TERMS & CONDITIONS – Discover Albania

These Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) apply to all tours, services, and travel products booked through our website, by email, or directly at our physical office.

By confirming a booking with Discover Albania, you (“Client”, “Customer”, “You”) agree to the following Terms, which constitute a legally binding agreement between you and:

Please read these Terms carefully before confirming your reservation.

1. General Information

1. Albania Social Club (Discover Albania) operates as a licensed tour operator and travel design service in Albania.
2. All bookings (website, email, or in-person) are subject to availability and written confirmation.
3. By making a booking, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into a binding agreement.
4. A contract is considered legally binding once written confirmation is issued and the required deposit or payment is received.

2. Reservations & Payments

2.1 Making a Reservation

1. A reservation is considered requested when:
   • You submit a booking form via the Website, OR
   • You confirm a booking by email, OR
   • You confirm a booking in person at our office.
2. A reservation becomes confirmed only when:
   • You receive written confirmation from Discover Albania (email or signed document), AND
   • The required deposit or full payment has been successfully received.
3. You are responsible for ensuring that all personal information provided is accurate.

2.2 Deposit Requirements

To secure your spot on a tour, the following non-refundable deposits apply:

• Day tours (1 day): No deposit OR full payment at booking (depending on tour type)
• Multi-day tours (2+ days): 20% – 30% deposit
• Private/custom tours: 30% deposit
• Peak season (July–August, holidays): Up to 50% deposit

The exact deposit amount will be clearly stated in your offer, proforma invoice, or confirmation email.

2.3 Final Payment Deadlines

Final payments must be made as follows:

• Tours up to 5 days: Final payment due 14 days before departure
• Tours of 6+ days: Final payment due 30 days before departure
• Private/custom itineraries: Final payment due 30 days before departure (unless otherwise stated)

For last-minute bookings made after the deadline, the full amount is due immediately.

2.4 Failure to Pay

If full payment is not received by the deadline:

1. A reminder notice will be sent via email or phone.
2. If no payment is received within 48 hours after the reminder, Discover Albania may:
   • Cancel your reservation
   • Retain the deposit as a cancellation fee

This follows standard international travel industry practices.

2.5 Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods:

• Credit/debit cards
• Bank transfer
• Cash (for in-office or last-minute local bookings, when explicitly permitted)

All bank transfer fees and currency conversion costs must be covered by the client.

2.6 Price Validity & Potential Changes

1. Prices are valid at the time the offer is issued.
2. Once your booking is confirmed, the agreed price will not change, except in cases of:
   • Significant changes in third-party provider costs
   • Government tax increases
   • Official fee adjustments
3. If a necessary price adjustment exceeds +10%, you may choose between:
   • Accepting the updated price
   • Canceling with a full refund of amounts paid

2.7 What Your Payment Includes

Inclusions depend on the specific tour and are listed in your confirmed itinerary. May include:

• Accommodation
• Transportation
• Guided services
• Mentioned activities
• Meals if specified
• VAT and service charges

Unless explicitly stated, the following are not included:

• International flights
• Personal expenses
• Travel insurance
• Optional excursions
• Meals not specified
• Tips and gratuities

2.8 Voucher & Confirmation

After full payment, you will receive:

• A detailed Booking Confirmation
• A Tour Voucher including:
  • Meeting point
  • Start time
  • Local contact details
  • Emergency number

The voucher (digital or printed) must be presented at the start of the tour.

2.9 Group Size & Minimum Numbers

Some tours require a minimum number of participants. If this minimum is not reached, Discover Albania may:

• Offer an alternative date
• Offer an alternative tour
• Issue a full refund

No further compensation is provided.

3. Cancellation Policy

3.1 Cancellation by the Client

All cancellations must be communicated in writing (email or signed request).

Unless otherwise stated in your contract:

• More than 14 days before departure: Full refund minus deposit
• 7–14 days before departure: 50% refund
• Less than 7 days before departure or no-show: No refund

3.2 Cancellation by Discover Albania

We may cancel a trip due to:

• Insufficient participant numbers
• Severe weather
• Safety concerns
• Force majeure
• Unexpected circumstances beyond our control

In such cases, you may choose between:

• Full refund
• Rescheduling
• Credit for a future tour

We are not responsible for external travel costs such as flights or hotels booked independently.

4. Amendments & Client Changes

1. Client-requested changes are subject to availability.
2. Administrative or supplier fees may apply.
3. Changes requested within 7 days of departure may not be possible.

5. Client Responsibilities

You agree to:

• Follow instructions from Discover Albania staff and guides
• Arrive on time
• Behave respectfully toward other travelers and local communities
• Ensure you meet physical requirements for the activity

Failure to comply may result in removal from the tour without refund.

6. Travel Documents & Insurance

1. Clients must possess valid travel documents (passport, ID, visas if required).
2. Travel insurance is strongly recommended and may be mandatory for certain activities.
3. Discover Albania is not responsible for travel delays or issues arising from missing or incorrect documents.

7. Health, Safety & Risk

1. Certain activities involve inherent risks.
2. By participating, you acknowledge and accept these risks.
3. Discover Albania is not liable for injuries, loss, or illness unless caused by proven negligence under Albanian law.

8. Force Majeure

We are not liable for disruptions caused by events beyond our reasonable control, including but not limited to:

• Natural disasters
• Political unrest
• Pandemics
• Strikes
• Transport disruptions

Refunds, credits, or rescheduling will follow our standard policy or any applicable legal directives.

9. Limitation of Liability

Discover Albania / Albania Social Club is not responsible for:

• Loss or damage to personal belongings
• Theft
• Acts or omissions of third-party service providers
• Additional costs caused by delays or cancellations beyond our control

Our total liability is limited to the total amount paid by the client for the booking.

10. Intellectual Property

All content, itineraries, branding, and materials provided by Discover Albania remain the intellectual property of Albania Social Club and may not be copied, reproduced, or distributed without written permission.

11. Privacy & Data Protection

We collect only the information necessary to process your booking and operate the tour. Your data is never sold or shared beyond necessary service providers.

12. Governing Law

These Terms are governed by the laws of the Republic of Albania. Any disputes shall be settled exclusively in the competent courts of Tirana, Albania.

13. Company Details & Contact Information