Please read and understand these terms and conditions

You are a highly valued client and we look forward to hosting you as our guest.

This page is designed to make you fully aware of the terms, conditions and policies governing your participation on Celtic Routes tours, so that you may enjoy a safe and fulfilling trip of a lifetime.

It is also a legal document that requires your careful attention. Please read and understand our terms and conditions prior to booking a Celtic Routes tour.

Your statutory rights are not affected by the Terms and Conditions set out below.

Terms Used

Celtic Routes ‘The company’, or ‘Us’ refers to  Celtic Routes Ltd. (‘the Company’) Wombleton Manor, Common Lane Wombleton, North Yorkshire, YO627AA – which is registered in England under Company Reg. 12809616. VAT Registration No. 409699253

The ‘client’ or ‘guest’ is the person or persons who has/have made a confirmed booking with Celtic Routes

Operator

The holidays featured on this website are operated by Celtic Routes Ltd. (‘the Company’) Wombleton Manor, Common Lane Wombleton, North Yorkshire, YO627AA – which is registered in England under Company Reg. 12809616. VAT Registration No. 409699253. The following conditions, together with the relevant information set out on this website, will form part of your contract with the Company.

Your holiday cannot be confirmed unless you agree to the Terms found below. We request you read the following terms and conditions of booking carefully. We adhere to and exceed the standards set by Trading Standards, the Office of Fair Trading and the Distance Selling Regulations that apply to all mail order purchases in the United Kingdom.

These general conditions and responsibilities as outlined below, govern the provision of services, on the one hand between the client and our company, and on the other hand, the entities of the various tour service / transport / guiding / restaurant / lodging related providers.

You acknowledge and agree that you have read, understood, and are agreeing to be bound by all of the terms and conditions of use, without modification of our website, as provided in this agreement, and that you agree to comply with all applicable laws and regulations.

Pricing

All prices are per person in GBP and are subject to change at any time and without notice. Prices are based on one person, in a double occupancy room, unless otherwise specified.

We reserve the right to increase the tour cost to take into account the following items: government action, currency fluctuations, transportation costs (including the cost of fuel), or any other increase that is beyond our control.

Payments

There is no upfront cost to hold your tour date for 7 days while you make your decision.

On receipt of your correct deposit we will book your arrangements and issue a Confirmation Invoice. A contract will come into existence on the date on which we issue a Confirmation Invoice.

When you make a booking you are confirming that you are at least 18 years of age and that you understand our booking conditions and have accepted them on behalf of yourself and all members of your party. All contracts with (Celtic Route) Celtic Routes Limited are subject to these booking conditions.

In order to ensure reservations for hotels, flights, bus or train tickets, guides, entrance fees, additional cost tours, etc. and to cover our administration costs, we require a 25% (non- refundable) deposit as down-payment.

Balances are due 8 weeks prior to departure date, along with the vehicle security deposit of £1500. Balances left unpaid within 8 weeks of travel departure date may result in cancellation of the tour *with written notice issued via email

Subject to availability, there are no charges to change your trip to an alternative date, destination or the details of your trip up to 8 weeks prior to the departure date. Whilst there may be no fee to amend your booking there may be a  difference in cost which may result in an adjustment to your outstanding balance either increasing or decreasing it. Any changes in tour cost will be notified in advance and confirmed in writing.

We accept payments via BACS electronic transfer to our UK company account, or via our secure online link for payment by all major credit cards. It is important for you to check the details on the Confirmation Invoice as soon as you get it. In the event of any discrepancy please contact us immediately. If you arrange your holiday direct with the Company all correspondence and other communications will be sent to the address of the person who made the initial payment unless you specify otherwise.

Vehicle & Equipment Security Deposit (Refundable)

There is a refundable (on the return of the vehicle) £1500 security deposit to ensure the vehicle is returned free from negligent damage or loss of equipment on or in the vehicle.

After signing (Client and Owner or Representative) that the vehicle and associated equipment has been returned free from damage or loss (with copy to the client), the refund will be processed within 7 working days of return. If damage/loss were to occur, on completion of the hire, the security deposit would be retained while estimates for repair/replacement are obtained. Once these have been obtained and notified, then the security deposit, minus any loss damage charge will be returned to the client. Negligence will be determined by the owner on site, and at the discretion of the company. Refunds will be processed via BACS transfer or online secure refund.

Vehicle Substitution

On the rare occasion that the Tour Company is not able to provide the vehicle originally booked by the Customer, the Tour Company reserves the right to substitute vehicles, and/or alter itineraries and/or other travel services including, but not limited to, land accommodations and excursions, if it deems necessary due to force majeur or mechanical failures, in addition to other reasons including, but not limited to, the directives of the National Parks and local governments.

In such cases, the Tour Company may place the affected Customer on any other vehicle in the Tour Company’s fleet. If it is not possible to substitute vehicles for the affected Customer within the Tour Company’s fleet, the Tour Company will make every effort to find a similar category vehicle as an alternative. If there is a difference in the price between the original vehicle and substitution vehicle, that difference will be refunded to the affected passengers accordingly only if the price of the substitute vehicle is less than the price paid for the originally booked vehicle.

In addition, in some cases where it is not possible to substitute vehicles for the affected Customer within the Tour Company’s fleet, or on a rented vehicle, the Tour company may also place the passenger in an all-inclusive basis of accommodations and / or provide them with alternative excursions and other services to those offered in the original itinerary.

In such cases the Tour Company will provide a refund for the difference between the price paid for the trip(s), and the alternative accommodations, excursions and services provided. In doing so the value of the alternative accommodations, excursions and services provided by the Tour company to the Customer will be considered in their entirety when calculating the difference between the price paid for the original trip vs. the alternative accommodations, excursions and services delivered.

This means that not only will the cost the Company covered for the alternative accommodations be taken into account, but so will the value of excursions, guides, meals transportation and other services that are ultimately delivered to the customer.

If the affected Customer accepts any substitution, the offered substitution will encompass the full extent of the offer with the understanding that by accepting any such offer, the Customer waives any right to further substitution, refund or additional compensation of any kind and will be asked to sign an agreement to this effect at the time the substitution is made.

If the affected Customer chooses not to accept the substitution offered, the Tour Company reserves the right to cancel the trip (or the remainder of the trip) upon a refund pro rata per night not used according to the price paid by the Customer. In such cases, the Tour Company’s responsibility is limited to the net price pro rata it was paid for the trip as the full extent of the refund.

Cash Refunds

If the Passenger requests a cash refund due to an incident, problem, malfunction, etc. for which the Tour Company accepts responsibility, any such refund must be approved by the Tour Company’s finance department and communicated through to the passenger.

A formal letter requesting for a refund must be received no later than 21 days from the date the tour ended. Once the refund has been approved by the Finance Department, payment will typically be sent to the passenger in no less than 4 weeks from the time of the complaint. No cash refunds will be provided for surcharges.

Credits

All credits that The passenger has with the Tour Company will be applied, within a reasonable time frame, under the discretion of the Tour Company’s Finance Department.

However, the Tour Company is open to the passenger’s suggestions for the application of those credits. The Client may not apply any credits to future payments without previous approval of the Tour Company’s Finance Department. No credits can be applied for surcharges.

Firearms or drugs

We strictly prohibit the use or transportation of drugs or firearms. Any person found in contravention of this policy may have their tour terminated immediately, and any repatriation expenses would be borne at the persons expense without recourse to the company.

Smoking

We operate a strict no smoking policy inside the vehicles.

Alcohol

It is essential that any person driving a vehicle is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

If the guide has reason to believe that any client is under the influence of alcohol or drugs whilst driving or attempting to drive the vehicle, that person will be prevented from driving immediately, and may have their tour terminated at the discretion of the guide if the problem persists.

The guides judgement is final (for the sake of safety). If any person finds themselves in Police custody due to the driving whilst under the influence of drink/drugs, repatriation will be at the clients expense.

Medical & Health Issues / Physical Qualifications

The Customer agrees that he or she is in good health and good physical condition and is physically qualified to participate in a tour of Peru provided by the Tour Company.

If there is any question as to the physical or health condition of the Customer that may disqualify him/her from participating in the tour he or she should immediately contact the Tour Company so that both parties may clarify the issue and jointly arrive at a determination of participation.

Client Responsibility

The Company cannot accept responsibility for clients missing flights or departure times of transfers as a result of late check-ins and no credit or refunds will be given if you fail to take up any component of your holiday.

No credit or refunds will be given for lost, mislaid or destroyed travel documents. Most people go on holiday for rest and relaxation, so if in our reasonable opinion or that of any guide, hotel manager, tour leader or other person in authority, your behaviour, actions, or driving standards are causing danger, damage to property or persistently affecting the enjoyment of others, we reserve the right to terminate your holiday.

Should this happen, no refund or compensation would be paid. At all times the decision of the company’s guide/representative will be final on all matters.

How to Reserve Services

If you are using a SPAM filter, email could be caught in your filter.

We recommend modifying your JUNK or SPAM FILTER SETTINGS to receive our e-mails from hello@celticroutes.com
This will prevent our responses from being filtered into your Junk or Spam mail folder. We cannot be held responsible for information not read.

Undeveloped Areas (Proviso)

We operate our tours in less populated and developed regions, where standards of accommodation, communication, transport and services might not be those found in in larger towns and cities.

We strive, with all due care to provide the best services for our clients. Adventure travel on occasions requires flexibility, patience, broad-mindedness, good humour and understanding that changes may be made without notice due to circumstances beyond our control. Road conditions and weather can, and do frequently affect routing and timetables, or cause delays and change of plans (Force Majeure). > By booking any of our tours you agree to us making necessary changes without liability.

Criminal Acts

Although generally safe, always be aware of the possibilities of theft/robbery.

Security of the vehicle (which is alarmed and has other security measures) is the responsibility of the client and we cannot be held responsible for theft of items from or in vehicles. Before making a booking, we advise you to check advice issued by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office on your preferred destination by accessing the website:
www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas or by calling the Foreign Office Travel Advice Unit on 0845 850 282

Modifications to your Booking.

Any modifications to the original booking must be confirmed in writing via email.

Any costs or charges, which we incur or which are incurred or levied by our service providers as a result of the modification, will be charged to the client. Whilst every reasonable effort will be made to accommodate changes and additional requests, availability cannot be guaranteed.

General Booking Disclosures

Beneficiary Entitlements: If a trip is purchased from the Tour Company in the name of a third person to be the beneficiary, that person is also bound to all statements and conditions contained herein as the Customer. Surcharges and Taxes.

The Tour Company reserves the right to apply additional surcharges and taxes to new and existing bookings for circumstances or reasons including, but not limited to the rules, regulations, legislation of the relevant Government / National Park or local government. Every effort will be made by the Tour Company to communicate new surcharges to the Customer in a timely manner.

Cancellation

How to guard against cancellation fees:

The Tour Company strongly recommends the Customer purchase trip cancellation / interrupt insurance directly after the reservation is confirmed. This coverage reimburses the Customer for most non-refundable costs of the tour should he or she need to cancel due to illness, injury or other reasons covered under the policy. For passengers with pre-existing conditions: coverage must typically be purchased from a travel insurance company within 24 hours from the time a reservation is confirmed to cover cancellation resulting from the pre-existing condition.

Cancellations & Fees

Places are limited and sell out well in advance.

Costs are incurred throughout the booking process, and many payments such as hotels have to be made well in advance, and are non-refundable to us, the Company. Cancellations therefore would involve serious financial loss.

Therefore, if you do find the need to cancel completely, the following applies: 

Loss of 25% booking fee per person (or credit towards future tour subject to availability) for any cancellations notified in writing more than 8 weeks prior to the date of departure. Any monies paid in excess of this – on account – will be refunded. 

If written notification of a cancellation is received less than 8 weeks of the start date of trip then both the deposit/booking fee and balance payment are non-refundable.

This applies from the date the booking is confirmed via email. In the event of a cancellation we need to be informed in writing. Cancellation charges will be applied as shown above calculated from the day written notification is received by us.

It is required that all participants have an adequate travel insurance policy in place that will cover your late cancellation of hire booking. It is also advisable for such a policy to protect participants against theft of personal belongings etc .

Should a client decide not to continue their journey at any stage (from the commencement of the trip), for any reason, (including medical issues), then any additional costs incurred (such as providing a driver) to return the empty vehicle to our headquarters will be charged to the client, and any cost incurred by the client to return home, including hotels, transfers, flights, etc. will be borne at the clients expense. No refund will be given in such circumstances unless expressly authorized and agreed by the company at our discretion. The company and its staff will of course assist and help in any way possible in such circumstances.

Force Majeure

We are not responsible for force majeure – this is war, threat of war, riots, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activities, natural or disaster, strikes, fire or adverse weather conditions, technical or maintenance problems with sub contracted transport services, changes imposed by cancellation or rescheduling of flights by an airline, the alteration of airline or aircraft type, or other similar events beyond our control.

Passports, Visas, Vaccinations and Illness/Disability

It is the responsibility of the Passenger to be in possession of a valid passport, visa permits, proof of inoculations and preventive medicines as may be required for the duration of the tour.

It is the clients responsibility to check these matters with their own medical practitioner or the relevant embassy/government office.

Anyone suffering from illness or disability or undergoing treatment for any physical or medical condition must declare the true nature of such condition at the time of booking and make arrangements for the provision of any medication and/or other treatment which may be required during the tour.

Failure to make such disclosure will constitute a breach of these booking conditions and result in such persons being excluded from the tour in which case all monies paid will be forfeited.

Insurance

We require the use of a travel/medical insurance plan.

We do provide fully comprehensive hire insurance on our vehicles. We do not provide or include a travel insurance policy in our cost. However, if a member of the group suffers illness or is incapacitated, we undertake to assist fully & locate a qualified doctor, or the most immediate medical attention available.

In these cases, the extra costs are assumed by the individual client, including hospitalization if necessary. In the case of accident and/or necessary emergency evacuation, all costs are assumed by the individual client.

Travel Insurance

It is an absolute requirement that you and all members of your party have comprehensive travel insurance cover and that it is adequate for your needs.

Your policy of insurance should provide cover for personal injury, death, medical and repatriation costs in the countries which you intend to visit, together with cover for loss of baggage and valuables, personal liability, delay, cancellation, curtailment, missed departure and legal expenses.

If you suffer from a disability or medical condition you should disclose this to insurers. For those who participate in sports and activities whilst on holiday that have been organised and arranged independently of us, it should be understood that participation is at the individual’s own risk and it is your responsibility to obtain the relevant insurance. Note that special insurance may be required if you intend to scuba dive or undertake any other dangerous or sports activities. Please keep your insurance details with you whilst on holiday and provide a copy to your guide at check in, along with a copy of your passport and drivers licence. Persons with medical conditions that might affect their ability to complete the trip must disclose this information prior to booking due to the nature of the trip. Our guides will of course endeavour to assist all clients whenever possible, but each client is responsible for his or her own personal safety and health. All clients must have their own suitable travel insurance (see below)

Medical Evacuation (Medivac) Insurance Requirement

The Tour Company requires the Customer to purchase and show proof of Medical Evacuation Insurance coverage for the tour with the Tour Company as a condition of participation. This requirement is designed to protect the Customer against the high costs of becoming ill or injured in a remote location, where medical evacuation costs can run well into the tens of thousands of pounds, should medical evacuation become necessary.

The Customer is advised to be aware of the coverage provided by the policy they purchase. Some policies provide coverage of transport for the Customer to the nearest acceptable medical facility, which may mean the nearest hospital while other coverage will insure full medical transport back to the Customer’s country of origin. As proof of such coverage the Customer is required to state on the booking form provided by the Tour Company, the name of the Customer’s covering insurance company, policy number and the international phone number provided by the insurance company to contact should an emergency arise.

Medivac coverage is typically included as a component of any good travel insurance policy). Because passengers are responsible for any and all costs that may arise from medical evacuation, in the event the Customer claims to, but does not have medical evacuation coverage, the Customer will be required to cover all his or her own medical evacuation expenses. The Customer should also make sure to purchase more than adequate coverage as he or she is responsible for all medivac expenses.

Complaints

If a client has a complaint about any of the tour arrangements he/she must bring it to the attention of the Guide or a representative of our company at the time, so that they may endeavour to rectify the situation.

We can only rectify problems if we are made aware of such problems. > Failure to complain immediately will prejudice the clients right to claim compensation. Should the problem remain unsolved a complaint must be made in writing to ourselves within 7 DAYS of the completion of the holiday.

Responsibilities

We reserve the right to modify or withdraw any travel arrangements when deemed necessary, in the best interest of the client.

We reserve the right to refuse, accept, or retain any person as a member of one of our trips.

We are not responsible for injury, sickness, damage, loss, additional expenses, accidental delay or other irregularities which may be caused either through wilful or negligent acts or omissions on the part of companies or individuals providing or engaged in transportation, or other services related to the accomplishment of the tour, or through natural disasters or acts of nature.

Factors outside the company’s control (force majeure)

The Company will do its best to minimize the effects of matters outside its control, but cannot accept liability for these matters which include political disputes, industrial action, delayed transport and cancellations, problems attributable to third parties, unforeseeable climate, natural disasters, etc

Excursions

Please note that when you book an excursion at extra cost to your basic all-inclusive package you contract with the local company providing that excursion and not the Company.

The Company has no legal liability for anything that goes wrong on such an excursion and any claim which you might have arising out of the excursion will be against the relevant local company and subject to the local company’s terms and conditions. The Company will, at its discretion offer advice, guidance and assistance if you, or any member of your party suffer death, illness or injury arising out of an activity which does not form part of your holiday with the Company, or an excursion arranged locally.

Release of Liability & Assumption of Risk

The Customer participating in and/or purchasing a trip from the Tour Company, does so with the full knowledge that self drive adventure holiday with the Tour Company, and/or the areas visited by their trip, inherently involves risks and dangers including, but not limited to:

the forces of nature, the unpredictable behaviour of wild animals, strikes and/or civil unrest, roads, trails, travel by vehicles including taxis, buses, airplanes and ocean going vessels, exposure to high altitude, the consumption of alcoholic beverages, physical exertion for which the participant may not be prepared, and or negligence (but not willful or fraudulent conduct) on the part of the Tour Company, or others.

During the trip the Customer may be exposed to additional risks and hazards including but not limited to: the possibility of accident, injury or illness in a remote area without access to emergency care, rapid evacuation, adequate medical facilities or availability of medical supplies.

The Customer acknowledges that the enjoyment and excitement derived from an expedition and/or adventure trip comes in part from the inherent risks incurred when travelling including exposure to the activities offered during a Tour Company tour such as, but not limited to: swimming, hiking, sea kayaking, snorkeling, horseback riding and scuba diving, which are all enjoyed with the Customer’s voluntary participation.

Fully understanding these risks and that the cost of the Tour Company’s tours are based upon the Customer fully accepting the conditions stated and implied herein, as lawful consideration for being permitted by the Tour Company, to participate on a Tour Company tour and take part in corresponding activities and use of facilities and equipment. The Customer agrees to be responsible for their own welfare, and accept any and all risks of delay, unanticipated events, death, illness, injury or emotional trauma and acknowledge that they are voluntarily participating on the tour in full knowledge of these risks and therefore discharge the Tour Company and its owners, agents, contractors, affiliates and employees from and against any and all liability arising from their participation in the tour.

The Customer further agrees that this release shall be legally binding upon themselves and all minors under the age of 18yrs traveling with them, their heirs, successors, assigns, and legal representatives; it being their intention to fully assume all the risk of travel and to release the Tour Company from any and all liabilities to the maximum extent permitted by law.

Special Liability Release Regarding Land Services

The Tour Company gives notice that many of the services it provides in connection with its land services, including transportation, hotels and other forms of accommodations, restaurants and other services are often purchased from various independent suppliers not affiliated with the Tour Company.

While the Tour Company seeks to work with the best suppliers available, the Tour Company has only a limited ability to control the operations of these providers. Therefore, The Customer purchasing land based programs through the Tour Company does so upon the express condition that the Tour Company shall not be liable for any delay, cancellation, mishap, inconvenience, expense, irregularity, bodily injury or death to the Customer or damage to property, occasioned through the conduct of default of any company or individual engaged in providing these services.

Each of these suppliers is subject to the local laws and their liability may be limited by their tariffs, conditions of carriage, tickets, vouchers, international conventions and agreements. Wombleton Manor, Common Lane, Wombleton, North Yorkshire YO627AA. Company Reg. 12809616