Cosmos Tourama Holiday Information
...back to Booking Conditions
Definitions
The words "we", "you" and "your", where used below, have the same meaning as defined in the Booking Conditions.
All About Your Holiday Hotel & Resort
Your Hotel
The generic reference to ‘hotel' on this website does not necessarily distinguish between motels, pensions, aparthotels, residencia, gasthof, resorts, lodges etc. In addition to our own Diamond/Star rating, wherever possible, we have provided the official rating awarded by the local tourist authorities for the resort hotel. However, in some destinations eg. Germany there is no official classification system.
Diamond/Star Ratings
Official hotel ratings are set by relevant overseas authorities (where applicable) and unfortunately do not represent a consistent way of comparing accommodation standards from one country to the next. We have therefore established our own Diamond/Star ratings to help you choose. These are based on our knowledge at the time of going to press, as well as your own views and take into account facilities, food, service and location. The ratings are given on a scale of 2-5 diamonds/stars including ‘plus' and represent basic good value without frills to above average with extra comfort. Not all accommodation within the same rating will necessarily offer the same facilities.
Hotel Bedrooms
Our prices are based on 2 adults sharing a standard room with facilities as noted in the hotel description. Supplements may apply for any additional facilities. If our description indicates ‘bath or shower' or ‘balcony or terrace' we are not able to guarantee which you will get, since availability will vary.
Triple Rooms
Please note that the reduction is based upon three persons sharing a twin room and space may therefore be reduced. The extra bed is usually a camp or folding bed. In USA, Canada and long haul areas, many rooms have two double beds (sleeping 4). If an extra bed is required you may have to pay a charge directly to the accommodation for this. This facility is not guaranteed and cannot be confirmed prior to travel.
Meals
Many hotels are now offering popular buffet-style meals, either in full or part. In some hotels there may be two sittings at meal times for everyone's comfort. Not all hotels offer a choice of menu. On occasion, meals on tour may not be taken at your accommodation but at a nearby restaurant. At certain properties, the choice of restaurants offering the advertised board basis may be restricted. Where special gala meals are included in the price this is clearly shown in the hotel description. In a few cases, additional optional events may be organised by the hotelier and any charge for these may be paid for locally.
Licensing Laws
With regard to the consumption of alcohol, you must observe the Licensing Laws of the country or state you are visiting and consequently under-age guests will not be served with alcoholic drinks.
Single Rooms and Sole Occupancy
Those of you who are single travellers may feel that the cost of your holiday is higher than it should be. The reason for charging a supplement is that our contract with the accommodation provider is based on a price per room while our holidays are sold per person, including flights and other elements. Therefore the per person price for a lone traveller can include the entire double room cost. We do not make additional and excessive profits from these sales; the prices charged merely reflect the real cost to us. In some hotels there are rooms that are designed for single occupancy only. In this instance there will normally be a supplement but this will usually be less than when a single person occupies a double room. These single rooms are often smaller and sometimes less well appointed. We do not know which room you will be given as your hotel will usually decide this shortly before you arrive. Single rooms are always scarce so book early. You may sometimes find these rooms are not quite as good as twin or double rooms in terms of size, location and general standard but remember, you are paying a supplement for your privacy rather than for the facilities.
Single Share Options
Please note that this scheme is subject to availability and applies to selected coach tours only. It is not available on resort, cruise, train or late booking holidays. Single room supplements also have to be paid on any resort or city add-on to your tour. In all cases a single share room will be designated as no smoking.
Holiday Duration or Number of Nights Accommodation
The ‘number of nights' of each holiday relates to the number of nights accommodation reserved for you in a hotel or on a cruise ship. The number of days mentioned includes both day of departure and day of return landing in the UK. A 16-day holiday in China for example, may mean that 14 nights accommodation is reserved, as the 15th night will involve an overnight return flight to the UK. Some holiday flights are night flights and/or return in the early hours of the morning. In these cases your room is booked from the previous day to ensure you have immediate access when you arrive. In most cases rooms must be vacated no later than 12 noon on the last day of your holiday to ensure that rooms are ready for incoming passengers. Where possible, a room will be made available for changing and storing hand luggage, but this will be subject to availability. Sometimes hotel management may be able to allow you to keep your room, but they are entitled to make a charge. Where a cruise forms part of the holiday, you will be required to vacate your hotel room completely before embarkation. Where half or full board basis has been booked flight timings may necessitate the loss of one meal but in such cases the holiday price has been adjusted to compensate.
Resort and Hotel Facilities
Unfortunately, it is possible that some of the details contained on this website may have changed. Errors may also occur. If you have already booked, we will do our best to tell you of any significant changes before your departure. There may be occasions when an advertised facility or entertainment is not available or fully operational during your particular holiday, especially if it is out of high season. The availability of water sports, for instance, may vary as a result of weather conditions and therefore cannot be guaranteed. Where known, we have stated if certain facilities are seasonal. Essential maintenance or cleaning, lack of support or demand may also effect the actual availability of particular activities or facilities; so can such things as local licensing laws, local authority or governmental restrictions.
Unless otherwise stated in the hotel description, an additional charge may be made for listed hotel facilities, such as sunbeds and parasols, courtesy buses, squash/tennis courts and floodlights, equipment hire, water sports, sauna, games machines, minibars and safety deposit boxes. Air-conditioning, central heating and heated swimming pools are at the hotelier's discretion dependant upon such factors as weather conditions and number of guests in residence. Please be aware that during local or national holidays or festivals abroad, certain attractions such as museums may be closed and sightseeing tours and shopping may be limited. Please check with the relevant tourist board for more details.
Las Vegas Stays
Note that to book a stay in Las Vegas, at least one person occupying each room must be 21 years of age or over.
All About Your Holiday Flight
Your flight details
Flight timings shown on this website are based on the 24-hour clock system, are for guidance only and are subject to confirmation and alteration. Please refer to clause 5 of our Booking Conditions. Ensure that you check your flight tickets as soon as you receive them.
Flights are planned to be operated by the following airlines:
Scheduled Services: Air China, China Eastern, Qantas, Adria Airways, American Airlines, Air France, British Airways, Croatia Airlines, Czech Airlines, Continental Airlines, Finnair, Iberia, KLM, Lufthansa, Monarch, LOT Polish Airlines, Royal Air Maroc, Swiss International Airlines, Tunisair, Turkish Airlines, United Airlines, bmi, Air Malta, SAS, Icelandair, Meridiana, Olympic Airways, Air Malta, Jet Airways, Egyptair, Virgin Atlantic, Air Baltic, Emirates, Malev.
Low Cost Carriers: bmibaby, Easyjet, Flybe, Jet2, Air Berlin, Ryanair, Sterling.
Charter Services: British Airways Charter, Britannia, European Air Charter, First Choice Airlines, Monarch, My Travel Airlines, Spanair, Thomas Cook Airlines, Thomson Fly.
Flights may not necessarily be non-stop or the most direct routing; an en-route change of aircraft may sometimes be necessary. We classify a flight as direct when there is no change of aircraft en-route. However, stops en-route may become necessary for refuelling or to let passengers on and/or off and may require disembarkment. You will be advised of any change to these arrangements on receipt of your tickets.
If arranging domestic air, coach or train tickets to connect with your international flights, whether independently booked or booked through us, please note that we cannot be held liable for any loss or expense incurred due to flight time changes or flight delays. Similarly, in the event of your flight arrangements being changed or cancelled as outlined in clauses 3 & 4 of our Booking Conditions, we accept no liability for extra costs or consequent loss resulting, directly or indirectly, from any independent contract or arrangements between you and a third party.
Airlines we anticipate using are shown above. At the time of publication we plan to fly on the following aircraft:
Boeing 727, 737, 747, 757, 767, 777; Airbus A300, A310, A320, A330, A340, DC-10; MD11, MD80; MD83; Fokker 100, British Aerospace 146, Lockheed L1011, Avro Liner RJ100/115 Tristar MD11, H80; BAC 111.
Full Name on Airline Tickets
Due to increased security measures all airlines now require first and last names on the airline tickets. This must be the same name that appears on your passport, which must be the same name given when making your booking with us. It is your responsibility to ensure this information is correct on your Confirmation and Account and other documentation. Any changes or corrections will lead to an administration charge of £30 per ticket plus any charge made by the airline.
Pre-Bookable Flight Seats
This applies to selected charter flights and is subject to availability. Please remember that pre-booking your seats does not mean a quicker check-in and also that we are unable to reserve specific seat numbers; these will be advised at check-in. It is also possible that seats allocated may be separated by an aisle, although wherever possible we will try to avoid this.
Should you cancel your holiday, no refund of the reserved seating charge will be given. In the unlikely event that, because of changes to your flight or other operational reasons, we are unable to fulfil your seating reservation we will refund any monies paid in this respect and this will be the limit of our liability.
Airline Seat Requests (Scheduled Flights Only)
Details of how to make specific seat requests will be provided with your Confirmation and Account. Please note that airlines do not guarantee that this service can be provided and any request can only be made within 6 weeks of departure. Regrettably we are unable to provide assistance with these requests.
VIP Airport Lounges
Available at a large selection of airports from as little as £17 per person (please speak to your travel agent or a reservations advisor for more details). These executive lounges offer air-conditioning, complimentary drinks and snacks, newspapers and magazines. They even have telephone and fax facilities. Lounges are normally open from 7am to 7pm and should be booked at least 14 days prior to your departure date. Smart dress is required and entry to children is restricted to over 12's. This special offer cannot be purchased on-line. To book call our administration team on 0871 423 8502.
Note: In the unlikely event that VIP airport lounge facilities cannot be provided as booked, we will refund any monies paid in respect of the cost of the lounge and this will be the limit of our liability to you.
In-flight Services
LONG HAUL: Meals are included on long haul flights. Alcoholic beverages, wines, in-flight entertainment (movies and multi-channel stereo) will normally be available, on some flights these will be charged for.
OTHER: Some flights from the UK provide in-flight meals (excluding infants) as appropriate to the airline and time of day and destination. However, some charter and scheduled flight services have recently withdrawn inclusive in-flight meals, though refreshments on board will normally be available at an extra cost. On Monarch short haul charter flights, you can pre-book your meal for just £12 per person. We will advise you of services provided for your flights when you receive your tickets and documentation. Low Cost carriers only provide refreshments at an extra cost.
IMPORTANT: In-flight services are subject to change at short notice; no refunds will be made for the withdrawal of catering after booking. Charter tickets will indicate where meals are included. Should there be a change after ticketing, we will do our best to notify you, so that you can be prepared, but no refunds or reductions will be made.
Connecting Flights to Heathrow or Gatwick for £29
This offer is subject to specified flights and availability. This special offer cannot be purchased on-line. To book call our administration team on 0871 423 8503. No stopovers in London are permitted and only same day connecting services may be used.
Connecting times at Heathrow and Gatwick are subject to airline schedules and seat availability. Please note that we cannot be held liable for any loss or expense incurred due to flight time changes or flight delays occurring to your connecting flights. Similarly, in the event of your connecting flight arrangements being changed or cancelled we accept no liability for extra costs or consequent loss resulting, directly or indirectly, from any independent contract or arrangements between you and a third party.
Baggage Allowance and Porterage
Your baggage allowance is generally 44lbs (20 kilos) per person (15 kilos for some low cost carriers) or as stated on your airline ticket. You may not combine your luggage with another member of your party into a single piece and go over this limit. Baggage in excess of the allowance cannot be carried by the airline, or will be subject to an excess charge. Note that some low cost airlines enforce a strict limit on hold and hand luggage, so please ensure you check directly with them prior to your departure. Due to limited space on touring coaches, only one piece of baggage per person, with maximum dimensions 30”x18”x10” (plus reasonable hand luggage) is permitted on tour coaches. Porterage of one suitcase per person is usually included in your touring hotels, and, where included, this is clearly indicated on each tour description.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
Lengthy periods of immobility can increase the risk of DVT but there are simple steps to reduce susceptibility. Take plenty of non-alcoholic drinks, get up and move about whenever possible, do simple foot and leg exercises. Those that wish to know more about travel-related deep vein thrombosis can visit the Department of Health website which gives detailed information and advice. The booklet “Traveller's Guide to Health” which is available at main post offices or by telephoning 0800 555777 also offers further information and on Ceefax pages 460/4. We strongly recommend that if you are concerned about this issue you should consult your GP.
All About Your Touring/Cruising Holiday
En Route Hotels
It may be occasionally necessary to use alternative hotels to those shown. Such alternative hotels will be of at least an equivalent standard to those indicated and final details will be provided with your tickets or on occasion, by your Tour Director. Hotels may sometimes be located outside the city centres in outlying areas but will still have access to the city for sightseeing.
Coach Tour/Cruising Itineraries
Please bear in mind that coach-touring/cruising itineraries may have to be changed, sometimes at short notice, for operational reasons, or because of weather, road or traffic conditions, river or sea conditions, mechanical breakdowns, police activity etc.
Certain parts of your holiday may be operated in conjunction with our sister companies from within the group of companies that Cosmos belong or with other operators and joint representation will occasionally be provided.
Note: In the unlikely event of any river cruise not operating for whatever reason, this section of the holiday will be undertaken by coach
Optional Excursions and Transfers
In addition to any Highlights already featured in your tour itinerary, you may be offered a programme of optional excursions which have been arranged for your selection. A complete list with full details and current prices will either be included with your final tour documentation prior to departure or provided upon arrival. We act as a booking agent in respect of such optional excursions. Please see clause 7 (j) of the Booking Conditions for further information. Please note on many tours, payments for excursions made by credit card will be debited in US Dollars or Euros and will appear on your statement in US Dollars as they are processed through a US Bank. The exchange rate used will be that of the day of the conversion. The operation of all/any optional excursions is subject to availability and a minimum number participating. Prices may be subject to change and the right is reserved to substitute a similar alternative excursion should it become necessary. Local excursions and transfers are not always operated using a touring coach. On-board facilities and type of vehicle may, therefore, vary on these occasions. Local transfers and excursions are sometimes provided by local operators.
Continental Tours with Ferry Crossings
The complexity of the Cosmos Tourama Sea Coach programme requires some flexibility in obtaining the required capacities from Channel ferry operators. The programme is based on the short Channel crossing route, Dover-Calais. Details of your outbound and inbound ferry crossing will be included in your travel documentation. However, we reserve the right to direct tours to alternative ports if necessary. Changes, if made, will not detract from the interest of your holiday/tour itinerary. We also reserve the right to use ‘Le Shuttle' services through the Channel Tunnel in either direction. This service may also be used as alternative transportation to ferry crossings in case of last minute schedule changes, unexpected delays and weather conditions or situations which are beyond our control.
Tour Directors
Escorted tours are accompanied by professional tour directors or local guides on the touring part of the itinerary, but not on days when there are no sightseeing tours included. A number of itineraries include an internal flight, rail journey or cruise. On these itineraries, you are accompanied during the sightseeing element only, but not on the internal journey and will be met again on arrival at your new destination.
Maximum Elevation
For tours of North and South America we indicate the maximum height above sea level for the tour. All heights are approximate. Maximum heights are for the basic tour only and do not include optional extensions/excursions except for the Hawaiian Islands Tour that includes the maximum height for an optional visit to Haleakala National Park, its highest point.
Minimum Numbers
For many holidays a minimum number of persons is required to enable them to take place. We shall assess whether the minimum numbers have been reached and if we feel that the holiday is not operationally viable we will inform you as soon as possible. Where indicated in the tour text, vehicles such as private cars with driver guides, minibuses or mini-coaches may be used depending on party size. Please refer to clauses 3 & 4 of our Booking Conditions for details on changes to or cancellation of your holiday.
Platinum Tourer
In the event of a mechanical breakdown or failure either during or just prior to the tour, the coach will be replaced with a standard 48 or 52 seater coach and the change from platinum coach to standard coach shall be deemed a minor change. In such a situation you will be refunded £10 per person for each of the days affected up to a maximum repayment of £79 per person (£115 for 15 day tour), which is the premium paid for the service where the Platinum coach is not provided for seven consecutive days or more. The sum will be paid to you following your return to the UK and this shall be the maximum extent of our liability to you. For logistical reasons, certain elements of the tour may not be conducted by the Platinum coach but by standard coach, and in such circumstances no refund payment shall be made. At the time of going to press, the following is known:
Scenic Scandinavia
A standard coach will be used in Bergen on day 7.
Cities of Eastern Europe
On day 5 (Warsaw) and day 12 (Prague), this service will be operated by standard coach.
Portraits of Poland
A standard coach will be used on day 2 in Warsaw.
Alpine Italy, Austria and Slovenia
A standard coach will be used on day 3 in the Bled area.
Prague Vienna & Budapest
On day 2, a standard coach will be used in Prague for the city sightseeing tour and optional excursions. For guests extending their stay in Lake Balaton, transfers may be by standard coach.
Venice, Florence and Rome
Standard coaches will be used for all excursions in Rome. The Platinum coach option is not available to guests wishing to extend their holiday on the Neapolitan Riviera/ Ischia for the departure from the UK on 15th and 29th June and 5th October 2008.
Treasures of Italy
A standard coach will be used in Sorrento.
Magic of the Italian Lakes
A standard coach will be used on day 4 on Lake Maggiore to operate optional excursions.
Highlights of Andalucia
A standard coach will be used in Granada. This tour Is not available to guests wishing to extend their holiday with a week in the Algarve.
Spain, Portugal and Morocco
In Fez a standard coach will be used.
New York, Niagara Falls and Washington DC
Included sightseeing on day 2 will be operated by a standard coach.
Canadian Rockies
Included sightseeing in Vancouver on day 2 will be operated by a standard coach.
The Cost Of Your Holiday
Holiday Prices
All holiday prices shown are based on the lowest price type of accommodation and the lowest cost flight. Where applicable, supplements are payable for accommodation with additional facilities and/or alternative flights. Not all hotels/tours are necessarily available on every flight featured to the relevant destination. Please see clause 2 of the Booking Conditions for details of our Price Policy.
Child Prices
We have found over the years that young children do not enjoy touring holidays. For this reason we do not accept bookings for children under 8 on our coach tours. On full package tours we offer a 10% discount off the basic holiday price for children aged under 12 years on the day of return to the UK (applicable only where sharing a bedroom with two full fare paying adults). Please note that we cannot accept bookings for unaccompanied children under the age of 18. For resort only holidays there is a reduction of 15% off the basic holiday price for children under 12 years of age (on day of return from holiday) who are sharing a room with two full fare paying adults.
Infants under two years of age (resort only holidays) at the time of return flight to the UK pay £35 charter and £59 scheduled on short-haul and £49 charter and £99 scheduled on all long-haul flights. Infants must travel on the adult's lap unless an empty seat is available and are not entitled to a baggage allowance or in-flight meal. No deposit is required, but the cost of food and cots is payable direct to the hotel. In some cases a hotelier may levy a service charge for infants irrespective of whether cots or food are provided.
Youth Groups
Special conditions apply to youth/child groups, and groups organisers should call 0871 423 8614 prior to booking for further information.
Exchange Rates
The holiday prices detailed on this website have been calculated using the following exchange rates: US Dollar 1.88, Australian Dollar 2.338, New Zealand Dollar 2.663, South African Rand 13.753, Fiji Dollar 3.147, Thai Baht 63.7, Japan Yen 227.4, Singapore Dollar 2.891, Hong Kong Dollar 15.03, Iceland Krona 127.6393, Euro 1.421, Moroccan Dirham 15.777, Maltese Lira 0.604, Tunisian Dinar 2.50, Egypt Pound 10.789.
Some Practical Information
Passports
It is essential that first & last names on flight tickets exactly match those on the passport otherwise passengers may not be permitted to travel and any applicable insurance will be ineffective.
A standard ten year British passport is required for all holidays on this website which must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of return travel, however please see any exceptions to this below. If your passport expires earlier than this, it may still be acceptable but you should contact your local passport office or the consulate or embassy of the country to be visited for detailed advice. Visitors whose passports are not valid for the correct length of time face the possibility of being refused entry or subject to delays while their passport is replaced.
Customers applying for a new passport, or renewing an expired one, should allow eight weeks for the application to be processed and up to three months if applying between February and August. If you are 16 or over and haven't yet got a passport, our recommendation is that you should apply for one at least 6 weeks before your holiday. The Passport Service has to confirm your identity before issuing your first passport and from October 2006 will ask you to attend an interview in order to do this. Lost, stolen and new passports will take one week minimum to replace. It is essential that you check whether you are in possession of a valid passport before you make your holiday booking. If your passport is endorsed in any way, you should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of the country to be visited.
SPECIAL NOTE: ALL passengers (including children) entering the USA on the visa waiver programme will be required to hold a machine-readable passport (MRP). An MRP includes the holder's personal details eg. name, date of birth, nationality and their passport number contained in two lines of text at the base of the photo page. If you are NOT in possession of an MRP you will need to obtain a visa for entry, or apply for a new passport.
Travellers without an MRP who do not have a visa will be denied entry into the USA and possibly fined. The vast majority of non-machine readable British passports that are in circulation were issued outside of the UK.
As from 26 October 2005, all visitors to the USA who have a passport issued after 26 October 2005, must have a digitised photo appearing in their passport. All passports issued by the UK Passport Office now automatically feature digitised photos. Visitors with a digitised photo in their passport, and those with passports issued prior to 26 October 2005 that feature sealed in photos, will be able to enter the USA under the visa waiver programme.
ALL visitors to South Africa are required to have two unused blank pages in their passport to enable an entry visa to be issued upon arrival in the country.
Holders of British Subject Passports and Non-British Citizens
We can only advise on immigration requirements if your passport was issued in the UK and endorsed “British Citizen”. Holders of a British Subject passport and non-British citizens should check immigration requirements with the relevant embassy or consulate of all the countries you will be visiting or passing through. Further information from the UK Passport Service can be obtained as follows:
Advice line: 0870 5210410 (calls charged at national rate);
Faxback information line: 0901 4700130;
Website: www.passport.gov.uk.
Applications requests - telephone: 0901 4700110; fax: 0901 4700120 (calls cost between 60p-90p).
Visas
The following visa information is for British Citizens only. All consular fees are correct at the time of publication and are subject to change. For some countries, relevant visa guidelines will be sent with your Confirmation and Account.
NOTE: Some Travellers including those with certain serious communicable illnesses, criminal records, previous deportations, overstays on the visa waiver programme (US) and other problems may not be eligible by law to enter certain countries. Such travellers must check with the embassy or consulate of the country to be visited in order to ascertain if they are eligible to apply for a special restricted visa. In the case of the USA, they will be refused entry if they attempt to use the visa waiver plan. All non-UK Passport Holders should check with the Embassy of the country to which they are travelling.
Australia – The Australian Government has simplified the procedure for obtaining a visa by developing the Electronic Travel Authority System (ETAS). There is no physical evidence of an ETA. It is the passport number that will be used to confirm a passenger's authority to travel at departure and arrival. We currently provide this service for free for our customers.
Canada – British Citizens are not required to have a visa to enter Canada. However British subjects or overseas subjects who are subject to British Immigration control do require visas to visit Canada.
Cambodia - Visitors to Cambodia require a tourist visa, which currently costs US$20 and can be obtained locally on arrival at the airport. Please note two passport photos will be required.
China – British Citizens require a visa to enter China. A single entry tourist visa costs £30, and a double entry visa (required for passengers booking the Hong Kong extension) costs £45. A visa can be obtained by applying in person at the Embassy of China in London, or the Consulate-General's offices in Manchester or Edinburgh, or by using the services of a visa agency. Postal applications are not accepted. Visa application forms and details of a recommended visa agency will be sent to you with your Confirmation and Account. If using the visa agency, a single entry visa will cost £58.50, double entry £73.50.
Egypt – Single entry tourist visas costing £20 are required. Visas may be applied for via the Egyptian Consulate or obtained on arrival at the airport.
India – All visitors require a visa for entry to India. Tourist visas cost £30 and are valid from the date of issue. Visa applications can be made via the Indian Embassy.
USA - Most visitors to the US are required to have a US visa in their passport. However, since the introduction of the Visa Waiver scheme, full British Citizen passport holders with the right of abode in the UK will be able to travel on this scheme. The Visa Waiver scheme applies for full British Citizens provided they fulfil specific requirements, which include (but are not limited to) holding a full United Kingdom Passport, travelling on holiday or business for a period no longer than 90 days and holding a return air ticket with a "participating" airline (which includes all those airlines we feature.) This does not include Irish Citizens who carry a British subject passport. Note that even those qualifying as above will require a Visa if they have ever been arrested (even if not convicted), or if suffering from a serious communicable disease. It is the responsibility of each passenger to ensure they are able to comply with all US government requirements contained in the visa waiver form. If in any doubt, or if holding a British Subject/Citizen/Commonwealth Passport or with Right to Remain etc, you must check with the US Embassy Visa Section. Also see their Website: www.usembassy.org.uk or call the Visa information line on 09068 200 290 (calls charged at 60p/minute).
Visa waiver forms should be completed as follows:
For arrivals into the US up to and including 11 January 2009 - A Visa Waiver Form is completed in-flight and handed to the US immigration authorities on arrival.
For arrivals into the US on 12 January 2009 and thereafter - A Visa Waiver Form must be completed online using the new Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA). This is only accessible via the internet and must be completed at any time before travel, but we recommend no later than 72 hours prior to departure. You will need to have the address of the first hotel/accommodation that you will be staying at in the US, as well as your passport number and other basic biographical information (date of birth etc). An application form can be found by going to: https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/. In most cases you will receive an automated response within a few seconds of completing the application, generally stating that travel has been approved. If for any reason a visa is not authorised (for example you are not a British Citizen), then you will receive a response stating this. A visa approved via ESTA is valid for up to 2 years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first. If you plan future trips, or your destination/itinerary changes after your visa has been approved, you can easily update the information by re-visiting the ESTA website. If you do not have the internet at home, we recommend asking friends or family, or visiting your local library, where you can normally find computers available for public internet access. If you are still unable to get onto the internet to complete the form, then you should inform your travel agent, or us if you booked direct, at your earliest convenience. If you do not apply for and receive travel authorisation via the ESTA system prior to travel, you may be denied boarding or admission into the USA. Additional information regarding the visa waiver programme and ESTA is available at www.cbp.gov/esta.
Russia – We recommend that visas should be obtained through ASLA Ltd and visa application forms together with further details on how to obtain the visas will be sent to you with your confirmation and account. The visa cost is currently £30 per person for Russia and the visa service charge is £23.50 per person (including VAT and postage). Visas applications can be made directly with the Russian Embassy, but need to be accompanied by a Visa Support document which can be obtained from ASLA Ltd for a small fee. British passport holders visiting any of the ports of call on the Baltic Capitals cruise are not required to obtain visas in advance, if joining an optional shore excursion operated by the cruise company.
Turkey – British Citizens require a tourist visa which can be obtained on arrival at the airport at a cost of £10, payable in Sterling.
Multiple Entry Visas
For non-UK passport holders, and where visas are required on European tours, it is important that you request a multiple entry visa, particularly in the case of France, Italy, Germany, Belgium, Holland and Switzerland as your itinerary may involve entering the country more than once. All non-British or non-EU passport holders who require visas to enter France MUST obtain a multiple entry visa if joining a tour with a sea or tunnel crossing. French authorities will not allow you to continue on tour unless your visa requirements are met. Long delays in obtaining visas often occur, therefore it is advisable to apply well in advance of the anticipated departure date. A multiple entry visa may be required if joining a tour that starts in Canada and enters the USA during the tour. A full British Passport holder does not require a visa for Canada, but non-British Passport holders should check visa requirements with the Canadian Embassy.
As travel regulations are constantly changing, we as a tour operator are unable to guarantee that the information we provide concerning such requirements is up to date/always accurate. Unless otherwise stated, the information we provide on passport and visa requirements only relates to British citizens holding a full British/UK passport. It is therefore, our customers' own responsibility to ensure that they check the up to date position well in advance of departure and comply with all necessary Visa, Passport or other travel regulations. We must emphasise that neither ourselves nor the carrying airline can accept any liability should your passport and/or visa requirements not be in order, and we would advise you to check with the relevant embassy. Please also see clause 16 of our Booking Conditions.
US Security Measures
Advanced Passenger Information:
At check-in for your outbound flight to the USA you will be required to provide the full address (including postcode) of the accommodation where you will be spending your first night. Please ensure you have the documentation from us detailing this, in your hand luggage.
Baggage Checks:
From December 2002, the US authorities started screening all checked bags. In some instances this includes opening luggage after it has been checked in. Although we do not recommend leaving bags unlocked, you should consider using plastic cable or zip ties as an alternative to locks or padlocks. If a checked bag is searched, a statement to that effect will be inserted in the bag to notify the owner.
Travel Advice
Check it out Before you Go
The Foreign & Commonwealth Travel Unit may have issued information about your holiday destination. You are advised to check this information on BBC2 (Ceefax) page 470 onwards or on the FCO's website - http://www.fco.gov.uk/. Alternatively, you can contact them on 0845 850 2829 or the ABTA Information Department on 0891 202520 (calls charged at 50p/minute).
Foreign Currency and Traveller's Cheques
FOR EUROPEAN HOLIDAYS: Please note that many EU countries now use the Euro as currency. Please check with your bank or local Foreign Exchange for updated information relevant to the countries you are visiting.
FOR NORTH AMERICAN HOLIDAYS: We recommend that you take the majority of your spending money in US or Canadian Dollar travellers cheques. These will usually be accepted by stores and restaurants etc in the USA and Canada, as well as by hotel cashiers. American Express, Visa, Access (Mastercard), and Diners Club cards are acceptable in most places. For convenience on arrival, you should also have nominal cash sums in the local currency, though it is never recommended that you carry large sums of cash on your person.
FOR OTHER DESTINATIONS: Sterling traveller's cheques and some local currency should be taken; though it is never recommended that you carry large sums of cash on your person.
Please note that some banks may levy a charge to exchange money or traveller's cheques
Holiday Healthcare & Safety
Vaccinations
Requirements can change without notice and some inoculations or precautions, although not compulsory, may be advisable. Local conditions are subject to change and we suggest that your consult your GP or one of the specialist vaccination centres for more information. The Department of Health “Traveller's Guide to Health” which is available at main post offices or by telephoning 0800 555777 also provides very useful information.
No special immunisations are required for those countries not listed.
This list is correct at the time of publication.
Argentina - Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. It may be advisable to take Malaria tablets.
Bolivia - Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio, Tetanus and yellow fever are recommended. It may be advisable to take Malaria tablets.
Bosnia/Herzegovina - Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Polio and Tetanus are recommended. It may be advisable to take Malaria tablets.
Brazil – Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Yellow Fever are recommended. It may be advisable to take Malaria tablets.
Bulgaria - Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended.
Chile – Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended.
China - Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Tetanus are recommended. It may be advisable to take Malaria tablets.
Croatia – Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended.
Czech & Slovak Republic - Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended.
Egypt – Vaccinations for Typhoid, Cholera and Polio are recommended. It may also be advisable to take Malaria tablets.
Fiji – Vaccinations for Typhoid and Polio are recommended.
Hong Kong (China) - Vaccinations for Typhoid and Polio are recommended.
India – Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Polio are recommended.
Japan – Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid and Polio are recommended. It may also be advisable to take Malaria tablets.
Morocco – Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended.
Peru – Vaccinations for Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Yellow Fever and Tetanus are recommended. It may be advisable to take Malaria tablets.
Russia – Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended.
Serbia & Montenegro – Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended.
Singapore – Vaccination for Hepatitis A and Typhoid is recommended.
Slovenia - Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended.
Thailand – Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. It may also be advisable to take Malaria tablets.
Tunisia - Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended.
Turkey - Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. In some areas, it may be advisable to take Malaria tablets.
Ukraine - Vaccinations for Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended.
Holiday healthcare in Europe - EHIC
If you are a UK resident you are entitled to free, or reduced cost, state provided healthcare when visiting a European Union (EU) country. However to be covered you will need to take a new European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) with you, which you can get, free of charge. To apply visit the Department of Health's website: www.dh.gov.uk/travellers (please also note the section 'Getting treatment in countries inside the EEA') or by calling 0845 606 2030.
Safety and Local Standards
The safety standards and regulations, which apply overseas are those of the country concerned. Often, regrettably, they cannot reach the same levels as the UK. Because of this the general standard of safety, hygiene, fire precautions, etc can be lower than those which we have come to expect in the UK, and the authorities in the countries concerned may not have adequate power or resources to monitor and enforce standards. We suggest you familiarise yourself with fire escapes and always check the depth and exits of swimming pools before swimming. Upset stomachs can be caused by the change in climate or drinking ice cold drinks, and are not necessarily due to local hygiene or food preparation standards. Sexually transmitted diseases (including AIDS) are a serious threat to health throughout the world. Exercise caution and seek immediate medical attention if you think you have been infected. It is unwise to have your skin pierced or to have tattoos. Rabies is also a serious hazard so avoid touching animals, especially wild or stray ones. Remember the sun is more powerful than in the UK so take care not to expose yourself or your children. Use protective creams and drink plenty of non-alcoholic drinks to replace body fluids. Wear approved sunglasses to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays and a sun hat. We suggest you keep a note of any significant medical condition you may have and details of any medication you are taking. Pack a small first aid kit and carry with you during your holiday.
Medical Services
Overseas medical care and medication can be expensive, particularly in the eyes of British visitors. For this reason you must insure yourself against the possibility of injury and sickness requiring treatment on holiday. We have negotiated special cover at competitive premiums or you can take out your own independent insurance, details of which must be provided to us. Important: In certain circumstances proof of insurance will be required by hospital services/hospital facilities prior to any treatment commencing, so please ensure you carry on you, full details of your travel insurance cover/policy and details of any private health plans or policies.
Beaches
Even the ‘safest' beach may become dangerous when subjected to unusual weather conditions. Always check out the area before swimming and obey warning signs and flags. Never swim after dark or after consuming alcohol. Do not spend too long sunbathing. Take plenty of breaks in the shade and take in plenty of non-alcoholic drinks to replace body fluids. Remember, sea breezes can be deceiving, giving the impression it is not quite as hot as it actually is.
Smoking
You should be aware that many hotels, cruise ships, trains, restaurants and other venues are being designated non-smoking, often because of local or national legislation. If you believe that such restrictions will seriously impair your holiday plans, please check with us before booking. If we are aware of any restrictions we will confirm this information upon request, but we must stress that we are unable to alert you of any changes that may be made after your booking is confirmed.
Customers with Impaired Mobility
Please see clause 16 (e) of our Booking Conditions for further information.
Licensing, Your Privacy & Contacting Us
Membership and Licensing
We are a member of the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) and are licensed to sell the holidays featured on this website by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). For further details, please see the final paragraph of the Booking Conditions.
Data Protection & Your Privacy
For the purpose of the Data Protection Act 1998, we are a data controller. We will need to use the details you give us to properly process your booking or enquiry. If you are travelling with us we will also need to keep your details in case we or our suppliers (such as airlines, accommodation providers and transport companies) and agents need to contact you in respect of your travel arrangements eg. in an emergency or to inform you of possible changes to your itinerary. The details we may need to store and use include the names and contact details of party members, credit/debit or other payment details and passport details and, where applicable, details concerning any disability, medical condition or dietary requirements (which might disclose your religious beliefs) which might affect the chosen holiday arrangements. It may be necessary to transfer your details to a country or countries outside the EEA depending on where your holiday is to take place and/or where our suppliers or agents are based. The data protection and privacy rules and legislation in those countries may be less stringent than the UK. We or our suppliers or agents may be required to pass your details on to certain governments or government appointed bodies or agencies in the interests of security or because we are obliged to by law. When you make a booking with us you agree to us storing, using and passing on the information referred to for the reasons stated above.
We will of course inform you if there is any further information we require from you during the booking process. When you make a booking or enquiry, request a brochure or other promotional literature from us or sign up for our email or SMS (text message) updates we will securely store your contact details in order to contact you with details of products and services we think you might be interested in. This may include details of products and services offered by our UK sister companies. We may pass your contact details to our UK sister companies so that they may contact you with details of the products and services that they offer but we undertake not to pass them to any other third parties for marketing purposes. Our sister companies include:
Cosmos Holidays plc, Avro Plc, Monarch Airlines Limited, and Archers Tours Limited.
Unless you ask us not to do so (eg. by ticking an “opt-out” box) we and our sister companies may communicate with you by e-mail, text message, phone or by post. If you're not making a booking and if you don't require us to send you information then naturally you do not have to provide us with any personal information at all. Whenever we contact you we will give you the option of opting out of any future marketing communications. Also, if at any time you decide you would rather not receive any further communications from us about the products and services offered by us and our sister companies please let us know in writing to: Data Protection, Marketing Department, Cosmos Coach Tours Limited, Wren Court, 17 London Road, Bromley, Kent, BR1 1DE.
You are generally entitled to ask us about details of yours that we are holding, why we're holding or processing them and to whom we have disclosed or may disclose them to. To do this, please send a letter to the address listed above. We promise to respond to your request within 40 days of receiving the request in writing along with any applicable fee. There are circumstances where we shall be within our rights to refuse such a request. If you believe that any of your personal information that is held or being processed by us is incorrect then please write to us immediately as we cannot be responsible for any problems that may arise due to inaccurate information that you have provided us with. If you would like further information then you may find the following websites useful:
http://www.informationcommissioner.gov.uk
How to contact Us
Our Head Office address (for all enquiries) is:
Cosmos Coach Tours Ltd, Wren Court
17 London Road, Bromley, Kent BR1 1DE
Telephone: Reservations: 0871 423 8647
Administration: 0871 423 8503
Our registered business address is:
Prospect House, Prospect Way
London Luton Airport
Luton LU2 9NU
Sea Coach Tours With Free & Easy Departures
London Link Service
For EVERY sea coach holiday on this website we offer our LONDON LINK service, a free coach transfer from central London to your Channel departure port.
Departure Timings
The departure timings advertised in this section are for guidance only. Exact timings and detailed joining instructions will be sent with your travel documents. However, if you book your holiday within 2 weeks of departure, confirmed timings and detailed joining instructions will be given at the time of booking. You should plan to be at your joining point no later than 15 minutes before scheduled departure as coaches will not be delayed for customers arriving late.
Return journeys from the Continent are scheduled to arrive at the UK port between 13.30 and 15.00 hours approximately.
LONDON LINK is a free service offered to customers by Cosmos and does not form any part of your holiday price. As such its operation is subject to sufficient demand. We cannot always guarantee availability for a specific joining point neither can it be available to customers who have not made a reservation for the service at the time of booking.
NB. No smoking applies on ALL London Link Coaches.
London Link
Departure dates and times
Our LONDON LINK coach service will operate for every sea coach cross channel tour departure from January to December 2006.
| Town | Booking Code | Time |
Central London | LON | 09:00-10:30 |
If travelling independently to Dover
If you are travelling independently to Dover Eastern Docks you are required to report to the uniformed Cosmos Representative at the entrance to the 'Travel Centre' or at the Information Desk where you can request a call to be put out for a member of Cosmos staff who will explain the procedure that applies to you.
If you have taken advantage of our free parking offer at Dover, you should drive directly to the car-parking compound of Relyon Car Parking Ltd. You will find the details of the location in your travel documents. Once parking formalities are complete Relyon will arrange a courtesy transfer to Dover Eastern Docks where you should report to the Cosmos Representative at the Travel Centre. You must ensure that you allow plenty of time for all arrangements to be completed including the transfer to Dover by the time indicated on your joining instructions. On your return a Relyon courtesy transfer will take you back to the compound to collect your vehicle.
It is essential in either case, that you allow sufficient time for any processing procedures to be completed as transportation to the ferry will not be delayed for customers arriving late.
Booking Your Holiday
MAKING YOUR BOOKING. Please choose your holiday and familiarise yourself with the Cosmos Booking Conditions and with the Holiday Information. The appropriate deposit (and insurance premium if you are taking Cosmos insurance) will be taken and a Confirmation & Account, confirming all the holiday details will be sent directly to your home address. Please note airline tickets are only valid if your surname and first name are exactly as they appear in your passport. Cosmos will issue your airline tickets as advised to us at the time of booking and it is, therefore, very important that you check your Confirmation & Account carefully and if any detail of your booking is not correct, or you have any queries, please call us immediately on 0871 423 8501.
PAYING YOUR BALANCE. You should pay the balance due at least six weeks prior to departure. You can pay your balance by credit*/ debit card over the telephone or if you are sending us a cheque or postal order, please allow time for postal delays.
NB. Receipts are only issued on request and reminders for balance payments will not be sent.
LATE BOOKINGS. If you are booking within 8 weeks of departure, full payment will be required by credit*/debit card at the time of booking. For bookings within approximately a month of departure, ticket on departure (TOD) may be incurred, which will be a minimum of £12 per person.
*Please note for full holiday payment or balance payments made directly to Cosmos by credit card, there is a processing charge of 1.5% of the cost of the holiday.
Your price includes
- The services of our Representative at most UK departure airports and at your destination airport.
- Return international flights from the UK as specified on each itinerary with in-flight meals (excluding infants) as appropriate to the airline and time of day and destination. (NB. Monarch short haul charter flights, low cost carriers and some scheduled flights services do not include in-flight meals, however refreshments onboard will normally be available at an extra cost or can be pre-booked in the case of Monarch charter flights).
- Airport taxes, security charges and port taxes.
- UK Government Air Passenger duty £10 per person (£40 outside Europe).
- Fuel supplements – these will be advised at time of booking.
- Transfers between overseas airports and accommodation unless otherwise stated on the website.
- Tour content as specified in each itinerary.
- Accommodation and meals confirmed to you on your final Confirmation & Account.
- All state/regional/local taxes, VAT and service charges unless otherwise stated in the tour description.
- All applicable ferry fares, bridge, tunnel and highway tolls.
- Sightseeing and excursions specified as included in the tour description.
- The services of a tour director, local guide or representative during the touring elements of your holiday; the services of our local representatives or agents during resort and city stays.
The only extras
- Food and beverages unless shown as included in your itinerary.
- In flight meals on Monarch short haul charter services, low cost carriers and selected scheduled services.
- Optional excursions, city sightseeing and entrance fees are excluded, unless specifically noted as being included.
- Gratuities to drivers and tour directors/guides, stewards on board trains and staff on cruise ships (unless specifically shown as included in the price).
- Personal departure taxes payable at overseas airports are payable locally.
- Holiday Insurance.
- Porterage where not stated as “included”.
- Any consumer levy that may be imposed by the UK Licensing Authority or approved body.
- Costs of visas or vaccinations where necessary.
- Additional charges will usually be incurred for listed hotel facilities such as sunbeds, tennis, watersports, gym/sauna, a la carte meals etc, unless otherwise stated. Charges for other hotel facilities, such as laundry, safety deposit boxes, air-conditioning, mini bar and sports facilities.
- Any flight supplements.
- Any single room supplements.
- For bookings within approximately a month of departure, ticket on departure (TOD)/late booking charges may be incurred, which will be a minimum of £15 per person.
- For full holiday payments and balance payments made by credit card there will be a charge of 1.5% of the total cost of the holiday.
