You need to enable JavaScript to run this app.
Home
Create Your TripMy Trips

Prepare For Your Trip

Everything You Need to Know in One Place

Your Complete Travel Guide

We know that planning a trip involves many moving parts, and being prepared makes all the difference. At Firebird Tours, our goal is to ensure you have all the essential information you need before embarking on your journey. From understanding your itinerary to knowing what documents to bring, this page answers the most common questions travelers have before they travel.

Whether it’s about finalizing your bookings, adding special experiences, or understanding your travel insurance, we’ve compiled everything in one place for your convenience. We also cover important details such as hotel check-in policies, tips for packing, and how to reach out to our support team for any last-minute adjustments or inquiries.

Browse through the sections to find specific answers, or contact our dedicated support team if you need further assistance. Our mission is to help you prepare with confidence, so you can focus on the excitement of your upcoming adventure with peace of mind. Whether it’s understanding what to expect at each stage of your journey or how to customize your experience, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Tour Services & Itinerary

Need More Information?Our team is here to assist with your questions or adjustments to your itinerary.

When will I receive the finalized itinerary?

For private tours, the itinerary is updated gradually, and finalized timings will be confirmed 14 days prior to your start date. You can view the changes as they are being made in our Firebird App.

For small group tours, the full itinerary with timings will be sent 30 days before departure and remains unchanged after confirmation.

I’ve paid the deposit, what are the next steps?

Once the deposit is paid, we will send you an update for preparations for your trip and notification of the final balance when its due. You can also select different upgrades and add ons for your trip right from your itinerary.

Who do I contact after booking?

Once your journey is booked, your Destination Specialist will remain your primary point of contact. Additionally, other team members may reach out for any necessary clarifications. Our Support Team will be available to assist with any questions you may have, both before and during your trip. Meanwhile, our Finance Team will ensure you're kept informed about any outstanding payments, sending reminders as needed.

Will I get vouchers for each service?

All tickets and vouchers related to your trip will be available on the Firebird App and in the "Docs" section of your web itinerary. Other bookings will be made under your name and can be referenced on your itinerary. Hotels confirmation numbers listed under hotel in your itinerary, along with details of the booking and location of hotel.

What should I know about the hotels I will stay at?

  1. Check-in / Check-out

Hotel reservations are under your last name, and the confirmation numbers for each hotel are listed in your itinerary. Standard check-in time is 3 p.m., and early check-in isn’t included. If you arrive earlier, you may leave your luggage in the hotel’s storage until your room is ready. Standard check-out time is 12 p.m., and late check-out is also not included. If you depart later, you may store your luggage until your departure. For departures before 7 a.m., remember to request a breakfast box from the reception.

  1. Bed Sizes (Europe vs. U.S.)

European hotel beds tend to be smaller than American standards. For example, a "queen" bed in Europe might be closer to a "full" size in the U.S. Twin and double beds are common in Europe, while king-size beds are standard in many U.S. hotels. Some European hotels may push two twin beds together to form a larger bed instead of providing a single mattress.

  1. Air Conditioning (AC)

The level of air conditioning in European hotels is often milder than in the U.S., as Europeans generally prefer a lighter cooling. Historic buildings may have ventilation systems only, as architectural restrictions prevent full AC installations. In certain regions, especially Northern Europe, AC may be rare due to the cooler climate.

Can I request early check-in?

To guarantee early check-in, you will need to book an additional night before your arrival, as the standard check-in time is 3 pm. Alternatively, you can inquire with the hotel receptionist about early check-in on arrival. If it's not available, you can leave your luggage in the hotel's storage and explore the area at your own pace.

Can I request modifications after payment?

Yes, you can request add-ons or changes up until 30 days prior to your trip for private tours. However, please note that the timings for private tours may still be adjusted up to 14 days before departure, depending on the specific sights entrance slots.

How much is the modification fee, and why is it required?

The modification fee is $150 USD for changes made within 30 days before your trip. This fee covers the additional administrative work and coordination with our partners to adjust your itinerary on short notice. Last-minute changes often require significant effort to secure updated bookings, which is why this fee is necessary.

If I cancel an activity close to the start date will I get a refund?

Please note that any optional experiences or activities booked as part of your itinerary become non-refundable 30 days before the trip start date. Any modifications or cancellations within this period will not be eligible for a refund.

Customer Support & Assistance

Need Help or Guidance?Our support team is ready to assist with any concerns or travel-related queries.

Where is the Firebird Tours team located?

Our main team is based in Europe, where we manage support, operations, and logistics. We also have staff in other key regions worldwide, including North America, Asia, and Australia, allowing us to assist clients across time zones. This global presence enables us to stay closely connected with our European partners while providing timely support for our clients in various regions.

What do I need to know about Firebird App?

The Firebird App is designed to enhance your travel experience. It provides access to your detailed itinerary, travel documents, tickets, and meeting points—all in one place. You can also receive real-time updates and contact our support team through the app. Download it here before your trip to access your information even offline, after logging in once.

Can I get emergency support while traveling?

We provide emergency support to all our travelers during designated hours. In case of an emergency, please contact us using the emergency number provided in your itinerary, and our team will respond as soon as possible to assist and resolve the situation.

Our support team is available:

  • Monday to Friday: 2:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Saturday and Sunday: 2:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Central European Time)

How do I contact support?

For support, you can reach us via our emergency line at +1 954 787 51 05, use the chat feature in the Firebird Tours App, or email us at support@firebirdtours.com.

What if I have mobility issues?

It is extremely important for us to know if you have mobility issues, let it be a scooter or a wheel chair, or difficulty walking for 2+ miles. We are able to accommodate all travelers specific requirements, but we do need to prepare and be aware of it in advance in order to design and deliver the program accordingly.

Where can I find travel tips?

You can find travel tips for your destination on our website at Travel Tips. We keep expanding the list of destinations.

Where can I find add-ons and restaurant recommendations?

In your web itinerary, there is a section called “Enhance Your Experience,” where you'll find suggested add-ons and dining recommendations. Alternatively, you can explore options listed in Firebird Restaurant Guide.

Payments, Inclusions & Documentation

Questions About Payments & Documentation?Find answers to common questions about what's included, payment details, and documentation.

What payment methods are available?

We offer five payment options:

  1. ApplePay: Ensure that your phone or browser is compatible with ApplePay payments. A convenience fee applies.
  2. Online Check (US only): Enter your bank's routing and account numbers—no need for online banking access.
  3. Zelle (US only): Pay via Zelle through your bank using billing@firebirdtours.com.
  4. Credit Card: Visa and MasterCard are accepted. A convenience fee applies.
  5. Bank Wire: Select bank wire on the payment link and download our bank details for manual processing.

Can I pay in installments?

Yes! We can create a personalized payment plan that suits your needs. Just let us know the amounts you’d like to pay and how often, by reaching out to billing@firebirdtours.com. We’ll take care of the rest and set up a plan for you, complete with email reminders to keep you on track.

What is Refund Guarantee program?

This optional program lets you cancel your trip for any reason up to 45 days before departure for a full refund, minus merchant payment fees (if any). It's charged separately and is non-refundable. If available, you'll be informed during the quote process, or you can request it from your destination specialist.

Are international flights included?

No, international flights are not included, and we do not book them. However, we can suggest the best flights.

Do you offer travel insurance?

Travel insurance is not included in our tour packages. However, we highly recommend looking into booking Allianz travel insurance upon request.

Do I need to print my documents?

There’s no need to print any documents if you download the Firebird Tours App. The latest version of the app allows you to access your itinerary and all travel documents even without an internet connection, as long as you log in once before your trip. If a hard copy of the voucher is required, it will be clearly indicated in your travel itinerary with instructions to print it out.

Is tipping included?

No, tipping is not included in the tour price. While tipping is not mandatory, it is appreciated for excellent service. The amount is entirely at your discretion and can vary depending on the region and the service provided. We recommend checking local customs for tipping guidelines, especially for drivers, guides, and hotel staff.

Common On-Trip Questions

Need Help While Traveling?Our team is available to assist with any concerns or changes during your journey.

How do I find my guide or driver?

Your guide or driver will meet you with a Firebird sign displaying the lead traveler's name. The location and meeting time are listed in your schedule. If you can't find them, please contact our support line.

What if my international flight is canceled?

Inform Customer Support immediately, so we can notify your driver and adjust your itinerary if needed.

Do I need to pay city tax at the hotel?

Yes, city taxes (1-5 EUR per person, per night) are not included in the tour price and must be paid at checkout.

What do I do if I feel unwell and want to cancel part of my tour?

While services are non-refundable, we can assist in preparing documents for an insurance claim.

Why is the pick-up scheduled 3 hours before my international flight?

For international flights, we arrange pick-ups 3 hours before departure to ensure ample time for check-in, security screening, and unexpected delays, which can vary by airport. While you may request a later pick-up, please note that we cannot take responsibility for delays or missed flights if the adjusted pick-up time does not allow sufficient time for these procedures.

What should I do in case of a flight or train delay?

If delayed, contact us immediately. Drivers typically wait up to 1 hour at airports and 30 minutes at train stations. Exact waiting times will be provided in your itinerary.

When will I receive my train or bus tickets?

E-tickets are (usually) issued 80 days before travel and attached to your final itinerary. Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure