Elsewhere

Where is the accommodation for your tours? 

For private tours, accommodation will be based on your budget and the size of your party. Let us know your requirements and we'll find the perfect place for you! We can arrange whatever activities you are interested in - hiking, water sports, nature, cooking, art, museums, wine tasting... the possibilities are endless. We can arrange sight-seeing trips with local guides, personal chefs... whatever you need to make your ideal vacation.

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We can offer yoga, meditation, or relaxation classes. No experience necessary!

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What about food?  Again, this will depend on your budget - we can arrange a personal chef to cook on site, or have local chefs teach cooking classes. Or we can shop locally and make sure your kitchen and pantry are well stocked with whatever you need.

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Do you cater for vegetarians? Vegans?  We cater for vegetarians. In Italy and France vegans may need to supplement with your own food in restaurants. In the cities in the UK and Ireland vegetarians and vegans are often well catered for with plenty of gluten free options as well.

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What appliances should I bring? If you are bringing electrical appliances you will need an adapter – these can be purchased at the airport (often for use in multiple countries). The villas and hotels have wifi so you could bring a laptop or iPad (if you are not sure about bringing a computer... leave it behind! It can be very enjoyable to take a break for a week or two!) Don't forget your chargers. 

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Should I bring my mobile phone?  

That is up to you, but most people like to keep in touch with family and friends as well as posting updates of their trip on social media! Make sure you have global capability and coverage is switched on by your phone company before you leave. Remember to switch off global roaming on your phone when you are in the house or hotel and use the wifi instead, or you will be charged data fees. If you are calling us from a US phone number, it is just like a local call because we also have US phone numbers (Liz 919-968-1736, Claire 919-636- 2781). If you need to call an international number from your US cell phone, the international dialing code is 011 +33 (country code for France) , +39 (Italy), +44 (UK), +64 (New Zealand), +353 (Ireland) and +354 (Iceland). 

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How do we get around? Do you use tour buses? Liz and Claire drive you in cars e.g. station wagons, SUVs or sedans, which are air-conditioned and carry 4-6 people. We do not use tour buses but may on occasion hire local drivers with minivans. 

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How much luggage should I take? We strongly recommend just bringing one small or mid-sized suitcase as we will be driving cars with limited luggage space. Liz and Claire travel with just the maximum allowable carry-on size of suitcase – most people tend to overpack. There are laundry facilities at many of the accommodations, and don’t panic if you forget something. The supermarkets have a large selection of toiletries and personal items, just like at home. See our What to Pack section for more information about appropriate clothing. Bring bug spray and sunscreen.

What will the weather be like? The weather is almost always hot and sunny in June in Tuscany and Provence. Temperatures can range from the high 70s to the mid 90s, but with low humidity. UK weather is likely to be a mix of sun, rain and wind. Temperatures will be in the 60s or 70s although possibly higher in the south of England. We visit New Zealand in February, which is late summer and ranges from warm in the north and on the Canterbury plains, to cooler/cold in the mountains, especially at night. It often rains in the UK, Ireland, and New Zealand so come prepared! Iceland, even in summer, is cool or cold, in the 40s and 50s.

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If you have to travel with medication... Travel with all the medications you need, plus a few extra just in case, in officially labeled bottles. Bring all medications in your carry-on luggage! If you have to fill a prescription in Europe you are required to visit a local physician and get a local prescription in order to do so. It is not just a case of presenting your U.S. prescription at the local pharmacy.

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What insurance do I need to come on your tour? See our policies page for more details. We require medical insurance as well as travel and trip cancellation insurance.