Q. Do I require travel insurance before traveling with Jackdaw Journeys?

• Yes, travel insurance is required. Verification of your travel insurance will need to be provided to Jackdaw Journeys before embarking on your tour. We recommend checking with your airline for suggestions or investigating agencies online such as, SquareMouth, AARP or AAA or, inquire with your credit card company. 

• When you purchase trip cancellation insurance, obtain sufficient insurance to cover the total trip cost plus, your airfare and any other expenses. We highly recommend a policy that states “cancel for any reason”, as this is your only means of a refund, excluding cancellation due to government imposed health and safety travel restrictions. 

• **Travel insurance purchase is time sensitive. We recommend purchasing at the time of booking or within 7 days of booking. Please note that different insurance companies have different guidelines and this could impact your coverage. Check with your provider for details. 
  

Q. What is your cancellation policy?

1. Cancellation due to government imposed Health & Safety Travel restrictions: Customers who register and reserve a trip with a deposit are entitled to a full refund if, due to government imposed Health & Safety Travel restrictions imposed by the relevant government authorities in your home country or in the trip destination country, the trip is cancelled.

2. Cancellation by you for all other situations: Because of our up-front costs of organizing the trip and pre-paying hotels, transportation cost and other vendors, we can not give you a refund if your plans change or you are unable to travel because of  health issues, work, financial hardship or family commitments. Travel insurance is the only mechanism that can reimburse you if you are unable to join the trip, excluding cancellation due to government imposed health and safety travel restrictions. As stated above, We highly recommend a policy that states “cancel for any reason”.  

3. Cancellation by us: If we have to cancel a trip for a reason unrelated to a government imposed Health & Safety Travel restriction we will offer you the option of joining us on a rescheduled tour at a later time or you will receive a full refund of the monies paid. 

Q. Do you cover loss or damage to baggage or personal items?

• No. Jackdaw Journeys does not accept responsibility for loss of or damage to baggage or loss of any of the guest belongings. 

Q. Is the cost of transportation to/from the airport to the starting hotel of the tour included? 

• No, the cost of transportation to/from the airport to the starting hotel of the tour is the responsibility of the traveller. 

Q. What distinguishes a Jackdaw Journeys Tour apart from other tours of Provence, France?

• Small Groups of 10 Guests—this ensures an intimate experience—and that you’ll never feel like you’re on a typical package tour, being herded on and off large coach buses.

• And that’s the second thing—there aren’t any coach buses. We travel in smaller, comfortable vehicles, allowing us to go far off the beaten path to places those large coach buses never could. Most notably, our tours are walking-intensive… exploring the magical charm of rarely seen villages and vistas—the heart and soul of Provence.

• Our third distinguishing feature is that our tours aren’t structured rigidly, allowing ample options for spending time as you wish.

• Jackdaw Journeys is not your typical tour company. We take you beyond the well-worn tourist trails, navigating scenic backroads, ancient paths, and charming cobblestone streets that large buses simply can’t access. You’ll explore quaint villages, breathtaking vistas, and local markets, discovering the heart and soul of Provence at every turn.

• Our expert local guides and drivers bring Provence to life with their deep knowledge, insider access, and passion for the region. With years of experience and a true love for its culture, history, and hidden gems, they’ll take you beyond the typical tourist paths to experience Provence as only a local can.

• And because we believe in immersive travel, our tours include exclusive experiences like French cooking classes, walking in the footsteps of Provence’s legendary artists—Cézanne, Van Gogh, Chagall, boating on the Mediterranean, and time to explore the incredible treasures at the local markets. It’s a journey that blends adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery.

Q. What ʼs included in a Jackdaw Journeys Tour?

Your Jackdaw Journeys Tour includes:

• Transportation is provided by a licensed English speaking driver, in a comfortable Mercedes SUV or Mini-van throughout the tour. 

• Accommodations (room + tax) for designated nights throughout the duration of your tour. Meals—Breakfast each morning for the designated dates of your tour, lunch during your French cooking class, and a Welcome Dinner. 

• All designated activities per your tour itinerary.

Q. What ’s NOT included in a Jackdaw Journeys Tour?

• Your Jackdaw Journeys Tour does NOT include:

• Flights & Transfers – Your flights and transfers to/from your home are not included in your tour package. 

• Travel Insurance – The cost of travel insurance is not included in your tour package. Please note that travel insurance is required for all our Guests (see Insurance FAQ above).

• Accommodations - any accommodation not included in the itinerary, and before and after your tour. 

• Any meals not specified in the “what’s included” section

• Tips/Gratuity - all tips/gratuity are the responsibility of the guest. This includes drivers, tour guides, hotels and restaurants. While tipping used to be less common in France, it has become increasingly appreciated, especially for exceptional service. A tip of around 5-10% is now standard. 

• Travel Visa(s) – As new requirements are put in place a visa may be necessary. This is not included in the tour price. 

• Personal Items – Any items of a personal nature are not included. 

Q. Is a Visa Required to travel to France.

• The implementation of the ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) has been planned for mid-2025. Please check this requirement at least 90 days prior to your departure date. https://etias.com/ 

Q. What size of luggage can I bring? 

• Luggage size is limited to 21x22 inches.