Knowing what a typical day looks like on a Star Tours holiday helps you arrive prepared and make the most of every moment. Here is what you can expect once your tour begins.
Your Tour Manager
Your Tour Manager is the heart of the operation. Their responsibilities include:
- Coordinating the daily itinerary and timings
- Managing hotel arrivals and departures
- Overseeing meals and excursion arrangements
- Providing clear instructions at each stop
- Assisting in case of unexpected delays or emergencies
On some departures the Tour Manager may join the group after the initial UK pick-up. For certain flight or rail segments, passengers travel independently and meet the Tour Manager on arrival. Full joining instructions are always provided. A confirmation message is sent one day before departure - at least one person per booking should have a reachable mobile number.
Language: All tours are conducted in English. Many Tour Managers also communicate in Hindi.
Itinerary changes: The Tour Manager reserves the right to modify the itinerary where necessary due to traffic, border delays, weather conditions, local events or closures, and DVSA driving hour regulations.
Timekeeping: Be at the coach at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time. Star Tours cannot accept responsibility for passengers who miss the coach due to late arrival. No sightseeing mentioned in the itinerary will be missed unless closed due to circumstances beyond our control.
End of tour: After the final sightseeing activity, the Tour Manager may hand over to experienced drivers for the return journey to England. This is standard practice.
Meals and Dietary Requests
What is Included
- Continental breakfast: bread, croissants, cereal, fruit, juice, tea and coffee
- Vegetarian lunches on most European tours
- Dinner with at least one non-vegetarian option
Meals are generally buffet style. Individual menu selections are not available. Tap water is the only included beverage. On certain days packed lunches or dinners may be provided.
Dietary Requests
- Vegetarian and non-vegetarian dinners are available on all tours
- Jain and Halal meals may be arranged on request where feasible - advise at time of booking
Star Tours cannot guarantee allergy-free environments. Passengers with severe allergies are advised to make independent arrangements where necessary. Where a meal cannot be provided, a reimbursement of EUR 10 for lunch or EUR 15 for dinner may apply.
Free Time and Shopping
Most departures include designated free time in selected cities. This is your opportunity to explore independently, visit optional attractions, relax at cafes or local markets, or shop at your own pace.
Your Tour Manager will communicate meeting times and locations before any free time begins. The Tour Manager cannot delay departures for late arrivals. Allow extra time when exploring independently, particularly in busy city centres.
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions may be offered during your tour to enhance your experience. These are not included in the main tour price and are entirely voluntary.
- Organised by the Tour Manager where feasible
- Subject to availability, local regulations and logistical practicality
- May not operate on every departure
- Payment is usually required in cash to the Tour Manager before departure
Access to certain attractions may be limited due to high visitor numbers, weather, local authority restrictions or capacity limits. Entry to specific areas may be restricted without notice. Once tickets are issued they cannot be refunded for loss or theft.
Walking Levels and Physical Demand
A moderate level of mobility is required on most tours. Tours involve walking, steps and queuing at popular attractions. Passengers should be prepared for outdoor walking in different weather conditions and must be able to independently board and disembark the coach.
- Manual collapsible wheelchairs and walking aids can be stored in coach luggage compartments
- Electric wheelchairs cannot be accommodated
- Star Tours does not operate specialist mobility tours
- Drivers are not authorised to provide lifting assistance
If unsure whether a tour is suitable for your requirements, discuss this with our team before booking.
Health, Safety and Coach Conduct
Looking After Your Belongings
- Keep personal belongings and valuables secure at all times
- Do not leave valuables unattended on the coach
- Remain vigilant during loading and unloading stops
- Take extra care in busy tourist areas where pickpocketing may occur
Star Tours cannot retrieve lost items or transport property across international borders.
Coach Conduct Guidelines
- Smoking (including e-cigarettes and vaporisers) is strictly prohibited on all coaches
- Alcohol consumption is not permitted on the coach
- Only water and dry snacks onboard - no hot food, ice creams or greasy foods
- Keep your seating area tidy throughout the journey
Some coaches have emergency-use toilet facilities for liquid waste only. Regular comfort stops are scheduled approximately every three hours.
Travel Documents - Always Carry
- Valid passport
- Any required visas
- Residency permits (BRP) where applicable
- Relevant travel authorisations such as ETIAS where required
For urgent matters, your Tour Manager is your first point of contact. Star Tours 24-hour support: +44 208 900 2323.
Are Tours Suitable for Seniors and Children?
Senior Travellers
Many of our guests are senior travellers who enjoy tours comfortably. A reasonable level of mobility is required due to walking, steps, sightseeing schedules and coach travel. Passengers must be able to board and disembark the coach independently. If you have concerns about stamina or mobility, discuss your requirements with our team before booking.
Travelling with Children
- Children are not permitted to sit in the front seats of the coach
- Child and infant booster seats are not provided - parents must bring their own coach-compatible seats
- Pushchairs and strollers must be foldable to fit into coach luggage compartments
- Infant fares apply for children under two years old
Touring holidays involve early departures, travel days and structured itineraries which may not suit very young children who require flexible routines.
For further assistance contact Star Tours on 020 8900 2323 or visit startours.co.uk.