Northern Capitals and Russia

About Insight Vacations

Insight is a mid-range tour company which separates itself from the pack by selecting hotels in great locations and by offering more included sightseeing than comparable tours from other companies. They do charge a premium for the optional add-ons however. Transportation is comfortable and visitors tend to feel less rushed at each sight because the tours spend longer in each destination.

Traveler profile

Generally appeals to couples of 50+ though single travelers of ages 40+ (and occasionally significantly younger or older) are also often guests on these tours.

Group size

Maximum 40 people on a bus, seating adjusted so there's space for only 40 passengers (vs. typical 55)

Tour directors

Tour guides are generally very experienced (10+ years) and experts in their destinations.

Hotel type

"Hotels are centrally located, close to interesting sights, and generally of a
higher quality than many tour companies. "

What's included

Most city tours included. Full breakfast included. Some other meals included, at 2 and 3 star restaurants. Optional add-ons, including many of the most appealing visits, are available for an extra fee.

Free time

Generally there is free time in the evenings upon arrival in each city, and more if you opt out of the add-ons.

Booking Policy

BOOKING CHANGES, CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS

Online Bookings:
To make changes and or cancel a booking made online, Travel agents must call Insight Vacations Automation Helpdesk to modify at (800) 299-1120.
Booking changes:
A fee of $30 per transaction will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed. Any alterations will risk the loss of air space or increased airfares. Name changes or corrections will be treated as a cancellation of air and all normal air cancellation fees will apply.
Note: Cancellation fees will be charged if you cancel you entire tour package to reschedule for a different date.
Cancellations and Cancellation Fees:

* If notice of cancellation is received by Insight Vacations 45 days prior to departure*, the non-refundable deposit will be retained along with the Travel Protection Plan, see Insight’s brochure.
* If full payment is not received 45 days prior to departure the Airline(s) have the right to cancel your Air reservation. Regrettably, if payment is not received by Insight we will not be responsible for lost reservations.
* Notice of cancellation must be made in writing either directly to Insight or through your Travel Agent.
* The following scale of charges will apply when notice of cancellation is given after the booking is confirmed:

No. of days prior to Departure* (Cancellation Fee)

45 days or more (the non-refundable deposit)
44-22 (25% of total price)
21-8 (30% of total price)
7-1 (50% of total price)
Day of departure*/No show (100% of total price)

• Extra night hotel accommodation that is cancelled within 14 days of the booked date incurs a 100% cancellation fee. When accommodation is cancelled outside 14 days, the cancellation fees are:

45 days or more (US$30 per person)
44 - 22 days (25%)
21 - 15 days (30%)

*PLEASE NOTE: The departure date constitutes the date indicated on Insight’s confirmation.
• Airline arrangements: The following cancellation charges apply for airline arrangements made by Insight Vacations:
- Prior to Airline Ticketing service fee $50.00 per person.
- After Airline Ticketing service fee $75.00 per person plus any airline imposed penalties which may be up to 100% of the air ticket value.

Refunds and Penalties:

* Illness or Absenteeism: In the event of your withdrawal from a tour after commencement for reasons of illness, you must obtain a medical certificate in support of any claim. We regret that no refunds can be made for absences from a tour, including but not limited to, missed meals or sightseeing. Insight makes no representation or guarantees concerning reimbursements of funds paid by you under any claim.
* Air & Land Packages: These packages are based on non-refundable airfares. If flight changes requested after the deposit has been received, or if flights are cancelled after tickets are issued, change fees or airline penalties will be applicable.
* Airline Seating: Tour members are requested to contact the Airline(s) for seating assignments 30 days prior to departure. Seating is solely under control of the Airline. Flight delays are the sole responsibility of the Airline.
* Airlines & Airfares: No refund will be made for cancelled air tickets on air inclusive bookings until tickets are returned to Insight. Refunds for tour portion will only be processed after return of documents to Insight. Please ensure that returned tour documents which contain airline tickets are sent by certified or registered mail. Lost ticket replacement can take up to 1 year and processing fees can be assessed.
* Air Availability: If Insight is unable to confirm your air reservation in its scheduled class of service, Insight may offer an alternative of either connecting flights, substitute gateways or a more expensive booking category. Any air surcharges will be at the passengers’ expense. You will be advised of these conditions at the time of booking.
* Airline & Airport Taxes and Charges: Any domestic and international departure or arrival taxes, security charges, and other types of taxes or charges imposed by Airlines, Airports, Governments, etc. are not included in the Tour Price. The amount of these charges will be passed on to each passenger at the time of booking.

Note: If a promotional airfare is broken or extended for any reason an additional cost may be incurred. Airfares are subject to change at any time. Changes to flight itineraries and name changes may result in penalties charged by the Airline concerned and passed on to the passenger.