After you contact us through the form in the Contacts page, we will send you a brief questionnaire to fill in. After that, we’ll talk to each other on a Skype or phone call so that we can get to know more about your desires, passions, tastes, expectations, and your needs. Then we will start planning your trip, looking for the most suitable means of transportation, the most comfortable accommodations, the tastier restaurants and the funnest attractions. Also: we’ll try to surprise you with stimulating ideas you had never thought about. The final decision will be yours!
How much will my trip cost?
The cost of your adventure is entirely up to you! We will customize your trip to your specifications so that you will remain within your travel budget. We are confident that we can find you a great deal for a quality trip, whether you are looking for a budget-savvy weekend or have plans for a luxurious getaway.
What costs will my budget cover?
Like any self-respecting tailor, we cannot put a fixed price to a custom-fitted travel. No worries though, there will be no surprises at all! We will carefully evaluate your budget and your needs to sew on you the most suitable and convenient offer.
Our services will include:
– Arrangement and booking of transportation to and from your destination;
– Arrangement and booking of lodging;
– Taxes on your transportation and lodging;
What it does not include are food, luggage fees, souvenirs, events, tickets, other transportation, etc. Please try to keep these costs in mind as you create your budget.
What if I need to book other events or activities?
Not a problem! We will take care of it all, from the booking to the advance payments, if necessary. In this case we will charge you the price for the advance payments..
How long do you need to organize my trip?
The more time at our disposal, the better the solutions (and the surprises!) we will be able to find for you. Having said this, if you are interested in a last-minute offer, you can get in touch with us up to two weeks before departure.
Do you offer a travel insurance?
Just like the booking of a flight or of an hotel room, the search for a convenient travel insurance is part of what we offer. Onivà does not have partnerships with any particular insurance company, but if you want we can find the most convenient option for you.
In general, the fares of a travel insurance depend on the number of travellers, the total cost of the trip, and the place of departure.
Can I use the points on my frequent flyer card?
Generally, yes, you can. But keep in mind that the use of points can be subject to different rules and regulations, depending on which airline company you will be flying with. In any case, we can take care of it, and figure out how it will all work out for you.
What happens if something goes wrong during my trip?
For all bookings done with Onivà (transportation+accommodation and events, if any), we will be available for contact via Whatsapp, cell phone, or email, in order to take care of your problem as swiftly as possible. If however you want a 24h assistance, we will be able to assist you, for an extra fee. We love adventure, but we also know the value of feeling secure.
Can I bring my pet with me?
Of course! We love animals and we will try to find the most comfortable transport and accommodation in suitable structures for you and your little friend.
Can two or more travellers in the same group depart from different cities?
Yes! If travellers which belong to the same group leave from different places, it can be complicated to coordinate. We will think about this too. But make sure to give us all the details in the questionnaire we will send you.
How does payment work? Are there commissions?
You might be asking yourself how we make a profit out of the service we offer. We reserve a small commission on the services and the trip we will plan for you. Fear not though: most of your budget will go directly towards your fantastic next trip.
I have children. Can they come too?
Of course! As you probably have seen we have a tailor-made Family+Kids offer, and we love to organize family trips. If your child has some specific interest (or, on the contrary, something he or she hates!), make sure you mention it when filling in the questionnaire. We will include family-friendly destinations and accommodations, as well as suitable activities for your little one, so that everyone can make the best of your trip.
What if my child is younger than two years?
Not a problem, it actually makes things easier: there usually are many discounts for infants younger than two years. Remember to tell us his or her name, the date of birth, if you need a cot, an extra bed, or any other specific comforts, and if your little one is in need of any special assistance.
What happens if I need to cancel my trip?
We know how life goes, and how sometimes it can suddenly mess up our plans. If the bookings we have done allow a reimbursement, you will have your money back without problems. However, if you have chosen to book the cheapest fares–which often are non-reimbursable–it is very hard to get one’s money back. Do not despair though, this needs to be ascertained on a case by case basis, and we will always do our best to make sure you can get reimbursed. One important thing though: if the cancellation takes place after you have signed the contract with Onivà, our commission will not be reimbursed.
Where are you sending me to?
Good question! But do you really want to know the answer? It wouldn’t be a surprise anymore, would it? Once you have gotten in touch with us, we will send you a short questionnaire to fill in. We will ask you about your travel budget, your preferred departure dates, your previous travel experiences, and other preferences of yours. Based on this information, we will design for you the trip you didn’t even know you desired! Only on your departure date you will know where your surprise trip will take you!
What happens if I don’t want to go to the place you have chosen for me?
Let’s hope that does not happen! We of Onivà know that every city has a lot to offer. We love travelling intended as a journey of discovery without any prejudice, and we encourage our clients to do the same. We are confident that with your customized guide in your hands you will marvel in front of hidden treasures and will fall in love with places you would otherwise never had known!
After all, if among all of our packages you have chosen this one, it means that you are a curious person, open to new experiences. With this attitude, and the information you will have given us beforehand, the possibilities of being disappointed by your destination are really minimal. Don’t worry, though: in the questionnaire we will send you before talking to us, you will have the chance to enumerate the localities, if any, that you would rather not to visit.
How will I find out about my destination?
One week before departure you will receive an email with the weather forecast for your mystery destination, some essentials to pack (for ex. swimsuit, trekking shoes…), info on possible restrictions on the size and weight of your bags, and instructions on where to go and when (for ex. go to Termini Station on Friday at 10:30am). A few days before your trip, you will receive a mystery envelope in your mailbox: keep your curiosity at bay and resist a few more days! This envelope will contain directions to your accommodation, a custom tourist guide, and all our precious travel advice: from the best bars for live music, to restaurants you should not miss, shops, museums, and whatever else you’ve indicated among your interests. We promise you that wherever you will go, you will not be bored! To make sure the surprise remains so, make sure not to open the envelope! Go to your departure point at the indicated time, open the mystery envelope and…start your surprise trip!
Can I use the points on my frequent flyer card?
Unfortunately, no. After all, if we did that, you would be able to access your profile online and see your destination, or even to receive email notifications about your imminent trip. In short: the surprise would be spoiled. The good news is that many airline companies allow you to add the miles of your flight even after having flown with them.
What happens if my mystery envelope does not arrive?
Don’t worry, on your departure date we will send you all the info via email in digital form (including your custom travel guide). Also, we will get in touch with you one week before departure, in order to confirm that you have received the mystery envelope. If it is not there yet, we will do everything we can to make sure that the precious parcel reaches its destination. Struggles against the postal service, however, are an uneven fight, and possible delays are beyond our control.
Can I give an Italian Mystery Tour as a gift to someone else?
Sure! Fill the form in the Contacts page and don’t forget to specify in the note field your will to give an Italian Mystery Tour as a gift. We’ll reply to you within 24h to start planning and tailoring the most wonderful gift: an amazing and unexpected surprise trip!
Still have questions? Contact us!