FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
PRIVATE JOURNEYS F.A.Q.'s
WHAT KIND OF TRAVELERS ARE YOUR TRIPS CATERED TOWARD?
Our private tours are geared toward a new generation of travelers in search of fulfilling experiences, including those who want to enjoy a complete immersion into Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
We redefine luxury travel by giving you access to the authentic local lifestyle through wine and the regional cuisine, while also infusing art, architecture, history, culture, and nature into the mix.
WHY SHOULD I TRAVEL WITH PALADAR Y TOMAR?
Through Paladar y Tomar, you will gain entry into the world’s most renowned wine producers, eat mouth-watering and memorable meals, travel in refined luxury, and immerse yourself in the local culture. We provide a new level of customized travel by matching your level of interest and preferences with the proper activities and itinerary. We create customized itineraries and do not operate on a ‘one size fits all’ policy. Thanks to our bespoke approach, you will never find yourself shuffling through museums when you’d rather be sipping on Syrah in the Spanish countryside (or vice versa!).
DO YOU OFFER MORE THAN JUST FOOD & WINE ACTIVITIES?
Absolutely! For us, gastronomy is a way to unveil the Mediterranean culture in countries where everything revolves around food and wine. We combine extraordinary regional food and wine with in-depth city tours, spectacular architecture, guided art walks with local experts, biking or hiking through breath-taking nature … just let us know your personal interests and we’ll make it happen.
IS THERE A FEE FOR YOUR SERVICE?
We apply a Travel Planning Fee to our customized private tours. There is no fee if you join one of our small group journeys (those with set departure dates). Please see How It Works here for more information.
HOW FAR OUT IN ADVANCE SHOULD I PLAN?
In order to be able to provide you with the best travel planning experience, the travel planning process ideally begins about 6 months before your departure date. However, we are able to accommodate different timeframes -please feel free to reach out at any time and we’ll make it work!
DO YOU OFFER SCHEDULED OR PRIVATE TOURS?
We offer both options. We offer custom private trips, starting from two guests and going up to small private groups (families, groups of friends, small celebrations, etc.). We also offer a collection of set departures limited to 16 guests through our branded CÚRATE Trips.
CAN THE ITINERARIES FEATURED ON YOUR WEBSITE BE ADAPTED OR ARE THEY INVARIABLE?
All of our itineraries are completely tailor-made from scratch. The itineraries listed on our website are there to provide inspiration and to give you a taste of what we can do. As soon as we have our initial conversation, we will make the necessary adjustments and customize your unique itinerary.
WHAT ARE YOUR WINE VISITS LIKE?
Being intensively involved in the wine business, we have developed personal connections with major winemakers across Spain, Portugal, and Morocco. We are delighted to partner with small independent producers, but also focus on big players that have shaped the history of wine. We welcome you to be our guest on exceptional projects and to meet passionate people through our private visits and wine tastings.
SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS F.A.Q.'s
WHAT ARE YOUR SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS?
Our small group journeys bring together a maximum of 16 like-minded epicurean travelers, fully escorted by two tour leaders. Your fellow travelers all share a passion for new experiences, enjoy the delights of life, and define themselves as wine lovers and/or gourmets.
WHO ARE YOUR SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS FOR?
Our collection of set departure journeys suits travelers in search of experiential luxury who want to build personal connections and discover a country with purpose. The program leaders instill an atmosphere of learning so that you are able to enrich your body and soul. Our small group journeys are an ideal way to meet new people and build friendships for life. We say this from experience, as our numerous repeat clients are our greatest satisfaction and the reason why we love our work.
WHAT IS THE ACTIVITY LEVEL?
Our group tours are not physically demanding and are designed to be enjoyed by people at varying degrees of experience and physical fitness. Unless otherwise stated, you do not need to be at any specific fitness level to go on a Journey with us.
Nevertheless, some walking, stair-climbing, and standing around for lengthy periods are unavoidable aspects of every tour. These features should be taken into consideration when booking a Journey.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A SMALL GROUP JOURNEY?
The following aspects are included in each Journey: All accommodations (on a bed and breakfast basis); the majority of meals (food and all drinks included) as specified in the program itinerary; two native English-speaking guides throughout the Journey, plus official local guides in every destination for private sightseeing; all entrance fees; arrival and departure transfers in a Mercedes-chauffeured vehicle; baggage porterage; bottled water for each day; all gratuities except for drivers; all applicable tourism taxes at time of booking.
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN THE SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS?
The following aspects are not included in each Journey: Travel insurance; international airfare; costs associated with obtaining passports or entry visas; airport departure taxes (if any); driver gratuities; meals not specified in the program; personal expenses, such as laundry, communication charges, and/or Internet access; any trip extension (to be quoted separately).
ARE THERE LUGGAGE RESTRICTIONS IF A FLIGHT IS INVOLVED?
Yes, the luggage limits will be clearly detailed in your final travel itinerary. Airline carriers charge for excess weight limit and each carrier applies a different price policy.
WHAT IF I HAVE A SPECIAL DIETARY REQUEST?
We are able accommodate any allergy or food intolerance. We make sure that every dish is suitable for you and reconfirm with the chef before each meal. Our trips are not suitable for vegans, but we are able to accept vegetarians as long as they eat fish. Please inform us about your special dietary request(s) when sending an inquiry.
TRAVEL INSURANCE | PAYMENT | SERVICE F.A.Q.'s
WHAT INSURANCE DO I NEED?
We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance to protect yourself against any unforeseen circumstances, including financial loss in case of illness, accident, or other situations that cause you to cancel your holiday. Please note that travel insurance (along with medical coverage and/or cancellation coverage)is not included in our tours.
WHAT METHODS OF PAYMENT DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept major credit cards (American Express, Visa, Mastercard) and bank transfer. Credit card payments are processed following strict European safety regulations through the Stripe payment platform.
CAN YOU GIVE A PRICE BREAKDOWN?
We always strive to give you clarity so that you feel comfortable confirming your trip with us. On private trips, we will always quote hotels separately and note each hotel’s cancellation policy. This way, you can see the benefit of booking through us. The private tours are quoted as a whole pack, but upon request we can indicate the price of a specific tour. On our small group journeys, we cannot give a price breakdown due to the nature of it being a group tour.
DO YOU BOOK FLIGHTS?
We do not book intercontinental flights. However, we can assist you in planning air travel.
We can book domestic flights and trains within Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, or between any of the destinations (if you wish to combine different countries). If you prefer booking your flights on your own or with miles, that is also available – just let us know.
WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO BRING?
All travelers, without exception (including babies and those under 18 years of age), shall carry valid documentation. All children must have their own passports.
HOW CAN I REACH THE 24/7 ASSISTANCE HOTLINE?
Before your departure, all in-country and emergency contact numbers will be clearly listed on your final travel documents. We are reachable via email, phone call, text message, iMessage, and WhatsApp.
