TERMS & CONDITIONS

1. General Description of Services

Esenko Workshops arranges photography workshops and tours combining guiding, photography tuition and travel logistics. Each trip itinerary on our website lists the services included in the price (for example: accommodation type, meals, transport during the workshop, professional guiding fees, admission fees, etc.) as well as services not included (international flights, visas, personal expenses, optional excursions and drinks unless specified). Inclusions may vary from trip to trip; please refer to the specific trip page for details. Unless stated otherwise, all tours are conducted in English. Tours usually run with a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 participants; if the minimum is not reached, we reserve the right to cancel or reschedule the trip.

2. Booking and Payments

1. Enquiry and Confirmation – To book a workshop or tour, submit an online application through our website or contact us directly. We will confirm availability and send you payment instructions and a confirmation voucher. Your booking is only secured once we receive your deposit.
2. Deposit – A 25% deposit of the trip fee is required at the time of booking. Payment implies acceptance of these Terms & Conditions. We accept Visa and MasterCard, PayPal and bank transfers.
3. Balance – The balance of the trip fee is due 60 days before the start date. If we do not receive payment by this deadline, we may cancel your booking and retain the deposit.
4. Price Changes – Our prices are quoted in euros and are based on current exchange rates, taxes and fuel costs. We reserve the right to increase or decrease the price if these factors change substantially. Any price adjustment will be communicated in writing no later than 20 days before departure. Should the price increase exceed 8%, you may cancel your trip without paying a cancellation fee and receive a full refund of the sums paid.

3. Cancellations and Changes

1. Cancellation by Participant – If you need to cancel your booking, please notify us in writing as soon as possible. Our cancellation fees are based on the time of cancellation before departure:
   • ≥ 240 days before departure: administrative and bank fees only.
   • 120–239 days before departure: loss of deposit.
   • 60–119 days before departure: 50 % of the trip fee.
   • < 60 days before departure: 100 % of the trip fee.
   If we fill your cancelled place, we may at our discretion refund part or all of the fee.
2. Transfer of Booking – You may transfer your booking to another person who meets the trip requirements by notifying us in writing at least 7 days before departure. You will be responsible for any costs incurred by the transfer (e.g. name‑change fees). The transferee must accept these Terms & Conditions.
3. Changes and Cancellations by Esenko Workshops – We reserve the right to cancel a trip if the minimum number of participants is not reached, if government travel advisories or force‑majeure events (natural disasters, pandemics, political unrest) make the trip unsafe, or if circumstances beyond our control (e.g. severe weather, unexpected closures) require alteration. In such cases, you may choose to transfer to another trip or receive a full refund of monies paid. No further compensation will be paid for cancellations due to force majeure.
4. Terms for Private and Partner Trips – The cancellation, change, and payment terms outlined in this document apply specifically to the scheduled individual workshops listed on our website. For custom private trips and private group bookings, the payment schedule, cancellation fees, and booking terms are agreed upon individually, depending on the specific trip logistics and third-party requirements. These specific terms will be detailed in your private booking offer or contract.

4. Travel Documents and Health

1. Passports & Visas – It is your responsibility to ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond the tour end date and that you obtain any visas or entry permits required for the destinations visited. Our trip descriptions note where visas are typically required; however, regulations vary by nationality. Please consult the relevant consulate or embassy. Failure to obtain documents or denied boarding due to documentation issues will be treated as a cancellation by the participant.
2. Health Requirements – Some destinations may require vaccinations or other health measures. We strongly recommend that you consult your doctor or a travel clinic for advice on recommended immunisations and health precautions. You must inform us of any medical conditions or mobility issues that could affect your participation. We reserve the right to request a doctor’s certificate confirming your fitness for the trip.

5. Insurance

1. Travel and Cancellation Insurance – We strongly recommend that all participants purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering trip cancellation, curtailment, personal accident, personal liability, loss of luggage and delays. Some destinations may require proof of insurance; you are responsible for obtaining appropriate cover.
2. Medical Insurance – For workshops outside your home country, we urge you to obtain medical insurance that covers emergency medical treatment and repatriation. Your domestic health insurance may not cover you abroad.

6. Insolvency and Financial Protection

Esenko Workshops operates under Židana Marela d.o.o. (registered at Vrhovci Cesta X/28, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia). We hold Licences 1134 (Tour Organizer) and 1135 (Tour Agent), issued by the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In compliance with the EU Package Travel Directive and Slovenian Consumer Protection Act, we have taken out insolvency protection covering at least 10 % of our annual turnover to refund your payments and repatriate you if we become insolvent.

7. Third‑Party Services and Liability

Our tours involve services provided by third parties (transport companies, hotels, restaurants, activity providers). We select reputable providers; however, we do not control their operations and are not liable for their acts or omissions. We are not responsible for delays, cancellations, overbooking, lost luggage or other incidents beyond our reasonable control. We reserve the right to make adjustments to itineraries to address such circumstances. Participation is at your own risk. By booking, you accept the inherent risks associated with travel, including travel in remote or mountainous areas, exposure to wildlife and natural hazards, and varying standards of accommodation and transport. You release Židana Marela d.o.o., its employees and contractors from liability for injury, loss, damage or expense arising from participation except where prohibited by law.

8. Responsibility and Participant Conduct

You are responsible for selecting a trip appropriate to your abilities and interests and for being in adequate physical condition. You agree to:

• Arrive at the meeting point on time and arrange your own travel to and from the start and end locations.
• Read all pre‑trip materials; bring required equipment, clothing and photography gear; and follow the instructions of guides.
• Behave respectfully toward other participants, local communities and the environment. We reserve the right to remove any participant whose behaviour is disruptive or unsafe without refund.
• Acknowledge that itineraries may change at the discretion of the trip leader due to weather, safety concerns or other factors; no refunds will be given for curtailed or substituted activities.

9. Complaints and Dispute Resolution

If you encounter any problems during your trip, please inform your trip leader or our office immediately so that we can attempt to resolve the issue. Should an issue remain unresolved, please submit a written complaint within 15 days of the trip’s end to:

Esenko Workshops / Židana Marela d.o.o.
Vrhovci Cesta X/28, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia

We will investigate and respond within 30 days. If a dispute cannot be resolved amicably, you may refer the matter to the Slovenian Consumer Protection Association (ZPS) or another accredited mediator. In the event of mediation failing, the courts of Ljubljana, Slovenia, shall have exclusive jurisdiction.

10. Privacy and Data Protection

We respect your privacy. We collect and process personal data (such as your name, contact details, travel preferences and health information) solely for the purpose of organizing your trip and providing related services. The data controller is Židana Marela d.o.o.. We process your data on the basis of your contract with us and legitimate interests (customer service, marketing communications). We do not sell or share your personal data with unrelated third parties. We retain your data for as long as necessary to fulfil our obligations and comply with legal requirements. You have the right to access, rectify, erase or restrict processing of your personal data and to object to processing or lodge a complaint with the Slovenian Information Commissioner.

11. Governing Law and Severability

These Terms & Conditions are governed by the laws of the Republic of Slovenia. If any clause is found invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions remain in force. Our failure to enforce any right or provision shall not constitute a waiver of that right or provision.

By booking a trip with Esenko Workshops, you acknowledge that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by the above Terms & Conditions.