Eastern Europe Explorer River Cruise
16 Days
Tour Code: EEC
Cruise through seven countries - Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania and visit five capitals, seeing sights that you won’t forget; immersing yourself in new cultures; meeting new friends; and discovering a plethora of colorful folklore, musical traditions and culinary delights.
This cruise showcases recent historic and political changes in Central and Eastern Europe. Vibrant capitals like Vienna, Budapest, Bucharest, Belgrade and Bratislava display the cultural diversity of their proud citizens. History, nature and hospitable people are all awaiting your discovery on this all-encompassing Eastern Europe cruise.
Celtic fortifications, Medieval towns, Turkish baths, 19th-century Neoclassical architecture, Roman ruins and modern resorts make this one of the most extraordinary, eye-opening voyages in the world - not to mention the natural beauty of pastoral landscapes, the Danube’s famed Iron Gates and Bulgaria’s Black Sea shores. All of this and more awaits you on your exploration of Eastern Europe.
Stay in a Category 5 Moselle Deck cabin with private bath (option to upgrade for low additional cost). Enjoy 38 meals including 14 breakfasts, 12 lunches and 12 dinners.
***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. |
Local Expert Guides on all city tours |
Airport/Cruise TransfersAirport arrival and departure transfers included with the purchase of combined air and land package. |
Deluxe Stateroom |
Travel DocumentsGET travel wallet, Cruise Companion Booklet, $100 Frequent Traveler Discount upon return for a future tour. |
38 Meals with wine during dinner and bottled water in your stateroomEnjoy 38 meals including 14 Buffet breakfasts, 12 lunches and 12 dinners with wine, beer and soft drinks (including Captain’s Welcome and Farewell Dinners). |
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. |
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. |
Included Shore Excursions
Vienna City TourCapture Vienna’s imperial history during a tour that takes you along the stately Ringstrasse. Stroll through the Hofburg grounds to St. Stephen’s Cthedral, and visit the Austrian National Library. |
Viminacium archeological siteResident archeologists bring the historic grandeur of the excavations at Viminacium alive. The former Roman city boasted villas, thermal baths, a mausoleum, and even an amphitheater. |
Bratislava Walking Tour
See the beautiful vineyards on Moravia Admire Bratislava’s eclectic architecture of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco styles on your walking tour. |
Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik rock formationsVisit the legendary Medieval Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchick, a fairytale world of weathered red sandstone in fantastic formations and one of the natural wonders of Bulgaria. |
Budapest City TourYour panoramic tour of Budapest gives you a sweeping view of all its famous sights. |
Full-day in VarnaVisit Varna’s Archeological Museum, home to the oldest gold treasure in the world. |
Tour of Osijek, home-hosted lunch, and school visitTour Osijek and experience Croatian life while meeting students during a school visit and enjoying a home-hosted lunch. |
Bucharest City Tour |
Belgrade City TourYou’ll be taken on a panoramic drive through Belgrade, which features the Belgrade Fortress in Kalemegdan Park, St. Sava Cathedral, and a visit to Tito’s Memorial. |
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.
Vienna - Schonbrunn Palace ExcursionDrive along the Wienzeile and Naschmarkt to Schonbrunn Palace. Walk into the courtyard, then through the main entrance to your tour through the palace. There is free time for walking through the garden and coffee shop. |
Budapest - Red Star TourEnjoy a guided tour of Memento Park, then afterwards see the film documentary ’Life of an Agent,’ explaining the ocmmunist secret service operation, methods for collecting information, etc. There will be time to shop in the giftshop. Then travel back to downtown Budapest to Szabadsaf Square (Liberty Square) you will visit typical blocks-of-flat neighborhood and learn more about daily life during communist times. |
Vienna - Vienna ConcertDrive along the Ring Boulevard to Kursalon where you will enjoy a Mozart & Strauss concert and sip a glass of champagne during intermission. On your way back to the ship take a panoramic drive along the the beautifully illuminated Ringroad and view Rathaus, Parliament, Hofburg, and State Opera. |
Veliko Tarnovo & Arbanassi Full-day ExcursionIn Veliko Tarnova your panoramic sightseeing tour includes: |
Budapest - Explore Jewish BudapestVisit the world’s second largest Synagogue, Dohany Street Synagogue built in 1859. Next visit the Holocaust Memorial erected in 1989 above the mass graves in the honor and memory of Hungarian Jewish martyrs. Also, your guide will give you an orientation talk at the Jewish Museum and then you have time to explore on your own. |
Bran Castle Full-day Tour with LunchCross through the city and head north through the planes of Ploiesti (oil fields, bombed by US Forces in WWII). Your scenic drive climbs up through Prahova Valley and the mountains of Sinaia as you cross the Karpathian Mountains. Once you arrive at Bran Castle includes historic rooms appointed with period furniture. Also enjoy a visit to the village museum with old Karpathian houses at the base of Castle Hill. Enjoy lunch in Taverna Lupilor before heading back to the ship. |
Budapest - Budapest by NightOn your illumination tour see the Chain Bridge, Gresham Hotel, Andrassy Avenue, Nyugati Station, Hero Square, Vajdahunja Castle, Szecheny Spa, Opera, St. Stephen’s Cathedral, Synagogue, and Market Hall. From Geller Hill enjoy the fabulous view of all the bridges and illuminated monuments of Budapest. |
Peles Castle, Wine Tasting & LunchCross through the city and head north through the planes of Ploiesti (oil fields, bombed by US Forces in WWII). Your scenic drive climbs up through Prahova Valley and the mountains of Sinaia as you cross the Karpathian Mountains. Arrive in Sanaia, the ’Pearl of the Carpathians’ and home of Peles Castle. Enjoy a guided visit inside the castle followed by free time to roam the gardens. Once you depart the castle, take a short drive through Busteni Moutains to where we will enjoy lunch and wine tasting at a wine cellar in Azuga. |
Budapest - Puszta Half-day Tour with Horse ShowReceive a Hungarian welcome as you arrive at Lazar Horse Farm. The show will start with commentary, then show the skills of Hungarian cowboys riding without saddles, pyramid riding, various competition between riders, Hungarian cattle and covered wagon parade. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a Horse Carriage with the famous Lipizaner horses or Hay Wagon ride or visit the petting zoo or inside the stables. |
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-Vienna
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to your local airport for your overnight flight to Vienna.
Day 2 Vienna
Arrive in Vienna where you'll be transferred to the ship.
Dinner Included
Day 3 Vienna
Capture Vienna’s imperial history during a tour that takes you along the stately Ringstrasse. Stroll through the Hofburg grounds to St. Stephen’s Cathedral, and visit the beautiful Austrian National Library.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Note: On Mondays, Mozarthaus will be substituted for the Library.
Day 4 Bratislava
Admire Bratislava’s eclectic collection of Gothic, Baroque, and Art Deco architecture on your tour through the city.
Breakfast, Lunch and Captain's Welcome Gala Dinner
Day 5 Budapest
Your panoramic tour of Budapest gives you a sweeping view of all its famous and historic sights.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 6 Budapest, cruising the Danube
Enjoy the morning at leisure in Budapest before cruising the Danube
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 7 Vukovar (Osijek)
Tour Osijek and experience Croatian life while meeting students during a school visit and enjoying a home-hosted lunch.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Note: School visit not available during school holidays.
Day 8 Belgrade
Enjoy a panoramic drive through Belgrade, featuring the Belgrade Fortress in Kalemegdan Park, St. Sava Cathedral, and a visit to Tito’s Memorial.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 9 Kostolac (Viminacium)
Resident archeologists bring the historic grandeur of the excavations at Viminacium alive. The former Roman city boasted villas, thermal baths, a mausoleum, and even an amphitheater.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 10 Cruising the scenic Iron Gates, Vidin
Relax onboard as you cruise the spectacular Iron Gates, an 80-mile sequence of gorges that the mighty Danube cut through the Carpathian Mountains and one of the most dramatic natural displays of beauty in Europe.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 11 Vidin (Belogradchik)
Visit the legendary Medieval Baba Vida Fortress and Belogradchik, a fairytale world of weathered red sandstone in fantastic formations and one of the natural wonders of Bulgaria.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 12 Rousse
Enjoy leisure time exploring Rousse, Bulgaria’s fourth-largest city. Walk along the lively pedestrian zone, known for its 19th- and 20th-century Neo-Baroque and Neo-Rococo architecture.
Breakfast, Lunch and Captain's Farewell Dinner Included
Day 13 Rousse (Varna)
Visit Varna’s Archeological Museum, home to the oldest gold treasure in the world. Savor Bulgarian cuisine.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 14 Giurgiu (disembark), transfer to Bucharest
After disembarking the ship, you will be taken on a Bucharest city tour before visiting the People’s Palace, the second-largest building in the world.
Breakfast and Lunch Included
Day 15 Bucharest
Enjoy a full day at leisure exploring the city called the “Paris of the East.”
Breakfast Included.
Day 16 Bucharest, tranfser to the airport
Transfer to the Bucharest Otopeni Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay in Istanbul.
Breakfast Included
Thank you for your interest in this tour. If no dates are displaying, please call our reservations line at 1-877-622-9109 for more information.
River Duchess
A luxurious boutique river cruise ship
A 2010 Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Poll ’Top Small Cruise Ship.’ The River Duchess accommodates a maximum of 134 guests, providing the intimate small-ship ambiance preferred by experienced travelers.
Facilities onboard River Duchess:
* Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have hotel-style beds draped in fine linens. The staterooms and suites on the Rhine Deck have French balconies.
*Other amenities include: a vanity, generous built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, bottled water, and bathroom with L’Occitane bath and body products, magnifying mirror, and plush bathrobes
* The suites have extra amenities and services including: slippers; coffee machine, bottle of wine upon arrival, fruit and cookie plate, morning coffee, and shoe shine
* Additional for 2010: Free laundry services and daily newspaper
* Beautiful panoramic main lounge with full-service bar, cozy Captain’s Lounge and library, elegant restaurant, sun deck with chess and shuffleboard, sky lounge, fitness room, sauna, massage treatments, gift boutique, guest laundry and ironing facilities, and elevator
* Complimentary 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar, and use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
* 24-hour reception service
* Wireless Internet access in public areas
Ship Facts
Inaugurated: 2003
Refurbished: 2009
Length: 360 ft. (110 m.)
Width: 37.5 ft. (11.40 m.)
Draft: 4 ft. (1.20 m.)
Number of Decks: 3 + sun deck
Number of Categories: 5
Maximum Passengers: 134
Staterooms: 67
Cabin Size: Approximately 151 sq. ft.
Suites: 4
Suite Size: Approximately 214 sq. ft.
Window Size: Moselle Deck = 6 ft. (1.86 m.) x 1.4 ft. (0.43 m.);
Main Deck = 6 ft. (1.86 m.) x 2.6 ft. (0.78 m.)
Danube Deck = 6.4 ft. (1.94 m.) x 3 ft. (0.93 m.)
Rhine Deck = 3 ft. (0.90 m.) x 5.8 ft. (1.78 m.)
Voltage: 220 volts
Elevator: Yes
Restaurant: Open seating
Laundry Service: Available
Launderette: Yes
Ironing Facilities: Yes
Gymnasium: Yes
Sauna: Dry Sauna & Steam bath
Currency onboard: Euro
River Duchess
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. Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted English Savoir® beds draped in fine linens. Staterooms and suites on the Rhine Deck have French balconies.
Stateroom and suite amenities include:
* 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 on the Rhine Deck feature French balconies and are approximately 214 sq. ft. (4 available).
Category One Staterooms on the Rhine Deck feature French balconies and are approximately 151 sq. ft. (18 available).
Category Two Staterooms on the Danube Deck feature windows that are 6.4ft. x 3ft. and are approximately 151 sq. ft. (23 available).
Category Three Staterooms on the Main Deck feature windows that are 6ft. x 2.6ft. and are approximately 151 sq. ft. (12 available).
Category Four Staterooms on the Moselle Deck feature windows that are 6ft. x 1.4ft. and are approximately 151 sq. ft. (6 available).
Category Five Staterooms located at the front and rear of the Moselle Deck feature windows that are 6ft. x 1.4ft. and are approximately 151 sq. ft. (4 available).
Travel Tools
Terms and Conditions
How to Make Your Reservation:
After selecting your tour and departure date, simply call 1-800-552-5545 and a Travel Specialist will take your reservation over the phone. You can pay your $350.00 deposit by credit card, or alternately you can mail a check made payable to Grand European Tours to the following address: GRAND EUROPEAN TOURS 6000 Meadows Road, Suite 520 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 USA. Please make your reservations as early as possible since many of our tours are completely filled 4 to 6 months before departure.
Final Payment:
Upon receiving the $350.00 deposit per person, you will be sent a confirmation. VISA, MASTERCARD, American Express and DISCOVER CARD may be used for this deposit amount, however, final payment is preferred by check or money order and is due in our Oregon office 60 days prior to the departure date. If reservations are made less than 60 days prior to departure, payment in full is required at the time of booking. If final payments are not received on time, Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. may cancel the reservation and invoke the cancellation fee. For Highlights of South Africa tour and all River Cruises final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Pricing:
Land prices printed in this catalog are per person based on double occupancy. The Operator reserves the right to adjust prices due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, imposed fuel surcharges, taxes, charges and levies imposed by any third party including government and its agencies. Should these change the price of your tour by more than 10% you may cancel without penalty within 7 days after we notify you of the increase.
Cancellations, Changes & Refunds:
If a cancellation in writing is received by Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. 30 days or less after your reservation has been made, your $350.00 deposit will be FULLY REFUNDED. *See Air Reservations section for specific change fee information for air reservations. For cancellations or changes thereafter but more than 61 days prior to departure there will be a $350.00 per person fee assessed. If you must withdraw or make a change 60 days or less prior to departure (90 days or less for River Cruises and Highlights of South Africa), the following fees will apply:
| Number of Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation/Change Land Tours – Per Person |
| 31 - 60 Days | 25% of tour cost |
| 15 - 30 Days | 50% of tour cost |
| Less than 15 Days | 100% of tour cost |
| Number of Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation/Change River Cruises – Per Person |
| 89 – 60 Days | 35% of the cost |
| 59 – 30 Days | 50% of the cost |
| 100% of the cost |
Air Reservations:
Air Add-On prices listed in this catalog were effective on August 19, 2011 and their availability is limited. At the time you purchase your tour, air prices may be higher. Air Add-On prices shown include September 11th Security fee, government fees, taxes and airline fuel surcharges based on destination and routing. The total price at time of purchase may vary slightly due to fluctuations in currency exchange. For the most competitive and up to date pricing from your departure city call our toll free number at 1-800-552-5545. Quoted air reservation prices are inclusive of all taxes and fees and are subject to change before payment is made in full. Air transportation is in economy class by scheduled airlines. Business class is available upon request. Some tours are not available from all of the airports. Requests for specific airlines, non-stop or direct flights and/or seat assignments are accepted as preferences only and cannot be guaranteed. Frequent flyer programs are under the control of the respective airlines. Your airline tickets will be electronically issued in lieu of paper tickets. Please note that your airline tickets and other tour documentation must bear your FULL name as it appears on your passport. Please note that airline reservations can only be made for dates less than 331 days out.
Airline Tickets Issued by Grand EuropeanTours:
The following charges apply for cancellations or changes to airline arrangements made by Grand European Tours: • Prior to Airline Ticketing: service fee of $50 per person • After Airline Ticketing: service fee of $75 per person plus any airline imposed penalties which may be up to 100% of the airline ticket value.
DOT Advisory:
The Department of Transportation requires us to inform you of the following conditions. The package price is subject to change as a result of increases in fuel surcharges and/or government taxes until it has been paid in full. You must consent to the possibility that, until you pay for your package in full, your price could go up. Once you have paid in full we would only pass along increases in government taxes if applicable at that time. You have 7 days from receipt of the first invoice to revoke your consent and request a refund, at which time we would cancel your booking.
Passports and Visas:
A valid U.S passport is required for traveling outside of the U.S.; including to Canada & Mexico. Passport application forms may be obtained from your local post office. All passports must contain at least 3 blank visa pages and must be valid for 6 months after the completion of your tour. Entry visa application forms will be sent prior to your departure for U.S. passport holders. Russia ($218*), China ($193*), Brazil ($220*) and Vietnam & Cambodia ($283*). An entry fee is required upon arrival at the airport in Egypt ($15*), Turkey ($20*) and Zimbabwe ($30*), these countries prefer payment in U.S. dollars rather than local currency. A per person Departure Tax is required at Costa Rica ($26*) and Peru ($31*) paid at the airport. A onetime Reciprocity Tax is required upon entry at the airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina ($140*) and Santiago, Chile ($131*); the fee can be paid in local currency, US Dollars, credit card or traveler check; the tax is valid for multiple entries for 10 years or until your passport expires. Australia requires an electronic visa ($0*) which is obtained at the time of airline ticket purchase. *All visa costs and entry/exit requirements can change at any time. Please visit travel.state.gov for current information. Individuals who do not hold a U.S. passport should contact CIBT/ZVS at 1-866-788-1100 to see if visas are required.
Travel Documents:
Approximately 15 days prior to the departure date you will receive a travel information package that will include your airline itinerary, travel tips, hotel list, baggage tag, travel wallet, etc. Visas, when required, will be distributed as soon as they are issued by the countries involved. Please note that your airline tickets and other tour documentation must bear your FULL name as it appears on your passport.
Tour Membership:
These tours require a blend of adventuresome spirit, physical fitness, walking ability, mental alertness, and a capacity for accepting situations as they exist and not, necessarily, as we would find them in America. If you have health concerns, we suggest that you contact your physician to help determine the suitability of one of these tours for you. We regret that we are unable to accept requests for special diets or itinerary variations. Disabled travelers requiring special attention or treatment on any tour must be reported when reservations are made. A companion who is able to provide the required assistance must accompany any person who is unable to travel independently or who needs any type of assistance.
Baggage:
Due to limited motorcoach storage capacity, each tour member is permitted one large suitcase not to exceed 50 pounds in weight nor 30”x22”x10” in dimension on European tours. Handling of this bag by hotel porters is included in the tour price. In addition, each person is allowed one small piece of carry-on size luggage that does not exceed the dimensions of 12”x11”x6” and is the complete responsibility of the tour member and must be taken on the motorcoach with you. Carry-ons with telescopic handles and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartments and therefore cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage for safety reasons. Please note, North America, Mexico and Egypt tours have smaller baggage dimensions which are noted in your pre-tour documentation. Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. does not assume any responsibility for loss or damage to baggage or passengers’ belongings. Please note: It is your responsibility to verify the baggage weight restrictions for the individual airlines that you will be traveling on as in some instances baggage is restricted. Airline baggage charges collected at check-in are not included and are at passengers own expense.
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer Service:
The VIP Door-to-Door Transfer service is available for all customers departing from the 41 airports highlighted on page 12 and living within a 25 mile radius from point of departure to your chosen airport. It is an outbound service only. Maximum passengers in one car can not exceed four. For bookings with more than four people, further vehicles may be necessary and further supplementary charges will apply. For any journeys greater than 25 miles a supplementary cost for additional mileage will apply and will be advised within 48 hours of booking if necessary. Mileage is based on journey information from www.mapquest. com. Should you not use the VIP Door-to-Door Transfer we will deduct $50 per person from your tour price (this must be advised at time of booking). Cancellation of service or changes must be made 72 hours before scheduled pick-up.
Early Departure or Extended Stay:
If you wish to depart early or extend your stay in Europe, flight and hotel arrangements can be made by contacting our Oregon office. Airport transfers are not included but may be purchased through GET. On most tours you can reserve up to 3 additional nights at the hotel where your tour starts and ends, however space may be limited and is subject to availability. Please call for our low cost rates and availability. Luggage handling and breakfast is not included on North American tour extensions.
Land Tour Only:
If you wish to make independent flight arrangements, you may still reserve the land portion of a tour. Hotel-airport transfers are subject to availability and flight details must be provided in writing at least 45 days prior to departure. See tour page for specific transfer times.
Airport Transfers:
Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers are included in the tour price when you purchase our land/air package and operate at fixed times on the first and last day of your tour. See the individual tour pages for details. For those making their own flight arrangements or extending at GET hotels, transfers can be purchased; please call for details. London Heathrow Airport Arrivals: For tours commencing in London, we have included a free group shuttle to/from LHR for clients that have booked our combined land/air packages. For clients that have made their own flight arrangements GET has negotiated special rates for shuttle transfers from LHR to your London hotel (which must be booked through GET) at a price of $40 per person per single trip to/from LHR. London Gatwick Airport Arrivals: Clients arriving at LGW who have booked our combined land/air packages are provided with a Gatwick Express train voucher to Victoria Station, and will need to make their own way from Victoria Station to the tour hotel. For clients that have made their own flight arrangements we suggest you visit www.gatwickexpress. com for transfer information.
Smoking:
Please note that we do not permit smoking on our motorcoaches, however, frequent stops are made while touring.
Surface Travel & Sightseeing:
Ground arrangements are provided by Grand European Operations Ltd., a separate company, and include inter-city travel by private motorcoach with air-conditioning and an emergency restroom*, ferry, train, and ship as per the itinerary. Activities on days indicated in the itinerary as being “at leisure or optional” are left to your discretion. *Some exceptions apply.
Holidays:
During local or national holidays some museums, restaurants or sightseeing may be limited or not available. Alternatives will be offered wherever possible. At times, some itineraries may be operated in reverse; you will be advised at the time of booking. Nile River Cruises: due to the unreliability of domestic air scheduling, religious festivals and other unforeseen circumstances, the order of some itineraries may need to change at short notice; on occasion an alternative cruise boat of equal standing may be used.
Hotels:
The hotels reserved for our tours are rated as European Standard First Class. All hotel rooms provide a private bath (and/or shower) and toilet. These hotels are clean, comfortable and located so as to best facilitate guided sightseeing of the area. Hotels reserved for each tour are indicated in the Day-By-Day Itinerary. If, for any reason, it becomes necessary to use other hotels, they will be of a similar standard, where possible. We only contract non-smoking rooms. All accommodations, meals and services have been designated as first class in Russia, Eastern Europe and provincial areas though some tourism facilities are less developed than what might normally be expected in this category. Tours in North and South America use Standard First Class hotels
Single Rooms:
A limited number of single rooms are available at the supplement shown for each tour. While single rooms provide privacy, they are often smaller than twin-bedded rooms. We do offer the option to join our non-smoking Room Share Program (see page 13 for details). The Room Share Program is not available on tours/cruises to Greece, Egypt, Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Peru, South America, South Africa, China, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, all European River Cruises and all pre or post tour extensions.
Triple Rooms:
Triple room accommodations are available on a limited basis at a reduced price. Triple rooms usually consist of a twin-bedded room with an additional folding bed or cot for the third person. They may not be comfortable for three adults. Triple rooms are not available on cruises.
Meals:
WR=Welcome Reception. Breakfasts are served as: B=Breakfast, BB=Buffet Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast, SB=Scandinavian Buffet Breakfast, FB=Full Breakfast. Lunches (L) and three-course table d’hote (set menu) dinners (D), (FD) farewell dinners and (BD) buffet dinners are shown in the itinerary for each tour and are generally catered by the hotel in which you are residing. (HD)Highlight Dinner and (HL) Highlight Lunch will be catered at a local restaurant or special venue. (DA) Dine-Around dinners are catered at a selection of restaurants preselected by Grand European Tours. Please note in cases of early morning departures, FB may not be available. Please note that we are unable to accept requests for special menus to meet dietary or religious requirements.
Tour Price Does Not Include:
Beverages and meals not detailed in the itinerary. Personal expenses including passport and visa fees, alcoholic beverages, optional sightseeing tours, laundry, phone calls, traditional end of the tour gratuity to your Tour Director and Motorcoach Driver, tips to local city guides, crew tips and all other items of a personal nature, airport tax, service & security charges and port taxes. (Subject to change.) Travel Insurance is also not included but is highly recommended.
Consumer Disclosure Notice:
Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully, as your deposit and payment for a trip constitutes consent to all conditions and general information contained in this brochure.
Responsibility:
These trips are arranged by Grand European Operations Ltd. (“Operator”) in conjunction with Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. It has made the travel arrangements as agent for the transportation carriers and other suppliers of services connected with the tour (“suppliers”) all of which are independent contractors. The Operator in no way owns or operates the vehicles or facilities to be used during the trip, and does not guarantee or assume responsibility for the acts and/or omissions of suppliers, their employees, agents, etc. Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to passengers and luggage. Enrollment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company.
All bookings are accepted subject to the conditions imposed by suppliers and Operator, including airline, cruise line, rail, coach, hotel, restaurants, insurance and other companies, firms or persons concerned with the trip, and the Operator will make no refund in the event of their delay, cancellation, overbooking, strike, force majeure or for elements of the package not used by customer. If there is a difference between the Operator’s Conditions and those published by a supplier, the conditions of supplier shall apply. The Operator reserves the right to cancel a trip or change the itinerary whenever in its sole judgment conditions warrant, or if the Operator deems it necessary for your comfort, convenience or safety. Trips outside the USA require a valid passport. You are responsible for, and release the Operator from, passport, visa, vaccination requirements, and safety conditions in travel destinations. The Operator strongly recommends you purchase appropriate cancellation/medical/baggage insurance for the trip, which is available from the Operator. For medical information, call the Center for Disease Control at 800- 232-4636 or visit www.cdc.gov/travel, and for U.S. State Department travel advisories, call 202-647- 5225. The Operator reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the trip at any time who presents a significant risk to the health or safety of himself or others which can not be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by the Operator’s reasonable accommodation. The Operator reserves the right to correct an error in the advertised price prior to your departure. Prices in this brochure are accurate at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice due to changes in market factors including but not limited to foreign currency and supplier cost fluctuations. Prices set forth in future brochures shall supersede the prices in this brochure. Airfare quotes, and Air Add-ons in this brochure are subject to airline capacity limitations and higher airfares may apply depending on seat availability at the time of reservation. A contract is made when your reservation and payment are accepted by the Operator at its office, and any dispute shall be governed by Oregon law and subject to the jurisdiction of Portland, Oregon. In calculating the cost of your trip, Operator has relied on your consent to these terms and in the absence of this release, the trip cost would have been higher. Operator reserves the right to substitute hotels of similar quality at any time or to make changes in itinerary of similar quality. Operator will not be responsible to any person for expense, loss of time, money or other circumstance resulting from a change in itinerary or change of tour arrangements. Operator also reserves the right to cancel a tour prior to departure, and in such cases all payments made to date will be refunded and shall constitute full settlement. If you purchase an airline ticket separately, ensure that your travel agent explains the conditions under which the ticket is issued, as the Operator assumes no responsibility for such airline ticket cancellation fees. Please understand that not all museums and attractions are open every day of the year. Operator reserves the right to vary the sequence of sightseeing and/ or to re-route the order of cities if that will enable you to visit all listed excursions. In either case, the itinerary content will be maintained to the extent possible and there are no refunds for any unused or unavailable excursions. Promotional offers subject to change. This brochure supersedes any other current brochure on the market.
Privacy Policy:
Occasionally we make portions of our mailing lists available to carefully selected companies. If you would prefer not to have your name and mailing address made available, please call us at 1-800-552-5545. To review our full privacy policy, visit our website at www.getours.com/privacypolicy.














