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 1-6) 12 total, and 3 large samples at every stopl. Each sample is around 4 to 5 ounces. You will get at least 48 ounces of beer, 1 pitcher (a lot of beer), around $35 worth of beer! Walking Tours include 9 samples of beer, these sample sizes vary. Walking Tours include around $28 worth of beer!
What kind of vehicle do we ride in?
We have a sharp looking Dodge Grand Caravan. The vehicle seats up 6 passengers at a time. If you have more people we often times use the party van as a shuttle and then can seat up to 12 people in two groups.
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.
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?
Sorry, but no open container allowed on the party van. Typically there is no time to drink in between breweries anyways, because most breweries are 5 minutes or so apart. You can drink on the walk during the Walking Tour! Get a designated plastic cup from the brewery and you can drink while enjoying the walk.
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: [email protected].
Do you visit other places besides breweries?
Yes! We can take you anywhere you want! Bars, distilleries, hard cider companies, wineries....
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: [email protected]
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.
3 samples of beer at each brewery stop!
A private brewery tour at B.O.B.'s Brewery or Kusterer Brauhaus
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 Downtown Walking Tour is just over a 1 mile walk, we will be walking around 20 minutes total round trip. The Bridge Street Walking Tour is less than 1/2 a mile, about a 14 minute walk round trip. All are 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 [email protected]
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.
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 [email protected]
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?
Private driving tours seat up to 6 people and cost $335 for 3 hours and $75 for every hour that follows Friday after 5pm & Saturday-Sunday. Monday-Thurs. & Friday before 5pm cost $285 for 3 hours and $50 for every hour that follows.
How many people can you accommodate on the tours?
6 people on our party van at a time, 12 people if using the van as a shuttle with two groups. If you need more seating we rent buses from other companies. So we can seat as many people as you would like! Walking tour groups can be as large as 18 people per group.
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: [email protected] 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 3.5 to 5 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: [email protected] 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 than 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. 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.5
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 1-6) 12 total, and 3 large samples at every stopl. Each sample is around 4 to 5 ounces. You will get at least 48 ounces of beer, 1 pitcher (a lot of beer), around $35 worth of beer! Walking Tours include 9 samples of beer, these sample sizes vary. Walking Tours include around $28 worth of beer!
What kind of vehicle do we ride in?
We have a sharp looking Dodge Grand Caravan. The vehicle seats up 6 passengers at a time. If you have more people we often times use the party van as a shuttle and then can seat up to 12 people in two groups.
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.
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?
Sorry, but no open container allowed on the party van. Typically there is no time to drink in between breweries anyways, because most breweries are 5 minutes or so apart. You can drink on the walk during the Walking Tour! Get a designated plastic cup from the brewery and you can drink while enjoying the walk.
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: [email protected].
Do you visit other places besides breweries?
Yes! We can take you anywhere you want! Bars, distilleries, hard cider companies, wineries....
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: [email protected]
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.
3 samples of beer at each brewery stop!
A private brewery tour at B.O.B.'s Brewery or Kusterer Brauhaus
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 Downtown Walking Tour is just over a 1 mile walk, we will be walking around 20 minutes total round trip. The Bridge Street Walking Tour is less than 1/2 a mile, about a 14 minute walk round trip. All are 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 [email protected]
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.
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 [email protected]
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?
Private driving tours seat up to 6 people and cost $335 for 3 hours and $75 for every hour that follows Friday after 5pm & Saturday-Sunday. Monday-Thurs. & Friday before 5pm cost $285 for 3 hours and $50 for every hour that follows.
How many people can you accommodate on the tours?
6 people on our party van at a time, 12 people if using the van as a shuttle with two groups. If you need more seating we rent buses from other companies. So we can seat as many people as you would like! Walking tour groups can be as large as 18 people per group.
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: [email protected] 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 3.5 to 5 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: [email protected] 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 than 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. 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.5
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR BOOKINGS & QUESTIONS
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