Grand China & Yangtze River Cruise
Grand China & Yangtze River Cruise
19 Days
from $4,975
Tour Code: GCH
Grand China & Yangtze River Cruise
Experience the best of China from its bustling cities to its breathtaking natural splendors in one grand journey.
This amazing 19-day tour takes you from grand cities to the far reaches of China’s dramatic countryside. Visit the imperial city, Beijing, where history is all around you from the Forbidden City to Tiananmen Square. Enjoy the splendors of Shanghai and marvel at a performance of its world-famous acrobats. See the natural wonders of the gorge-carved Yangtze and the man-made wonders of the Great Wall, the Dazu Rock Carvings, and the Terra Cotta Warriors. Visit a tea farm; see an opera; gaze at giant pandas; and enjoy local musicians and dancers in Suzhou.
Discover the mighty Yangtze, Guilin’s awe-inspiring landscape and Hong Kong.
Cruise down the Yangtze River where you’ll see the Three Gorges with their sharp, cloud-enshrouded peaks. Marvel at awe-inspiring landscape as you cruise along the Li River, and visit Guilin’s Reed Flute Cave, a dripstone cave boasting stalactites and stalagmites in dazzling colors. Cap your grand adventure off with a hosted visit to the great city of Hong Kong. Great natural wonders, scenic beauty, imperial splendor, and ancient history come together in this never-to-be-forgotten journey.
Stay in our selection of First Class accommodations and enjoy 46 meals including 17 Full Breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 12 Dinners, 1 Welcome Dinner with wine and 1 Captain's Farewell Dinner.
Tour price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Note: this tour is operated by our sister company.
Visa required for this tour. Call for details.
Your Tour Price Includes
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer
Transfers you from your door step to select airports. Start your vacation in style with our outbound VIP Door-to-Door Town Car airport transfer service available on every tour from over 40 cities throughout the USA. Our service will collect your from you home and transfer you to your departure airport. We will arrange a pick-up time from your home that suits you, and your driver will meet you at your front door and assist with your bags before transporting you to the airport with ample time for check-in.
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Travel DocumentsGET travel wallet, Cruise Companion Booklet, $100 Frequent Traveler Discount upon return for a future tour.
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TransportationAirport arrival and departure transfers.
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First Class HotelsHotels are an expensive element of any tour and certainly one of the most important. For our tours we reserve First Class Hotels (or best available) and all hotel rooms feature a private bathroom. You’ll enjoy our selection of hotels such as Radisson, Hilton and Sheraton.
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Inter-Tour FlightsEconomy class inter-tour flights as listed in the itinerary.
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Standard StateroomAll with private bath, river views and bottled water.
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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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46 MealsEnjoy 46 meals including 17 Buffet breakfasts, 15 Lunches, 12 Dinners, 1 Welcome Dinner with wine and 1 Captain's Farewell Dinner.
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Local Expert Guides on all city toursLocal Expert Guides on all city tours
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Complimentary VIP Amenities - all included in your standard fareWe consider each guest to be a VIP, and we take great pleasure in lavishing you with attention. Our guests traveling in china each receive:
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Loud & ClearThis tour utilizes our personal audio system allowing you to roam and explore sites (within 60 feet) without missing any insight from your Tour Director or local guide.
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Included Shore Excursions
Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square & Temple of Heaven
Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, Temple of Heaven, foot massage, and Peking Duck Welcome Dinner with wine.
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Oriental Pearl TV TowerTour the Oriental Pearl TV Tower and the Old Shanghai Museum.
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The Great WallThe Great Wall, the Sacred Way, and Kung Fu show at the Red Theater.
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Three Gorges Dam
Three Lesser Gorge Visit the Three Gorges Dam, and then sail the dramatic shoals and verdant cliffs of Xiling Gorge, the longest of the Three Gorges.
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Summer Palace, Hutongs Tour & Shichahai LakeSummer Palace, Hutongs tour with home-hosted dinner, and row boat ride on Shichahai Lake.
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Lesser GorgesBoard a riverboat for a voyage down the enchanting Lesser Gorges of the Daning River or Shennong Stream.
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Xi’an Welcome ceremony and dumpling dinnerYou’ll be greeted by a special Royal Welcome Ceremony at the city gate. Later, enjoy a spectacular dumpling dinner.
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Chongqing city tour and Chongqing ZooDisembark in Chongqing where you’ll tour the city and visit the zoo’s giant pandas.
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Terra Cotta Warriors & Tang Dynasty dinner and show
Visit the iconic, life-sized statues of warriors and horses guarding the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, China’s first emperor. In the evening, partake in a Tang Dynasty dinner and cultural show.
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Yangshuo tour and Li River cruiseEnjoy a half-day cruise down the Li River, and then visit Yangshuo, a leading economic and cultural center since the Tang Dynasty.
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Tongli tour & evening performanceTour charming Tongli with its narrow streets, elegant homes, and enchanting teahouses. Then visit Suzhou, known for its beautiful, delicate gardens. During the evening, be treated to an exciting performance of music and dance.
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Reed Flute Cave & Chinese tea farm
Marvel at the distinctly colored stalactites and stalagmites in the Reed Flute Cave, and then visit a Chinese tea farm.
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Humble Administrator Gardens tour and Embroidery Institute visitTour Suzhou’s famous Humble Administrator Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visit the Embroidery Institute before returning to bustling Shanghai.
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Hong Kong city tour
Hong Kong Enjoy the best of the island - Victoria Peak, the Aberdeen Fishing Village, and Stanley Market.
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Shanghai city tour & Acrobat PerformanceEnjoy the many splendors of Shanghai, including Old Town, the Bund, and an evening performance by the world-famous Shanghai Acrobats.
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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 - Bejing
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to your local airport for your overnight flight to Beijing.
DAY 2 Arrive Beijing
Arrive in Beijing and be greeted by a representative who will escort you to the hotel.
DAY 3 Beijing
Visit the Forbidden City, Tiananmen
Square, and Temple of
Heaven. After your
tour, relax with a traditional
foot massage.
Later indulge
in a succulent Peking
Duck Welcome Feast.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Welcome Dinner Included
DAY 4 Beijing
Journey to the Great
Wall and the Sacred
Way and then enjoy an
exhilarating Kung Fu
show.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 5 Beijing
Visit the Summer Palace’s Imperial
Gardens before taking a rickshaw
tour of Beijing’s Hutongs. While
here, you will experience a traditional
Chinese dinner with a local
family, and then relax on Shichahai
Lake as you
are rowed in a
flat-bottomed
boat while a musician
serenades
you.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 6 Beijing, fly to Xi'an
Fly to the ancient
city of Xi’an, and
be greeted by
a special Royal
Welcome Ceremony
at the
city gate. Later,
enjoy a traditional
dumpling
dinner.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 7 Xi’an
Visit the life-sized Terra Cotta
Warriors and in the evening, join
us for a Tang Dynasty dinner and
cultural Performance.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 8 Xi’an, fly to Shanghai, Tongli, Suzhou
Fly to Shanghai, then tour charming
Tongli with its narrow streets,
elegant homes, and enchanting
teahouses before driving to Suzhou. In the evening, enjoy an
exciting performance of music and
dance at a traditional Chinese garden.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 9 Suzhou, Shanghai
Visit Suzhou’s famous Humble Administrator’s
Garden, a UNESCO
World Heritage Site, as well as
the Embroidery Institute before
returning to bustling Shanghai.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 10 Shanghai
Take in the many splendors of
Shanghai, including Old Town,
and the Bund. Enjoy a Dim Sum
Lunch at a local restaurant, and
an evening performance by the
world-famous Shanghai Acrobats.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 11 Shanghai, fly to Yichang
Tour the Oriental Pearl TV Tower
and the Shanghai Municipal History
Museum before your flight to
Yichang, where you’ll board your luxurious
ship.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 12 Cruising the Yangtze River, Three Gorges Dam
Visit the Three Gorges Dam, and
then sail the dramatic shoals and
verdant cliffs of Xiling Gorge, the
longest of the Three Gorges.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Captain’s Welcome Reception, and Dinner Included
DAY 13 Cruising the Yangtze River, Lesser Gorges
Board a riverboat for a voyage
down the enchanting Lesser Gorges.
After returning to the cruise ship, sail through
the Qutang Gorge
and Wu Gorge.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 14 Cruising The Yangtze River, Fengdu
Visit the “Ghost
city” of Fengdu.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Captain’s Farewell Dinner Included
DAY 15 Cruising the Yangtze River, Chongqing, fly to Guilin
Disembark in Chongqing, enjoy a
city tour and visit the Chongqing
Zoo’s giant pandas before flying
to Guilin.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 16 Guilin, cruising the Li River
Enjoy a half-day cruise down the
Li River, and then visit Yanshuo,
a leading economic and cultural
center since the Tang Dynasty.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 17 Guilin, fly to Hong Kong
Marvel at the distinctly colored
stalactites and stalagmites in the
Reed Flute Cave, and then visit
a Chinese tea farm before flying
to Hong Kong.
Buffet Breakfast and Lunch Included
DAY 18 Hong Kong
See the best of the island – Victoria
Peak, the Aberdeen Fishing
Village, and Stanley Market on
your guided city tour while in
Hong Kong.
Buffet Breakfast Included
Note: Tour Manager will not go
to Hong Kong; there will be a local
guide.
DAY 19 Hong Kong - USA
Transfer to the airport for your
return flight home.
Breakfast Included
Note: Substitute visits to other sites may occur during your trip
due to water levels or other uncontrollable
factors.
Please Note: In some locations,
you will be required to walk on
uneven terrain and climb stairs
without handrails. You should be
in good health and be able to walk
without assistance.
of $400 per couple when you book by
February 10, 2012.
| Depart Return |
Land Only Price | Price includes savings of: | International Airfare |
|---|---|---|---|
$5,075 | $200 | ||
$5,525 | $200 | ||
$5,475 | $200 | ||
$5,475 | $200 | ||
$5,475 | $200 | ||
$5,175 | $200 | ||
$5,025 | $200 | ||
$4,975 | $200 | ||
$4,975 | $200 | ||
$4,975 | $200 | ||
$5,475 | $200 | ||
$5,475 | $200 | ||
$5,475 | $200 | ||
$5,575 | $200 | ||
$5,575 | $200 | ||
$5,575 | $200 | ||
$5,525 | $200 |
Departure Details
Departures are available from March 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.
Single Room Supplement: call for details.
Prices shown include cruise in standard staterooms.
To upgrade to a higher category, add per person:
Cat:... ....Cabin............ 2012 Cost
Executive Suite.......Twin/Double........$699
Deluxe Suite..........Twin/Double......$1,139
Shangri-La Suite......Twin/Double......$1,399
All inter-tour air related charges in
economy class for flights detailed in the day-by-
day itinerary are included in the Land Only price shown based on accurate airfare as of August
19, 2011. At the time you purchase your tour the inter-tour air prices may be higher.
PLEASE NOTE: A visa is required for this tour. Call for details.
Cancellation Penalties: 89-60 days prior to departure: 35%; 59-30 days prior to departure: 50%; Less than 30 days prior to departure: 100%; Day of 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.
Please Note: This tour is operated by our sister company.
Day |
City |
Hotel |
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| 2-5 | Beijing | Beijing Sofitel Wanda | |||||||||||||||
Beijing Sofitel WandaFirst Class Beijing Sofitel Wanda Sofitel Wanda Beijing is the new flagship Sofitel in Asia Pacific. The striking design draws on Sino-French influences and accentuates the strong cultural links between France and China reflected in the overall theme and décor. With a central location in the Beijing central business district, Sofitel Wanda Beijing offers easy access to the Exhibition Center, subway and major attractions such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. The deluxe Sofitel Wanda Beijing boasts fast access to the Beijing Capital International Airport and Beijing Railway Station and features 4 restaurants, 10 conference rooms, a Grand Ballroom, Health Club and indulgent LeSpa offering the ultimate in 5 star luxury.
Sofitel Wanda Beijing is the new flagship Sofitel in Asia Pacific. The striking design draws on Sino-French influences and accentuates the strong cultural links between France and China reflected in the overall theme and décor. With a central location in the Beijing central business district, Sofitel Wanda Beijing offers easy access to the Exhibition Center, subway and major attractions such as Tiananmen Square and the Forbidden City. The deluxe Sofitel Wanda Beijing boasts fast access to the... |
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| 6,7 | Xi'an | The Westin Xi'an | |||||||||||||||
The Westin Xi'an
The Westin Xi'an Location: Located in one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, The Westin Xian offers total renewal just steps from the ancient city’s myriad cultural attractions, restaurants and shopping. Experience refined Chinese hospitality in a storied location. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Located in one of the cradles of Chinese civilization, The Westin Xian offers total renewal just steps from the ancient city’s myriad cultural attractions, restaurants and shopping. Experience refined Chinese hospitality in a storied location. |
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| 8 | Suzhou | Shangri-La Hotel | |||||||||||||||
Shangri-La Hotel
First Class Shangri-La Hotel Opening July 2006, this hotel is one of the tallest buildings in the Jiangsu Province. Rooms feature satellite TV, in-room safe, minibar and hairdryer. Other hotel features 4 restaurants, 2 bars, health club, spa, indoor pool and tennis court. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Opening July 2006, this hotel is one of the tallest buildings in the Jiangsu Province. Rooms feature satellite TV, in-room safe, minibar and hairdryer. Other hotel features 4 restaurants, 2 bars, health club, spa, indoor pool and tennis court. |
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| 9,10 | Shanghai | Pudong Shangri-La Hotel Shanghai | |||||||||||||||
Pudong Shangri-La Hotel Shanghai
Pudong Shangri-La Hotel Shanghai Located:On the Huangpu River in Shangai's vibrant Lujiazui financial district, directly opposite the historic Bund. The hotel enjoys easy access to the city's most famous sites. Hongqiao Airport can be reached in just 35 minutes and Pudong Airport in 45 minutes. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Located:On the Huangpu River in Shangai's vibrant Lujiazui financial district, directly opposite the historic Bund. The hotel enjoys easy access to the city's most famous sites. Hongqiao Airport can be reached in just 35 minutes and Pudong Airport in 45 minutes. |
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| 11-14 | Victoria Cruises | Victoria Jenna | |||||||||||||||
Victoria Jenna
Victoria Jenna The Victoria Jenna, inaugurated in 2009, takes luxury cruising on the Yangtze to a whole new level with its generous cabin space and private balconies opening up to breathtaking views. 149 cabins with modern amenities. On-board services include two restaurants, two lounges, three bars, beauty salon, fitness room, laundry, library, massage room and gift shop. Two elevators. Do not drink water on board. They provide bottled water in room. No smoking inside ship.
The Victoria Jenna, inaugurated in 2009, takes luxury cruising on the Yangtze to a whole new level with its generous cabin space and private balconies opening up to breathtaking views. 149 cabins with modern amenities. On-board services include two restaurants, two lounges, three bars, beauty salon, fitness room, laundry, library, massage room and gift shop. Two elevators. Do not drink water on board. They provide bottled water in room. No smoking inside ship. |
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| 15,16 | Guilin | Shangri-la Hotel Guilin | |||||||||||||||
Shangri-la Hotel Guilin
Shangri-la Hotel Guilin Location: The hotel overlooks the picturesque Li River and is ideally located for both business and pleasure. Guilin's leading tourist attractions, including Diecai Mountain and the city's charming pedestrian tourist area, are all easily accessible. For business travelers, both the city center and the International Exhibition and Conference Center are less than 10 minutes’ drive away. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: The hotel overlooks the picturesque Li River and is ideally located for both business and pleasure. Guilin's leading tourist attractions, including Diecai Mountain and the city's charming pedestrian tourist area, are all easily accessible. For business travelers, both the city center and the International Exhibition and Conference Center are less than 10 minutes’ drive away. |
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| 18,19 | Hong Kong | Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel | |||||||||||||||
Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel
First Class Sheraton Hong Kong Hotel Centrally located in Tsim Sha Tsui - the shopping, business, and cultural heart of Hong Kong. 782 guest rooms and suites command breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour with cable TV, coffee/tea maker, hairdryer, 24-hour room service, minibar. Other amenities include restaurants, bar, lounge, outdoor heated pool, whirlpool, fitness facility, laundry, hair salon. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Centrally located in Tsim Sha Tsui - the shopping, business, and cultural heart of Hong Kong. 782 guest rooms and suites command breathtaking views of Victoria Harbour with cable TV, coffee/tea maker, hairdryer, 24-hour room service, minibar. Other amenities include restaurants, bar, lounge, outdoor heated pool, whirlpool, fitness facility, laundry, hair salon. |
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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.
