The Locomotive & Carriage Institution

founded 1911
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Charters Helvetica

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF BOOKING

The terms & conditions set out below are correct as of 01/04/2008 and apply to any Continental Rail tours operated by “Charters Helvetica”. 

INSURANCE:

·      For participants booking on the tour who are a resident in a country other than that in which the tour is operating, then personal insurance covering travel, cancellation, illness, loss or theft of belongings and costs associated with unavoidable delays for the duration of the whole tour is COMPULSORY for every passenger unless it has been stated on the tour booking form that insurance is optional.

·     During the operation of a tour, the Tour/Train Manager reserves the right to order any participant to leave the tour, at no expense to “Charters Helvetica”, should the individual’s behaviour be considered to be detrimental to the present or future well being of the tour, any other participant of the tour or a member of the public.  “Charters Helvetica” reserve the right to refuse a booking from any person previously removed from a tour. 

·    “Charters Helvetica” will not be responsible for any cost incurred by any participant who misses the tour unless it is as a result of negligence on the part of “Charters Helvetica”.

·    Should any participant be aware of any reason, including health or other personal circumstances, which may cause concern or hinder the progression of the tour, then the participant should advise “Charters Helvetica” before booking on a particular tour.  If the tour is subsequently affected by any such reason that has not been advised then the participant may be left to organise their own way from that point forward and any such travel will be at the expense of the participant. 

·    It is strongly advised that participants carry the “European Health Insurance Card” (formerly E111 form). This can be applied for at the Post Office and permits the use of reciprocal medical care facilities in most European countries. It is generally a requirement of medical insurance that this card is carried. 

·     All participants must be in possession of a valid Passport or Identity Card, this must lasts for the duration of the tour and meets all local visa and other requirements. 

CANCELLATIONS:

·     If a participant cancels a booking and the cancellation is received by “Charters Helvetica” before the booking deadline shown on the booking form (where shown), the participant will be eligible to receive a full refund minus an administration fee of Ł20.00 or Euro equivalent at the operator’s discretion. 

·     If a participant cancels a booking which is received by “Charters Helvetica” after a booking deadline but prior to 14 days before the tour then the participant will receive a 50% refund (including administration fee).

·     If a participant cancels a booking which is received by “Charters Helvetica” 21 days or less before the tour runs then there will be NO REFUND.

·     If “Charters Helvetica” has to cancel a rail tour due to circumstances (i.e. Value of the GBP/CHF) that are outside of their control, the only liability for “Charters Helvetica” will be the return of all money paid in respect of that tour.  No other expenses on the behalf of the participant will be paid.

 LIABILITIES: 

·     If a participant is refused entry to a Country, and are subsequently unable to participate in a particular tour, “Charters Helvetica” will NOT be liable for any costs incurred by the participant, nor will “Charters Helvetica” be liable to make a refund for the tour missed. 

·     All details of proposed tours are advised in good faith, based on information known at the time of publication.  If major alterations to a tour occur prior to departure then participants will be advised in writing or by email as soon as is practically possible. If a participant subsequently cancels a booking due to the changes then a full refund will be made. 

Major alterations DO NOT include:

             1)          Changes in Motive Power

             2)          Small changes in the advertised routing of the tour

             3)           Changes made on the day due to unforeseen operational reasons.

·         Every effort will be made to run the tour as advertised. Neither “Charters Helvetica”, or an individual, will accept any liability for any loss, or for any additional expenses incurred by any participant, by reason of ejection from the train or by reason of delay, cancellation or failure of arrangements for any part of the tour including, but not limited to, the substitution of any motive power or re-routing of any tour.

·     No participant shall have any claim against “Charters Helvetica” or against any individual if an onward transport connection is missed as a result of any late running by either “Charters Helvetica” or any participant at the starting point or any point en route. 

·     Participants are reminded that all local laws, regulations and conditions that are applicable to any facility used during the tour apply to all participants and these must be complied with. “Charters Helvetica” cannot be held liable for the consequences should anyone fail to do so. 

·      “Charters Helvetica” will not be responsible for any loss or damage to baggage or property, or for injury, illness, or death, or for any damages or claims whatsoever which arise from loss, negligence or delay from the act, error or negligence of any person who is not under the direct and exclusive control of “Charters Helvetica” or for the criminal acts of any third party. 

·     It is the responsibility of participants, when purchasing goods, to be aware of and abide by all local Tax Free, or other allowances for the purchase of goods when in a Country outside of the United Kingdom.  “Charters Helvetica” will not be liable for any consequences or any refunds should these restrictions not be adhered to by a participant. 

COMPLAINTS: 

·     Should any participant have cause for complaint during the tour.  Please advise the ‘Tour/Train Manager’ at the first opportunity so that remedial action can be taken at that time if at all possible.  Should the complaint not be dealt with in an appropriate manner then the complaint should be put in writing which must be received by “Charters Helvetica” no later than 21 days after the last date of a tour.  THIS DOES NOT AFFECT STATUTORY LAW RIGHTS.