Frequently Asked Questions
What types of luxury golf and touring experiences does Kalos Golf offer?
Kalos Golf offers a range of luxury global golf and touring experiences, including golf cruises, land-based golf tours, chartered air trips, exclusive journeys, and select golf tours by private jet. Each experience is designed to combine exceptional golf with unique touring, luxurious accommodations, and thoughtful service before and during the trip. Some itineraries are built around small-ship cruising, while others focus on iconic golf destinations, private access, or multi-destination travel with the ease of highly coordinated logistics.
What is a golf tour by private jet?
A golf tour by private jet is a luxury travel experience that allows guests to visit multiple destinations with greater ease and efficiency than traditional air travel. Rather than connecting through commercial airports between each stop, guests travel by private aircraft as part of a carefully planned itinerary. For Kalos Golf guests, private jet journeys are designed to pair extraordinary golf with robust cultural experiences, memorable accommodations, and seamless movement between destinations.
How is a golf cruise different from a land-based golf tour?
A golf cruise allows guests to unpack once and travel by ship between destinations, often combining golf days with scenic sailing, port visits, and cultural touring. A land-based golf tour typically centers around hotels, resorts, or lodges, with travel by coach, air, or other ground transportation between destinations. Both experiences include carefully selected golf, touring opportunities, and Kalos Golf support. The best choice depends on the guest’s preferred pace, destination, accommodations, and travel style.
How do I choose the right Kalos Golf travel experience?
The right Kalos Golf trip depends on where you want to travel, how much golf you want to play – every round, just a few rounds, or none at all – whether you prefer cruising or land-based accommodations, and who will be traveling with you. Golf cruises are often ideal for guests who enjoy visiting multiple ports while unpacking once. Land-based tours may be a better fit for travelers who want more time based in each destination along the journey. Private jet itineraries are designed for guests who want an especially seamless way to experience multiple destinations. The Kalos Golf team can help compare experiences, accommodations, golf programs, touring options, and availability so guests can choose the trip that best fits their interests.
How do I request more information about a Kalos Golf trip?
Guests can request a brochure via our website or contact Kalos Golf directly for more information about any itinerary. Our team can answer questions about availability, pricing, accommodations, golf, touring, and whether a specific trip is the right fit. For the most complete details, request the brochure for the trip you are considering by clicking on the Request Brochure button on any page. It will include itinerary information, pricing, inclusions, and reservation instructions.
Are the seas rough on Kalos Golf cruises?
While golf and cruising are both subject to weather conditions, Kalos Golf operates cruises during the prime season for each region to help minimize the impact of rough seas. Fortunately, we primarily use overnight sailing, and the ships we charter are among the most stable vessels available for their itineraries. Kalos Golf can also provide guidance on cabin locations that may be best suited for guests with motion sensitivity. For travelers who are particularly concerned about motion on the sea, our river cruises, chartered air, private jet, and land-based itineraries are great alternatives.
What are the staterooms like on Kalos Golf cruises?
Kalos Golf ship partners offer a variety of cabin categories. Options vary by vessel and itinerary, from well-appointed staterooms to more spacious suites. Our Guest Services Managers are well-informed about each ship and cabin category. They can help guests understand the options and make the best selection for their preferences.
How do I make airline arrangements?
Guests are welcome to use their preferred travel agent or book flights independently. Kalos Golf can also connect guests with an independent air specialist who can assist with flight arrangements for the itinerary. Contact information for air assistance is provided in the travel guidelines as part of our regular cadence of trip communications, and our Guest Services Manager can help make the connection.
What should I wear on a Kalos Golf trip or cruise?
During the day, dress is casual and comfortable. Golf attire is generally similar to what guests would wear at their home club, though some courses may have specific dress requirements. In the evenings, dress aboard ships and on land-based trips is typically “country club casual.” Jacket requirements are not mandatory, but many guests enjoy dressing up a bit for welcome and farewell events.
What level of fitness or mobility is required?
Kalos Golf itineraries often include walking, stairs, uneven surfaces, historic sites, and time spent moving between ships, coaches, courses, and touring locations. The level of activity varies by itinerary. Golfers should be comfortable with the physical requirements of the courses they plan to play, especially where carts may not be available. Guests with mobility concerns should speak with Kalos Golf before booking so our team can help determine whether a specific itinerary is a good fit.
What is a luxury golf cruise?
A luxury golf cruise combines exceptional golf, curated travel, and the ease of unpacking once while visiting multiple destinations. Guests enjoy rounds at memorable courses, time to explore each destination, and the comfort of traveling by ship between ports. With Kalos Golf, the experience is designed to feel seamless. We coordinate the golf, touring opportunities, transfers, daily logistics, service, and guest support so travelers can focus on enjoying the journey.
How does a Kalos Golf trip work?
A Kalos Golf trip is built around a carefully planned itinerary that balances golf, sightseeing, and time aboard the ship or in a destination. On golf days, guests are transferred to and from the course, with details such as tee times, pairings, and other on-course logistics arranged in advance. Golf clubs travel independently and await players at the course upon arrival. Touring guests enjoy guided sightseeing, cultural activities, or independent time in the destination while golfers are on the course. With a few exceptions where touring capacity is capped, golfers are also welcome to take a break from golf on any day and enjoy touring. Each itinerary is different, but the goal is always the same: to make the experience relaxed, well-paced, and memorable for both golfers and touring guests.
Are Kalos Golf trips suitable for touring spouses or companions?
Yes! Kalos Golf trips are specifically designed for both golfers and touring guests. While golfers enjoy rounds at carefully selected courses, touring guests take part in cultural experiences, sightseeing, small-group tours, and time aboard the ship or at the destination. Many guests travel as couples or with friends, and our itineraries are planned so the experience feels equally fulfilling whether or not you play golf.
Do I have to play golf every day on a Kalos Golf trip?
No. While golfers should be ready to play several rounds during a trip, most Kalos Golf itineraries include days without golf, allowing all guests to tour, cruise, relax, or explore the destination. Our cruise itineraries often include a day at sea for guests to rest and recharge. All itineraries also allow golfers to skip a round and join a tour instead, giving travelers added flexibility.
Can I combine golf and sightseeing on a Kalos Golf trip?
Yes! Kalos Golf itineraries are designed to balance golf with meaningful destination experiences. On most days, golf and touring may overlap, while on others, there is time for both. For example, guests may enjoy sightseeing highlights such as the Sistine Chapel, Sagrada Família, or Cinque Terre, depending on the itinerary. When time allows, we also plan experiences after golf, such as a panoramic drive, scenic visit, or a shorter version of a tour before returning to the ship or hotel.
What makes Kalos Golf different from other luxury golf tour operators?
Kalos Golf combines luxury travel planning, destination expertise, golf access, and highly personalized guest service. We charter vessels for our small group, and often take over entire hotel or lodge properties, creating an experience reserved exclusively for our guests. Each itinerary is designed to balance memorable golf with cultural experiences, time with like-minded fellow travelers, and support from the Kalos Golf team before and during the trip. Rather than simply arranging tee times, Kalos Golf shapes the full experience around how guests want to travel—with a carefully managed pace of play, smaller group sizes, attentive service, and a welcoming group atmosphere.
How skilled are the golfers on Kalos Golf trips?
Guests represent a wide range of skill levels, from low single-digit handicaps to higher handicaps. On each trip, our Golf Director works to group guests with players of a similar skill level whenever possible. The goal is for every golfer to feel at ease, enjoy the round at a steady pace, and experience the wonderful courses we play in good company.
How are golf pairings made?
Before departure, guests have the opportunity to share pairing requests. Our Golf Director also works during the trip to accommodate requests that arise along the way. Guests who want to make a game each day can let us know, or they can simply arrive at the course and enjoy the pairing arranged for them. We also offer a Ladies’ and Men’s event at least once during most trips.
Are golf carts available?
Golf carts are not as common in Europe as they are in the United States. Some private clubs have only a few carts, and Kalos Golf works to accommodate guests who need them whenever possible. Golfers who prefer to walk are welcome to do so. In certain destinations, local golf culture does not always permit the use of carts, and some courses may require a medical certificate before allowing cart use. Even with documentation, carts cannot always be guaranteed in advance.
Are caddies available?
Caddie availability depends on the destination and the golf courses included in the itinerary. Caddie programs are less common in Continental Europe and New Zealand. Caddies are generally more available on itineraries in the British Isles, Australia, Southeast Asia, and Japan, though availability still varies by course and trip.
Can I ship my golf clubs ahead of the trip?
Yes. For guests interested in shipping their golf clubs, Kalos Golf collaborates with Ship&Play to arrange arrival and return shipping as well as pricing for our itineraries. Guests should contact Ship&Play directly to place orders and make payments by credit card. More details about club shipping are provided in the communication packets guests receive leading up to departure. The Ship&Play website can be reached by clicking here.
How are golf clubs, tee times, and transfers handled during the trip?
Kalos Golf coordinates the golf schedule and many of the day-to-day logistics connected to each round. This typically includes tee times, pairings, ground transportation to and from the course, and communication about course-specific details. We also manage golf club handling so guests do not have to carry clubs to each course and back to their rooms.
What is included in a Kalos Golf trip?
Kalos Golf trips include thoughtfully selected accommodations both aboard the ship and at hotel properties, planned golf experiences, most meals, group events, sightseeing opportunities, and coordinated logistics throughout the itinerary. Specific inclusions vary by trip, and the terms and conditions for each itinerary clearly outline what is included. Our Guest Services Managers are happy to clarify inclusions before guests reserve their place.
What costs are not included?
Kalos Golf strives to make each trip as inclusive as possible. The terms and conditions for each trip clearly outline what is included and what is excluded. In general, gratuities, transfers on the main arrival and departure days, meals and cocktails on the ship, and lunches on golf excursions are included in the overall cost of the tour. Guests are typically responsible for personal expenses such as laundry service, phone calls, and caddies. For itineraries that include hotel stays or overnight dockings in port, restaurant recommendations are often provided to help guests experience local culture and enjoy dinner on their own.
How long can I hold a reservation, and when are payments due?
Kalos Golf holds space on trips for interested guests for one week before a signed reservation form and deposit are required to finalize the reservation. If reservation materials are not received, accommodations are returned to available inventory. Final payments are generally due five months prior to the trip’s departure date and can be made by check or wire transfer. Kalos Golf does not accept credit cards. While we understand some guests prefer the ease and travel benefits of credit card payments, this allows us to avoid the 3–3.5% fees charged by card processors and keep pricing more efficient for our travelers.
Do you recommend travel insurance?
Yes. Kalos Golf strongly encourages guests to invest in trip cancellation insurance. Many previous travelers have found this coverage valuable. Guests are welcome to use any provider they choose, or they may contact our office for guidance. In most circumstances, we direct guests to TripMate, which can be reached by clicking here. Non-U.S. residents should contact a travel insurance provider in their home country.
How far in advance should I reserve a Kalos Golf trip?
We recommend making your reservation as early as possible, as our trips typically fill up 12-18 months prior to departure. Early reservations provide guests with the best selection of accommodations and help ensure access to the trip that best matches their travel preferences. Many itineraries fill quickly due to small ship size, destination demand, or limited golf availability.
