Call: 239-370-4444

9:00 am to 6:00 pm (EST)

faqs

Booking your flight is easy with Buckingham Tours!

Buckingham Tours makes it easy to enjoy seamless travel from the moment you book your journey. Ask us to check into the best flights for your journey if your travels originate in the United States to destinations outside of the U.S. Flights are subject to availability. We have partnered with leading domestic and international airlines to bring you to these destinations, and can often offer you significant savings on your airfare. And while purchasing your flight through Buckingham Tours takes the hassle out of booking it yourself, it also offers you several advantages available only with Buckingham Tours: (a reminder: airfare is a separate cost and the prices stated are for LAND only)

  • Airline transfers to and from your hotel are included
  • Earn Frequent Flyer mileage on most airlines
  • Benefit from Buckingham Tours’ lenient change and refund policies
  • Reserve your flights in advance; pay later when tickets are issued
  • Enjoy significant savings on Business Class airfare on select flights
  • Accrued frequent flyer miles cannot be used toward the purchase of Buckingham Tours airfare or used for class upgrades, however, airfare purchased through Buckingham Tours does qualify to earn you additional miles.

    Buckingham Tours offers special fares (subject to availability), for most travel originating in the U.S., to destinations outside of the U.S. We strongly urge you to take advantage of Buckingham Tours’ airfares, which offers more lenient change and refund policies, and has been selected for having the most suitable flights for travelers arriving and departing our journey's designated start and end dates.

    One of the advantages of purchasing special fares (subject to availability) through Buckingham Tours – for most travel originating in the U.S., to destinations outside of the U.S.– is that flights can be reserved and held without payment until ticketed. Ticketing is generally done 60 days prior to your journey's departure date. By contrast, airline published fares must be reserved, ticketed and paid for immediately, and have more rules, restrictions and penalties.

    Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point on a Buckingham Tours journey is not included. Some destinations require ‘on-tour’ flights, which must be reserved and purchased through Buckingham Tours.

    Buckingham Tours is fully compliant with the Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations regarding full fare advertising, disclosing the potential for a price increase before initial payment is made, and disclosure of airline baggage fees. We did not have to adjust any policies or processes.

    The disclosure of up-to-date airline baggage fees is accessible by a direct link to the baggage regulations section of your airline’s website. Details on accessing this link through your online air itinerary will be included with your Buckingham Tours’ flight confirmation once your airfare has been paid in full and ticketed.

    Booking a Trip

    Buckingham Tours is happy to advise you about hotels of any special room requests or requirements, provided we receive them at the time your reservation is made. Please be aware that requests cannot be guaranteed.

    As a service, Buckingham Tours will make hotel reservations before and after your journey. Rooms are reserved at the first or last night’s hotel property of any Buckingham Tours journey so there is no worry of having to change hotels or rooms at the start or end of your trip. Rooms are reserved on a space-available basis, and the cost will be added to your tour cost.

    Buckingham Tours has a strong relationship with the Travel Agent community and we encourage you to see your travel agent if you’re considering making a reservation for a Buckingham Tours journey. However, if you do not have or typically use a travel agency, you may make a reservation directly with Buckingham Tours.

    We encourage you to make your reservation just as early as possible – especially if you are limited to the time period in which you can travel. Buckingham Tours journeys are popular and tend to fill quickly.

    Yes, Buckingham Tours is registered. Buckingham Tours’ California Seller of Travel registration number is CST #2016001-20.

    For reservations, call 800-000-0000!
    Reservation Sales Center hours – North America Eastern timezone (New York City time):
    Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
    Sunday: 12:00 Noon – 5:00 PM

    Buckingham Tours accepts PayPal, which in turns allows the use of credit cards via PayPal.

    When you book and deposit a Buckingham Tours journey, you are sent a ‘Summary of Purchase’ outlining the tour’s start and end dates/times, all associated tour costs, monies applied, balance due, and additional information. Included with the Summary of Purchase is information on Buckingham Tours Guest Protection Product, a list of suggested reading material appropriate to the journey, a visa application form when applicable, and an air itinerary schedule if your flights to and from the tour are confirmed through Buckingham Tours. Final tour documentation is sent after final payment is received, and will include additional information about clothing and packing, weather and more, along with a day-by-day itinerary of your journey.

    For 2016 journeys, final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to the journey start date.

    A deposit is required in order to hold a reservation for a Buckingham Tours journey. Deposit amounts vary depending on the destination and type of journey you are reserving for. Buckingham Tours’ non-refundable Guest Protection Plan must also be paid for at time of deposit or up to 10 days from the time your reservation is made. You may cancel within 10 days of making your reservation to receive the full refund of your deposit, and the cost of the Guest Protection Plan (if applicable).

    Once a journey has been booked and deposited, Buckingham Tours will automatically send a confirmation of your reservation. Final tour documentation, which includes a day-by-day itinerary of your journey, is sent after final payment is received.

    Charter & Incentive Travel

    Buckingham Tours offers charter and incentive groups an array of award-winning, inclusive travel programs. Buckingham Tours not only manages all the day-to-day program details, from luggage handling to guided sightseeing and exclusive events, virtually every expense and service is included in one up-front price for the ultimate cruise touring experience. Click here to learn more.

    Date Availability

    If you cannot find the country or region that you are interested in, we suggest you call our Reservations Sales Center or contact your travel agent for assistance in finding the right journey for you. You can reach one of our Reservations Sales Counselors at 239-370-4444 and ask for Michael.
    Reservation Sales Center hours – North America Eastern time zone (New York City time):
    Monday – Friday: 8:00 AM – 9:30 PM
    Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
    Sunday: 12:00 Noon – 5:00 PM

    Buckingham Tours may choose to provide a special savings that are only applicable to a specific trip and/or a specific departure date. These savings cannot be applied to any other trips that you may be interested in traveling on. If you have questions about our special savings, call our Reservations Sales Center at 800-788-7885 or contact your travel agent.

    The departure dates that are viewed on our Website are updated every 24 hours. When we list a date on our Website there is no guarantee that it will be available when you or your travel agent contacts Buckingham Tours to make your reservation. Many of our journeys sell out quickly, so we recommend you call our Reservations Sales Center at 239-370-4444 or contact your travel agent as soon as possible once you determine the departure date you are interested in.

    There may be temporary technical problems with Buckingham Tours website if you are unable to advance and view the itinerary. Please send an e-mail to esupport@BuckinghamTours.com or call our Reservations Sales Center at 239-370-4444 for assistance. We apologize for any inconvenience caused and hope the situation is resolved within an acceptable timeframe for you.

    Extend Your Journey

    Guests often ask us about extending their stay at either the start or end of their Buckingham Tours vacation – and special Buckingham Tours prices at our selected hotels make it more inviting than ever! When you arrive early, you become better acclimated to any time changes, so you’re truly refreshed and relaxed. You’ll eliminate the stress of worrying about getting to the starting point of the first day of your journey on time. And you’ll have some additional time to explore on your own. If you want to spend more time in cities where your journey ends, we can also extend your stay by one or two nights – it’s a great way to make your vacation last a little longer!

    Ask at time of booking for full details about hotel stays before or after your Buckingham Tours journey!

    What’s Included:

  • Hotel Accommodations
  • Airport Transfers
  • Breakfast
  • Porterage and Taxes
  • Buckingham Tours Advantage:

  • Buckingham Tours does the work for you!
  • Plan ahead – all it takes is just one call!
  • Relax and refresh... unwind and explore...
  • Arrive stress-free, depart energized!
  • Family Travel: Buckingham Tours

    We ask that you use good judgment if considering bringing a young child or children on a Buckingham Tours journey. Regardless of destination, our journeys are not appropriate for infants or children under 10 years of age. Many of our itineraries do not cater to young children’s interest, patience or stamina, and therefore aren’t really suited to children of too young an age. Young children’s behavior can be unpredictable, and with consideration for all fellow travelers wanting to enjoy their vacation to its fullest, it is important to know and understand that Buckingham Tours has the right to ask any tour member who is disruptive to a group to leave the tour whether they are 6 or 66 years of age.

    Family travel is important to us. The bond between children and adults as they experience the world together makes for special memories that last lifetimes. It is for that reason we created Buckingham Tours for the whole family to enjoy together. Each of these kid-friendly family-oriented journeys has a minimum recommended age rating to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all our guests. Buckingham Tours itineraries are not recommended for children under 10 years of age. All children on Buckingham Tours journeys must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

    Please note that guests must be 21 years of age and older in order to book their families' travel arrangements. Certain age recommendations and/or restrictions may apply to some of our journeys. Please inquire at time of booking.

    Yes. Just ask your Buckingham Tours Bridges Reservations Sales Counselor at the time of booking. Please bear in mind that bookings, and thus the number and age of children traveling, may change.
    In compliance with our partner hotels and for the safety and security of our guests, children under 18 years of age must be booked into the same room as an accompanying adult.

    Yes! From our own moms, dads & grandparents at Buckingham Tours – here's what we do to make the planning, packing, flying and playing on our family vacations as fun as it can be:

    Planning for the Family Vacation

  • Involve! Everyone wants to be part of something they created. As possible, give your child a voice and vote in where they’re going.
  • Learn! Go to the library and take out books, maps or videos on the place you’re going. The internet is a great tool as well. Show where the country, state or city is in relation to where you live. Read about what you’ll see and do. Read about the history and culture of the place—be it the wolves in Yellowstone or the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
  • Anticipate! Put it on the calendar and count down the days so both parents , grandparents, etc. and the children have an idea when all of this is to happen.
  • Reinforce! Talk about the destination at breakfast or dinner time and what they'd like to see, have them list some places or activities they may be able to partake in.
  • Packing for Children

  • Roll it! Rolled clothes take up less space in the suitcase—you’ll fit more in.
  • Kids get their own bags. Pack backpacks/small carry-on bags together before the trip, and let the children choose a few small toys to bring for the plane ride. Washable white boards and markers for drawing are inexpensive and fun inclusions. Try to keep the items small and light—otherwise it may become too heavy for small arms and the adult is left schlepping that too!
  • Don’t be a sherpa. You can always purchase something if the weather changes. The more you pack, the more you carry, the more you’ll have to keep an eye on, the more irritated you are.
  • Flying with Kids of Different Ages

  • Dress for the day. Brightly colored clothes make kids easier to spot in a crowd. Comfortable, loose fitting clothing makes everyone happier.
  • Surprise! Buy each kid little gifts in advance, hide them, and then surprise each of them while the plane is taking off. Wrapping each one individually and giving them out every 30 minutes also works — it keeps them entertained!
  • Burn off energy. At the airport, walk around; don’t just sit at the gate. Leave the sitting for the plane! Also, don’t forget to go the bathroom before you board.
  • I’m hungry! Bring lots of snacks but not too high in salt – more salt means more drinking which means more trips to the bathroom….just when you’re ready to take off! Also, many airlines now offer special kids meals—call to reserve before your flight.
  • I’m thirsty! On the subject of drinking... although it's less expensive than buying it at the airport, bottled water brought in from outside will not go through security... so you may want to buy some after passing through security.
  • Seat distractions. Check with the airlines to determine if headsets are free on board. Otherwise, purchase a cheap headset before you fly, so they can listen to the music on their own or the movie on board for long flights. Also, many children love the window seat so they can watch the Atlantic Ocean, the Rocky Mountains or other natural wonders pass under them—call in advance to reserve your seat preference.
  • Keeping Everyone Entertained

  • Play destination bingo with pennies or 20 questions.
  • A deck of cards is endlessly fun for Go Fish, Hearts, Solitaire, building card towers, etc.
  • Small coloring pencils and a sketch pad are great to draw and play games. A washable white board and markers also work well.
  • For older kids, a journal or small scrapbook they can fill in daily with pictures offers a lifetime of memories. On a tour, if the older kids/teens make new friends, have them write in a community journal and then ask the tour director to copy the pages and hand out to those who wrote in the journal as a keepsake.
  • In welcoming your family on a Buckingham Tours Bridges adventure, we encourage you to unplug from your personal tech. devices during shared group time... leaving you fully present for the stories, shared conversations and family fun that make the experience as memorable as the destination.
  • Overcoming Jet Lag

  • Sleep before! Get plenty of sleep for at least the two nights before traveling.
  • Be a local. Try to adjust to the local time as much as possible—eat and sleep according to the new clock.
  • Exercise and go outdoors. Natural light and physical exertion help to ‘reset’ your internal clock to the new time.
  • In most cases, there are menus available for children. Please note that in destinations such as Europe, these options may not be typical American "kids' meals”. But we also include authentic regional dining experiences and culinary discoveries that keep kids' needs in mind – like cooking classes with Irish chefs and Austrian strudel bakers and marzipan makers, a pachamanga barbecue in Peru, a picnic in an African crater, cheese making in Switzerland, chocolate tasting in France and pizza making in Italy – for a real taste of family life around the world.
    Yes. There really is no vacation like a family vacation, for the connections you make and the discoveries you share create cherished memories that last lifetimes. It is for this reason we created ‘Buckingham Tours – journeys for the whole family to enjoy together. Each of these kid-friendly family-oriented journeys are designed to let you learn, see and do things together, sharing in the spirit of discovery that is geared toward the entire family. Travel with people of all ages and generations, from grandparents and grandchildren, parents and their children, aunts, uncles, and nephew and nieces. Buckingham Tours offers a perfect mix of fun and relaxation, and provide pleasures aplenty for young and old. (Though children 3 years of age and older are welcome on our journeys, our experience tells us that children 8 and older will get the most out of a Buckingham Tours trip.)

    The laws and requirements for children traveling abroad with a guardian or only one parent differ by country and change frequently.

    Many countries on Buckingham Tours itineraries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without both parents. Usually, a notarized letter, signed by the parent or parents not traveling with the child, that states the name of the child, the adult guardian, the itinerary and dates of travel, and the flight number, is required. To ensure smooth travel, Buckingham Tours requires all travelers to comply with the regulations for the country you are visiting. Please note that Buckingham Tours is not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling abroad without both parents. For more information on documentation, please visit the “Before You Go” tab under the itinerary in which you are interested in on this website.

    Note: The regulations and laws of the countries specific to each tour journey are available from each country's consulate. There are no specific requirements when traveling within the United States.

    We cannot guarantee adjacent, adjoining or connecting rooms. We will note to our hotels and to our Buckingham Tours Director that you have requested this, and we will do all that we can to secure rooms next to one another or connecting when possible. Please be as specific as possible in your request, as often a hotel considers 'adjacent' to be across the hall. You should also note that connecting rooms are often not available in many hotels, especially in Europe.

    We accommodate single, double and triple rooming arrangements on all of our itineraries. In some instances, a triple room accommodation may have a rollaway bed. Please note that our ability to accommodate different rooming options varies by hotel and location. For example, rooms in Europe may be smaller than those in the U.S., and thus a rollaway may be difficult to place. Quadruple accommodations are available only on select itineraries, and in Europe often require two double rooms.

    *Rooming arrangements specific to each tour journey will be addressed at the time of booking.

    For the same reasons as stated above, Buckingham Tours requires that you comply with the regulations for the country you are visiting. Usually, this means you must carry with you a signed, notarized letter from the other parent indicating you have permission to travel abroad with the child, if the child is under 21. If the other parent is deceased, you usually need to carry a copy of the death certificate. But it's best to check with the consulate of the country you are visiting to ensure you are compliant. For more information on the documents you might need, please visit the “Before You Go” tab under the itinerary in which you are interested in on this website.
    Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site. Please do note that babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels.
    Your Buckingham Tours Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. Furthermore, please note that our Buckingham Tours Director are not responsible for providing child-minding services.

    Group Travel

    Gatherings, Celebrations, Reunions, Connections

    Buckingham Tours does the planning for you! With just one call, Buckingham Tours transforms your reunion, your birthday, your anniversary, your graduation celebration... into an enriching travel experience that creates everlasting bonds between the friends and family who travel with you. Buckingham Tours takes care of everything seamlessly from start to finish, and is there from the first phone call to the return home.

    There’s no need to worry about hotel check-in, luggage handling, dining arrangements, or those complicated driving directions – and Buckingham Tours vacations include over 100 different components that have been time-tested of guest travel. All you have to do is gather your friends and family, and Buckingham Tours does the rest. One simple phone call, and Buckingham Tours does it all for you.

    Book a group of 17 on any Buckingham Tours land trip and the 18th guest travels FREE! (Land only)
  • Earn a FREE seat after you book 17 or more friends or family members on the same Buckingham Tours land trip.
  • Great Buckingham Tours value – Buckingham Tours prices include virtually every travel expense – hotel accommodations, most meals, airport transfers, taxes, porterage, most gratuities including local guides – and all Buckingham Tours Director gratuities!
  • Personal Service at its best – Attentive personal services from experienced Buckingham Tours Directors, local experts and guides, start to finish, ensure group satisfaction
  • Personal concierge-style services – On-tour group advantages include hotel check-in, luggage handling, dining arrangements, sightseeing excursions, admissions fees, special cultural events and much more
  • Hassle-free travel – Buckingham Tours takes care of all travel details for your group from the moment you book
  • Priceless travel experiences – Perfect for gift giving, reunions, birthdays, graduations, holiday gatherings, anniversaries, retirements and special interest groups
  • A special occasion… It’s your wedding anniversary – an important wedding anniversary. It’s a milestone, the most important anniversary in quite awhile (except maybe the original “big day”) – and it’s all about friends and family. You want it to be special, to bring together the people closest to you – but busy lives make it almost impossible to spend time together.

    A celebration that’s a journey, a journey that’s a gathering, a gathering that brings friends and family together for a week, ten days, two weeks – and defines the very reason you’re celebrating. Friends and family make special occasions even more special by celebrating together on a Buckingham Tours journey.

    A retirement… Go ahead, throw your own party. You’ve worked the hours, the days, the weeks, the years – and now that you’ve officially retired, you deserve to celebrate. Only those you want to celebrate with, the friends and family you’d like to share your new lifestyle with – they’re still working...

    Forget the worries of planning, having to handle the details. You and your friends and family share the joys of travel, celebrating your retirement from the “9 to 5”, traveling together without a worry about how you’re going to get from point A to point B. Just great hotels, great food, and great experiences, sunrise to sunset.

    A pastime… You garden, golf, play tennis, discuss books, cook, sing in a choir, ballroom dance, run marathons, make quilts, play the violin, chase ghosts, ride horses, make jewelry, own a dog. You’ve found a group of people who like to do something you like to do, and you’ve formed a bond and created friends doing so.

    There are many, many places your mind leads your heart – or your heart leads your mind – the world over and back again. Bring your group of like-minded friends together on a Buckingham Tour and discover how enriching it is to discover the world with those you share interests in common.

    A gift… The gift of travel is the most precious gift of all – it’s the gift of time. The priceless commodity nobody has, yet everybody wants. A vacation with friends or family is 50% about what you see and do, and 50% about the special bond that forms when you spend time together in places out of the ordinary. You have 24 hours a day to explore, laugh, learn, dine, and relax together. And even that may not be long enough.

    The gift of travel is a lifetime of memories that at best are incomparable, immeasurable, and irreplaceable. There’s no better gift you can give your family or your friends to celebrate, reminisce, rejoice or connect. And that – is invaluable.

    Call your travel agent or your dedicated Buckingham Tours Friends and Family Experts at 800-241-1365

    On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government implemented the full requirements of the land and sea phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card, or other travel document approved by the Department of Homeland Security

    U.S. Passport Card – This is a new, limited-use travel document that fits in your wallet and costs less than a U.S. Passport. It is only valid for travel by land and sea in North America. Arrival/departure by plane between countries in North America requires a passport.

    All tours require a passport unless they begin and end in the United States.

    Your passport must be valid for 6 months from the end date of the tour.

    For information on how to obtain a U.S. passport, visit the U.S. State Department’s passport website at Travel.State.gov.

    Preparing to Go

    No matter where your destination may be, you should bring identification with you. A valid passport is always an appropriate form of identification. If you are a U.S. citizen traveling abroad, then a valid passport will be required, and though not mandatory, we also recommend bringing some form of government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license. For U.S. citizens traveling within the United States, while passports are not required, proof of identification at airport check-in has become mandatory. A valid passport or a government-issued photo ID is sufficient. Buckingham Tours recommends that non-U.S. citizens consult the embassies or consulates of the countries they will be visiting to determine identification and travel document requirements.
    Due to motor coach space limitations, most Buckingham Tours journeys only allow for one normal-sized suitcase per individual. Remember, a wise traveler packs light! We also encourage just one carry-on bag per individual (for carrying items that might be needed during the day’s sightseeing excursions or camera/video equipment). Dimensions for carry-ons should not exceed 17” x 12” x 10”, allowing it to fit under the seat or in the overhead rack of most motor coaches.
    When traveling to destinations outside of the country from which you are traveling from, or for which you are not a citizen of – you will be required to have a valid passport. Many countries require that your passport remain valid for at least 6 month beyond the completion date of your visit. With tighter security and immigration policies, even U.S. citizens traveling to Canada will be required to have a valid passport to enter.

    Solo Travel

    We have a special page dedicated to traveling solo with Buckingham Tours – check out all of the details here. Buckingham Tours has negotiated with its hoteliers to offer special solo traveler savings on limited departures of select trips – details can be found on our Traveling Solo With Buckingham Tours page or you can check for savings on individual trip pages under Pricing & Availability. And for travel tips or discussions about traveling solo with other solo Buckingham Tours travelers, please go to our Solo Travelers Forum.

    Travel Protection: General

    Your vacation is an important investment – and to help you protect it, Buckingham Tours offers the most comprehensive travel protection in the industry!

    As travel specialists, we know all too well how travel plans can change at the very last moment. That’s why you should take advantage of Buckingham Tours Guest Protection when planning your Buckingham Tours vacation. It’s one of the best ways to ensure a delightful travel experience – from the moment you book your trip!

    When you purchase Buckingham Tours Guest Protection, you can book your vacation with confidence, knowing that you can get a money-back refund if your plans change – right up to the day before departure! The cost varies for land and offers outstanding benefits, including coverage for lost or delayed luggage, airfare and medical expenses. Refunds are based on your original method of payment and certain restrictions apply; ask for details upon booking or click on the links above.

    Your vacation is an important investment – and to help you protect it, Buckingham Tours offers the finest travel coverage in the industry. With our Guest and Cruise Protection, you are entitled to a money-back refund in the event your plans change – right up to the day before departure. Our travel protection is available to all residents of the U.S. and Canada, and includes for lost luggage, medical emergencies and more. The cost of the protection plan varies for land and is non-refundable, but the peace of mind it offers is priceless. All travelers, including international residents, are eligible for some cancellation protection by purchasing Buckingham Tours Cancellation Fee Waiver. All travelers, with the exception of residents of Puerto Rico, are eligible to purchase one of Buckingham Tours Protection products. Certain restriction apply; for more details about this protection, please visit “Buckingham Tours Travel Protection” link on each itinerary on this website.

    Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. Guests choosing not to purchase Buckingham Tours Guest Protection will incur these cancellation penalties. Penalties vary depending on destination.

    Traveling With Buckingham Tours

    The customary gratuity to the Buckingham Tours Director and Driver is not included on most Buckingham Tours trips. Such gratuities should be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not done as a group. As an exception, there are some Buckingham Tours in which the Buckingham Tours Director gratuity is included and/or a Driver gratuity will not be applicable. Information about Buckingham Tours Director and Driver gratuities specific to a destination is included within final tour documentation sent after a reservation has been paid in full.

    All appropriate gratuities for luggage handling, bellman, doorman, dining room servers, housekeepers, local city guides, and train crew are included in the price of a Buckingham Tours trip.

    Wheelchairs and certain types of motorized scooters can be accommodated on some Buckingham Tours journeys (not in Venice). It is best that you inquire for the specific journey you are interested in. As a general rule, wheelchairs and motorized scooters are not accepted for Buckingham Tours international and exotic destinations. The international community does not adhere to the same accessibility standards that hotels, restaurants and public buildings do in the United States. That combined with tour itineraries that might require a considerable bit of walking in old historic city sections, in and around attractions, over cobblestone streets, up hills and climbing staircases make wheelchairs impractical to bring.

    Collapsible wheelchairs are more widely accepted for Buckingham Tours within the United States and Canada. But even to this, there are exceptions, so it’s always best to inquire to be certain. Motor coach space limitations make motorized scooters harder to accommodate on journeys, but there are certain models of collapsible motorized scooters that can be accommodated on many of Buckingham Tours. Again, it is best to inquire.

    Buckingham Tours cannot provide wheelchairs to guests or wheelchair assistance during the journey. Persons needing such assistance must be accompanied by an able companion.

    Many special dietary needs can be accommodated on Buckingham Tours journeys with advance notice but cannot be guaranteed. Different destinations make some dietary needs harder to accommodate than others. We will do everything possible in communicating your requests to hotels and restaurants. Common dietary requests like ‘ low sodium’ or ‘vegetarian’ are likely to be accommodated much easier than very special or unique dietary needs. Meals that are full a la carte offer more flexibility for special dietary requests as do some limited a la carte meals.
    With the exception of most Buckingham Tours destinations, 4 guests (or quads) cannot be accommodated on our journeys. Buckingham Tours are journeys designed to be kid-friendly and family-oriented. Room accommodations for four on Buckingham Tours journeys are typically two beds and a roll-a-way.
    Most Buckingham Tours can accommodate three people in a room. Typical room accommodations for triples are two beds and a roll-a-way. Though very rare, there is sometimes an occasional hotel that must accommodate a triple by using two rooms. This cannot be requested and is only done out of necessity by the hotel for lack of rooms accommodating three beds.
    When you travel with Buckingham Tours you can always count on the best available accommodations in great locations, from landmark city hotels to country hotels in areas of stunning regional beauty. Many companies use less expensive hotels to keep their prices down; they are often of lesser quality and poorly located in outlying areas. In contrast, Buckingham Tours hotels are selected for their historic central location, ambiance, service and value; all are conveniently located, close to key historic and cultural sites.
    Buckingham Tours land trips are enjoyed by people of all ages, by anyone who has a passion for enriching, rewarding and memorable travel experiences. Our Buckingham Tours are designed for family travel and attract people of all ages and generations; Buckingham Tours’ cultural trips appeal to "boomer" travelers looking for culturally immersive, active, small group travel.
    The average group size of a Buckingham Tours varies depending on the trip that is selected. Most of our land tours average 12 to 16 guests.
    Typical dress for any Buckingham Tours journey is casual attire. Some journeys may include a specific dinner function or an event in which gentleman may be required to have, or feel more comfortable wearing, a sport jacket. But overall, the rule of thumb is casual comfortable clothing. Our final tour documentation will mention occasions (if any) on a journey in which a sport jacket or dressier clothing is suggested.
    Buckingham Tours are seen through the experienced eyes of our Buckingham Tours Directors, the knowledgeable professionals whose expertise, wealth of information, friendliness, warmth and enthusiasm earn them the highest praise from our guests. They are the personifications of the word "leader”. Buckingham Tours Directors are passionate in their desire to deliver enriching, rewarding and memorable travel experiences – and they are with you throughout your entire journey.
    Buckingham Tours “free choice” dining allows you to eat many of your meals when you want and with whom you want. Special occasion dinners are held as group functions, and lunches that are included during group sightseeing excursions are often held in a group setting.

    Trip Inclusions

    Most meals are included on Buckingham Tours. Dining is a delightful and integral part of the Buckingham Tours experience – and that is why Buckingham Tours selects restaurants that offer a true taste of each region you visit. Enjoy Buckingham Tours’ “free choice” dining where you often dine when and with whom you wish; some meals are full a la carte, some may be limited a la carte, and some may be from a set menu or buffet.
    Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point on a Buckingham Tours is not included. Some destinations require ‘on-tour’ flights, which must be reserved and purchased through Buckingham Tours.

    Just about everything! Virtually every travel expense is included in one upfront price – airport transfers as specified in the itinerary, all hotel accommodations, entertainment, meals as specified in the itinerary, special dinner, land transportation, sightseeing, luggage handling, most taxes, concierge-style services, Buckingham Tours Directors, services of local guides and more.

    All appropriate gratuities for luggage handling, bellmen, doormen, dining room servers, are included. But Buckingham Tours Director are often NOT included.

    Over 100 cost components are included on every land trip – which means no hidden costs, no surcharges, no on-tour surprises!

    For every Buckingham Tours itinerary, you’ll find helpful information on this very topic at www.BuckinghamTours.com. Select an itinerary and click on the tour name. You’ll see a row of headings leading to information about the trip. Click on “Before You Go”, and then scroll down the page to the “What to Pack” sub-heading. This information can also be found under “Packing Tips” on the same list of headings.

    Here you’ll find information about the type of clothing you’ll need – given the local climate conditions and how casual or dressy the venues visited will be. You’ll also find a list of recommended items to pack and important reminders about your travel documents, prescription medications and laundry service availability on the road.

    Following the steps above, you’ll learn that this is a very casual tour with no need for resort attire; that wearing earth-tone colors is recommended (and why) – that a bandana will come in handy and using camp laundry services following a dusty game-drive day is both affordable and practical.
    No matter your destination, keep in mind that comfort and convenience are critical. We encourage you not to over pack, but rather to bring outfits that can be mixed and matched for style – and layered or removed for changes in temperature. Above all, bring shoes that are supportive and comfortably broken in for walking, preferably with a non-slip sole. See "Before You Go" on each tour for details.
    Below is a generic packing list for your consideration – but again, it’s always best to check the itinerary-specific information available for every Buckingham Tours trip.

    Clothing:

  • Comfortable, casual wear for sightseeing in limited colors that can be mixed and matched
  • A slightly dressy outfit for a special evening (for men, a blazer or sport coat, chinos and polo shirt, for example; for women, a skirt and a casually dressy top or a simple dress)
  • A light to medium sweater and a light jacket or windbreaker for layering
  • In humid climates, bring loose-fitting clothes made of natural fibers
  • In colder climates, bring layers that you can add or subtract as the day warms up or the nights cool down
  • Swimsuit with cover-up
  • Athletic gear for working out (optional)
  • Shoes:

  • Comfortable, broken-in, supportive walking shoes or sandals
  • Casually dressy shoes for evening
  • Athletic shoes for workouts (optional)
  • Accessories: Glasses and/or contact lenses, sunglasses, hat, alarm clock, batteries and chargers for small electronics and phone, camera and memory cards.

    Prescriptions: A supply sufficient for the entire trip and a copy of your prescription(s) in your carry-on bag; extra pair of prescription glasses.

    Sundries: Sun, lip and insect protection, preferred over-the-counter medications for upset stomach, pain reliever or allergies, preferred personal hygiene products, contact lens solution and beauty items.

    Miscellaneous:

  • Umbrella/rain jacket
  • A tote bag that folds into its own zippered pouch – handy for shopping or bringing back souvenirs
  • Emergency contact phone numbers; addresses for sending postcards
  • Cash, ATM card
  • Photograph of luggage contents in case of loss
  • Sealable plastic bags for stowing small liquid containers
  • Travel documents or confirmation numbers, passport, Frequent Flyer cards, medical insurance cards, business cards (to exchange with friends made along the way)
  • Binoculars
  • Buckingham Tours Directors – Some of the Best Reasons for Traveling Solo with Buckingham Tours Our Buckingham Tours Directors who guide your trip – solo travelers themselves! – are the best in the business:
  • They treat every guest as an individual, looking after each guest's needs – so solo travelers feel secure and looked after from the day they arrive to departure
  • Personifications of the word "leader”, our Buckingham Tours Directors are knowledgeable professionals well-versed in local cultural customs and traditions – travel with someone "in the know"
  • They manage all daily details of travel, from checking you in and out of hotels to all luggage handling, and they oversee your on-tour transportation
  • Buckingham Tours Directors choreograph each day's sightseeing to make the best use of time, ensuring schedules are kept
  • Because they are "in the know" about the places you're traveling to, they offer helpful suggestions when asked – such as what to do in your free time
  • They thrive on finding creative ways to share their love of the destination, with pleasant surprises or spur-of-the-moment opportunities often along the way
  • Our Buckingham Tours Directors earn high praise from our guests for their wealth of information, warmth and efficiency – our solo travelers rate them as one of the best reasons to travel with Buckingham Tours!
  • About Us

    We have all seen the parking lots full of huge motor coaches with people pouring out of them. This swarm of people being lead around like drones is not the way to travel. Buckingham Tours was borne out of a true need to bring a curtain class of excellence to the small group tour market. (Small group tours comprise a maximum of 18 people per tour). We provide small group tours that you will enjoy!

    Contact Us

    Michael DeVolder
    2170 Oakes Blvd
    Naples, Florida 34119
    Mobile No: 239-370-4444
    Email : Mike@BuckinghamTours.com

    Contact Us