Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why should I book a tour through Transbalkan Tours? Can't I do my own tours?
> Of course you may be able to arrange your own tours, but why would you want to? When you book a tour from Transbalkan Tours, transportation and most importantly the services of a well-trained local tour guide is included. You're also assured that you'll see the most for your money. By booking a tour through Transbalkan`s selection of excursions, you'll also save time and money. We've done all the thinking for you. You'll spend less time doing research and more time having fun. You get to choose from the very best and most popular tours in a port of call based on your interest and escorted by local experts who are familiar with the port, it's history, and culture.
2. What do Tours include?
> Tours include transportation according to the itinerary and your tour guide.
3. How physically challenging are Tours?
>Most tours require some degree of walking; however, some excursions require extensive walking. Likewise, grand entryways and sprawling gardens of certain castles and cathedrals make walking and stair-climbing a necessity. Whatever your fitness level, we highly recommend comfortable, low-heeled walking shoes.
4. How should I tip our Guide/Driver?
> Extending a gratuity to your guide or driver is strictly optional; however, in some countries, these personnel may anticipate that if you were pleased with their services, you will reward them in a monetary way. A commonly accepted guideline is $1 per person for a half-day and $2 per person for a full day.
5. How can I find out more about the ports we'll be visiting?
> Before you cruise, you can find all the information you would ever need right on the web. You can also read about the most popular tours here as well. Onboard your ship, a qualified lecturer will hold informative talks on each port of call you visit. If you still have questions, many ships have a Port Lecturer that will be glad to answer them. You should also do a little research before you go. Your local library should have all kinds of books pertaining to your destination. Frommer's and Fodor's also have wonderfully informative books identifying local points of interest, culture, and history.
6. What should I wear?
> Other countries may have more conservative ideas about dress than you are accustomed. Attention is drawn to this matter so as not to offend. Cruise lines suggest when visiting places of worship (mosques/cathedrals), you dress conservatively, avoiding shorts or sundresses. Attend the port lectures for guidance.
Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes at all times. When visiting ruins or walking on cobblestone streets, wear rubber-soled shoes. It's also smart to wear a sun hat
7. Will I have time to shop?
> Whenever possible, shopping time is allocated within the framework of the excursions.
8. Are Your Tours the same ones offered by the Cruise Lines?
> Cruise Lines offer similar tours, visiting the same sites. The biggest difference is that you will be met by a private representative on arrival, reserve in advance and save time and money.
9. Why should I book Tours with Transbalkan Tours instead of booking on board?
10. How reputable is Transbalkan Tours?
> Very. Transbalkan Tours have been providing shore excursions for many years and have a wonderful reputation. Transbalkan Tours is confident that customers will enjoy the same tours that you'd find on a cruise ship at lower prices and with more convenience.
11. We've never been to these ports of call and want to do as much as possible in each port?
> The local guides are considered top experts on local history and sights, offering you a chance to fully appreciate and experience their hometowns. The listed excursions are designed and organized in such a way as to maximize your time in each port and yet allow sufficient free time as well.
12. What type of transportation is used for the tours?
> Standards of transport vary considerably dependaing on your will. All of our vehicles are Air-conditioned. Guest wishing to travel together with friends should leave the ship together, as this will help the guide.
> Of course you may be able to arrange your own tours, but why would you want to? When you book a tour from Transbalkan Tours, transportation and most importantly the services of a well-trained local tour guide is included. You're also assured that you'll see the most for your money. By booking a tour through Transbalkan`s selection of excursions, you'll also save time and money. We've done all the thinking for you. You'll spend less time doing research and more time having fun. You get to choose from the very best and most popular tours in a port of call based on your interest and escorted by local experts who are familiar with the port, it's history, and culture.
2. What do Tours include?
> Tours include transportation according to the itinerary and your tour guide.
3. How physically challenging are Tours?
>Most tours require some degree of walking; however, some excursions require extensive walking. Likewise, grand entryways and sprawling gardens of certain castles and cathedrals make walking and stair-climbing a necessity. Whatever your fitness level, we highly recommend comfortable, low-heeled walking shoes.
4. How should I tip our Guide/Driver?
> Extending a gratuity to your guide or driver is strictly optional; however, in some countries, these personnel may anticipate that if you were pleased with their services, you will reward them in a monetary way. A commonly accepted guideline is $1 per person for a half-day and $2 per person for a full day.
5. How can I find out more about the ports we'll be visiting?
> Before you cruise, you can find all the information you would ever need right on the web. You can also read about the most popular tours here as well. Onboard your ship, a qualified lecturer will hold informative talks on each port of call you visit. If you still have questions, many ships have a Port Lecturer that will be glad to answer them. You should also do a little research before you go. Your local library should have all kinds of books pertaining to your destination. Frommer's and Fodor's also have wonderfully informative books identifying local points of interest, culture, and history.
6. What should I wear?
> Other countries may have more conservative ideas about dress than you are accustomed. Attention is drawn to this matter so as not to offend. Cruise lines suggest when visiting places of worship (mosques/cathedrals), you dress conservatively, avoiding shorts or sundresses. Attend the port lectures for guidance.
Guests should wear comfortable walking shoes at all times. When visiting ruins or walking on cobblestone streets, wear rubber-soled shoes. It's also smart to wear a sun hat
7. Will I have time to shop?
> Whenever possible, shopping time is allocated within the framework of the excursions.
8. Are Your Tours the same ones offered by the Cruise Lines?
> Cruise Lines offer similar tours, visiting the same sites. The biggest difference is that you will be met by a private representative on arrival, reserve in advance and save time and money.
9. Why should I book Tours with Transbalkan Tours instead of booking on board?
- Save Money - these tours are 30 - 40% lower than you'll find on ship.
- Avoid long lines at the Ship's Shore Excursion Desk.
- All tours planned and confirmed before you sail.
- No chance of a sell out like on board ship.
- Full refund if tour is cancelled for bad weather or the ship misses port.
10. How reputable is Transbalkan Tours?
> Very. Transbalkan Tours have been providing shore excursions for many years and have a wonderful reputation. Transbalkan Tours is confident that customers will enjoy the same tours that you'd find on a cruise ship at lower prices and with more convenience.
11. We've never been to these ports of call and want to do as much as possible in each port?
> The local guides are considered top experts on local history and sights, offering you a chance to fully appreciate and experience their hometowns. The listed excursions are designed and organized in such a way as to maximize your time in each port and yet allow sufficient free time as well.
12. What type of transportation is used for the tours?
> Standards of transport vary considerably dependaing on your will. All of our vehicles are Air-conditioned. Guest wishing to travel together with friends should leave the ship together, as this will help the guide.
