General Terms and Conditions

These conditions are valid from 1st January 2026.

These General Terms & Conditions (“Terms”) govern all bookings and travel agreements concluded between the customer (“Participant”) and Helia Travel Agency Ltd. (“Helia”). By submitting a booking, the Participant accepts these Terms for themselves and for any co-travellers listed in the booking.

A travel agreement is concluded when all of the following conditions are met:

1. The Participant submits a booking request in writing, via the official online booking form, or email through a partner agency.
2. The Participant submitting the booking confirms they are authorised to accept these Terms on behalf of all listed participants.
3. The agreement becomes binding once Helia or its partner agency issues a booking confirmation.

Any side agreements, changes, or amendments to the concluded contract require written confirmation from Helia.

Each tour price is per person and is generally based on double bedroom occupancy (two persons sharing).
In some locations, participants may occupy larger rooms/suites/apartments for more than two persons. Participants signing up individually may be assigned roommates with their consent.
In mountain huts, participants can be accommodated in dormitories.
On most tours there are a limited number of single-occupancy rooms available for those paying the extra supplement. The single supplement applies only to participants requiring single-occupancy rooms.
Daily breakfast is provided at the hotels.

All prices are stated in Euros (€).  Prices are guaranteed independently of exchange rate variations. Prices include only what is listed in programs and do not include airfares or other transportation costs to and from Slovenia.

A booking is confirmed once:

1. The booking form is submitted, and
2. A deposit of 10% of the amount indicated on the pro forma invoice is paid within eight days.

Accepted payment methods include credit card (Mastercard / Eurocard / Visa), or bank transfer, or online payment form.

The remaining balance is due no later 30 days before the tour start date.

For bookings at Helia, a non-refundable dossier fee of 20.00 EUR per booking is charged. This includes the legally required system costs for customer money protection of the guarantee fund of the Slovene travel industry.

Minor changes that do not affect the pro forma invoice, such as minor transfer time adjustments, are free of charge.
Major changes that require a new or corrected pro forma invoice, including changes to hotels or itineraries requested by the Participant, incur a fee of €20 per change.
A change of start date is treated as a cancellation, and the cancellation policy applies.

Bookings made within 21 days of the arrival date are subject to a surcharge of 10% of the base price.

If the Participant cancels, the following charges apply:

Cancellations must be made in writing. The applicable cancellation fee is determined by the date on which the cancellation is received by Helia.
Participants retain all mandatory rights under applicable consumer protection law.
Refunds are not provided for unused services.

11.1 Reporting Issues on the Spot

Participants are requested to report any irregularities or deficiencies as soon as reasonably possible at the location to the tour leader, Helia representative, or relevant service provider, in order to allow Helia the opportunity to remedy the issue during the trip.
Where the nature of the issue indicates that it could reasonably have been resolved on the spot (for example, room cleanliness, equipment condition, or room location), failure to notify the relevant persons at the time may affect Helia’s ability to assess the claim and provide an appropriate remedy. Such failure does not, however, automatically deprive the Participant of rights granted under applicable consumer protection law.
Participants are encouraged, where feasible, to request written confirmation from the organizer’s representative or service provider describing the reported issue and any attempted resolution. The absence of such confirmation does not in itself invalidate a complaint.

11.2 Complaint Procedure

Complaints regarding inadequate service should be submitted on the spot to the organizer’s representative or, in their absence, to the service provider. The Participant is expected to cooperate in good faith to enable resolution.
If a reasonable solution corresponding to the agreed services is offered and rejected by the Participant, this circumstance may be taken into account when assessing any subsequent request for compensation or price reduction, subject to applicable law.
If the cause of the complaint cannot be rectified on the spot, the Participant and the representative should prepare a written record of the issue. After returning from the trip, the Participant may submit a written complaint to Helia in writing within the statutory period of two months, together with any available supporting documentation.
The organizer will respond to the complaint in writing within 8 days of receipt, and finally within a reasonable time required to obtain information from service providers or third parties, in accordance with Article 892 of the Slovene Obligations Code. Use of Helia’s internal complaint procedure does not affect the Participant’s right to seek judicial remedies or contact competent authorities.

 11.3 Restrictions

Helia will primarily assess complaints relating to issues that could not be fully resolved during the trip. Where Helia acted solely as an intermediary, the complaint will be forwarded to the responsible organizer, without prejudice to the Participant’s statutory rights.

 11.4 Compensation Limits

Any compensation is limited only to the extent permitted by applicable law. Liability for bodily injury, illness, death, or damage caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct cannot be excluded.
Where permitted by law, compensation for damages other than bodily injury may be limited to no more than three times the package price. If, due to negligence, the agreed program is not executed or services are not provided, the Participant is entitled to compensation corresponding to the actual value of the unprovided services, subject to mandatory legal provisions.
This provision applies without prejudice to the Participant’s statutory rights in cases where Helia lawfully cancels or modifies the arrangement in accordance with these Terms and applicable law.

Helia reserves the right to refuse participation prior to or during a trip to any individual whose behavior and/or attitude interferes with the general enjoyment and well-being of other tour members and if anyone, participant or Helia staff, is endangered by this individual. No refunds or compensation are due in such cases.

Helia reserves the right to modify itineraries or tour arrangements where necessary, including in cases of force majeure.
In the event of a tour cancellation by Helia, all payments made by the Participant for the cancelled tour will be refunded without undue delay. Participants retain all rights granted under applicable law, including the right to alternative arrangements or compensation where provided by mandatory consumer protection legislation.
Helia is not liable for additional expenses such as non-refundable advance airline tickets, except where liability arises under applicable law.
Unilateral changes to the program or cancellation by the organizer do not affect the mandatory rights of the Participant under applicable law.

Each Participant is allowed one piece of baggage up to 23 kg (50 lbs). Helia is not liable for loss or damage to baggage or personal items. Helia will, however, assist with claim procedures.

Helia is fully insured according to the law for its activity, third part liability, work accidents for staff, and car passengers in company vehicles. Helia is also fully insured against insolvency, as required by applicable law.
Participants are strongly advised to obtain adequate personal travel insurance, that has adequate coverage for cancellation and refund, luggage, medical expenses and repatriation, death and permanent disability.

Participation in adventure and outdoor activities requires flexibility, and Participants acknowledge that delays, alterations, and changes may occur.
Helia remains responsible for the proper performance of travel services included in the contract and does not exclude any mandatory legal responsibilities, including liability for personal injury, death, or damage caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct.
Participants acknowledge that delays, changes, or interruptions may occur due to circumstances beyond Helia’s control, such as weather conditions, accidents, illness, strikes, war, or other unforeseeable and unavoidable events, in which case Helia’s obligations are determined in accordance with applicable law.

This section applies to all guided and self-guided cycling and hiking tours.

17.1 Assumption of Risk

Participants acknowledge the inherent risks of outdoor activities, including terrain hazards, traffic, weather, navigation errors and mechanical issues, and voluntarily assumes all such risks.

17. 2 Participant Responsibilities

Participants agree to use equipment responsibly and comply with Helia’s instructions, follow local laws and traffic rules, wear helmets and safety equipment, report malfunctions or incidents immediately, secure bicycles properly when unattended, handle e-bike batteries according to instructions, assess personal fitness for the tour, and maintain adequate personal insurance.
Participants confirm they are fit for the tour and have no medical conditions preventing participation.

17. 3 Equipment & Rental Bikes

Participants are responsible for normal wear and minor repairs, damage from misuse or theft, and proper handling of equipment.
Where Basic Theft & Damage Protection is included, the Participant is liable only for the deductible.

17.4 Navigation

GPS tracks and route notes are provided for guidance.
Participants acknowledge navigation errors may occur. Participants must follow local signage and adapt to conditions. Helia is not liable for incidents arising from misnavigation.

17.5 Release of Liability

Helia’s liability is limited only to the extent permitted by Slovenian and EU law. No provision of these Terms excludes or limits liability for bodily injury, illness, death, or damage resulting from gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Any waiver or limitation applies solely within the bounds of mandatory consumer protection legislation.

17. 6 Indemnification

Participants agree to indemnify Helia for claims arising from damage or injury they cause to third parties, and claims brought by third parties related to the Participant’s conduct.

17.7 Third-Party Liability

Participants are fully responsible for harm caused to others. Helia does not provide participant liability insurance.

17.8 Subcontracted Services

Services provided by subcontractors, such as accommodation, transfers, bike servicing, and meals, are subject to Helia’s oversight and legal responsibility as organizer. Helia is liable for subcontractors as required by consumer protection law.

17.9 Governing Law

Slovenian law applies. Jurisdiction lies with the courts of Slovenia, except where mandatory consumer law allows Participants to bring proceedings elsewhere.

17.10 Limitation of Rights

This section does not limit the Participant’s rights under applicable law.

Helia may use photographs or images in which Participants appear for bona fide promotional and marketing purposes only where this is permitted by applicable data protection and personality-rights legislation. Where required by law, such use is based on the Participant’s explicit consent.
Participants have the right to refuse or withdraw consent for the use of their images at any time with effect for future use by notifying Helia in writing, without affecting their participation in the trip.
All personal data is processed in accordance with the Helia Privacy Policy. Participants may request access, correction, restriction, or deletion of their personal data as provided by law.

These Terms and Conditions may be waived only in writing by an authorized Helia manager.
Acceptance of a booking constitutes agreement to these Terms and Conditions, and Helia’s acceptance of a reservation constitutes agreement to perform the obligations defined in this document and associated materials.

Use of this website, submission of a booking request, and the contractual relationship between the Participant and Helia are governed by the laws of Slovenia.
For consumer contracts, Participants retain all statutory rights under EU and national law to bring proceedings before the courts of their place of residence. Slovenian courts have jurisdiction where permitted by applicable law, and exclusive jurisdiction applies only to non-consumer matters.
Helia is not responsible for ensuring compliance with foreign legislation outside Slovenia in connection with the use of services or the purchase of travel-related products or services of third-party suppliers, except where mandatory law provides otherwise.