Portugal and Spain River Cruise
Portugal and Spain River Cruise
12 Days
from $3,025
Tour Code: DVC
Portugal and Spain River Cruise
Travel Europe’s most unspoiled UNESCO World Heritage-designated river valley through Portugal and Spain. The Douro River, rising in Spain and reaching the Atlantic Ocean in Porto, has created the spectacular Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the seven hills of cosmopolitan Lisbon, uncovering a treasure trove of Old World architecture. Visit Coimbra, the “Birthplace of Kings”; Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges,” with its UNESCO World Heritage-designated Medieval city center and UNESCO Palacio de Bolsa; Guimarães, which has its own UNESCO-listed Medieval city center and is a 2012 European Cultural Capital; and Salamanca, Spain, another declared UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taste a variety of local wines from village vineyards, including Port wine, the region’s sweet fortified wine. Feast on a traditional meal with wine quinta overlooking the Douro Valley and enjoy a traditional Spanish-style lunch complete with a flamenco show. Along the way,
uncover a land of genuine beauty and breathtaking charm, and meet warm-hearted, friendly people with welcoming open arms.
Stay in a Category 4 Main Deck cabin with private bath (option to upgrade for low additional cost). Enjoy 24 meals including 10 breakfasts, 7 lunches and 7 dinners. Including the Captain’s Gala & Farewell Dinners).
Airfare is available from over 60 cities across the US; call for up-to-the-minute airfare pricing from your departure city. Tour price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
***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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Deluxe StateroomAll with private bath, river views and bottled water.
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Airport/Cruise TransfersAirport arrival and departure transfers included with the purchase of combined air and land package.
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24 Meals with wine during dinner and bottled water in your stateroomEnjoy 24 meals including 10 Buffet breakfasts, 7 lunches and 6 dinners with wine, beer and soft drinks and Captain’s Farewell Dinner.
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Professional Cruise ManagerYour cruise will be conducted by the most experienced Cruise Directors in the business. They will manage the intricate details of your tour, keeping you entertained with anecdotes and stories to make sure your vacation is educational, entertaining and fun.
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Choice Is YoursWe realize one size doesn't always fit all. That's why we've added "Choice Is Yours" included excursions in select cities. These options are designed to provide you with exciting alternate experiences - at no extra cost to you. Have you been to Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum already? This visit, you can return to gaze at your favorite Vermeer or you can choose to explore the Van Gogh Museum instead. Soaked up Salzburg when you came for Mozart's 250th? Opt for a shorter day in charming Steyr and quaint Gmunden and still have time to relax back at the ship or take one of the complimentary bikes out for a spin.
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Local Expert Guides on all city toursLocal Expert Guides on all city tours
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Go ActiveIs all this good food, first-class pampering, luxurious bedding, world-class sightseeing, and scintillating cultural exploration making you miss the gym? On a boutique river cruise, you can stretch your legs in some of the world's most beautiful settings. As part of the "Go Active" program, we have preselected the best local opportunities to explore the outdoors with our complimentary bicycles and Nordic walking sticks. Cycle along the river path or through a neighboring village. Set out with your walking sticks to boost your energy with every step. Or simply explore the beautiful countryside at your own pace.
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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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Gentle Walking ToursAlong the rivers of Europe, life moves at a slower pace. We've taken that lifestyle to heart in creating our "Gentle Walking Tours" in select cities. If or whatever reason, you desire a more relaxed pace, when the other groups head out to conquer the city, you can join a slower-pace group that gives you more time to linger. Poke your head in a few more shops. Meditate on a beautiful painting. Explore the details of a Baroque cathedral. Relax, as with our Gentle Walking Tours, you'll have the same expert English-speaking guides who'll make sure you get the most out of your excursion.
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Travel DocumentsGET travel wallet, Cruise Companion Booklet, $100 Frequent Traveler Discount upon return for a future tour.
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Included Shore Excursions
Lisbon City TourYour guided exploration of Lisbon takes you to the historic district of Belem and the Belem Tower, the traditional starting and ending point of the Portuguese voyages of discovery. You’ll then visit the magnificent cloister of San Jeronimos, built in the early 16th century as a celebration of Portugal’s territorial expansion and an expression of a unique national style.
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Winetasting at a local quintaPinhao is the epicenter of the Port wine-making area. Visit a quinta(vineyard) where you’ll learn the history of, and sample, the country’s most celebrated beverage.
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Coimbra tour with family style lunchPortugal’s third largest city, Coimbra, birthplace of six of Portugal’s kings and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Within the university is the Biblioteca Joanina, a gem of a library with books that date back to the 12th century. After you library visit, you’ll stop for lunch in a local restaurant.
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Full-day Salamanca city tour with typical Spanish lunch and flamenco showFrom Vega de Terron, on the Spanish border, travel overland to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city. Visit the historic university before having an authentic lunch with a flamenco show at a local restaurant.
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Porto city tour and dinner at Alpendurada Monastery
Stock Exchange in Porto Traipse through the UNESCO World Heritage-designated Medieval city center of charming Porto. Later, sail to Bitetos where you’ll indulge in a country-style dinner at the former 14th-century Benedictine Monastery of Alpendurada.
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Castelo Rodrigo tour and dinner at the Vintage House hotelVisit the picturesque Medieval walled 12th-century city of Castelo Rodrigo. In the evening, indulge in a delicious dinner complete with wine at the Vintage House hotel, a magnificent converted 18th-century wind quinta overlooking the Douro River.
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Mateus Palace and Gardens
Gardens of the Palacio Mateus Visit the impressive Baroque Mateus Palace and Gardens, with one of the most beautiful gardens in the world.
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Lamego city tourTour the old Episcopal city of Lamego with its impressive 18th-century pilgrimage church, Nossa Senhora dos Remedios, and visit the local museum.
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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.
Intimate LisbonStart the tour with a guided visit to the Fundation Mebeiros a Alameida - a private house decorated with fantastic art peices, furniture, clocks, porcelains and more which has been turned into a museum. Next stop is the panoramic viewpoint from Sao Pedro de Alcantar Belvedere with a great view of Lisbon and the opportunity to take photos of the view. After your photostop enjoy a visit to Sao Roque Church, the most beautiful church in Lisbon and learn about its substantial history. Finally, stop at Adivinho wine shop for some history and a glass of Portuguese wine (not port).
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Fado Dinner & ShowDrive to the old town of Alfama where you will enjoy a dinner and show at a Fado Restaurant - sure to be a highlight of your tour!
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Quelez, Sintra & Cascais ExcusrionStart your excursion with a visit inside of Queluz Palace. Next, visit the UNESCO World Heritage site of the lovely town of Sintra. Your visit includes the Royal Palace of Sintra, which was the former summer residence of the Royal family dating back to the 15th century. Enjoy time to shop for Portuguese handicrafts in town.
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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 - Lisbon
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to your local airport for your overnight flight to Lisbon.
DAY 2 Lisbon
Arrive at Lisbon’s Portela Airport where you’ll be transferred to the hotel (HF Fenix Urban, or similar).
DAY 3 Lisbon
Your guided exploration of Lisbon takes you to the historic district of Belem and the Belem Tower, the traditional starting and ending point of Portuguese voyages of discovery. You’ll then visit San Jeronimos Church, built in the early 16th-century.
Buffet Breakfast Included
Day 4 Lisbon
Spend leisure time enjoying this cosmopolitan city often referred to as the “City of Seven Hills.’’
Buffet Breakfast Included
DAY 5 Lisbon - Coimbra - Porto
In the morning, you’ll head north to Porto. En route, you’ll stop in Portugal’s third-largest city, Coimbra, birthplace of six of Portugal’s kings and home to one of the oldest universities in Europe. Within the university is the Biblioteca Joanina, a gem of a library with books from the 12th-century. After your library visit, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before continuing to the ship docked in Porto.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 6 Porto - Bitetos
Visit historic Guimarães, the first capital of Portugal in the 12th-century, home to the first king of Portugal, Don Afonso Henriques, and a 2012 European Cultural Capital. It has been referred to as the birthplace of the Portuguese nation. Dominated by Afonso Henriques’ grand castle, Guimarães was recently declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its extremely well-preserved city center. You will be guided through the narrow streets of the Medieval quarter, toward the beautiful main square, the Largo da Oliveira, and then on to the splendid Monastery and Church of Nossa Senhora da Oliveira, the Ducal Palace, and the 14th century Gothic Padrão do Salado. Later, sail to Bitetos and visit one of the prestigious port wine cellars in Cais de Gaia.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 7 Regua - Pinhao
After a morning lecture at the Douro Museum, visit the impressive Mateus Palace and Gardens, with one of the most beautiful gardens in the world. Later, enjoy dinner at the family-owned winery Quinta da Avessada in the heart of the Douro region, built a century ago, and producing Moscatel, the treasure of the region.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 8 Pinhao - Vega de Terron (Spain)
Pinhão is the epicenter of the Port winemaking, so it is only fitting you visit a quinta to learn the history of, and sample, the country’s most celebrated beverage. In the afternoon, enjoy the breathtaking scenery while sailing the remote Douro Valley.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Captain’s Dinner Included
DAY 9 Vega de Terron (Salamanca Excursion Included)
From Vega de Terrón, on the Spanish border, travel overland to Salamanca, a UNESCO World Heritage city. This charming town is untouched in its architectural purity, and throughout the centuries the sandstone buildings have gained an exquisite golden glow, giving the city the nickname the “Golden City.” Visit Salamanca’s historic university before having lunch with a flamenco show at
a local restaurant.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 10 Barca d’Alva - Castelo Rodrigo - Pinhao
Visit the 12th-century walled village of Castelo Rodrigo, a charming and captivating place with Medieval streets, thick stonewall houses, and a remarkably distinctive fountain, Chafariz dos Pretos.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 11 Porto
Sail along the Douro back to Porto, and then traipse through the UNESCO World Heritage designated Medieval city center of charming Porto. Visit the 19th-century UNESCO Palacio de Bolsa with its famous Arab Room. Later, enjoy a farewell evening and reception while sailing to the mouth of the Douro River.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 12 Porto - USA
Disembark the ship and transfer to the Porto airport for your flight home.
Breakfast Included
of $400 per couple when you book by
February 10, 2012.
| Depart Return |
Cruise Only Price | Price includes savings of: | International Airfare |
|---|---|---|---|
$3,175 | $200 | ||
$3,225 | $200 | ||
$3,225 | $200 | ||
$3,325 | $200 | ||
$3,325 | $200 | ||
$3,325 | $200 | ||
$3,375 | $200 | ||
$3,625 | $200 | ||
$3,625 | $200 | ||
$3,625 | $200 | ||
$3,625 | $200 | ||
$3,625 | $200 | ||
$3,625 | $200 | ||
$3,425 | $200 | ||
$3,425 | $200 | ||
$3,375 | $200 | ||
$3,275 | $200 | ||
$3,275 | $200 | ||
$3,275 | $200 | ||
$3,275 | $200 | ||
$3,325 | $200 | ||
$3,525 | $200 | ||
$3,775 | $200 | ||
$3,775 | $200 | ||
$3,775 | $200 | ||
$3,675 | $200 | ||
$3,675 | $200 | ||
$3,575 | $200 | ||
$3,575 | $200 | ||
$3,325 | $200 | ||
$3,225 | $200 | ||
$3,125 | $200 | ||
$3,025 | $200 |
Departure Details
Departures are available March through November 2012.
Single Supplement Waivers available while supplies last on the following departures: March 14, March 21, April 11, August 8, August 15.
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.
Single Room Supplement: Call for details
Port Taxes of $126 per person will appear on your invoice.
Prices shown include cruise in category 4 Main Deck.
To upgrade to a higher category,
add per person:
Cat:... ....Cabin................. Cost
3.............Twin/Double.......$310
2.............Twin/Double.......$520
1.............Twin/Double.......$845
This tour requires a $350 deposit per person.
Cancellation Penalties: 89-60 days prior to departure: 35%; 59-30 days prior to departure: 50%; less than 30 days prior to departure: 100%
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.
Transportation: Airport arrival and departure transfers are included on arrival and departure days only. NOTE: Flights must depart between 6am and 6pm.
Please Note: This tour is operated by our sister company.
Douro Spirit
An intimate NEW boutique river cruise ship
The Douro Spirit is a deluxe new ship to sail in 2011. Douro Spirit accommodates a maximum of 128 guests, providing the intimate small-ship ambiance preferred by experienced travelers.
Facilities onboard Douro Spirit:
*All staterooms have riverviews and French balconies. All are appointed with a vanity and make-up mirror, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning, flat-screen TV, and bathroom
*Main lounge with a full-service bar and dance floor
*Elegant restaurant with open seating
*Sun deck with swimming pool
*Boutique/gift shop
*Complimentary red and white wine, Port wine, beer, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and water during dinner
*L’Occitane bath and body amenities in staterooms
*Quality bed linens
*Complimentary bottled water in staterooms each day
*Complimentary coffee and tea throughout the day
Ship Facts
Inaugurated: 2011
Length: 245 ft (77.5m)
Width: 37 ft (11.30m)
Number of Decks: 3
Number of Categories: 4
Maximum Passengers: 128
Staterooms: 61
Cabin Size: Category 1, 2, 3 = 161 sq.ft. ; Category 4 = 150 sq.ft.
Suites: 2 Suites, 1 Junior Suite
Suite Size: Suite = 237 sq.ft. ; Junior Suite = 226 sq.ft.
Voltage: 220v
Elevator: Yes
Restaurant: Yes
Laundry Service: Yes
Gymnasium: Yes
Currency onboard: Euro
Douro Spirit
; "Douro Spirit Stateroom")
The small size of river cruise ships creates a closeness to the passing landscape, an intimate ambiance onboard and a camaraderie that larger ships cannot match. There is simply no better way to travel. Beautifully appointed riverview staterooms and suites have hotel beds draped in fine linens. All staterooms and suites have French balconies.
Stateroom and suite amenities include:
*Vanity
* Generous built-in closets
* Hair dryer
* Safe
* Individual climate-control thermostat
* Direct-dial telephone
* Flat-screen TV with satellite
* Bottled water
The bathroom has L’Occitane bath and body products, backlit magnifying mirror, and cozy waffle bathrobes.
Cabin Category Descriptions
Suites: there are 2 suites located on the Upper Deck, the approximate size is 237 sq. ft. and have a French balcony.
Junior Suite: there is 1 Junior Suite located on the Main Deck, the approximate size is 226 sq. ft. and it has a French balcony.
Category One Staterooms: there are 23 Category One Staterooms located on the Upper Deck, the approximate size is 161 sq. ft. and they feature a French balcony.
Category Two Staterooms: there are 28 Category Two Staterooms located on the Main Deck, the approximate size is 161 sq. ft. and they feature a French balcony.
Category Three Staterooms: there are 6 Category Three Staterooms with 4 located near the front of the Main Deck and 2 in the rear of the Main Deck. The approximate size is 161 sq. ft. and they feature a French balcony.
Category Four Staterooms: there are 4 Category Four Staterooms located in the front of the ship on the Main Deck, the approximate size is 150 sq. ft. and they feature French balconies.
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.
