1. Reservations and Payments

Sterling Tours will provide a preliminary day-by-day itinerary along with an estimated quote for your review. Once you approve the itinerary and agree to the terms, a deposit (amount varies depending on the booking) will be required to initiate the reservation process. Upon confirmation, a final itinerary, total cost, and payment schedule will be issued. Please note that once confirmed, the deposit becomes non-refundable.

We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and checks. All prices are quoted in U.S. dollars and may be subject to change due to currency fluctuations unless full payment has been received at the time of booking.

2. Itinerary Modifications

Due to the personalized nature of our services, any changes made to a confirmed itinerary:

• 60 days or more prior to departure will incur a fee of $25 per person
• 59 days or fewer prior to departure will incur a fee of $50 per person

3. Cancellations and Refunds

All cancellations must be submitted in writing and will be effective upon receipt by Sterling Tours. Cancellation fees are as follows:

• 60 days or more before departure – Deposit is non-refundable
• 59 to 30 days before departure – 50% of the total trip cost
• 29 to 14 days before departure – 75% of the total trip cost
• Less than 14 days before departure or no-shows – 100% of the total trip cost

Note: Some suppliers may impose additional non-refundable fees. These charges will be added to the above cancellation penalties.

Group bookings require different terms and conditions that are customized per group.

4. Travel Insurance

We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect against trip cancellation penalties and to ensure coverage while traveling. For more information, visit: www.travelguard.com

5. Travel Documents and Requirements

It is the responsibility of the travel agent to verify and ensure that all required travel documents and medical preparations are in order for each destination. Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months beyond the final date of travel.

6. Accommodations and Services

We strive to provide all accommodation and services as outlined in your confirmed itinerary. However, if changes are necessary due to unforeseen circumstances, Sterling Tours reserves the right to provide the best possible alternatives at our discretion.

7. Taxes, Fees, and Gratuities

Certain service charges and government-imposed taxes may not be prepaid and must be paid locally by the traveler. Tips for guides and drivers are not included and are left to your discretion.

8. Baggage

Sterling Tours is not responsible for the loss, theft, or damage of baggage. We strongly recommend travel insurance that includes baggage protection. Travelers are responsible for adhering to airline and governmental baggage policies and fees.

9. In-Travel Support

If any issues arise during your trip, you must notify the local representative or tour manager immediately. If the issue remains unresolved, please contact your travel agent, who will then notify Sterling Tours promptly.

10. Exclusions

The following items are not included in your travel package:

• Excess baggage charges
• Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, phone calls, room service)
• Meals not specified in your itinerary
• Gratuities to guides and drivers
• Optional tours and excursions
• Any item not expressly listed in your travel documents

11. Responsibility and Liability

Sterling Tours Ltd (“the Operator”) acts solely as an agent for the various independent suppliers providing travel services. The Operator assumes no liability for any injury, loss, accident, delay, or irregularity arising from acts or omissions of any individual or company providing such services, including but not limited to transportation, accommodations, or other services.

We are not liable for acts of God, war, terrorism, strikes, or any other force majeure circumstances beyond our control. The Operator reserves the right to make changes to the itinerary or cancel services when deemed necessary for the safety and comfort of passengers.

All confirmed travel arrangements are subject to the laws of the destination country.

Legal proceedings related to any claim against Sterling Tours Ltd must be filed in a State or Federal Court located in San Diego County, California, within one (1) year of the trip’s conclusion. Clients waive the right to seek punitive damages against the Operator.

12. Acceptance of Terms

By submitting a reservation and deposit, the travel agency affirms that these Terms and Conditions have been reviewed and accepted. It is the responsibility of the agency to communicate these terms to the client.

CST# 2023849-40 - Sterling Tours LTD