Ticket Purchase

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance?

Yes, please purchase all tour tickets well in advance.  Most tours sell out.

Can I get a refund or reschedule my ticket?

Sorry, all tickets are nonrefundable and tours cannot be rescheduled once booked. Our tours usually sell out and we are holding a spot for you. No partial credits or rescheduling is allowed for partial attendance, no shows, or late arrivals.

If a tour is sold out, can I get on the waiting list?

We do not offer a waiting list, but please Contact Us if a tour is sold out. We may add another tour that day.

Is gratuity included?

No, our tour guides appreciate your tips.  15-20% is customary in the tourism industry.

Do you offer discounts for children and seniors?

We currently do not offer discounted tickets for children and seniors.

Do infants need a ticket?

If you are bringing a child under 2 and he/she will not be participating in the tastings, you do not need to purchase a ticket. All children age 3 and over will need a ticket.

What if a tour doesn't meet the minimum requirement?

Gourmet Walks will contact you at least 2 days before the tour to reschedule or offer a refund.

Tour Logistics

What happens if it rains?

Our tours are held rain or shine regardless of weather conditions. Please bring an umbrella during the winter months, just in case. And don't worry, you will stay cozy and dry inside the shops and restaurants.

How hard is the walk?

Most reasonably active people should be able to handle our walks. There are no major hills. The Chocolate Tour (1 ½ miles) is our longest walk and our Gourmet SF: Hayes Valley (less than 1 mile) is our shortest walk. We recommend wearing comfortable shoes.

How long does the tour last?

All tours are approximately 3 hours, depending on the size of the group.

Are there any opportunities to sit?

Yes, there is time to sit and eat on our Gourmet SF: Hayes Valley, Gourmet Napa and ULTRA Chocolate Tours. On the Chocolate Tour there is one rest stop with time to sit.

Are there bathroom breaks?

Yes, we will alert you when it is time to use restroom facilities.

What should I bring with me?

We suggest bringing water in a refillable bottle, and wearing comfortable shoes. During the winter months, an umbrella.

Does the tour end at the same place where we began?

No… The Chocolate Tour begins at Justin Herman Plaza and ends at Westfield Centre (20 minutes from starting point). The ULTRA Chocolate Tour starts at Le Meridien (Embarcadero 1) and ends at Embarcadero 2 (1 minute from starting point). The Gourmet SF: Hayes Valley begins at Patricia's Green and ends at Hayes and Gough (3 minutes from starting point). The Gourmet Napa Tour begins at Oxbow Market and ends at the Hatt Mill (10 minutes from starting point).

Is there parking nearby?

Yes, there are paid parking lots convenient to all our tours. Your confirmation email will include some suggestions. There is free parking at Oxbow Market for the Gourmet Napa Tour.

Can I take public transportation?

Our Chocolate and ULTRA Chocolate Tours are very convenient to public transportation. They begin at Embarcadero BART stop and end at Powell BART stop.

The closest BART stop to our Gourmet SF: Hayes Valley is Civic Center, a 10 minute walk from the tour starting point.

Are cameras allowed?

Absolutely! We love it when tour guests take pictures and send to us, or post on Facebook.

Who Can Come

Are there any age restrictions?

Children are allowed on the tours, although anyone over the age of 3 will need a ticket. Please keep in mind that there is a good deal of walking and listening involved. Tour content is not geared toward young children.

Customers must be over 21 on the ULTRA Chocolate Tour and the Gourmet SF: Hayes Valley Sunday Tours (Fridays children OK). On the Gourmet Napa Tour, we stop at two wine tasting rooms where customers must be 21 and up in order to participate in tastings.

How physically fit do I need to be?

Our tours do require a certain level of physical stamina. The walks average a little over a mile, however there are no major hills on any of our tours.

On the Chocolate Tour you are on your feet for almost 3 hours, with one seated rest stop. The ULTRA Chocolate Tour is less walking and you sit down in two wine bars for 20 minutes each. Our Gourmet SF: Hayes Valley and Gourmet Napa Tour both offer a number of seating options throughout the tour.

Can I bring my dog?

Due to the shops and restaurants we visit, pets are not allowed on the tours.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, when you purchase your ticket please us know if you will have a wheelchair.

Are the tours appropriate for San Francisco natives?

Definitely! Locals have a great time on our tour and often attend when family is in town or when celebrating a special occasion. You will visit off-the-beaten path shops and restaurants and learn new things about chocolate, wine, cheese and more.

Food & Drink Tastings

How much food is included?

We include a generous amount of tasting on all our tours. On both our Chocolate Tours, you will typically end up with a bag of extra gourmet goodies to eat later. The Gourmet Hayes (7 tastings) and Gourmet Napa (9 tastings) provide enough food for lunch.

Should I eat first?

It's best to arrive on our tours with an appetite. The Hayes and Napa Tours provide enough food for lunch, so you won't need to eat before or after the tour!

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Let your tour guide know at the beginning of the tour if you have any specific dietary restrictions or allergies. We will try our best to make substitutions when available.

Are there vegetarian options?

Yes, we can usually make appropriate substitutions.

Gifts

How do I buy a gift certificate?

Absolutely! We will email you the gift certificate within 24 hours of your order. Click here to purchase.

How do I redeem a gift certificate?

Email info@gourmetwalks.com with your gift certificate number, your cell phone and your desired date and time.