Frequently Asked Questions

What can I expect on a GrapeHops tour?

Our tours are centered around the food and beverages of the region, with a bit of history and culture thrown in. You can count on a lot of stops for snacks and beverages, convivial meals, and tastings of local products. You can also expect to be taken care of along the way by your guides.

Why take a tour? Why not just plan this myself?

As independent travelers we totally understand. This is a way to just relax and let someone else do all the work – the planning, the check-ins, the driving, the translating, problem-solving, and the check-paying. You can just kick back and have a good time. And you will definitely have some experiences you would not have if you were on your own.

How fit do I need to be?

We will be doing quite a bit of walking on the tour, especially in Venice, though we will stop and rest often.  If you are moderately active, you should have no problem.

How big are GrapeHops tours?

Usually 8-10 people – never more than 12 people. 

I don’t see the dates I can travel on your website, but I want to take a GrapeHops tour.

If there are four or more in your group, depending on the time of year we can build a tour around you or even just focus on you.  If there is just one or two, let us know that too.  The bottom line is, get in touch with us with your requirements and we will see what we can work out.

What kind of travelers go on a GrapeHops tour?

Active travelers of all ages will be on GrapeHops tours.  You’ll meet people who are into food, wine, and beer, and people who want to do something a little different. 

What kind of lodgings can we expect?

Our lodgings are, for the most part, comfortable, clean and basic.  Hotels will have private bathrooms.  In the case of Venice, the lodgings will be shared and you may have to share a bathroom with other people on the tour.  In the case of Galicia, we will be in a “casa rural” – a rural home where you will have your own room and bathroom, but will share the rest of the house. 

When should I arrive and depart for the tour?

It’s up to you, but it never hurts to get in one day early to “recover” from the journey.  If you can’t or don’t want to do this, we will be in each starting city for two days which will give you a buffer in case of delays by the airlines.

What if I am delayed and can’t get to the tour on time?

We will be in the starting cities for two days, so if you are delayed by one day there will be no problem (except for you not being there!)  If there are further delays, it may be necessary to take a train to our next stop – but we will be on hand to help work these details out for you.

Can I come alone?

Absolutely you can come alone!  You’ll have a great time and meet some good people along the way.

Do I have to pay a single supplement?

If you are willing to share a room with another traveler (of the same sex) then there will be no single supplement.  If there is no shared room available, or if you prefer your own room, there will be a single supplement but we will try to keep the cost of that relatively low. 

Will there be any private time?

It depends on the tour.  The Microbrew tour is pretty packed with activities, but the Galicia tour has quite a bit of easy late-afternoon time, and the Venice tour is somewhere in between.  If you ever need private time, we will do our best to make sure you get some.

What will our meals be like?

Fun, convivial, lots of food, lots of laughter.  Generally speaking, don’t expect haute cuisine in a quiet room.  Expect lots of courses of tasty local foods accompanied by plenty of beverages.

Will we have to drive?

No!  Once we meet you on day one until the end of the tour, you will not need to worry about a car – we will get you where you need to go.  If you prefer to have your own car or are traveling to and from the tour in a car, let us know and we can go over any details (where to park, any parking fees, etc.)

How will we meet up with the tour in the beginning?

You will be responsible to get from the airport or station to the first stop on the tour, but they are all in places where this shouldn’t be too much of a cost or an issue.  We will be on hand once you get into town to get you checked in, and hand you a welcome drink!

Do I need to speak the language?

You don’t need to speak the language as we will have local guides that do this for you.  It is nice to learn a few key phrases which we will email to you when you sign up. 

What should I plan to bring?

Comfortable shoes, an umbrella, something warm for the evenings… a complete list can be found here (link to packing list.)

How would I need to dress?

Casual dress is fine.  Europeans don’t wear shorts too often so it’s better to leave those at home, but jeans, T-shirts, and sneakers are fine for daytime touring.  Be sure to bring something to cover the shoulders in case we go into a church.   In the evenings, casual dress is also fine – the most important thing is to be comfortable. 

I have a physical disability.  Can I go on a GrapeHops tour? 

Venice has a lot of steps and bridges; our Casa Rural lodgings in Galicia have a lot of narrow steps and passageways as it is a very old house, and on all tours we will be doing a bit of walking.  The best thing would be to get in touch with us with the tour you have in mind and your situation, and we will see what we can do.

How much money will I need to bring on the tour?

Most everything is covered on the tour.  You’ll need to get to and from the local airport or train station, and there are a couple of meals that are not covered.  See each tour for details.  Otherwise, bring spending money for shopping, beverages not included on the tour, things like postcards and stamps.  We do recommend bringing an ATM card for cash withdrawals as you get the best rate at ATM machines (excluding fees your bank may impose).  We also recommend a credit card for shopping/emergencies.

Do I need to tip anyone on a GrapeHops tour?

Tips are a very personal thing and we will leave that up to you.  If you want to tip hotel chambermaids, our local guides, our drivers… this is up to you but it is not expected. 

How do I pay?

We can take a credit card through paypal.com (we will assess a 3% surcharge), or you can write a check.  Checks may be mailed to:
GrapeHops
PO Box 893 Milltown, NJ 08850

What if I have to cancel?

Unfortunately, due to deposits and reservations that we must make for each tour, cancellation fees will apply if you have to cancel regardless of the reason.  If we can fill your spot(s) – and we will make every effort to do so – we will at the very least let you postpone your tour with us and if we can, we will refund your deposit. We do recommend you take out travel insurance if you are concerned.  A good place to purchase travel insurance online is www.insuremytrip.com.

Do I need any specific travel documents?

Visas are not required for our tours but for non-EU citizens, a valid Passport (good for at least six months from your return date) is required to enter all of our destination countries.