Frequently Asked Questions

What travel documents do I need to visit the UK?

A valid Canadian passport is required to visit the UK. An ETA is now required to visit.

If you are travelling on a passport issued by another country (although a resident in Canada), please check visa requirements with the embassy as it may be different.

We recommend that your passport be valid 6 months following your return to Canada. For further information on Canadian Passports, visit http://www.passport.gc.ca/info/.

British High Commission: 80 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON K1P 5K7 / Tel:  (613) 237-1530

What currency should I bring with me?

The Pound Sterling (£) is the currency throughout Scotland, England and Wales.

What are the Emergency Phone Numbers?

UK – Emergency Police, Fire, Ambulance: Tel 999

This number is free of charge but should only be used in cases of genuine emergency. On answer, state which service you require, wait to be connected to that service, and then clearly state the location of where the assistance is required.

What time zone is the UK?

The UK is on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Clocks are put forward 1 hour mid-March and back 1 hour at the end of October. During summer it stays light until as late as 23:00hrs but by mid-December it can be dark by 16:00hrs.

What is the weather like in the UK?

The UK’s climate is influenced most by the Atlantic Ocean. As a result, it doesn’t have the extreme temperatures that other countries at similar latitude would have. The average temperature is a mild 10°C. A major warm ocean current called the North Atlantic Drift keeps sea temperatures mild too. Hills and mountains, mainly around the coast, shelter the rest of the island from strong winds coming off the ocean. So while the weather can be changeable – it’s rarely extreme.

Average Monthly Temperatures

January 8°C       February 8°C       March 10°C       April 11°C           May 14°C               June 17°C
July 19°C           August 19°C           September 17°C       October 14°C    November 10°C     December 8°C

Wondering what to bring?

You’ll need to be adaptable. So go for layers that you can put on or take off as the temperature changes. Bring a sweater, even in summer; waterproofs to accompany all outdoor activities; sunglasses; comfortable walking shoes and an umbrella.

How can I book my RIT vacation?

You can only book by calling our reservations department directly at 1-866-907-8687 or by contacting your local travel agent. We accept Visa, Mastercard & American Express All prices are displayed and quoted in CAD unless stated otherwise.

Should I take out travel insurance?

We always advise you to take out travel insurance. Please speak with your travel agent, or call to speak to one of our representatives and we are more than happy to make the arrangements for you.

When will I get my documents?

We will send documents by email approximately three weeks prior to departure. If you require documents earlier, we need minimum 1 week notice. Please read through all your paperwork to ensure that everything is correct.

What happens if there are unforeseen events/ Acts of God that impact my trip?

In the event we cannot complete an activity due to unforeseen circumstances (Act of God), RIT will ensure a suitable alternative is added instead of equal or great monetary value.

Act of God’s that could occur include, cancellations of visits or re-routing of tours due to inclement weather such as flooding (road closures etc.), high winds (ferry crossings delayed/ postponed, bridges closed) or icy / snowy road conditions.

Other unforeseen circumstances that could occur that may affect aspects of the tour out of RIT’s control include strikes by workers, including public transport, visitor attraction and hotel employees. If RIT knows in advance of unforeseen circumstances, RIT will communicate this will guests and update them on any changes to the itinerary. RIT will not offer any refunds as a result of an Act of God / unforeseen event and if you choose to cancel your tour, the regular cancellation polices will apply.

How do you cater for people with accessibility needs?

Our buses are not wheelchair accessible, however we have large luggage compartments which will easily take a folding wheelchair or walking frame. Our staff are not able to offer physical assistance when boarding or disembarking from the buses at any point during the tour. Guests should be comfortable getting on and off the bus on their own or with the assistance of a travelling companion. If the person with accessibility needs does not have a travelling companion to assist them, we are unable to accommodate them on our tours.

Our tours often include short walks on uneven ground or cobblestones. Your trip may also visit historical
sites with access restrictions. Everything is optional, so you’re welcome to do as much or as little as you
please.

So, we can ensure you’re comfortable travelling with us, let us know about any special requirements or needs at the time of booking. It’s essential that you give us prior notice if you’re bringing a wheelchair (14kg/31lb max), a mobility aid, or need an accessible room.

What can I expect from a B&B or hotel?

Also known as a Guest House, a B&B is usually a traditional family home that has been converted. The most common types of rooms available in B&B’s are doubles or twins. Family rooms – one double bed and one single bed (suitable for 3 adults) are also available in many B&B’s and there are single rooms, however, single rooms often come at a supplement. You will find a hospitality tray with tea and coffee making facilities and a TV in the room. All bed linen and towels are provided. Breakfast is provided in the morning and is included in the price. Vegetarian options are available on request.

B&B En-suite (most common type of accommodation

The showering and toilet facilities are within the bedroom for your own private use.

A hotel is a larger property, offering the same room types as a B&B en-suite. Some hotels have a bar or restaurant for the use of their guests and normally provide evening meals. All bedding and linen are provided. Breakfast is provided in the morning and is included in the price.

Room types available in B&B’s or Hotels
Double room – 1 double bed = sleeps 2 people
Twin room – 2 single beds = sleeps 2 people
Single room – 1 single bed = sleeps 1 person
Family room/ Triple Room – 1 double bed and 1 single bed = sleeps 3 people

Can I combine a self-drive trip with a coach our sightseeing tour, or vice versa?

Absolutely! Call 1-866-907-8687 to speak to one of our representatives and we are more than happy to make the
arrangements for you.

FIRST-CLASS COACH TOURS

How many people are on an escorted coach tour?

Our Scottish Royal coach tour has a maximum of 38 guests. Our England & Wales Classic and our Devon & Cornwall tours have a max of 26 guests.

How much luggage can I take on an escorted coach tour?

Royal Irish Tours permits one large piece of luggage and a carry-on bag per person.

Is there a restroom on the bus?

Yes. Our tours also make frequent stop, so you are never longer than 1 or 2 hours without having a comfortable restroom break. Your driver/guide will inform you when the next stop will be.

Are transfers included on your escorted tours?

Our tours match up with Air Transat’s flight times on day 1 of the tour and the last day of the tour. If you are arriving/departing on an alternate airline, please contact Royal Irish Tours to verify if we can offer free transfers. Otherwise, you can purchase separate transfers through us or make alternate arrangements to meet the group at the hotel.

You may check into rooms between 1:00pm and 3:00pm, depending on the hotel policy. If your room is not ready, you can ask the concierge to hold on to your bags while you explore the nearest town or grab lunch.

What about travel times on a coach tour?

In Ireland the general rule of thumb is: Bags are outside your room at 7:00am, breakfast between 7:30 – 8:30am and leave the hotel by 9:00am. The tour will make plenty of stops during the day for visits, lunch, photo stops and comfort stops. Arrival at the next hotel is usually between 4:00 and 5:00 pm.

What is the pace of each tour?

All of our tours are leisurely-paced and provide plenty of stops so you are never on the coach for too long. For the most part, our tours will overnight at least 2 nights in each hotel.

How much walking is involved on each tour?

We do incorporate some walking tours. These are leisurely-paced guided walks. If you feel you are not able to participate, you do not have to.

What is a table d’hote dinner?

It’s a 3- or 4-course meal with a choice of appetizers, soups, entrees and desserts. If you have specific dietary restrictions please advise your waiter/waitress and they will be able to assist.

How much money do I need to carry?

You will need money for lunch each day and some dinners where specified on the tour itinerary.
Lunch cost an average of £ 15 per day and dinner from £ 25 and up.

For larger purchases, we suggest using your credit card (Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted) and/or using an ATM to avoid carrying a large amount of cash.

Tipping is at your discretion, as a recommendation, we suggest as follows:

Tour Guide: £ 5.00 per day

Driver: £ 3.00 per day

Local sightseeing guides: £ 1.00 per tour

What languages are your tours in?

All of our tours are conducted in English.

Do children travel on coach tours?

Minimum age to travel on our coach tours is 7 years of age.

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PREMIUM SIGHTSEEING TOURS (Operated by RIT Vacations)

How many people are on a sightseeing tour?

All premium sightseeing tours have a maximum of 20 passengers per departure, with the exception of Isle of Skye, Mull & Iona, which is max 16.

How much luggage can I take on a premium sightseeing tour?

Royal Irish Tours permits one piece of luggage and a carry-on bag per person.

Is there a restroom on the bus?

No, but the tour will make frequent stops every 1 to 2 hours at a time. Your driver or guide will inform
you when the next stop will be.

Are transfers included on your sightseeing tours?

No, they are not. We recommend that you book a pre-night and post-night in Dublin due to the early departure from Dublin on the first day and late arrival on the last day of the tour.

How much money do I need to carry?

You will need money for lunch each day and some dinners where specified on the tour itinerary.
Lunch cost an average of £ 15 per day and dinner from £ 25 and up.

For larger purchases, we suggest using your credit card (Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted) and/or using an ATM to avoid carrying a large amount of cash.

Tipping is at your discretion, as a recommendation, we suggest as follows:
Tour Guide: £ 5.00
Driver: £ 3.00 per day
Local sightseeing guides: £ 1.00 per tour

Do children travel on sightseeing tours?

Minimum age to travel on our coach tours is 7 years of age.

Can I take food or drinks onto the mini-coach?

Hot drinks can be taken onto the mini-coaches as long as they’re secured with a lid. Drink bottles are also allowed. Cold food can be taken onto the bus but always check the rules for eating on board with your driver.

Is there free WiFi on your mini-coaches?

We don’t provide WiFi on our mini-coaches. This is a chance for you to disconnect, unwind and take in the scenery. But don’t worry, there’ll be plenty of opportunities for you to get your updates when you get to your hotel.

RIT works closely with Rabbies, who operate many sightseeing tours in Ireland and the UK. The FAQ’s are very similar to our premium sightseeing tours above, with a few exceptions, listed below. Rabbies coaches are smaller and there are some restrictions related to luggage. Please read these FAQ’s carefully as there are some differences compared to our premium sightseeing tours.

How much luggage can I take on a sightseeing tour?

You’re restricted to 20kg (44lbs) of luggage per person on our sightseeing tours. This is Rabbies policy, but sometimes they can be even stricter so we recommend the smaller/ lighter the better.

We wish we could let you carry more, but this is a legal requirement in place for your safety. We can refuse to carry luggage over these limits, and there’s a possibility you may not be allowed onboard if you’ve not stored your excess baggage. There are, however, several safe and secure luggage holding facilities (for a fee) close to our departure points.

Do children travel on coach tours?

We don’t carry children under the age of 5. Children under 18 need to be accompanied by an adult. If your child is less than 1.35m tall, you should let us know in advance so we can provide them with a suitable booster seat.