Country Roads of Southern Italy & Sicily
Country Roads of Southern Italy & Sicily
14 Days
from $3,679
Tour Code: CRS
Country Roads of Southern Italy & Sicily
The highlight of this tour is the chance to truly experience Sicily. It is a beautiful, multifaceted island with culminating influences from the Normans, Greeks and Romans and even from the Arabs! This splendor is viewed with Mt. Etna in the backdrop.
This tour explores the unique ‘trulli’ houses of Alberobello and ’Sassi’ di Matera. There is also the stunning scenery of Sicily and its rich Greek, Roman and Norman heritage, plus the beauty of the ‘island of dreams’, Capri.
Stay in our selection of European First Class accommodations and enjoy 18 meals including 12 Buffet Breakfasts, 4 Three-Course Dinners with tea or coffee, 1 Highlight Dinner and 1 Dine-Around Dinner.
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: Taormina, Agrigento, Palermo, Pompeii, Capri and RomeLocal Expert Guides in Taormina, Agrigento, Palermo, Pompeii, Capri and Rome.
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19 MealsWelcome Reception with snacks, 12 Buffet Breakfasts, 1 Highlight Lunch, 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
Alberobello’s La PasseggiattaJoin the locals and experience the Italian social ritual of La Passeggiata ‘the art of a gentle stroll’.
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Quaint fishing town of CefaluVisit the cathedral in the charming fishing town of Cefalu.
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The Trulli of Alberobello and the unique Sassi di MateraExplore the unique Trulli buildings of Alberobello and visit the unique Sassi di Matera, ancient churches and dwellings hewn from solid rock.
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Pompeii sightseeingTour the excavations of Pompeii
with a local guide.
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Visit Taormina’s Greek Theater
The famous Corso Umberto in Taormina See the tiny courtyard of the Palazzo Corvaja and visit the Greek Theatre in Taormina.
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Visit the Isle of CapriCruise to the Isle of Capri and ascend to Capri town. Transfer by open top taxis to visit Anacapri and the amazing Blue Grotto.
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Agrigento sightseeing
Enjoy a guided tour of the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento.
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Guided sightseeing tour of RomeGuided Rome sightseeing includes views of the Forum and visits the Colosseum and St. Peter’s Basilica.
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Palermo sightseeing
Piazza Bellini See Quattro Canti Square, visit Palermo Cathedral and admire the dazzling mosaics in the Palatine Chapel.
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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.
Rome - Illuminations Drive & Pizza DinnerTonight we have a pizza dinner in a typical Roman restaurant before enjoying an illuminations drive which shows us Piazza Venezia, the Forum, the Colosseum and the Campidoglio.
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Palermo - Culinary Delight In PalermoA unique experience in a local, rustic farmhouse awaits you! The meal is an abundant feast of homemade specialties including wine. This historical property is where Giuseppe Garibaldi was once a guest and it was also used as Carabinieri barracks in their search for the famous bandit Salvatore Giuliani. A wonderful culinary treat.
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Alberobello - Masseria DinnerPuglia produces nearly all of Italy's olive oil and pasta, and is a paradise for wine-lovers and gastronomes. Tonight we enjoy a delicious dinner typical of the region.
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Palermo - The Open Air Market &the Capuchin CatacombsExperience the rich colors this fascinating city affords in the bustling open-air market. Crammed in the narrow alleys of the Old Town we discover the Vucceria with its gorgeous arrays of fruit, produce and flowers and the animated haggling between vendors and shoppers. It hasn't changed much since Phoenician times! Then proceed to what has to be the most unique - and certainly macabre - attraction of Palermo: the Capuchin Catacombs. Eight thousand mummies - dressed in their 18th century finery - are perfectly preserved and on display in a labyrinth of corridors grouped according to class or profession - even a hallway of Brides!
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Alberobello - OstuniWith its stark, white-washed buildings, narrow cobbled streets and arched stairways, Ostuni is reminiscent of a North African Arab Medina. Set against three hills 'The White Town' is a photographer's delight.
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Palermo - Seafood Spectacular in the Bay of PalermoThe word 'panorama' derives from the ancients' name for Palermo and you will understand why on this magnificent seaside drive along the ridge of Monte Pellegrino - sacred to Sicilians as the burial place of patron saint Rosalia. We travel down to the perfectly horseshoe shaped Bay of Sferacavallo where you join the locals for a typical seafood feast in one of the area's finest hostelries. You will savor this multi-course dining extravaganza!
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Taormina - Mt. Etna, Savoca & the GodfatherEnter the rustic village life of Sicily with our local guide as we visit Savoca, the town also chosen by Frances F. Coppola for his movie 'The Godfather'. Enjoy the stunning views and visit Vitelli's bar, used in one of the scenes of the film, famous for its tasty, ice cold, 'granite di limone'. Then up Mt. Etna, the famous active volcano - the highest in Europe. You will have time to photograph the spectacular scenery before our return to Taormina.
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Sorrento - Isle of Capri, Anacapri & LunchThe Isle of Capri is best seen on a minibus tour. We drive to Anacapri with its magnificent views over the Mediterranean. We then have a guided tour of the famous Villa San Michele, followed by free time to window shop before continuing to Capri town. Light lunch is included. (On certain days the Villa may be substituted with the chairlift to Mt Solaro. It can also be offered without lunch at €37.)
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Taormina - Dinner in SicilyOn an island renowned for its delicious cuisine enjoy a fantastic 'Sicilian' evening with a dinner of Southern Italian specialties!
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Sorrento – Amalfi Coast Drive & Positano VisitFirst we drive along the famous Amalfi Coast with its clear blue waters and picturesque resorts. We stop to transfer to minibuses in order to visit the exclusive artist's paradise of Positano, magnificently positioned on the Mediterranean coast.
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Taormina - SavocaFilm lovers will most likely recognize this picture perfect Sicilian hill village chosen for the filming of the Godfather. Surrounded by gorgeous views we stroll to see the charming church and the local bar where Al Pacino fell in love.
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Sorrento - Delights of the Bay of NaplesTucked away amongst the lemon and olive groves of Sorrento is a small family farm where we see how mozzarella is made! Then we enjoy some of these locally produced specialties, pasta, and finish with the famous Limoncello!
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Walking – Moderate Physical Activity Required
Not all areas included on this tour are accessible by motor vehicle. Visiting ancient ruins and a handful of other listed sites may require some walking, sometimes on cobblestone streets. Be sure to pack comfortable and safe walking shoes and get ready to enjoy these fascinating attractions up close and personal.
This tour requires moderate physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk slightly longer distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
Day 1 USA – Rome
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to your local airport for your overnight flight to Rome.
Day 2 Arrive Rome
Welcome to Rome! On arrival at
Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da
Vinci Airport, your airport transfer
leaves for the tour hotel at
09:30, 12:30 & 15:30. Later, join
your Tour Director for a Welcome
Reception.
Welcome Reception Included
Day 3 Rome – Alberobello
Pass the hilltop monastery of
Cassino and follow the scenic
route across the Apennines to the
Adriatic coast. Your destination
is the small town of Alberobello,
known for its strange white Trulli
buildings. Sunday evenings are
popular for the traditional ritual
of passeggiata, a pre-dinner promenade.
Buffet Breakfast Included
Day 4 Alberobello (Matera Excursion Included)
Admire the Trulli of Alberobello
today - circular structures with
conical roofs and domed within,
built with local limestone and
stacked without using mortar.
Later, venture along the country
roads to the nearby town of
Matera where the extraordinary
cave-dwellings known as ‘Sassi’
are found.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 5 Alberobello – Taormina Mare
First past the town of Castellaneta,
birth place of the Latin lover Rudolph
Valentino. Your route then
follows the shores of the Gulf of
Taranto to the mountainous region
of Calabria. Continue around the
Purple Coast to the very toe of
Italy. After the short ferry crossing
to Sicily, drive to your hotel in
Taormina Mare.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 6 Taormina Mare
Taormina’s old town clings to the
side of Mount Tauro, forming a
balcony overlooking the sea and
Mt Etna. Walk with your guide to
the tiny courtyard of the Palazzo
Corvaja. Visit the Greek Theater,
graced with the most spectacular
of backdrops. Now stroll along elegant
Corso Umberto to Piazza IX
Aprile for more panoramic views.
The rest of the day is yours to enjoy
at your own pace.
Buffet Breakfast Included
Day 7 Taormina Mare - Free Day
A full day to enjoy the beautiful
Bay of Mazzarò or the amazing
views, scented gardens and
historic monuments of the old
town. Don’t miss the chance of an
optional drive through the vineyards
to Mt Etna, Europe’s largest
volcano! Or the picture perfect hill
village, chosen for the filming of
“The Godfather”. For your dining
pleasure this evening, you are offered
a selection of local restaurants.
Buffet Breakfast and Dine-Around Dinner Included
Day 8 Taormina Mare – Agrigento - Palermo
Drive to Agrigento on the southern
coast of Sicily where the Valley
of the Temples once formed
part of the ancient Greek colony
of Akragas. Walk with your guide
along the fortified ridge to witness
the main temples. In the afternoon,
continue to the Sicilian capital
of Palermo.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 9 Palermo
A local guide shows you the
highlights of the city. Pass the
huge Teatro Massimo to the
baroque Quattro Canti Square
and glimpse the beauties of the
‘fountain of shame’. Visit Palermo
Cathedral and admire the golden
mosaics in the Palatine Chapel
of the Palace of the Normans. In
the afternoon there is free time
to explore or shop in Palermo or
continue sightseeing.
Buffet Breakfast Included
Day 10 Palermo – Overnight Ferry
Drive eastwards along
the coast to the charming
fishing town of Cefalu.
Visit the cathedral
which was erected to
fulfill a vow made by the
Norman King Roger II.
Stroll down to the medieval
stone fountain, and
seek out the Gothic arch
of the Porta Marina for
a picture perfect view of
the little harbor. Later,
return to Palermo to
board your overnight
ferry to Naples.
Buffet Breakfast Included
Day 11 Ferry – Pompeii – Sorrento
Arrive in Naples in time for breakfast
and an orientation tour of
the city. Afterwards, continue to
Pompeii, buried in 79 AD by an
eruption of Mount Vesuvius. Walk
through the cobbled streets with
your guide and inspect some of the
villas before continuing along the
cliff tops to your hotel. Maybe take
an optional excursion to Positano
or relax by the pool.
Buffet Breakfast Included
Day 12 Sorrento (Capri Excursion Included)
Cross the Bay of Naples to the
delightful Isle of Capri. Ascend to
Capri Town to spend some time
amid the narrow alleyways and
exclusive boutiques. Board your
open top taxis for the beautiful
drive along the corniche road to
the shady streets of Anacapri. Now
down to the water’s edge where a
small row boat takes you inside the glistening Blue Grotto (weather
permitting). Afterwards, a delicious
three course lunch with
wine awaits at the stylish Il Riccio,
overlooking the sea.
Buffet Breakfast, Highlight Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 13 Sorrento – Rome
On your return to Rome, visit the
famous Colosseum where gladiators
once fought, and see the Forum
– former religious, political
and commercial heart of the Roman
Empire. Continue to the Vatican
City to tour St. Peter’s Basilica,
housing works of art by Michelangelo
and Bernini. Tonight join your
fellow passengers for a last night
Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Buffet Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Included
Day 14 Rome – USA
Arrivederci Roma! Sadly, your
tour comes to an end after breakfast.
Departure transfers arrive at
Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da
Vinci Airport at 07:00 & 09:30.
Buffet Breakfast Included
of $400 per couple when you book by
February 10, 2012.
| Depart Return |
Land Only Price | Price includes savings of: | International Airfare |
|---|---|---|---|
$3,749 | $200 | ||
$3,749 | $200 | ||
$3,749 | $200 | ||
$3,769 | $200 | ||
$3,769 | $200 | ||
$3,769 | $200 | ||
$3,769 | $200 | ||
$3,769 | $200 | ||
$3,769 | $200 | ||
$3,769 | $200 | ||
$3,769 | $200 | ||
$3,699 | $200 | ||
$3,679 | $200 | ||
$3,679 | $200 | ||
$3,679 | $200 | ||
$3,679 | $200 | ||
$3,679 | $200 | ||
$3,679 | $200 | ||
$3,679 | $200 | ||
$3,769 | $200 | ||
$3,799 | $200 | ||
$3,799 | $200 | ||
$3,799 | $200 | ||
$3,799 | $200 | ||
$3,799 | $200 | ||
$3,769 | $200 | ||
$3,769 | $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 $795
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 | Rome | Anglo American | |||||||||||||||||
Anglo American
Anglo American Location: Four star hotel located in the heart of the renaissance city center on Via delle Quattro Fontane. In the immediate vicinity of the hotel is Piazza Barberini, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Via Veneto Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Four star hotel located in the heart of the renaissance city center on Via delle Quattro Fontane. In the immediate vicinity of the hotel is Piazza Barberini, the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Via Veneto |
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| 3,4 | Alberobello | Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri | |||||||||||||||||
Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri
Grand Hotel La Chiusa di Chietri Location: This 4-star hotel is located in the beautiful Apulian Murgia hills amidst nearly 25 acres of Mediterranean park, just a few kilometers from the capital, Alberobello, a UNESCO world heritage site. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: This 4-star hotel is located in the beautiful Apulian Murgia hills amidst nearly 25 acres of Mediterranean park, just a few kilometers from the capital, Alberobello, a UNESCO world heritage site. |
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| 5-7 | Taormina | Villa Esperia | |||||||||||||||||
Villa Esperia
Villa Esperia Location: The Villa Esperia stands near the sea between Mazzarò and Sirene Bay, just a few meters from the cableway station that takes you directly into the historical town center of Taormina. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: The Villa Esperia stands near the sea between Mazzarò and Sirene Bay, just a few meters from the cableway station that takes you directly into the historical town center of Taormina. |
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| 8,9 | Palermo | Best Western Ai Cavalieri | |||||||||||||||||
Best Western Ai Cavalieri
First Class Best Western Ai Cavalieri Location: Four-star hotel located in the heart of the city in the business district and the historic area with museums and theaters. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Four-star hotel located in the heart of the city in the business district and the historic area with museums and theaters. |
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| 10 | Palermo to Naples | SNAV Ferry | |||||||||||||||||
SNAV Ferry
First Class SNAV Ferry Snav ferries are high speed vessels that travel from Palermo to Naples, connecting the island with the main ports of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The vessels, modern and efficient, are all equipped with many facilities on board, in order to ensure maximum passenger comfort.
Snav ferries are high speed vessels that travel from Palermo to Naples, connecting the island with the main ports of the Tyrrhenian Sea. The vessels, modern and efficient, are all equipped with many facilities on board, in order to ensure maximum passenger comfort. |
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| 11,12 | Sorrento | Grand Hotel La Pace | |||||||||||||||||
Grand Hotel La Pace
First Class Grand Hotel La Pace Location: The five-star Grand Hotel La Pace is located not far from the centre of Sorrento, minutes away from beaches, fine dining, wineries and discos. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: The five-star Grand Hotel La Pace is located not far from the centre of Sorrento, minutes away from beaches, fine dining, wineries and discos. |
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| 13 | Rome | Sheraton Roma | |||||||||||||||||
Sheraton Roma
First Class Sheraton Roma Location: Located in the heart of Rome’s business center, the hotel sits between the historical city center and the Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci Airport. Rooms feature: air conditioning, TV, wifi, hairdryer, in-room electronic safe, and mini bar. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Located in the heart of Rome’s business center, the hotel sits between the historical city center and the Fiumicino Leonardo Da Vinci Airport. Rooms feature: air conditioning, TV, wifi, hairdryer, in-room electronic safe, and mini bar. |
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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.
