On the Ground Status - Context Travel

Travel Updates for Summer 2023 Updates on the latest events that might impact our tours around the world.

Ongoing Ticket Supply Issue for Sagrada Familia

Higher than Usual Possibility for Reschedules

Due to high demand, Context, along with other tour operators in Barcelona, are dealing with ongoing ticketing issues for the Sagrada Familia. Our fulfillment team is working overtime and communicating daily with the venue to negotiate ticket availability for the many Sagrada Familia tours we operate daily.

With that said, there may be a higher-than-usual need for tour reschedules until the ticket supply normalizes. Our Client Experience team is keeping a close eye on the situation and will be in contact with any clients and advisors whose bookings might be affected.

We thank you for your patience and understanding while we navigate this temporary situation, and invite you to email us at info@contexttravel.com if you have any questions or concerns about a tour.

Sagrada Familia Tours

View of the front of Sagrada Familia looking straight up

view of the Seine with the Eiffel Tower in the background

Olympic Stress Tests in Paris

Rolling Disruptions Expected

Context is expecting that there will be rolling disruptions related to road closures, venue closures, construction and safety testing in the lead-up to the 2024 Olympics and Paralympics in Paris. We are actively monitoring the situation, but given the nature of the testing carried out by the Police and the Olympic Committee, the situation is constantly evolving. Advance notice may not always be provided, and some tours may be impacted on the ground. Context's Client Experience team will always contact clients ahead of time with alternative options when and where possible.

Paris as a city will be a living venue with many events taking place outdoors along the Seine, in everyday neighborhoods, and at Versailles. Context is proud to see one of our iconic destinations celebrated in this way and supportive of the Olympic Committee's goal to connect the city's unique geography and history to the games. We also acknowledge that this poses new challenges to our operations and are working diligently to foresee impacts before they arise.

Please email info@contexttravel.com or write to our chat if you have any questions or concerns.

Paris Tours

Heatwave in Europe

High heat expected across Italy and Greece

High temperatures and intense heat are expected in major European cities through the summer. Rome, Florence, Sicily, and Athens are experiencing extreme heat conditions. Tours are expected to run as scheduled as Context Travel carefully selects tour times to ensure our Experts and Clients are touring in the best conditions. Even so, we advise all our clients to be prepared for the warm weather:

Bring bottles of water (not in glass containers), and don't hesitate to ask your guide if you need to make a stop to purchase more
Wear a hat and sunscreen
Bring a light layer to protect yourself from the sun
Pace yourself and ask for breaks to sit or rest in the shade when you need them
Eat light meals, especially if your tour is in the afternoon

Our guides have years of experience touring in hot conditions, but we encourage you to discuss any concerns you may have at the beginning of the tour so that they can adapt as necessary. For more information, please email the Client Experience Team at info@contexttravel.com.

High Season in Rome

Taxis are Scarce This Summer

It is currently the high travel season in Rome, and taxis are scarce in the city center. We recommend reserving ample time to travel to the start of your tour and being aware of all the avenues available to you to make it to your meeting point.

The FREE NOW taxi app is a popular European alternative to Uber and can be more reliable at certain times of the day
Beware of unlicensed taxis, and scammers attempting to overcharge you for the ride
Work with your hotel concierge to find the best option for traveling to your meeting point in a timely manner

If you have additional questions or concerns, please reach out to the Context Client Experience team at info@contexttravel.com

Rome Tours

How to Beat the Crowds

Record-Breaking Crowds at the Vatican This Summer

Please be aware that during the summer travel period, the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel, and St. Peter’s Basilica can be subject to extremely high levels of visitor traffic. It’s important to anticipate slower movement, limited visibility, and potential restrictions on accessing certain areas due to the density of crowds.

Our experienced guides are adept at navigating through these challenging conditions and will strive to optimize your tour experience.

Learn More About Planning Your Visit

Applications Open Soon for ETIAS Visa

New regulations impacting travelers to Europe in 2024

The implementation of ETIAS stems from an international effort to enhance security within the Schengen area. As the world faces new security challenges, European countries are taking proactive measures to ensure the safety of their citizens and visitors alike. The new visa system will allow authorities to conduct better screening of travelers and prevent potential security risks.