General Terms and Conditions (GTC) of RTG Touristik Foster, Kusnir GbR for Private Events and Tours
Information for international customers
This English version is provided for convenience and informational purposes only. In the event of any discrepancy or inconsistency between the German and English versions, the German version shall prevail. The legally binding version of these Terms and Conditions is the original German text here.
1. Scope and Conclusion of Contract These General Terms and Conditions apply to all contracts for tours, events, and related services between RTG Touristik Foster, Kusnir GbR (hereinafter “RTG Touristik” or “we”) and the customer. The contract is formed upon acceptance of the booking by RTG Touristik (booking confirmation) in text form (e.g., via email). Please note that for contracts regarding the provision of services in connection with leisure activities, if the contract provides for a specific date or period, there is no statutory right of withdrawal pursuant to Section 312g (2) No. 9 of the German Civil Code (BGB).
2. Customer’s Duty to Cooperate The customer is solely responsible for arriving punctually at the agreed meeting point. In the event of late arrival, there is no entitlement to the execution of the tour or to a refund, whether in full or in part. RTG Touristik is under no obligation to wait for late customers beyond a waiting time of up to 15 minutes past the agreed start time. After this period, the tour is considered a “no-show,” and the cancellation conditions pursuant to Section 4 apply. For tours involving time-critical components (e.g., timed admission slots, fixed boat booking slots, connecting appointments), waiting times are excluded; these tours begin promptly at the agreed time.
3. Payment Terms and Booking Fee (Deposit) Upon conclusion of the contract, a deposit of 30% of the total price of the booked service becomes due. This deposit serves to cover our preparation costs and will be credited against any applicable cancellation fees (see Section 4) in the event of a cancellation. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 14 days prior to the start of the tour. For short-notice bookings (less than 14 days prior to the start of the tour), the total amount is due immediately. The agreed prices are based on the number of participants specified at the time of booking. We reserve the right to adjust prices accordingly in the event of deviations.
Exception for Exclusive Ship and Boat Trips: Due to the strict payment terms of our service providers, a deposit of 50% of the total price is due immediately upon receipt of the invoice for the rental of boats, launches, and passenger ships. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 14 days prior to the start of the tour. For short-notice bookings (less than 14 days prior to the start of the tour), the total amount is due immediately. If the booking contains services with conflicting deposit rules, the highest deposit requirement shall apply to the entire order.
Exception for Team Challenges: Due to the increased preparation and customization effort required, a deposit of 50% of the total price pursuant to Section 3 also applies to Team Challenges. The deposit serves in particular to cover planning, organizational, and preparation costs.
4. Cancellation Conditions Cancellations must be made in text form by email to info@robinandthetourguides.de. The receipt of the cancellation notice by us is decisive for calculating the deadline. If you withdraw from the contract, we may demand reasonable compensation for the arrangements made and our expenses. The following cancellation fees apply.
These flat-rate cancellation fees depend on the booked service and refer to the total price:
4.1. Walking Tours
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Up to 8 days prior to the start of the tour: 30% of the total price
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7 days up to 48 hours prior to the start of the tour: 50% of the total price
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47 hours up to 24 hours prior to the start of the tour: 80% of the total price
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Less than 24 hours prior to the start of the tour or no-show: 100% of the total price
4.2. Exclusive Boat and Ship Charters (Excluding Sailing Yacht Tours) For exclusive rentals of boats, launches, or passenger ships, the following specific deadlines and fees apply due to the strict cancellation conditions of the operating shipping companies (based on the total price):
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Up to 91 days prior to the start of the tour: 30% of the total price
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90 to 29 days prior to the start of the tour: 40% of the total price
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28 to 15 days prior to the start of the tour: 60% of the total price
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14 days prior to the start of the tour or no-show: 100% of the total price
4.3. Minivan Tours & Sailing Yacht Tours Notwithstanding Section 3, due to high costs and binding contracts, the full tour price for these tours is due immediately upon booking.
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In the event of cancellation or no-show: 100% of the total price
4.4. Bus City Sightseeing Tours and Bus Charters Since we firmly reserve binding allotments with our partner shipping companies and bus operators for bus charters, the following cancellation fee structure applies to cover preparation costs and partner obligations already incurred (based on the total price):
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Up to 30 days prior to the start of the tour: 30% of the total price
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29 to 15 days prior to the start of the tour: 50% of the total price
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14 to 4 days (96 hours) prior to the start of the tour: 80% of the total price
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Less than 96 hours prior to the start of the tour or no-show: 100% of the total price
4.5. Bicycle and E-Bike Tours For bookings of tours involving bicycles or e-bikes, the following cancellation fees apply (based on the total price):
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Up to 15 days prior to the start of the tour: 30% of the total price
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14 to 8 days prior to the start of the tour: 50% of the total price
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7 days prior to the start of the tour or no-show: 100% of the total price
4.6. Team Challenges (Scavenger Hunts, Rallies, and Outdoor Escape Games) For Team Challenges, city rallies, scavenger hunts, and comparable interactive group formats, the following cancellation fees apply (based on the total price):
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Up to 15 days prior to the start of the event: 50% of the total price
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14 to 8 days prior to the start of the event: 65% of the total price
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7 days up to 48 hours prior to the start of the event: 80% of the total price
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Less than 48 hours prior to the start of the event or no-show: 100% of the total price
4.7. General Provisions for All Cancellations Irrespective of the flat-rate fees mentioned above, third-party services (e.g., hotel rooms already booked for drivers, catering, or special permits) must always be borne 100% by the customer, provided that these can no longer be cancelled free of charge on our part.
The above flat-rate cancellation fees take into account saved expenses as well as the usually possible alternative utilization of the services, taking into consideration the timing of the cancellation. The customer remains free to prove in all cases that no damage was incurred or that the damage incurred was significantly lower than the claimed amount.
5. Rebookings and Change Requests by the Customer
5.1. Reservation of Right to Review and Contractual Entitlement Following the conclusion of the contract, the customer has no statutory entitlement to modifications regarding the tour date, time, number of participants, meeting point, or other contractual content. Requested changes (rebookings) are generally only possible after prior written review and consultation with us, and always require our express consent in text form (e.g., via email).
5.2. Processing Fee and Additional Costs If we agree to a change or rebooking at the customer’s request, the following applies to all tour types:
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Processing Fee: We are entitled to charge a flat-rate processing fee of €100 including VAT per change procedure.
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Additional Costs from Service Providers & Third Parties: All additional costs resulting from the modification (e.g., fees charged by partner companies, altered charter or ticket prices, cancellation or rebooking fees for third-party services already booked, such as buses, boats, guides, or catering) will be passed on to the customer in full and invoiced separately.
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Price Adjustments: If the change results in a higher total amount (e.g., due to additional services or extended duration), the customer shall bear the price difference.
5.3. Rejection of Change Requests If a requested modification is not possible for organizational, capacity, or other reasons, and the customer subsequently does not participate in the booked service or declares their withdrawal, the cancellation conditions pursuant to Section 4 shall apply.
6. Liability We are liable without limitation for intent and gross negligence, as well as for damages resulting from injury to life, body, or health. For slight negligence, we are only liable in the event of a breach of a material contractual obligation (cardinal obligation), the fulfillment of which is essential for the proper execution of the contract and on the compliance with which the customer may regularly rely. In this case, liability is limited to typical, foreseeable contractual damages.
7. Force Majeure RTG Touristik is not liable for disruptions, delays, or cancellations of service caused by force majeure (e.g., extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, strikes, official orders, unforeseen port closures). In such cases, we will endeavor to offer an alternative date. There is no entitlement to the execution of the tour.
8. Special Conditions for Transportation and Vehicle/Boat Use For all tours taking place on the water, involving the use of buses, or utilizing bicycles, the following supplementary provisions apply:
8.1. Exclusive Ship and Boat Charters
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a) Conduct & Damage: The appointed skipper holds full domiciliary and directive rights at all times. We reserve the right to exclude individuals who are severely intoxicated or under the influence of drugs from the trip. The customer is liable for damages to the vessel and its inventory caused intentionally or through gross negligence by group participants, as well as for the cost of special cleaning if required due to severe contamination (e.g., vomit, intentional fouling, etc.).
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b) Route Alterations: Unavoidable adjustments to the route or the deployment of a substitute vessel due to force majeure (weather, water levels) do not constitute a defect.
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c) GEMA & Decorations: Performance rights registration (GEMA) and any associated fees are the responsibility of the customer if music is provided or organized by the customer. Bringing confetti, sand, stones, or loose flower petals is strictly prohibited. The setup of any other decorations requires prior agreement and must be completely removed after the event.
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d) Catering & Cleaning: Bringing your own food/drinks is generally not permitted. In cases of approved self-catering, a flat-rate final cleaning fee applies (launches: min. €150.00 net; passenger ships: min. €300.00 net).
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e) Embarkation Times: The price includes a maximum of 15 minutes for embarkation/disembarkation for launches and a maximum of 30 minutes for passenger ships. Any excess time will be invoiced accordingly.
8.2. Bus City Tours and Bus Charters
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a) Conduct & Damage: Instructions given by the driving staff must be followed. The customer is liable for damage to the vehicle as well as for special cleaning costs in the event of excessive dirtiness.
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b) Delays: Additional costs incurred due to customer-caused delays (e.g., detours requested by the customer) shall be borne by the customer.
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c) Luggage: No liability is accepted for theft of luggage or valuables left behind in the bus, except in cases of intent or gross negligence.
8.3. Bicycle and E-Bike Tours
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a) Handover & ID: A valid photo identification document must be presented upon handover of the bicycles.
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b) Liability & Theft: The customer is liable for all damages caused beyond normal wear and tear (repair costs), as well as for total loss or theft up to the replacement value (for e-bikes up to €3,500.00). Loss of accessories is charged at a flat rate (key loss up to €129.00 depending on type; phone holder €15.00).
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c) Breakdowns & Accidents: In the event of flat tires or defects, the bicycle must be returned to the starting point at the participant’s own expense; transport costs will not be reimbursed. In the event of traffic accidents, the participant is obligated to contact the police immediately and inform us of the police incident number.
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d) Anti-Theft Protection & Overnight Storage: Bicycles must be locked to a fixed, stationary object when parked. For overnight rentals, bicycles must be stored in a locked room. Any insurance coverage lapses if left outdoors.
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e) Overtime: In the event of unauthorized extension of the rental period, we will pass on the rental company’s fees (e.g., €20.00 per started hour) to the customer. Early return does not entitle the customer to a refund.
9. Changes to Services Changes to the itinerary, route, or individual program items that become necessary for objectively justified reasons and do not significantly alter the overall character of the service remain reserved.
10. Insurance Recommendation We strongly recommend taking out travel cancellation insurance to cover potential cancellation costs (e.g., due to short-notice illness, accident, etc.).
11. Photo and Video Recordings Photo and video recordings may be made for marketing purposes, provided that no legitimate interests of the depicted persons are infringed upon. Affected individuals may object to the creation and use of such recordings at any time. Notice of objection should ideally be communicated prior to the start of the event.
12. Data Protection Personal data is processed in accordance with the provisions of the GDPR (DSGVO). For details, please refer to our Privacy Policy, which is available on our website.
13. EU Dispute Resolution The European Commission provides a platform for Online Dispute Resolution (ODR), accessible at
14. Jurisdiction and Applicable Law The law of the Federal Republic of Germany applies. If the customer is a merchant, a legal entity under public law, or has no general place of jurisdiction in Germany, Hamburg shall be the exclusive place of jurisdiction for all disputes arising from this contract. For consumers, statutory jurisdictional rules apply.
15. Severability Clause Should individual provisions of this contract be or become invalid or unenforceable, the validity of the remaining provisions shall remain unaffected. The invalid provision shall be replaced by the applicable statutory provisions.