Britain & Ireland Highlights
16 Days
from $3,409
Tour Code: BIH
See why the beauty of Great Britain & Ireland have fascinated us for centuries - from quaint villages to the great city of London! This 16-Day tour is a great overview of the best of England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland.
From breathtaking scenic beauty to bustling, historic cities, you’re certain to find your heart’s delight on this 16-day tour; and after days of craggy coastlines, rolling hills and towering castles, you’re likely to find a frothy pint as well!
Enjoy an enchanting, scenic spree through Scotland, Ireland and Britain. From medieval Edinburgh to the modern metropolis of London, you’re sure to enjoy the cultural, historic and natural delights these three countries offer.
With enticing expeditions such as dining in the Ruthin Castles in the deep countryside of Wales, kissing the Blarney Stone, seeing the wonder of Stonehenge or the majesty of the Cliffs of Moher, you’re bound to delight in this memorable tour of Britain and Ireland Highlights!
Stay in our selection of European First Class accommodations and enjoy 20 meals including Welcome Reception with snacks, 14 Full Breakfasts, 1 Highlight Lunch, 3 Three-Course Dinners with tea or coffee, 1 Dine-Around Dinner and 1 Farewell Dinner with wine. To ensure a comfortable travel experience, our motorcoaches are equipped with large panoramic windows, reclining seats, air-conditioning and emergency restroom facilities.
Tour price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement or you can choose to participate in our room share program.
Premium Highlight
Selected Departures Enjoy the Military TattooDay 3 - Military Tattoo |
Your Tour Price Includes
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer
Transfers you from your door step to select airports. Start your vacation in style with our outbound VIP Door-to-Door Town Car airport transfer service available on every tour from over 40 cities throughout the USA. Our service will collect your from you home and transfer you to your departure airport. We will arrange a pick-up time from your home that suits you, and your driver will meet you at your front door and assist with your bags before transporting you to the airport with ample time for check-in. |
Loud & ClearThis tour utilizes our personal audio system allowing you to roam and explore sites (within 60 feet) without missing any insight from your Tour Director or local guide. |
TransportationLuxury motorcoach with A/C, panoramic windows, reclining seats & emergency restroom. Airport arrival and departure transfers as noted in itinerary included with the purchase of combined air and land package. |
Travel DocumentsTravel wallet, travel planner & map. $100 Frequent Traveler Discount upon return for a future tour. |
Professional Tour DirectorYour tour will be conducted by the most experienced Tour Directors in the business and will be with you throughout the tour. |
First Class HotelsHotels are an expensive element of any tour and certainly one of the most important. For our tours we reserve European Standard First Class Hotels (or best available) and all hotel rooms feature a private bathroom. You’ll enjoy our selection of hotels such as Radisson, Hilton and Sheraton. |
Local Expert Guides: Edinburgh, Dublin and LondonLocal Expert Guides in Edinburgh, Dublin and London. |
20 MealsWelcome Reception with snacks, 14 Full Breakfasts, 1 Highlight Lunch, 3 Three-Course Dinners with tea or coffee, 1 Dine-Around Dinner and 1 Farewell Dinner with wine. |
Included Tour Highlights
Guided sightseeing of EdinburghGuided sightseeing includes Princes Street, the Royal Mile and a visit to imposing Edinburgh Castle – selected departures enjoy the Military Tattoo. |
Visit Blarney CastleBlarney Castle is the third castle to be erected on this site. The first in the tenth century was made of wood which was later replaced by a second structure of stone. This building was demolished for foundations and in 1446 the third castle was built by Dermot McCarthy, King of Munster. The lower walls are fifteen feet, built with an angle tower by the McCarthys of Muskerry. It was subsequently occupied at one time by Cormac McCarthy, King of Munster, who is said to have supplied four thousand men from Munster to supplement the forces of Robert the Bruce at the battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Legend has it that the later king gave half of the Stone of Scone to McCarthy in gratitude. This, now known as the Blarney Stone or Stone of Eloquence, was incorporated in the battlements where it can now be kissed. |
| Trossachs and Stirling Castle |
Visit Anne Hathaway’s CottageThe most romantic of all the Shakespearean properties, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage lies in the beautiful hamlet of Shottery, just outside Stratford-upon-Avon. The cottage can still be reached by the footpaths over the fields, as it was in Shakespeare’s time, when he came to court his future wife. Visit the home where Anne Hathaway spent her childhood and youth until at the age of eighteen when William Shakespeare and Anne were married in 1582. Today it is called a cottage, but in the sixteenth century it was a substantial farmhouse, known as Hewlands. The cottage was owned, and lived in by the Hathaway family and their descendants, until the late nineteenth century, when it was purchased by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. |
Highlight lunch in a Welsh castleVisit medieval Chester followed by a highlight of the tour as we enjoy lunch in a Welsh Castle. |
Visit the Georgian city of Bath
Visit the Roman Baths & Pump Room in the Georgian City of Bath. |
Guided sightseeing tour of Dublin
St Patrick's Cathedral Guided sightseeing tour of Dublin includes views of O’Connell Street, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and visit to the Book of Kells at Trinity College. |
Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a prehistoric monument of unique importance. Known throughout the world, these enigmatic stones have engendered a sense of reverence in the millions of people who visit them. |
Cliffs of Moher
Admire the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher and breathtaking Clare Coast. |
Guided sightseeing tour of London
Guided sightseeing tour of London including views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, and the Changing of the Guard (when held). |
Ring of Kerry
Take in the spectacular scenery as you drive around the famous Ring of Kerry. |
Optional Excursions
Optional excursions can be purchased upon arrival.
The list below is a sampling of excursions that may be offered by your tour director.
Edinburgh – Edinburgh by Night & Dinnershort drive takes us down to South Queensferry on the river Forth where we see the monumental Forth Rail Bridge, the greatest engineering feat ever achieved in the British Isles, and a truly awe-inspiring sight in beautiful surroundings. We then enjoy dinner with a choice of dishes and a drink at a charming Scottish pub overlooking the river. A great introduction to Scotland on our first evening. (Note: During the Edinburgh Tattoo, dinner will be at a local restaurant in Edinburgh.) |
Dublin - Celtic Rising - The ShowCeltic Rising is a celebration of the best of Irish heritage and culture – a unique, fast-paced, fresh and contemporary show – a fusion of the traditional spirit and innovation that is modern Ireland. The show will take you on a toe-tapping, foot-stomping journey through traditional Irish music, song and dance. A four-course dinner with Irish coffee is included. |
Edinburgh – St. AndrewsA drive across the Forth Road Bridge leads us into the Kingdom of Fife. A pleasant drive past stately homes and scenic landscapes brings us to the ancient city of St. Andrews, renowned as the home of golf – but also famous for its magnificent town walls and cathedral. |
Killarney – Jaunting Car RideEnjoy a traditional horse and cart ride to the beautiful Bourne – Vincent National Park. Your ride will also include a tour of the streets of Killarney with some interesting commentary by your Irish Jaunting Car Driver! |
Edinburgh – Scottish Dinner & CabaretJoin us for a memorable evening of traditional singing, dancing and bagpipe playing. There is food, wine and a great atmosphere to enjoy. Join in with the singing, we’ll show you a Highland dance or two and there's a chance to sample Scotland’s national dish - haggis. It’s a grand night and a wonderful way to celebrate an evening in Edinburgh. |
Cotswolds - Village Pub DinnerWe drive out to one of the best preserved Cotswold villages in England. Literally not a stone has been changed since the eighteenth century, and many of the houses date to the middle ages. In fact our pub dates from 1381! This beautiful village with its mellow stone and tranquil atmosphere has been miraculously preserved through many centuries. After free time to explore the village we enjoy a selection of traditional English dishes and a drink. |
Dublin – Irish Countryside & GlendaloughAn afternoon drive through County Wicklow known as the garden of Ireland. We pass through the Wicklow Mountains to the picturesque setting of St. Kevin’s great 6th Century monastic site at Glendalough. We return to Dublin via the Great Sugar Loaf Mountain. |
London – City of LondonEnjoy an afternoon tour of London, including a guided tour of St. Paul’s Cathedral, a visit to the Tower of London & Crown Jewels and a Thames River Cruise. |
Dublin – Dinner & Irish CabaretOver an excellent dinner you’ll enjoy a non-stop show featuring comedy, dance, song, music and fine food. Ireland’s musical history unfolds in a cabaret that will delight you long after the night has ended. The cast will have you tapping your toes and joining in the fun, and it’s all wrapped up in the spirit of Irish humor. We will even serve you an Irish coffee at the end of dinner to cap off one of Ireland’s best nights out. |
Day 1 USA - Edinburgh

VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to your local airport for your overnight flight to Edinburgh.
Day 2 Arrive Edinburgh

On arrival at Edinburgh Airport,
your airport transfer leaves for
the tour hotel at 09:00, 12:00
& 14:00. The rest of the day is
yours to relax or start exploring.
Perhaps take a stroll around the
shops of Princes Street before
joining your Tour Director and
fellow travelers for a welcome reception.
Welcome Reception Included
Day 3 Edinburgh

Princes Street, the Royal Mile
and a visit to imposing Edinburgh
Castle are all included on
our morning sightseeing tour of
Edinburgh. Later view Holyrood
House where Mary Queen of Scots
once lived before losing her head!
Enjoy an afternoon at leisure or
perhaps travel out to St. Andrews,
the home of golf and the famous Old Course? This evening, selected
departures enjoy the Military
Tattoo – a colorful mixture of exhilarating
dance and remarkable
military maneuvers accompanied
by the massed bands of the pipes
and drums.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 4 Edinburgh (Trossachs & Stirling Castle Included)

Enjoy spectacular scenery as we
travel north into the land of lost
lakes and barren mountains. We
visit the heart of the Trossachs
and mighty Stirling Castle, one of
the grandest in Scotland with its
amazing Great Hall of James IV
and Great Kitchens. Perched high
on a rock, we overlook the fields of
“Braveheart” fame, and the sight
of Wallace’s victory in the battle
of Stirling Bridge. Return to Edinburgh
for an evening at leisure.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 5 Edinburgh - Lake District - Chester

En route to the Lake District,
we stop at world famous Gretna Green. Drive through the Lake
District National Park to Grasmere,
home of the poet William
Wordsworth, en route to Chester,
our home for the next two nights.
Full Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 6 Chester (Wales Excursion Included)

Visit medieval Chester
with its half-timbered
houses, ancient town walls and quaint old Rows.
On to the market village of
Llangollen, then a scenic drive
through the “Vale” to Ruthin. Here
we enjoy a highlight of the tour as we have lunch in a Welsh castle!
Full Breakfast and Highlight Lunch Included
Day 7 Chester - Wales - Dublin

Enjoy the scenery as we journey
through Snowdonia. View the famous
castle in Caernarvon where
Prince Charles was invested as
Prince of Wales. Continue our
drive along the northern coast of
Wales to Holyhead and across the
Irish Sea for a pleasant two-night
stay in Dublin.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 8 Dublin

Our guided sightseeing includes
views of statue lined O’Connell
Street, Grafton Street, historic
Phoenix Park, St. Patrick’s Cathedral
and an included visit to see
the 1,300-year old Book of Kells at
Trinity College.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 9 Dublin - Galway - Co. Clare

Westward we travel, through the
horse country of Ballinasloe and
Athlone to view Galway Bay. We
continue to the 700-foot Cliffs of
Moher and the breathtaking vistas
of the Clare Coast before crossing
the limestone plateau of the
Burren en route to Co. Clare. A
chance this evening to experience
a medieval banquet!
Full Breakfast Included
Day 10 Co. Clare - Ring of Kerry - Killarney

Experience one of the most scenic
drives in all of Europe – around
the famous “Ring of Kerry.” Enjoy
spectacular panoramas as you tour
through romantic glens with views
of Killorglin of Puck Fair fame,
Daniel O’Connell’s Cahirciveen
and the outstanding Moll’s Gap. For dinner this evening, enjoy the
freedom of your Dine-Around
program, and choose from a selection
of restaurants recommended
by your Tour Director.
Full Breakfast and Dine-Around Dinner Included
Day 11 Killarney - Blarney Castle - Waterford

Visit the legendary Blarney Castle
and kiss the famous Stone of Eloquence!
Continue to the Waterford
Crystal Showrooms where
you’ll see the world’s most famous
crystal. We overnight in the Viking
town of Waterford.
Full Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 12 Waterford - Wales - Bristol

Take a morning ferry across St.
George’s Channel back to Britain.
Travel through southern Wales.
Then, it’s on to Bristol for two
leisurely nights.
Full Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 13 Bristol (Stratford & Cotswolds Villages Included)

Green countryside, half-timbered
Tudor homes and peaceful villages
are a common sight, much
as they were 400 years ago to the
eyes of William Shakespeare.
View his birthplace in Stratfordupon-
Avon. After visiting Anne
Hathaway’s Cottage, enjoy a drive
through the scenic villages of the
Cotswolds, renowned for quaint
villages and thatched roof cottages.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 14 Bristol - Bath - Stonehenge - London

This morning we make an
enjoyable stop in England’s best preserved Georgian city, Bath,
where we visit the ancient Roman
Baths and Pump Room. We then
visit the mysterious, prehistoric
Stonehenge. Enjoy a scenic drive
through England’s West Country
and later stroll through King
Henry VIII’s Hampton Court
Gardens. Continue to London for
the last two nights of your tour.
Full Breakfast Included
DAY 15 London

Depart for a guided tour
including views of Big Ben,
the Houses of Parliament,
Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar
Square, Westminster Abbey and
the Changing of the Guard (when
held). This afternoon, perhaps
visit the Tower of London.
Tonight enjoy a Farewell Dinner
at your hotel.
Full Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Included
Day 16 London - USA

We bid farewell to Britain and
Ireland’s highlights.
Full Breakfast Included
of $400 per couple when you book by
February 10, 2012.
| Depart Return |
Land Only Price | Price includes savings of: | Tour Director |
International Airfare |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$3,449 | $200 | |||
$3,449 | $200 | |||
$3,449 | $200 | |||
$3,449 | $200 | |||
$3,449 | $200 | |||
$3,679 | $200 | |||
$3,679 | $200 | |||
$3,679 | $200 | |||
$3,449 | $200 | |||
$3,449 | $200 | |||
$3,409 | $200 |
Departure Details
Departures are available April through September 2012.
Note: During the 2012 London Olympics groups may stay outside central London.
*The Military Tattoo is included on the August 1st, 8th & 15th departures.
Pricing Details
The prices above are for the land only portion of the tour and include the Early Booking Discount of $200 per person. In order to qualify for the discounts you must book and deposit by February 10, 2012.
Airfare is available at an additional cost from over 60 departure cities, call for an up-to-the-minute air quote from your hometown. When you book your Air & Land package together by you’ll save an additional $200 per couple!
Tour price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement or you can choose to participate in our room share program.
Single Room Supplement: from $955
At times we offer discounted departures where the price has been discounted to reflect savings. Discounted rates are valid for new bookings only and are not combinable with any other offers.
Day |
City |
Hotel |
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| 2-4 | Edinburgh | Holiday Inn Edinburgh | |||||||||||||||||
Holiday Inn Edinburgh
First Class Holiday Inn Edinburgh Location: Four-star modern hotel situated on the west of Edinburgh, 3 miles from the city center, 4 miles from Edinburgh Airport and adjacent to the Edinburgh Zoo. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Four-star modern hotel situated on the west of Edinburgh, 3 miles from the city center, 4 miles from Edinburgh Airport and adjacent to the Edinburgh Zoo. |
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| 5,6 | Chester | Crowne Plaza Chester | |||||||||||||||||
Crowne Plaza Chester
First Class Crowne Plaza Chester Location: Located on the edge of the city with panoramic views of the city and Welsh hills, this hotel is perfectly located for visiting all the historic sites of Chester including the Roman walls, Amphitheatre & Chester Cathedral. Hotel features a health & fitness center with a sauna, indoor pool, as well as dry cleaning/laundry services, currency exchange & safe deposit boxes at the front desk. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Located on the edge of the city with panoramic views of the city and Welsh hills, this hotel is perfectly located for visiting all the historic sites of Chester including the Roman walls, Amphitheatre & Chester Cathedral. Hotel features a health & fitness center with a sauna, indoor pool, as well as dry cleaning/laundry services, currency exchange & safe deposit boxes at the front desk. |
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| 7,8 | Dublin | Burlington Hotel | |||||||||||||||||
Burlington Hotel
First Class Burlington Hotel Location: The Burlington Hotel is located in South Dublin near Grafton Street, Stephens Green, and the Canals. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: The Burlington Hotel is located in South Dublin near Grafton Street, Stephens Green, and the Canals. |
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| 9 | Limerick | Radisson Blu Limerick | |||||||||||||||||
Radisson Blu Limerick
First Class Radisson Blu Limerick Location: Just three minutes from the city center and Shannon Airport, the Radisson Blu Limerick is nestled between the River Shannon and the amazing rolling hills of the Irish countryside. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Just three minutes from the city center and Shannon Airport, the Radisson Blu Limerick is nestled between the River Shannon and the amazing rolling hills of the Irish countryside. |
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| 10 | Killarney | Killarney Towers Hotel | |||||||||||||||||
Killarney Towers Hotel
First Class Killarney Towers Hotel Location: This 4 star luxury hotel is newly renovated and located in a dominant position on Killarney’s College Street, in downtown Killarney. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: This 4 star luxury hotel is newly renovated and located in a dominant position on Killarney’s College Street, in downtown Killarney. |
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| 11 | Waterford | Dooleys Hotel | |||||||||||||||||
Dooleys Hotel
First Class Dooleys Hotel Location: This family run hotel is situated in the heart of the historic city of Waterford overlooking the waterfront. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: This family run hotel is situated in the heart of the historic city of Waterford overlooking the waterfront. |
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| 12,13 | Bristol | Mercure Holland House | |||||||||||||||||
Mercure Holland House
Mercure Holland House Location: This luxury four-star hotel and spa is located in the heart of Bristol close to Cabot Circus. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: This luxury four-star hotel and spa is located in the heart of Bristol close to Cabot Circus. |
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| 14,15 | London | Park Plaza Victoria | |||||||||||||||||
Park Plaza Victoria
Park Plaza Victoria Location: Located just two minutes from Victoria Station, the Park Plaza Victoria is an ideal choice in central London. Hotel Amenities
Location: Located just two minutes from Victoria Station, the Park Plaza Victoria is an ideal choice in central London. |
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Travel Tools
Terms and Conditions
How to Make Your Reservation:
After selecting your tour and departure date, simply call 1-800-552-5545 and a Travel Specialist will take your reservation over the phone. You can pay your $350.00 deposit by credit card, or alternately you can mail a check made payable to Grand European Tours to the following address: GRAND EUROPEAN TOURS 6000 Meadows Road, Suite 520 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 USA. Please make your reservations as early as possible since many of our tours are completely filled 4 to 6 months before departure.
Final Payment:
Upon receiving the $350.00 deposit per person, you will be sent a confirmation. VISA, MASTERCARD, American Express and DISCOVER CARD may be used for this deposit amount, however, final payment is preferred by check or money order and is due in our Oregon office 60 days prior to the departure date. If reservations are made less than 60 days prior to departure, payment in full is required at the time of booking. If final payments are not received on time, Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. may cancel the reservation and invoke the cancellation fee. For Highlights of South Africa tour and all River Cruises final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Pricing:
Land prices printed in this catalog are per person based on double occupancy. The Operator reserves the right to adjust prices due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, imposed fuel surcharges, taxes, charges and levies imposed by any third party including government and its agencies. Should these change the price of your tour by more than 10% you may cancel without penalty within 7 days after we notify you of the increase.
Cancellations, Changes & Refunds:
If a cancellation in writing is received by Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. 30 days or less after your reservation has been made, your $350.00 deposit will be FULLY REFUNDED. *See Air Reservations section for specific change fee information for air reservations. For cancellations or changes thereafter but more than 61 days prior to departure there will be a $350.00 per person fee assessed. If you must withdraw or make a change 60 days or less prior to departure (90 days or less for River Cruises and Highlights of South Africa), the following fees will apply:
| Number of Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation/Change Land Tours – Per Person |
| 31 - 60 Days | 25% of tour cost |
| 15 - 30 Days | 50% of tour cost |
| Less than 15 Days | 100% of tour cost |
| Number of Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation/Change River Cruises – Per Person |
| 89 – 60 Days | 35% of the cost |
| 59 – 30 Days | 50% of the cost |
| 100% of the cost |
Air Reservations:
Air Add-On prices listed in this catalog were effective on August 19, 2011 and their availability is limited. At the time you purchase your tour, air prices may be higher. Air Add-On prices shown include September 11th Security fee, government fees, taxes and airline fuel surcharges based on destination and routing. The total price at time of purchase may vary slightly due to fluctuations in currency exchange. For the most competitive and up to date pricing from your departure city call our toll free number at 1-800-552-5545. Quoted air reservation prices are inclusive of all taxes and fees and are subject to change before payment is made in full. Air transportation is in economy class by scheduled airlines. Business class is available upon request. Some tours are not available from all of the airports. Requests for specific airlines, non-stop or direct flights and/or seat assignments are accepted as preferences only and cannot be guaranteed. Frequent flyer programs are under the control of the respective airlines. Your airline tickets will be electronically issued in lieu of paper tickets. Please note that your airline tickets and other tour documentation must bear your FULL name as it appears on your passport. Please note that airline reservations can only be made for dates less than 331 days out.
Airline Tickets Issued by Grand EuropeanTours:
The following charges apply for cancellations or changes to airline arrangements made by Grand European Tours: • Prior to Airline Ticketing: service fee of $50 per person • After Airline Ticketing: service fee of $75 per person plus any airline imposed penalties which may be up to 100% of the airline ticket value.
DOT Advisory:
The Department of Transportation requires us to inform you of the following conditions. The package price is subject to change as a result of increases in fuel surcharges and/or government taxes until it has been paid in full. You must consent to the possibility that, until you pay for your package in full, your price could go up. Once you have paid in full we would only pass along increases in government taxes if applicable at that time. You have 7 days from receipt of the first invoice to revoke your consent and request a refund, at which time we would cancel your booking.
Passports and Visas:
A valid U.S passport is required for traveling outside of the U.S.; including to Canada & Mexico. Passport application forms may be obtained from your local post office. All passports must contain at least 3 blank visa pages and must be valid for 6 months after the completion of your tour. Entry visa application forms will be sent prior to your departure for U.S. passport holders. Russia ($218*), China ($193*), Brazil ($220*) and Vietnam & Cambodia ($283*). An entry fee is required upon arrival at the airport in Egypt ($15*), Turkey ($20*) and Zimbabwe ($30*), these countries prefer payment in U.S. dollars rather than local currency. A per person Departure Tax is required at Costa Rica ($26*) and Peru ($31*) paid at the airport. A onetime Reciprocity Tax is required upon entry at the airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina ($140*) and Santiago, Chile ($131*); the fee can be paid in local currency, US Dollars, credit card or traveler check; the tax is valid for multiple entries for 10 years or until your passport expires. Australia requires an electronic visa ($0*) which is obtained at the time of airline ticket purchase. *All visa costs and entry/exit requirements can change at any time. Please visit travel.state.gov for current information. Individuals who do not hold a U.S. passport should contact CIBT/ZVS at 1-866-788-1100 to see if visas are required.
Travel Documents:
Approximately 15 days prior to the departure date you will receive a travel information package that will include your airline itinerary, travel tips, hotel list, baggage tag, travel wallet, etc. Visas, when required, will be distributed as soon as they are issued by the countries involved. Please note that your airline tickets and other tour documentation must bear your FULL name as it appears on your passport.
Tour Membership:
These tours require a blend of adventuresome spirit, physical fitness, walking ability, mental alertness, and a capacity for accepting situations as they exist and not, necessarily, as we would find them in America. If you have health concerns, we suggest that you contact your physician to help determine the suitability of one of these tours for you. We regret that we are unable to accept requests for special diets or itinerary variations. Disabled travelers requiring special attention or treatment on any tour must be reported when reservations are made. A companion who is able to provide the required assistance must accompany any person who is unable to travel independently or who needs any type of assistance.
Baggage:
Due to limited motorcoach storage capacity, each tour member is permitted one large suitcase not to exceed 50 pounds in weight nor 30”x22”x10” in dimension on European tours. Handling of this bag by hotel porters is included in the tour price. In addition, each person is allowed one small piece of carry-on size luggage that does not exceed the dimensions of 12”x11”x6” and is the complete responsibility of the tour member and must be taken on the motorcoach with you. Carry-ons with telescopic handles and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartments and therefore cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage for safety reasons. Please note, North America, Mexico and Egypt tours have smaller baggage dimensions which are noted in your pre-tour documentation. Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. does not assume any responsibility for loss or damage to baggage or passengers’ belongings. Please note: It is your responsibility to verify the baggage weight restrictions for the individual airlines that you will be traveling on as in some instances baggage is restricted. Airline baggage charges collected at check-in are not included and are at passengers own expense.
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer Service:
The VIP Door-to-Door Transfer service is available for all customers departing from the 41 airports highlighted on page 12 and living within a 25 mile radius from point of departure to your chosen airport. It is an outbound service only. Maximum passengers in one car can not exceed four. For bookings with more than four people, further vehicles may be necessary and further supplementary charges will apply. For any journeys greater than 25 miles a supplementary cost for additional mileage will apply and will be advised within 48 hours of booking if necessary. Mileage is based on journey information from www.mapquest. com. Should you not use the VIP Door-to-Door Transfer we will deduct $50 per person from your tour price (this must be advised at time of booking). Cancellation of service or changes must be made 72 hours before scheduled pick-up.
Early Departure or Extended Stay:
If you wish to depart early or extend your stay in Europe, flight and hotel arrangements can be made by contacting our Oregon office. Airport transfers are not included but may be purchased through GET. On most tours you can reserve up to 3 additional nights at the hotel where your tour starts and ends, however space may be limited and is subject to availability. Please call for our low cost rates and availability. Luggage handling and breakfast is not included on North American tour extensions.
Land Tour Only:
If you wish to make independent flight arrangements, you may still reserve the land portion of a tour. Hotel-airport transfers are subject to availability and flight details must be provided in writing at least 45 days prior to departure. See tour page for specific transfer times.
Airport Transfers:
Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers are included in the tour price when you purchase our land/air package and operate at fixed times on the first and last day of your tour. See the individual tour pages for details. For those making their own flight arrangements or extending at GET hotels, transfers can be purchased; please call for details. London Heathrow Airport Arrivals: For tours commencing in London, we have included a free group shuttle to/from LHR for clients that have booked our combined land/air packages. For clients that have made their own flight arrangements GET has negotiated special rates for shuttle transfers from LHR to your London hotel (which must be booked through GET) at a price of $40 per person per single trip to/from LHR. London Gatwick Airport Arrivals: Clients arriving at LGW who have booked our combined land/air packages are provided with a Gatwick Express train voucher to Victoria Station, and will need to make their own way from Victoria Station to the tour hotel. For clients that have made their own flight arrangements we suggest you visit www.gatwickexpress. com for transfer information.
Smoking:
Please note that we do not permit smoking on our motorcoaches, however, frequent stops are made while touring.
Surface Travel & Sightseeing:
Ground arrangements are provided by Grand European Operations Ltd., a separate company, and include inter-city travel by private motorcoach with air-conditioning and an emergency restroom*, ferry, train, and ship as per the itinerary. Activities on days indicated in the itinerary as being “at leisure or optional” are left to your discretion. *Some exceptions apply.
Holidays:
During local or national holidays some museums, restaurants or sightseeing may be limited or not available. Alternatives will be offered wherever possible. At times, some itineraries may be operated in reverse; you will be advised at the time of booking. Nile River Cruises: due to the unreliability of domestic air scheduling, religious festivals and other unforeseen circumstances, the order of some itineraries may need to change at short notice; on occasion an alternative cruise boat of equal standing may be used.
Hotels:
The hotels reserved for our tours are rated as European Standard First Class. All hotel rooms provide a private bath (and/or shower) and toilet. These hotels are clean, comfortable and located so as to best facilitate guided sightseeing of the area. Hotels reserved for each tour are indicated in the Day-By-Day Itinerary. If, for any reason, it becomes necessary to use other hotels, they will be of a similar standard, where possible. We only contract non-smoking rooms. All accommodations, meals and services have been designated as first class in Russia, Eastern Europe and provincial areas though some tourism facilities are less developed than what might normally be expected in this category. Tours in North and South America use Standard First Class hotels
Single Rooms:
A limited number of single rooms are available at the supplement shown for each tour. While single rooms provide privacy, they are often smaller than twin-bedded rooms. We do offer the option to join our non-smoking Room Share Program (see page 13 for details). The Room Share Program is not available on tours/cruises to Greece, Egypt, Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Peru, South America, South Africa, China, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, all European River Cruises and all pre or post tour extensions.
Triple Rooms:
Triple room accommodations are available on a limited basis at a reduced price. Triple rooms usually consist of a twin-bedded room with an additional folding bed or cot for the third person. They may not be comfortable for three adults. Triple rooms are not available on cruises.
Meals:
WR=Welcome Reception. Breakfasts are served as: B=Breakfast, BB=Buffet Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast, SB=Scandinavian Buffet Breakfast, FB=Full Breakfast. Lunches (L) and three-course table d’hote (set menu) dinners (D), (FD) farewell dinners and (BD) buffet dinners are shown in the itinerary for each tour and are generally catered by the hotel in which you are residing. (HD)Highlight Dinner and (HL) Highlight Lunch will be catered at a local restaurant or special venue. (DA) Dine-Around dinners are catered at a selection of restaurants preselected by Grand European Tours. Please note in cases of early morning departures, FB may not be available. Please note that we are unable to accept requests for special menus to meet dietary or religious requirements.
Tour Price Does Not Include:
Beverages and meals not detailed in the itinerary. Personal expenses including passport and visa fees, alcoholic beverages, optional sightseeing tours, laundry, phone calls, traditional end of the tour gratuity to your Tour Director and Motorcoach Driver, tips to local city guides, crew tips and all other items of a personal nature, airport tax, service & security charges and port taxes. (Subject to change.) Travel Insurance is also not included but is highly recommended.
Consumer Disclosure Notice:
Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully, as your deposit and payment for a trip constitutes consent to all conditions and general information contained in this brochure.
Responsibility:
These trips are arranged by Grand European Operations Ltd. (“Operator”) in conjunction with Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. It has made the travel arrangements as agent for the transportation carriers and other suppliers of services connected with the tour (“suppliers”) all of which are independent contractors. The Operator in no way owns or operates the vehicles or facilities to be used during the trip, and does not guarantee or assume responsibility for the acts and/or omissions of suppliers, their employees, agents, etc. Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to passengers and luggage. Enrollment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company.
All bookings are accepted subject to the conditions imposed by suppliers and Operator, including airline, cruise line, rail, coach, hotel, restaurants, insurance and other companies, firms or persons concerned with the trip, and the Operator will make no refund in the event of their delay, cancellation, overbooking, strike, force majeure or for elements of the package not used by customer. If there is a difference between the Operator’s Conditions and those published by a supplier, the conditions of supplier shall apply. The Operator reserves the right to cancel a trip or change the itinerary whenever in its sole judgment conditions warrant, or if the Operator deems it necessary for your comfort, convenience or safety. Trips outside the USA require a valid passport. You are responsible for, and release the Operator from, passport, visa, vaccination requirements, and safety conditions in travel destinations. The Operator strongly recommends you purchase appropriate cancellation/medical/baggage insurance for the trip, which is available from the Operator. For medical information, call the Center for Disease Control at 800- 232-4636 or visit www.cdc.gov/travel, and for U.S. State Department travel advisories, call 202-647- 5225. The Operator reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the trip at any time who presents a significant risk to the health or safety of himself or others which can not be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by the Operator’s reasonable accommodation. The Operator reserves the right to correct an error in the advertised price prior to your departure. Prices in this brochure are accurate at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice due to changes in market factors including but not limited to foreign currency and supplier cost fluctuations. Prices set forth in future brochures shall supersede the prices in this brochure. Airfare quotes, and Air Add-ons in this brochure are subject to airline capacity limitations and higher airfares may apply depending on seat availability at the time of reservation. A contract is made when your reservation and payment are accepted by the Operator at its office, and any dispute shall be governed by Oregon law and subject to the jurisdiction of Portland, Oregon. In calculating the cost of your trip, Operator has relied on your consent to these terms and in the absence of this release, the trip cost would have been higher. Operator reserves the right to substitute hotels of similar quality at any time or to make changes in itinerary of similar quality. Operator will not be responsible to any person for expense, loss of time, money or other circumstance resulting from a change in itinerary or change of tour arrangements. Operator also reserves the right to cancel a tour prior to departure, and in such cases all payments made to date will be refunded and shall constitute full settlement. If you purchase an airline ticket separately, ensure that your travel agent explains the conditions under which the ticket is issued, as the Operator assumes no responsibility for such airline ticket cancellation fees. Please understand that not all museums and attractions are open every day of the year. Operator reserves the right to vary the sequence of sightseeing and/ or to re-route the order of cities if that will enable you to visit all listed excursions. In either case, the itinerary content will be maintained to the extent possible and there are no refunds for any unused or unavailable excursions. Promotional offers subject to change. This brochure supersedes any other current brochure on the market.
Privacy Policy:
Occasionally we make portions of our mailing lists available to carefully selected companies. If you would prefer not to have your name and mailing address made available, please call us at 1-800-552-5545. To review our full privacy policy, visit our website at www.getours.com/privacypolicy.


















