Welcome Aboard

We welcome travelers of all backgrounds and levels of experience, including antique enthusiasts from countries outside the U.S.  We do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender or sexual preference. 

Air Travel

If you’d like, we can put you in touch with the nonprofit travel agency we work with.  The staff there are good at ferreting out specialsHowever, you are free to make your own reservations or use a travel agent. 

Reserve your tour early and book your flight.  Please be sure to coordinate with us so your arrival and departure times dovetail with the tour. 

We offer a discount off business class fares to Frankfurt by special arrangement with Lufthansa.   Please contact us if your're interested.

Solo Travelers and Couples

We encourage an atmposphere of camaraderie and informality on our tours. Our buying expeditions work well for people traveling alone and couples.  Having a mix of both makes for a great trip.  There are opportunities to be part of the group and chances to get off on your own.  You’ll feel welcome whether you’re traveling solo or with someone else.

Are you traveling with someone who isn’t quite as passionate about the subject at hand as you are?  We’ll be happy to help with ideas for other activities -- entertainment, cultural and historical attractions, shopping and more.

International Travelers

We enjoy having friends from other countries along for the hunt.  And since antique tours aren't offered in many countries, we feel we can offer our fellow adventurers from other countries a wonderful travel experience that they aren't likely to find anywhere else.   Hosting international participants generally requires extra coordination and assistance on our part, which we are happy to provide.  If you are considering joining one of our tours this year, we recommend that you make your reservation as early as possible.    You can count on us for help with information, travel arrangements and trip details.  We'll do our best to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. 

Hotels

Tour accommodations are based on double occupancy – two people sharing a room.  Singles are available for a modest supplement.  The rate varies, depending on the tour.  Let us know if you are interested and we will be sure to give you the single supplement rate.    If you are traveling solo and would like to share a double room with another traveler, we will try to accommodate you.  All hotel rooms include private bath/shower and toilet.

Ground Travel

We travel in a comfortable, late-model coach with a navigation system and individual seating -- usually a Mercedes small bus or midibus.  The coach is airconditioned.

Changes

Heart of Europe Tours reserves the right to make changes required for the comfort and safety of the participants, or if external circumstances make them necessary, e.g. changes in the itinerary, sequence of stops, coach, choice of hotels, length of visit to markets, dealers and auction houses.  We expect to be able to stick to the itinerary and will do our best to avoid any last-minute changes.

Shipping

Transatlantic container shipping is included in most of our tours.  Containers arrive in Philadelphia and are unloaded there.  You can pick up your treasures, or we can arrange to have them sent to you.  Customs, insurance, warehousing, storage, packing and onward shipping in the U.S. incur additional expenses.  Additional charges may apply for pick-up, packing and other required services in Europe, depending on the size and location of your purchases.  We will help you anticipate these costs.    

We also arrange shipping to ports in the southern or western United States.  If you prefer to have your own container, we can have it delivered to your door.  Please contact us early so we can discuss these arrangements.  We are always happy to help.

Container shipping to ports in other countries is a cost-effective option for our international participants.  We can handle packing, outgoing customs, ocean freight and arrange to have the container delivered to your door.

Reserving Your Tour

Since space is limited, we can’t overemphasize the importance of booking your trip early.  This will substantially increase your chances of getting on to a tour and will enable you to reserve your flight early. 

We offer quick and easy online reservation.  Click on “Reserve Your Tour” in the left-hand menu, fill out the form and email it to us through the website.  If you prefer, you can send us your reservation by fax or mail.  Print out the reservation form and fill it out manually.

After receiving your reservation, we will check availability and send you a confirmation, tour form and ask you to send us a deposit of $500.  We must receive the tour form and your deposit check within five working days.  Final payment in full is due no later than 70 days before your tour starts.

You will receive detailed trip information and background materials before the start of the tour.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have questions or need more information.  Click “Contact Us” in the menu on the left side.  We look forward to hearing from you.