Our FAQ
How do I know what to take with me on a trip?
Each trip has a pre-trip reception where this and other topics are covered.
What happens if a trip is cancelled?
If we have to cancel a tour, regardless of the circumstances, you may choose a full refund or book another tour.
What if I live out-of-state or outside of the Buffalo area?
All are welcome to travel with us! We’ve had many out-of-state travelers fly in to join us. On tours heading east from Buffalo, we are able to pick up travelers in Rochester and Syracuse. On tours heading west from Buffalo, we are able to pick up travelers from Fredonia and Dunkirk.
As a single, will I be paired up with someone?
Maestro Tours can recommend other single travelers you can pair up with, but the decision is entirely up to you.
Do you offer trip issurance?
We do not sell travel insurance, but you’re welcome to buy it through some other source. We recommend Allianz Travel, Travel Insurance.com, and Travel Guard. Rest assured, if we cancel a trip, your money will be refunded.
What if I have to cancel?
Full refunds are granted up to 60 days prior to Departure. Cancellations under 60 days of departure will be refunded less the $100 deposit and any “non-recoverable” items (i.e., accommodations, theater tickets, etc.). If passengers miss the departure at an origin, no refunds will be granted.
How often do we stop? Is there a restroom on the motor coach?
Stops are planned every 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours. Passengers are informed of the next rest stop. The on-board restroom is available as needed.
Are special dietary restrictions a problem?
At the time of registration it is important to notify the office if you have mild dietary restrictions or are a vegetarian. It’s your responsibility to make certain your restrictions have been noted. It is usually not possible to accommodate those who wait until they are actually traveling to inform us of their special needs. If you have severe dietary restrictions, you may find this type of travel is not for you.
How much baggage can I bring?
Maestro Tours allows you one medium to large piece of checked luggage and one carry-on. A carry-on bag is the responsibility of the traveler at all times. Overhead bins on the motor coach are generally smaller than airline overhead bins.Can a friend from another city join me on the tour, for a dinner, or visit at one of our destinations?
Yes! We would be happy to pick them up en route to our destination as long as they make arrangements at the time of registration. Otherwise, they can leave with us from Buffalo. With advance notice, we are also happy to welcome your friends or relatives who may live along the tour route and may wish to join us for a meal or an attraction.
Can I extend my vacation to visit friends or relatives?
The answer is almost always yes, particularly if you register and make your request at least 45 days prior to departure. Many travelers take advantage of this service to visit friends or relatives, or explore a destination in greater detail on their own and at their own expense.
I have some trouble walking long distances. Will I be able to participate and enjoy the trip?
In order to get full value from a travel experience, it is important to be in good mental and physical health. Walking and some step climbing is necessary to participate in the normal activities of our tours. While we do almost everything for you on a Maestro Tours trip, the Tour Director cannot provide sustained attention to individual clients. Please be advised that we visit many cultural sites on tour, and not all of them may meet A.D.A. requirements due to their historic status.
Having said that, let us assure you that people with mobility restrictions are welcome on our tours. Many of our travelers are over 70 (or even 80 or 90), this is something we keep in mind when planning our itineraries. We would be happy to consult with you personally should you have questions regarding the amount of walking, elevations, etc., on a particular tour.
What does Wait List mean?
When a tour has deposits for all 52 seats, the tour is Wait Listed. We continue to take names (no deposit) and notify people when space is available. There is no obligation to travel just because your name is on the Wait List. Many wait-listed tours eventually depart with space available!
How does your company deal with Chronic Complainers?
One or two can ruin a trip for all. Maestro Tours reserves the right not to accept or retain in a group anyone whose lack of personal hygiene or poor general behavior, in the opinion of the Tour Director, impedes the operation of the tour and/or affects the rights of other travelers. A refund of unused tour services is the limit of our liability if a person is required to leave the tour for the reasons stated above. Said passenger(s) will be responsible for any additional costs to return to the city of origin.
We are looking to learn, discover, and have fun together. Our groups are often complimented on their positive attitude by tourism professionals and other travelers while on the road. Life is too short for making yourself and others around you miserable due to little things that are bound to occur. Travel is by nature an inexact science. Problem travelers will kindly be asked to apply elsewhere.
How do I know what to take with me on a trip?
Each trip has a pre-trip reception where this and other topics are covered.
What happens if a trip is cancelled due to Covid?
If we have to cancel a tour, regardless of the circumstances, you may choose a full refund or book another tour.
As a single, will I be paired up with someone?
Maestro Tours can recommend other single travelers you can pair up with, but the decision is entirely up to you.
Do you offer trip issurance?
We do not sell travel insurance, but you’re welcome to buy it through some other source. We recommend Allianz Travel, Travel Insurance.com, and Travel Guard. Rest assured, if we cancel a trip, your money will be refunded.
What if I have to cancel?
Full refunds are granted up to 60 days prior to Departure. Cancellations under 60 days of departure will be refunded less the $100 deposit and any “non-recoverable” items (i.e., accommodations, theater tickets, etc.). If passengers miss the departure at an origin, no refunds will be granted.
How often do we stop? Is there a restroom on the motor coach?
Stops are planned every 1-1/2 to 2-1/2 hours. Passengers are informed of the next rest stop. The on-board restroom is available as needed.
Are special dietary restrictions a problem?
At the time of registration it is important to notify the office if you have mild dietary restrictions or are a vegetarian. It’s your responsibility to make certain your restrictions have been noted. It is usually not possible to accommodate those who wait until they are actually traveling to inform us of their special needs. If you have severe dietary restrictions, you may find this type of travel is not for you.
How much baggage can I bring?
Maestro Tours allows you one medium to large piece of checked luggage and one carry-on. A carry-on bag is the responsibility of the traveler at all times. Overhead bins on the motor coach are generally smaller than airline overhead bins.Can a friend from another city join me on the tour, for a dinner, or visit at one of our destinations?
Yes! We would be happy to pick them up en route to our destination as long as they make arrangements at the time of registration. Otherwise, they can leave with us from Buffalo. With advance notice, we are also happy to welcome your friends or relatives who may live along the tour route and may wish to join us for a meal or an attraction.
Can I extend my vacation to visit friends or relatives?
The answer is almost always yes, particularly if you register and make your request at least 45 days prior to departure. Many travelers take advantage of this service to visit friends or relatives, or explore a destination in greater detail on their own and at their own expense.
I have some trouble walking long distances. Will I be able to participate and enjoy the trip?
In order to get full value from a travel experience, it is important to be in good mental and physical health. Walking and some step climbing is necessary to participate in the normal activities of our tours. While we do almost everything for you on a Maestro Tours trip, the Tour Director cannot provide sustained attention to individual clients. Please be advised that we visit many cultural sites on tour, and not all of them may meet A.D.A. requirements due to their historic status.
Having said that, let us assure you that people with mobility restrictions are welcome on our tours. Many of our travelers are over 70 (or even 80 or 90), this is something we keep in mind when planning our itineraries. We would be happy to consult with you personally should you have questions regarding the amount of walking, elevations, etc., on a particular tour.
What does Wait List mean?
When a tour has deposits for all 52 seats, the tour is Wait Listed. We continue to take names (no deposit) and notify people when space is available. There is no obligation to travel just because your name is on the Wait List. Many wait-listed tours eventually depart with space available!
How does your company deal with Chronic Complainers?
One or two can ruin a trip for all. Maestro Tours reserves the right not to accept or retain in a group anyone whose lack of personal hygiene or poor general behavior, in the opinion of the Tour Director, impedes the operation of the tour and/or affects the rights of other travelers. A refund of unused tour services is the limit of our liability if a person is required to leave the tour for the reasons stated above. Said passenger(s) will be responsible for any additional costs to return to the city of origin.
We are looking to learn, discover, and have fun together. Our groups are often complimented on their positive attitude by tourism professionals and other travelers while on the road. Life is too short for making yourself and others around you miserable due to little things that are bound to occur. Travel is by nature an inexact science. Problem travelers will kindly be asked to apply elsewhere.
