Guided Group Tours - Terms & Conditions

Group Trek Terms and Conditions

At registration, all participants must affirm that they have read and understood the Terms and Conditions listed below:

Nature of Pilgrimage and Accommodations: Pilgrim Paths organizes religious and cultural travel itineraries in the pilgrimage walking tradition. Accommodation prices are based on double occupancy with a single supplement and these itineraries will utilize a range of accommodations, from pilgrim hostels where no hotel is available to 3-4 star hotels in larger cities.

Participant Responsibilities: As a member of a Pilgrim Path walking group, you have responsibility to Pilgrim Paths and to other group members, including:

1. Selecting a walk appropriate to your physical abilities and being in sufficient good health and fitness to complete the walk. Pilgrim Paths walks range in daily distances from 10-30km with elevation changes of 250-1200 meters. If participants have any medical or physical conditions that are likely to affect their capability to do this walk, or adversely affect the experience of other participants, they must submit a letter from their medical doctor stating that they are capable of participating in this walk.

2. Preparing for their walk by reading all the information on the website and material sent to them by Pilgrim Paths, especially that relating to the daily walking stages, accommodation, transport and the role of the Group Leader.

3. Respecting the other members in their group, especially the Group Leader, as well as the laws, customs, traditions and culture of the areas visited.

4. Speaking directly to the Group Leader if something goes wrong. Complaining to other group members can create a negative environment and spoil the tour for other members.

At Pilgrim Path’s discretion, a member may be required to leave the group if the person´s further participation may be detrimental to other group members or to the individual him/herself. Examples are: lack of fitness, preparation, and/or training, a health issue such as severe hip, knee, or ankle pain that makes the person unable to participate, a destructive attitude or behaviors, contagious illness, or other adverse issues at the discretion of Pilgrim Paths staff. In such cases, no refund is provided, though Pilgrim Paths will provide a €200 allowance for emergency transportation and/or alternative lodging. If a person is unable to walk the daily distances or if the terrain is not suitable for their conditioning and health, Pilgrim Paths may require a person to be transported by the van or other alternative transportation.

Passports and Visas: Participants must carry with them a valid passport with the necessary visa as required by local, regional, and national law. Any information from Pilgrim Paths regarding visa applications is only a guideline. The participant is responsible for all necessary visa and legal documentations, noting that European Union (Schengen) visa requirements apply and may vary depending on the country of origin.

Photography: I hereby grant Pilgrim Paths permission to use my likeness in photograph(s) in any publications or publicity materials (including but not limited to books, newsletters, videos and Web use), in perpetuity. I will make no monetary or other claim against Pilgrim Paths for the use of the photograph(s).

Price: The published price per person includes only ground transportation published on the itinerary (from starting point to ending point of the walk only); luggage transfer service when specified; lodging (per person at double-occupancy); breakfast each day and dinner most days; and the presence of a qualified group host. The price does not include airfare, lunches and snacks(estimate €15/day), occasional dinners out (usually 1-2 nights per tour), recommended travel insurance, personal expenses, or anything not expressly stated on the itinerary. Gratuities for the tour leader and assistant are not allowed, but a tip for the in-country hiking guide and van driver, when part of the tour, is often expected. This ranges in amount from €5-10 per person per local staff member per day.

Payment Information: A deposit of 33% is required to secure a reservation and €500 is non-refundable but transferable to another Pilgrim Paths itinerary. The final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. Payment can be made by e-commerce site (with additional fees where applicable), personal check or money order. Trip prices and costs are listed in EURO and translation to other currencies is based on Yahoo Finance conversion rates, which fluctuate daily

Cancellations: Minimum group size is 9 participants. If an itinerary fails to meet its minimum, Pilgrim Paths may cancel the group up to 90 days before departure. If a participant cancels 90 days or more before departure, all payments will be refunded except €500 of their deposit which is transferable to another trip with Pilgrim Paths. If the cancellation is made fewer than 90 days before departure, the following nonrefundable charges are added to the €500 withheld by Pilgrim Paths:

• 25% 31-90 days before departure

• 50% 15- 30 days

• 75% 8- 14 days

• 90% 4- 7 days

• 100% at 3 days or less, no-show, interruption

These mandatory charges are included in order to cover the cost to Pilgrim Paths of subcontractors who have required advance payment in order to confirm bookings. Other terms and conditions may apply at registration

Release and Assumption of Risk: I hereby acknowledge and agree to the following: I have been informed of and I understand the various aspects of the group tour I have selected including, but not limited to, travel, itinerary, logistics, cancellation, and related activities. I also understand that as a Participant in the group tour, I may sustain serious personal injuries, illness, property loss or damage, or even death as a consequence of the actions, inactions or negligence of myself or others, travel, weather conditions, and other risks not known to me or not reasonably foreseeable at this time. I further understand and agree that any such injuries and consequences that I may sustain by any means are my sole responsibility

I understand there are potential risks inherent to my participation in the group tour and these potential risks include, but are not limited to: travel to and from the tour; local travel within the region specified in the tour; consumption of food; weather conditions; language barriers; contagious diseases; terrorism; negligent first aid operations or procedures; and other risks that are unknown at this time. Although Pilgrim Paths has made every reasonable effort to assure my safety while participating in the tour, there are unavoidable risks. I understand that Pilgrim Paths is not in any way responsible for my wellbeing with respect to any travel destinations and/or participation in activities beyond those specifically required or that I may choose to undertake before, during, or after the tour. I knowingly and voluntarily assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even if arising from the negligence of the Released Parties (described herein) and I voluntarily assume full responsibility for my participation in the tour.

I understand and agree that, although Pilgrim Paths will attempt to maintain the tour as described in its publications, it reserves the right to change the program including, but not limited to, the travel arrangements, or accommodations at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and that Pilgrim Paths, or its employees and agents, shall not be responsible or liable for any expenses or losses that I may sustain because of these changes.

I have no known physical or health-related reasons or problems that may preclude or restrict my participation in the walking tour and related activities, or I have disclosed to Pilgrim Paths any physical, mental, and/or emotional conditions or problems, permanent or temporary, including special dietary and medication needs, or the need for visual or auditory aids that might impair my ability to participate in the self-guided tour. I hereby release Pilgrim Paths and its staff, owners, and contractors from any and all claims, damages, injuries, or loss arising out of my failure to disclose such conditions or problems

I further agree that receiving any inoculations (if necessary) is my responsibility and I will not hold Pilgrim Paths liable for any adverse reactions as a result of taking the inoculations or illness abroad or at home due to not taking the inoculations. I will make all preparations necessary to safeguard my health and comply with all recommended precautions pertaining to my health and safety. I have further arranged, through insurance or otherwise, to meet any and all needs for payment of health care coverage or medical costs that I may incur while I participate in the tour.

I understand and agree that Pilgrim Paths reserves the right to dismiss me from the tour at any time should my actions, health, fitness, or general behavior, in the sole discretion of Pilgrim Paths, be determined to constitute a danger or impediment to myself or others.

In consideration and acceptance of the risks associated with international travel, I hereby release, indemnify, hold harmless and covenant not to sue Pilgrim Paths, and any other person involved with the tour (“Released Parties”), either directly or indirectly, release from all claims, suits, expenses, attorney fees and demands of any nature (including negligence) caused by, deriving from, or associated with my participation in this tour and related activities, including the travel to and from the tour or to any events associated with this program.

I make these covenants, release and waivers knowingly and voluntarily. It is further understood and agreed that these Terms and Conditions are to be binding on my heirs and assigns and I sign it of my own free will.