Can I do these trips on my own and (presumably) save money?

You might be able to do a few of our tours on your own if you have large quantities of time, patience, money, good contacts, and you're willing to forgo some measure of safety.
However, will you be able to find that charming little restaurant in the hills of Liguria, the one that Alessandra’s aunt talked about for three days before finally recommending it to her?
Will you be able to explore a private historical landmark palace in a charming, medieval village and learn about the people who have lived there for hundreds of years?
Will you be able to treat Tibetan orphans to dinner, discuss Buddhism with Tibetan monks or ask a Chinese dissident about how she is fighting for new environmental laws in her country?
Will you be able to cross the Andes with a legendary Patagonian who has been friends with the most important poets and writers of contemporary South America?
We at M&G believe that travel is not just about hotels and transportation... it is about getting to know the real life and real people of a country.

Answare

What makes M&G different than other tour companies?
If you travel with M&G you will get off the beaten path and away from the masses and motor coaches. We only accept small groups and we travel to lesser-known places only a few times a year. Giant companies with small groups aren’t welcome in many small villages because a great number of small groups still add up to a large volume of people. Spectacular local restaurants and secret local attractions, regardless of the country, do not welcome large numbers of people or the idea of being listed on a “tour itinerary”. Our intimate group philosophy allows for unique and refreshing itineraries. [Back]

Does M&G support sustainable tourism? If so, what does this mean?
We at M&G believe it is our duty to preserve the character of each and every destination that we introduce our clients to. It is our policy to use local guides, eat at local restaurants and find new ways for our friends in fragile places to gain immediate economic benefits from tourism. We believe that properly managed tourism is a viable alternative to resource extraction and the exploitation of human labour.
M&G actively supports a non-profit foundation called Global Roots which is dedicated to sustainable tourism in far-flung places. Please contact us or visit www.globalroots.org for more information. [Back]

Where can I go with M&G?
We have fixed departure dates each year to destinations worldwide including Italy, China and Patagonia but we also specialize in customized trips. This means that we will take you and your friends wherever you want to go. [Back]

What kinds of groups travel with M&G?
M&G has already been chosen by social and travel clubs across North America. Washington State’s Boeing Travel Club, the prestigious Multnomah Athletic Club of Portland and the Commonwealth Club of California are just a few of the organizations that have traveled off the path with M&G. The Sierra Club of California has chosen M&G to hike the Franciscan trail in 2007 (with a lavish break to eat pasta and drink red wine in our privately-owned Umbrian palace) while one American family has requested a special vacation to five-star resorts straddling Andean Patagonia in South America. [Back]

What can I hope to see while traveling with M&G?
Though you will always receive the best local introduction to the most important attractions, it isn’t just about what you will see when you travel with M&G. We believe that you should become an active participant in the daily lives of foreign cultures when you travel abroad. Traveling with M&G means that you will not just look at things – you will live them. [Back]

Before travel
Does your tour price include flight costs?
Unless specified on your day to day itinerary, our tour prices do not include international airline tickets. You will therefore need to contact a travel agent or work with us to book your flight on line. Past M&G clients have expressed great satisfaction with our preferred agent Elizabeth Holmes Travel of Edmonds, WA (800-588-8361). [Back]

Do you have age restrictions for your tours?
Children under the age of twelve are not permitted except with private and pre-formed groups. Any individual under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult unless otherwise approved by M&G management. M&G expeditions are created for active travelers who are capable of walking at least three miles a day at a leisurely and unassisted pace. All M&G travelers must also be able to handle their own luggage over short distances and climb staircases without railings. [Back]

Do I need to have a visa before going on tour?
You will be instructed by an M&G travel advisor before your trip about whether or not you will need a visa. For instance, American tourists do not need visas to visit Italy but all Americans are required to have a single-entry visa for China. [Back]

Do I need travel insurance before going on a tour?
M&G believes that travel insurance should be considered a mandatory expense in modern travel. A basic travel insurance plan (not including trip cancellation) is now included in all fixed-date M&G tour packages. If you are planning a private trip with us, please inquire about the plans we offer. M&G offers policies from Travel Guard International, the world’s largest travel insurance company. Travel insurance policies differ in price but they all help you deal with unforeseen emergencies during your trip. Cancellation insurance is a good idea if you think you might have reason to cancel your trip at the last minute. Please be sure, however, to check into “pre-existing condition clauses” before purchasing cancellation insurance. [Back]

What are you deposit requirements?
An initial deposit of $350 per person is required to reserve space and is fully refundable for three weeks after the payment has been made. Final payment is due 60 days prior to departure. [Back]

Can I form my own private tour?
M&G Expeditions encourages interested travelers to form their own private tour group. There are few things that are more rewarding than setting up a perfect holiday for your friends and family. [Back]

What is the size of your groups?
M&G fixed-date expeditions have an average group size of 15 passengers with a maximum of 20. Private groups can be as small as two and as large as 250 (in the case of a recent wedding held in M&G’s Umbrian palace).

What forms of payment to you accept?
M&G accepts payment by check, money order or bank wire. Credit cards are accepted for most tours but sometimes with a slight service fee. [Back]

While on the road
What form of transportation will the group be using?
The type of vehicle depends on group size and tour geography. M&G’s Central Italian outings travel in air-conditioned motorcoaches and mini busses but, in the case of the Tibetan portion of M&G’s China expedition, four wheel drives are used. [Back]

Who will be leading the tour?
M&G believes that tour leaders can make or break a tour. For this reason, the very best tour leaders in the business have been sought for all trips. [Back]

Is it required that I participate in all of the planned activities?
Though a fair amount of free time has been built into every M&G itinerary, there are always a few travelers who wish to have more time on own. If this is the case for you, just let your M&G guide know when you want to break away but be sure to tell your guide the exact time that you will return! [Back]

Can you help me arrange my pre and post-date tour plans?
M&G encourages all travelers to explore a country on their own before or after a tour and takes great care in making pre or post trip arrangements. Whether it is a hotel booking, a visit to a museum or the best place to eat in a particular city - M&G will gladly furnish all of the information you will need to make the most of your extra time. [Back]

What type of accommodations can I expect during a tour?
M&G management has personally inspected and stayed at all of the hotels we use while on tour. This ensures our travelers will be in an ideal location with comfortable amenities and quality service. Many properties used by M&G in Europe, such as ancient castles and country inns, are family-run, quaint establishments. All rooms have a private bath but some may be smaller than what is usually expected in North America. In Asia, Africa and South America, M&G always uses four-star or “best available” accommodation. [Back]

What kind of meals can I hope to experience while on a tour?
You will enjoy the best food available in each country. No cutting corners and absolutely no “tour food”! M&G believes that dining out is an integral part of experiencing a foreign culture. Great care is taken in choosing cuisine that reflects the region in which you visit. [Back]

Do you set up airport transfers before and after the tour?
Airport transfers are included in many countries where it is too complicated for our guests to easily move from the airport to our selected hotel. If an airport transfer is not included, one can be arranged upon request by M&G staff. [Back]

Are gratuities included in M&G travel programs?
Tips are included for hotel/restaurant staff and local guides/drivers. Gratuities are not included for the M&G Tour Director and for the trip’s main driver. Gratuities are at the traveller's discretion and should be based on the level of satisfaction with the service received. Recommended guidelines for each area visited are provided in M&G’s pre-tour documentation. [Back]

Can I do these trips on my own and (presumably) save money?
You might be able to do a few of our tours on your own if you have large quantities of time, patience, money, good contacts, and you're willing to forgo some measure of safety. However, will you be able to find that charming little restaurant in the hills of Liguria, the one that Alessandra’s aunt talked about for three days before finally recommending it to her? Will you be able to explore a private historical landmark palace in a charming, medieval village and learn about the people who have lived there for hundreds of years? Will you be able to treat Tibetan orphans to dinner, discuss Buddhism with Tibetan monks or ask a Chinese dissident about how she is fighting for new environmental laws in her country? Will you be able to cross the Andes with a legendary Patagonian who has been friends with the most important poets and writers of contemporary South America?
We at M&G believe that travel is not just about hotels and transportation... it is about getting to know the real life and real people of a country. [Back]



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