Frequently Asked Questions
Before the tour - ticket
HOW CAN I MAKE A BOOKING?
Bookings can be made on our website ticinotours.com or through travel portals such as Tripadvisor. Bookings to be confirmed require a full payment. For any enquiries regarding your booking, write us at info@ticinotours.com
HOW CAN I CANCEL OR AMEND MY BOOKING?
You can cancel your tour free of charge (100% reimbursement) up to 24 hrs before the start of the tour. You can access the cancellation page from the confirmation e-mail you have received after booking your tour. In case of cancellation less than 24 hrs before the start of the tour, and in caso of no-show, the full amount will be charged. For cancellations of groups of more than five people, please read our Terms and Conditions. Any doubts, write us at info@ticinotours.com
WILL TOURS BE CANCELLED DUE TO BAD WEATHER?
Most of our excursions take place regardless of the weather.
If a tour is cancelled by Ticino Tours due to bad weather, we will contact you by e-mail or phone within 24 hrs before the start of the tour to propose an alternative program. In case you do not want to join the alternative program, you will be reimburserd with 100% of the tour amount.
You can change or cancel bookings for regular tours without any fees up to 24 hours before departure, giving you flexibility to adjust based on the weather forecast.
On the confirmation e-mail you received after booking the tour, you will find the link to modify or cancel your tour.
After 24 hrs prior to the tour, if Ticino Tours decides to operate the tour and you choose not to join due to the weather, no refund will be allowed.
WILL TOURS BE CANCELLED IF THE MINIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS IS NOT REACHED?
Ticino Tours has a minimum number of participants required for a tour to operate. In the event that the minimum number of 7 paying adults is not reached, tours will be cancelled with 24 hours notice. In this case, you can either modify your reservation to a different date or tour, or request a full reimbursement of your payment. As an alternative Ticino Tours might (1) reschedule the tour or (2) offer a private tour for an additional fee.
will a refund be provided if a tour is missed for medical reasons or due to late arrival?
Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours of departure, as well as no-shows on the day of the tour, will incur a charge equal to the full tour price. We highly recommend obtaining travel insurance to cover the cost of excursions in case of medical emergencies or traffic delays.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, American Express), Apple Pay and TWINT payments.
Before the tour - general
WHICH LANGUAGES ARE THE TOURS HELD IN?
Details about the languages offered on each tour can be found on our website or in the printed brochures and flyers. Private tours can be held in English, German, Italian and Portuguese.
ARE MEALS INCLUDED IN THE TOURS?
Unless stated otherwise, meals are included in our regular tours and include a three course meal with drinks (1 glass of wine and water). Tours at Lake Naret do not include meals. The bierworkshop includes snacks.
are all tours suitable for children?
Most of our tours are suitable for children from 6 years of age.
Tours requiring a minimum age are:
-Beer Workshop: 18 years
For more information regarding the age limit, please read our terms and conditions.
IS THERE A DISCOUNT FOR INFANTS AND CHILDREN?
We have created for families a tour “Bosco Gurin – between legend and reality” with a special discounted price for kids from 6-16 years of age.
are all tours suitable for people with reduced mobility?
Since all tours are conducted in comfortable travel coaches (or minibuses for small group tours), the walking required is generally minimal. Most destinations and facilities visited are largely handicapped accessible, though some on-site attractions may involve some walking. Our coaches do not have ramps for wheelchair users, so you must be able to board and disembark independently or with assistance that you arrange. Foldable wheelchairs can be stored in the coach’s luggage compartment. Please inform us in advance of any mobility limitations. Call us before making any reservation so that we can give you more insights into the tour program. Note that the following tours are not suitable for individuals with reduced mobility:
-Valle Maggia, Ticino’s original grottos
-Lake Naret, Feel the power! Feel the beat!
-Bosco Gurin, Between legend and reality
are pets allowed on the tours?
As a general rule, the transport of animals on our vehicles is not permitted. However, we understand the importance that your pets play in your life. We therefore invite you to contact us in advance to discuss possible transport options for your pets. We will do our best to accommodate your needs, within the limits of our possibilities and respecting the safety and comfort of all passengers.
is Ticino Tours liable for any accidents
Any liability of Ticino Tours is limited to any direct damages caused wilfully or by gross negligence by the tour operator. The customer is responsible for subscribing to a private health and accident insurance. Guests participate in all activities at their own risk and must inform us of any health issues relevant to the tour.
Once the tour is booked
WHERE ARE THE MEETING POINTS?
Our regular tours depart daily from Tenero, Locarno and Ascona.
Meeting Point Tenero: Bus stop tenero Brere, Via alle brere 3, 6598 Tenero-Contra
Meeting Point Locarno: Piazza Stazione 9, 6600 Muralto
Meeting Point Ascona:Piazza Caglioni, 6612 Ascona
If you are not familiar with the departure point, please allow enough time to get there. If you have any difficulties finding your way, please do not hesitate to contact us at +41 76 505 20 91
HOW DO I KNOW WHICH BUS TO BOARD?
Most of our vehicles are dark grey minivans with the name “Mattei Viaggi” written in light blue. Ticino Tours might need to change our partner for transportation services. In that case, the tour leader will clearly indicate which bus you need to board.
Due to heavy traffic in the area, our drivers might experience slight delays. Please wait at the meeting point until the minivan arrives. We appreciate your patience and understanding.
CAN I PARK MY CAR NEAR THE MEETING POINTS?
Our suggestions for nearby car parks:
Tenero: Coop Supermercato Tenero, Via alle Brere 8, 6598 Tenero-Contra
Locarno: Parking at Locarno Train Station, Piazza Stazione 1, 6600 Muralto,
Ascona: Autosilo Comunale Ascona, Piazza Caglioni, 6612 Ascona
DO I NEED TO PRINT MY VOUCHER?
We accept both printed vouchers and electronic vouchers on a smartphone or tablet. Present your ID along with your voucher during check-in.
WHAT DO I NEED TO WEAR FOR MOUNTAIN EXCURSIONS?
Some of our excursions take place at higher altitudes where temperatures are lower. We recommend bringing warm clothing, such as a jacket, and good shoes with solid soles. We reccomend, in case of uncertain weather, to bring an umbrella. For the tour at the Naret Lake we reccomend extra clothing and a towel to use to lay on the ground.
During the tour
WHAT CAN I DO IF I LOSE MY GROUP OR GUIDE DURING THE TOUR?
Please call us as soon as possible at +41 76 505 20 91, so that we can help you find back to your group or guide.
Other questions?
do you offer any multi-day packages?
We provide multi-day packages which combine our regular daily excursions. We can provide services such as: accomodation, transfers, activities, meals, guides, and gifts according to your needs. To make a request please contact us at info@ticinotours.com
do you offer private services?
Ticino Tours offers private tours for groups of any size. We have a wide range of ready-to-use tours and are prepared to customize them to meet your specific needs. To make a request please contact us at info@ticinotours.com
do you offer team building services?
Ticino Tours offers all-inclusive experiences, such as team-building weekends with activities like marble carving, rock climbing, polenta-cooking classes, theater workshops, and much more. To make a request please contact us at info@ticinotours.com
do you offer tours in neighbouring countries?
Ticino Tour does not offer tours in neighboring countries. However, you can contact Mattei Viaggi, our partner company specializing in transportation and travel organization both nationally and internationally. For more information, visit their website or write to info@mattei-viaggi.ch
