What are included in the price?
Transport (new, small air-conditioned coaches - usually with 27 seats); accommodation / breakfasts in high-standard hotels (hotel details listed for every tour); tour manager throughout the trip; local guides (as specified in the program); the majority of dinners (listed in the program); all entrances and special cultural programs (specified for every tour); porterage; information leaflet; health insurance; our service charge; all taxes (including 22% VAT).

What are not included in the price?
Transport to and from Poland (the tours are land-based only - check the best airfares here); 1-3 evenings we leave free for you to decide where to dine (if some people want to dine together, the tour leader can book a great restaurant in advance).

Can I book the tour just for one individual or are the tours only for groups?
It is mostly individual travelers who book our Fixed-date Escorted tours (couples, single travelers, families of 2-3 members or friends), but sometimes 4-5 people book together. If there are more people who wish to travel together, they usually order a separate private tour with the same or similar itinerary and services. We do not impose any restrictions.

Who will be my fellow travelers?
Usually people from English-speaking countries (the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland), sometimes with people from other countries who have very good command of English (e.g. Scandinavian countries, the Netherlands, Italy, Turkey, or India). People usually appreciate that the group consists of various nationalities. To date, our youngest participant was 10 and the oldest, 85, while the average age is 40-60. Our guests are open-minded and easy-going. Lifelong friendships may begin during such a tour with StayPoland.

How much free time will I have during the fixed-date Escorted tour?
Group members spend most of the time together. However, at every major destination you have some free time. In addition, we schedule several evenings when dinners are not prepaid.

Who is the tour leader?
The tour manager stays with the group from the very beginning to the end. She or he knows Poland, loves the country, and is fluent in English and a licensed tour guide. We hire only the best Polish guides.

When do I book?
In December and January there are usually early birds discounts. You must book before all tour places are taken. If there is still a place vacant, you can book up to 7 days before the tour’s start date.

When do I pay, how much and in what currency?
You will find all the prices on our website. We post billing prices in Polish zloty (PLN), and orientation prices in American, Canadian and Australian dollars, Euro and British pounds. The bill is always issued in Polish zloty and in effect you pay less in your currency than what is posted as the orientation price.

Can it happen that the escorted tour price may rise?
Exchange rates change quickly and dramatically. Our company's costs are in Polish zloty and the income derived from abroad. At present (February 2009), the Polish zloty is very cheap and tour prices extremely favorable for people from other countries. The prices posted in Polish zloty are guaranteed. Once your bill is fully paid, we do not ask for a price increase. The only instance we might ask is if less than the minimum number of participants sign up for a trip. If this unlikely incident happened, we would ask for a small surcharge to cover the larger shared costs (coach, guides), but never later than 40 days before the tour’s start date. If you disagree, we return your entire prepayment you have made in Polish zloty. For 2009 we have only tour dates that are very popular, the prices are lower than last year and the demand for our tours is high.

Can I get money back if I need to cancel the tour after I have paid for it?
Like every travel business we must have cancellation fees - please check the Conditions: fixed-date Escorted tours. The cancellation fees are very reasonable and if you have to cancel, you get a 10% discount on a future trip. If you find a replacement for yourself, there are no fees.

What guarantee do I have that I won’t lose the money I have prepaid?
StayPoland travel agency has been on the market since 2003. Our prepayment policy assures that we do not get into risky ventures which might endanger tours for our customers. Financially, our company is stable and well organized. On top of this, we have the liability insurance, as required by Polish law, and all prepayments up to 23,350 EUR are insured by SIGNAL IDUNA.

Can your "fixed-departure" tours ever be cancelled? What happens then?
If there is less than the minimum number of people, we still strive to organize the tour. If the number of participants is under the minimum limit, we may ask for a price increase to cover the higher shared costs (coach, guides etc.). In case anyone decides they do not want the tour under these conditions, we return the full prepayment we have received from them. Such incidences are rare and not expected in 2009.

How much would the tour cost me if I did not use StayPoland and booked the services directly?
If you booked the same accommodation, budget 2nd class transport by rail (trains won’t take you everywhere) and meals separately and used no personal guides, the total price of your tour will most probably be the same as the price of our escorted tour. If you prefer, we can arrange such a customized tour for you.
As far as our fixed-date Escorted tours are concerned, the value lies in the careful time management (you see the maximum possible attractions in a limited timeframe), your time saved on organization (finding reliable service providers), added security, the personal approach from our staff and the services of the best guides in Poland.

Are you an established and licensed travel agency?
We obtained our Polish travel agency license in 2003 (registration number 730), and each year in December - as required by Polish law - we purchase the travel agency liability insurance for the next 12 months. This insurance is only available if the financial stability and required level of customer satisfaction is met. StayPoland is a proud member of ASTA (American Society of Travel Agents), the Forum of Polish Inbound Travel Operators and Warsaw Destination Alliance.

Why do you advertise your service as personal?
1. Before your arrival in Poland you have access to your own Personal Travel Assistant, whom you will meet as he/she will dine with all of you on your first night in Warsaw. 2. The groups are small; usually 12-22 people and the relationships are cordial.
3. We respect your privacy and individuality; we understand that everybody needs to be on their own sometimes.
4. Last but not least, people are not made to wear a badge with their first names and the tour manager does not guide the group by carrying a yellow umbrella. Instead, if it ever happens to rain, each group member receives a large blue umbrella, but only just in case.

What did previous customers like?
We are grateful for the very positive references written in the tour evaluation sheets which each customer is free to fill out on the last day or after returning home. They usually rate highest the value for money, choice of hotels and especially the driver and guide. On the whole, the majority of visitors are amazed by Poland, its cultural heritage and the friendliness of the locals.

What did previous customers dislike?
We welcome constructive criticism as it makes life better for the subsequent customers. In most cases there is no criticism. Many people wish that it would be great to return to some places and stay there longer.
1. Sometimes there were misunderstandings in communication before the arrival (therefore we post these Questions and Answers and request that you to read them carefully :). 2. It has happened that customers got a quote in their currency (for instance Canadian dollar: CAD), and paid just a deposit. Before the remaining balance in CAD was paid, the value of CAD dropped (we had instances that Polish zloty appreciated by 30%) and according to our tour terms and conditions, we were forced to ask for a price increase on the outstanding amount to cover our costs in Polish zloty. The customers understood, but it was uncomfortable and thus we post prices only in Polish zloty. The recommendation is to make a full prepayment, so that nobody has to worry about exchange rate fluctuations.

Why do you think you are better than other tour operators?
We are not the only tour operator in Poland and we appreciate our competition. Our key advantages are our balanced programs, maximum value for money and constant local support.

Can previous customers give me recommendations before I book?
Click for recommendations.

How do I go about reserving a place?
Contact our Personal Travel Assistants (see request link on every tour page, or email us at incoming@staypoland.com) to see if there are still places available. We will be pleased to answer all your questions and see to any additional arrangements (airport pick-up, tour extensions). Afterwards you will be asked to fill in the Tour Order Form. You can send it to us by fax, scanned or by post. To reserve a place on the tour, we require at least a 30% prepayment (payable by credit card or bank transfer) along with acceptance of our Tour Conditions. After the payment, we send a payment receipt and the Tour Voucher.

I quite like the look of your tours, but the dates do not suit us, what should I do?
If you cannot participate in our fixed-date Escorted tours, we can organize a well-priced private tour for you. If you want to travel together with other people, please let us know as soon as possible. If there is enough time, we can create a stand-by list for a tour on different dates.

Can I partake in just a part of the tour or pick just several services?
A tour shorter than 2 days is generally allowed, but it should be confirmed in advance with our tours department. We will deduct the savings from your bill.

What weather can I expect in Poland during my fixed-date Escorted tour?
Weather in Poland is not always reliable. The hottest months are June and July when sunny days (65-90%) occasionally come with spells of rain (downpours happen too). The best months for travelling are May, August and September, as the weather is generally fine and most popular with visitors.

What clothes should I take with me?
Comfortable and practical clothing. Shorts and T-shirts are perfect on hot sunny days, while a jacket and a light jumper will come in handy especially in the Tatra Mountains. For the Chopin concert, it is good to have a more formal outfit, but it is not necessary to overdress and come in a suit.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While our Terms & Conditions state 8 years as the minimum age, it is not a strict limit. Parents know their children best and if you feel that they will enjoy the program in a group, then we are all for it. However, please be considerate to the other travelers.
Exceptions and difficulties:
a. The Holocaust Museum in Auschwitz: We let parents decide. Sometimes it is advisable to cover their eyes as some sights are gruesome. The museum recommends the minimum age of 12, but it depends on the person. It is necessary to be able to understand and respect the message of the museum.
b. Tychy Brewery (Grand Tour of Poland): Only those over 18 (minimum age for alcohol purchase) are officially allowed inside the brewery. The visit to the brewery is pleasant and involves tasting a pint of beer. Nobody is forced to drink the beer, of course!

Is the tour suitable for non-English native speakers?
Definitely, it is a great way to practice your English. However, you should be fluent to enjoy the trip fully.

Is the tour suitable for seniors?
Absolutely, yes, the tours are very comfortable, although there are some challenging things to bear in mind:
a. Wieliczka Salt Mines: Walking down the stairs (7 minutes – alternatively you may pay an extra elevator charge: very expensive, approx. 150 PLN). Then 2 hours of slow-paced sightseeing and some passageways with stairs. During the tour, you can sit on the benches. When the tour ends, we return in an elevator. The tour is not too difficult, but you should avoid it if you have frail joints or suffer from claustrophobia. The alternative is to enjoy Krakow during this time.
b. Kalwaria Zebrzydowska: This is a pilgrimage site and there are about 50 stairs. If you have serious problems with your knees or joints, it is possible to wait for the others comfortably in the café below the church.
c. Return journey Wroclaw – Warsaw (Grand Tour of Poland): This takes 6 hours. If you have more time, you can visit Poznan (2 hours by train), stay overnight and then continue by train to Warsaw (3-4 hours). If you want a short travel time from Wroclaw to Warsaw, the only possibility is a scheduled flight (1 hour, 300-600 PLN/ person).

Is the tour suitable for people with disabilities?
We have organized several private tours for people needing extra care, and they appreciated private tours as they were at a slower pace than our fixed-date Escorted tours.

Is the tour suitable for pets?
No, unfortunately we do not accept pets on our escorted tours.