Terms & Conditions
Please take the time to read and understand these Terms & Conditions carefully prior to booking a tour with Plantagenet Discoveries.
1 . The Contract
1.1 All bookings are made with Plantagenet Discoveries Pty Ltd (ABN 39 646 506 701), further referred to in this document as Plantagenet Discoveries/we/us. By booking a tour with us, the Traveller is deemed to have agreed to these Terms & Conditions and the Traveller’s booking will be accepted by Plantagenet Discoveries on this basis.
1.2 The services to be performed by Plantagenet Discoveries (or other person/entity appointed by Plantagenet Discoveries) are those services more particularly described in the Traveller’s Booking Confirmation(“Services”).
1.3 The Traveller agrees to pay those fees set out in the Traveller’s Tax Invoice (“Fees”).
2. Definitions
2.1 (“Tour Manager/s”) means those tour managers, guides and drivers engaged by Plantagenet Discoveries from time to time to perform the Services.
2.2 (“Traveller/s”) means those travellers identified in the Booking Confirmation.
3. Covid-19
3.1 Should Plantagenet Discoveries or the Tour Managers deem it necessary (in our/their absolute discretion) for Travellers to wear a mask, all Travellers will be required to follow these directions, this may well depend upon location, venue restrictions or individual health of the Travellers.
3.2 Should a Traveller develop symptoms during the tour, the Traveller will be provided with a RAT test, if the results are:
(a) negative, the traveller will be required to practice social distancing and wear a mask until symptom-free; or
(b) positive, it will be necessary for the traveller to leave the tour.
In the event clause 3.2(b) applies, the Traveller acknowledges they will not be entitled to any refund of Fees.
4. Fees
4.1 Fees quoted are in US dollars and are per person based on seasonal rates, double or single occupancy and current availability. Fees quoted are only guaranteed if the Traveller makes payment of the fees in accordance with the payment terms set out in the Travellers booking confirmation invoice.
4.2 Subject to clause 6.6 of these Terms & Conditions, the Fees quoted in the Travellers Tax Invoice include service charges and taxes.
4.3 Plantagenet Discoveries reserves the right to adjust tour prices prior to final payment in the event that the currency exchange rate fluctuates more than 6% from the time of the initial quotation.
5. Booking Conditions
5.1 The minimum number of travellers for our tours is 10, and the maximum number of travellers is 20.
5.2 Subject to clause 7.3, Plantagenet Discoveries reserves the right to cancel a Travellers tour up to 30 days prior to tour departure, if minimum numbers are not reached.
6. Deposit & Final Payment
6.1 In order to secure the Traveller’s booking, the Traveller will be required to pay Plantagenet Discoveries a deposit of $500USD per tour, which will be credited towards the total Fees payable by the Traveller for the tour. This amount is equal to the administrative costs incurred by Plantagenet Discoveries to commence booking the Traveller’s tour.
6.2 Payment of the deposit amount constitutes the Traveller’s acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
6.3 Final Fee balance is due 90 days prior to tour departure unless otherwise agreed between the parties in writing.
6.4 Failure to pay the final Fee balance in accordance with clause 6.3 of these Terms & Conditions may result in cancellation of the Traveller’s booking and forfeiture of the deposit paid by the Traveller.
6.5 If the Traveller’s booking is made 90 days or less prior to tour departure, full payment of the Fees is due at the time of booking.
6.6 Plantagenet Discoveries will not be liable for any charges made by third parties and/or financial institutions for credit card and payment transactions in connection with the tour purchase, including the Fees refunded due to the Cancellation Policy.
6.7 Plantagenet Discoveries offers the Traveller the choice of paying by Credit Card or by periodic Payment Plans.
7. Cancellation Policy
7.1 All Traveller-initiated cancellation requests must be received in writing and any refund will be determined in accordance with the below schedule:
(a) 90 days or more prior to tour departure - full refund of Fees less deposit
(b) 89-60 days prior to tour departure - 75% refund of Fees less deposit
(c) 59-30 days prior to tour departure - 50% refund of Fees less deposit
(d) 29-15 days prior to tour departure - 25% refund of Fees less deposit
(e) Cancellation less than 14 days prior to tour departure - No refund of Fees (including deposit)
(f) if the tour has commenced and any Traveller elects to leave the tour prior to the conclusion of the tour, that Traveller is not entitled to any refund of Fees (including deposit).
7.2 Any Traveller who fails to join the tour strictly in accordance with the scheduled departure will not be entitled to any refund of Fees paid (including deposit). This includes circumstances in which the traveller may be unable to travel due to restrictions imposed by governments on travellers who have recently tested positive for Covid-19.
7.3 If the tour is cancelled by Plantagenet Discoveries due to minimum numbers not being reached, The Traveller can elect to receive either:
(a) A full refund of Fees including deposit; or
(b) A credit of the full amount of Fees including deposit to be credited towards another Plantagenet Discoveries tour redeemed within 3 years.
7.4 If your tour is cancelled by Plantagenet Discoveries due to terrorism, natural disasters, political instability, pandemic (including COVID-19) or any other external events which make it not viable for Plantagenet Discoveries (in its absolute discretion) to operate the planned tour, the Traveller will be entitled to a partial refund of Fees as determined by Plantagenet Discoveries, which will be calculated on a pro-rata basis, based on the number of days remaining on the tour, less any unrecoverable costs.
7.5 This cancellation policy reflects the costs incurred by Plantagenet Discoveries in facilitating a tour and securing prices for the tour based upon a certain number of travellers.
8. Travel Insurance
8.1 The Traveller must take out travel insurance on or prior to the departure of the tour. The Traveller’s insurance must provide cover against personal accident, death, medical expenses, evacuation and repatriations with a recommended minimum cover of $250,000 for each of these categories.
8.2 The Traveller must provide to Plantagenet Discoveries a copy of the Traveller’s certificate of currency and the insurance company’s 24hr emergency contact number 30 days prior to commencement of the tour.
8.3 We strongly recommend the Traveller’s insurance policy also include cover for:
(a) Cancellation (including due to a positive Covid-19 test just prior to departure), personal liability and loss of luggage and personal effects; and
(b) Death, medical expenses, evacuation and repatriations directly or indirectly due to Covid-19 (or any other pandemic).
9. Passports & Visas
9.1 When travelling internationally the Traveller must hold a valid passport.
9.2 Depending on the Traveller’s country of residence and the destination country being travelled to, the Traveller may also require a visa.
9.3 It is the sole responsibility of the Traveller to ensure they have the correct travel documentation on their person at all times, including a valid passport and visa.
9.4 Plantagenet Discoveries will not be held responsible if the Traveller is refused entry to a country due to a lack of correct passport, visa or other travel documentation. In this circumstance, the Traveller is not entitled to any refund in Fees.
10. Transportation
10.1 Plantagenet Discoveries tours do not include the costs of any flights or other forms of transportation not specifically included in the tour itinerary, as stated in the Traveller’s Booking Confirmation.
10.2 The responsibility for booking all forms of transport to and from the destination city remains solely with the Traveller.
11. Accommodation
11.1 A limited number of single rooms are available on a first-in, first-served basis and availability cannot be guaranteed.
11.2 If any of the hotels noted in the Traveller’s itinerary are not available and/or a change becomes necessary due to circumstances beyond our control, we will make every effort to ensure the substituted accommodation is equivalent in standard.
11.3 Our tours endeavour to offer high quality accommodation, however, due to limited choice in some locations we will provide the best that is available.
12. Changes to Itinerary
12.1 While every effort will be made to carry out the tour as stated, Plantagenet Discoveries reserves the right to modify or change the itinerary, if necessary, based on circumstances.
12.2 Plantagenet Discoveries are not responsible for any incidental expenses that may be incurred as a result of the change of itinerary, such as visas, vaccinations or non-refundable flights.
13. Traveller Responsibilities
13.1 The Traveller agrees to the Tour Code of Conduct set out in Annexure A of these Terms and Conditions. Plantagenet Discoveries reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a tour participant if the Traveller fails to comply with the Tour Code of Conduct. The Tour Code of Conduct shall be read and construed as further Terms and Conditions.
13.2 Given the nature of the tour and the historical sites we will visit, the Traveller acknowledges that in order to get the most benefit from their travel experience the Traveller should be in reasonable physical and mental health.
13.3 The Traveller must disclose any physical condition requiring special attention including but not limited to dietary requirements or mobility issues, on the questionnaire received at the time of booking.
13.4 Plantagenet Discoveries accepts no responsibility if the Traveller is unable to enjoy the full benefit of their tour because of any non-disclosure by the Traveller.
13.5 The Traveller is responsible for meals not specifically included in the tour itinerary, as stated in the Traveller’s Booking Confirmation.
14. Families & Groups
14.1 The minimum age of Travellers is 14 years old, at the time the tour departs.
14.2 Plantagenet Discoveries does not guarantee that families will have adjoining or shared rooms and accompanying adults may be required to share with others in the tour group on a twin share (or similar) basis.
15. Exclusions
15.1 Without limiting any other clause herein, the total price quoted on the Travellers Tax Invoice does not include any airfares, tips or gratuities, food and beverages (unless expressly stated in the itinerary), baggage, airport transfers (unless expressly stated in the itinerary), visa and similar such costs, travel insurance, optional activities, hotel amenities, including the mini bar, telephone, WiFi, and similar additional and optional costs imposed by the hotel/accommodation.
16. Photos & Marketing
16.1 By travelling with Plantagenet Discoveries, the Traveller consents to the use of photo or video images taken of the Traveller by us for advertising purposes. The Traveller grants Plantagenet Discoveries with a perpetual, royalty-free, worldwide, irrevocable license to use such images for publicity and promotional purposes.
16.2 Plantagenet Discoveries are not responsible for any photo or video images taken by other tour participants during the tour and posted on any form of social media.
17. Limited Liability
17.1 By accepting these Terms & Conditions, the Traveller acknowledges and agrees that to the full extent permitted by law, Plantagenet Discoveries and its representatives shall assume no responsibility and will not be held liable for any personal injury, property damage, or other loss, accident, delay or inconvenience sustained by the Traveller in the course of or as a result of services provided by Plantagenet Discoveries as part of the itinerary and that the Traveller shall hereby release, discharge and/or indemnify Plantagenet Discoveries and its representatives in respect of any such loss, injury or damage, accident, delay or inconvenience and/or from any liability arising from same unless caused by the negligence of Plantagenet Discoveries.
17.2 Without prejudice to the foregoing, Plantagenet Discoveries and its representatives shall have no liability or obligations to the Traveller arising directly or indirectly out of any circumstances beyond its/their control including, but not limited to, breakdown in equipment, strikes, theft, delay, hijacking, act or threat of war (whether declared or not), riots, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial disputes, discharge dispersal, release or escape of pollutants, natural and nuclear disasters, fire, sickness, bad weather, technical or transportation problems, closure of stations or airports, cancellations or changes of schedules by railways, air or bus lines or any other circumstances amounting to force majeure and/or Act of God.
18. Disclaimer
18.1 Plantagenet Discoveries is not a carrier or hotelier, nor does it own aircraft, hotels or coaches. The services which Plantagenet Discoveries provides consist of arranging, booking and coordinating accommodation, tours, site visits and transfers.
18.2 While Plantagenet Discoveries exercises every care in the selection of reputable coach operators, hotels and other suppliers of the various services provided within the tours, Plantagenet Discoveries does not act as their agent and nor are such suppliers or service providers the agent of Plantagenet Discoveries.
18.3 All bookings with Plantagenet Discoveries are subject to the terms, conditions and limitations of liability imposed by our suppliers or service providers whose services are utilised, some of which may seek to limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss of damage to baggage.
18.4 The Traveller acknowledges and agrees that Plantagenet Discoveries and its representatives assume no responsibility to the Traveller and will not be held liable by the Traveller for any personal injury, property damage, or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, or irregularity by reason of:
(a) Any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of the suppliers or service providers;
(b) Any wrongful, negligent or unauthorised acts or omissions on the part of any employee or representative of these suppliers or service providers;
(c) Any defect in or failure of any vehicle, equipment or instrumentality owned, operated, or used by any of these suppliers or service providers; and
(d) Any wrongful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of any other party not under the direct control of Plantagenet Discoveries.
19. General
19.1 Should any term herein be deemed to be unenforceable, then that terms shall be severed from the agreement and the agreement read to the extent necessary to give effect to the remaining terms.
19.2 Plantagenet Discoveries reserves all rights in relation to intellectual property created and used by it on its website and in any documentation. Plantagenet Discoveries has taken every measure to ensure that it has permission to use the intellectual property of others. Any misuse of copyrighted material by Travellers or users of any website or publication operated by Plantagenet Discoveries is strictly prohibited.
19.3 Terms and Conditions may be changed at any time without prior notice to its Travellers. Notification will be sent to all Travellers at the time of the Terms and Conditions alterations.
Annexure A - Tour Code of Conduct
Our Tour Code of Conduct calls for reasonable standards of behaviour to ensure that all members of the tour have an enjoyable, safe and secure holiday.
The Code applies to all aspects of your holiday including the time spent on the coach, in hotels (including pre and post-tour stays) or at any of the sites we visit throughout the duration of the tour.
It also relates to everybody you interact with including but not limited to fellow travellers, Tour Managers, staff at hotels and sites we visit, and locals in the destinations along the journey.
1. Behaviour
All travellers must:
1.1 Behave in an appropriate manner at all times.
1.2 Not engage in any disruptive or anti-social behaviour.
1.3 Keep noise levels appropriate to the time and location.
1.4 Not use offensive or abusive language whilst in the presence of others, including but not limited to Tour Managers, fellow guests and staff at Hotels or sites we visit.
1.5 Show respect towards all others throughout the duration of the tour, including but not limited to Tour Managers, fellow guests and staff at Hotels or sites we visit.
1.6 Wear appropriate attire at all times.
1.7 Not photograph or video Tour Managers, other travellers or locals at our destinations without their prior consent.
1.8. Not display, share, or send photos, videos or other content involving Tour Managers, other travellers or locals at our destinations on social media without their prior consent.
1.9. Be respectful when Tour Managers or other travellers are speaking - no interruptions please as there will be ample time for questions.
2. Punctuality
2.1 Travellers must have their luggage at the coach and board the coach by the allotted time each morning.
2.2 For included dinners, ensure you are seated at the restaurant by the allotted time.
2.3 Whilst our tours have ample free time to enjoy the incredible places we will visit, it is important that we depart according to the itinerary.
2.4 With all departures, be respectful to other members of the tour by ensuring that you return to the meeting point by the allotted time as advised by Plantagenet Discoveries and/or a Tour Manager.
3. Personal & Environmental Safety
3.1 Do not engage in any behaviour that may compromise your fellow travellers' safety and well-being.
3.2 Take all reasonable steps to ensure your own safety, including the responsible consumption of alcohol.
3.3 Do not engage in any behaviour whether directly or indirectly, that may be considered:
(a) Harassment (words or actions directed at a person that annoys, alarms or causes emotional stress);
(b) Bullying (intimidation, threats (implied or real), physical or verbal abuse and defamatory comments of any nature); or
(c) Discrimination (treating someone unfairly because of race, gender, sexual preferences, age, religion, disability, or other reasons).
3.4 Do not engage in any behaviour that may have a negative impact on the environment.
3.5 Many locations we will visit have been around for hundreds of years, you must follow all directions regarding the conservation of these areas.
3.6 Because of the historical nature of some of the sites, there may be restricted areas which could be unsafe due to being maintained, preserved or for other reasons. Ensure you follow the directions of Plantagenet Discoveries, Tour Managers or site personnel regarding visitor access..
3.7 The Traveller must at all times comply with the laws, customs and drug regulations of all countries visited.
3.8 The Traveller must alert Plantagenet Discoveries and/or a Tour Manager at once of any potentially unsafe situation that may be observed or suspected.
3.9 The Traveller will be provided with telephone numbers for Plantagenet Discoveries and Tour Managers during the Meet’n’Greet event, should you need to contact us in an emergency whilst on tour. It is important to keep this information on you at all times.
Our tours are run by Plantagenet Discoveries and Tour Managers , their decision is final on all matters likely to affect the safety, well-being and enjoyment of any traveller or Plantagenet Discoveries team member participating in the tour.
Failure to adhere to this Tour Code of Conduct could have serious consequences including exclusion from the tour, fines or criminal charges.
Plantagenet Discoveries thanks you for your support of this Tour Code of Conduct and by following its requirements we are confident an incredible experience will be had by all.