Olé Spain Tours, Take a Cultural Walking Tour


		Courtyard in the Alhambra Palace, Granada

Q1:	How difficult are the walks?

Q2:	How does the group travel between cities and towns during the tour?

Q3:	What are the hotels like?

Q4:	What is included in the cost of the tour?

Q5:	Are flights to and from Spain included in the tour cost?

Q6:	How does Olé Spain accommodate single travelers?

Q7:	How do I sign up for a tour?

Q8:	Is payment by credit card accepted?

Q9:	Can Olé Spain assist with pre- and post-tour itineraries?

Q10:	What’s the best way to get to the first city on the itinerary?

Q11:	What is Olé Spain’s cancellation policy?

Q12:	Does one need a visa to travel to Spain?

Q13:	Does Olé Spain create custom tours for clients?

Q14:	Is it possible to take out medical and trip cancellation insurance through Olé Spain?

Q15:	What is the norm for tipping?

Q16:	Can Olé Spain accommodate dietary restrictions?

Q17:	Is it better to bring cash, credit cards, travelers checks or euros to Spain?

Q18:	What if I have another question not addressed here?


Q1:	How difficult are the walks?
A1:	We design our tours to be ideal for the young at heart and almost any active person at any age. We’ve taken people from ages 9 to 80 (though most are between the ages of 35 – 65). We are not an "adventure" travel company full of endurance tests, but rather a company that caters to people who like to be out and about. Typically, we walk 3 – 5 miles per day, stopping frequently to see sights and discuss points of interest. Each tour offers an opportunity to take an extended hike along a rural route but there is always a shorter option for those who prefer a less demanding day.

Q2:	How does the group travel between cities and towns during the tour?
A2:	Transportation between our destination points is provided by a private, air-conditioned motorcoach.

Q3:	What are the hotels like?
A3:	There is nothing quite like returning home to a sumptuous hotel after having spent much of the day out walking. Charming and magical, luxurious and breath-taking, we’ve selected our hotels and villas for their comfort, beauty, central location and ability to pamper our guests. Some examples of what you may look forward to: a private balcony at the edge of a vast mountain valley, a gorgeously restored 17th century townhouse in which every room is a unique work of art, quiet patios surrounded by orange trees, gardens and quaint arabic fountains, and a hotel built into the remains of a Roman temple. No matter where you choose to travel with us, each tour promises surprises and lavish rewards in comfort and luxury.

Q4:	What is included in the cost of the tour?
A4:	The tour price includes all hotels, ground transportation by private bus, entrance fees, local guides and all meals with the exception of two dinners. Gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service are also included. It is customary for participants to tip the tour leaders. Select special activities are also included in the price – see specific itineraries for details.

Q5:	Are flights to and from Spain included in the tour cost?
A5:	Airfare is not included in the price of the tour. Since airfares are unpredictable and flight options vary locally, we recommend that you consult your travel agent for advice. Early booking of your flight reservation generally assures you the most economical price. Please note that Olé Spain is not responsible for, and does not recommend the purchase of non-refundable airline tickets. For your own protection, we strongly recommend purchasing trip cancellation insurance.

Q6:	How does Olé Spain accommodate single travelers?
A6:	We welcome solo travelers, who consistently make up a quarter of the participants on each trip. Some single travelers prefer to be matched with a roommate of the same gender while others opt to room alone by paying a single supplement fee ($400). If we cannot find you another tour participant with whom to share a room, you will be required to pay the single supplement fee.

Q7:	How do I sign up for a tour?
A7:	Simply fill out a tour registration form and waiver and send it to Olé Spain along with a $400 per person deposit. Please make checks payable in U.S. dollars to Olé Spain, Inc. The balance of the tour price is due 60 days prior to departure.

Q8:	Is payment by credit card accepted?
A8:	You can pay your deposit by credit card – please click here to find out more information. We prefer that you pay your balance by personal check. If you would rather pay by credit card, a 3% processing fee will be added to the total.

Q9:	Can Olé Spain assist with pre- and post-tour itineraries?
A9:	Yes. We often work with our clients, arranging for hotels and transportation either in the days leading up to the tour or in the days that follow the end of the tour. Almost all of our clients arrive at the first hotel on the itinerary the day before the beginning of the tour.

Q10:	What’s the best way to get to the first city on the itinerary?
A10:	Andalucía: for overall ease, we recommend flying into Sevilla, though this can be quite expensive. A cheaper option (and by far the most typical of our clients) is to fly into Madrid and take a taxi to Atocha Station where the high speed AVE train will whisk you down to Sevilla. The AVE leaves Madrid every hour. At the end of the tour, most participants take the AVE from Cordoba back to Madrid (or back to Sevilla). They spend one night in Madrid and fly out the next day. Extremadura: fly into Madrid, where a bus will meet the group and begin the journey to Extremadura. At the end of the tour, the bus will take the group back to Madrid. Barcelona: the best plan is to fly into Barcelona and take a taxi to our first hotel. The tour ends back in Barcelona where most clients fly out of the next day.

Q11:	What is Olé Spain’s cancellation policy?
A11:	If you need to cancel your tour before departure, simply send us a written and signed cancellation notice and the following fees will apply: Number of days prior to tour Cancellation fee per person 91 or more $200 61 - 90 days or more 25% of trip price 31 - 60 days 50% of trip price 0 - 30 days No refund

Q12:	Does one need a visa to travel to Spain?
A12:	No. All that is required to enter Spain is a valid US passport.

Q13:	Does Olé Spain create custom tours for clients?
A13:	Yes. Simply click here and fill out the form with as much detail as possible about where, when and how you prefer to travel and we will respond promptly with a personalized tour made just for you! If you would like, we can suggest itineraries anywhere in Spain, working with you to create an unforgettable experience.

Q14:	Is it possible to take out medical and trip cancellation insurance through Olé Spain?
A14:	Yes. We strongly recommend that you protect yourself from needless loss by taking out the trip cancellation / medical insurance from the application that will be sent to you in your confirmation package.

Q15:	What is the norm for tipping?
A15:	It is customary to tip the tour leaders and drivers at the end of the trip. Gratuities for local guides, baggage handlers, porters, hotel service, and all meals are included in the tour price. As for the times you are traveling in Spain before and after your Olé Spain tour, tip taxi drivers a bit of your loose change (50 cents to a dollar) and waiters at restaurants 5 – 10% of the price of your meal.

Q16:	Can Olé Spain accommodate dietary restrictions?
A16:	Yes. We ask you to fill out a trip questionnaire before you leave for Spain, which solicits, among other things, information about dietary restrictions, preferences and allergies. We work hard to accommodate all kinds of needs, though we encourage our guests to be willing to try new things: Spain has a vast richness and diversity of cuisine! In some parts of Spain, particularly rural parts, the food options are more limited, but we always work hard to meet all of our clients needs.

Q17:	Is it better to bring cash, credit cards, travelers checks or euros to Spain?
A17:	By far the best way to buy things in Spain is to use your credit card. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted, though American Express is not. Travelers checks are, of course, more secure than cash. If your local bank can change US dollars to euros, we recommend bringing $100 - $200 worth of euros to get you started once you arrive in Spain. Changing money in the airport terminal will not give you a favorable exchange rate.

Q18:	What if I have another question not addressed here?
A18:	Please contact us and we will respond promptly