Covid-19: Our Protocol
We understand that the unprecedented events of 2020 will have raised concerns regarding future travel. For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of Covid-19 specific FAQS in order to address your potential queries.
If you have any further questions regarding post-pandemic travel, please feel free to send us an email at [email protected]
Will I have to self-quarantine when I arrive in Spain?
Not anymore! As from Sunday 21st June – when the State of Alarm officially ended in Spain – it is no longer required that international visitors self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.
Visitors should be prepared for extra measures to be in place at Spanish airports, however – such as temperature checks and additional forms to complete.
Is Spain a safe country to visit?
In order to halt the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the Spanish government introduced some of the strictest lockdown measures in the world.
By requesting its citizens’ to self-isolate in their homes for over 8 weeks, the country was eventually able to gain control over the pandemic.
As the gradual easing of lockdown continues in Spain, the government have put in place ongoing measures to ensure the safety of its citizens and prevent a second wave of outbreaks.
These include strict social distancing measures and the obligatory use of masks on public transport, enclosed indoor spaces and anywhere where it is not possible to maintain a distance of 2 metres.
Andalucia remains one of the safest places in Spain to travel to. Due to its rural nature, much of the province remained coronavirus free – with some towns and villages reporting 0 cases of the virus, even at the height of the pandemic.
Do I need to wear a face mask in Spain?
Yes, the government has made it obligatory to wear face masks in all public spaces where it is not possible for people to maintain an interpersonal distance of 2 metres.
These spaces include the public street, open-air spaces and any closed space that is for public use or that is open to the public.
The rules apply to everyone over the age of six. The use of face masks is also recommended for children between three and five years of age.
It is also obligatory to wear a face mask on public transport, and in private vehicles, if you are travelling with people who are not members of your household.
What is TOMA & COE doing to ensure the safety of their guests?
TOMA & COE have put in place a carefully designed protocol to ensure our guests feel safe and secure during their time with us. This includes:
- The provision of masks and hydro alcoholic gel in every one of our vehicles.
- Non-contact thermometers fitted in our vehicles
- Social distancing maintained between our guides and our clients at all times
- The cleaning of all our vehicles on a daily basis, using OZONE specialized cleaning techniques
- Our guides always wearing clean clothes and not sharing devices or equipment with other guides.
- The implementation of staggered seating in all vehicles: In a 9 seater van only 4 guests will be allowed to travel
- Maintaining air-conditioning at a temperature between 23-26º Celcius to ensure air circulation in all our vehicles
- All our guides and drivers being thoroughly briefed with detailed instructions on how to keep our guests safe
- Avoiding busy and crowded locations in favour of experiences based in rural areas of Andalucia, where cases of the virus were minimal or non-existent.
TOMA & COE is affiliated with the Regional Tourist Board, with whom we continue to work closely in order to guarantee we are up to date with latest government guidelines
TOMA & COE is also “Andalucia Segura” approved – this accreditation recognises that we are actively implementing measures to ensure our guests’ safety.
Will I be able to cancel my trip if Covid-19 prevents me from travelling?
In light of the circumstances, we are offering free date changes up to 4 weeks before the start of your trip.
In the event of cancellation, we retain a 10% admin fee. We will then refund your remaining trip costs to you.
We are committed to keeping our booking options as flexible as possible to ensure you feel comfortable to book your trip with confidence.
General FAQs
Are you a registered travel agency?
Yes, TOMA&COE is the trading name for the travel agency MANAREMA SL B-93329274 which is registered with LA JUNTA DE ANDALUCIA (the Andalucian Regional Government) CIAN 2296486-3. (Identification Code of Andalucian Travel Agencies).
Can I join an existing group for my holiday?
We do run a scheduled departure tours which single travellers or couples can join, you can find these tours and their dates on our upcoming tours page. The vast majority of our trips are private tours and bespoke tours for individual groups.
How do I reserve a trip, and when do I need to pay?
Once the itinerary is agreed, you pay a 30% deposit to reserve the tour. The remainder is due eight weeks before the tour commences. Day trips can be paid in full by credit card at time of booking. For more details, please see our Terms and Conditions page.
How can I pay?
You can pay either by credit card, bank transfer or Paypal (this incurs a 4% surcharge). For more information, please see our Terms & Conditions.
How can I be assured of the quality of our accommodations?
We do not specify accommodations in the initial quote and basic itinerary. Once the reservation deposit is made, our team starts assigning not just hotels, but also specific room categories, to each client. We have a budget for your hotel accommodation and we work hard to find you the best possible option within that budget. When making a booking, please state whether you require rooms with a double bed or twin beds. We always match the needs of the client to the accommodation including boutique hotels and luxury hotels.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, we advise all clients to take out comprehensive travel insurance from a reputable company. For more details, please see our Terms and Conditions page.
What should I bring?
The most important equipment for any of our tours is a pair of sturdy walking shoes (not hiking boots, but comfortable footwear that provides support and grip). All of our tours, not just the walking holidays, include a fair amount of walking, as most of the exploration of villages, towns, and cities is undertaken on foot – we believe this is the most authentic and enjoyable way to experience Andalucian life and culture.
Depending on the time of year, adequate clothing is also essential. In the summer temperatures are extremely high, so you will need light, breathable clothes and a hat; however the cooler months in the mountainous regions of Granada, and the spring and autumn rains, also require adequate clothing – fleeces and coats during those seasons are a must.
Spanish people like to dress up, especially in the evenings, so we ask that guests bring smarter outfits for evening meals in order to feel comfortable with their surroundings.
Don’t forget to bring your phone charger and any power adapters for other electronic devices, as well as any prescription or other medication you might need.
NOTE: Please try not to over-pack. Spanish elevators, hotel rooms, vehicles and lobbies are much smaller than in some other countries. Many clients wish they had travelled lighter, so bear this in mind when packing. Travelling light is a joy!
Are tips included?
Tips are not included in our fees. For your welcome and farewell dinners, TOMA & COE pays the gratuities. When you are dining independently, we suggest adding 10% service charge to the bill (you may see a breakdown of the VAT included in your bill – people often confuse this for the service charge).
For your Tour Director we suggest €10 per person, per day. For your local guides, €5-10 per person.
Food, Drink and Water: what to expect
The food in Spain is exceptionally good and products are fresh and varied. You may encounter some less familiar dishes, as the Spanish do not shy away from eating offal, pigs’ trotters, whole fish, and meat on the bone. If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know in advance. Local wine is generally good quality and offers superb value. Whilst the tap water is clean and safe, we advise guests to drink bottled water which is always available in stores, hotels and cafes.
