The Californian - 2012
The Californian - 2012
10 Days
from $1,800
Tour Code: CAL
The Californian - 2012
Open up your Golden Gates, California! Here we come! Enjoy the best of the Golden State---from San Diego to San Francisco on this 10-day adventure!
After a stop at the beautiful Mission San Juan Capistrano it’s on to Hollywood, home of the Academy Awards and the legendary “Walk of Fame”. Enjoy a scenic drive along the world renowned Sunset Strip and Rodeo Drive followed by a night at leisure in Beverly Hills. Travel up the Pacific Coast, with stops in sun-drenched Santa Barbara and the seaside town of Cambria, before continuing north through the rolling hills of California’s Central Coast dotted with vineyards and wineries.
Climb into the Sierra Nevada Mountains to Yosemite National Park. Head towards the famous Napa/Sonoma valleys and stop at a winery for a guided tour and tasting. Spend your last night of this Californian adventure in the “City-by-the-Bay”, San Francisco.
Stay in our selection of First Class accommodations and enjoy 13 meals including Welcome Reception, 9 Full Breakfasts, 1 Highlight Lunch, 1 Three-Course Dinner, 1 Highlight Dinner with wine 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 restroom facilities.
****This tour is operated by our sister company.
Read a staff review of this tour, click here.
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.
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Travel DocumentsTravel wallet, travel planner & map. $100 Frequent Traveler Discount upon return for a future tour.
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TransportationMotor-coach with A/C, panoramic windows, reclining seats & emergency restroom. Airport transfers on arrival and departure days.
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First Class HotelsHotels are an expensive element of any tour and certainly one of the most important. For our tours we reserve 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.
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Professional Tour Director
Your tour will be conducted by some of the most experienced Tour Directors in the world. These dedicated professionals will manage the intricate details of your tour and delight you with their anecdotes and stories. Their vast knowledge of the region will enhance your entire travel experience, allowing you to have a vacation that is education, entertaining and fun!
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13 MealsWelcome Reception, 9 Breakfasts, 1 Highlight Lunch, 1 Three-Course Dinner, 1 Highlight Dinner with wine and 1 Farewell Dinner with wine.
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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.
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Included Tour Highlights
San Diego City Tour
Tour San Diego’s major attractions including the historic Gaslamp Quarter to the luxuriant gardens of Balboa Park.
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Hearst Castle and a drive along the fabled 17-Mile Drive
Enjoy a guided tour of Hearst Castle followed by a Central Coast Drive through the scenic vineyards of Central California. Travel along the fabled 17 Mile Drive to Monterey.
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San Juan CapistranoVisit the historic mission of San Juan Capistrano.
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Drive through San Joaquin Valley, the breadbasket of California
San Joaquin Valley Drive through the San Joaquin Valley, and shop for fresh fruit at a historic fruit stand.
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Visit the J. Paul Getty Museum
Visit the magnificent J. Paul Getty Museum and enjoy the fabulous art collections and spectacular grounds overlooking the city and the Pacific Ocean.
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Visit Yosemite National Park
Enter the spectacular Yosemite Valley and view the giant iconic formations of El Capitan and Half Dome and the breathtaking Yosemite Falls, the highest in North America. Enjoy a stroll along the Merced River and take in the immense beauty of this spectacular mountain setting.
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Los Angeles sightseeing tourDrive along the Sunset Strip and see Beverly Hills; visit the Kodak Theater; see Grauman’s Chinese Theater and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
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Scenic Napa/Sonoma Carneros Highway drive and wine tastingDrive along the scenic Carneros Highway; visit a family-owned winery in Sonoma and enjoy wine and olive oil tasting and lunch.
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Santa BarbaraVisit Santa Barbara known as “America’s Riviera.”
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San Francisco City Tour
Chinatown, San Francisco Enjoy a city tour of San Francisco including the city’s most famous landmarks: Union Square, Fisherman’s Wharf and Pier 39, the Victorian mansions of Alamo Square, the rolling hills of the Presidio and Golden Gate Park.
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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.
San Diego - Scenic Harbor Cruise & Historic CoronadoAfter lunch in one of San Diego's popular restaurants, embark on a one-hour narrated boat tour of San Diego Harbor. Take in incredible views of San Diego and Coronado Island along with busy harbor sites including the Star of India, the U.S. Navy surface fleet, Coronado Bay Bridge and bustling shipyards. Next, cross the famous Coronado Bridge, a unique 2.1 mile bridge with an 80 degree bend that connects San Diego to the “Crown City.” On the island, visit and explore the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, a National Historic Landmark that opened in 1888. Charlie Chaplin, Babe Ruth, and Charles Lindberg, and at least 10 US Presidents have all stayed at “The Del.” Movie buffs might remember the hotel from "Some Like It Hot" with Marilyn Monroe. The final stop will be at the Coronado Ferry Landing Marketplace for great photo opportunities of the harbor and skyline. Tour duration: 5 hours. (Minimum: 15 passengers).
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San Francisco - Golden Gate Bridge Walk & SausalitoGet up close and personal with the West Coast’s iconic landmark on this unique walking tour across the Golden Gate Bridge to picturesque Sausalito. Bundle up for the wind or fog and begin your stroll at Roundhouse, housing the Golden Gate Bridge visitor and gift center. View the exhibit showing the cross-section of a cable before heading off onto the bridge itself. As you walk the 1. 7 miles from one end of the bridge to the other, you’ll learn all about how the bridge was engineered and built. Once across, head for quaint seaside Sausalito where there is time at leisure to explore. Board the ferry and enjoy the best views of the city skyline and Alcatraz Island as you cross San Francisco Bay and disembark at Fisherman's Wharf for your tour’s end. Tour duration: 4.5 hours. (Minimum: 10 passengers).
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San Diego - San Diego ZooExplore the world-famous San Diego Zoo, located in beautiful Balboa Park. Caring for over 4000 animals of 800 different species from the forests and jungles of the world, the zoo is a unique walking experience that exhibits animals in the most natural way possible, adding shows and animal presentations throughout the day. Take the zoo bus tour to help you decide which areas you want to spend more time in – be sure to visit the Lost Forest to watch the gorillas in action and stop at the Giant Panda Research Station, which is now home to three Giant Pandas including Yun Zi born in 2009. Your admission includes the zoo bus tour, round-trip Skyfari Aerial Tram Ride, all shows and children’s zoo. Transfers included. Tour duration: 4 hours. (Minimum: 10 passengers).
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San Francisco - Chinatown Walking Tour, Chinese Banquet, Cable Car Ride & Illuminations TourEnjoy this illuminating and exciting experience of San Francisco by night. Start with a guided walking tour of
Chinatown, one of the largest Chinese communities outside of China. Explore Chinese markets, herb shops,
a fortune cookie factory and more (weather permitting). Then experience an authentic family-style Chinese feast at award-winning Hunan Home's Restaurant. After dinner, ride one of San Francisco's fabled Cable Cars along one of the city's most scenic routes. Then, board your motorcoach for the City Illuminations Tour. Drive past the colorful signs and glittering lights of North Beach, the Embarcadero, Fisherman's Wharf, Telegraph Hill, Coit Tower, the Broadway Strip and the historic Ferry Building. After crossing the Oakland Bay Bridge to Treasure Island, top off your evening with a spectacular night panorama of sparkling San Francisco! Tour duration: 4 hours. (Minimum: 15 passengers).
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Monterey - Dinner at Bubba GumpWho would have ever guessed an Academy Award winning film from 1994 would have something in common with great food? Enter Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Restaurant in Monterey. Perched right on the edge of majestic Monterey Bay in historic Cannery Row, the restaurant was modeled after the movie “Forrest Gump” which took home the Oscar more than a decade ago and remains a classic to this day. Forrest Gump loved his shrimp, and Bubba Gump Restaurant is no different. The restaurant is known for great seafood (not to mention award winning baby back ribs) all in a fun and festive atmosphere. Bubba Gump is also brimming with memorabilia from the movie itself, and if you’re lucky, the waiters and waitresses might even quiz you on your Forrest Gump trivia knowledge. Tour duration: 2 hours.
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Day 1 Arrive San Diego
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to
your local airport for your flight
to San Diego! A complimentary
transfer is provided to the tour
hotel. This afternoon, meet your
Tour Director who can answer
any questions you may have about
the exciting days ahead. At 6 p.m.,
gather at the hotel with your Tour
Director and fellow travel companions
for a Welcome Reception.
Welcome Reception Included
Day 2 San Diego
From the Victorian Gaslamp
Quarter to the luxuriant gardens
of Balboa Park, San Diego entices
visitors and locals alike with a
combination of fascinating history,
lively street life and some of the
best weather in the country. Get
acquainted with the city on a guided
orientation tour and then enjoy
some leisure time to do some
shopping, visit the San Diego Zoo
or cruise the picturesque harbor.
This evening, join your traveling
companions for a Highlight Dinner in the waterfront wonderland
of Seaport Village.
Full Breakfast and Highlight Dinner Included
Day 3 San Diego - San Juan Capistrano - Los Angelese
Traveling up the sun-kissed coast
past the beachside community
of La Jolla, arrive in San Juan
Capistrano, home to the second
oldest Spanish mission in
California. Visit the ruins of the
Great Stone Church, the iconic
Bell Tower and the peaceful
Sacred Garden. Spectacularly
located on a hill above west Los
Angeles sits the Getty Center and
its world-renowned collection of
classical and modern art. Stroll
around the grounds admiring
paintings and sculptures, the
magnificent gardens and the
views. Enjoy an evening at leisure
in the City of Angels.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 4 Los Angeles
Immerse yourself in Tinseltown
today – cruise around Beverly
Hills and Sunset
Boulevard, spot
the Hollywood
sign and look
for your favorite
stars along the
Walk of Fame.
See Grauman’s
Chinese
Theatre,
opened in 1927
and home
to hundreds
of premieres
and three
Academy Award
ceremonies.
Then, be treated
to a private tour of
the Kodak Theatre,
which is the current
home of the Oscars. If
all this sightseeing has made
you hungry, you’ll find plenty of
choices to sate your appetite at the
historic LA Farmers Market with
its collection of restaurants and
shops. The afternoon and evening
are yours to explore the city:
perhaps set out for some people
watching and beach combing at
Venice Beach or browse the shops and boutiques on Rodeo Drive.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 5 Los Angeles - Santa Barbara - Cambria
After a leisurely morning, wind
your way up the coast to idyllic Santa Barbara, situated between
the expansive Pacific and
chaparral-clad hills of Los Padres
National Forest. Savor some time
to relax and enjoy lunch before
continuing north along the Pacific
Coast Highway to the beautiful
seaside village of Cambria. This
evening, toast to your travels with
a wine pairing at a convivial dinner.
Full Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 6 Cambria - San Simeon - Carmel - Monterey
Begin your day at “La Cuesta
Encantada” — the enchanted hill
— upon which William Randolph
Hearst built his magnificent castle.
An expert guide leads you through
the property with its 165 rooms
and acres of gardens, and pools
— and brings the story of the
newspaper magnate to life. Then
it’s on through the lush vineyards
of California’s Central Coast to
the quaint village of Carmel-by-the-
Sea. Browse the many shops,
wander down to the water’s
edge or enjoy a cappuccino at a
sidewalk cafe. After cruising scenic
17-Mile Drive past the iconic Lone
Cypress tree and Pebble Beach
Golf Links, arrive in Monterey,
home to Cannery Row, made
famous by native Californian
author John Steinbeck, and lively,
picturesque Fisherman’s Wharf.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 7 Monterey - San Joaquin Valley - Yosemite National Park
Head across the fertile San Joaquin
Valley, stopping at a local fruit
stand to sample some of the tasty
produce. Ascend the eastern slopes
of the Sierra Nevada on your way
to Yosemite National Park and its
spectacular wild landscape, which
John Muir called “the hope of the
world.” In the breathtaking Yosemite
Valley, pass the misty splendor
of Bridal Veil and Yosemite Falls,
gaze in wonder at the granite walls
of El Capitan and Half Dome and
take a leisurely stroll by the sparkling
Merced River.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 8 Yosemite - Napa/Sonoma Valleys - San Francisco
Descend from the mountains and
head north to Sonoma, where you
visit a family-owned winery for
an exclusive tour and an alfresco
Highlight Lunch, featuring local
wines, olive oil, artisan cheese and
cured meats. Cruise the scenic
Carneros Highway through Napa
before crossing the iconic Golden
Gate Bridge into San Francisco. This evening, take an optional
guided tour of the largest Chinatown
in the United States. Sample
fortune cookies and browse traditional
apothecary shops — and
then celebrate your discoveries at
a sumptuous Chinese banquet at a
local restaurant. After dinner, revel
in the remarkable tableau of San
Francisco’s twinkling city lights.
Full Breakfast and Highlight Lunch Included
Day 9 San Francisco
As the mist rises over the bay,
the great city of San Francisco
stands before you. Embark on a
morning exploration that takes
you from Fisherman’s Wharf to
the magnificent Golden Gate, and
from crooked Lombard Street to
fashionable Alamo Square. There’s
a story around every corner of
San Francisco, and you have some
time this afternoon to follow
your own path before toasting
your traveling companions during
a festive Farewell Dinner at
Fisherman’s Wharf.
Full Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Included
Day 10 Depart San Francisco
A complimentary transfer is
provided to San Francisco
International Airport.
Full Breakfast Included
of $300 per couple when you book by
February 10, 2012.
| Depart Return |
Land Only Price | Price includes savings of: | Airfare |
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Sat 02/11/12 |
$1,800 | $150 |
Call 1-877-622-9109 |
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$2,300 | $150 | ||
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$2,200 | $150 | ||
$2,420 | $150 |
Departure Details
Departures are available February through December 2012.
February 11 and March 24 departures operate the 9-day 2011 itinerary, click here for details.
Pricing Details
The prices above are for the land only portion of the tour and include the Early Booking Discount of $150 per person. In order to qualify for the discount you must book and deposit by February 10, 2012.
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 $745
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.
Please Note: This tour is operated by our sister company.
Day |
City |
Hotel |
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| 1,2 | San Diego | Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego | |||||||||
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego
Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego Location: Downtown San Diego luxury hotel is ideally placed to let you explore all this area has to offer. Step outside our doors to Seaport Village and cruises on the Bay, walk to the Gaslamp Quarter, visit the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld then browse museums in Balboa Park. Discover the advantages of this downtown San Diego hotel, distinctively heralded as among the city’s best. In-Room Amenities
Location: Downtown San Diego luxury hotel is ideally placed to let you explore all this area has to offer. Step outside our doors to Seaport Village and cruises on the Bay, walk to the Gaslamp Quarter, visit the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld then browse museums in Balboa Park. Discover the advantages of this downtown San Diego hotel, distinctively heralded as among the city’s best. |
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| 3,4 | Universal City | Hilton Los Angeles Universal City | |||||||||
Hilton Los Angeles Universal City
Hilton Los Angeles Universal City Location: A 24-story glistering building with AAA four-diamond accommodations located high in the Hollywood hills. The relaxed resort setting conveys the style and feel the contemporary California living-providing a sophisticated experience combined with a superior level of service. In-Room Amenities
Location: A 24-story glistering building with AAA four-diamond accommodations located high in the Hollywood hills. The relaxed resort setting conveys the style and feel the contemporary California living-providing a sophisticated experience combined with a superior level of service. |
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| 5 | Cambria | Cambria Pines Lodge | |||||||||
Cambria Pines Lodge
First Class Cambria Pines Lodge Location: Nestled on 25 wooded acres, just minutes from famed Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Cambria Pines Lodge offers something for everyone. Accommodations range from rustic cabins to elegant hotel room suites. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Nestled on 25 wooded acres, just minutes from famed Hearst Castle in San Simeon, Cambria Pines Lodge offers something for everyone. Accommodations range from rustic cabins to elegant hotel room suites. |
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| 6 | Monterey | Marriott Monterey | |||||||||
Marriott Monterey
First Class Marriott Monterey Location: In the heart of historic downtown and just steps away from the Monterey Peninsula making it an ideal choice for business, recreation and meeting needs. Near Carmel by the Sea is within walking distance to many of the area’s top attractions and family activities. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: In the heart of historic downtown and just steps away from the Monterey Peninsula making it an ideal choice for business, recreation and meeting needs. Near Carmel by the Sea is within walking distance to many of the area’s top attractions and family activities. |
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| 7 | El Portal | Yosemite View Lodge | |||||||||
Yosemite View Lodge
First Class Yosemite View Lodge Location: The Lodge is located 2.5 miles outside the park, but is serviced by YART, the park’s shuttle service. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: The Lodge is located 2.5 miles outside the park, but is serviced by YART, the park’s shuttle service. |
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| 8,9 | San Francisco | Hyatt Regency San Francisco | |||||||||
Hyatt Regency San Francisco
Hyatt Regency San Francisco Location: The only AAA Four Diamond downtown San Francisco hotel situated right on the Embarcadero waterfront, guests will enjoy immediate access to both the Financial District and the city’s most famous attractions. In-Room Amenities
Location: The only AAA Four Diamond downtown San Francisco hotel situated right on the Embarcadero waterfront, guests will enjoy immediate access to both the Financial District and the city’s most famous attractions. |
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Travel Tools
| Country | Currency | Tips | City | Weather | Time |
| United States |
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Monterey, California |
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| Napa Valley, California |
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| San Diego, California |
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| San Francisco, California |
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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.
