Question 1

WHY ARE WE CALLED PHOENIX CUSTOM TOURS?

Accepted Answer

We – as self-employed guides - have been in the business at least for over a decade and in 2020 decided to do a startup company and we named it Phoenix because we would like to indicate that tourism after the 2020 crisis will rise like the phoenix from the ashes. Custom stands for our main goal that is customizing tours based on our costumers wishes.

Question 2

WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT?

Accepted Answer

Simply put this is our lives. We are not an assembly line company – our goal is to bring history to life to give you a once in a lifetime experience providing private and custom tours. We design and deliver WWI and WWII theme tours and customize private tours in Europe based on the dreams of yours, the adventurous explorers creating together an unforgettable and unique experience. We will never fill our vehicles up more than 60% - as other tour operators would do – to make extra profit; for us, your and our staff safety and health will always be number one priority. We always provide the maximum space and (leg)room possible to our passengers. We will never hand out printed and fancy brochures to you and you will never be able to visit us in a physical office. We want to save the unnecessary office cost, the unnecessary marketing cost, and any unnecessary spending like printed, fancy brochures to be able to provide our tours at a much better price than most of the tour operators financing offices and spending on advertising. If you wish: with our policy, we save the planet as well.

Question 3

WHAT MAKES YOU UNIQUE?

Accepted Answer

You are unique and precious to us because it is YOU who we share our knowledge with, and we do not want that knowledge to be wasted. YOU are unique because once you are back home, YOU will be sharing that knowledge as its ambassador and YOU will fulfill the mission, we strongly believe in that is mutual understanding through which the world can be a better place. Inspire us and let us inspire YOU. We are not an assembly line company – and YOU are not parts of the that non existing line, but YOU are part of history and our story.

Question 4

WHY SHOULD YOU DO TOURS WITH US?

Accepted Answer

We have the know how:  we have created itineraries, we have booked accommodation in multiple cities, we have searched restaurants with menus and most of all the best guides for decades. We speak your language and speak the languages of the countries we visit.

Question 5

WHAT TYPE OF TOURS DO WE OFFER?

Accepted Answer

In the first place we offer private tours, and issue proposals for these private tours on an individual basis. We customize tours for individuals, friends, families, and school groups. We also have WW I and WW II theme tours scheduled and the calendar for those tours is available on our website.

Question 6

WHY WW I AND WW II TOURS AND WHY IN WESTERN AND CENTRAL EUROPE?

Accepted Answer

There has been an explosion of interest in iconic battle fields tour everywhere in the world. We have been planning and delivering these tours for over a decade focusing on most of the major battlefields of the European Theater: the Western Front in World War I, the Normandy Invasion, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, the Battle of Britain, operations in Italy, Germany and in Central Europe exploring the battles and the background of the conflicts, by gaining an understanding of what the soldiers and the civilian population had to endure and to trace the political, economic and ideological reasons behind the dictators’ rise to power in the 20th century. Europe: that is our continent we know and understand, we have been raised here, speak the languages, and know the stories first or second hand: our parents and grandparents lived, loved, suffered, fought, died, and survived here.

Question 7

ARE DEPARTURE DATES GUARANTEED?

Accepted Answer

Yes, all departure dates are guaranteed if business is not affected by travel restrictions or any vis maior beyond our control (e.g. Covid 19). Since we mainly specialize in minivan tours there is no minimum number of participants needed for a tour to take place.

Question 8

WHERE ARE WE LOCATED?

Accepted Answer

A European based company registered as a travel agency in Hungary.

Question 9

HOW MUCH WALKING IS THERE ON THE TOURS?

Accepted Answer

In general, our trips may require a few miles of walking daily, and some trips require more strenuous activities. Please note that requirements for restricted mobility and disability accommodations are different in Europe.
 
ARE PASSENGERS TRAVELING ALONE WELCOME ON YOUR TOURS?
Solo travelers are more than welcome to join our groups. Passengers like to mix and mingle, and friendships are quickly formed as everyone is interested in the subject matter of the given tour.

Question 10

CAN I ARRIVE EARLIER THAN MY START DATE OF THE TOUR AND CAN I STAY LONGER AFTER THE TOUR ENDS?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can arrange to come a few days earlier and stay longer OR you can sign up for a pre- or post- tour with us e.g., 3 days Berlin post-tour after any of our 9-day Normandy to Munich Tour.

Question 11

IS IT SAFE TO TOUR WITH US?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. Europe is the safest continent by far and concentrates the most developed countries. The locals in most of the places we visit are extremely grateful to Americans, who have not forgotten what they did for their countries in WW I and WW II, oh yes and during the Cold War. We have a lot of experience navigating the routes and we know the areas well.

Question 12

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE?

Accepted Answer

Accommodations at 3, 4 or 5-star hotels (depending on your package) and breakfasts • Airport transfers on first and last day of tour

•  Transportation throughout the tour  
 •   Entrance fees • Tour guide during the day
 •   All departures are guaranteed

Prices do not include: airfare, travel insurance, excess baggage fees, valet service, extra hotel costs (e.g., mini-bar, laundry services, etc.), or costs resulting from a tour participant failing to arrive at the pick-up location on time.
​

Question 13

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE PRICE IN THE CASE OF PRIVATE OR CUSTOM TOUR?

Accepted Answer

We issue proposals for private tours on an individual basis and it CAN but not necessarily will include: accommodations at 3, 4 or 5-star hotels and breakfasts. Airport transfers on first and last day of tour. (Luxury) Transportation throughout the tour. Tour guide during the day (or 24/7). Lunch and/or dinner. Drinks at meals. Refreshments on board of our vehicles. Valet service. All departures are guaranteed.
Prices never include airfare, travel insurance, excess baggage fees, extra hotel costs (e.g., mini-bar, laundry services, etc.), or costs resulting from a tour participant failing to arrive at the pick-up location on time.

Question 14

WHAT ABOUT GRATUITIES?

Accepted Answer

Tips for our onboard staff (tour managers and bus drivers) are not included in the tour price but are a voluntary way of showing satisfaction for good service. To give you an idea: 10 USD or 10 EUR per day per passenger. Tipping of the local guides the restaurant and hotel staff is at the passengers’ discretion.

Question 15

DO YOU OFFER TRAVEL INSURANCE?

Accepted Answer

NO, travel insurance is not included in the tour price. We recommend that you purchase a travel insurance plan to protect you and your travel investment against the unexpected, so you can relax and enjoy your trip.

Question 16

WHAT IS THE AVERAGE SIZE OF THE TOUR GROUPS?

Accepted Answer

In most of the cases the average size is from 4 to 6 persons. Although in some cases group size may vary based on the tour and the package, ranging from 1 (private tour and every departure is guaranteed) to a maximum of 30 passengers on a 50-seat coach. We will never fill our vehicles up more than 60% - as other tour operators would do – to make extra profit; for us, your and our staff safety and health will always be number one priority. We always provide the maximum space and (leg)room possible to our passengers.

Question 17

DO YOU OFFER FREE TIME ON THE TOURS?

Accepted Answer

You will have some free time in selected places for shopping and individual sightseeing. We have no affiliation with any of the shops at your disposal, and there is no pressure to make additional purchases on the tours although in the case of a private or custom tour you will have as much free time as you want, and we agree on.

Question 18

AM I GOING TO BE LEFT ON MY OWN ON THE TOUR?

Accepted Answer

WE are well-trained and capable professionals who offer information about sights as we travel through Europe and will spend time with you when engaging in activities or on board of our vehicles from pick-up on the first day to drop-off on the last. We usually are not available during lunch and dinner and will not necessarily stay at the same hotel as you so that means that we are with you from the morning until the drop off at your hotel.
​

Question 19

DO WE HAVE LOCAL GUIDES? WHO ARE THEY?

Accepted Answer

It is either us or our local historians who are devoted to passing on their knowledge, and sometimes even personal experience, to our passengers. Everyone is all fluent in English and has worked as a guide for several years.

Question 20

WHAT TYPE OF TOUR VEHICLES DO YOU USE?

Accepted Answer

We usually use high-quality mini vans and sometimes tour buses. They are air conditioned, with reclining seats that fit 6-12 people and the 50-seat coaches accommodate 30 people. We schedule plenty of restroom stops while on the road.

Question 21

WHAT TYPE OF HOTELS DO WE STAY AT?

Accepted Answer

All the hotels you will be staying at on our tours offer private bathrooms and breakfast and most of the time free wireless internet service. Depending on the tour package you purchased, hotels are 3-star, 4-star or - on our Luxury tours - 5-star.

Question 22

HOW DO I BOOK A TOUR?

Accepted Answer

Reservation can be made by sending us an email to csaba@phoenixcustomtours.com (mailto:csaba@phoenixcustomtours.com)and as response we will send you a registration form that must be returned completed. A place on the tour is reserved upon receipt of the registration form and the payment of your registration fee. The cost of the tour is due as follows: you can pay the entire sum upon registration OR a registration fee of 500 EUR per person when sending us the registration form or booking online and the remaining balance 70 days or more before departure. The registration fee is not an extra or hidden fee, it is part of your tour price. Payments can be made online by credit card and made directly to our bank through a secure server. At no point is credit card information available to us.

Question 23

WHAT IS THE DEPOSIT AMOUNT REQUIRED TO BOOK A TOUR?

Accepted Answer

A 500 EUR  deposit is required at the time of booking.

Question 24

NOW THAT I AM READY TO BOOK, HOW DO I PAY?

Accepted Answer

You can pay online through our secure website or you can wire transfer the money to our account. We accept all major credit cards: Visa, Master Card, American Express and Discover.

Question 25

CAN I GIVE THE TOUR AS A GIFT?

Accepted Answer

We would love to help you surprise someone and we will remain discreet during the booking and payment process if you let us in on the fun. We will also send a personalized gift certificate for the person receiving the gift.

Question 26

WHAT CURRENCY IS THE PRICE OF THE TOUR IN?

Accepted Answer

The price of our tours is listed in U.S. Dollars.

Question 27

WHAT TRAVEL DOCUMENTS DO I NEED? DO I NEED A PASSPORT?

Accepted Answer

You will need a valid passport on our tours. A driver’s license issued by your state or a passport card cannot be used for overseas travel. Per international travel regulations, your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of your return home from your tour. If your passport expires within 6 months, it must be renewed prior to your departure from the U.S.

Question 28

DO I NEED A VISA?

Accepted Answer

U.S. citizens travelling to Europe will need to apply for an ETIAS the new travel authorization for Europe that will come into effect in May 2023. If visas are required, it is the tour participant’s responsibility to ensure that all completed visa applications are provided to us in a timely fashion.
 
WILL I GET AN ITINERARY FOR MY TOUR BEFORE DEPARTURE?
Your itinerary will be available electronically. Note that the preliminary itinerary is subject to change. You will get the final version on the first day of the tour.

Question 29

WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW WHEN PREPARING FOR THE TOUR? WHAT AIRPORT DO I NEED TO ARRIVE AT AND DEPART FROM?

Accepted Answer

We specify the arrival and departure times and airports in the itinerary for each tour. There are arrival and departure requirements for all tours. We highly recommend arriving a day before the start of the tour to decrease the risk of delayed flights impacting your tour. Be sure to consult us prior to making your final reservations. Participants not showing up at the pickup location at the time we agreed on will be required to arrange their own travel to the first night’s hotel. We will do everything we can to assist with these arrangements, but do not assume responsibility for any additional costs. On the last day of the tour, we will arrange a transfer from the hotel only to the airport indicated in the tour description. Departure time requirements at designated airports on the last day of a tour are provided under the description of each specific tour. There is one transfer to the airport that will depart the hotel at 7:30 am except luxury tours - in the case of the latter any time  until check out from until.

Question 30

HOW DO I MEET UP WITH THE GROUP AT THE START OF THE TOUR?

Accepted Answer

One month prior to your tour departure we will contact you directly, at the email address you provided, with detailed information regarding your group’s exact meeting time and place. Please confirm the receipt of this pick-up information and be certain to check your e-mail regularly for this email.

Question 31

DO YOU HAVE A LIMIT ON THE AMOUNT OF LUGGAGE I CAN TAKE?

Accepted Answer

On our tours in Europe, we recommend each participant bring one suitcase and one carry-on bag due to the limited capacity for luggage storage on motor coaches. Our luggage allowance and regulations may be different from airline requirements. We recommend you check the luggage restrictions directly with your airlines to avoid any additional or excess luggage fees.

Question 32

WHAT TYPES OF CURRENCY ARE USED ON THE TOURS?

Accepted Answer

The type of currency depends on the tour. Taken as a whole, our tours cover areas where the Euro, U.S. Dollar, Ruble, Zloty, Forint, and Pounds are used. We will be able to help you determine what currency you will need for your specific tour.

Question 33

IS THERE AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO LAUNDRY ON THE TOURS?

Accepted Answer

Laundromats are available in Europe - we will assists you to find the right one. A few hotels in Europe have washer and dryer facilities as they do in the U.S. However, most hotels offer laundry services, mostly charging on a per garment basis. This can be rather expensive. Some hotels may charge on a per bag basis: you can stuff as much as you can in the laundry bag they provide, and they have a very favorable charge compared to the per garment cost. Normally, laundry services are available only on working days, but generally, it is suggested to use the laundry services at a hotel where the tour group stays for at least 2 nights for you to get your clean clothes back by the time the group leaves from the hotel.

Question 34

I TAKE PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION, SHOULD I BRING THIS WITH ME?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. You will want to take your medication with you. You do not want to depend on being able to get your prescription filled while you are overseas, as American prescriptions will not be accepted. Many drugs that are sold over the counter in the U.S. require a prescription overseas. Also, many drugs have different names and/or ingredients than in the U.S. So, if you have a pain killer or a motion sickness pill that you know works for you, we advise bringing it with you.

Question 35

IS THERE A DRESS CODE ON THE TOUR?

Accepted Answer

We do not have a dress code for the tours. We want you to be comfortable and casual while on your vacation.

Question 36

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR THE TOUR?

Accepted Answer

In general, pack versatile clothing suitable for all types of weather. Bring sturdy, water resistant shoes that are comfortable for all-day wear and on uneven terrain, such as on beaches and cobblestones. A waterproof jacket is suggested, and warm layers for evenings or high altitudes are essential. If your tour includes visits to religious buildings (e.g. Vatican City and St Peter’s Basilica) be prepared to dress appropriately (i.e. shoulders and knees must be covered). Since you will probably be taking lots of pictures, do not forget your camera, memory cards and charger. Other electronic devices such as a cell phone or laptop, will also need their chargers. You will need an adaptor that will transform the U.S. plugs to European plugs. Washcloths are not so wide-spread overseas and are typically not provided at hotels.

Question 37

DO THE HOTELS HAVE HAIR DRYERS?

Accepted Answer

Most of the hotels provide hairdryers, towels, and toiletry kits.

Question 38

CAN I USE MY CELL PHONE OVERSEAS?

Accepted Answer

If you bring your cell phone with you be sure to check with your carrier regarding international calling plans to make sure you are not left without service during the trip.

Question 39

WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE AT THE TIME I AM PLANNING TO TRAVEL?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, there is no one answer to this question, but we can provide the following link for you: http://www.holiday-weather.com/. (http://www.holiday-weather.com/)All you need to do is specify the time of year you are traveling and the country in which you are checking the weather.

FAQ