General Information

Everything you need to know before you travel - luggage, hotels, food, coaches, visas, and more.

3-star+Minimum hotel standard
ABTAMember W8770
ATOLProtected no. 5639

Before you travel: Please read through the relevant sections below. For any specific queries, call us on +44 208 900 2323 or visit our FAQ page.

Prices▾

Prices are per person and based on two adults sharing a room. Where one adult travels with one child, the child will be charged the adult fare as room costs are based on double adult occupancy. Children aged 11 and under travelling with two full-fare paying adults receive the applicable child rate. Infants aged between 0-23 months are charged an infant fare, which includes a coach seat.

Solo travellers are charged the adult fare plus the applicable single supplement. Age is calculated on the return date of travel.

Brochure prices are for guidance only and are subject to dynamic pricing based on availability and demand. Prices may increase closer to departure, so we recommend booking early for the best available price.

Hotels▾

We use hotels that meet a minimum 3-star national standard. European hotel rooms can be smaller than those in the USA or Asia, and facilities such as air conditioning, lifts and tea and coffee facilities are not guaranteed. Water bottles may not be provided, some hotels may have stair access only, and double beds may consist of two single beds placed together.

Triple rooms can be particularly compact and usually consist of a double bed (or two singles) plus a sofa or rollaway bed, leaving limited floor space. If space and comfort are important, we recommend booking two rooms.

Hotels are usually located outside city centres to allow for coach access and parking and to keep tour prices competitive. Hotels advised before departure may occasionally change for operational reasons, in which case an alternative of the required tour standard will be provided.

If you experience a problem with your room, please report it immediately to hotel reception and your Tour Manager so there is an opportunity to resolve it during your stay.

Room Configuration▾

Hotel rooms are based on two adults sharing, with a maximum occupancy of three guests. Where available, families of two adults and two children may share a quad room, usually with a sofa or rollaway bed and shared existing bedding. These rooms can be compact.

Where additional rooms are required, child upgrades and/or single supplements may apply. One adult travelling with one child will pay two adult fares. Solo travellers pay a single supplement, and Star Tours does not arrange room-sharing.

Quad rooms are subject to availability. Where unavailable, the rooming arrangement and any applicable reduction will be as stated in the tour itinerary.

Your FamilyWhat You PayTotalRooms
1 Adult + 1 Child£100 + £100£2001
2 Adults + 1 Child£100 + £100 + £50£2501
2 Adults + 2 Children£100 + £100 + £50 + £50*£3001

*If a quad room is unavailable, a reduction as mentioned in the tour itinerary will apply.

Solo Travellers▾

Solo travellers pay the adult fare plus a single supplement. Star Tours does not arrange room-sharing between passengers.

Channel Crossings▾

Coach tours generally cross via Dover/Calais, Dunkirk or the Eurotunnel from Folkestone. Routes and ports may change due to operational requirements.

Tour Managers▾

Escorted tours are led by a Tour Manager or Driver. On some departures they may join after the first pick-up, while flight or rail passengers may travel unaccompanied before meeting the Tour Manager at the destination.

Tour Managers coordinate the tour for the group and cannot provide personal assistance with luggage, medical needs or immigration matters. Tours are conducted in English, and at least one member of each group should have a working mobile phone.

On most European coach tours returning via France, the Tour Manager will leave the group in Paris after the final sightseeing activity, with the driver assisting the group on the return journey to London.

Tour Managers are not specialist local guides. Where specialist commentary is included, this will normally be provided by a local guide.

Changing the Itinerary & Timekeeping▾

The Tour Manager may adjust or reverse the itinerary due to traffic, border delays, weather, local events, closures or driving regulations. We will always aim to operate all included sightseeing, but changes or omissions may occasionally be necessary.

Sightseeing time may also be reduced where delays occur to keep the tour on schedule and within legal driving hours. Passengers must follow the timings given; anyone missing a departure must make their own arrangements to rejoin the group at their own cost.

Coaches & Transportation▾

Coaches generally have air-cooling and an emergency toilet. Some may have USB charging, but Wi-Fi and mains charging are not guaranteed. Smaller or replacement vehicles may have different facilities, including no toilet or reclining seats. Last row seats may not recline.

Only water and dry snacks may be consumed on board. Smoking, vaping and alcohol are prohibited. All journeys operate within applicable drivers' hours and rest regulations. Due to traffic, access or parking restrictions, coaches may not always stop directly outside hotels, restaurants or attractions, and some walking may be required.

Where tour routes overlap, passengers from different Star Tours itineraries may travel together and join or leave the coach at different points.

Distances & Journeys▾

Touring Europe involves long journeys, and passengers should expect to spend several hours on the coach on some days. Rest stops are taken in line with driving regulations. Keep essentials such as water, snacks, medication and power banks in your hand luggage. Traffic and mandatory driving breaks may cause delays outside Star Tours' control.

Currency▾

We recommend arranging currency before travel, as ATMs, exchange facilities and card payments may not always be available. Carry some euro coins for toilets and small purchases. Euros are widely used in Europe, with Swiss francs required in Switzerland and pounds sterling for UK tours.

See our Payment Details page for bank transfer information.

Children & Young Infants▾

Infants aged between 0-23 months are charged an infant fare, with an additional supplement on flight tours. For your child's safety and comfort, we strongly recommend bringing a coach-compatible child/booster seat. Star Tours does not provide these; parents wishing to use one must bring and fit it themselves.

Parents should carry sufficient baby food and milk, as these may not be available during the tour and hotel kettles are not guaranteed. Pushchairs must be foldable for coach storage. For safety reasons, children cannot sit in the front rows of the coach.

Baggage▾

Each passenger may bring one suitcase (max. 23kg, 90 x 75 x 43cm) and one hand luggage item (max. 5kg, 20 x 20 x 48cm). Drivers assist with loading and unloading, but passengers must carry their own luggage to and from hotel rooms.

Coach locker luggage cannot be accessed during the journey. Extra bags are charged at £10/$15 per bag per day, subject to space.

All luggage is carried at the owner's risk. Star Tours is not responsible for loss, theft or damage to personal belongings; adequate travel insurance is strongly recommended.

Weather▾

Weather can vary considerably between countries and during the same tour. Warm days can be followed by cooler evenings, rain or sudden changes in temperature, particularly in mountain areas. Check the forecast for each destination before travel and pack accordingly, including a light waterproof, umbrella and something warm. Weather conditions cannot be guaranteed at any destination.

Clothing, Accessories & Health▾

Comfortable walking shoes are essential. We recommend bringing a travel adapter and any personal items you may need, as hair dryers, irons and kettles are not guaranteed at hotels.

Tours can involve long journeys and moderate walking, including uneven surfaces, steps or hills. Please consider the pace, walking requirements and journey times before booking. Bring sufficient prescription medication, and passengers with health or mobility concerns should ensure the tour is suitable for them before travel.

Excursions & Optional Excursions▾

Included excursions: Entrance fees and attraction tickets are included only where specifically stated in the itinerary. Popular attractions may have long queues, capacity limits, closures or restrictions beyond our control. Eiffel Tower tickets cannot be pre-purchased, so particularly long queues may occur. Lost or stolen tickets cannot be replaced and refunds are not provided for circumstances beyond our control.

Optional excursions: These may be offered by the Tour Manager or driver, subject to availability and payable separately in cash. Participation is voluntary and not every excursion can be offered on every departure.

Pick-Up & Drop-Off Points and Times▾

Times shown in our brochure and website are indicative and may change. Some pick-up points may carry a supplement if minimum numbers are not met. Passengers must arrive at least 15 minutes before the stated time. Late arrivals must make their own arrangements to rejoin the tour at their own cost, and no refunds are given for missed departures.

Continental tours usually return to Dover between 20:00-22:00, with London drop-offs normally between 22:45-02:00 (next day). These times are approximate and can be affected by traffic, border checks, road conditions and other delays outside our control. The order of pick-up and drop-off may also vary.

If arranging independent travel before or after the tour, please allow plenty of time for delays. We strongly recommend that passengers do not book flights, trains or other time-sensitive onward travel shortly after the expected return time. Star Tours cannot be held responsible for missed onward connections due to delays.

See the Pick-Up Points page for full location details.

Dietary, Room Allocation & Other Requests▾

Special requests, including adjoining, nearby or same-floor rooms and dietary requirements, should be made at the time of booking. We will pass requests to the relevant supplier, but they cannot be guaranteed and remain subject to availability. Requests such as early check-in, late check-out or packed meals are at the hotel's discretion and may carry an additional charge. Passengers with specific dietary needs should carry suitable snacks or alternatives, as availability cannot always be guaranteed.

Food▾

Breakfast is usually continental, with a selection such as breads, cereals, fruit, juices and hot drinks. Lunch and dinner are mainly Indian, with vegetarian dishes available and non-vegetarian options regularly included. Meals typically include items such as naan/chapati, curry, dal, rice and salad. Jain meals can be requested in advance but are subject to availability.

As Indian meals are provided across several countries, some repetition should be expected. At popular tourist locations, restaurants often cater for several Indian tour groups, which can result in more limited or repetitive menus.

Meal times vary according to sightseeing, traffic and journey times and may sometimes be later than usual. Meals are generally buffet style in hotels or restaurants but, depending on the itinerary, may also be packed or served at service stations/rest areas. Drinks are payable separately.

Passengers with allergies or specialised dietary requirements should advise us at booking and carry suitable alternatives, as we cannot guarantee allergen-free or specialised meals. If an included meal cannot be provided, reimbursement is €10 for lunch and €15 for dinner.

Reporting a Problem During Your Tour▾

If you experience a problem, please tell your Tour Manager as soon as possible so we have the opportunity to assist and resolve it during the tour. Issues with hotels, restaurants or other suppliers should also be reported directly to the supplier at the time. Please do not wait until after the tour to raise an issue that could have been addressed while you were travelling.

Passenger Conduct▾

All passengers are expected to treat fellow travellers, Tour Managers, drivers and suppliers with respect. Abusive, threatening or disruptive behaviour will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the tour.

Lost Property & Thefts▾

Passengers are responsible for their belongings at all times. Star Tours cannot retrieve, store or transport items left behind, including across international borders.

Theft must be reported immediately to the local police and a crime reference obtained. Your Tour Manager can direct you to the nearest police station but cannot make a report on your behalf.

Please remain vigilant, particularly in busy tourist areas where pickpocketing is common. Comprehensive travel insurance covering loss and theft is strongly recommended.

Wheelchairs▾

Tours can involve considerable walking, steps, uneven surfaces and long coach journeys and may not be suitable for passengers with limited mobility. Foldable manual wheelchairs and walking aids can be stored in the coach luggage compartment; non-folding electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated.

Drivers can assist with loading and unloading mobility aids, but passengers must be able to board and leave the coach independently. Some hotels may not have lifts, so please consider the itinerary and your individual mobility needs carefully before booking.

Seating Allocation▾

Seats are allocated solely by Star Tours based on booking order, group size, coach layout and safety requirements. Requests for specific seats, including for personal or medical reasons, cannot be guaranteed. Seat numbers are provided on the day of departure and cannot be confirmed in advance by our Sales Team.

Children will not be seated at the very front of the coach. Passengers on separate booking references wishing to sit together must advise us at the time of booking. Once allocated, requests to change seats cannot normally be accommodated.

Front seats can be purchased as a pair only, for two adult passengers. They cannot be booked for children, in line with our seating policy above. Where a booking has more than two passengers, the remaining travellers will be seated under our normal allocation policy.

Early Bird Offers▾

Early Bird Offers apply only when the required deposit is paid at booking and cannot be combined with other promotions, discounts or vouchers. They are not available for infants.

Where complimentary accommodation is included, this will be at a minimum 3-star hotel in the Wembley/Heathrow area or nearby. Hotel allocations may vary and passengers travelling together are not guaranteed the same hotel. Rooming will be as stated on your booking.

Early Bird Offers do not apply where the brochure price is surcharged or the tour itinerary has been changed.

Faraway Tours▾

Faraway Tours are operated by trusted local ground operators and may run with small groups, sometimes as few as 2-4 passengers. A dedicated Star Tours Tour Manager may not accompany the tour; local contacts will be provided for assistance and emergencies.

Sightseeing is generally led by local guides, with some free time for independent exploration. Transport is arranged locally without assigned seating, and excursions may be shared with travellers booked through other companies.

Meals are provided at selected restaurants or during excursions, often within walking distance of the hotel. Arrangements may differ from our escorted European coach tours.

Customs & Immigration▾

Star Tours is not responsible for delays or detention by Police, Customs, Immigration or other authorities.

Passengers are responsible for ensuring they have valid passports, visas, travel authorisations and any other documents required for their journey. Star Tours cannot accept responsibility for denied boarding or entry due to incorrect or incomplete documentation.

European Travel Information & Authorisation System (ETIAS)▾

ETIAS is expected to apply during the 2027 season to eligible visa-exempt travellers, including British passport holders, travelling to participating European countries. Passengers are responsible for obtaining ETIAS authorisation when required before travel.

ETIAS is linked to your passport and is normally valid for up to three years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. As requirements and implementation dates may change, passengers must check the latest official entry requirements before travel.

ATOL▾

Star Tours holds ATOL licence 5639. Eligible flight-inclusive packages are financially protected under the ATOL scheme, which provides protection if the ATOL holder becomes insolvent. Not all travel services are ATOL protected; please check your booking confirmation or ATOL Certificate for details.

ABTA▾

Star Tours is a member of ABTA (W8770) and follows ABTA's Code of Conduct. If a complaint cannot be resolved directly with us, eligible disputes may be referred through ABTA's Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) process, including arbitration. Full details are available from www.abta.com.

Terms and conditions apply to all bookings. Read our full Terms & Conditions

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