Terms and Conditions

Effective Date

These Terms and Conditions apply to all bookings made on or after January 21, 2026.

1. Introduction

Sardalia operates an online platform connecting travelers with independent tour guides (“Local Experts”). Sardalia does not create, operate, sell, or deliver tours. When booking a Tour, you enter into a direct contractual relationship with the Local Expert. Sardalia is not a travel agency or tour operator and is not a party to agreements between users and Local Experts.

2. Acceptance of Terms

By accessing the Site or using our Services, you confirm that you are at least 18 years old (or a legally established entity), legally capable of entering binding agreements, and that you agree to be bound by these Terms.

3. Nature of Services

Sardalia provides a digital marketplace enabling Local Experts to publish Tours and users to search and book them. Sardalia may modify, update, restrict, or discontinue features at its discretion.

4. Payments

Payments must be processed through Sardalia, the Local Expert, or another approved method.

Sardalia uses third-party payment processors and does not store credit card details. By paying, you authorize payment processing under the applicable third-party terms.

5. Cancellations

Bookings are final except as follows: A full refund minus a non-refundable 3% Processing Fee is available if cancellation occurs at least 15 days before the Tour start date. Cancellations within 14 days are non-refundable. Ticket fees remain non-refundable. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.

6. Billing Errors

In case of pricing or billing errors, Sardalia or the Local Expert may correct the error or cancel the booking with refund. Billing disputes must be raised within 120 days of the statement date.

7. Chargebacks

You agree to contact the Local Expert before initiating a credit card dispute. Improper chargebacks, including those relating to non-refundable Tours or force majeure events, may be contested and associated costs recovered.

8. Independent Contractor Status

Local Experts are independent contractors and not employees or agents of Sardalia. Sardalia does not control or supervise Tours and disclaims responsibility for Local Expert conduct.

9. Assumption of Risk

Travel involves inherent risks. You assume full responsibility for participation in Tours and release Sardalia from liability for injury, illness, loss, or damages arising from participation.

10. Disclaimer

The Site and Services are provided 'as is' without warranties of any kind. Sardalia disclaims liability for the delivery, performance, or conduct of any Local Expert or associated services.

11. Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, Sardalia is not liable for indirect or consequential damages.

Local Expert liability is capped at the booking amount plus 25%, or AUD $500 where applicable.

12. Indemnification

You agree to indemnify and hold Sardalia harmless from claims arising from your use of the Site, participation in Tours, submitted content, or breach of these Terms.

13. Governing Law and Jurisdiction (Australia)

These Terms and Conditions, and any dispute, claim, or controversy arising out of or in connection with the Site, the Services, or any Tour booked through Sardalia, shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Commonwealth of Australia and the laws of the State of New South Wales, without regard to conflict of law principles. You irrevocably submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of New South Wales and the courts of the Commonwealth of Australia and waive any objection to venue. Nothing in these Terms excludes, restricts, or modifies any rights you may have under the Australian Consumer Law (Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth)) or any other applicable law that cannot lawfully be excluded.

To the extent permitted by law, any claim must be commenced within twelve (12) months after the cause of action arises.