Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I consider an escorted tour?
Today’s escorted tours offer one of the easiest and most enriching ways to travel for all ages. Once you pick your trip, all the details are taken care of for you – from reservations to check-ins to luggage. So you can maximize your time and enjoy your trip. And because you are traveling with experts, you'll get an insider’s view into every destination and a chance to learn about the local people, history, and culture on a deeper level.
What makes Grand European Tours different from other tour companies?
For over 30 years, Grand European Tours has specialized in escorted tours to Europe and the Mediterranean, along with select worldwide locations. That experience helps us select the very best in lodging, dining and sightseeing for you.
With Grand European Tours, you also book directly with the people who design the very tours we sell. When you call, you speak with an experienced Travel Specialist who can answer all your questions, suggest itineraries, and will take a personal interest in your trip from the moment you book until you return from your travels.
What is included on a Grand European Tours trip?
Grand European Tours offers travelers much more than they could ever buy on their own. Because of our bulk buying power and negotiated rates, we can offer fully inclusive tours including international airfare and accommodations, local guides, sightseeing and entrances to the major sites at a better value than an individual trying to duplicate the same experience.
For one price, Grand European Tours offers: international airfare (from over 60 cities), first-class accommodations at leading hotels, most meals (including breakfast each day and many dinners), a deluxe motorcoach with panoramic windows, comprehensive sightseeing, baggage handling, a travel wallet with full documentation, travel planner, and an expert Tour Director to handle any needs while away.
We also take care of all the planning and coordination so you can relax both before and during your trip.
Who guides your tours?
Every tour is led by an expert Tour Director who knows the local people, history, and culture of your destination on a deep level. They help personalize your trip by answering questions, making recommendations, and helping you become familiar with the local language and customs – something a guidebook could never offer. And they are available to you whenever you need them throughout your trip. Local, English-speaking tour guides, will also give you an insider’s view of highlighted destinations throughout your tour.
What kind of tours do you offer?
All of our tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the best that your destination has to offer at an enjoyable pace – most trips include stays of 2-3 nights in one location. We also offer boutique river cruise tours along the most popular rivers in Europe.
Our tours all include the services of an expert Tour Directory to guide you along your trip. Also, many tours feature Loud & Clear™ lightweight, portable headsets that allow travelers to step up to 60-feet away from their group while still tuning into their guide and is perfect for travelers who like to linger at their own pace.
We offer a variety of touring styles including:
- Discovery – our expertly guided motorcoach tours allow you to discover the history, culture, language and food of your chosen destination
- Hands-On – our tours including our Explore & Discover events bring you even closer to the locals and will leave you with special memories and connections to your new foreign friends
- Hosted – our hosted tours give an orientation of your city and the assistance of a host while you have the free time to see those special things that draw you to a particular destination
- Cruises – boutique river cruise ships allow you to stay in a 5-star hotel every night, but only unpack once, and offer different and amazing views every day of your journey
How do I book a trip?
Our customers book directly with us by phone, rather than through a travel agent. This way, you can talk directly to the people who organize your tour. When you have a question, it will be answered right away. Plus, you save because costly travel agent commissions are not part of your tour price.
Do you offer any discounts?
Yes, look for our special discounts offered periodically throughout the year. To take advantage of these, you must act quickly as space can fill up fast. We also offer early payment discounts and savings for group travel, young travelers, referrals and repeat trips. Please call a Travel Specialist for our latest special offers or click here.
What kind of financial protection does Grand European Tours offer?
For many people, a trip abroad is a major investment and Grand European Tours works to safeguard our customers. All trips are backed by a $20 million letter of credit lodged with a First Horizon Merchant Services that protects customer payments and deposits. An additional $1 million consumer protection plan (through parent company TravCorp) is secured with the United States Tour Operators Association.
Over 30 years ago, as an industry leader, we were the first and only European tour company to offer an unconditional price guarantee – and we still do! Once you have paid your $350 deposit, you do not need to worry about currency fluctuations or land/cruise fuel surcharges. With GET, once we receive your deposit you are protected against any increases in your land price.
A comprehensive travel insurance plan is also available to customers, offering protection in the event that an unforeseen incident occurs, or your plans change. View our plan here.
What if I need to cancel my trip?
Grand European Tours understands that sometimes surprises can come up and force you to change your plans. That is why we offer our exclusive "Peace of Mind" Travel Protection Plan. With this added coverage, you can change your travel plans up to 48 hours before your scheduled departure for any reason and receive a full credit for future travel without penalty.
Do I need a passport?
For all tours that visit outside of the U.S., including Canada and Mexico, all U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. Passport. Your passport needs to have six months validity left on from the date of your return back to the U.S. It is also recommended that you have at least 3 blank visa pages in your passport prior to traveling. For more information or to find out how to apply for a passport, click here.