Question 1

What kind of tours do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer themed history and heritage tours of North Carolina.

Question 2

What types of tours do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We offer group tours, custom tours, private tours, relocation tours, school tours, and public tours (Durham and Hillsborough Saturday tours-though these can be scheduled for group, custom, private, relocation, and school tours Tuesday through Friday). Be sure to fill out the Inquiry Form with all appropriate information so that we can quote you.

Question 3

Is there a minimum and maximum number of people on your tours?

Accepted Answer

We can accommodate 2-14

Question 4

What kind of vehicle are tours conducted in?

Accepted Answer

Our tours are conducted in a well maintained late model sedan or van.

Question 5

What about wheelchairs or strollers?

Accepted Answer

All our routes are wheelchair and stroller friendly. As long as they can be collapsed for travel and can fit in the vehicle. Please keep in mind that there will be walking at sites and trails.

Question 6

When do your tours shut down for the season?

Accepted Answer

Our primary touring season is March through December. We are available for tours throughout the year upon request.

Question 7

What about pick-up and drop-off arrangements?

Accepted Answer

I will accommodate your group, be it private, custom, relocation or school. Indicate on the inquiry form where you want to meet. Tours will begin and end there. For the Saturday public tours, those for Durham will meet at the downtown Durham History Hub, 500 W. Main Street. Those for Hillsborough will meet at the Hillsborough Visitor Center, 150 E. King Street.

Question 8

What time should I arrive for my tour?

Accepted Answer

Please try to get to the agreed upon location approximately 10-15 minutes before the scheduled tour. We will not leave any later than 15 minutes after the scheduled departure time. Please be courteous to others and arrive on time. If your group needs to make a change to your reservation, please call us as soon as possible so that we can reschedule your tour.

Question 9

What should I bring with me on the tour?

Accepted Answer

Check the weather and bring what will make you comfortable and allow you to remain dry, cool, or warm. Bring plenty of WATER and SNACKS.
Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, durable and comfortable walking shoes, umbrellas or rain jacket, coats, gloves, scarves, and anything else you can think of.
Be sure to charge your phones and have something you can take pictures with.

Question 10

What happens if it rains or snows?

Accepted Answer

The tours are held rain or shine. You should dress appropriately for conditions. In the event of inclement weather, we will be able to go inside many of the establishments on the tour. When weather conditions get severe and dangerous, the tour may have to be cancelled and rescheduled. If unable to reschedule your tour, you will be issued a full refund. If the chances for severe weather are greater than 60% at 48 hours prior to tour start time, Old North State Tours reserves the right to cancel the trip. We will contact you the night before, or at least two hours before tour time, at the phone number and email you provided with the reservation. Please check your phone and email for messages prior to your activity for any tour status updates.

Question 11

What methods of payment do you accept?

Accepted Answer

We accept all major credit cards as the preferred means of payment.
Group, private, custom, and school tours need to be paid for in full prior to the tour by credit card. I will also accept checks in advance of the tour as well (so they may clear the bank).

Question 12

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

Accepted Answer

Group, private, custom, and school tours need to be reserved at least one week prior to your tour date, as arrangements need to be made. Public and relocation tours need to be booked at least two hours in advance.

Question 13

What about tipping?

Accepted Answer

A gratuity is not included in the cost of the tour but is NOT required. If you feel you got more than your money’s worth, then feel free to do so. The guide has already been compensated for their time and effort. (The industry standard is 10-15% of the regular, undiscounted cost of the tour)

Question 14

What about cancellations and refunds?

Accepted Answer

Old North State Tours LLC. reserves the right to cancel trips due to inclement weather or conditions beyond our control, i.e. illness or some other emergency. Reservations cancelled by Old North State Tours LLC. will either be rescheduled, or refunded, based upon mutually agreeable terms. When a tour is cancelled by us, we will contact you by phone and email the night before or at least two hours prior to tour start time.
If you need to cancel your tour, you will have 48 hours prior to start time of your tour for a full refund. Guests who decide to cancel after the 48-hour grace period will result in a 75% refund. Guests who decide to cancel same day of their scheduled tour will result in a 100% forfeit of your payment. There are no refunds for a no show.
We make various arrangements to provide you with a well-run tour. Due to the nature of a tour business, once you book a date it is yours and no longer available to others. Rescheduling your tour with a minimum 48-hour notice (by email or phone) is preferred. There is no expiration date for your tour credit.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS