Terms & Conditions – Astronomy Tours & Astronomy Shop
Operated by Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation
1. Scope of Application
These Terms & Conditions apply to all bookings for events organized by the Astronomy and Science Centre Foundation at any location (including but not limited to Spain, Poland, and other countries where the Foundation operates), as well as to purchases made through the Astronomy Tours Shop. By making a booking or purchase, the client accepts these Terms.
2. Types of Events
Regular Events
Family Astronomy Night
- Includes guided astronomical observations, use of telescopes, bonfire, dinner, and drinks.
- Special dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice.
- Optional overnight stay in a glamping pod or yurt with breakfast.
- Check-in for overnight guests: only at the start of the event.
- Check-out for overnight guests: between 10:00–11:00 the following day.
- Capacity: up to 70 participants.
- Languages: English, Spanish, Polish.
- Start and end times are provided in the individual event description.
- Late arrivals may result in refusal of entry without refund.
Adults-Only Astronomy Night
- Same services as Family Night, but restricted to adults.
- Same overnight conditions as above.
- Capacity: up to 70 participants.
- Languages: English, Spanish, Polish.
- Start and end times are provided in the event description.
- Late arrivals may be denied entry.
Special Events
Holiday-Themed Nights (e.g., Easter, Christmas)
- Reduced astronomy focus, themed activities included.
- Capacity varies by event.
- Same overnight rules as above.
- Start and end times are provided in the event description.
- Late arrivals may be denied entry.
Promotional Events (e.g., Full Moon Party, Children’s Day)
- Higher capacity (up to 100 participants).
- Reduced astronomy component (1–2 objects).
- Food and drinks available separately, not included in the entry price.
- Same overnight rules as above.
- Start and end times are provided in the event description.
- Late arrivals may be denied entry.
Special Astronomical Occasions (e.g., Perseids)
- Full astronomical observation program.
- Same overnight rules as above.
- Capacity: up to 70 participants.
- Start and end times are provided in the event description.
- Late arrivals may be denied entry.
Workshops
- One-day or multi-day programs on astronomy topics.
- If meals are included, dietary needs can be accommodated with prior notice.
- Same overnight rules as above.
- Capacity depends on the workshop.
- Start and end times are provided in the event description.
- Late arrivals may be denied entry.
Private Events
- Fully customized astronomy-related programs.
- Same overnight rules as above.
- Start and end times are provided in the event description.
- Late arrivals may be denied entry.
- Additional booking conditions for private groups are set out in Section 5.
3. Booking Process
- Bookings are primarily made via www.astronomy.tours.
- Alternatives include email, Messenger, or partner platforms (Viator, GetYourGuide).
- A booking is confirmed only after payment has been received.
4. Payments & Cancellation Policy
Payments
- All payments are processed securely via Stripe (credit/debit card).
Cancellations by Client
- Regular Events (Astronomy Experience)
- Full refund (minus operational fee) if cancelled at least 7 days in advance.
- 50% refund (minus operational fee) if cancelled between 48 hours and 7 days in advance.
- No refund if cancelled less than 48 hours in advance.
- Overnight Stays
- Full refund (minus operational fee) if cancelled at least 7 days in advance.
- No refund if cancelled less than 7 days in advance.
- Special Events (e.g., Solstice Nights, Collaborations)
- Full refund (minus operational fee) if cancelled at least 14 days in advance.
- No refund if cancelled less than 14 days in advance.
- Events Financed by Third Parties (e.g., Foundation co-financed)
- Non-refundable under all circumstances.
Notes
- All cancellations must be submitted in writing (email or Messenger).
- Operational fees are non-refundable.
- Refunds are issued only to the original payment method.
- If a booking is rescheduled for an open date, original ticket number is transferred as voucher number. The voucher is valid 6 months.
Cancellations by Organizer
- If an event is cancelled by the Foundation (e.g., insufficient participants, severe weather), clients will be offered either a full refund or the option to reschedule.
5. Private Event Booking Terms
The following additional terms apply to all private group bookings:
- Booking & Deposit
- A private booking is confirmed only upon receipt of a non-refundable deposit (amount specified in the invoice).
- Until the deposit is received, dates remain available for other groups.
- Final Payment
- The remaining balance must be paid in full by the deadline stated in the invoice.
- If payment is not received on time, the booking may be cancelled without refund of the deposit.
- Minimum Group Charge
- Private events are reserved exclusively for the booking group.
- A minimum group charge applies regardless of the actual number of participants attending:
- Small groups (up to 25 people): charged individually at the standard rate.
- Medium and large groups (26+): a minimum of 30 paying participants will be charged, even if fewer guests attend.
- Organizers may be exempt from payment if agreed in writing at the time of booking.
- Changes to Numbers
- Minor changes of up to ±10% can be accepted up to 48 hours before the event, provided they do not fall below the agreed minimum charge.
- Reductions greater than 10% after booking confirmation will not reduce the total invoice amount.
- Increases in numbers will be accommodated when possible and invoiced at the agreed per-person rate.
- Cancellations
- Deposits are non-refundable.
- Cancellations less than 30 days before the event will be charged 100% of the agreed minimum.
- Rescheduling
- Rescheduling is possible only at the discretion of the Foundation and subject to availability.
- Additional costs may apply.
- Force Majeure
- In the event of circumstances beyond the Foundation’s control (e.g., extreme weather, technical failure), efforts will be made to reschedule or provide an alternative program.
6. Participation & Safety
- Minimum participant numbers depend on the event.
- Maximum group size is stated in the event description.
- Children must be supervised at all times.
- Adults-only activities are clearly marked.
- Guests must follow staff instructions at all times.
- Telescopes and other equipment may only be used under staff supervision.
- White lights and flash photography are prohibited during observations.
- Bonfire safety rules apply: children must be supervised, no additional wood may be added, and roasting sticks must remain in the designated area.
- Movement takes place in low light; guests may bring red lights.
- Late arrival may result in denied entry without refund.
- The full Code of Conduct is available on the website.
7. Weather Policy
- Events proceed regardless of cloud cover.
- Severe weather may result in cancellation, reschedule, or refund.
- Alternative indoor or astrophotography programs may be offered if observation is not possible.
8. Vouchers, Refunds & Complaints
- Vouchers are valid 6 months if another validity period is not established.
- Refunds are governed by Sections 4 and 5.
- Complaints and feedback are handled promptly.
9. Additional Services
- On-site bar with additional food and drinks.
- Meals may be purchased separately if not included in the event.
- Overnight stays must be booked in advance.
- Check-in for overnight guests is only at the event start; check-out is between 10:00–11:00.
- The Astronomy Tours Shop is available both online and on-site.
10. Astronomy Tours Shop
Products
- Telescopes, binoculars, microscopes, books, gadgets, jewelry, clothing.
Orders & Delivery
- Orders via the website.
- In-stock items shipped promptly after payment.
- Certain products (especially optics) may require 2–3 weeks (direct import).
Payments & Refunds
- Payments via Stripe.
- Refunds only for items damaged in transit (must remain unopened and unused).
- Returns are at the client’s expense.
- No refunds for change of mind due to import costs.
Customer Benefits
- Free telescope training session at Finca Astronómica with each telescope purchase.
- Online assistance available.
Security
- Secure HTTPS website and payment system.
- Personal data is never shared with third parties.
Other Provisions
- Online shop only; no fixed hours.
- Prices and availability subject to change.
11. Legal Framework
- All services and sales are operated by:
Fundacja Astronomy and Science Centre
NIP: PL5792269618
Address: Aleja Wojska Polskiego 499, 82-200 Malbork, Poland - The Foundation is registered in Poland and acts internationally.
- Governing law: Polish law and applicable European Union regulations.
- Jurisdiction: Polish courts.