Frequently Asked Questions

About Pathfinders

Who are Pathfinders? 

S.T. International Tourist Agency LLP trading as STITA Tours and Pathfinders ("we", "us", "our"), is a UK-based inbound tour operator specialising in escorted tours and tailor-made tour programmes for private groups and independent travellers (FITs).

Registered Office: 

Stita House, 11 Trinity Lane, Cheltenham, GL52 2NT

Registered in England & Wales No. OC321779

With over 70 years of experience creating tailor-made travel programmes throughout the UK, Ireland and Continental Europe. We work with international tour operators, travel planners, organisations, clubs, educational institutions and independent travellers.

What destinations do you cover? 

We arrange tours throughout England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Continental Europe, including France, Italy, Spain, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Central Europe, Morocco and beyond.

What makes Pathfinders different? 

We combine local expertise, trusted supplier relationships and decades of operational experience to create travel programmes that are practical, creative and professionally managed. Our clients benefit from personalised service, carefully planned itineraries and on-the-ground support throughout their journey. We have established excellent contacts with private gardens, estates and visits to offer truly authentic and memorable experiences. 

Planning Your Tour

Do you offer customised itineraries?

Yes. Every itinerary is created around your interests, objectives, budget and preferred pace of travel, and can include ideas, routes, attractions and experiences we recommend based on your group's interests — whether you arrive with a detailed brief or just a general theme or destination in mind. We specialise in bespoke programmes rather than off-the-shelf tours, and provide this planning advice and itinerary development free of charge during the quotation stage.

Do you work with both groups and individual travellers? 

Yes. We regularly arrange travel for groups, clubs, educational organisations, special interest societies, families, couples and independent travellers (FITs). There is no minimum group size — we arrange travel for individual travellers through to large international groups.

What types of tours do you specialise in? 

We create a wide range of special interest programmes including:

• Garden and horticultural tours
• History and heritage tours
• Educational and STEM programmes
• Music, choir and performance tours
• Literary and cultural journeys
• Agricultural and farming tours
• Walking and active travel programmes
• Religious and pilgrimage tours
• Craft, hobby and special interest travel (even Troll tours in Denmark!)

How far in advance should tour Planners start? 

We recommend at least 9-12 months' notice for peak season group tours and at least 12/18 months for specialist performances, garden visits or in-demand attractions like RHS Chelsea. Popular accommodation and attractions can book up well in advance, so earlier enquiries give us more flexibility on dates and pricing.

How much does a tour cost?

Many factors affect cost (group size, season, destinations, accommodation grade), and we will work with your budget and requirements to get you the best price we can. 

What happens iF THERE IS A NEED TO cancel or change A booking?

Full terms and conditions are provided with the quotations. 

Is travel insurance included?

This is the client's responsibility and we do not provide this.  We strongly recommend booking comprehensive travel insurance. 

Accommodation & Transport

Can you arrange accommodation?

Yes. We arrange package tours and work with a wide range of accommodation including international hotel chains, independent hotels, country house hotels, student accommodation and specialist group-friendly properties.

Can you arrange transport? 

Yes. We  arrange package tours and can offer executive coaches, minibuses, private transfers, rail travel, ferry crossings and other transport services as required. Modern air-conditioned coaches are our minimum standard for group travel. We do NOT provide inbound/ outbound air travel. 

Can you accommodate accessibility requirements?

We will ask for any accessibility requirements during the planning process and work closely with suppliers to recommend suitable accommodation, transport and attractions wherever possible. Note that some tours will require good mobility (gardens, hiking, pilgrimage) as many visits will have uneven pathways and terrain not suitable for mobility aids. 

Can dietary requirements be accommodated? 

Yes. We regularly assist travellers with dietary requirements including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies and other specialist needs, and communicate these to hotels and restaurants wherever possible.

For Travel Trade Partners

Do you work with overseas tour operators and travel agents? 

Yes. Pathfinders acts as a trusted local partner for travel professionals worldwide, providing itinerary design, supplier contracting and operational support throughout the UK and Europe.

Can you provide ground handling services only? 

As a tour operator, Pathfinders provides packaged travel arrangements rather than individual standalone services.

To ensure we can deliver and manage your programme effectively, bookings must include a minimum of two travel services arranged by us. These may include accommodation, transportation, attraction visits, guiding services, tour management and other ground arrangements forming part of a tour.

Do you offer complimentary tour quoting and consultation? 

Yes. We provide advice, itinerary development and destination expertise free of charge during the quotation and early planning stages.

Why use a receptive tour operator? 

Working with us as a local receptive operator gives you access to expert destination knowledge, trusted supplier networks, on-the-ground support, and a dedicated point of contact from planning through to delivery. This ensures a higher level of quality, reliability and accountability, while significantly reducing the time and effort required from travel planners.

Although AI-generated itineraries are becoming increasingly popular, they rely solely on information available online and cannot verify current opening times, operational changes, group suitability, access restrictions, seasonal considerations or supplier performance. Without local expertise, there is a risk of creating itineraries that appear attractive but are impractical or inaccurate in reality.

What languages does your team work in?

We are a multi lingual team - with German, French, Italian and Spanish speakers.  

Booking & Support

How TO request a quotation

Simply contact our team via our enquiry form, email or telephone. The more information you can provide about your group, interests, travel dates and budget, the more detailed your proposal can be.

Is there a minimum group size? 

No. We arrange travel for individual travellers through to large international groups.

What support is available during travel? 

There is 24-hour emergency assistance throughout their tour if needed, providing reassurance should any issues arise whilst travelling.

Can Pathfinders arrange travel outside the UK? 

Yes. In addition to the British Isles, we operate throughout Europe and can create multi-country itineraries combining several destinations.