FAQs
Why should I book a coach holiday?
Coach holidays are a great way to travel if you want a full itinerary of visits and tours. You can cover a lot more than on your own. Plus, they are very cost effective. Coach holidays generally include transport, accommodation, Breakfast & Evening meals, day excursions (with entry fees for sights and attractions included) and on the vast majority of holidays, some after-dinner entertainment too. As a coach holiday operator, we negotiate special rates for these, meaning coach holidays are usually cheaper than booking independently. The prices are fixed too, so you’re not at the mercy of dramatically surging prices!
How do I make a booking?
You can book online using our search function on our homepage to find your ideal holiday. Setting your postcode will mean we only show you the holidays that depart from the closest pickup points to you. Alternatively, you can call our Reservations Team on 0151 652 2222. Our phone lines are open from 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday and 9am to 1pm Saturday.
Can I book with a Travel Agent?
No. we only sell holidays directly, so they can only be booked by speaking to our Reservations team or by booking online on our website.
What is the deposit?
Deposits vary depending on the holiday; either ask our Reservations team over the phone or check the deposit amount in our Booking Conditions at
https://www.gbtours.com/terms-and-conditions. All deposits are non-refundable.
Will you automatically take the balance payment from the card I used for my deposit?
No. We will need you to pay your balance by card or cheque by the balance due date.
Will I get a reminder for my balance payment?
No, reminders are not sent out, but the date that your balance is payable is shown on your confirmation notice, so please make a note of this.
Can I pay my balance on-line?
When will I receive my booking Confirmation?
You will receive a booking Confirmation immediately after you make your booking and pay your deposit, by email or within 2-4 days by post (subject to delivery times). Please check your email junk or spam folders if your email is not in your inbox before you contact us. You will receive your final booking Confirmation within 2-4 days by post after making your balance payment and this will include your luggage labels.
When will I receive my show or event tickets?
We do not send out show or event tickets in advance. Your driver will have your tickets and will hand them out when you are on the coach.
Why do I have to pay a single supplement?
We understand the frustration single supplements can cause and that it's a barrier to booking for many. Unfortunately, many of the hotels we use charge by room, not by occupancy. However, we do our utmost to keep our single supplements as low as possible.
Where are your pick-up points?
Do I need travel insurance?
It is not compulsory on standard UK coach breaks and day trips, although we do strongly recommend that our holidaymakers hold some form of travel insurance when they join one of our tours. Now more than ever travel insurance is a vital part of booking a holiday, giving you protection against a range of unforeseen circumstances that could otherwise spoil your holiday.
On European coach tours and River Cruises, it is a condition of booking those holidays with us that you take out a comprehensive travel insurance policy either through us or purchase an alternative policy that provides at least the same level of cover as provided by the policy that is available through us.
Do you charge for coach seats?
Every passenger is allocated a reserved seat and the seat number will be shown on your Confirmation. The first two rows of seats on the coach incur a supplement charge to reserve them. Beyond that we cannot guarantee requests for particular seats and bookings cannot be conditional of such requests.
Will I have to change coaches?
No. You’ll get on one coach at your pick-up point and stay on it until you reach your resort. That means you experience a smoother, quicker, more enjoyable journey – and, we believe, an all-round better holiday.
Will my coach be painted in GB Tours colours?
Many of the coaches we use are NOT painted in GB TOURS livery. They are on contract hire and may have another company name on the side. Do not assume this is not your coach. All coaches will have a GB TOURS sign in the window, if in doubt, check with the driver.
How many steps are there to get on and off the coach?
The number of steps will vary depending on the make and model of the coach. Some coaches have 3 steps to the driver and then 2 to the seating area and others have four steps and then only one to the seats. The centre exit stairs are often rather steep and are 5 or 6 steps.
Do coaches have toilets?
Yes, all of our coaches have a toilet on board.
Do your coaches have wi-fi?
Wi-fi is not guaranteed on all coaches.
Are coaches non-smoking?
Yes, smoking including the use of e-cigarettes is not allowed on any coaches operating GB Tours holidays and day trips.
Is alcohol allowed on coaches?
The consumption of alcohol is not allowed on any coaches operating GB Tours holidays and day trips.
Can I take a wheelchair?
Our coaches are not suitable for someone who is wheelchair reliant as we can only take folding wheelchairs that are stored in the luggage compartment. The person using the wheelchair will need to be able to get on and off the coach. We cannot guarantee that assistance will be available for the disabled person/wheelchair user. Space for wheelchairs is limited so they must be pre-booked. We reserve the right to not carry wheelchairs that have not been pre-booked.
Can I take a mobility scooter?
Mobility Scooters are limited to one per coach on a first come first served basis due to the weight involved and space required in the luggage hold to carry them. They must be pre-booked and we reserve the right not to carry scooters that have not been pre-booked. The scooter must not weigh more than 23kgs if one complete unit – if it breaks down into individual parts, it is your responsibility to dismantle and reassemble the scooter and no one part can weight more than 23kgs.
Do you cater for disabled passengers on your tours?
We are not a specialist disabled holiday company, but we will do our utmost to cater for any special requirements you may have. Please tell us before you book if you have limited mobility or any other medical problems which may affect your stay or indeed your enjoyment of the holiday. We will provide you with as much information as possible regarding the suitability of accommodation and itinerary, so you can make a more informed judgement before you book.
Do you provide luggage labels?
Yes. These will be sent out with your final booking Confirmation after your balance has been paid.
Who is responsible for my luggage on a coach holiday?
As with all personal items, it is your responsibility to ensure your suitcase is on board the coach. Please make sure you see the driver place your luggage into the coach and on the way home carefully check you collect the correct luggage from the driver at your drop off point. We cannot accept responsibility for misplaced or damaged luggage.
How much luggage can I take on a coach holiday?
For holidays by coach, your luggage must be restricted to one medium-sized suitcase weighing no more than 18 kilograms (40 pounds); we cannot carry any additional luggage items. Also, we cannot accept responsibility at any time for your own personal hand luggage. For any holidays by air, the luggage allowance will vary between airlines and will be advised at the time of booking.
Will my hotel room have private facilities?
Yes, all rooms that we book for our passengers have their own ensuite bathroom facilities.
Do the hotels have lifts?
Most hotels we use do have a lift. Our Reservations team will be able to advise specifically on whether the hotel you are interested in has a lift – 0151 652 2222.
Do the hotels have Ground Floor Rooms?
Some hotels have Ground Floor Rooms, some don’t. If that is important to you, you must mention it to our Reservations team and they can clarify prior to confirming your booking.
Should I take my own towels?
The hotel will provide towels in your room.
Will the hotel be able to cater for vegetarians and other dietary requirements?
We are unable to 100% guarantee that the hotel will be able to meet your dietary requirements. We promise to forward a customer’s requests to the relevant hotel to ensure they are fully aware of your requirements in advance of your arrival, so you must advise us of your dietary requests at the time of booking. We would also recommend that you speak to hotel Reception at check-in with regard to your requirements.
Will there be entertainment at the hotel?
Some hotels will provide entertainment on set nights during your stay. Our Reservations team will be able to advise specifically if the hotel you are interested in has entertainment – 0151 652 2222.
Do I have to go on the excursions?
Any attractions or visits that are described in our itinerary are included within the price you pay for the holiday. If you prefer to do your own thing rather than follow the advertised itinerary, that’s fine, but no refunds will be given.
Can I join at the hotel?
Yes, driving yourself to the hotel may fit more easily into your plans, if so, we’ll save you a seat on the coach so you can still join up with the other passengers for the daily excursions if you want to and we may also offer a discount off the cost of your holiday – ask our Reservations Team when you make your booking.
One point to note, some hotels may charge for car parking, in that instance parking charges would be payable direct to the hotel.