the italian on tour

When purchasing a tour with The Italian On Tour Inc. (“The Italian On Tour” or the “Tour Operator”), you agree to and accept the following terms and conditions. This agreement is between you, the customer, and The Italian On Tour Inc. Suite 601 – 4920 52 Street Yellowknife, NWT.

1 – CONTRACTING PARTIES

1.1 The booking conditions detailed herein contain the entire contract between you and The Italian On Tour Inc. No representation, term, warranty or condition can be expressed or implied by reference to any other writing, advertisement or conversation.

1.2 When reserving a tour, the customer holds a contract with The Italian On Tour Inc. The Italian On Tour Inc. reserves the right to nominate to the customer in writing any other company or person to have the benefit of some or all of the provisions of this contract, which The Italian On Tour Inc. may then specify, as if you, the customer, had agreed to the provisions concerned directly with that company or person.

1.3 The Italian On Tour Inc. acts as a booking agent and contracts directly with restaurants, accommodations, chefs, guides, and other service providers. All bookings with third party providers are subject to their terms and conditions and limitations of liability. It is important to note that some of these limit or exclude liability in respect of death, personal injury, delay and loss or damage to baggage. The Italian On Tour Inc. cannot accept any responsibility for any loss as a result of such actions or as a result of any act or omission of any such third parties and as such it should be noted that you are required to complete and sign a waiver, which must be received at least 45 days prior to your tour’s departure date in order to participate in our tours.

If a signed and completed waiver is not received when due, The Italian On Tour Inc. reserves the right to cancel the reservation and apply the cancellation fees outlined below in section 10.5.

Waivers MUST be completed and signed by all participants booked on each tour. It is the responsibility of each participant to ensure their waivers have been submitted and received.

 

2 – RESERVATIONS & PAYMENTS

2.1 In order to reserve your place on any of the trips at The Italian On Tour, you must agree to the following terms and conditions stated below as well as provide a valid form of payment for your reserved tour. Payment in part or whole is an acceptance of these terms and conditions. All prices indicated are in US dollars.

2.2 Upon making your reservation your credit card will be charged a $997 USD non-refundable deposit per person. Deposits can be made by a major credit card (Visa, Amex, or Mastercard). THE ITALIAN ON TOUR will appear on the customer’s credit card statement in the case of an online transaction/purchase.

2.3 Upon confirmation of your reservation The Italian On Tour will issue a confirmation via email. Written confirmation is required in order to participate on any tour with The Italian On Tour. It is the responsibility of the customer to check the accuracy of the reservation and the dates of travel.

2.4 The remaining balance due in two instalments for all tours, except Passport to Puglia: 

$2997 USD per person, plus any single supplements or room upgrades, is payable 180 days before your trip’s scheduled departure date
The remaining balance must be received in FULL no later than 90 days prior to the tour’s scheduled departure date
The May 11th, 2025 departure for Passport to Puglia’s remaining balance is due on the following dates:

$2997 USD per person, plus any single supplements or room upgrades, is due by January 2, 2025
The remaining balance must be received in FULL no later than February 10, 2025
You (the customer) will be sent a reminder email at least 5 business days prior to each of these due dates with a payment link to pay the 2nd and final instalments for your trip.

Once payment for an instalment is made, all monies are non-refundable.

You will receive an email with a payment link to make all additional payments for your trip. THE ITALIAN ON TOUR will appear on the customer’s credit card statement in the case of an online transaction/purchase.

To make a payment to The Italian On Tour Inc. by Bank transfer the customer must send an email to info@theitalianontour.com at least 10 days before the payment due date.  

If any additional payment is not received per the payment schedule noted is section 2.4 The Italian On Tour reserves the right to apply the cancellation policies set forth in section 10.5

 

3 – TOURS

3.1 Unless otherwise specified, The Italian On Tour provides round-trip transportation in private vehicles, and accommodation for the specified number of nights of the trip. During the stay at each accommodation the customer has the right to request room preferences, subject to availability on a first come first serve basis. 

3.2 All The Italian On Tour Inc. tours include access to The Italian On Tour Trip Support to assist you (the customer) with the selection of your trip and with basic planning (ie. how to meet up with your tour). The Italian On Tour Trip Support will give you access to the Vacation Vault which the customer can use to get information concerning how to meet up with your tour, recommendations on where to eat, what to see and do during the customer’s free time on tour. The Italian On Tour Trip Support are not responsible for providing guided excursions, walking tours or anything other than assisting the customer with selecting their tour and providing access to the Vacation Vault.

3.3 All The Italian On Tour Inc. tours include an Italian Food & Wine Expert and/or Local host to give you insight into the local Italian culture and cuisine. The Italian Food & Wine Experts and/or Local hosts are not responsible for providing guided excursions, walking tours or anything other than providing you with their local knowledge, insight, and food & wine expertise to help you navigate the local nuances and experience genuine Italian life.

3.4 Dossier Disclaimer

The Italian On Tour makes every effort to operate all tours as advertised. The information in the trip details documents, website tour pages, and brochures have been compiled with care and are provided in good faith. However, they are subject to change, and do not form part of the contract between the client and the tour operator, The Italian On Tour. The Italian On Tour reserves the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute activities, suppliers, hotels, and/or guides as deemed necessary. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing and/or publishing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure or online. Occasionally our itineraries and inclusions change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers’ comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary or selecting accommodations with more amenities. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding and authentic Italian experience.

 3.5 Itinerary Disclaimer

While it is our intention to adhere to the route originally described, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into every itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is a general overview, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be spontaneous. The trip details documents, online tour pages, and brochures are only a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations, people, activities, or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered.

The Italian On Tour trips are based on small family-run business, as such, The Italian On Tour reserves the right to vary the specifics of the itinerary. Days, locations, and activities may be augmented in order to provide the best experience for the customer. The customer will receive an email 3 to 5 business days in advance with a detailed itinerary for Day 1 of the tour. The full detailed itinerary will be provided to the customer on arrival day. 

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to variations due to local circumstances. If you want to adhere to a strict duration for travel time and activities, this trip is not for you.


3.6 Luggage Limitations

Each guest is permitted one single medium bag of a maximum size of 27 inches in height, 18 inches in width and 10 inches in depth. You, the customer, are also allowed a small personal item such as a daypack or shoulder pack or purse (not a trolley). The backpack must measure less than 20 in. in height. 

Please keep in mind The Italian On Tour trips travel to fantastic hidden places in Italy that require the transportation to have smaller trunks in order to access them, so luggage space is limited.  

No guest with more than 1 bag measuring a maximum size of 27 inches in height, 18 inches in width and 10 inches in depth and a personal item will be allowed to travel from the tour’s pickup point back to the Hotel. 

 

4 – CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES & CONDUCT

4.1 It is the responsibility of the customer to make sure he or she has a valid passport, and all necessary visas, permits or certificates with him or her for each tour taken with The Italian On Tour. The Italian On Tour is not liable for any problems, delays or denied entry in the event you are not in possession of valid travel documents.

4.2 The customer agrees to comply with the authority of the Local hosts, Italian Food & Wine Experts, Italian Travel Experts, and/or Guides, as well as the laws and regulations of the countries visited, including customs and foreign exchange restrictions. It is a requirement and condition that the customer complies with the authority of the Local hosts, Italian Food & Wine Experts, Italian Travel Experts, Guides, and authorities of each country. If the customer does not comply or he or she disrupts the safety, enjoyment, and/or best interests of the group the Local hosts, Italian Food & Wine Experts, Italian Travel Experts, and Guides reserve the right to dismiss the customer from the tour. The customer will be asked by the Local host or Guide to leave the tour. The customer is not eligible for refunds under such circumstances.

4.3 It is the responsibility of the customer to arrive on time at the designated meeting locations for all of The Italian On Tour’s trip departures. In the situation that the customer misses a scheduled departure, any extra travel expenses incurred will be paid by the customer. Customers who miss a departure time due to his or her own negligence or the delay and/or cancellation of incoming transportation are not entitled to a refund. It is the responsibility of the customer to check in with the Local Host, and/or Guide 10 minutes prior to the specified departure time. The Italian On Tour is not liable if any service departs or arrives later than the specified time, even if as a result the customer misses a connecting service or activity.

4.4 The Italian On Tour Inc. is not responsible for the personal belongings of the customer. It is the responsibility of the customer to ensure the security of his or her own belongings. The Italian On Tour Inc. is not responsible for the loss, theft or damage to any of the personal belongings of the customer, regardless of the circumstances.

4.5 The Italian On Tour’s trips, tour & itineraries offer transportation and accommodation to the customer unless otherwise specified. When possible, the Local Host will do his or her best to accommodate special requests however special attention or assistance cannot be guaranteed should the customer have any physical disability or illness requiring such attention.

4.6 The customer agrees and allows The Italian On Tour to take photographs and films of the customer during The Italian On Tour’s trips for the purpose of marketing and social media. Such photographs and films may be used in, but are not limited to, brochures, websites, print media and promotional videos. These images may be used for publicity and advertising The Italian On Tour without obtaining further consent or payment for the use of these photographs and films.

4.7 The Italian On Tour’s trips, tours and itineraries include walking and other activities which involve varying degrees of physical exertion. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are of adequate physical condition to participate in our tours. You should seek medical advice if you have any reason to think that you are unable to undertake the tour or any aspect of the tour.

4.8 None of The Italian On Tour trips include travel insurance. It is the customer’s responsibility to purchase comprehensive insurance and provide evidence of adequate travel insurance 45 days prior to your trip’s departure date.

Travel medical and evacuation insurance are mandatory for all guests.

If evidence of adequate travel insurance is not received when due, The Italian On Tour Inc. reserves the right to cancel the reservation and apply the cancellation fees outlined below in section 10.5.

It is the responsibility of each participant to ensure their proof of travel insurance has been submitted and received by the submission deadline.

4.9 To ensure the most enjoyable experience for everyone on tour, controversial subjects should be avoided. 

In the current world climate, Covid, Vaccines, Politics, Religion, or any other controversial topics can be highly divisive.

Should you find yourself in a discussion surrounding Covid, Politics, Vaccines, Religion, or any other controversial matters, please remember that others might not share your viewpoint, and that all views are to be discussed in the spirit of openness & respect to others’ opinions and beliefs. 

To ensure a safe and relaxed experience, conversation with your driver is not encouraged while the vehicle is in motion. Your time spent in transportation is the perfect time to get to know your fellow travellers and all questions are expected to be reserved for when the vehicle is not in motion.

It is the mission of The Italian On Tour for everyone to have an authentic Italian vacation, immersed in the local culture and cuisine, and as such it is the utmost priority of The Italian On Tour to do the best to ensure each guest feels welcome, safe & relaxed while on tour.

4.10 Wine is included at your many of your meals on tour, however that does not mean it is unlimited. Alcoholic beverages can only be ordered by your tour host. If you personally request to order more wine or alcoholic beverages outside from what is included at your meals, The Italian On Tour reserves the right to charge for the additional alcohol consumed plus a flat 20% administration fee at the end of your trip. 

You are expected to know your personal alcohol consumption limit within a group setting and The Italian On Tour strongly encourages you to consume alcohol responsibly. Furthermore, we do not condone drug use or excessive alcohol consumption and should your over consumption of either drugs or alcohol disrupt the group activities this will be grounds to have you removed from the trip.

4.11 Not all food allergies, intolerances, and/or food preferences can be accommodated on The Italian On Tour trips. Should you have any food allergies, intolerances, and/or food preferences it is the responsibility of you, the customer, to first contact The Italian On Tour via email by writing info@theitalianontour.com to confirm if your food allergies, intolerances and/or food preferences can be accommodated prior to making the deposit for your tour. Failure to do so may result in your trip being cancelled and the cancellation policy set forth in section 10.5 being applied.


5 – MEETING POINT

Please plan to arrive at the meeting point at least 10 minutes before the tour departure time. No refund will be given to those clients who do not show up at the meeting point at the set time or to clients who lose contacts with the Local Host and/or Guide or who do not complete the tour. 

 

6 – DEPARTURE POINT

All guests arriving on Italy’s Epicurean Journey, Italy Undiscovered, and Italy Uncorked are responsible for ensuring they make it to the meeting point by 11:30 am at Rome’s Fiumicino airport (details directions for the meeting will be provided to all guests inside The Vacation Vault). Those who are unable to make it to the meeting point for the time specified will not be guaranteed a transfer from Rome to Ascoli Piceno and will have to seek other arrangements to participate in the remainder of the tour.

All guests arriving on Northern Italian Delights are responsible for ensuring they make it to the meeting point between 2pm to 5pm for pick-up at Castelfranco Veneto’s Train Station. Those who are unable to make it to the meeting point between the specified time slot will not be guaranteed a transfer from Castelfranco Veneto’s Train Station to the hotel and will have to seek other arrangements to participate in the remainder of the tour.

All guests arriving on Passport to Puglia are responsible for ensuring they make it to the meeting point by 14:00 (2pm) at Bari’s airport (detailed directions for the meeting will be provided to all guests inside The Vacation Vault). Those who are unable to make it to the meeting point for the time specified will not be guaranteed a transfer from Bari to your hotel and will have to seek other arrangements to participate in the remainder of the tour.

 

7 – OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES

7.1 The customer may have the opportunity to purchase optional activities on The Italian On Tour’s trips. The customer is responsible for any additional costs as well as complying with the service providers’ terms and conditions

7.2 Some of The Italian On Tour trips may include third party transportation or services. In the event that vouchers/tickets are given to the customer for these purposes it is the responsibility of the customer to keep track of his or her own voucher/ticket. Lost vouchers/ tickets cannot be replaced and the customer will be responsible for any additional cost or outcome incurred by such loss under any circumstance.

 

8 – WEATHER, PANDEMICS, ENVIRONMENTAL, AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

The Italian On Tour Inc. is not responsible for any delay, change, or cancellation due to weather conditions, labour disputes, border problems, pandemic travel bans, any political factors affecting the tour, mechanical failures or other issues that may arise and are outside the control of The Italian On Tour. No trip, tour or itinerary may be cancelled or changed by the customer at any time on the basis of these above-mentioned conditions. The customer is not eligible for refunds under any of these above-mentioned circumstances.

Pandemics are outside of the control of The Italian On Tour. No trip, tour or itinerary may be cancelled by the customer due to a pandemic. The customer is not eligible for refunds under this circumstance. In the event of a pandemic travel ban between your country of residence (ie. United States) and Italy the customer may reschedule his or her trip according to the policies outlined in section 10.6.  

If The Italian On Tour Inc. is forced to cancel a tour, trip or itinerary for reasons of force majeure (ie. Pandemics, weather conditions, labour disputes, etc…) or for any other issues that may arise and are outside of the control of The Italian On Tour Inc., all monies paid to The Italian On Tour Inc. (including the deposit) will be rolled forward into travel credits in the form of a voucher that must be used to book another trip within 365 days of issuance.

 

9 – INSURANCE

There is no travel insurance included in the cost of any The Italian On Tour service. The Italian On Tour requires each traveler to have a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Before traveling with The Italian On Tour Inc., we require evidence of travel insurance and an emergency contact number for each traveler 45 days prior to the tour’s scheduled departure date.

It is the responsibility of each tour participant to ensure their emergency contact information as been submitted and received by The Italian On Tour.

If evidence of travel insurance and an emergency contact number is not received when due, The Italian On Tour Inc. reserves the right to cancel the reservation, and apply the cancellation fees outlined below in section 10.5.

If the customer fails to submit evidence of travel insurance and an emergency contact number 30 days prior to the tour’s scheduled departure date, The Italian On Tour Inc. reserves the right to cancel the reservation, keep all monies received as per the payment schedule outlined in section 2.4., and apply the cancellation fees outlined below in section 10.5.

At minimum Travel medical and evacuation insurance is mandatory for all guests. 

Trip cancellation insurance, especially “cancel for any reason” insurance is strongly recommended.

 

10 – CANCELLATIONS & CHANGES

10.1 In order not to incur penalties for cancellations of bookings, these must be communicated to The Italian On Tour Inc. according to the specific cancellation policies below:

10.2 The Italian On Tour vacations purchased during times of special sales are non-refundable, non-transferrable, and cannot be rescheduled. Special sales are any discounts of 5% or more.

10.3 Promotional trips as prizes are non-transferable.

10.4 Vouchers are non-refundable, non-transferrable, and can only be used to make a booking that has at least the same number of people that were booked on the original trip the Voucher was given for (ie. if your original booking was for 2 people, your voucher must be used towards a booking that has at least 2 people booked). 

All vouchers expire within one calendar year of issuance unless stated otherwise.

10.5 Cancellation by the customer (you) must be made in writing via email to info@theitalianontour.com 

Cancellations within the 180 days prior to the day of departure and may incur an additional charge.

The following cancellation policies apply to all tours, except Passport to Puglia:

We reserve the right to charge cancellation fees as follows for each guest booked:

Up to 181 days prior to the departure date: $997 USD non-refundable deposit
180 days to 91 days prior to the departure date: $997 USD non-refundable deposit plus $2997 USD per person and any single supplements and room upgrades
90 days or less prior to the departure date: 100% of the Full Balance is payable
The May 11th, 2025 departure for Passport to Puglia’s cancellation policy applies as follows for each guest booked:

Up to January 1, 2025 the $997 USD non-refundable per person
$2997 USD per person plus any single supplements or room upgrades, is due by January 2, 2025
The remaining balance must be received in FULL no later than February 10, 2025
If a payment is not received when due, The Italian On Tour Inc. reserves the right to cancel the reservation and keep all monies received as per the payment schedule outlined in section 2.4.

Note: The Cancellation schedule runs from the original booking’s departure date and is not adjusted to trips that are transferred or rescheduled.

10.6 Rescheduling & Transfer Policy

Subject to certain conditions, you may transfer your tour booking once to another person up to 30 days prior to your tour’s departure. 

All requests to switch your tour or trip’s departure date must be received within the 90 days prior to your original trip’s departure date by sending an email to info@theitalianontour.com 

To request to reschedule your trip you must fill-out the rescheduling form and pay the following administration fees:

$350 USD administration fee per person for 7 day tours
$400 USD administration fee per person for 8 day tours
$500 USD administration fee per person for 10 day tours
To get access to the form to reschedule your trip you must email info@theitalianontour.com 

Payment for your trip switch fees must be received by 91 days prior to your trip’s original departure date in order not to incur any additional penalties.

90 days or less prior to your trip’s original departure date your trip can no longer be rescheduled and the cancellation fees outlined above in section 10.5 apply.

30 days or less prior to your trip’s original departure date your trip can no longer be transferred to another person and the cancellation fees outlined above in section 10.5 apply.

Any early bird bonuses, room upgrades or discounts received when booking your trip are not guaranteed if you reschedule your trip or transfer it to another person.

The Italian On Tour trips purchased during times of special sales cannot be rescheduled. Special sales are any discounts of 5% or more.

All trip switches or reschedules may be subject to price increases.

Note: The payment schedule runs from the original booking date and is not adjusted to trips that are transferred or rescheduled. You, the customer, are only permitted to switch to another date of the same itinerary originally booked or an itinerary of at least the same value per person within the same calendar year.

Trips cannot be switched to the following calendar year.

10.7 No refunds will be made in respect of any unused portion of a voucher/ticket or partially completed trip.

10.8 No full or partial refunds or credits will be issued upon return from a trip.

10.9 All room upgrades are non-refundable once payment has been made for the upgrade.

10.10 All single supplements are non-refundable once payment has been made for the single supplement.

10.11 All rescheduled trips or trips purchased with vouchers are non-refundable.

10.12 No trips may be cancelled and no refunds will be given for trips cancelled due to “fear of travel”.

10.13 All vouchers expire on December 31st of the year of issuance unless otherwise stated (ie. a voucher issued March 1st, 2024 will expire on December 31st, 2024) .

 

11 – CANCELLATION BY THE TOUR OPERATOR:

The Italian On Tour Inc. guarantees Italy Undiscovered and Italy’s Epicurean Journey will run once four or more guests reserve their spots. The Italian On Tour Inc. guarantees the Venetian Epicurean, Heart of Veneto and Italy Uncorked will run once six or more guests reserve their spots.

No trip is considered confirmed until these minimum number of guests have been met and therefore we strongly encourage you to not make non-refundable or irreversible travel plans until the minimum number for your tour has been met. Furthermore, it is highly recommended that you purchase travel insurance that will cover you for any non-refundable or irreversible travel plans that you make.

All private tours are guaranteed. We will do our best to inform you about potential cancellations well in advance. When, for any reason, The Italian On Tour Inc. cancels the trip, the customer has the right to claim reimbursement, only of the sum paid to The Italian On Tour.

The Italian On Tour Inc. is not responsible for expenses that are incurred in preparation for any cancelled trips, such as airline tickets, or for costs that are incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations or illness.

In case of acts of force majeure (strikes, road conditions, weather…) The Italian On Tour Inc. may modify the itinerary with alternative solutions maintaining the duration and quality of the service.

If a payment is not received when due, The Italian On Tour Inc. reserves the right to cancel the reservation and keep all monies received as per the payment schedule outlined in section 2.4.

If the trip documents (ie. waivers, proof of insurance and/or emergency contact information) are not received when due, The Italian On Tour Inc. reserves the right to cancel the reservation, keep all monies received and apply the cancellation fees outlined in section 10.5

 

12 – VIDEOS AND PHOTOS

When traveling with The Italian On Tour Inc. you accept that the Company may take photos and videos of you during a trip or an event with The Italian on Tour. You agree that these images may be used for marketing purposes by The Italian On Tour: brochures, websites, print media and promotional videos may be created with the photos and videos of you for publicity and advertising, without The Italian on Tour requesting further consent nor giving payment for the use of the material itself.

 

13 – DISPUTES

Any complaint by the client must be communicated in writing to The Italian On Tour Inc. within and no later than 3 business days after the date of the tour. Complaints or disputes that cannot be resolved amicably between the client and The Italian On Tour Inc., shall be referred to the Northwest Territories Court in Yellowknife, NWT, Canada.

Each party shall bear its own costs, fees and attorney’s fees in the event of an action or proceeding arising out of this agreement.

 

14 – NON-DISPARAGEMENT

In the event of a dispute between you, the customer, and The Italian On Tour Inc, you agree to not engage in any conduct or communications, public or private, designed to disparage The Italian On Tour or its employees, guides, contractors and suppliers. Where requested by law, of course, you are not prohibited from sharing your thoughts and opinions as a part of the legal process.

 

15 – SEVERABILITY

In the event that one or more of the provisions, terms or clauses of this agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction to be illegal, invalid or unenforceable, such offending terms or clauses shall be severed from the agreement and the remaining provisions, terms or clauses shall not be effected and shall remain. In the event of such severance, the remaining provisions, terms and clauses shall be binding and enforceable.