DEPOSITS AND CANCELLATIONS:

A deposit of $500.00 is required at the time of registration (a $1000 deposit is required for tours that include the cruises or luxury trains, first-class Flower and Garden Tours $ 250). Balance is due 60 days before departure. Cancellations received up to 60 days prior to departure: $50 operational per person and tour, 59-45 days: 10% of tour cost, 44-15 days: 25%, 14 days or less 100% of tour cost. If you take another ASHBY & STERLING tour within a year, the $50 operational cost will be applied to that tour.

TOUR PRICES INCLUDE:

HOTELS: Deluxe and First Class on the basis of two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with a bath. Single rooms must be reserved in advance at a supplementary cost. Air-conditioning everywhere except in those places where not available. Right is reserved to substitute hotels of the same standard for those named in the brochure. All hotel taxes are included.
MEALS: À la carte meals are included as stated in each day by day itinerary. Where à la carte is not available or practical, table d’hote is offered. Room service is allowed. Drinks with meals are included, except champagne, hard liquor and vintage wines.
SIGHTSEEING: With English-speaking guide as shown in the itinerary, including entrance fees for places visited.
TRANSFERS: Individual airport transfers for passengers arriving and departing.
LUGGAGE: All transportation and transfer of two normal-size suitcases. Weight limit 44 pounds.
GRATUITIES: All gratuities to hotel staff and guides (incl. Tour manager) for normal on-tour services.
TOUR MANAGER: The services of the Tour Manager in all matters pertaining to the tour operation.

COST OF THE TOUR DOES NOT INCLUDE:

Costs of obtaining passports and visas; laundry; meals, beverages or sightseeing not included in the itinerary; tips to crews on ships and trains, port and airport departure taxes; communication charges; excess baggage fees; international or any other airfares not listed as included with the tour, all items of a personal nature; items not on regular menus; health, accident, baggage, and "trip cancellation" insurance and other items not mentioned as being included..

HEALTH:

When you see your doctor for required inoculations, we strongly suggest you use the opportunity to have a complete physical. Some tours do travel into areas that have high altitudes and extreme temperature fluctuations, and this should be brought to your doctor’s attention.

INSURANCE:

ASHBY & STERLING cannot be responsible or liable for loss, damage or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can we be liable for personal injury, accident or illness. In most foreign countries, insurance coverage of personal injury, accident or illness is not available on the basis of U.S. standards. That is why we strongly urge you to check with your insurance agent to make sure you are adequately covered for any possibilities. You can purchase additional insurance from either your insurance broker or a travel agent to cover luggage, personal effects and accident and health. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THE PURCHASE OF "TRIP CANCELLATION" PROTECTION. 

IMPORTANT NOTICE:

ASHBY & STERLING reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a tour passenger should such person’s health or mental condition or physical infirmity or general deportment impede the operation of the tour or the rights or welfare or enjoyment of other tour passengers; refund of unused land tour services is the limit of ASHBY & STERLING’s liability.

RESPONSIBILITY:

ASHBY & STERLING purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other services from various independent suppliers who are not affiliated with ASHBY & STERLING in any way. Although it tries to choose the best suppliers available, ASHBY & STERLING has no right to control their operations and CANNOT, THEREFORE, BE LIABLE FOR ANY PERSONAL INJURY OR PROPERTY DAMAGE which may occur due to (1) wrongful, negligent or arbitrary acts or omissions on the part of a supplier, its employees and others not under the direct control of ASHBY & STERLING, or (2) defects or failures of any aircraft, vessel, automotive vehicle or other equipment or instrumentality under the control of independent suppliers.

ASHBY & STERLING reserves the right to cancel any itinerary or any part of it, to make such alterations in the itinerary as it deems necessary or desirable, and to pass on to tour members any expenditures caused by airline schedule changes, delays or events beyond its control. Traveler assumes complete and full responsibility for, and hereby releases ASHBY&STERLING and its suppliers from any duty of, checking and verifying any and all passport, visa, vaccination, or other entry requirements of each destination, and all safety or security conditions at such destinations, during the length of the proposed travel. For information concerning possible dangers at international destinations, contact the Travel Advisory Section of the U.S. State Department. For medical information and requirements, contact the Public Health Service.

Passenger’s enrollment and payment for a tour shall constitute the passenger’s offer to take the tour pursuant to all of the terms set forth above and in the tour catalog. A binding contract shall exist only after ASHBY & STERLING has accepted the offer in Maine by sending a confirmation to the passenger. If there is any dispute between the passenger and ASHBY & STERLING, the parties will submit to mediation by a mediator chosen by both parties and, if not resolved by mediation, then by binding arbitration by one arbitrator chosen by the parties, or if no choice can be made, then by an arbitrator chosen by a federal judge for the district of Maine. All proceedings shall occur in Portland, Maine, and Maine law shall apply. The passenger agrees to this exclusive jurisdiction and venue in Maryland for resolving all disputes.

PLEASE NOTE:

Inclement weather and other acts of God may necessitate changes in the itinerary as outlined in the responsibility clause. Force majeure includes any major world event which adversely effects international travel patterns.

ARRANGEMENTS:

Tour prices are quoted in U.S. dollars and are valid until December 31, 2007. They include planning, handling and operational charges, and are based on the current rate of exchange and tariffs as of September 2006. These prices are subject to change depending on international currency fluctuation, fuel surcharges, and/or inflation.

AIR TRANSPORTATION:

Sample air prices are shown in this brochure and are a separate cost in addition to the land price. Should you cancel or change your air reservation before or after your departure, cancellation penalties may apply. All airfares and conditions thereof are subject to change by the respective airlines. Airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board their planes or conveyances. These tours may use the services of any IATA carrier. The passage contract in use by these companies when issued shall constitute the sole contract between the companies and the purchaser of these tours and/or passage. ASHBY & STERLING DOES NOT ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR CANCELLATION FEES OF APEX OR ANY SPECIAL FARES DUE TO ITINERARY OR DEPARTURE CHANGES.