FAQ | ClassicTours GCC Travel

How do I book a tour with ClassicTours?

Booking with ClassicTours is simple and can be done in three ways:

Online: Browse our tours, select your preferred package, and complete the booking form on our website
Phone: Call our booking hotline at +971 4 123 4567 to speak with a travel consultant
Email: Send your inquiry to bookings@classictours.ae and our team will assist you

Once you've selected your tour, we'll provide a detailed itinerary and quote. A 30% deposit secures your booking, with the balance due 30 days before departure.

Booking Tip: For last-minute bookings (within 14 days), full payment is required at the time of booking.

What payment methods do you accept?

We accept multiple secure payment methods for your convenience:

Credit/Debit Cards: Visa, MasterCard, American Express (secure online payment gateway)
Bank Transfer: Direct transfer to our UAE bank account (AED, USD, EUR accepted)
Cash: In-person payments at our Dubai office
Online Payment: PayPal and other digital wallets

All payments are secured with SSL encryption, and we never store your payment information. You'll receive instant payment confirmation via email.

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair while accounting for supplier commitments:

30+ days before departure: Full refund minus 5% administrative fee
15-29 days before departure: 70% refund
8-14 days before departure: 50% refund
1-7 days before departure: No refund
No-show: No refund

Refunds are processed within 14 business days to the original payment method. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.

Can I modify my booking after confirmation?

Yes, we understand that plans can change. Modifications are subject to availability and may incur additional charges:

Date Changes: Free of charge if made 30+ days before departure (subject to availability)
Participant Changes: Can be made up to 14 days before departure
Tour Upgrades: Possible if space is available
Last-minute Changes: May be subject to additional fees

Contact our customer service team for any booking modifications. We'll do our best to accommodate your requests.

Which GCC destinations do you cover?

ClassicTours specializes in comprehensive GCC travel experiences across:

United Arab Emirates: Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Umm Al Quwain
Specialized Tours: Dubai & Sharjah combos, desert camping, mountain trekking, beach getaways
Upcoming Expansions: Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia (coming soon)

Our most popular tours include Dubai luxury experiences, Sharjah cultural journeys, Ajman beach retreats, and combination tours across multiple emirates.

What is included in your tour packages?

Our tour packages typically include:

Accommodation: Handpicked hotels or desert camps as per itinerary
Meals: Breakfast daily plus selected lunches/dinners as specified
Transport: Air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers
Guides: Licensed English-speaking tour guides
Activities: All entrance fees and activities mentioned in itinerary
Support: 24/7 local assistance during your tour

Exclusions typically include international flights, personal expenses, optional activities, and travel insurance. Full details are provided in each tour description.

What is the typical group size for tours?

We offer flexible group sizes to suit different preferences:

Small Group Tours: 8-12 travelers maximum for personalized attention
Private Tours: Exclusive experiences for couples, families, or small groups
Fixed Departures: Scheduled group tours with guaranteed departures
Tailor-Made: Completely customized itineraries for any group size

Most of our tours are designed for small groups to ensure quality experiences. Private tours can be arranged for any of our itineraries at an additional cost.

What are the visa requirements for UAE/GCC travel?

Visa requirements vary by nationality and destination:

Visa on Arrival: Available for citizens of 50+ countries including USA, UK, EU, Australia, and many others
Pre-arranged Visa: Required for some nationalities - we can assist with processing
Documents Required: Passport valid for at least 6 months, return ticket, accommodation proof
GCC Residents: Special visas available for residents of Gulf Cooperation Council countries

We provide detailed visa guidance based on your nationality when you book. For complex visa situations, we can recommend trusted visa processing partners.

What should I pack for my GCC tour?

Packing smart ensures comfort throughout your GCC journey:

Clothing: Lightweight, breathable fabrics for daytime; sweater for air-conditioned venues
Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes, sandals, and closed shoes for desert activities
Modest Attire: For visiting mosques and traditional areas - shoulders and knees covered
Essentials: Sunscreen (SPF 50+), sunglasses, hat, reusable water bottle

We send a detailed packing list specific to your chosen tour 2 weeks before departure. Remember that UAE has conservative dress norms in public areas.

Licensing & Certification

ClassicTours operates under full UAE tourism authority licenses:

DTCM Licensed Tour Operator (Dubai Tourism)
SCTDA Certified (Sharjah Commerce & Tourism)
Adventure Activities License for trekking & camping
IATA Accredited for flight bookings
Emirates Tourism Association Member

Guide Qualifications

All our guides are highly trained professionals:

UAE Tourism Authority Licensed Guides
Wilderness First Aid Certified
Multi-lingual (English, Arabic, plus additional languages)
Extensive local knowledge and cultural training
Regular safety protocol refreshers

Emergency Procedures

Comprehensive emergency response systems:

24/7 Emergency Contact Number
Satellite Phones in Remote Areas
First Aid Kits on All Tours
Hospital Partnerships Across GCC
Emergency Evacuation Plans

Transport Safety

All transportation meets highest safety standards:

Regular Vehicle Maintenance & Inspections
GPS Tracking on All Tour Vehicles
Licensed Professional Drivers
Comprehensive Vehicle Insurance
Child Seats Available Upon Request

Are your camping and trekking tours licensed and safe?

Yes, absolutely! ClassicTours is fully licensed for all adventure activities in the UAE:

DTCM Licensed: Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing licensed operator
Adventure Activity License: Certified for desert camping, mountain trekking, and outdoor adventures
Safety Certified Guides: All guides are trained in wilderness first aid and emergency response
Equipment Standards: All gear meets international safety standards and is regularly inspected

We carry comprehensive liability insurance and follow strict safety protocols for all adventure activities. Safety briefings are conducted before every adventure tour.

Safety First: All participants must sign a waiver and are required to follow guide instructions for their safety.

What are your COVID-19 health and safety protocols?

We follow comprehensive COVID-19 safety protocols aligned with UAE government guidelines:

Vaccination: Not mandatory but recommended per UAE health authority guidelines
Sanitization: Vehicles and equipment sanitized between tours
Health Monitoring: Temperature checks available, masks provided upon request
Flexible Booking: Free date changes if you test positive before departure
Small Groups: Limited group sizes for social distancing comfort

Requirements may change based on UAE government updates. We'll notify you of any specific requirements before your tour.

What happens if I test positive before my tour?

We offer flexible options if you test positive before departure:

Free Date Change: Reschedule your tour to a later date at no extra charge
Travel Credit: Receive full credit for future travel with ClassicTours
Partial Refund: Refund minus non-recoverable costs if you cannot reschedule
Documentation: Medical certificate required for COVID-related changes

We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance that covers COVID-19 related cancellations for maximum protection.

Frequently Asked Questions