As a tour operator, we put our travelers’ safety first. We are watching the changing situation in the United States and Europe very closely and following the advice of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control. This Coronavirus FAQ has been assembled to answer your travel questions in an uncertain time.
You may cancel for any reason without penalty or fees up to 90 days prior to departure. For details, please refer to our Risk Free Travel Terms. Your deposit is always safe with us.
If after reading you still have questions, please contact us.
Last revised on January 8, 2022
Where can I get trustworthy information about Coronavirus?
We are relying on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the US State Department, and the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control to provide information about US travel restrictions and other guidance.
Are Blue Walk tours still operating?
Leisure travel between the United States and the European Union is currently open with some requirements. It is hoped conditions and travel safety will continue to improve in the next months. As of now, we are planning on running our 2022 season as scheduled. This may change as conditions do, or as we approach our departure dates. Our guest safety and positive experience is our first priority.
The Blue Walk will continue to monitor the conditions in the US and Europe very closely. The situation is dynamic and many variables may change between now and your scheduled departure. If we cancel a tour we will provide tour participants with the opportunity to receive a fee-free transfer, a voucher credit, or a refund and voucher credit. We will contact guests directly if any changes need to be made.
Do I have to be vaccinated?
We were living in Italy during the shutdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Since then, and following all public health recommendations, we have also traveled extensively and safely throughout Europe since that time. It is clear to us that Europeans expect everyone (especially visitors) to be vaccinated in order to fully participate in society — including many of the experiences that we promise on our tours.
Because of this we will require all of our guests to have up to date vaccination status in order to participate in our tours. Your guides, drivers, and Art Walk teachers will also be fully vaccinated.
My tour is still departing as scheduled, but I've decided to cancel or transfer to another tour. What are my options?
As a response to the uncertainty that still exists regarding international travel, we have revised our standard Terms and Conditions for all 2021/2022 bookings. We have altered our standard payment policy to offer Risk Free Travel Terms. If you would like to cancel or transfer to another tour, please email us at info@thebluewalk.com or call 551.258.3955 to discuss your options.
What if my tour goes ahead, but some sights are closed or my tour changes?
As always, our tour itineraries are subject to change — and sometimes do so, even in the absence of major world events. Above all, our tour participants’ positive experience and well being is our first priority. If the closures become so significant that we don’t think we can give you the tour experience we promised, we’ll cancel your tour before it departs. You will then have the option of transferring to another tour or getting a travel credit voucher. Otherwise, if we need to make minor adjustments to your itinerary, we’ll work with your tour group and guide to manage the situation safely, smartly and fairly.
What if travel advisories change in the middle of my tour?
If we are mid-tour and the CDC or ECDC makes any new recommendations or restrictions regarding travel for the country we are in, we will firstly comply with any local guidelines or recommendations. Secondly, we will continue operating the tour and will adapt it as needed depending on the circumstances. Thirdly, we will assist guests who wish to leave mid-tour. Finally, we will not cancel a tour during its operation except in the most severe circumstances.
What if someone on my tour gets sick, or is diagnosed with the coronavirus?
If a tour guest is diagnosed with the coronavirus, our tour will follow all directives from the local authorities. This may include a quarantine. With assistance from our local hotel we will make sure you have options for accomodation and local assistance.
If a tour guest shows the symptoms of the coronavirus, the tour guide will put them in touch with a local health provider to be screened and recieve access to appropriate care.
What if we are quarantined in the middle of my tour?
We will work with your tour guide, the hotel, and the local authorities to mitigate the situation as best we can. We always operate in the best interests of our tour guests.