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Art, Architecture, and Culture of the Mayan World
Astronomers Alley: Chile's Atacama Desert
Frequently Asked Questions
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Some questions and answers you may need to know.
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What Covid-19 protocols do you have in place?
The safety and security of our travelers and tour staff are of the utmost importance. We have developed extensive policies and procedures for traveling during the pandemic in accordance with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) Safe Travels protocols. All trip participants (including staff) must show proof of having had a primary series of the COVID-19 vaccination as well as at least one booster shot, no later than two weeks prior to the start of the trip, unless a medical or religious exemption is granted. ATA will make exceptions to its vaccination policy on a case-by-case basis.
Regarding face coverings, we will comply with local regulations, and we strongly encourage their use in enclosed/indoor spaces.
Are you able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?
Menus are typically pre-set to showcase the region or season. That said, every effort will be made to try to accommodate any special dietary requests you may have (e.g., low salt, vegetarian, or vegan). Please discuss your requests with us when signing up for a trip.
What are the physical requirements of this trip?
Travelers should be in good health and able to walk up to 2 miles (with stops) over uneven terrain and be able to navigate stairs unassisted. In city centers, we do try to walk from place to place due to traffic restrictions, and in keeping with our commitment to environmental sustainability.
Are tips included?
Yes! Tips to local guides, restaurant staff, bell staff and drivers are all included in the trip price. Your Trip Expert and Tour Manager, however, will not accept tips. The only time tips are not included is during free time and meals on your own.
Are drinks included?
Soft drinks are included in all group lunches and wine or beer and non-alcoholic beverages are included in all group dinners. Any additional alcoholic beverages are not included in the program price.
What about airfare?
Airfare to and from the starting and ending point of the program is not included in the price to give you maximum flexibility in choosing your preferences for air travel. This way you can use frequent flier upgrades, depart from your airport of choice, or add pre- and post- trip extensions with no constraints. Please refrain from booking your airfare until your Guest Services Advisor reaches out to confirm your departure.
How big will your group be?
Our trips have a maximum group size of 25 people. They are large enough to meet new people with diverse backgrounds, but small enough to be on a first-name basis with everyone.
Are solo travelers welcome?
Yes, absolutely! There is always a good number of solo travelers on our trips, and they are welcomed with open arms. Group meals generally take place at medium to large tables, and our Tour Managers ensure that everyone is included in conversation. Because our trips are priced for doubles sharing a room, there is a supplemental cost for those who choose not to share.
How much free time should I expect to have?
Our trips are designed to give our travelers special insight and understanding of the places we visit. The talks and commentary by our hosts and local guides are what make our itineraries special, and this kind of curated experience cannot be obtained on one’s own. For this reason, our trips generally do not incorporate long periods of free time during the day, although night times and some meals will be at leisure.
What do I need to bring on my trip?
We'll send you a detailed clothing list well before departure, so you know what you'll need. We provide the rest: comfortable accommodations, an engaging daily itinerary, expert trip management, and access to people and places that will thrill and delight you.
What are the physical requirements of this trip?
Travelers should be in good health and able to walk up to 2 miles (with stops) over uneven terrain and be able to navigate stairs unassisted. In city centers, we do try to walk from place to place due to traffic restrictions, and also in keeping with our commitment to environmental sustainability.
How much free time should I expect to have?
Our trips are designed to give our travelers special insight and understanding of the places we visit. The talks and commentary by our experts and local guides are what make our itineraries special, and this kind of curated experience cannot be obtained on one’s own. For this reason, our trips generally do not incorporate long periods of free time during the day, although night times and some meals will be at leisure.
Are tips included?
Yes! Tips to local guides, restaurant staff, and drivers are all included in the trip price. Your Trip Expert and Tour Manager, however, will not accept tips. The only time tips are not included is during free time and meals on your own.
Are drinks included?
A couple glasses of beer or wine are included for all group dinners. Any additional alcoholic beverages are not included in the program price. Non-alcoholic beverages are included at all meals.
What about airfare?
Airfare to and from the starting and ending point of the program is not included in the price, in order to give you maximum flexibility in choosing your preferences for air travel. This way, you can use frequent flier upgrades, depart from your airport of choice, or add pre- and post-trip extensions with no constraints. Please refrain from booking your airfare until your Guest Services Advisor reaches out to confirm your departure date.
What is your cancellation policy?
All cancellations must be submitted in writing (email or fax) to Academic Travel Abroad. Per person cancellation fees are based on the date of the cancellation notice reaching ATA. Up to 120 days prior to departure: refund of deposit less an administration fee of 50% of deposit. Cancellation between 119-91 days before departure: 100% of deposit is forfeited. Cancellation between 90-61 days: 50% of the trip price is forfeited. Cancellation within 60 days of departure: no refund. Cancellation on day of departure or after trip departs: no refund. No refund for unused portions of trip, including, but not limited to, missed meals, hotel nights, and sightseeing. Cancellation of program by ATA: full refund.
Do I need trip insurance?
We strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance to help protect your investment and provide you with financial recourse should you face trip cancellation or interruption due to sickness or quarantine. When purchasing a policy, please consult with a trip insurance agent to review what COVID-19-related contingencies are covered. While ATA will do its best to recover any unused portion of your trip due to sickness, it is often the case that payments cannot be refunded. We recommend using our partner insurance provider, Travel Insurance Services, which offers three different policies for you to choose from.
Can I arrive early, or stay on after the tour ends?
Yes, absolutely! In some cases where we have extra nights added to our room block, our Guest Services Advisors can assist you in extending your stay. Additional nights will be added to your final invoice and will be subject to the same Terms and Conditions of your main program. In other cases, you may need to contact the hotel directly to reserve additional nights on your own.
Once I reserve my trip, what happens next?
After you reserve your trip and pay your deposit, you will be sent detailed information about your itinerary and destination, insurance information, a Participant Information Form, a packing list, and other information needed to prepare for your trip. Your Guest Services Advisor will reach out when it’s time to book airfare after a minimum of 10 travelers have enrolled on your departure date. Final trip details will be sent roughly 2-3 weeks before departure date, and a pre-departure virtual meeting will be held to review arrival instructions and health protocols.
Still have questions?
Contact us by phone (1-877-298-9677) or email (wjourneys@academic-travel.com)!
The information imparted to us and the cultural experiences were both exciting and eye-popping. On this trip, we were able to completely relax and enjoy each day because The Great Courses planned and executed this tour so well.
–Mark & Rachel H.
The Great Courses delivers. If you're looking for an educational adventure with like-minded people, then this is a go-to.
–Karyn A.
Due to the well-planned pacing and cultural aspects, it wasn't just a canned touristy event but really showed a lot of the localities. The Great Courses really went all out to make this a great tour.
–Teresa L.
Stuart Sutherland
Journey on the Jurassic Coast
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