Frequently asked questions
What are your hours of operation?
Tours are available 7 days a week! 11am-2am ( however, not all breweries are open these hours)
Our office and phones are open from 10am - 8pm. Sunday's 12pm-6pm.
What is included in the Public Tours?
Pickup, drop-off, and transportation to and from each brewery with a knowledgeable beer tour guide
Visit 3 to 4 breweries per tour
3-4 large samples of beer at each brewery stop (varies on Walking Tours)
One private behind the scenes brewery tour
Discounts on merchandise from breweries! Select breweries offer discounts on merch and sometimes even beer to go!
How much beer is included on the public tours?
At each brewery stop you will get at least 4 large samples of beer for Grand Rapids tours (Tours 1-3) 12 total, and 3 large samples at every stop for out-of-town tours (Tours 4-6) 12 total. Each sample is around 4 to 5 ounces. You will get at least 48 ounces of beer, 1 pitcher (a lot of beer), around $30 worth of beer! Walking Tours include 9 samples of beer, these sample sizes vary. Walking Tours include around $20 worth off beer!
What kind of vehicle do we ride in?
We have a spacious bus that seats 13 people. The ceiling is 6 feet high and has a railing to help get on and off. The bus is equipped with bluetooth allowing you to use your phone and connect to your music. The bus has a 19" t.v. so you can bring along one of your favorite DVD's and watch anything you want. You can even bring a flash drive, which is great for a business group if you need to present documents or Powerpoint to your group. The bus has a large cooler for you to store the beers you buy in. We have complementary bottled waters and bagged snacks (pretzels or popcorn chips).
Do we tip at the breweries or the driver/tour guide?
Your tour guide will take care of gratuity on the beer samples at each stop. Gratuity for the driver/tour guide is not included in this cost, unlike some other companies, we leave it up to you to decide what the driver/tour guide deserves.
Where do your tours depart?
Our Public Tours depart from Grand Rapids in front of the central bus station at 250 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW (across the street from Founders Brewing Co).
Walking Tours meet in front of Founders Brewing Company at 235 Grandville Ave SW or in front of New Holland's Knickerbocker at 417 Bridge St. NW for Bridge St. Walking Tour. Please arrive about 10 minutes before the scheduled tour time.
Are you still offering tours with the COVID-19 pandemic happening?
Yes! As long as the breweries are open, we'll take you there.
Where do we park for public tours?
We suggest parking in Founder's parking lot located behind the brewery and just south. The first 4 hours are free with the purchase of beer or food, just give your ticket to a bartender to have it validated. You can also park at street meters for free on Saturdays and Sundays.
Are we allowed to drink alcohol on the bus?
Yes, absolutely. Just keep in mind if you get too intoxicated we reserve's the right to remove you from the tour. Also, most of the breweries are only 5-10 minutes apart so there is typically not a lot of time to drink on the bus, but alcohol is allowed.
What if someone wants to go on a tour that does not drink beer?
If you or someone wants to go on a public tour but does not drink beer, no problem, sometimes we can offer a discounted price, depends on the tour. In order to book a tour this way, and to acquire about pricing, please call (616) 901-9719 or email: grbeertours@gmail.com.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes, gift certificates can be purchased at our Gift Certificates page. Gift certificates can be used towards public or private tours.
How do I use my gift certificate?
To use a gift certificate you must call the office at (616) 901-9719 or email: grbeertours@gmail.com
Gift certificates can be used for any public tour that is listed at Book A Tour as long as that tour has room available .
Gift certificates can also be credited towards a private tour. If you book a private tour using a gift certificate, we need to know the # on it.
How are cancellations and refunds handled?
Cancellations for public tours must be arranged 5 days prior to your scheduled tour for a refund (minus a $5 processing fee per ticket). If you cancel after this time you will be refunded half of your payment. No refund if you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled tour.
Cancellations for private tours must be arranged 45 days before your scheduled tour for a refund (minus a $10 processing fee). If you cancel after this time you will receive half of your down payment back. If you cancel less then 5 days there will be no refund. If you cancel a private tour you booked using a gift certificate the cancellation policies will apply towards your gift certificate.
What is included on the Public Walking Tour?
Visit to 3 breweries: Founders Brewing Company, Grand Rapids Brewing Company & B.O.B.'s Brewery
3 samples of beer at each brewery stop!
A private brewery tour at B.O.B.'s Brewery
A knowledgeable tour guide who will talk about beer history in and out of Grand Rapids
How long of a walk is a Walking Tour?
The walking tour is just over a 1 mile walk, we will be walking around 20 minutes total round trip. It is a fairly level walk, no steep hills.
What if I want to do a Walking Tour and have a health condition that makes me walk slowly?
If you have a condition that keeps you from walking at a regular pace this tour may not be for you. Look up our driving tours.
Are Private Walking Tours available?
Yes. In order to book a Private Walking Tour call us at (616) 901-9719 or grbeertours@gmail.com
What if the weather is poor?
If you are signed up for a walking tour please dress accordingly, Grand Rapids can have extreme weather. Feel free to bring an umbrella/raincoat along if the forecast is predicting rain, or a sweater if it's going to be cold.
The 13 passenger van offers tours year around, only in severe weather will a tour be cancelled.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, we recommend a reservation to ensure your spot.
Where can I purchase tickets?
The best place to purchase public tour tickets is on this website at Book A Tour
You can also call our reservation department at (616) 901-9719
You can email requests to grbeertours@gmail.com
Note: We will not mail an actual ticket. All you need to bring is a valid state i.d. with the name the ticket/tickets were purchased under.
How much does a private tour cost?
$400 for 3 hours Monday-Thursday & Friday before 5pm, and $100 for every hour that follows. Friday after 5pm and Saturday-Sunday cost $475 for 3 hours and $125 for every hour that follows.
How many people can you accommodate on the tours?
13 people on our bus. If you need more seating we rent buses from other companies. So we can seat as many people as you would like.
What is included on a private tour?
If you book a private tour you have the flexibility to choose the time frame and where you want to go. Every private tour will be led by a beer tour guide. Beer samples are not automatically included in the initial price for private tours. Sample prices vary from brewery to brewery, with the beer samples included the price is very similar in the regular public tour pricing. With private tours we will help put together a schedule, make reservations when possible, and book private brewery tours where available. We are here to help you customize a tour for your ultimate beer tour experience.
Can we use bluetooth and listen to our own music?
Yes!
How does a group book a private tour in advance?
Email us at: grbeertours@gmail.com or call our reservation department at (616) 901-9719
What forms of payment are accepted?
For Internet bookings we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express through Paypal. You do not need to be a member of Paypal to submit payment.
Payment by cash or credit card is accepted (using Square) when you enter the vehicle.
Do you visit Hop Yards & Malt Houses?
Yes! We can arrange a visit to a Hop Yard (best time to visit July-August) or a Malt House.
Do I need to print a ticket?
No ticket is needed, just show your ID with the name that it was purchased under.
Can you do hotel pickups?
Pickups are available if you are located in central Grand Rapids. We offer free pick up and drop off to Holiday Inn, City Flats Hotel, Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriott, Courtyard Marriott, Homewood Suites, AC Hotel, & Hyatt Place If you plan to be picked up let us know in advance by contacting us. If you reserve a Private Beer Tour, we can pick up anywhere in the state, an extra fee may apply depending on location.
Can I drink before the tour starts?
Yes, but if we suspect that you are intoxicated we will not let you on the bus and there will be no refund. Save the drinking for the tour. There will be plenty of delicious craft beers to enjoy.
Where do your tours finish?
You are dropped off at the same location as pick-up. Private tours can drop off wherever you like.
Where does our tour take us?
Depends if you are doing a private or public tour. Public tours are listed under Tour Info. Private tours you choose where you want to go. Some of your options can be found under the Breweries page.
How long is the tour?
Most public driving tours last between 4 to 6 hours, times may vary slightly. Most Walking Tours are 3 hours. Private tours, you choose how long.
Is food available on the tour?
For public tours we will make a stop long enough for a lunch break at one of the brewery stops, except for Walking Tours. Food is not included in admission. Pretzels and bottled water will be provided on the bus.
Will my ticket expire?
Your purchase is only valid for the date you select.
Are minors allowed on the tour?
We can make exceptions for minors on certain tours. Please acquire about this by email: grbeertours@gmail.com or phone (616) 901-9719.
What happens if only a few seats sell on a tour?
We reserve the right to cancel a driving tour if less than four people have booked 48 hours prior to the tour. If less then 6 people sign up for a Walking Tour we reserve the right to cancel. At that time, you will be refunded your money, or you can select an alternate tour date. For Tour 3-5 (out-of-town tours) a minimum of 8 tickets need to be sold. P.S. it is very rare for us to cancel a tour.
Can I buy beers to take home with me during the tour?
We encourage our customers to buy bottles, cans, growlers or crowlers of your favorite beers from the breweries we visit. No drinking from these beers until the tour has finished & you make it safe to your final destination. There will be a cooler for you to store beers in.
Tours are available 7 days a week! 11am-2am ( however, not all breweries are open these hours)
Our office and phones are open from 10am - 8pm. Sunday's 12pm-6pm.
What is included in the Public Tours?
Pickup, drop-off, and transportation to and from each brewery with a knowledgeable beer tour guide
Visit 3 to 4 breweries per tour
3-4 large samples of beer at each brewery stop (varies on Walking Tours)
One private behind the scenes brewery tour
Discounts on merchandise from breweries! Select breweries offer discounts on merch and sometimes even beer to go!
How much beer is included on the public tours?
At each brewery stop you will get at least 4 large samples of beer for Grand Rapids tours (Tours 1-3) 12 total, and 3 large samples at every stop for out-of-town tours (Tours 4-6) 12 total. Each sample is around 4 to 5 ounces. You will get at least 48 ounces of beer, 1 pitcher (a lot of beer), around $30 worth of beer! Walking Tours include 9 samples of beer, these sample sizes vary. Walking Tours include around $20 worth off beer!
What kind of vehicle do we ride in?
We have a spacious bus that seats 13 people. The ceiling is 6 feet high and has a railing to help get on and off. The bus is equipped with bluetooth allowing you to use your phone and connect to your music. The bus has a 19" t.v. so you can bring along one of your favorite DVD's and watch anything you want. You can even bring a flash drive, which is great for a business group if you need to present documents or Powerpoint to your group. The bus has a large cooler for you to store the beers you buy in. We have complementary bottled waters and bagged snacks (pretzels or popcorn chips).
Do we tip at the breweries or the driver/tour guide?
Your tour guide will take care of gratuity on the beer samples at each stop. Gratuity for the driver/tour guide is not included in this cost, unlike some other companies, we leave it up to you to decide what the driver/tour guide deserves.
Where do your tours depart?
Our Public Tours depart from Grand Rapids in front of the central bus station at 250 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW (across the street from Founders Brewing Co).
Walking Tours meet in front of Founders Brewing Company at 235 Grandville Ave SW or in front of New Holland's Knickerbocker at 417 Bridge St. NW for Bridge St. Walking Tour. Please arrive about 10 minutes before the scheduled tour time.
Are you still offering tours with the COVID-19 pandemic happening?
Yes! As long as the breweries are open, we'll take you there.
Where do we park for public tours?
We suggest parking in Founder's parking lot located behind the brewery and just south. The first 4 hours are free with the purchase of beer or food, just give your ticket to a bartender to have it validated. You can also park at street meters for free on Saturdays and Sundays.
Are we allowed to drink alcohol on the bus?
Yes, absolutely. Just keep in mind if you get too intoxicated we reserve's the right to remove you from the tour. Also, most of the breweries are only 5-10 minutes apart so there is typically not a lot of time to drink on the bus, but alcohol is allowed.
What if someone wants to go on a tour that does not drink beer?
If you or someone wants to go on a public tour but does not drink beer, no problem, sometimes we can offer a discounted price, depends on the tour. In order to book a tour this way, and to acquire about pricing, please call (616) 901-9719 or email: grbeertours@gmail.com.
Are gift certificates available?
Yes, gift certificates can be purchased at our Gift Certificates page. Gift certificates can be used towards public or private tours.
How do I use my gift certificate?
To use a gift certificate you must call the office at (616) 901-9719 or email: grbeertours@gmail.com
Gift certificates can be used for any public tour that is listed at Book A Tour as long as that tour has room available .
Gift certificates can also be credited towards a private tour. If you book a private tour using a gift certificate, we need to know the # on it.
How are cancellations and refunds handled?
Cancellations for public tours must be arranged 5 days prior to your scheduled tour for a refund (minus a $5 processing fee per ticket). If you cancel after this time you will be refunded half of your payment. No refund if you cancel within 24 hours of your scheduled tour.
Cancellations for private tours must be arranged 45 days before your scheduled tour for a refund (minus a $10 processing fee). If you cancel after this time you will receive half of your down payment back. If you cancel less then 5 days there will be no refund. If you cancel a private tour you booked using a gift certificate the cancellation policies will apply towards your gift certificate.
What is included on the Public Walking Tour?
Visit to 3 breweries: Founders Brewing Company, Grand Rapids Brewing Company & B.O.B.'s Brewery
3 samples of beer at each brewery stop!
A private brewery tour at B.O.B.'s Brewery
A knowledgeable tour guide who will talk about beer history in and out of Grand Rapids
How long of a walk is a Walking Tour?
The walking tour is just over a 1 mile walk, we will be walking around 20 minutes total round trip. It is a fairly level walk, no steep hills.
What if I want to do a Walking Tour and have a health condition that makes me walk slowly?
If you have a condition that keeps you from walking at a regular pace this tour may not be for you. Look up our driving tours.
Are Private Walking Tours available?
Yes. In order to book a Private Walking Tour call us at (616) 901-9719 or grbeertours@gmail.com
What if the weather is poor?
If you are signed up for a walking tour please dress accordingly, Grand Rapids can have extreme weather. Feel free to bring an umbrella/raincoat along if the forecast is predicting rain, or a sweater if it's going to be cold.
The 13 passenger van offers tours year around, only in severe weather will a tour be cancelled.
Do I need a reservation?
Yes, we recommend a reservation to ensure your spot.
Where can I purchase tickets?
The best place to purchase public tour tickets is on this website at Book A Tour
You can also call our reservation department at (616) 901-9719
You can email requests to grbeertours@gmail.com
Note: We will not mail an actual ticket. All you need to bring is a valid state i.d. with the name the ticket/tickets were purchased under.
How much does a private tour cost?
$400 for 3 hours Monday-Thursday & Friday before 5pm, and $100 for every hour that follows. Friday after 5pm and Saturday-Sunday cost $475 for 3 hours and $125 for every hour that follows.
How many people can you accommodate on the tours?
13 people on our bus. If you need more seating we rent buses from other companies. So we can seat as many people as you would like.
What is included on a private tour?
If you book a private tour you have the flexibility to choose the time frame and where you want to go. Every private tour will be led by a beer tour guide. Beer samples are not automatically included in the initial price for private tours. Sample prices vary from brewery to brewery, with the beer samples included the price is very similar in the regular public tour pricing. With private tours we will help put together a schedule, make reservations when possible, and book private brewery tours where available. We are here to help you customize a tour for your ultimate beer tour experience.
Can we use bluetooth and listen to our own music?
Yes!
How does a group book a private tour in advance?
Email us at: grbeertours@gmail.com or call our reservation department at (616) 901-9719
What forms of payment are accepted?
For Internet bookings we accept Visa, MasterCard, and American Express through Paypal. You do not need to be a member of Paypal to submit payment.
Payment by cash or credit card is accepted (using Square) when you enter the vehicle.
Do you visit Hop Yards & Malt Houses?
Yes! We can arrange a visit to a Hop Yard (best time to visit July-August) or a Malt House.
Do I need to print a ticket?
No ticket is needed, just show your ID with the name that it was purchased under.
Can you do hotel pickups?
Pickups are available if you are located in central Grand Rapids. We offer free pick up and drop off to Holiday Inn, City Flats Hotel, Amway Grand Plaza, JW Marriott, Courtyard Marriott, Homewood Suites, AC Hotel, & Hyatt Place If you plan to be picked up let us know in advance by contacting us. If you reserve a Private Beer Tour, we can pick up anywhere in the state, an extra fee may apply depending on location.
Can I drink before the tour starts?
Yes, but if we suspect that you are intoxicated we will not let you on the bus and there will be no refund. Save the drinking for the tour. There will be plenty of delicious craft beers to enjoy.
Where do your tours finish?
You are dropped off at the same location as pick-up. Private tours can drop off wherever you like.
Where does our tour take us?
Depends if you are doing a private or public tour. Public tours are listed under Tour Info. Private tours you choose where you want to go. Some of your options can be found under the Breweries page.
How long is the tour?
Most public driving tours last between 4 to 6 hours, times may vary slightly. Most Walking Tours are 3 hours. Private tours, you choose how long.
Is food available on the tour?
For public tours we will make a stop long enough for a lunch break at one of the brewery stops, except for Walking Tours. Food is not included in admission. Pretzels and bottled water will be provided on the bus.
Will my ticket expire?
Your purchase is only valid for the date you select.
Are minors allowed on the tour?
We can make exceptions for minors on certain tours. Please acquire about this by email: grbeertours@gmail.com or phone (616) 901-9719.
What happens if only a few seats sell on a tour?
We reserve the right to cancel a driving tour if less than four people have booked 48 hours prior to the tour. If less then 6 people sign up for a Walking Tour we reserve the right to cancel. At that time, you will be refunded your money, or you can select an alternate tour date. For Tour 3-5 (out-of-town tours) a minimum of 8 tickets need to be sold. P.S. it is very rare for us to cancel a tour.
Can I buy beers to take home with me during the tour?
We encourage our customers to buy bottles, cans, growlers or crowlers of your favorite beers from the breweries we visit. No drinking from these beers until the tour has finished & you make it safe to your final destination. There will be a cooler for you to store beers in.
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR BOOKINGS & QUESTIONS
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