FAQ’S
1 - What are the advantages of travelling with ecoTravel Portugal?
We are a Portuguese Tour Operator specialised in group tours as well as personalized private Tours in Portugal. We know everything about our country, so there is no need for intermediaries! Our team is composed of highly qualified and experienced professionals. If you travel with us, you can:
- Get highly qualified and entertaining Tours at very competitive prices;
- Customise and build a tour from scratch to suit your needs;
- Book your tour directly with a local Tour Operator, avoiding middlemen and commissions;
- Travel in modern cars and buses;
- Be guided by experienced and friendly official guides;
- Travel with the first Portuguese Tour Operator in Sustainable Tourism;
- Have 24h/7 support from our dedicated multilingual team;
- Travel with an official Tour Operator (license number RNAVT 2811).
2 - How can I book a Tour directly through ecoTravel Portugal website?
You can easily book a Tour with us! On every Tour page you will find a form to fill in and submit. Some of our Tours can be booked online and others require the confirmation from our tour partners. In terms of payment, you can pay by credit card or bank transfer (bank transfer is not available for online bookings). Both methods are free of charge.
And if you need more information or require some adjustments, you can get a free quote or contact our team directly (+351 226 191 095) available from Monday to Friday, approximately between 09:00 and 17:30.
3 - I want to book a Tour. How far in advance should I book?
We ask for a minimum of 72 hours to ensure we can organize everything correctly and also to make sure that all services are available. You can also book as early as you want: a whole year in advance if you wish. And for last-minute bookings, we advise you to contact directly our offices by email (info@ecotravel-portugal.com) or phone (+351 226 191 095).
4 - What happens if I need to cancel my Tour?
If you need to cancel your booking you must notify us immediately. If you notify us with more than 30 days before the tour departure date, we will cancel your booking without any penalty. From 30 to 07 days before the tour departure date, we will refund 80% of the amount paid. For cancellations up to 7 days before the tour departure date, we unfortunately cannot issue a refund.
5 - What are the differences between “Group Tours” and “Private Tours”?
Group tours have a predefined departure date and price. On these Tours, people with different nationalities share the same bus and the driver/guide will speak Portuguese, English, Spanish and French. With these Tours you can meet new people and make new friends! The Private Tours are customisable and with fully flexible programs according to your needs and expectations, from the itinerary to the accommodation.
You will have a VIP fleet just for you and an exclusive guide that speaks your language. Possible changes can include adjustments to the number of days, accommodation and itinerary. We can also design a new programme according to your budget and travel requirements.
6 - How many people can join a Tour?
With a Private Tour, carried out exclusively for you and according to your requests, the group size is completely up to you! From 2 participants onwards, we will adapt the program and its services to the number of members in your group.
However, with Group Tours there is a fixed number of participants, such as:
- Departing from Lisbon: usually travel by bus, we can accept a maximum of 40 participants (the average is 25 travellers).
- Departing from Porto: usually travel by van or bus, we can accept a maximum of 25 participants.
7 - What are the age restrictions on your Tours?
To travel, independently, you must be at least 18 years old. There are no upper age limits for our Tours.
8 - Is a guide included in the price?
The price of our Tours includes an official guide or a private and official driver/guide. Both of them are very professional and knowledgeable but with different roles.
- Private and Official Driver/Guide: When you choose a trip up to 08 participants, we automatically select an official driver/guide for you. A driver guide is a Tour specialist, familiar with the places we visit, and is willing to share his knowledge with everyone in the group. He or she is professionally licensed to accompany tourists in the region. The driver/guide is not, however, in charge of the visits to the monuments.
- Official Guide: for groups with more than 08 participants, we automatically choose a driver and an official guide for you. Our guide is responsible for guiding the group to the various places to be visited. The guides are selected for their knowledge and ability to manage the logistics of a large group. They speak to dozens of people or use audio guides (depending on the size of the group) and are also professionally licensed to guide a group even in the monuments.
9 - How do we meet the driver (or guide) at the airport?
We check your flight and dispatch your vehicle accordingly. The driver (or guide) will meet you at the arrivals, holding a sign with your name. You will also have a phone contact that you can call in case there is any delay.
10 - Can I join a Tour later or leave it earlier?
It is extremely difficult to join a tour after it has started. Any possible delay should be analysed by our colleagues to try to find a new solution. It is possible to leave earlier. However, you will be responsible for your own charges from the moment you decide to leave. If you feel this is necessary, please consult our reservations team in advance.
11 - Where are we staying during our trip?
We have selected the best accommodation in Portugal. Charming hotels set in areas of fascinating beauty! They will allow you to experience the traditions and customs of the region in a very special way, enjoying the Portuguese hospitality. We have privileged partnerships with major hotel groups in Portugal, such as Vila Galé Group, Pestana Group, Eurostars Group, Pousadas de Portugal and much more exceptional hotels, all of which have quality certifications and are symbols of excellence.
12 - I’m a single traveller. Will I be charged a single supplement at the Hotel?
Yes, a single traveller will be charged a single room supplement. The price of single supplements depends on the hotel.
13 - Can I book extra nights of hotel accommodation before or after my group Tour?
Yes, we can arrange extra nights of accommodation at our hotels before or after the tour. But you must contact us as soon as possible for price information and availability (email: info@ecotravel-portugal.com; phone: +351 226 191 095)..
14 - What kind of vehicles are we travelling in?
Our fleet is made up of modern and comfortable cars, minivans, and buses that can fit the needs of all the required standards.
15 - Can you design a Tour exclusively for companies?
Yes, it is possible to design a specific Tour for companies. Moreover, our Incentives’ Department has a special team with highly qualified people with experience in actively designing tours and trips for corporate customers. We are able to create unique programs that inspire and motivate people. From Events to Teambuilding activities, we make an incredible corporate program completely customisable and that will fit your needs and budget!
16 - Can you provide airplane tickets?
No, our prices do not include the airplane ticket and we cannot provide this service (however, note that when the plane is included, we will specifically write that information in “this tour includes” field).
17 - Can you help in attaining my travel visas?
Requirements for travel visas vary widely depending on your nationality. Therefore, unfortunately, we cannot attain a visa on your behalf. .
18 - How can I complain?
You must send your complaint to our reservations department for our administration to deal with it. Plus, as it is mandatory in Portugal, we have a Complaint Book where you can write the complaints that you might have.
Also, you should be aware that according to the law no. 144/2015, 144/2015. for the resolution of consumer disputes, you should contact the Tourism Arbitration Committee of Portugal www.turismodeportugal.pt.
19 - Is there any Insurance included in my travel agreement?
Yes, we provide the mandatory insurance required by Portuguese law.
20 - Do you keep my personal data safe?
We respect your privacy and want to ensure that you have a trustworthy experience, including when you use our websites and book with or through us. Therefore, we guarantee that all personal data provided by you will remain confidential and secure in our database.
21 - What is the best way to travel to Portugal?
The best way to travel to Portugal is by plane. There are 5 main airports strategically positioned throughout the country (Lisbon, Porto, Algarve, Madeira and Azores), where land all kinds of companies: So there are flights available from all the largest cities in Europe and beyond, from low-cost to first class and business class.
22 - How can I get more information and book a Tour?
The easiest way to get more information is by email or phone. Our offices are open from Monday to Friday, between 09.00 am and 05.30 pm (GMT). And if you already had your first contact, you would have access to the direct number of the colleague responsible for your quote.
Phone: +351 226 191 095
Email: info@ecotravel-portugal.com
Skype: ecotoursportugal
Porto (Head Office): Praça Mouzinho de Albuquerque nº113, store 70 (Shopping Brasília), 4100-359 Porto
You can also check out our social network, our marketing team answers as soon as possible!
23 - Why is ecoTravel Portugal considered an “eco-friendly” agency?
To travel, independently, you must be at least 18 years old. There are no upper age limits for our Tours.
