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"Our
Spain luxury tour package was EXCEPTIONAL... personalized
to our interest
and saving stress and time... the driver/guide showed us
Spain in a
way we couldn't have done alone, gracias!"
John
and Caroline Delaney - Chicago, IL
 1.
Why choose MagicalSpain for my deluxe Spain vacation tour,
easy adventure trip or wedding package?
A very good question and
one you should ask of some of our new competitors......4000+
customers have trusted us since 1998.
A) Verified Professional member
of American Society of Travel Agents
# 900143230
B)
American Operated since 1998 by Americans Richard
Harris and Daniel O'Beirne both of whom have historic family
ties to Spain. Daniel has lived most of the last decade
in Spain.
c)
Our Contacts with
top bilingual guides, winemakers. artist, chefs, olive oil
makers, historians, hotelier, ect...
C)
Recommended by Rick Steve's
in his Spain Guide Book + FODORS
message boards.
D)30
years of personal history:
Partner Richard Harris has traveled to Spain frequently
over the last 30 years due to his service on a US military
base in Spain and 2 Spanish wives.
E) 4000+
customers from USA, Ireland, Canada, UK, Holland,
Australia and Germany since 1998. References available!
2.
Do you have guest references for your trips?
Absolutely! Our Trip Consultants are happy to give you
the names and contact info of past customers from North
America, Latin America, Australia and Europe from the over
4000 clients we have served since 1998.
3.
Do you accept payment by credit card?
We are happy accept Visa, Mastercard and American Express,
24/7 via our merchant account on the secure server of
http://www.Paypal.com , E-Bays California-based payment
system. This is faster, safer and easier than e-mailing
a card number and you will get an instant confirmation for
all payments plus you have a 100% protection of a consumer
protection guarantee.
4.
Do you handle custom tours or a private trip for my family
and friends?
Since 1998 we have had over
4000 clients, many for custom Spain tours. We enjoy organizing
private luxury departures of our trips or customize a trip
to your taste and schedule for your groups of 4 or more
persons. This is perfect for family members, friends, and
business and university organizations. Call with your wish
list and let us help you plan an unforgettable vacation
experience.
We happily design custom itineraries around your special
interests in art and architecture, food and wine, history,
and castles. Destinations, cuisine, and the pace of travel
all can suit your particular group. You also can expect
the same personable guides and attention to detail that
participants enjoy on our established tours. Affiliates
of museums, arts associations and clubs - as well as families
wishing to explore their heritage - appreciate our style
and knowledge, which create a memorable and "authentic"
experience.
5.
How far ahead should I book my cultural adventure trip,
honeymoon or Spain wedding?
Planning early often gets you the best airfares or frequent
flyer mileage points. We favor quality over quantity, and
the earlier you reserve the better choice of hotels available
and the less chance of missing out. Many tell us the anticipation
and time to read up on Spain increases the enjoyment of
a uniquely stimulating vacation! We recommend booking at
least three to six months before trip date for best selection
on group or private custom trips and more for a Spain wedding
and honeymoon. Of course, we do take late bookings if space
is available on our trip and in our selected hotels.
6.
I'm a single traveler. Will I feel comfortable?
Our tours are perfect for solo travelers who enjoy the
company of others having similar interests. Over a quarter
of our guests are single travelers, so you'll fit right
in. Typically our groups are a fun mix of solo travelers,
couples, and friends or family members traveling together
from 16 to a fit 72 year old grandmother up to now. Because
our hotel prices are based on double/twin bedrooms, there's
a single supplement to individual travelers who request
a private room for a trip. If you would like a roommate,
we can try to pair you with one (of the same gender). If
no roommate is available, there is no single supplement
if you sign up 90 days in advance of trip departure.
7.
How many people do I need to for a Spain private group
tour package ?
We have the INDUSTRY'S SMALLEST GROUP SIZE of 2 although
the average private group of family or friends has 7.5 persons.
Note we have had groups of 100+ for wedding events but like
to offer PERSONALIZED tour packages that meet you needs.
This
is a HUGE advantage as you'll have access to much more authentic
local restaurants, and historic places that big groups simply
won't fit into! NO name tags needed nor 6am wake up calls
that you'll find on corporate group tours!
8.
What does the tour cost include and not include?
On all our scheduled
tours, the price typically covers:
- Friendly expert tour
directors & guide service
- Taxes and baggage-handling tips
- Unique private guided tours
- Site admissions during our private guided tours
- Modern vans, trains or roomy motor coaches
- Charming hotels in great locations
- Breakfast, main meal of the day served with wine
- Unique cultural events like cooking demos or wine, cheese
or olive oil tasting
Not included are the following:
- International air flights, horse and buggy, river cruise,
wind surfing or hot air balloon rides.
- Single supplement (if you choose that option)
- Some meals
- Any telephone charges & laundry costs
- Insurance or medical expenses or hard liquor and mini
bar charges
9. What about deposits to reserve a tour or destination
wedding?
Just a $200 deposit per person to hold your place on our multi-day guided small
group tours. It is refundable up until 45 days before departure,
when full payment is due. For other Spain destination weddings,
honeymoons or day tours please contact us.
10. When are final payment due for tours, private trips
& Spain weddings?
Final payment for guided small group tours and cultural
adventure is due 45 days before departure day. For other
tours, honeymoons and Spain destination weddings please
contact us for deposit amounts.
11.
What about medical and trip cancellation insurance?
Please consult the
web site; http://www.travelguard.com
for more info.
12.
What documents or Visa do I need to take?
US citizens its simple and easy to travel in Spain. You do
NOT need a Visa, just a valid passport and a photocopy.
13. What is the activity level of your
tours?
Good physical and
mental health are necessary for the enjoyment of our tours.
For custom packages we adapt to your desire for more
or less physical activity. Handicapped or physically challenged
travelers
are welcome and special tour packages are available.
On
small group fixed departure tours, we often spend a couple
hours total on our feet, the time divided among leisurely
strolls through pedestrian-only centers of ancient towns
and options to climb medieval cathedral bell tower or up
a hill top castle.
Our walks are
mostly over level ground, but include some uneven or cobblestone
terrain. The pace is leisurely, and includes time for the
guides to describe what you are seeing, but you really do
need to be able to walk unassisted by others. We ask that
you be honest in assessing your abilities so as not to inconvenience
other members on the tour. More active participants will
have plenty of opportunities for higher levels of activity.
Please consult if you have any questions.
14.
What is your cancellation policy?
We will issue FULL refunds for cancellations arriving up to 55 days prior to
tour departure in writing. It has never happened, but if
we cancel a confirmed trip, 100% of payments received are
refunded. .
15.
What do I need to pack?
Spain's
climate is similar to California's & Italy's. Layering
is the best approach.
- A light rain-proof
jacket or sweater in spring and fall
- Comfortable walking shoes
(suitable for cobblestone streets)
- Casual & some smart casual for evening
- Personal medication
- Camera, film and batteries
- 2 ATM card (+ PIN codes)
- Credit cards
- Electrical adaptor
- Passport & copy
- When we dine, jackets are optional. Pants for women are fine.
Be sure to check your flight's baggage requirements/allotments.
If you bring something electrical, be sure to include a 110
adapter for the outlet.
16. What about crime and safety?
European Spain is one of the safest counties in the West!
- Crime rates and gun use remains LOWER than in the USA.
- Money belts provide convenience and safekeeping of money,
etc.
- Be Savvy- avoid
pickpockets by having wallet in your back pocket on the
subway or better yet
enjoy our private Mercedes and drivers
- Carry small amounts of cash
- Use the hotel safe for valuables, air tickets & passport
(some experienced travelers say they relax & enjoy travel
more with valuables at home.)
17.
What money is needed, and what about tipping?
- The
currency for Europe including Spain and Portugal is the
Euro.
- Exchange rates may be more favorable when charging
purchases.
- Cashing travelers' checks
require time in line and passport.
- Local banks charge approximately $5 to cash travelers'
checks - regardless of cash requested.
- On escorted private or group trips, it is customary to
tip the tour director at the end of the trip - $6 - $12
per day per person is typical. The amount, of course, remains
entirely up to you. Our guides really appreciate a personal
note in the envelope. (Your tour price includes tips for
restaurants, hotels, mini-bus drivers and baggage handling
on group trips.)
18.
Do you commission travel agents?
Of course, unlike some airlines, we appreciate the hard
work of professional travel agents and are happy to offer
commissions for reservations (when clients are not already
on our private mailing lists). Please email or fax us for
details.
19.
No hablo español - I don't speak Spanish.
Is this going to be a problem?
Spain has a low rate of English speakers but are locals are friendly and creative,
so NO PROBLEMA. Of course, as our American politicians know
making an effort to learn basic Spanish phrases goes along
way, Well provide you with travel vouchers & documentation
in English. We also have a simple Spanish keyword / translation
guide for shops and restaurants. Of course our staff and
office in Spain is bilingual, so before and after tours
or events we are only a phone call away should you need
any assistance and we can arrange intensive language classes
here.
20.
How do I book a trip?
Its very simple. Just click on the Contact Us button to
fill out the squick and easy form. Read our Terms and Conditions
as well.
You'll
then get an email or phone call from us.
If
you want, you can call us at +(34) 615 29 17 36 from 9am-
8pm Spain time.
Reservation
deposit of $200/person can be paid by any major credit card,
bank transfer or checks.
21.
Can you give me info on Spain train schedules?
Yes, see http://www.renfe.es.com
22.
What is so special about your small group cultural adventures
or private custom trips?
A* * Unique Experiences & Memories: Going beyond
guide books·in English!
B * Time & Stress saving:
Let professionals handle planning, tours & transport.
C* Piece of Mind: On-time
service with friendly expert guides!
D* Small Groups: Access
to unique places, not name tags & gift shops.
Want more info click here => Cultural Adventure Trips or Destination
Weddings or Honeymoons or Customer Comments.
23.
Guided trips are expensive! Why shouldn't I save money
just travel on my own?
Planning and research take lots of time especially if you don't speak the
language and are across the Atlantic. We remove the planning,
language & travel stress so you can have piece of mind
of knowing that USA Spain experts have organized everything!
Also on ou deluxe custom Spain tour packages we meet you
at the airport. During the tour package you sit back and
relax while we drive and you enjoy!
EXAMPLE: Divide your the cost
of your families vacation (vacation time, air, hotels, transport,
meals ect.) by waking hours you'll spend on vacation time
+ vacation time is needed for researching planning & logistics,
transport, long lines, getting lost driving on difficult
Spanish roads, parking & searching for hotels. What is the
opportunity cost of seeing only tourist trap areas. Will
you appreciate expert cultural and historic insight, off-the-beaten
path spots & fun contact with residents? We PROMISE you
more FUN & UNIQUE CULTURAL EXPERIENCES.
P.S. Most important though for anyone visiting our site
and considering a vacation in Spain is that you can call
us! Let our service and knowledge set us apart! This web
site isn't to help us avoid speaking to clients, but to
facilitate your planning process, and hopefully get you
the information you need right away. If you don't see your
question here
contact us by email about our Spain travel and event
planning services.
24.
How do you get an accurate and current conversion of Dollars
to Euros?
Like many international companies, we use the www.XE.com
service for our official exchange rates because the rate
used is a mean of the sell and the buy rate which is fair
for both sides. Independent industry rankings consistently
confirm that more people -- and web sites -- use our wide
variety of simple and powerful currency tools than any others.
For further information on XE.com, please refer to the following
third parties:
a. Government of Canada Strategies Database: XE.com
b. Better Business Bureau Database: XE.com
ac. BBC OnLine Reliability Program: XE.com
25.
I've always traveled independently why should we hire
you to plan our private Spain luxury travel package?
Imagine you are hungry for a unique meal experience, you
could take cooking classes, buy cook books and experiment
in the kitchen burning a few things until you get it right
or you could go to a restaurant and pay professional to
create a unique meal experience with out hassles. We have
created unique Spain and Portugal travel experiences for
7 years so our 4000+ customers concentrate enjoying their
vacation without wasting much valuable time or energy with
maps, planning, tourist traps, driving/getting lost, language
problems or the "manaña mentality" in Spain.
26.
Should someone in our party speak Spanish in Spain?
Spaniards are very friendly BUT unlike most of Europe,
English is NOT widely spoken nor understood in much of friendly
European Spain. So if you plan to travel independently please
be honest and rate your level of Spanish? Note our escorted
private and small group trips eliminate this problem
27.
Our Alumni, Church or Wine Club wants to do a tour of
Spain. Can you help?
Yes, we are happy to work with affinity groups. Contact
us for details.
28.
We are serious about food. What would you recommend?
We have numerous itineraries that may include Spain's top
restaurants and wineries. Of course all our tours feature
fine dining and superb regional wines. We also have Spain
cooking schools packages in Barcelona, Sab Sebastian and
Granada.
29.
I can't find Spain or Portugal on the map!
Believe it or not, you're not alone! Find Europe, then
look at the Southwest corner, the Iberian peninsula. Spain
is the 2nd largest country of western Europe after France.
30.
What is the climate like in Spain and Portugal?
The mostly Mediterranean climate is similar to California
the North is cool, to the South, Andalucia and the Algarve
are warmer. Of course there are variations between the beaches
and the many elevated areas and mountains ranges that
so much provide regional diversity in Iberia.
31.
What type of hotels do you stay in?
We pride ourselves on selecting memorable hotels, paradores
and inns that reflect the local history and culture without
forgetting about comfort and service. We frequent first-class,
deluxe and luxury lodgings that are often in centrally historic
district to give you opportunities to walk and explore on
foot with our guided tours and/or exploring during free
time unlike "corporate" tour companies that often use bland
hotels well out of the historic areas. All rooms have private
baths but note that in Europe typical room size may be smaller
than a typical room in US hotel.
32.
Can you help with arrangements if I want to stay in Spain
or Portugal before or after the guided tour?
Yes, you can purchase Private Tours for one or more cities
in Spain or Portugal, or we can just make arrangements for
your hotel and other services in any city.
33.
I have never been to Spain or Portugal. How should I choose
my destination?
Peruse our web site for ideas and contact us. We can aid
you in finding areas that interest you and develop a custom
trip that will make your visit to Spain one you will never
forget.
Experience
More Spain in Less Time in 2008!
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