Tour Types • Term Definitions

Escorted Tour
Escorted tours are perfect for people who want to maximize their vacation time and not have to worry about planning and logistical details. Escorted tours are normally conducted by a tour director who takes care of all services from beginning to end of the tour (in addition, Local Guides, will carry out further sight seeing upon travelers arrival in the historic centre). Escorted tours normally include hotels, transportation, transfers to/from the airport/hotel, most meals and sightseeing. Escorted tours are typically conducted by motor coach. They can be fast-paced, with no more than 2 nights spent in each location, or more leisurely, with more time spent overnight at each locale.

Semi-Escorted Tour
These tours are partially escorted, with more free time or days available to explore on your own. The tour normally includes hotels, transportation, transfers to/from the airport/hotel, some meals and sightseeing. An assistant will brief you on the first day and provide a tour program, and optional excursions (at extra cost) at your request. Some train travel may be involved. Transfer to/from the train station during the tour may not be included.

Independent Tour
These vacations are ideal for independent travelers looking to set their own pace. These vacations usually spend 2 or 3 nights in each location visited and usually only a few locations are visited. A tour guide is not included, there may be a host available to answer questions and suggest sightseeing. Typically on an independent tour, the operator pre-books reservations, and provides you with the maps and directions you’ll need to do the tour. Few meals and some sightseeing may be included, but a lot of free time to explore is available. Often these tours are self-drive, or include train tickets, and/or limited pre-booked transportation.

Sightseeing/Excursions
These sightseeing excursions save you the hassle of figuring out an itinerary, finding your way to the sites, and transportation. Plus you will be taken to spots you may not even know existed. A guide will accompany the group to visit local areas of interest. Entrance fees may be included and line-ups are often avoided. These sightseeing/excursion services can be purchased separately, and can enrich your holiday with concentrated guided visits to major monuments, museums and sites of one or two cities by bus or on foot, with a tour leader. They are usually half a day or 1 full day.

Difference between REGULAR and PRIVATE Sightseeing/Excursions: REGULAR: Shared Transportation and Guide. travelers will participate in services with other Alitours clients. PRIVATE: Transportation and guide is strictly for those who make the reservation. Passengers travel and visit sights alone with the exception of the guide and driver.

Fly & Drive
These popular packages are for the more independent traveler with a spirit of adventure. With more free time to explore on your own will include the use of a rental car for the ultimate go-at-your-own- pace vacation. These packages all come with a guideline/itinerary on what to see & do, and some packages may include hotel accommodations, meals and daily passes to important sight/seeing excursions, during the stay.

Transfers
Transportation provided for passengers to/from places of interest. These include Airports, Ports, Rail, Hotel, etc. both short and long distances. Means of transfer may be private vehicle, Motor coach, ferry, or train transportation from the airport to your hotel or city center, or point of interest (which ever is specified).

Visit
This means the coach will stop with enough time to see a specific sight.

Panorama
A photo opportunity or brief stop of about 15 minutes.

See
Your coach will drive by the site (time permitting allows more in-depth exploration).

Free Time/ Time On Your Own/ Leisure/Time To Explore And Discover
Enough time to do as you please.

A Day To Relax
No planned activities. Time for your own independent explorations.

Local Guide
Professional guides with specialized expertise in a specific city or region, who guide you on a visit to key attractions.

Tour Director
Tour escort who schedules, manages your entire trip, and is responsible to see that your vacation runs smoothly. He or she travels with you, helping with everything from coordinating hotel check-in and language translation, to advice on the best restaurants and sights to see.