Terms & Conditions

AOS Enterprise LLC, DBA Glimmer Tours (“Glimmer Tours”, “we”, “us”, “our”) is a professional tour operator specializing in leisure tours. Please read the following terms and conditions carefully.  These terms and conditions, in addition to our privacy policy, the terms or our suppliers, along with any other documents provided by Glimmer Tours to the participant (“participant” “you”, “your”) constitutes the entire agreement between the parties and the parties agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. Please be aware that these terms and conditions contain waivers of liability as well as waiver of class action and venue selection and notice clauses.

By making any payments (cash, credit card, ach, wire or otherwise) or by submitting a registration form towards any tour constitutes your unconditional acceptance of all the terms and conditions stated in this document. If you are the booking owner or have registered others on their behalf then your acceptance of these terms and conditions apply to all the individuals under your account.

WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THE GUIDED VACATION PRICE: Glimmer Tours strives to be the most transparent, fairly priced and high-quality Catholic pilgrimage company. Instead of providing hundreds of confusing customizations, we decided to focus on a few itineraries and make them the best they can possibly be. The following is included in your vacation price:

Intra-trip Travel: By private motor coach, and any necessary transfers (reference your specific itinerary for details). There is no refund for missed or unused transfers.

Guided Vacation: According to transportation as detailed in your personal itinerary.

Hotel Accommodation: Participants are registered and priced at double occupancy by default, unless otherwise noted on their registration form. Single rooms are subject to availability and are an additional cost.

Participants should be aware that hotel room sizes, standards and facilities can vary regionally and are often different from standards in the United States. This can include differences in bed sizes and room sizes, bathroom amenities, amenities such as air-conditioning and compliance with other standards such as ADA and wheelchair accessibility.  One of the joys of international travel is experiencing different cultures and different ways of life so we hope that you will accept these differences with grace and a sense of adventure.

Glimmer Tours reserves the right, if necessary, to substitute other similar hotels for hotels listed on your itinerary. Such substitutions may be made at any time and without prior notice. We cannot be held responsible for hotel over-bookings; should such occur, we will undertake to find similar accommodations in the same area. Such substitutions are at Glimmer Tours sole discretion and no refunds will be offered for changes in accommodations.

While we exercise due diligence in the selection of our partners, hotel and other accommodations, profiles are based on information provided to us by the supplier. This includes images and descriptions of the properties and rooms.  Additionally, Participants should be aware that star ratings or similar systems are based on country classifications and therefore can differ. While Glimmer Tours does its best to maintain current and accurate information regarding these suppliers, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies in supplier descriptions, amenities, or images.

Tour Guide: Guided vacations are conducted in English by a professional Tour Guide ("Tour Leader").

Meals: Meals and any beverages are included as detailed in individual itineraries.

Sightseeing: Experiences and entrance fees are included as detailed in individual itineraries.

While no changes are anticipated, there may be occasions when certain alterations become necessary.  These can be due to religious holidays, national celebrations, or unforeseen events including weather, governmental closures, acts of God, or any other reason. Glimmer Tours reserves the right to change the itinerary due to such unforeseen circumstances or emergencies. Additionally, historic sites undergo renovations from time to time which can obscure viewing or otherwise change the nature of visiting these sites. No tours will be cancelled due to renovations, although Glimmer Tours may choose to amend itineraries for such sites. These changes will not be considered a material change and will not be considered cause for cancellation by the guest.

If we suggest alternate activities in place of a planned stop or in case of leisure time, such suggestions do not constitute our endorsement. In such a case you will be subject to the terms and conditions of the supplier of the activity and your only recourse in case of damage will be against the supplier of the alternate activity.

Tips/Gratuities: All tips to guides, drivers and hotel staff are included.

NOT INCLUDED: Passport and Visas, travel insurance, meals and beverages not mentioned on the itinerary or extra beyond the standard menu, telephone calls, laundry, mini-bar, tips at meals (optional), excess baggage, seat assignment and upgrade fees, credit or debit card processing fees of 2.9% (online ACH & eCheck payments have no fees). The price does not cover costs and expenses, including your return home, if you leave the guided holiday/vacation whether of your own volition, our decision based on behavior that disrupts the trip, due to illness, action by any government or other reason. This list is illustrative and not a complete list of every item not included.

CREDIT CARD/ACH BOOKINGS: While we do accept electronic transfers and major credit cards including Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover, by registering for a trip, you are providing us authorization for every charge for your trip. Your authorization is an agreement for us to charge your card or initiate an electronic transfer and an acknowledgement and agreement to these terms and conditions including the cancellation terms. As such you agree not to make any improper chargebacks.

In certain cases, you have the ability to dispute charges with credit card companies ("chargebacks"). Before initiating a chargeback, we ask you first to call us to discuss any questions or concerns about our charges. We will work with you in attempting to resolve your concerns. By using our service to make a reservation, you accept and agree to our cancellation policy. Glimmer Tours retains the right to dispute any chargeback that is improper and recover any costs, including attorney’s fees related to improper chargebacks. Additionally, in the event of an improper chargeback, we retain the right to cancel any travel reservation related to that improper chargeback. The following chargeback scenarios are improper and we retain the right to investigate and rebut any such chargeback claims:
Chargebacks resulting from non-cancellable reservations, whether or not the reservation is used.

• Chargebacks resulting from non-cancellable reservations, whether or not the reservation is used.

• Chargebacks resulting from charges authorized by family, friends, associates or other third parties with direct access to your credit card. This does not include credit card fraud.

• Chargebacks arising from inconsistency or inaccuracy with regard to the supplier’s product description.

• Chargebacks resulting from force majeure or other circumstances that are beyond the control of Glimmer Tours or the Supplier.

• Chargebacks resulting because you do not agree with the cancellation policy.

REGISTRATION AND DEPOSIT: You must make payment for your arrangements in accordance with the instructions we give you. A deposit of $499 per person is required upon registration. Registrations are processed in the order received by Glimmer Tours. The remaining balance is due according to your payment plan. Bookings made less than 60 days before departure must be paid for in full at the time of booking. If we do not receive any payment due in full and on time, we reserve the right to treat your booking as canceled by you in which case the cancellation charges set out below will become payable. We reserve the right to refuse a booking without giving any reason and shall in that event return any deposit received.

DOCUMENTS: All guests require a valid passport. Passports must be valid at least 6 months after the return date. A passport card will NOT be accepted as an alternative to a passport book and will result in denial of boarding by the airlines and entry by legal authorities. Please inquire with the appropriate embassies for country specific requirements.

It is the guest’s sole responsibility to secure and/or pay for any and all visas, reciprocity fees, affidavits, immunizations, etc. that are required to be permitted entry into each destination. In some countries you may be subject to entry (reciprocity) fees and/or departure taxes/ exit fees which will be collected at the airports upon entry/departure by local government authorities.

Please note that entry to any country may be refused even if the required information and travel documents are complete.

For up-to-date detailed information on travel documents and visas, entry/exit taxes and further information on entry and exit requirements please check with your local consular services. Obtaining and carrying these documents is your sole responsibility. Glimmer Tours bears no responsibility for such information and will not be responsible for advising and/or obtaining required travel documentation for any guest, or for any delays, damages, and/or losses including missed portions of your vacation related to improper documentation or government decisions about entry.

HEALTH: Recommended inoculations for travel may change and you should consult your doctor for current recommendations before you depart. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet all health entry requirements, obtain the recommended inoculations, take all recommended medication, and follow all medical advice in relation to your trip.

By offering reservations for travel in particular international destinations, Glimmer Tours does not represent or warrant that travel to such areas is advisable or without risk. Glimmer Tours will not be liable for damages or losses that result from travel to such destinations.

MEDICAL CONDITION: We endeavor to provide the highest level of service to all our passengers. Participants who require special assistance must be accompanied by a qualified helper who assumes total responsibility for the participants’ well-being. Guest must not require special assistance from Glimmer Tours or its suppliers. Participants with disabilities must notify Glimmer Tours in writing no later than the Trip Registration Deadline of status and identity of their non-discounted, paid travel companion who will be responsible for providing all necessary assistance. This pilgrimage demands a lot of walking and can be strenuous. Glimmer Tours is not responsible for any medical conditions that occur prior to, during, or after the tour. Participants with disabilities should notify Glimmer Tours if ADA accessible accommodations are needed. Glimmer Tours will make all reasonable efforts to accommodate this request, but cannot be responsible if ADA accommodations are not available. Any accommodations provided will be at the sole expense of the guest requiring the accommodation.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: For safety and liability reasons, Glimmer Tours and its representatives cannot be responsible for directly accommodating any food allergies, or dietary requirements and restrictions, and is not responsible for any issues or problems associated with the same. All scenarios and special dietary requests regarding food and drink, including allergies, or dietary requirements and restrictions, are the sole responsibility of the participant. While most meal establishments can offer general options, Glimmer Tours cannot guarantee that options will be available. Just in case, we recommend packing extra food/snacks if accommodations cannot be met. Should a group member have special dietary requirements, that group member shall be solely responsible for any additional expense to their meal plan.

CONDUCT EXPECTED: Each participant is expected to act responsibly and adhere to all behavior guidelines established by the Tour Guide and/or Tour Manager. Any failure to respond to the guidance of the Tour Guide and/or Tour Manager can result in the immediate return home of the offending participant. Any participant sent home for behavior or disciplinary issues will be sent at their sole expense, and no refunds will be available for any portion of the trip. Additionally, participants shall hereby defend, indemnify, and hold harmless Glimmer Tours against any, and all third-party claims arising out of any conduct or omission in breach of these terms and conditions or that otherwise create liability for Glimmer Tours. Glimmer Tours retains the right to cancel a participant's reservation prior to the tour's start due to any inappropriate, disrespectful or abusive conduct towards our staff. Cancellation penalties as stipulated in our cancellation policy will apply. No refunds will be granted in such scenarios.

TOUR GUIDES/MANAGERS: Glimmer Tours and the Tour Manager/Tour Guide accompanying the trip reserve the right to make additions and deletions as believed advisable or necessary for the well-being of the group in their sole discretion.  Tour Guides are not employees of Glimmer Tours.

1) 240 or more days prior to departure, the cancellation fee is $500 per person.

2) From 239 - 60 days prior to departure date, the cancellation fee is $500 per person + non-refundable flight costs.

3) From 59 - 22 days prior to departure date, the cancellation fee is $1,000 per person + non-refundable flight costs.

3) From 21 days prior to departure day onward, no refund is possible.

If you are entitled to a refund, please note that the supplier is responsible for this refund, not Glimmer Tours. Suppliers may choose to provide a travel voucher or credit in lieu of refund. We are not responsible for a supplier’s failure to pay a refund or for supplier bankruptcy or insolvency.

Please note that most flights are fully non-refundable, In the event that the airline carrier allows for a partial refund, your cancellation penalty will be adjusted accordingly. Insurance premiums paid separately are typically non-refundable and are not included in our cancellation fee schedule above.

If the reason for cancellation is covered under the terms of your travel protection plan you may be able to reclaim these charges, for this reason we strongly encourage the purchase of a travel protection plan including additional cancel for any reason coverage.

CHANGING DATES: If your tour is 240 or more days away, you may move your reservation to a new tour date for a change fee of $250 per person. All payments made towards the originally scheduled tour will be transferred towards the new tour date. If the new tour date is priced higher than the originally scheduled tour, the difference in price will be applied to the new reservation.

TOUR POSTPONEMENTS: The cancellation and date change policy above only applies to new reservations. If your reservation was transferred from a postponed tour, please refer to your signed tour postponement document.

TOUR CANCELLATION: On rare occasion, a tour departure may be cancelled due to lack of participation. In the event that Glimmer Tours would decide to cancel a departure, a full refund will be issued. Glimmer Tours in not responsible and does not assume responsibility for any additional costs or any fees relating to the cancellation of air tickets or other arrangements not made through Glimmer Tours.

FORCE MAJEURE: We cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected, or you otherwise suffer any loss, injury, death, inconvenience or damage as a result of circumstances amounting to “force majeure”. “Force majeure” means any event or circumstances which we or the supplier of the services in question could not foresee or avoid. Such events and circumstances may include, acts of God, actual or threatened, war, insurrection, riots, strikes, civil action, decisions by governments or governing authority, government regulations or advisories, technical or maintenance problems with transport, changes of schedules or operational decisions of air carriers, terrorist activity or the threat thereof, industrial action, natural or nuclear activity, epidemics/pandemics or the threat thereof, quarantine, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events outside our control. Cancellation for any of these reasons will not be eligible for refund.

TOUR ALTERATIONS: While no changes are anticipated, there may be unforeseen occasions when certain alterations become necessary, either due to changes to the airline schedule or any other reason. All Masses are subject to local church schedules and substitution with alternate Mass sites if churches mentioned are not available. Glimmer Tours reserves the right to change the itinerary due to such unforeseen circumstances or emergencies. These changes will not be considered a material breach of this Agreement.

TRAVEL PROTECTION: It is the Participant’s responsibility to protect their purchases. For this reason, Travel Protection Coverage including additional cancel for any reason coverage is strongly recommended. Such plan should cover Trip Cancellation or Interruption, Medical Expense, Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation, and Baggage. Travel protection plans can help protect you in the event of loss of non-refundable trip deposits and payments that result from cancellation or trip interruption (due to a covered reason such as injury or illness before or during the trip). It also helps with reimbursement for medical emergency costs (including very costly medical evacuation costs), missed connections and baggage loss. Travel Protection Plans including cancel for any reason coverage must be purchased in close conjunction with your travel purchase.

Glimmer Tours is not qualified to answer technical questions about the benefits, exclusions, and conditions of travel insurance plans. Glimmer Tours cannot evaluate the adequacy of the prospective insured's existing insurance coverage. If you have any questions about your travel protection, call your insurer or insurance agent or broker. 

Declining to purchase an adequate travel protection plan could result in the loss of your travel cost and/or require more money to correct the situation. You also acknowledge that without this coverage, there may be no way to recoup any losses, costs or expenses incurred. If you choose to travel without adequate coverage, we will not be liable for any of your losses howsoever arising, for which trip protection plan coverage would otherwise have been available.   

AGE DISCLAIMER: Participants joining our pilgrimages must be at least 18 years of age at the time of registration.

TRAVEL WAIVER: By registering for any of our trips, you must abide by the terms listed in our travel waiver. https://glimmertours.com/travel-waiver/

LIABILITY DISCLAIMER: Glimmer Tours hereby expressly disclaims any liability for any personal injury, property damage, Loss of baggage, accident, delay or irregularity, any claim for special or consequential damages or any other loss which maybe occasioned by the acts and/or omissions, whether negligent, intentional, wrongful or otherwise, of any air carrier, hotel/motel or other lodging operator, railroad operator, bus operator, public transportation, sea carrier, local sightseeing company, tour operator, tour leader or spiritual director, any employees thereof, or any other entity or individual not under the direct supervision and control of Glimmer Tours when engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the tour, or otherwise in connection there with. Glimmer Tours likewise expressly disclaims any responsibility for losses or expenses incurred, or inconvenience caused, due to delay or changes in schedules, defaults, over booking of hotels or airlines, sickness, weather, strikes, quarantines, acts of terrorism, constructions, war, force majeure or other such events which are beyond Glimmer Tour's control. Glimmer Tours likewise hereby expressly disclaims any liability for statements, actions or inactions of any intermediary agents such as group administrators, spiritual directors or tour leaders, travel agents or any other intermediary involved with the selling, promotion or operation of its tours. Group administrators, spiritual leaders and tour leaders likewise hereby expressly disclaim any liability for the acts and/or omissions of any of the above entities and/or individuals not directly under their supervision or control. Please be advised that the liability of carriers as well as providers of hotel and lodging accommodations is limited by law and you may thus wish to consider purchasing additional insurance to protect yourself against any losses or injuries suffered as a result of their acts and/or omissions. In all instances, In the event that the tour leader and/or spiritual director named in a brochure or itinerary does not travel with the group, and a substitute is not named to replace such person(s), then Glimmer Tours reserves the right to make substitutions of its choosing for such person(s) in the operation of the tour.

ADDITIONAL RISKS: Additional risks and dangers may arise including, but not limited to, hazards of travel by motor coach, aircraft and other means of conveyance, slips and or trips and falls, weather including excessive sun, and rain, forces of nature, political unrest, other unrest, viruses, risks associated with water, food, plants, insects and acts of national and local governments and unrest and acts of others against governments. These risks are not an exhaustive list but are examples of many kinds of risks. You are voluntarily participating in these activities with the knowledge that there are significant dangers involved, and you hereby agree to accept any and all risks. As lawful consideration for the agreement with Glimmer Tours to participate in such trips and activities you agree you will not make a claim against Glimmer Tours, its related companies or its personnel or sue for bodily injury, emotional trauma, death, property loss or damage or other loss, cost or expense, however caused, as a result of or related to your contracting for, traveling to or from, or in any and every other way participating in the trip. You release Glimmer Tours, its related companies and its personnel from any and all claims, known or unknown, arising from contracting for, traveling to or from, and in any and every way participating in a trip. This release of liability and assumption of risk agreement is entered into on behalf of you and all members of your family and party, also including minors. This agreement also binds your heirs, legal representatives and assigns.

Where the guest occupies a motor coach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither Glimmer Tours nor the Operator nor its agents or co-operating organizations or service providers will be liable for any injury, illness or death or for any loss or damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn at the time of such an accident or incident. This exclusion and limitation of liability shall not be used to imply that the Operator or its agents or affiliated entities are liable in other circumstances.

VIDEO/PHOTOGRAPHIC LIKENESS: Any photographic, film, video likeness or audio recordings of participants while on tour may be edited and used by Glimmer Tours in future marketing campaigns and on the Glimmer Tours website without any notification or compensation to the participant.

BROCHURE PRINTING DISCLAIMER: Glimmer Tours is not responsible for any typographic or printing error in any brochure, itinerary, confirmation, or related material.

SEVERABILITY: If any provision of these terms and conditions shall be held unenforceable, such provision shall be struck and the remainder shall remain enforceable.

JURISDICTION AND APPLICABLE LAW / LIMITATION OF DAMAGES / CLASS ACTION WAIVER / NOTICE: These Booking Conditions and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by the laws of the state of California without regard to conflicts of law principles. Any claims must be brought in a court of competent jurisdiction located in San Diego, California. You agree that you will only bring claims against Glimmer Tours in your individual capacity and not as a plaintiff or class member in any purported class action or representative proceeding. Glimmer Tours shall not in any case be liable for other than compensatory damages, and your payment of a deposit on a trip means that you agree to these conditions of sale and expressly waive any right to punitive damages. All guest claims must be submitted in writing and received by Glimmer Tours no later than sixty (60) days after the completion of the Glimmer Tours vacation. Guest claims not submitted and received within this time shall be deemed waived and barred.

AMENDMENTS: Glimmer Tours reserves the right to correct any errors or omissions and to amend these Terms and Conditions at any time as the result of any material changes to legislation or regulation, or for any other reason. All amended Terms and Conditions shall automatically be effective upon being posted on our website. Accordingly, all are expected to check the content of relevant tours on our website, and its terms and conditions prior to booking and prior to travel in order to ensure they are aware of any changes.

If upon returning from your trip, you wish to inquire about any services provided, please ensure that all correspondence is received by email to support@glimmertours.com, within 30 days of the tour completion date. This will enable us to make a timely investigation.

FOR CALIFORNIA RESIDENTS ONLY:

California Registered Seller of Travel #2142287.  Registration as a seller of travel does not constitute approval by the State of California.  California law requires certain sellers of travel to have a trust account or bond. This business has a trust account.

Upon cancellation of the transportation or travel services, where the guest is not at fault and has not canceled in violation of any terms and conditions previously clearly and conspicuously disclosed and agreed to by the guest, all sums paid to for services not provided will be promptly paid to the guest, unless the guest advises  in writing, after cancellation. This provision does not apply where Tour Operator has remitted the payment to another registered wholesale seller of travel or a carrier, without obtaining a refund, and where the wholesaler or provider defaults in providing the agreed-upon transportation or service. In this situation, Tour Operator will provide the guest with a written statement accompanied by bank records establishing the disbursement of the payment, and if disbursed to a wholesale seller of travel, proof of current registration of that wholesaler.

California Travel Restitution Fund

If your transaction is with Tour Operator, and you are a resident of California the transaction is covered by the California Travel Consumer Restitution Fund (TCRF) if Tour Operator was registered and participating in the TCRF at the time of sale and the guest is located in California at the time of payment. Eligible guests may file a claim with TCRF if the guest is owed a refund of more than $50 for transportation or travel services which Tour Operator failed to forward to a proper provider or such money was not refunded to you when required. The maximum amount which may be paid by the TCRF to any one guest is the total amount paid on behalf of the guest to Tour Operator not to exceed $15,000. A claim must be submitted to the TCRF within 12 months after the scheduled completion date of the travel. A claim must include sufficient documentation to prove your claim and a $35 processing fee. Claimants must agree to waive their right to other civil remedies against a registered participating seller of travel for matters arising out of a sale for which you file a TCRF claim. You may request a claim form by writing to:

Travel Consumer Restitution Corporation; P.O. Box 6001;
Larkspur, CA 94977-6001; or by visiting TCRC’s website at:
www.tcrcinfo.org.

The TCRF does not cover any guests purchasing a Tour Operator Tour from outside of the state of California.

Travel Waiver

By registering for a tour with Glimmer Tours, you are agreeing to the terms outlined in this travel waiver. This document provides important information about your travel responsibilities and the risks associated with your journey. We encourage you to read this waiver carefully to fully understand the conditions of your tour participation with us.

Voluntary Participation and Risk Acceptance:

I acknowledge that my decision to participate in this tour is voluntary. I accept full responsibility for any risks involved, encompassing a broad spectrum of potential issues. This includes, but is not limited to, health concerns (such as exposure to contagious diseases), financial implications, inconveniences, potential quarantines, itinerary changes, accidents, and other unforeseen circumstances that may result in personal injury, illness, disability, or death.

Compliance with Travel Restrictions and Safety Mandates:

I understand that travel restrictions and health requirements are subject to change and vary by government entities, airline partners, and travel providers. I agree to comply with all necessary requirements for tour participation.

Itinerary Flexibility:

I am aware that my itinerary and visited sites may change due to various factors, including but not limited to new travel restrictions, unforeseen circumstances, or logistical considerations. I understand that these changes are made to ensure the safety and best possible experience for all tour participants.

Tour Postponement for Group Size Considerations:

Glimmer Tours reserves the right to postpone or modify the tour due to external group size restrictions or if unforeseen events significantly reduce participant numbers, affecting the tour's viability.

Contagious Disease Risks:

I recognize the risk of contracting a contagious disease before, during, or after the trip. I understand that consequences, such as denied boarding, inability to participate in the tour, quarantine, and additional costs (including hotel stays, transport, meals, flight changes, testing, etc.), are my responsibility, and Glimmer Tours is not liable for these expenses.

Travel Insurance:

While Glimmer Tours recommends the consideration of travel insurance, the choice of a provider and the adequacy of coverage are solely the traveler's responsibility. We encourage you to explore various insurance options to ensure protection against unforeseen circumstances during your trip. Please be aware that Glimmer Tours is not liable for the effectiveness or suitability of your chosen policy.

Personal Responsibility for Travel Requirements:

I acknowledge that it is my responsibility to both check and obtain all necessary travel requirements. This includes ensuring that I have valid documentation such as passports, visas, vaccination proofs, and test results. I understand that Glimmer Tours is not responsible for any misinformation or outdated information provided regarding these requirements.

Health-Related Responsibilities and Testing Requirements:

I acknowledge my responsibility to abide by any testing requirements that may be necessary before or during the tour. This includes bearing the costs for such tests. Additionally, I will carry and provide proof of vaccination and/or booster shots if required, complying with health mandates or requirements during the trip.

Assumption of Unlisted Risks and Liability Release:

I understand that this waiver does not list all risks involved in traveling. I assume all risks, listed or not, and hereby fully release and forever discharge Glimmer Tours, its employees, contractors, local suppliers, officers, and agents from all liability in connection with my participation on the tour.

Waiver Subject to Change:

I acknowledge that the terms of this travel waiver are subject to change.