1. Introduction
Please read these terms and conditions carefully before making your booking. In confirming by email, you agree to be legally bound by these terms and conditions as herein described and as they may be modified and posted on Madson’s web site from time to time.
2. Booking Confirmation
The booking is confirmed via email — no deposit is required.
3. Payment
The payment must be paid in Brazilian currency (Real), USDollars, or Euros, in cash. No other currency, credit card, travelers check, bank check, or PayPal will be accepted. If you wish, Madson can accompany you to a currency exchange or ATM.
4. Cancellations and Refunds
If you cancel:
You may cancel the tour at any time prior to the start of the tour. No charges or penalties will apply.
IMPORTANT: booking more than one tour:
If, during or at the end of a tour, you choose to cancel any subsequent tour, you will be required to pay 20% of the price of the canceled tour.
If Madson cancels:
In case Force Majeure necessitating cancellation or disruption of the tour within 48 hours prior to the start of the tour, you will be paid 100 US Dollars. On such occasion, you will be paid via PayPal within 48 hours of the previously-agreed start time.
5. Private Tour
All Madson tours are guaranteed to be completely private. You may invite people to join you on your private tour (e.g., to share expenses), but separate groups are never merged.
6. The attractions you will visit
Your tour is customizable. You visit only the places you choose, and you will spend as much time at these places as you wish — it is your private tour of Rio de Janeiro. If you are unsure about what you might want to see or do, Madson can offer suggestions but the decisions are always yours.
7. Your tour guide
Tours are never assigned to other tour guides. Once you book, Madson is exclusively responsible for every aspect of your tour of Rio de Janeiro.
8. Performance
Madson will design your tour itinerary to make the most efficient use of your time, avoid time-consuming hassles and dangers. Madson tours are “seriously entertaining” — enjoyably informative but never pedantic.
Languages
Madson is completely fluent in English, French and Spanish, and is conversant in Italian. However, he is not a professional interpreter or translator with a comprehensive knowledge of scientific, botanical, or other highly specialized vocabularies.
Historical Knowledge
Madson provides a standard touristic overview of the history of Rio de Janeiro (and Brazil), but he is not a historian with a comprehensive knowledge of historical names, dates, etc.
Flora and Fauna
As a city tour guide, Madson’s expertise is the city of Rio de Janeiro and its surroundings, not the flora and fauna of Brazil.
Driving & Punctuality
Madson is an excellent driver who makes every effort to be punctual. He may not be held liable for conditions or circumstances beyond his control.
Representative examples of such conditions or circumstances are:
* heavy traffic resulting in unforeseen traffic delays
* traffic accidents
* restricted vehicular access
* severe weather conditions
* compliance with police orders
* road blocks
* vandalism or terrorism
* unanticipated detours
* industrial action
* circumstances affecting passenger safety
9. The vehicle used on the tour
Your private tour will be in a comfortable GM minivan, 2010 model (details on this Website.) The vehicle belongs to Madson — rented vehicles are never used.
Maintenance
Maintenance is essential to safety, and Madson rigorously adheres to all maintenance schedules and procedures. His commitment is to provide a clean, safe, dependable and comfortable vehicle that meets all vehicle service requirements.
License
Madson’s minivan is licensed by the Brazilian Ministry of Tourism.
Insurance
Madson maintains auto insurance that covers all passengers in the vehicle.
Capacity
See details on this website.