What do I need to do to reserve a space in one of your vacations?
Either call us at 1.203.732.0771 or send an email through the website. We will check availability for the program and dates in which you are interested. If it is available, you can submit the reservation form along with your deposit to secure your space.
Where can I find out the current dates and prices for the schools?
Most programs have the dates and prices listed on its own page. For those programs that don't have dates, please inquire, as they are more flexible in accommodating your requested time of travel.
Are the cooking classes taught in English?
Yes. All of our cooking classes are taught in English.
What if my traveling partner doesn't want to learn to cook but still wants to participate in the other activities?
Most programs offer a reduced price for those not interested in the cooking aspect of the trip. Inquire about specific programs.
Are the day to day itineraries described on each page inscribed in stone, or are the operators flexible if we want to do something else?
The operators have specially designed each tour to include the best of the region, whether it be visits to chateaux, food producers, local markets, museums, cooking lessons, etc. Remember, the operators want you to have an experience of a lifetime
so will always listen to each request, but any changes would have to come down to a "group vote". Also, you are never required to partake in anything - you may enjoy more leisurely time if you so choose.
What should I pack?
For hiking/biking/walking: Appropriate sportswear, cycling wear, hiking shoes, sneakers, light jacket, etc. Inquire about cycling - most operators provide helmets, water bottles, etc. For cooking classes: Classes are casual (jeans, pants, shorts, comfortable shirts - avoid long sleeves) For excursions: In case you end up in a nice restaurant at the end of the day, you might want to dress up a bit more than casual (no jeans or shorts).
I have found that in Tuscany, Provence and the smaller villages of Portugal and Spain, casual dress is widely accepted. I would suggest casual slacks, skirts, comfortable dresses, capris, and "nice" jeans; as opposed to shorts, Levis and dressy slacks. People tend to really dress up in Rome, Madrid, Paris and the bigger cities.
In which countries does Active Gourmet Holidays offer vacations?
We currently have programs in Italy, Spain, France, and Portugal.
Where do I find out the current exchange rate for the country
I'm traveling in?
Click on our online Currency Converter Link for the current exchange rates of 164 different world currencies.
What is included in the price?
At the bottom of each vacation page, you will find a paragraph detailing what is and is not included in the vacation (i.e. airfare).
What is the cancellation policy?
Each program has its own cancellation policy. Please inquire about specific programs. Travel insurance is very affordable and is highly recommended.
Do you offer one day cooking classes?
Yes - most of our cooking programs offer one day classes. Please contact us for more details.
What forms of payment do you accept?
We accept payment by credit card (MC, Visa, AmEx), check, money order or wire transfer. *All bank charges must be included in your payment if you use wire transfer.
Are you a travel agent?
No, I do not book airfare, train, rental cars, cell phones or travel insurance but work with RailEurope, AutoEurope and Travel Insured International since these are the companies I personally use when I travel. Please click on the icons at the bottom of any page of the site to visit these websites to reserve or you may inquire within.
Do I need to tip?
In general, tips and gratuities are included in the package, unless otherwise noted. When on your own before or after the program, in Italy for example, you don’t need to leave tips but can leave an extra 5% to 10%; small tips to hotel staff are appreciated – 1 Euro per day for chambermaids, a few Euros for bellhops, doormen calling a cab, 50 cents. Taxis are happy with 5%-10%. |
