What kind of people travel with us?
All kinds of people. People who are curious about
their ancestors. We think they are the best kind of
people!
How many people in a party?
There are usually around 18 people in an Andante
party, but you may well find that you are part of an
even smaller group. There will never be more than 24
other guests.
What level of knowledge is required?
None. Just interest and curiosity.
What will the accommodation be like?
Andante goes to great lengths to try to find the kind
of places in which we ourselves would choose to stay.
Some of our choices are amongst the best in the
world, and some are very simple indeed. All will be
clean and have ensuite
facilities.
How fit do I need to be?
We are travelling to see archaeological sites in
unusual destinations. We will go to places where the
expectations of hygiene and comfort are very
different from those in Britain. We will be walking
over uneven and potentially hazardous ground.
We may have some very long days and some long
journeys. Some of the tours include rides in 4x4
vehicles over very bumpy terrain. There may be walks
to some of the sites, as well as scrambling and
clambering involved in visiting them.
If you have any problems with walking or standing our
holidays are probably unsuitable for you, and you
certainly need to consider whether you will hold up
the rest of the party. The best thing would be
to check with the office to make sure you choose the
right holiday.
Is Andante suitable for single travellers?
Very much so. We prebook single spaces on every tour
and they fill very quickly. ‘The company of my
fellow guests’ is often quoted as a highlight
on customer questionnaires and since we usually dine
together you are unlikely to feel awkward.
Can I book my own flights?
Yes, of course. We quote the price with and without
international flights and related transfers. If you
choose to do this, it is wise to confirm that the
tour will definitely run before booking your own.
If travelling independently, you may need to make
your own way to the hotel on arrival. The same
caution also applies if you live overseas.
Is it possible to fly from a provincial airport?
Depending on the airline, we can book connecting
flights to London Gatwick or Heathrow at a
supplement.
Security
Should the FCO advise
against travel to your destination we will cancel the
tour immediately and refund any money that you have
paid to us. In a group you are better protected than
when travelling as an individual, and we have
excellent relationships with our local suppliers. You
will be accompanied by experienced tour staff who may
be assisted by local guides and drivers. There is
regular contact with the UK and staff are in a position to
repatriate the group if required.
Special Dietary Requirements
We will do our best to accommodate these but regret
that we cannot be responsible for them. You
will need to feel that you are in charge of your own
diet, and if necessary take vital foods with
you.
Is there a great deal of coach travel?
As little as we can manage. These are not
‘coach tours’ and we dislike spending
time in a vehicle if it can be avoided. Occasionally
the terrain demands 4x4’s, or boats or even
internal flights, but most journeys are undertaken by
coach. If there are long journeys, we make sure we
find rest-stops or sites to visit enroute.
What is my luggage allowance?
For international flights the maximum weight is 32kg
and for European flights it is usually 22kg. Most
airlines now require that your hand luggage is 5kg
and is an appropriate size to fit in the overhead
luggage compartments.
Do I have to carry my own luggage?
Yes, there may well be occasions when you have to
carry your own luggage, but never very far. If
porters are available, we will of course make use of
them.
Will my tour have a tour manager?
Any tour with 15 guests or more will be accompanied
by a tour manager as well as the guide lecturer
unless otherwise stated.
What is the dress code?
There is no specific dress code on Andante holidays,
other than respecting the standards of modesty in
each country we visit. Dress is comfortable and
casual.
How do I book?
Bookings are now only taken over the telephone or via
the website. There is no longer a booking
form.
Why do you need my passport details?
Your passport details are required for your flight
tickets as the name on the ticket has to match your
passport and for those hotels which require lists of
their guests.
Late Bookings
Some of our tours book very
quickly, so please bear this in mind. Flights
or hotel rooms may not be available at a late stage.
In some cases airlines might impose a supplement.
Payment will usually be required within 24 hours.
What are the field notes?
They are background information created by our guide
lecturers to help you enjoy your holiday.
Our guide lecturers are experts in their field, and
their rôle is to give a detailed insight into
the subject of your tour. They also act as an
aide-memoire long after your holiday.
How much spending money should I take?
This depends on the tour but you will not need very
much. Meals are not usually included on international
travelling days, but most tours include all other
meals, and even wine with
dinner - but take your visa card!
What is the Bare Bones programme?
Andante launched the Bare Bones holidays a couple of
years ago to suit people who want as much as possible
of our expertise, whilst exercising as much
independence as possible in enjoying it! Bare
Bones tours include plenty of free time to explore or
relax, more adventurous and independent local travel
(by local transport, for instance), and the freedom
to eat where, when, and with whom they wish.
The holiday experience is entirely different, and
both programmes have their devoted following.
IF IN DOUBT, RING AND ASK US!
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