TERMS & CONDITIONS
The terms set out on this page form an integral part of all agreements entered into with EPIKDRIVES. By purchasing any driving tour or related service, the participant confirms acceptance of these Terms & Conditions.
PRICING: Listed prices are quoted on a “per package” basis and assuming a maximum of two adults sharing a room and car along the route. Prices may vary depending on season, availability and time of booking. Prices are stated in Euro (€) or Swiss Francs (CHF) and include all taxes. In the case of money transfers from foreign countries, the participant shall bear the transfer charges. Costs for additional services, such as flights, fuel, parking, meals etc. are not included in the participation price, unless expressly itemised in the service description. If such costs are incurred, they will be invoiced separately.
PAYMENT: A non-refundable deposit per person is required to secure the reservation. The balance is required no later than 21 days prior to the arrival date. Short-term bookings of 21 days or less before arrival will require a full payment on booking. Payments can be made via bank transfer or online credit card payment.
PAYMENT DISPUTES / CHARGEBACKS: By making a payment, the participant confirms acceptance of these Terms & Conditions and authorizes the agreed charges. The participant agrees not to initiate a chargeback or payment dispute without first contacting EPIKDRIVES to resolve the matter in good faith. Any unjustified chargeback may result in recovery of the disputed amount, including any administrative, legal or collection costs incurred.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Required documents must be provided no later than one week prior to arrival. Participants hiring a car must provide a valid driving license and identity papers/passport as well as a credit card at the check-in on the day of the driving tour. The relevant details are entered on the car hire contract with the participant’s home address and mobile phone number. This contract must then be signed by the participant on delivery of the car.
DRIVING LICENSE: The following driving licenses are accepted: • All driving licenses. Some national driving licenses are only acceptable if accompanied by a certified International Driving Permit (IDP) and when presented together. Participants shall not be entitled to participate in the relevant EPIKDRIVES tours, if they have been officially banned from driving or are unable to produce a valid driving license. In such cases, the participation price shall not be reimbursed.
DRIVER ELIGIBILITY: Participants must meet all requirements of the vehicle rental provider, including minimum age, driving license validity, payment guarantees or security deposits and any other applicable conditions. If a participant is unable to operate the vehicle safely, cannot provide the required documentation, or is refused by the rental provider, EPIKDRIVES shall not be responsible for any resulting inability to participate in the tour.
PASSPORTS, VISAS & HEALTH: All clients are personally responsible for ensuring that they have a valid passport, relevant visa/s and conform to the health regulations required by the country/s that will be visited during the trip.
CANCELLATIONS: If you are obliged to cancel you may, with reasonable notice, transfer your booking to a third party who satisfies the conditions required taking that trip. Of course wherever possible we will try to move dates for you at no extra charge. Any cancellation must be communicated in writing. The periods before departure within which written cancellation is received and the cancellation charges, shown as a percentage of the total holiday price, which will be applied are:
Refund excl. 3.5% credit card fees. Different Cancellation Policy for groups apply.
ALTERATIONS BY EPIKDRIVES: While every effort will be made to provide the arrangements confirmed in the itinerary, certain elements of the tour may occasionally require adjustment due to operational circumstances, supplier availability, road conditions or other factors beyond the control of EPIKDRIVES. Where necessary, suitable alternatives of a comparable standard and experience will be arranged. Such adjustments shall not materially affect the overall nature or quality of the tour.
ROUTE AND MOUNTAIN PASS AVAILABILITY: Driving routes may include mountain passes and scenic roads that are subject to seasonal opening periods, weather conditions, roadworks, local regulations or temporary closures. EPIKDRIVES cannot guarantee that any specific road or mountain pass will be open or accessible at the time of travel. Where necessary, alternative routes of similar scenic quality and driving enjoyment will be arranged.
WEATHER AND ROAD CONDITIONS: Driving conditions may be affected by weather, traffic, roadworks, local events or other circumstances beyond the control of EPIKDRIVES. Travel times, driving enjoyment and road accessibility may therefore vary from the planned itinerary. Such conditions are inherent to road travel and may occasionally require adjustments to the route or schedule.
WEATHER-RELATED VEHICLE RESTRICTIONS: Certain vehicle rental providers may restrict or refuse the release of a vehicle if weather or road conditions are considered unsafe or present an increased risk of damage or accident. Such decisions are made solely by the rental provider in accordance with their safety policies and insurance requirements. EPIKDRIVES has no control over such decisions and shall not be responsible for any resulting delays, substitutions or itinerary adjustments.
SERVICE PERFORMANCE: Minor deviations from the itinerary, accommodation, vehicle model, driving routes or timing that do not materially affect the overall nature and quality of the tour shall not constitute a failure of the services provided and shall not entitle the participant to compensation or refund.
UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES: EPIKDRIVES cannot be held responsible for circumstances beyond our reasonable control. These include (but are not limited to) adverse weather conditions, fire, riot, pandemics, war, terrorist activity (or threat of such activity), industrial dispute, natural disaster, travel bans, crash or technical issues of your rental car or injuries and death of an individual(s) through accidental circumstances.
ALTERATIONS BY YOU: We will do our best to make any alterations you may require after confirmation has been issued, subject to availability and to the payment for any increased costs relevant to the change. Any requests for alteration to an itinerary should be made in writing. Alterations are made less than 8 weeks prior to departure, an additional € 50 per booking charge will be levied together with any communications costs incurred. Due to the nature of our tours it is imperative to mention that any changes made by you to our tour offering may also affect point of origin and final destination of the tour.
CAR HIRE TERMS: All Terms & Conditions are subject to the terms & conditions of the Lessor’s Vehicle Rental Agreement which will be provided to the hirer (you) on request. Minimum age - 21-30 years as per type and model of vehicle, Minimal rental duration: one day = 24 hours. After three extra hours, a full additional day will be charged.
VEHICLE AVAILABILITY: While EPIKDRIVES will make every reasonable effort to provide the specific vehicle model confirmed in the itinerary, vehicle availability ultimately depends on the rental provider and operational circumstances. In the event that the confirmed vehicle becomes unavailable due to damage, mechanical issues, delayed return, or other unforeseen circumstances, an alternative vehicle of a similar category and standard will be arranged where possible.
CAR DEPOSITS: In general, the car is supplied with a fully comprehensive insurance, which covers damage or theft to the vehicle or any third party vehicle, should this be involved in an accident. However, all cars will require a car deposit / excess / deductible guarantee at the time of starting the rental. The excess amount of this deposit will vary by car. This deposit is taken as a “reservation/authorization” on your credit card, which is then cancelled at the end of the trip when the car is returned in fine condition. Please consult our FAQ section for a better understanding about security deposits.
SUPPLIERS: EPIKDRIVES acts solely as an agent for accommodation providers, car rental companies, chauffeured transport providers and other third-party service providers. All bookings are subject to the terms, conditions and regulations of the respective suppliers and carriers, as well as to the laws of the country in which the services are provided. EPIKDRIVES shall not be liable for the acts, omissions, errors or defaults of any such third-party suppliers. Any claims arising from such services must be directed to the respective supplier.
VEHICLE CONDITION: Vehicles used during the tour are supplied by independent rental providers and may show normal signs of use consistent with their mileage and prior rentals. While every effort is made to provide vehicles in excellent condition, minor cosmetic imperfections or signs of normal wear shall not constitute a defect in the services provided.
VEHICLE INCIDENTS: In the event of an accident, damage, mechanical issue or other incident involving a vehicle used during the tour, participants must follow the procedures required by the rental provider and local authorities. Any delays, itinerary changes or interruptions resulting from such incidents are beyond the control of EPIKDRIVES. Participants remain responsible for any costs, insurance excess, deductibles, fines or penalties related to the vehicle in accordance with the applicable rental agreement.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: Participants are strongly advised to obtain comprehensive travel insurance covering cancellation, medical expenses, personal accident, personal baggage, money, public liability and travel disruptions before travel. Tours organized by EPIKDRIVES generally do not include travel cancellation insurance or accident insurance. The participant is solely responsible for participation in sports and other leisure activities. Participants should inspect sports facilities, equipment and vehicles before use. EPIKDRIVES recommends that all participants maintain adequate accident insurance.
IF TRAVELLING WITH A GUIDE: Where applicable, a EPIKDRIVES guide, in conjunction with the appropriate medical advice if applicable, has the right to disqualify any client at any time during the course of the tour, if considered necessary for the medical well being or safety of the individual or in the tour leader’s opinion, the client’s actions materially are affecting the enjoyment of the tour for the remainder of the group. Any decision with regard to any reimbursement for any part of the tour not completed will be decided between the Managing Director of EPIKDRIVES and the Guide.
ALCOHOL: Due to the self-drive nature of the tour it is imperative that clients adhere to the drink driving laws of the country where the tour will be taking place. NOTE: Any damages or similar events occurred under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medication and above a zero alcohol level will result in losing the insurance coverage. It is the client’s responsibility to ensure he/she adheres to the drink driving laws of the country and not that of EPIKDRIVES, even if a guide is present.
For larger groups there will be a tour guide present who will breathalyse any member of the tour who is suspected of being over the drink drive limit before entering any of the cars. Such identified individuals will be banned from driving on the specific day.
For smaller groups and if a guide is not present it is the clients responsibility to ensure that they have adhered to all drink driving laws and not the responsibility of EPIKDRIVES. Guests are welcome to drink when away from the cars as long as they do so responsibly and still meet the limits the following day.
SUPPLIER TERMS & CONDITIONS: EPIKDRIVES acts as an agent during each tour linking up clients with accommodation providers and hire companies. While you are guests of EPIKDRIVES you must adhere to the Terms and Conditions of each accommodation provider and hire company.
CROSS-BORDER VEHICLE USE: When renting or using a vehicle registered in Switzerland, certain customs and import restrictions may apply when crossing international borders, particularly when entering the European Union. Participants are solely responsible for complying with all applicable customs, import and road regulations. EPIKDRIVES accepts no responsibility for any fines, penalties, taxes or other costs resulting from a participant’s failure to comply with such regulations.
PARTICIPATION IN THEIR OWN VEHICLES: EPIKDRIVES reserves the right to offer special tours at which participants will drive their own vehicles. Only vehicles covered by statutory third-party insurance and which comply with the European road traffic licensing regulations may be used in the driving tour. The use of vehicles that have been issued with transit or temporary number plates is not permitted in these tours. All parts or equipment fitted to the vehicles used to participate in a special driving tour organized by EPIKDRIVES must be approved and entered in the vehicle registration papers. EPIKDRIVES recommends that participants check with their car insurers to ensure the validity of their third-party vehicle insurance and, if applicable, their fully comprehensive insurance cover in relation to any planned participation at a EPIKDRIVES driving tour. If participating in an own vehicle, any fuel not specified in the general regulations is not included in the participation price.
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS: Seat belts must be worn at all times. The use of mobile phones and smoking are not permitted while driving. In the driving tour of gross breaches of driving discipline, the driving tour management shall be entitled to exclude the participant concerned from any further participation. In such cases, there shall be no reimbursement of the driving tour fee. Travelling with EPIKDRIVES entails participants driving on public roads. Participants are solely responsible for their own conduct. Any infringements of road traffic regulations will be forwarded from EPIKDRIVES to the participant and the participant’s address will be disclosed to the authorities.
DRIVING RESPONSIBILITY: Participants are solely responsible for the operation of any vehicle during the tour and must comply with all applicable traffic laws and regulations. EPIKDRIVES does not encourage or permit speeding, racing or dangerous driving. Any fines, penalties, damages or legal consequences arising from a participant’s driving behaviour are the sole responsibility of the participant.
GENERAL LIABILITY: Participants take part in tours organized by the EPIKDRIVES at their own risk. EPIKDRIVES shall only be liable for damages caused by gross negligence or willful misconduct. Liability for indirect damages, loss of enjoyment, consequential damages or third-party claims is excluded to the maximum extent permitted by law.
SUBJECTIVE EXPERIENCE: The enjoyment and perceived quality of a travel experience is inherently subjective. Differences in personal expectations, preferences, weather conditions, traffic conditions or other external factors do not constitute a failure of the services provided by EPIKDRIVES.
PLACE OF JURISDICTION: The place of jurisdiction for all disputes arising out of or in connection with this agreement shall be Zurich, Switzerland. Swiss law shall apply exclusively.
CONTACTING US: If there are any questions regarding this terms & conditions, you may contact us using the information below.
EPIKDRIVES GmbH
Hohlstrasse 481, Zurich, ZH 8047, Switzerland
