This document outlines what Scottish Dream Tours ("SDT") agrees to provide to you when you sign up for a tour, and what you agree to do in return. This is very important information, so please read it carefully before you complete your reservation request. No reservation request will be honored without an agreement to our terms and conditions agreement.

Tour Price Guaranteed for 2023/2024: Our tour prices do not include airfare, and are subject to change without notice due to the unpredictability of currency rates and trip costs. However, the price for the tour you have selected will be locked and guaranteed the moment we receive your deposit. If you transfer to an alternate 2022/2023 itinerary, your initial tour price will reflect the new tours price effective on the date we confirm your transfer. Transfers are not always possible and each transfer request will be determined based on availability and also how easily we can fill the original reservation space. For current tour prices, visit www.scottishdreamtours.com.

Included in the price of each tour: Sightseeing tours by an SDT guide, and local guides when appropriate, including admissions to sights seen as a group, breakfasts each morning and lunches and dinners listed in itinerary all accommodations, all transportation required for group activities from the first accommodation to the last accommodation of the tour (transportation for optional group activities and independent travel during the tour is not included). Not Included: Alcohol, Airfare, meals not specified in itinerary, optional sightseeing, room service, items of a personal nature, telephone calls, laundry, traditional end of the tour gratuity to your Tour Director and Motorcoach Driver, trip cancellation and travelers insurance.

Tour Deposits: To reserve a seat on an SDT tour you must agree to these tour conditions and provide us with a deposit of $500/$1000 per person. We accept American Express, MasterCard and Visa debit or credit cards through our PayPal processor for deposits and also personal checks, money orders and bank drafts. Your final tour payment will be due at least 120 days before departure. Although we will send out a reminder, it is up to you to pay your tour balance before the deadline passes. If you sign up for a tour within 90 days of the tour departure, full payment will be required before we can confirm you on the tour and the deposit portion will be non-refundable. Missing the final payment deadline, as noted on your tour invoice and your initial tour confirmation letter, may result in your being removed from the tour. Please make a note on your calendar of your final payment due date, as it is your responsibility to ensure that we receive your final payment in a timely manner although we will email you a final payment reminder.

 

Final Payment: Final payments are due 120 days prior to departure. We prefer final payment to be made by check, but if you prefer to pay by credit card through PayPal, this will incur a 3% charge for doing so. All final payments need to be mailed to:

 

Scottish Dream Tours

PO Box 8330

Yakima, WA 98908

Single supplements for solo travelers: We offer optional, limited, extra-cost single supplements on each of our 2022/23/24 tours if you would prefer a private room of your own (prices currently range from an additional $795 - $1495 depending upon the specific itinerary you select refer to www.scottishdreamtours.com for the most up-to-date single supplement prices). Single supplements are refundable if cancelled at least 120 days prior to the tour departure and we are able to refill your spot. Single supplements cancelled less than 120 days prior to the tour departure will be forfeited.

Cancellations and refunds: As per our license to sell travel, all cancellations must be in writing, signed and filed in our Washington State office. They are subject to the following cancellation fee schedule. Our cancellation policy is very strict as we are a very small company with a limited amount of tour spots, so each cancellation can really affect our business. We cannot relist your tour until a written cancellation is filed in our office. We do not accept cancellations by email. All cancellations must be on 8.5 x 11 paper with your full name and address, the tour you are cancelling and your acknowledgement of our terms in regards to cancellation. It must be signed and dated and we do not accept any hand written cancellations. Please do not add any personal notes to the cancellation as this will be filed as a legal document by office staff.

​

Tour deposits: Fully refundable or transferable up to 120 days before the tour start providing that we can rebook your tour spots before the 120 day period starts. Any cancellations after 120 days are non-refundable. If we have to cancel a tour for any reason ie: Covid related, we will give you the option of moving your deposit to a future tour or receive a complete refund.

Tour deposits for special deals are non refundable.

​

Tour costs: 120 - 91 days to date of departure - 50% of full tour cost will default.

90 days to date of departure - 100% of full tour cost will default as we find it almost impossible to rebook a tour at this stage. Any penalties to you can be avoided by taking out trip insurance. Please send cancellation notices to:

Scottish Dream Tours

PO Box 8330

Yakima, WA 98908

Trip cancellation insurance: You MUST take out adequate and suitable travel insurance in order to take part in a tour organized by us and this is a condition of your contract with us. You are wholly responsible for arranging your own insurance. In making your own travel insurance arrangements, we reserve the right to request a copy of your insurance policy and/or a receipt showing payment of the premium, although we will not check this policy for suitability, and it will remain your responsibility at all times to ensure that you’re adequately insured.

A suitable insurance policy should provide adequate cover for medical expenses arising through illness or accident prior to or during the holiday and loss of holiday monies through cancellation and curtailment of the holiday for insurable reasons. You must be satisfied that your insurance fully covers all your personal requirements including pre-existing medical conditions. You should ensure that there are no exclusion clauses limiting protection for the type of activities you will be undertaking during your tour. You should also ensure that your insurance policy will cover you for any independent arrangements, excursions or other activities that you may book to take part in during your holiday and which do not form part of your booking or contract with us. We reserve the right to cancel the booking, without any liability for refunds, of any customer who cannot satisfy us that they have purchased suitable travel insurance in accordance with this clause. Furthermore, if you choose to travel with inadequate insurance cover, we will not be liable for any losses howsoever arising, in respect of which insurance cover would otherwise have been available. We highly recommend IMG Global. We have many people who use Allianz through AAA and also AARDY through AARP. Sometimes your best option is to use your home or auto insurance carrier. Credit card companies often have great choices for travel insurance as well, like American Express. Best Pandemic Travel Insurance Providers According to Forbes.

Baggage: You will want to pack light. Baggage handling for one suitcase and only one suitcase per person and only one additional bag(carry on, purse, backpack, computer bag etc) is included in the tour price. Due to limited coach capacity this single bag should have dimensions not exceeding 25" x 18" x 10"(excluding wheels and handle) and weight not exceeding 50lbs (22.7 kg). Your additional bag must not be larger than 18" in height and be of the size that will easily fit into the overhead compartment of any airplane. Due to limited space, we cannot accept additional bags or bags that are larger than the stated size. This is strictly adhered to and if you arrive with more baggage than listed or larger than listed, you will not be able to continue your tour!

Accommodation: All reservations are booked into a double room unless a twin is specified. We cannot guarantee a twin room on any reservation as twin rooms are limited in most of the accommodations we use. Although we strive to provide the best local accommodation choices we can, some of our tours such as our Highlands and Islands and our Islands, Islands, Islands tours are very limited in choice, but we will choose the best available accommodation for the area. We can never guarantee bed sizes, but strive to provide the largest beds available for double occupancy.We choose our accommodations for charm, character and that they are locally owned and operated above anything else. 24 hour room service, hi speed internet, hotel gyms, swimming pools, business centers and elevators do not enter into our decision making process for accommodations as we are hoping to show you the local flavour and people who inhabit these places.

Respect: We ask that you treat your fellow travelers, ourselves and the people who own, operate and work with the accommodations, eateries and venues we visit with respect at all times. Although we are all there to provide you with the best possible service we can at all times, we ask your respect in doing so. We have a zero tolerance policy for abusive behavior in any way! We will not tolerate any prejudices, discussions or comments in relation to religion, political belief, minorities, gender or sexual preference. We reserve the right to remove you from the tour at your own expense if these guidelines are not followed!

Alcohol: SDT does not supply any alcohol during our tours. Our licensing has some tricky situations where we are not covered if SDT have paid for alcohol and we wish to avoid this. You are however, free to consume alcohol at meals and of course on your own as long as it is paid for separately. Although we like everyone to enjoy themselves while on tour with us, excessive drinking is not tolerated! We reserve the right to remove your from the tour at your own expense if we feel that you are causing a disruption to the group with excessive alcohol!

Smoking: We are a completely nonsmoking tour company and do not take smokers on any of our tours. If you are a smoker and join one of our tours, you will be asked to leave at your expense. At the same time, keep in mind that we cannot always isolate smoke-sensitive tour members from the locals who light up.

For your traveling comfort: We operate 2 nine passenger minibuses for everyone's comfort. SDT operates a daily seat rotation system and seats cannot be booked on minibuses. This is mandatory! If you suffer from motion sickness, please bring medication with you in order not to make everyone else suffer with you. You will not be allowed to monopolize the front seat because of motion sickness or any other reason. Also, there is a strict non-smoking and no alcohol-drinking policy on board the minibus, however, regular comfort stops are made on traveling days. You must be willing and able to sit in the front, middle and back seats of the minibus.

Timing: Although we are a small group, timing is extremely important. We do our best to give you as much time as is possible for the places we visit, we will not make the group wait for you under any circumstances. We do understand that things out of your control may happen which is why we provide with mobile phone numbers so that we may be contacted if something happens that may delay you. If you are late once, we will say shame on you. If it is twice, we will say shame on us for allowing it to happen. There will not be a third time! We will leave you behind and it will be up to you to catch up with us!

Cell Phone: Although we understand that phones are quite often needed for taking photos and emergency situations we ask that you please limit their use during meals and while in group time. If you feel the need to be connected continuously, we are probably not the right fit for you and you may find yourself more comfortable with a larger tour group rather than a small, intimate one like those we offer.

Internet: Although we try to only choose accommodations with internet service, we cannot always guarantee this, nor can we guarantee the quality of the internet. There may be times when the internet is overloaded with users or temporarily unavailable which is completely out of our control.

Weather: The UK and Ireland are not known for their weather! You can often expect cold, windy or rainy days particularly on our Highlands and Islands tours and our Islands, Islands, Islands tours. You can also expect cooler weather on our St. Patrick's Ireland tour and our Christmas tours due to the time of year. Regardless of time of year, the weather is quite unpredictable. No matter how much we plan, mother nature will always be in charge!

Tour conversation: Our tours often have people from many areas of the world - USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand in particular. Most people go on holiday to leave things behind them and in particular politics. Please keep this in mind when conversing with fellow travelers. If you are the kind of person who must keep up with world events at all times and needs to share your opinion on them, we may not be the right tour fit for you. We do like to laugh a lot however and you will generally find lots of good stimulating conversation and laughter. We have been told that a good sense of humour is essential to traveling with Scottish Dream Tours! We are never quite sure how to take that, so we just smile and laugh!

Pre or post tour accommodations: If you have arranged with us to remain at a destination before and/or after your tour, please understand that your stay will be at your sole expense as is the transfer to either the hotel or airport. Regrettably, complimentary transfers are not available for guests booking pre- and post-tour accommodations however, inexpensive airport transfers by taxi, van or shuttle are available for purchase and we are happy to arrange these for you.

Tour itineraries are subject to change: The UK and Ireland can be full of surprises and we need to be flexible enough to take advantage of whatever comes along so that we may provide you with the best possible tour. We reserve the right to make any changes up to the date of departure without notification if we feel it is in the best interest of the tour group. We cannot control ferry crossings, venues cancelling our bookings, businesses that have closed since the itinerary was posted or a number of other things that do crop up during the tour season. If you are not able to easily go with the flow and adjust to these changes you may not find our tours work for you. If we do need to cancel one activity or sightseeing stop, we will replace it with another. Uncompleted portions of the tour itinerary are not cause for refund.

Participation: Although we want everyone to have a good time, it sometimes happens that someone participating in a tour can misbehave or do things that are incompatible with the safety, comfort or convenience of other members of the tour. You agree that in those circumstances we have the exclusive right and discretion, to expel someone, or even you, from a tour at any time, without any claims or complaints by you against us. SDT is not responsible for any costs incurred in the event a guest is removed from a tour. Guests agree not to hold SDT or any of its related entities liable for any actions taken under these terms and conditions. Small group tours and in particular, our small group tours are quite different to big bus tours and they are more like a family holiday than anything else. There are many different kinds of tours for the many different kinds of people in the world and our tours are definitely not for everyone. If we find that you are incompatible with sharing your space and life with a small group of people for 2 weeks, we will ask you to leave the tour. We do not believe in the whole group suffering due to the actions of one person. All tour members are required to agree to our terms and conditions upon signing up for a tour.

Disabilities: Any pre-existing physical, mental, or emotional disability that may require attention or treatment must be reported in writing prior to the beginning of a tour.

 

Disabled Participants and those with limitations: SDT welcomes guests with special needs or disabilities. However, please note the following: • Guests are required to advise SDT, in advance, of any physical, medical or other special needs that require accommodating.

• All guests must ensure they are medically and physically fit for travel. SDT may impose safety requirements necessary for the safe operation of the tour. SDT may also exclude an individual from participating in a tour or an activity if that individual’s participation poses a direct threat to health or safety.

• SDT does not provide personal devices (such as wheelchairs, hearing aids or prescription eye glasses) or services of a personal nature (such as pushing a wheelchair or assistance in eating, toileting or dressing). A companion capable of providing such assistance must accompany any guest who requires services of a personal nature.

• SDT does not employ medical personnel. Any necessary medical attention will be provided by a local facility at the guest’s expense. SDT is not responsible or liable for any losses or costs incurred as a result of medical services obtained while on tour, or for the quality of the care or services received. Guests should be aware that some tours include rough terrain, extensive walking over cobblestone streets, uneven pavement, steps and locations which may not be easily accessible or accessible by wheelchair. Each participant must be able easily walk a minimum of 15 minutes at a time, be able to climb 2 flights of stairs in accommodations if necessary and be able to climb up and into the minibus without assistance and be able to use the front, middle and rear seats.

During the tour, SDT may make arrangements with carriers, hotels and other independent suppliers to provide travel services. These parties are independent entities over which SDT has no control. Accommodations on international tours may differ from those in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and other areas of the world. SDT cannot guarantee disability access or accommodations for guests traveling on international tours. SDT may, in its sole discretion, decline the booking of any guest or remove any guest who cannot comply or refuses to comply with SDT’s terms and conditions.

Required Medical Information: You must provide any medical information reasonably requested by SDT and may be required to complete SDT's medical information form. Medical Forms are mandatory for all tours. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions which may impact your ability to travel, participate in a tour, travel to remote areas without access to medical facilities or may adversely affect the experience of others on your tour, you must return a Medical Form, signed by a licensed and practicing physician to SDT prior to or at the time of final payment for the applicable booking. You agree to complete the form honestly and to disclose all relevant medical information accurately and fully. SDT will maintain the information in accordance with our Privacy Policy . SDT reserves the right to request further information or professional medical opinions where necessary, as determined in its discretion, for your safety or the safe operation of the tour SDT reserves the right to deny you permission to travel or participate in any aspect of a tour at any time and at your own risk and expense where the SDT determines that your physical or mental condition renders you unfit for travel or you represent a danger to yourself or others.

Pregnancy is considered a medical condition and must be disclosed to SDT at the time of booking. SDT may refuse to carry anyone with certain medical conditions if reasonable accommodation or alternatives cannot be arranged. In the event that you do not complete the required Medical Form or provide medical information reasonably required by SDT for any reason by the deadline indicated above, we reserve the right to cancel your booking and all applicable cancellation fees will apply. You are responsible for assessing whether a tour is suitable for you. You should consult your physician to confirm your fitness for travel and participation in any planned activities. You should seek your physician’s advice on vaccinations and medical precautions.

SDT does not provide medical advice. It is your responsibility to assess the risks and requirements of each aspect of the tour based on your own unique circumstances, limitations, fitness level and medical requirements. Travel with SDT may involve visiting remote regions, where medical care may not be easily accessible and medical facilities may not meet the standards of those found in your home country. The condition of medical facilities in the countries you may visit on your tour varies and SDT makes no representations and gives no warranties in relation to the availability or standard of medical facilities in those regions.

Negligence: In the absence of their own negligence, neither the Operators nor their agents or co-operating organizations shall be responsible for any cancellations or for acts of any other service providers concerned, diversions or substitution of equipment or any act, variations, postponements, omission or default whatsoever by air carriers, land carriers, hoteliers or hotels, transportation companies, or any other persons providing any of the services and accommodations to guests including any results thereof, such as changes in services, accommodations or facilities necessitated by same. Nor shall they be liable for any loss or damage to baggage or property, or for injury, illness or death, or for any damages or claims whatsoever arising from loss, negligence or delay from the act, error, omission default or negligence of any person not its direct employee or under its exclusive control, including any act, error, omission, default, or negligence of any country, government or governmental authority, officer or employee. All baggage and personal effects are at all times and in all circumstances at the risk of the tour participant. Baggage insurance is recommended.

The Operators are not responsible for any criminal conduct by third parties. When a guest occupies a minibus seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the Operators nor their agents or cooperating organizations or service providers concerned will be liable for any injury, illness or death or for any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of such accident or incident. Transportation companies, airlines etc. Are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time guests are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services.

Tours cancelled by SDT: Although unlikely, your tour may be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. If SDT cancels a tour you have reserved, the entire amount you have paid to SDT for the applicable tour will be refunded to you within fourteen days after the tour's cancellation, as required under Washington State law.

The exception to this is: Force Majeure:

We will not be liable or pay you compensation if our contractual obligations to you are affected by “Force Majeure”. For the purposes of these terms, Force Majeure means any event beyond our control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all reasonable measures had been taken. Examples include warfare and acts of terrorism (and threat thereof), civil strife, significant risks to human health such as the outbreak of serious disease at the travel destination or natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes or weather conditions which make it impossible to travel safely to the travel destination or remain at the travel destination, the act of any government or other national or local authority including port or river authorities, industrial dispute, labour strikes, lock closure, natural or nuclear disaster, fire, chemical or biological disaster, unavoidable technical problems with transport and all similar events outside of our control.

In such events, we will offer the monies paid as a credit toward any future tour with availability at the time of the cancellation. SDT and its representatives have no other obligations to tour members on cancelled trips including any additional costs or fees related to the issuance and/or cancellation of airline tickets or other travel reservations not made by SDT.

 

Overall, our main intent is for each person on the tour to fall in love with the places we visit as much as we love them. We like to present them in the best possible way and create a fun and relaxing atmosphere in which to enjoy them.

Kind regards,

Shannon and Mario

 

Scottish Dream Tours