RECEPTIONIST: Mediterranean Voyages. How may I help you?
CUSTOMER: Hi. My name is Alex, and I’m calling to inquire about your Greek
islands tours.
RECEPTIONIST: Lovely. We have several different tours. Can you tell me which
islands in particular you are most interested in?
CUSTOMER: Hmm... Actually, I’m not very familiar with the islands. But I did
hear about some volcanoes that sounded interesting...
RECEPTIONIST: Ah, yes. You mean the volcanoes on Santorini Island. Our Santorini
Island tour is perhaps our most popular package.
CUSTOMER: And that tour includes only one island?
RECEPTIONIST: Yes, it leaves from the Athens port and goes directly to Santorini.
It’s a large island, so there is plenty to do there.
CUSTOMER: OK. So, how long is that tour?
RECEPTIONIST: It takes five days and four nights in total. One day for travel each
way there and back, and then three days and four nights on the island itself.
CUSTOMER: Well, it’s a little longer than I was planning for, but I suppose
that’s all right. Does the package include both transport and accommodations?
RECEPTIONIST: Yes of course. You are taken there by cruise ship and then put up in
a lovely hotel in the island’s tourist hub. Guests have the option of shared
or private rooms, and they all have beautiful views of the sea.
CUSTOMER: I see. Does this tour run year-round?
RECEPTIONIST: I’m afraid not. The cruise ship only sails during the peak tourist
season, which lasts from April until October.
CUSTOMER: That’s quite all right. I’m planning to go in July.
RECEPTIONIST: Oh, that’s a wonderful time of year to be out on the sea. It’s sunny
every day and the sea is warm enough to swim in.
CUSTOMER: That sounds great.
RECEPTIONIST: I especially recommend Faistos beach. Not many people know about that
little jewel on the south side of the island.
CUSTOMER: What beach?
RECEPTIONIST: Faistos. F-A-I-S-T-O-S. I promise you’ll love it.
CUSTOMER: I appreciate the suggestion.
EXAMINEE
GETS A 30 SECOND BREAK TO REVIEW THE QUESTIONS FOR THE SECOND PART OF
DIALOGUE A
CUSTOMER: Now, I’d like to know what else is included in the cost of the tour.
RECEPTIONIST: Sure. The first day you arrive, you are offered a tour of the
island’s major historical sites free of charge. If you’re more interested in
learning about the volcanoes, we can arrange a private guide to take you
there, although it costs an additional $50 or so.
CUSTOMER: That’s a fair enough price.
RECEPTIONIST: But you know, you can also choose to wander by yourself. There are
plenty of good hiking trails. Or you can take a taxi or bus to most anywhere
on the island.
CUSTOMER: All right. I’ll think about it. So, how much does this tour package
cost in total?
RECEPTIONIST: You are looking at about $550 for the basic package, plus any extra
services or activities you select.
CUSTOMER: OK. I think I’d like to reserve a spot for myself for the first week
of July, then.
RECEPTIONIST: Brilliant. Will you be coming alone?
CUSTOMER: Yes, just me this time.
RECEPTIONIST: Sounds good. But I do want to let you know that we have a 30-day
cancellation policy for full refunds. If you tell us any later than that, I’m
afraid you’ll have to forfeit 60% of the package costs.
CUSTOMER: Good to know.
RECEPTIONIST:
So... In order to complete your reservation,
I will need a 50% deposit up front.
CUSTOMER: Shall I give you my credit card information? Or do I need to make a
wire transfer?
RECEPTIONIST: A credit card will be just fine. I’m going to transfer you to our
accounts department. You’ll need to give them your booking reference. It’s
E-V-9-6.
CUSTOMER: E-V-9-6. Got it.
RECEPTIONIST: And if you have any questions, feel free to call me. Just ask for
Linda.
CUSTOMER: Thank you Linda. You’ve been most helpful.
RECEPTIONIST: My pleasure indeed. So just wait on the line while I transfer you. If
it doesn’t go through, call us right back.
CUSTOMER: Will do. Thanks.
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