Most trips operate with 16–26 guests, which keeps the experience intimate while still creating a fun social atmosphere. This size also allows us to use more comfortable vehicles, visit smaller producers, enter historic sites more efficiently, and ensure guides can answer individual questions. Smaller groups also tend to bond more easily, and many of our travelers stay friends long after the trip ends.

Because alcohol tastings are included most days, our international group trips are limited to travelers 21 years or older. Guests of all adult ages join us — from people in their 20s to experienced travelers in their 70s — and itineraries are built to accommodate a wide range of interests and activity levels.

Every trip includes all hotels, daily breakfast, curated beverage experiences, guided tours, transportation during the itinerary, entrance fees, and the support of your Brews Cruise host. Many dinners and several lunches are included as well. We design our itineraries so guests aren’t constantly reaching for their wallets, and so the experience feels smooth and stress-free from the moment you arrive.

Airfare, travel insurance, most lunches, a few dinners, and personal purchases are not included. You’ll also want to budget for souvenirs, optional activities during free time, and gratuities for local guides and drivers. We list all non-included items clearly on each trip page so there are no surprises.

Yes. Booking your own flights gives you maximum flexibility for airlines, pricing, seat choices, and loyalty programs. Once you register, we provide recommended arrival/departure windows, airport suggestions, and details to help you coordinate seamless travel.

Some itineraries include airport transfers, while others offer optional transfers for a small fee. When transfers are included, you’ll be met by a professional driver or local representative holding signage. All of these details — including where to meet, how long the ride takes, and what to expect if your flight is delayed — are listed on your trip’s WeTravel page.

These are not hiking trips, but they do involve moderate walking, stairs, cobblestones, and standing during brewery/distillery tours. Most days include several short walks throughout historic towns. If you can comfortably walk a mile at a relaxed pace, navigate uneven sidewalks, and stand for 20–30 minutes, you’ll be fine. If you’re uncertain, reach out — we’re happy to talk through specifics.

Absolutely. Solo travelers join almost every trip. You may request your own room (single supplement pricing is listed on each itinerary) or ask to be paired with another traveler of the same gender if available. Solo travelers often find that our small group size creates a friendly, easy-to-join atmosphere.

Yes. Many guests join with spouses, siblings, adult children, or groups of friends. If you’re traveling together, we’ll ensure your rooms and buses are assigned accordingly. If you have a small group interested in joining, contact us — we may be able to secure additional rooms or help you book as a mini-group.

Yes. Because group size is intentionally limited and demand is high, our trips typically sell out months in advance. Once a trip closes, we cannot add more spots due to hotel contracts and transportation limits. Travelers who want to join should register early with a deposit and join the waitlist if it’s full.

A $500 per-person deposit holds your place. Deposits are processed securely through WeTravel using credit card or bank transfer. As soon as your deposit is submitted, you’ll receive an automated confirmation and a personal follow-up email.

Each trip has a clear cancellation policy listed on its WeTravel page. Most deposits are refundable within a specific window — often between 30 and 90 days after booking — giving you time to finalize flights or personal plans. After that window, deposits may become non-refundable based on commitments we make to local partners.

Final payments are typically due around 90 days before departure, depending on the destination. You’ll receive reminders well in advance, and your WeTravel dashboard always shows your balance, due dates, and payment history.

Yes. WeTravel allows automatic monthly installments at checkout. You choose the amount to pay each month, and payments are processed automatically until your trip is fully paid. This makes budgeting easy and allows you to plan ahead without stress.

We strongly recommend travel insurance for every trip — especially international travel. Insurance can cover medical care abroad, trip cancellations, flight delays, lost luggage, and more. Many travelers choose a plan that also protects pre-paid trip costs if they must cancel for a covered reason.

Please tell us your dietary needs on your registration form. We regularly accommodate vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and allergy-sensitive guests. While some traditional restaurants have limited options, we always communicate restrictions in advance so your meals are planned appropriately.

Always. If you prefer not to drink, or just want to skip certain tastings, that’s completely fine. You will still enjoy the cultural insight, behind-the-scenes access, and social experiences at every producer. We never pressure guests to drink, and non-drinkers often enjoy the trips just as much.

Most facility tours last 30–60 minutes and involve walking through production areas, sometimes with stairs or uneven flooring. Some older breweries or cellars may have narrow hallways or stone steps. Comfortable shoes are essential, and your guides will always give a heads-up about surfaces or inclines.

Yes. We select hotels that balance comfort, safety, walkability, and easy access to food and local attractions. Staying central allows guests to explore during free time without relying heavily on taxis or transit. Hotel names and locations are listed on each itinerary so you can look them up before booking.

Definitely. Many guests add extra nights on either end to settle in, adjust to time zones, or explore independently. We can recommend neighborhoods, hotels, and activities that align with the group itinerary. Some guests even meet up before the tour begins.

Your Brews Cruise host and the in-country tour director both travel with the group from start to finish, ensuring everything runs smoothly and serving as your main point of contact. Local guides, experts, and beverage professionals lead individual tours, tastings, and cultural experiences. This means you get both warm group leadership and authentic local insight at every stop.

Some gratuities for included tours may be covered, but tips for your main guide, driver, or hotel staff are typically not included unless the itinerary states otherwise. We provide suggested tipping guidelines before departure so you know what to expect and can plan accordingly.

A detailed packing list is sent before the trip, but in general you should bring comfortable shoes, layers for changing weather, a small day bag, and any medications you require. For Europe, we recommend a light rain jacket and shoes suitable for cobblestones. Packing guides also include weather expectations and voltage/adapter information.

Yes. Every itinerary includes breaks for personal exploration, rest, shopping, or photography. We intentionally build in downtime so guests aren’t rushed and can enjoy the destination at their own pace. Free time varies by day and destination, and we provide suggestions for things to see or do nearby.

In most destinations, yes. Whether you want to book a museum, a walking tour, a tasting, or a scenic excursion, we and our local partners can point you toward trusted options. We also include recommended activities in your pre-departure materials.

Yes, each trip has a minimum group size to operate. If a trip does not reach that minimum, we notify registered guests well in advance and work with you on options — including transferring to another departure, receiving a refund, or applying your deposit to a future trip.

Brews Cruise began in 2006 with the mission of connecting people to the story behind beer, wine, and spirits. Our international itineraries carry this forward by blending local producers with cultural and scenic highlights. Each trip is built to showcase the traditions, techniques, and people behind a region’s craft beverages — while still offering a robust cultural travel experience.

Absolutely. Many guests join because of the food, history, scenery, and cultural elements, not the alcohol. Tastings are always optional, and we ensure that non-drinkers still enjoy every site, producer visit, and group activity. No one is ever pressured to drink.

The best way to stay informed is to join our email list. Subscribers receive first access to new itineraries, early booking opportunities, waitlist openings, and updates on upcoming destinations like Portugal, Croatia, and Iceland. We also share insider tips, producer stories, and important travel information for future guests.