Our Journeys

Terms and Conditions

The following are an overview of Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences (LCCWE) Terms &Conditions applicable to all of our trip itineraries. Please refer our full T&C and waiver conditions provided directly by our team at the moment of contracting and booking your trip with us.

ITINERARY INCLUSIONS:

HOTELS: LCCWE uses rooms with private bath in deluxe hotels on a double occupancy basis. The client selects the room category at the time of booking and it is confirmed then. Air-conditioning is normally standard except where not available. Single rooms must be reserved in advance at a supplementary cost. LCCWE reserves the right to substitute hotels when necessary (i.e. in event of hotel closing, a major unexpected remodelation, etc.), always maintaining the same category and room specifications. Bed configurations must be requested at time of booking or otherwise may not be guaranteed closer to the date.

MEALS: Review your itinerary carefully for meal inclusions as they vary from day, overnight, and custom tours. Many meals may be a la carte but in other places, some properties offer a menu choice where you select your choices. Bottled water, coffee or tea, and wine is often included with the meals and is indicated in the itinerary. Daily breakfast at the hotel is included with the room rate in Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and Peru.

GUIDES: Guide services are all English-speaking as per the itinerary including entrance fees for places visited. Air-conditioned vehicles are utilized and bottled still water is included on all excursions.

ADMISSIONS & ACTIVITIES: All entrances and activities are outlined and included in the contracted itinerary.

LUGGAGE: All transportation and transfer of one normal-size suitcase for checked luggage per person, and one carry-on. Please note for internal flights in South America the luggage allowance is inferior to on transcontinental flights (23 Kilos / 50 pounds max). Travellersare responsible for overweight charges imposed by the airline and any necessary additional transfers for extra luggage.

GRATUITIES: All gratuities for included meals will be taken care of by LCCWE. All other gratuities are not include and at your discretion. Please refer to our travel guides for tipping guidelines.

TRANSPORTATION: Throughout your itinerary, we use deluxe sedans, vans, and mini-buses depending on the destination and number of total trip participants.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: For airport pick-ups, you are responsible for rendezvousing with your English-speaking driver and/or guide at the designated meeting point (map provided by our office prior to departure) if not booking VIP meet & greet services, which expedite you through arrivals and customs. If your flight is delayed significantly or you miss your flight, you are responsible to advise as soon as possible with an updated arrival time so we can reschedule transport for your new arrival time. If there is a no-show, you will be charged in full for the service.

TAXES: The itineraries include hotel taxes as imposed by city and state governments, and airport taxes for internal South America flights booked through LCCWE (see note on AIR) below.  

NOT INCLUDED IN LCCWE ITINERARIES:

  • Air transportation and any airport taxes
  • Cost of obtaining passport and visa expenses
  • Laundry
  • Wine where not specified in itinerary
  • Hard liquor or cocktails
  • Items of personal nature
  • Expenses of additional guides
  • Transport time for sightseeing or transfers not quoted in the itinerary
  • Excessive baggage fees
  • Travel insurance
  • Gratuities for hotel staff, drivers, and guides
  • Souvenirs or wines for purchase to bring home
  • Any deviation from booked itinerary is at the client’s additional expense

A NOTE ON AIRPORT TRANSFERS: For airport pick-ups, you are responsible for rendezvousing with your English-speaking driver and/or guide at the designated meeting point (map provided by our office prior to departure) if not booking VIP meet & greet services, which expedite you through arrivals and customs. If your flight is delayed significantly or you miss your flight, you are responsible to advise as soon as possible with an updated arrival time so we can reschedule transport for your new arrival time. If there is a no-show, you will be charged in full for the service.

AIR

For any custom itinerary where airfares may be quoted, all airfares are subject to change until paid in full. Airfare is not purchased by LCCWE until paid in full, if LCCWE is booking on client’s behalf as part of their itinerary.

LCCWE does not assume responsibility for cancellation fees of airfares due to itinerary or departure changes or cancellations.

The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not aboard their aircraft. The passenger tickets in use by the airlines, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between airlines and the purchaser of these tickets and/or passenger.

Economy class allowance per trip participant is two checked pieces for which the total sum of the 3 dimensions (length plus height and width) does not exceed 106 inches (270 cms). No single piece may exceed the 3-dimensional sum of 62 inches (158 cms). Carrier liability for members’ baggage is clearly stated on the passenger contract included on all tickets or can be found on file for inspection at the offices of the carrier. Please refer to your airline for restrictions.

DEPOSITS& PAYMENTS

Early reservations are essential due to our private group size and compliance with the conditions of our suppliers in our tour itineraries. Deposits and payments can be made by the following methods:

  • Wire transfer to our US Bank Account
  • Check deposit to our US Bank Account
  • Credit cards: There is a surcharge of 3.5% on the total amount for US-issued cards, excluding American Express. For American Express, US-credit cards have a 4.5% charge of the total purchase.

Additionally, to fully confirm each new booking, each passenger traveling must complete the following:

 

  • Complete contact information sheet
  • Payment/deposit of 50% of total trip cost
  • Any internal air within South America that LCCWE is booking (quoted separately)

The balance of the total trip is due 90 days before departure. If the balance is not paid when due, unless previously advised in writing or email, Liz Caskey Culinary & Wine Experiences (hereafter referred to as “LCCWE”), reserves the right to regard the reservation as cancelled.

CANCELLATION POLICY

Our cancellation policy is applicable to all portions of your trip you have contracted with us: land, air, single supplements, and tour arrangements. All cancellations must be formalized via written notice.

Cancellation Fees-Land, per person

Days before departure –

Cancellation Fee per person

Up to 90 days or more

US$1,000 (minimum amount)

89-61 days

30% of the total trip cost

60-45 days

50% of the total trip cost

44-31 days

75% of the total trip cost

30-0 days

100% of the total trip cost

 

 

 

IMPORTANT CANCELLATION NOTES:

(1): LCCWE Travel Consulting Fees paid are non-refundable and are in addition to the per person cancellation cost outlined above.

(2): Any and all credit card fees are non-refundable.

 

(3): LCCWE air segment booking fees are non-refundable for any internal air purchased within the itinerary. Furthermore, airfare is not refunded directly by LCCWE and subject to the conditions and cancellation policies of the airline, not LCCWE. We will do our best to get a refund on your behalf but cannot guarantee this.

(4):No refunds are given for changes made en route at the discretion of the traveller nor for any meals/activities/hotels/transfers not used.

(5): In some cases, certain suppliers have more stringent cancellation policies than those listed above. You will be notified of these at the time of booking and tailored for your individual trip contract.

(6):LCCWE is not responsible for additional expenses that may occur as a result of the cancellation such as no refunds for not purchasing travel insurance; airline cancellation fees; visa fees; vaccinations; purchases of clothing or equipment for the cancelled program or other expenses.

 

PRICING & CHANGES

Tour prices include planning, handling and operations charges and are based on current rates of exchange at the time of the itinerary quote and subsequent booking. LCCWE reserves the right to increase tour prices for unbooked/unpaid itineraries in the event of a currency change of more than 10%.

 

Any changes to a reserved and paid itinerary during travel requested by the clients will be accommodated as possible, but are subject to availability and clients are responsible to cover any additional costs. These surcharges are covered completely by the participants at their own cost and any unused services of the original itinerary cannot be refunded.

 

While LCCWE strives to execute the itinerary as presented and confirmed to the participants, unplanned changes due to unforeseen events beyond our control can result in alterations regarding accommodation, transportation, guide and other services. Since we are not responsible for such unanticipated and uncontrollable changes, any additional expenses are covered by the participants and may be recovered from their travel insurance. LCCWE reserves the right to modify the itinerary at their sole discretion in the best interest of the participants.

 

 

PASSPORTS, VISAS &RECIPROCITY FEES

You are responsible for obtaining any travel documents and/or verifying entry requirements necessary for each country of travel and/or transit on your selected itinerary. LCCWE cannot obtain personal travel documents for customers or assume responsibilities for notice of countries current requirements. You are responsible for any expenses incurred as a result of the delays or itinerary changes related to your lack of appropriate travel documents.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRIP PARTICIPANTS

All trip members are expected to be in good health. Moderate exertion including walks and climbing stairs is sometimes part of your itinerary. Cultural immersion is fundamental in the LIZ CASKEY experience. All members must be ready to enjoy travel and ready to experience cultural differences with grace and sensitivity.

Smoking and usage of cellular telephones is prohibited at meals, on vans or buses, and during visits and activities. There will be stops for smoking and phone breaks as needed. Participants who are disruptive or endanger the group or the travel experience, or break local laws may be removed from the itinerary with no refund due and at their own expense.

HEALTH

The pace of LCCWE tours varies, but in general, requires participants be in good physical and mental health. LCCWE will make reasonable efforts to accommodate the special needs of its travellers; however, such travellers should be aware that the Americans with Disabilities Act is inapplicable outside of the United States and facilities outside the United States for disabled individuals are sharply limited.

Accordingly, when you reserve your tour, please inform LCCWE of any physical disabilities or limitations so that we can help you determine the appropriateness of the itinerary you select. Notwithstanding the foregoing, LCCWE reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a passenger should such person’s health or mental condition or physical infirmity or general deportment impede the operation of the trip or the rights or welfare or enjoyment of the group. It is the guest’s responsibility to judge the appropriateness of these travel activities to their physical capabilities.

 

GUARANTEED DEPARTURES

Once LCCWE has accepted deposits for a LIZ CASKEY journey, the departure is guaranteed, except in case of force majeure, which includes any major events that adversely affect international travel patterns, events that endanger travellers or circumstance beyond LCCWE’s control among others. This includes any event that adversely affects international travel patterns such as epidemics and/or pandemics, acts of God or government, terrorism as well as any other circumstance beyond LCCWE’s control.

Please note: For our small group journeys, if the minimum number of travellers is not reached, LCCWE may provide local guides in each location in place of a LCCWE ambassador or direct representative.

UNFORESEEN CANCELLATIONS, POSTPONEMENTS & CHANGES

If unforeseen circumstances require us to change the trip itinerary, LCCWE will make every effort to select alternates (hotels, wineries, restaurants, activities) of the same quality.

If LCCWE cancels or postpones a trip, based upon acts of God or force majeure, acts or orders of government, epidemics or pandemics or threat thereof, terrorism or threat thereof, strikes or labor disturbances, demonstrations, riots or civil unrest, criminal activity, supplier default or insolvency, or other similar circumstances, its sole obligation is to issue credits for monies paid on travellers behalf by LCCWE, and to the extent the suppliers are crediting LCCWE with those monies paid by LCCWE to them. Under no circumstances is LCCWE obligated to refund the cost of purchased travel insurance. LCCWE is not required to cancel any program for any reason including without limitation, United States Department of State, Centers for Disease Control, World Health Organization, or other Warnings or Advisories of any kind. LCCWE is not responsible for fees assessed by air carriers resulting from operational and/or itinerary changes, even if LCCWE makes the flight arrangements or cancels the program.

LIMITS ON RESPONSABILITY

LCCWE does not own or operate any entity which is to or provides goods or services for your trip, including lodging facilities, transportation companies, ground transport, local and ground tour operators, including various entities that may use the LCCWE name, guides, entertainment, food and drink service providers, equipment suppliers, etc. Without limitation, LCCWE is not liable for any direct, indirect, inconsecuential, or incidental damage, injury, death, financial or other loss, accident, delay, inconvenience, irregularity of any kind which may be occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control including any willful or negligent act, failure to act, breach of contract or violation of local law or regulation of a third party such as an airline, hotel, train, bus, taxi, car, van, tour operator, local ground handler, guide, whether or not it uses LCCWE name, financial default or insolvency of any supplier, which is to, or does supply any good or services for your trip.

Similarly, LCCWE is not responsible for any loss, injury, death, or inconvenience due to delay or changes in schedule, transportation delays or cancellations or the failure of transportation mechanism to depart or arrive timely or safely, overbooking of accommodation, default of third party, attacks or bites by animals, pests or insects, injury or death while on activities sponsored by lodging facilities or by other third parties, sickness, the lack of appropriate medical care, evacuation to same, if necessary weather, strikes, acts of God or acts of or orders of Government, acts of terrorism, or threat thereof, force majeure, war, quarantine, epidemic and pandemics, or the threat thereof, criminal activity, or any other cause beyond our control. In addition, the traveller holds LCCWE harmless from its own negligence and assumes all risk thereof.

The right is reserved to alter, cancel, or postpone an itinerary or trip at LCCWE’s sole discretion, as it may deem necessary or advisable. LCCWE reserves the right to accept or retain any passenger on any of its trips, in its sole discretion, it deems accepting or retaining any such passenger as creating a health or safety risk to any person or being detrimental to the tour, or if that person’s continued presence is inconsistent with the best interests of the trip, other guests and staff. In the event, said person is removed from a trip, no refund is available.           

 

PHOTOGRAPHY

LCCWE reserves the right to take photographs and/or videos during the operation of any program, and to use the photography for promotional purposes. Participants who prefer that their image not be used are asked to make themselves known to LCCWE in writing during the booking process.

UNUSED SERVICES

There is no refund for any unused services.

 

DISPUTES & BINDING ARBITRATION

Any dispute or controversy or claim concerning, relating or referring and arising from/or relating to a LCCWE trip shall be resolved by binding arbitration in accordance with the Arbitration Rules of Chile, carried out in Santiago, where LCCWE is registered as a Chilean Limited Liability Company. Acceptance of the initial services to be provided on the trip shall constitute an acceptance by the trip member of these terms and conditions. By paying the deposit(s) to LCCWE, the depositor therefore agrees to be bound by the above-recited Terms & Conditions.

 

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