Question 1

What types of tours does Star Tours offer?

Accepted Answer

Star Tours offers UK Coach Tours (3-6 day short breaks), European Multi-Country Coach Tours (5-14+ day itineraries with Indian meals and a Tour Manager), Eurostar Tours (direct rail from London St Pancras), Flight-Based European Tours, Long-Haul Group Tours to destinations including Japan, USA, Australia and Egypt, FIT (Fully Independent Travel) Tours, and Private Group Tours for community groups or corporate travel.

Question 2

What is included in the Star Tours holiday price?

Accepted Answer

Usually included: 3-4 star hotel accommodation with daily continental breakfast, Indian dinners (Veg, Jain, Non-Veg and Halal on request), Indian lunches on most European coach tours, luxury coach or flights/Eurostar where specified, sightseeing and entrance tickets as listed, a Star Tours Tour Manager, and tips and service charges on European coach tours. Not included: visa fees, travel insurance, optional excursions and personal expenses.

Question 3

How do I book a Star Tours holiday?

Accepted Answer

You can book online at any time via our website, submit a booking form by email or post, or visit any of our branches including London, Atlanta, California, Ahmedabad, Mumbai and Chennai.

Question 4

Do Star Tours holidays sell out?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Popular departures sell out in advance, particularly during school holidays, the summer season and festive periods. Once a tour reaches full capacity, further bookings cannot be accepted. Book as soon as you have finalised your travel plans.

Question 5

Is Star Tours suitable for first-time international travellers?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Group departures are carefully organised with pre-planned itineraries, coordinated hotels, arranged sightseeing, Indian meals on most European tours and full Tour Manager support throughout. For first-time travellers we suggest shorter duration tours or Eurostar/flight-based tours for reduced road travel.

Question 6

How far in advance should I book a Star Tours holiday?

Accepted Answer

As soon as you have chosen your tour. Booking early gives you the best chance of securing your preferred dates and any early booking discounts. Availability and prices can change closer to departure.

Question 7

Can I make changes to my Star Tours booking?

Accepted Answer

For flight tours, changes are not possible once confirmed. For coach tours, up to two changes are permitted. See our Terms and Conditions for full details.

Question 8

Can Star Tours arrange a private or customised group tour?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Star Tours can arrange customised private departures for groups of 20-25 or more passengers depending on the destination. What can be customised: travel dates, destination combinations, hotel category, pace of travel, meal requirements and special sightseeing requests.

Question 9

What payment methods does Star Tours accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept personal credit/debit cards (no surcharge for UK-issued cards), cheques, cash at branches, bank transfers, and business/corporate cards (4% surcharge). Online payments are in GBP only.

Question 10

What deposit is required to book a Star Tours holiday?

Accepted Answer

Coach Tours: deposit of 25% of the total tour cost at time of booking; balance due at least 4 weeks before departure. Flight Tours: deposit of 40% of the total tour cost; balance due at least 6 weeks before departure.

Question 11

Is my money safe when booking with Star Tours?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Star Tours is fully protected through ABTA (membership W8770) and ATOL (licence 5639). Your holiday and all funds paid are financially secure.

Question 12

Does Star Tours use dynamic pricing?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Tour prices may change depending on demand and availability. Once your booking is confirmed and payment received, your price is locked and will not change.

Question 13

What food is provided on Star Tours holidays?

Accepted Answer

Indian meals are included on most European coach tours - vegetarian, Jain, non-vegetarian and Halal options are available on request. Continental breakfast is included daily. Lunch is included on most European coach tours.

Question 14

What is the baggage allowance on a Star Tours coach holiday?

Accepted Answer

Star Tours operates a luggage handling service where the driver loads and unloads one piece of luggage per person (max 23KG, dimensions up to 90x75x43cm). You are also entitled to one backpack (max 5KG) for under-seat or overhead storage. Extra bags incur a £10 per bag per day charge.

Question 15

Will I need travel insurance for a Star Tours holiday?

Accepted Answer

Travel insurance is not a requirement to book, but Star Tours strongly recommends it - especially for travel outside your home country. It protects against unexpected costs such as medical emergencies, cancellations or lost luggage.

Question 16

What currency do I need for a European tour?

Accepted Answer

You'll need Euros for most European destinations. Switzerland requires Swiss Francs (CHF), however Euros are also accepted. Star Tours advises passengers to exchange spending money before they travel. We recommend at least the equivalent of £20 per person per day for personal expenses.

Question 17

What star rating are the hotels used by Star Tours?

Accepted Answer

Star Tours selects hotels meeting a minimum 3-star category based on national standards, unless otherwise specified in the itinerary.

Question 18

What is a single supplement on a Star Tours holiday?

Accepted Answer

Tour prices are based on two adults sharing a room. When one person occupies a room alone, the hotel charges the full room cost - this difference is the single supplement. Star Tours does not arrange room sharing between unrelated passengers.

Question 19

Can Star Tours arrange pre and post-tour accommodation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Costs are listed under prices and departures. Please note that airport transfers are not included for accommodation-only nights. If travelling solo, a single supplement applies.

Question 20

Does Star Tours help with visa applications?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Star Tours has an expert in-house visa team that processes over 4,500 Schengen visa applications per year. We handle appointment booking, document checking and submission on your behalf for European tours requiring a visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Preparing for your Tour

Hotels

Making a Booking

Payments

Cancellation

Loyalty Stars

Travelling with a Child

Tour Managers

Food

Transportation

On Tour

Reductions & Discounts

Schengen Visas

Bonding

General Information