Frequently Asked Questions about Spain luxury travel and custom Private
Tours and trips Click on questions
to view answeres
"Our
a Magical Spain guided trip was like hiring an expert
to do our tax returns. It gave us more time to enjoy life
as well as experience
Spain in a way we couldn't have done alone" John and Caroline Delany - Chicago, IL
1. Why should
I trust MagicalSpain.com and how long have you been in
business?
A very good question and one you should ask of some
of our new competitors......4000+ customers have trusted us
since 1998
A)
6 years professional travel business experience
in Spain and Portugal and our customer support office in Spain! B)
American owned and operated since 1998 by Los Angeles
native Richard Harris and American Dan O'Beirne who lives
in Spain C) Professional
member of ASTA / American Society
of Travel Agents D)
Recommended by Rick Steves
in his Spain Guide Book + FODORS
message boards. E)
4000+ customers from USA, Ireland, Canada, UK,
Holland, Australia and Latin America since 1998. Referrences
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, hence our group trips
are smallest around, so the earlier you sign up, the more
departure dates will be 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 does a small group tour accommodate?
We
have the INDUSTRY'S SMALLEST GROUP SIZE of 15 on our scheduled
departures. Our average cultural adventure group has about
10 people. This is a HUGE advantage as you'll have access
to much more authentic local restaurants, private homes, or
historic places that big groups simply won't fit into! Also
our group are often fun independent interesting people that
are good company and· NO name tags needed!
8. What does
the tour cost include and not include?
On
all our scheduled tours, the price covers:
Friendly expert tour directors & guides
Taxes and baggage-handling tips
Unique daily private tours & events
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. Do I need
to make a deposit to reserve a tour or destination wedding?
Just
a $100 deposit per person to hold your place on our multi-day
guided small group tours. It is refundable up until 55 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 7 day guided small group tours and cultural adventure
is due 55 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?
Enhanced tour itinerary (we provide in pre-trip info)
13. What is
the activity level of your tours?
Good
physical and mental health are necessary for the enjoyment
of our tours. Most days we probably 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 the very rare case that we
cancel a confirmed trip (only one since 1998!) we return 100%
of payments received. See terms and Conditions for complete
detail.
15. What do
I need to pack?
Spain's
climate is similar to California's. Layering is the best approach.
We recommend bringing:
A light rain-proof jacket or sweater in spring and fall
Comfortable walking shoes (suitable for cobblestone streets)
Casual & some smart casual for evening
Small alarm clock
Personal medication
Camera, film and batteries
2 ATM card (+ PIN codes)
Credit cards
Passport & color-copy
When we dine, men do not need suit jackets. 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?
Crime and gun
use remains LOWER than of the United States or other parts
of Europe.
Money belts provide convenience and safekeeping of money,
etc.
Be alert in crowds for petty theft (i.e. Be aware and
be smart. Avoid having your wallet in your back pocket and
travel light).
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
espa–ol - I don't speak Spanish. Is this going to be a
problem ?
The
fact is Spain has the lowest rate of English speakers in Europe
but are maybe the most communicative, friendly and creative,
so NO PROBLEMA. Of course, as American politicians know making
an effort to learn basic phrases goes along way, show respect
for the culture and might win some votes! We will provide
you with travel documentation and info in English, and we
also include 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 'reservations' button follow
the easy instructions. Read our Terms and Conditions as well.
If you want, you can call us at +(34)615 29 17 36. Reservation
deposit of $100 can be paid by any major credit card.
21. Can you
recommend hotels, trains and air reservations?
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
Wedddings or Honeymoons or Customer Comments.
23. Guided
trips are expensive! Why shouldn't I save money just travel
on my own?
Unsure
about this investment?·.Divide your hourly vacation cost
by total cost of your families vacation (vacation time,
air, hotels, transport, meals ect.) by waking hours you'll
spend on vacantime
& 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 due to our 6 years
experience expert insight, off-the-beaten path spots & contact
with residents.
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 website 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 becuase 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 websites -- 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 Strategis Database: XE.com
b.. Better Business Bureau Database: XE.com
c.. BBBOnLine Reliability Program: XE.com
25. I've always travelled independently why should we hire you to plan our
private trip or join a small group?
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 uniqu 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?
Truth is unlike Mexico, 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 Alumnim, 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?
Our Castles & Cuisine trip features some of Spain's top dining and wineries. Of course all our tours feature fine dining and superb regional wines or try our Barcelona cooking school or a custom trip to the Basque country.
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.Iberia, Spain and Portugal, is the 2nd largest country of western Europe after France.
30. What is the climate like in Spain and Portugal in the Spring?
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 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 your 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 inerest you and develop a customn trip that will make your visit to Spain one you will never forget.