours?

Albatross tours are specifically designed for you, the Australian and New Zealand traveller. With our small group sizes and leisurely 2, 3, 4 and even 5 night stays you get more time to relax and savour the superb places we visit.

Our touring programmes offer the perfect balance of included regional and city sightseeing along with that essential free time to do your own exploring.

Will I have free time while touring?

Do you offer pre and post tour accommodation?

What are the booking conditions for my tour?

Click here to view our tour booking conditions. If you have any questions please contact our European tour specialists.

Which of your Christmas tours are most likely to get the best snow?

Do prices shown on the website and in the brochure include airfares?

Are Albatross' tours escorted from Australia?

All of our group tours meet with the Albatross Tours Manager at the hotel on Day 1 of the tour.

If I am a single person travelling, do I need to pay the Single Supplement?

Yes, and the good news is that in most hotels you will be offered a double room for single use. This means when travelling on an Albatross tour you will mostly have a hotel room to yourself with either a double bed or two twin beds.

Is my tour guaranteed to depart?

How much money do I need to budget for optional meals and excursions?

Nothing! Unlike most other tour companies we simply don’t sell extra ‘optional’ tours once you arrive. All the excursions, activities and meals we outline are already included. Most dinners, even special regional restaurant dining is already included. To help matters we also include a glass of wine, beer or soft drink with dinner and later, tea or coffee*.

*Note: Drinks are not included with dinner on the following tours - Scandinavia, In the Footsteps of Vikings and Northern Lights, Ice Hotels & Huskies tours.

Are your tours English speaking only?

Are your Tour Managers English speaking and where do they come from?

Do you guarantee snow on your Christmas or New Year tours?

How can I book an Albatross Tours?

You can book an Albatross Tour directly with us or through your Travel Agent. 

If you wish to book with us there are three ways you can get in touch:

Phone - 1300 135 015 (inside Australia) or 0800 446 232 (from New Zealand).

Online - Complete our online booking enquiry form. Click here for the booking form.  

Email – Send an email to info@albatrosstours.com.au and include the name of the tour and the departure date you want to book on. 

What's the next step once I have made a booking?

Once you are confirmed on a tour, an invoice and a Traveller Information Form will be sent to you. A non-refundable deposit is required within 7 days to secure your booking. The deposit amount is a minimum of 10% of the total tour cost, however, the deposit may vary for special tours or departures. The deposit amount will be shown on your booking invoice. We also ask that you complete and submit your Traveller Information Form within 7 days of your booking.  

How do I complete my Traveller Information form?

After your booking has been made you will receive an email which contains details to complete your traveller information form.

What happens if I don’t complete and submit my Albatross Traveller Information form?

When is final payment due on my booking?

What payment options are available?

A variety of payment options are available for your convenience. 

- Australian bookings can make payment using; cash, cheque, direct deposit, BPAY, VISA and MasterCard (Please note a 1.2% merchant fee is applicable for all VISA and MasterCard transactions) and AMEX Credit Card (Please ntoe a 1.98% merchant fee is applicable for all AMEX credit card transactions).

- New Zealand bookings can make payment using direct deposit only

All payment details are provided on the bottom of your booking confirmation and invoice.

Can Albatross assist with travel insurance, flights, transfers or pre & post tour accommodation?

Albatross Tours can provide you with quotes for Travel Insurance or Pre/Post Accommodation for your selected tour departure.  Please contact our reservations team via phone or email and we would be happy to provide you with a quote. 

For Flights, airport transfers and other additional itinerary planning, we recommend that you contact your local travel representative.

Do your tours include arrival and departure transfers?

Unfortunately we do not include arrival and departure transfers. Please ensure you book your transfers or request your travel agent to do so.

How much luggage can I bring?

Hotel porterage is included for one large suitcase per person. Since we carry smaller groups there is usually extra space to stow more bags and any further luggage. Please liaise with you Tour Manager and Driver regarding porterage for additional luggage.

Please note some locations do not provide porterage, please refer to your itinerary documents for further details

What type of hotel rooms are available?

The available hotel room types available are:

Twin rooms: Throughout much of central Europe traditional style hotels often only offer ‘French Twins’. These are 2 separate beds and mattresses that may be pushed together or even attached together.

Double rooms – On occasion there may be dedicated double rooms available however you may find you are allocated a ‘French Twin’ room instead as this is the European style of hotel room.

Single rooms – Single rooms in many hotels are customarily smaller than twin and double rooms.

Do you offer hotel room upgrades?

Unfortunately, we are not able to offer upgrades on rooms that have been booked as part of your selected itinerary. We do ensure all hotels used do offer comfortable facilities to make your touring holiday as enjoyable as possible.

When and how will I receive my travel documentation?

Approx. 4 weeks prior to your tour departure, assuming full payment and your Traveller Information Forms have been received, we will send them electronically to yourself or your travel agent representative.

If you are departing our fair shores earlier, please ensure you, or your Travel Agent, have advised our Sales Team and we can of course get them to you earlier.

How much money do I need to budget each day when on tour?

A lot less than you think! Remember that all excursions and activities we display are included in your tour price, with no later offered extras or option lists. The majority of your meals are already included, with some dinners having wine, tea and coffee available. Many items in Europe are of similar pricing to Australia and New Zealand.

How much should I budget for tips on tour?

Nothing! We have already taken care of that for you. At Albatross Tours we understand that knowing when to tip, who to tip and how much to tip can make you feel uncomfortable. That’s why we have included all tips whilst you are ‘on tour’ including the end of the tour tips for your Tour Manager and Driver. That’s makes life easier!

What is the food like?

What time do I need to get up each morning?

Later! It is rare we start a day before 8:30am. Our longer stats mean you are not constantly checking in and out of hotels all the time and packing and unpacking your bags is not a repetitive chore. The pace is so much more relaxed and most mornings you have time for that second cup of coffee over a relaxing breakfast.

Do hotel rooms have tea and coffee making facilities?

What standard and size of coaches do you use?

We use first class, full size touring coaches with 40 - 45 seats. This means where the average group size is 22 travellers every one gets a window seat and a spare seat! Wi-Fi is available on most coaches and there is an on-board toilet for emergencies.

Note: Occasionally we may also use day charter coaches for sightseeing and in rare cases when touring groups numbers are below 15 we may use a smaller coach, without a toilet.

What type of hotels will I be staying in?

We hand select hotels for you which are authentic and full of tradition. Specifically chosen for their style, location and ambience to add significant flavour to your holiday. Whether it be with dramatic alpine views, modern spa facilities or full of local charm, you can be sure your stay will add lifetime memories to your tour and become highlights in themselves.

What laundry facilities are available on tour?

Where you are staying three or more nights at one hotel they may offer a laundry service. It is imperative that you check prior to dropping any laundry off that it will be returned before you are due to check out of the hotel! The prices for washing are normally per garment.

Tip: It is very easy to wash small garments by hand in your room and they should dry overnight.

Warning: Hotel laundry rates throughout the world are generally very expensive. Please check with the hotel reception regarding the pricing first.

How much walking is involved on your tours?

Our tours require a moderate level of fitness due to the unique places we visit and stay. On some occasions coach drop off points are 10 minutes or so walk away from an old town centre. If you are joining us on one of our walking tours we recommend comfortable shoes and that you are able to walk at a moderate pace.

What meals are included on my tour?

All of our tours include daily breakfast served at the hotel. Certain tours include special lunches, and the majority of dinners including welcome and farewell dinners. Meals are enjoyed in various locations from your hotel to authentic local taverns, restaurants or bistros, to beautiful vineyards. On evenings where dinner is not included you are provided time to discover a local restaurant of your own choice.

Can you cater for special dietary needs?

Yes, of course. When booking your tour please ensure you special dietary needs are advised. Once you arrive and begin your tour please reconfirm your dietary needs with your Tour Manager. Please note, whilst every effort is made to ensure your dietary needs are properly catered for we cannot guarantee absolute satisfaction every time.