Country Roads of Ireland
Country Roads of Ireland
13 Days
from $2,989
Tour Code: CRI
Country Roads of Ireland
Discover the country roads of enchanting Ireland on this 13-day Country Roads of Ireland tour. Begin in jolly Dublin where you will have sightseeing and a welcome drink with your tour director and fellow guests. Continue on to Waterford via Kildare, visiting the National Stud Farm along the way. In Waterford see the historic sites as well as the Waterford Factory.
At Blarney hang upside down to kiss the famous Blarney Stone before continuing on to Killarney, including the Ring of Kerry. In Galway you will stop at the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher and take in the breathtaking scenery of the Clare Coast. Leaving Galway, you will travel to Londonderry via the rugged Connemara Highlands and then visit Clonalis House and Belleek Pottery Center.
On our way to Ballygally you will continue along the coastline to see the spectacular Giant’s Causeway. In Belfast, see the sights in the capital of Northern Ireland, before heading back down to Dublin for your final night in this amazing country. Perhaps a pint in the pub or an Irish Cabaret show will be a fitting finale to this wonderful place.
Stay in our selection of European First Class accommodations and enjoy 19 meals including Welcome Reception with snacks, 11 Full Breakfasts, 2 Highlight Lunches, 4 Three-Course Dinners with tea and coffee, 1 Dine-Around Dinner and 1 Farewell Dinner with wine.
To ensure a comfortable travel experience, our motor coaches are equipped with large panoramic windows, reclining seats, air-conditioning and 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.
Note: this tour is operated by our sister company.
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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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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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.
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Travel DocumentsTravel wallet, travel planner & map. $100 Frequent Traveler Discount upon return for a future tour.
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Professional Tour DirectorYour tour will be conducted by the most experienced Tour Directors in the business and will be with you throughout the tour.
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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 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.
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Local Expert Guides: Dublin, Belfast & LondonderryLocal Expert Guides in Dublin, Belfast & Londonderry.
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19 MealsWelcome Reception with snacks, 11 Full Breakfasts, 2 Highlight Lunches, 4 Three-Course Dinners with tea or coffee, 1 Dine-Around Dinner and 1 Farewell Dinner with wine.
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Included Tour Highlights
Dublin sightseeingGuided Dublin sightseeing includes O’Connell Street, Customs House and Dublin Castle and visit the Old Library at Trinity College.
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Ring of KerryTake in the spectacular scenery as you drive around the famous Ring of Kerry followed by a jaunting car ride in Killarney.
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Visit the new Titanic Belfast ExhibitionVisit the Titanic Belfast Exhibition on your guided tour.
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Slea Head and Dingle PeninsulaEnjoy a scenic drive to Slea Head on the Dingle Peninsula.
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Giant’s Causeway & Derry's WallsVisit Giant’s Causeway followed by ‘Derry’s Walls’ and gothic guildhall.
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Blarney Castle & Stone of Eloquence
Blarney Castle Blarney 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.
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Belleek Pottery FactoryVisit the Belleek Pottery Center and Clonalis House.
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Visit Waterford Crystal ShowroomVisit the famous Waterford Crystal showroom.
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Galway sightseeing tourSee St. Nicholas Cathedral, Spanish Arch & Eyre Square in Galway before visiting Connemara and Kylemore Abbey.
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Visit Ireland’s National Stud and its famous Japanese GardensEstablished in 1946, the Irish National Stud combines an active role in the development and promotion of Irish bloodstock and is one of Ireland’s major tourist attractions.
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Cliffs of MoherAdmire the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher and breathtaking Clare Coast.
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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.
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.
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Cork - Port of Cobh ExcursionThis afternoon we drive to see the pretty riverside village of Cobh which was the last port of call for the Titanic. We explore the Heritage Centre and relive the story of the emigration of Irish people and the life of this once great passenger port.
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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.
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Killarney - Ceilidh in KillarneyEnjoy the great atmosphere or ‘craic’ at our ceilidh evening. Traditional Irish music and dancing and the chance to sing along to some familiar Irish melodies.
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Dublin - Dinner & Dublin Coast DriveA three course dinner at a local restaurant followed by a scenic drive around Dublin Bay.
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Killarney - Liam O’Connor ShowThe ‘Liam O’Connor Show’ is a spectacular explosion of music, song and dance rooted in the Irish music tradition. Experience a spellbinding display of raw energy, passion and melodic genius. Liam O’Connor is an internationally renowned musician of 20 instruments and his show has a long running residency in Killarney. Your Tour Director will advise ticket availability.
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Dublin - Dublin DinnerJoin us for a three course dinner in one of Dublin's pub/restaurants.
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Galway - Dinner at Dunguaire CastleWine and dine in style at Dunguaire Castle on the banks of the picturesque Kinvara Bay. Enjoy an enchanting evening of light hearted poetry and song, with extracts from Synge, Yeats and Gogarty.
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Dublin - RAGUS - The ShowInspired by the islanders of Inis Mór, Ragús is a show of live, fast moving, traditional Irish music, song and dance. Evocative of times past, audiences feel the pulse of a rich and vibrant musical heritage and come away with a truly enjoyable and unique cultural experience. A three-course
dinner with Irish coffee is included.
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Belfast - Walk & Pub VisitWhat better way to soak up the atmosphere of this lovely city than to join a knowledgeable local guide for a pleasant stroll in the city center and finish with an included drink in a historic local pub?
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Waterford - Walking TourWe take an interesting and informative walking tour with a local guide and then continue to get to know the locals with a drink in a typical pub.
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Day 1 USA - Dublin
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to your local airport for your overnight flight to Dublin.
Day 2 Arrive Dublin
Welcome to Ireland! On arrival
at Dublin Airport, transfers leave
for the tour hotel at 08:00, 11:00
& 13:30. Later, your sightseeing
tour of Dublin includes the elegant
squares of Ireland’s ‘fair city’. See
the famous O’Connell Street,
Customs House and Dublin Castle.
Visit the Old Library of Trinity
College to admire the 8th century
Book of Kells, its delicate paintings
one of the treasures of the Middle
Ages. Tonight, join your Tour
Director for a Welcome Reception.
Welcome Reception Included
Day 3 Dublin - Belfast
Heading northwards cross the
emotive valley of the River Boyne,
site of the Battle of the Boyne
where William of Orange defeated
the forces of Catholic King James.
Continue to Drogheda, then cross the border into Ulster. Travel
alongside the beautiful Mountains
of Mourne to Belfast.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 4 Belfast - Ballygally
Meet your local guide for a panoramic
tour of Northern Ireland’s
capital. Some of the highlights
include the City Hall, Queen’s University
and Stormont Castle. Now
step back in time and uncover life
in Belfast from 100 years ago as
you follow the story of the ill-fated
Titanic in the new state of the art
Titanic Belfast building and exhibition.
Continue around the scenic
coast, past the huge Norman castle
at Carrickfergus, to arrive at your
hotel, overlooking the sandy beach
of Ballygally Bay.
Full Breakfast and Dinner Incuded
Day 5 Ballygally - Londonderry
Prepare yourself for miles of
breathtaking beauty! The road
clings to the coastline at the
mouth of the famous ‘nine glens
of Antrim’, alongside sandy
beaches beneath towering basalt cliffs. Stop at the spectacular
Giant’s Causeway, and hear the
fantastic legends which surround
this geological masterpiece.
Continue to the ancient walled
city of ‘Derry’. Sightseeing with a
local guide takes you inside the
well preserved walls, still topped
with cannons, and down steep Shipquay Street, with its elegant
Georgian houses, to the Gothic
Guildhall.
Full Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 6 Londonderry - Belleek - Galway
First stop is for a visit to the Belleek Pottery Center nestled on the
banks of the River Erne. Afterwards
continue to Clonalis House,
ancestral home of the O’Conors,
descendants of the last High Kings
of Ireland. Meet the resident family
and tour their home, imbued
with a warm and friendly atmosphere.
Continue on to Galway
on the shores of Lough Corrib, to
your hotel for the night.
Full Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 7 Galway (Connemara Excursion Included)
See Galway’s St. Nicholas
Cathedral, Spanish Arch and
Eyre Square, dedicated to US
president John F. Kennedy. Stop
for a superb highlight lunch with wine
at the 5 star Ashford Castle, set in
350 acres of beautiful parkland.
Then experience the beautiful
rugged landscape of Connemara,
a wonderland of trout-filled
rivers, lakes and silent hills. Tour
the workshop of the famous
marble factory before visiting
Kylemore Abbey one of Ireland’s
greatest neo-Gothic castles.
Full Breakfast and Highlight Lunch Included
Day 8 Galway - Limerick - Killarney
Cross the Burren, a strange, rocky
landscape rich with wild orchids
to reach the Visitors’ Center at
the 700-foot Cliffs of Moher. Here
you can enjoy breathtaking views
of the Clare Coast. Now experience
the lifestyle of rural Ireland
over the centuries at Bunratty
Folk Park. Next stop is Limerick,
famous for rhymes, lace and elegant
Georgian houses. Continue
through the land of song and legend via the picturesque thatched
village of Adare, to Killarney.
Full Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 9 Killarney (Ring of Kerry Excursion Included)
Join an excursion around the
Ring of Kerry, one of the world’s
greatest scenic tours! Follow the
narrow road as it winds along the
towering cliffs to the fishing town
of Waterville where reservations
for an authentic local lunch have
been made. Return via Ireland’s
highest mountain range and then
enjoy a ride on one of the famous
jaunting cars. Tonight your Dine-
Around evening offers you the
option of dinner at a selection of
local restaurants.
Full Breakfast, Highlight Lunch and Dine-Around Dinner Included
Day 10 Killarney - Blarney
This morning is dedicated to the
wide skies, peaceful towns, and
coastal scenery of the Dingle Peninsula,
setting for the film Ryan’s
Daughter. Drive to dramatic Slea
Head at the peninsula’s far end and
then return to cross the rugged
Derrynasaggart Mountains. Head
for Blarney for an evening at leisure.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 11 Blarney - Cork - Waterford
Visit the 15th century Castle, the
home of the famous Stone of Eloquence,
once kissed – never forgotten!
Continue to Cork for an
orientation tour of Ireland’s second
most populous city, built on the
River Lee. Then a delightful coastal
drive brings you to historic Waterford.
View the 9th-century Reginald’s
Tower, the remains of the old city walls and visit the Waterford
Crystal showroom. Enjoy a glass of
wine with your Farewell Dinner at
a local restaurant tonight.
Full Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Included
Day 12 Waterford - Kilkenney - Kildare - Dublin
In medieval Kilkenny there’s free
time to see St. Canice’s Cathedral
and visit the Kilkenny Design
Center. Move on to Kildare for a
visit to one of the country’s main
racehorse breeding centers and
acclaimed 100 year old Japanese
Gardens. Return to Ireland’s
lively capital and spend a leisurely
evening relaxing, exploring or
perhaps taking in a famous Irish
Cabaret show.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 13 Dublin - USA
Your tour comes to an end after
breakfast this morning. Departure
transfers arrive at Dublin Airport
at 07:30, 09:30 & 11:30.
Full Breakfast Included
of $400 per couple when you book by
February 10, 2012.
| Depart Return |
Land Only Price | Price includes savings of: | International Airfare |
|---|---|---|---|
$2,989 | $200 | ||
$2,989 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,049 | $200 | ||
$3,029 | $200 | ||
$2,999 | $200 | ||
$2,999 | $200 |
Departure Details
Departures are available April through October 2012.
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 $625
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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| 2 | Dubline | D4 Berkeley | |||||||||||||||||
D4 Berkeley
D4 Berkeley Location: The D4 Berkeley Hotel is a leisurely stroll from Dublin’s main shopping area of Grafton Street, the business district and the leisurely parks of Herbert, Merrion and St Stephens Green. Located near many of the city’s best restaurants and nightlife. In-Room Amenities
Location: The D4 Berkeley Hotel is a leisurely stroll from Dublin’s main shopping area of Grafton Street, the business district and the leisurely parks of Herbert, Merrion and St Stephens Green. Located near many of the city’s best restaurants and nightlife. |
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| 3 | Belfast | Europa Belfast | |||||||||||||||||
Europa Belfast
First Class Europa Belfast Location: One of the finest 4-star hotels located in the heart of Belfast City center. It is surrounded by shops, bars, museums and entertainment. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: One of the finest 4-star hotels located in the heart of Belfast City center. It is surrounded by shops, bars, museums and entertainment. |
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| 4 | Ballygally | Ballygally Castle | |||||||||||||||||
Ballygally Castle
First Class Ballygally Castle Location: Ideally located on the scenic Antrim coast and just 26 miles from Belfast and close to Larne. The hotel faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay and dates back to 2625 and is unique in that it is the only 17th century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Ideally located on the scenic Antrim coast and just 26 miles from Belfast and close to Larne. The hotel faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay and dates back to 2625 and is unique in that it is the only 17th century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland. |
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| 5 | Londonderry | City Hotel | |||||||||||||||||
City Hotel
First Class City Hotel Location: The hotel is located on the banks of the River Foyle and within 5 minutes walking distance of the historic Derry walls. Hotel Derry is perfectly positioned for sightseeing breaks in Derry City. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: The hotel is located on the banks of the River Foyle and within 5 minutes walking distance of the historic Derry walls. Hotel Derry is perfectly positioned for sightseeing breaks in Derry City. |
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| 6,7 | Galway | Clybaun | |||||||||||||||||
Clybaun
Clybaun Location: Clybaun hotel is ideally located in beautiful Galway City, one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Clybaun hotel is ideally located in beautiful Galway City, one of the fastest growing cities in Europe. |
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| 8,9 | 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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| 10 | Blarney | Blarney Golf Resort | |||||||||||||||||
Blarney Golf Resort
First Class Blarney Golf Resort Location: This 4-star luxury golf resort hotel, a world class resort is set amongst 170 acres of beautiful wooded Shournagh Valley and is close to the historic town of Blarney. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: This 4-star luxury golf resort hotel, a world class resort is set amongst 170 acres of beautiful wooded Shournagh Valley and is close to the historic town of Blarney. |
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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 | Dubline | D4 Berkeley | |||||||||||||||||
D4 Berkeley
D4 Berkeley Location: The D4 Berkeley Hotel is a leisurely stroll from Dublin’s main shopping area of Grafton Street, the business district and the leisurely parks of Herbert, Merrion and St Stephens Green. Located near many of the city’s best restaurants and nightlife. In-Room Amenities
Location: The D4 Berkeley Hotel is a leisurely stroll from Dublin’s main shopping area of Grafton Street, the business district and the leisurely parks of Herbert, Merrion and St Stephens Green. Located near many of the city’s best restaurants and nightlife. |
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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.
