Frequently Asked Questions

Who travels with us?

The typical CICERONI Traveller is someone who has a lively and intelligent curiosity about what we shall see, someone who seeks knowledge of the detailed history of the sites and collections concerned. Our itineraries are carefully planned so that anyone who has a general interest in the history, culture and arts of a specific area and who would enjoy a introduction delivered with knowledge, depth and humour, will find our visits a rewarding experience. For almost all visits we include access to collections, houses and gardens that are usually not available to other groups or, are made available to us under special 'connoisseur' viewing conditions. Our clients come first in all we do - you are welcomed as a guest, not a stranger, be you alone, travelling with a partner or friends. 

Where do we go?

We operate in over thirty countries on four continents with a total of over fifty different tours. That list continues to increase each year. The visits are designed to introduce you to cities and areas in which our team of lecturers have specific interests as a result of their experiences as students, university lecturers, independent researchers and above all as travellers. We specialise in visits that include various combinations of art history, architecture, archaeology, horticulture, music and gastronomy. 

How many participants do we accept on each visit?

Participant numbers vary on each group visit. Usually visits run with a minimum of 10 and a maximum of between 18 and 22 participants, depending on the visit. Some visits may be run with a lower number. Many of our visits can be tailored for private groups from as few as a handful to larger groups for societies and organisations. 

What level of comfort is provided?

Emphasis is placed on both comfort and culture. Flights are always with scheduled airlines and the hotels chosen are usually comfortable 4* examples. In certain cases, we will use a 3* or a 5* hotel because it offers either good value, or exceptional levels of comfort. Where possible, single rooms will be a double for sole use – for some visits this is guaranteed, for others, we do our best to achieve this aim. 

Food and wine are an important part of any journey and every effort is made to make sure that we eat and drink well. Specific eating requirements can usually be accommodated with adequate notice. We do not discriminate on the basis of age and therefore all are welcome. However, we do expect you to have a reasonable level of fitness. If you are in any doubt as to whether you can manage to cope with a particular visit itinerary, we strongly advise you to ask our advice before sending in a Booking Form.

Is it possible to vary any of the visit details?

It is usually possible to join the group independently of CICERONI Travel’s arrangements. For example, this could allow you to join the group in the country to be visited or to fly from an airport other than that stated in the itinerary. It is also possible to upgrade your airline seat and the level of room booked and to extend your stay beyond the published dates of the visit, subject to availability. Please note that by varying elements of a visit to suit individual 'bespoke' requirements you may attract a supplement to the published price of the visit. Finally, should you plan to travel 'independently' to join one of our visits, please contact the CICERONI office before making any alternative arrangements.

Do we surcharge?

The short answer is NO! We guarantee that once you have paid your deposit, the cost of your booking will not be subject to any fuel and currency surcharges. However, we reserve the right to increase the package price when a tour has been booked for a private group, and there is a reduction in original agreed group size, or the introduction of new taxes, or changes in rates, such as VAT or airport taxes.

What level of fitness do I require?

Our tours generally involve a significant amount of standing and walking, sometimes across uneven ground, or over cobbled streets, or up and down steps and inclines. While we do not have an upper age limit for participants, we require you to have a level of fitness which does not spoil other participants' enjoyment of the tour and you should be able to walk at a reasonable pace and/or stand for at least twenty minutes without aid or requiring a rest. Please note that not all galleries and museums have lifts and may not have seating. We would also remind you that once you have made a booking, should your level of mobility change it is a condition of your booking that you inform us at the earliest opportunity. Please refer to our full terms and conditions for further information. If you are in any doubt please do contact us for advice on the tour’s suitability for you.