Mexico's Copper Canyon
Mexico's Copper Canyon
9 Days from
$1550
Tour Code: MCC
Mexico's Copper Canyon
All aboard for an unforgettable train ride through the wondrous gorges of Mexico’s Copper Canyon! This impressive canyon system – comprised of six massive gorges – is four times larger than the Grand Canyon and more than 1,000 feet deeper in some places, and offers incredible views you will remember for a lifetime!
Before you board the “train ride in the sky,” you’ll travel from Arizona into Mexico, with stops in the Sonoran Desert and San Carlos. After sailing on the Sea of Cortez, you’ll explore the colonial city of Alamos and the 16th-century town of El Fuerte de Montesclaros.
The journey into Copper Canyon climbs to 7,000 feet through spectacular tunnels and bridges. But you’ll do more than just pass through this breathtaking area. You’ll meet the nomadic people who’ve lived here for centuries and learn about the geology of this dramatic landscape.
Stay in our selection of First Class accommodations and enjoy 21 meals including 7 lunches and 6 dinners.
To ensure a comfortable travel experience, our motorcoaches are equipped with large panoramic windows, reclining seats, air-conditioning and restroom facilities.
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 or you can choose to participate in our room share program.
***This tour is operated by our sister company.
Your Tour Price Includes
TransportationAirport & hotel transfers on arrival & departure. Deluxe motorcoach with A/C, panoramic windows, & reclining seats.
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Local Expert Guide: Alamos
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First Class HotelsHotels are an expensive element of any tour and certainly one of the most important. For our tours we reserve European Standard First Class Hotels (Official Hotel Guide or National Tourist Office ratings) and all hotel rooms feature a private bathroom. You'll enjoy our selection of hotels such as Radisson, Hilton and Sheraton, and you'll find the name of each hotel used every night at the end of each day's description.
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Travel DocumentsGET travel wallet, travel planner & map. $100 Frequent Traveler Discount upon return for a future tour.
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Professional Tour Director
Your tour will be conducted by the most experienced Tour Directors in the business. They will take the worry out of foreign travel as they 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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21 MealsWelcome Drink, 8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunch, 5 Dinners and 1 Highlight Dinner Included
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Traditional Highlights
Hermosillo sightseeing includes the cathedral & murals at the Government Palace
The Cathedral in Hermosillo
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Copper Canyon - Ride the 'Train in the Sky'
Train in the Sky Ride the 'Train in the Sky' into the vast Copper Canyon, traveling along dramatic Setentrion and Urique Canyons
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Cruise the Sea of Cortez on a private boat & visit a cactus garden
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Discover the crafts and folklore of the Tarahumara Indian
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Tour colonial Alamos with a local guide and meet the local Mayo Indians
Visit colonial Alamos
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Visit the Chichimeca archeological site of Paquime
The ruins of Paquime
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Day 1 Arrive Phoenix
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to your local airport for your fl ight to Phoenix. A complimentary transfer is provided on arrival to your tour hotel. A representative is at the hotel late this afternoon to greet you and answer questions
Day 2 Phoenix - Tucson - San Carlos
Heading south, we stop in Tucson
for passengers joining the tour.
Crossing the border into Mexico,
we travel into the Sonoran Desert,
stopping in the small town of Santa
Ana for lunch. From here, we
journey to Hermosillo, where we
view the cathedral and murals at
the Government Palace. We arrive
in time for sunset at our beachfront
resort in San Carlos. There is time
to relax before tonight’s Welcome
Drink and dinner.
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 3 San Carlos - Sea of Cortez Cruise - Alamos
We visit a cactus garden and fi nd
out more about these amazing
desert plants. We then board a
private boat for a scenic cruise
on the Sea of Cortez, viewing a
variety of marine life and learning
about their habitat. After lunch at
a waterfront restaurant, we visit
the fi rst modern cultured pearl
farm in the Americas. We are taken
on a guided tour of the farm and
hear about pearl oysters, farming,
pearl grading and quality selection.
Next, we travel south through the
rich farmlands of Obregon City to
the foothills of the Sierra Madre
mountains and the colonial town of
Alamos. Designated as a National
Monument, the city’s cobblestone
streets are lined with beautiful
Colonial and Spanish buildings.
This evening, we soak in the local
culture at dinner with a colorful
folkloric show.
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 4 Alamos - El Fuerte
Alamos’ colonial history is brought
to life on this morning’s guided
walking tour. We visit some of
the restored mansions built when
Alamos’ silver mines were some
of the richest in the world. We
also have the chance to meet local
Mayo Indians and learn about their language,
culture
and
customs.
After lunch,
we journey into
the foothills of
the Sierra Madre
mountains to the
town of El Fuerte. This
evening, we are personally
welcomed by a member of
the Torres family who will take
us to the family’s beautifully
restored mansion built in the late
1800’s. Here, we will be treated
to a performance of traditional
Hispanic and Indigenous dances
followed by a delicious dinner
featuring local Black Bass, just-caught
in the El Fuerte River,
and fresh local produce from a
nearby farm.
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Highlight Dinner Included
Day 5 El Fuerte - Copper Canyon - Posada Barrancas
Today we board our private rail car
and start our journey on the “Train
in the Sky” into Mexico’s Copper
Canyon. Taking almost 100 years
to build in this rugged terrain,
this rail line is considered to be an
engineering marvel. We travel from
sea level to 7,500 ft in less than
150 miles, passing through tunnels
and over soaring bridges. This rail
excursion, voted “Most Exciting
Train Journey in the World,” takes
us along the precipitous Septentrion
and Urique Canyons into the heart
of the Copper Canyon, over four times as large as Arizona’s Grand
Canyon. We disembark in Posada
Barrancas, our home for the next
two nights.
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 6 Copper Canyon
WWe spend the entire day exploring
this dramatic area, one of the
last undiscovered treasures of
North America. We hear about
the geological forces that created
the seven individual canyons,
collectively known as the Copper
Canyon. We also spend time with
the local Tarahumara Indians, a
semi-nomadic tribe whose ancestors
have lived in the canyon’s caves
for thousands of years, and gain
insight into their timeless traditions
and culture. We then visit a local
medicine man and discover the
natural remedies used by the
Tarahumara Indians.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 7 Copper Canyon - Casas Grandes
TWe travel to Creel via the Oteros
Canyon before descending from
the Copper Canyon into the
Chihuahuan Desert and the city of Casas Grandes. This evening, we
observe live pottery fi ring by local
potters who have established the
Mata Ortiz Pottery style, a recently
established art form based on the
ancient pottery tradition used at
the archaeological site of Paquime.
Later, we get together for a Farewell
Dinner.
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Farewell Dinner Included
Day 8 Casas Grandes - Paquime - Phoenix
Today we visit the UNESCO World
Heritage Site of Paquime, a vestige
of the great Chichimeca civilization.
We then continue across the
Chihuahuan Desert, back into
the US and stop in Tucson before
arriving back in Phoenix late this
afternoon.
Full Breakfast and Lunch Included
Day 9 Depart Phoenix
A complimentary transfer is
provided to Phoenix International
Airport.
Full Breakfast Included
Please note: This tour was designed to introduce you to the remote, yet stunning beauty of Northern Mexico. Knowing what to expect will assist you in preparing for this tour and will ultimately make this a more enjoyable vacation. It is important to realize that this corner of Mexico is still remote and rustic. Some of the accommodations and services are basic by American standards. Meal choices may not be as extensive as on other tours and hotel facilities may be limited. The tour reaches an elevation of 8,000 feet and requires walking on uneven surfaces and climbing some stairs. This tour is best enjoyed by the experienced traveler in reasonably good health who can take it in good humor when all the “comforts of home” aren’t readily available. Train schedules and other parts of the itinerary may be subject to delays or variation due to circumstances beyond our control.
| Depart - Return | Land Only Rate | Price includes discount of: |
|---|---|---|
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Fri 04/09/10 - Sat 04/17/10 |
$1650 | -$100** |
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Fri 04/16/10 - Sat 04/24/10 |
$1650 | -$100** |
$1650 | -$100** | |
$1650 | -$100** | |
$1650 | -$100** | |
$1650 | -$100** | |
$1650 | -$100** | |
$1650 | -$100** | |
$1650 | -$100** | |
$1650 | -$100** | |
$1650 | -$100** | |
$1650 | -$100** | |
$1550 | -$100** |
Land Only Rate: After discounts have been applied.
Price above includes Early Booking Discount. Other discounts available such as Frequent Traveler Discount and Early Payment Discount. Call 1-800-552-5545 for details.
Departure Details
Departures are available November & December 2009 and January through December 2010.
Pricing Details
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 or you can choose to participate in our room share program.
Single Room Supplement: from $475
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.
Day |
City |
Rating |
Hotel |
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| 1 | Phoenix | First Class | CourtyardMarriott Phoenix Air | |||||||
CourtyardMarriott Phoenix Air
First Class 2621 South 47th Street The newly renovated Phoenix Airport Courtyard now features "The Market", a 24/7 selection of freshly made sandwiches, salads, snacks and beverages, a business library located in the lobby, fresh new room decor and new beds.
The newly renovated Phoenix Airport Courtyard now features "The Market", a 24/7 selection of freshly made sandwiches, salads, snacks and beverages, a business library located in the lobby, fresh new room decor and new beds. |
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| 2 | San Carlos | Marinaterra Hotel & Spa | ||||||||
Marinaterra Hotel & Spa
Calle Gabriel Estrada S/N Hotel sits right by the Marina San Carlos, Mexico’s largest natural marina and right in front of the majestic Tetakawi hill, the trademark of the region. Rooms feature A/C, satellite television, and marina or boulevard view. Hotel offers restaurant and pool. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Hotel sits right by the Marina San Carlos, Mexico’s largest natural marina and right in front of the majestic Tetakawi hill, the trademark of the region. Rooms feature A/C, satellite television, and marina or boulevard view. Hotel offers restaurant and pool. |
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| 3 | Alamos | First Class | Casa De Los Tesoros | |||||||
Casa De Los Tesoros
First Class Avenida Obregon 10 Located in a 236-year old restored convent, the Casa de los Tesoros offers the services of a luxury hotel and the intimacy of a bed & breakfast. Centrally located near the town cathedral, the hotel is an ideal place to experience the beauty of Alamos. Rooms have both A/C and in room fireplaces.
Located in a 236-year old restored convent, the Casa de los Tesoros offers the services of a luxury hotel and the intimacy of a bed & breakfast. Centrally located near the town cathedral, the hotel is an ideal place to experience the beauty of Alamos. Rooms have both A/C and in room fireplaces. |
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| 4 | El Fuerte | First Class | Torres del Fuerte | |||||||
Torres del Fuerte
First Class El Fuerte Mexico Completely restored antique hacienda Mansion that has been in the family for over 200 years. This boutique hotel offers 25 individually decorated luxury rooms, gourmet restaurant, and bar lounge.
Completely restored antique hacienda Mansion that has been in the family for over 200 years. This boutique hotel offers 25 individually decorated luxury rooms, gourmet restaurant, and bar lounge. |
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| 5,6 | Posada Barrancas | First Class | Mansion Tarahumara Chihuahua | |||||||
Mansion Tarahumara Chihuahua
First Class Posada Barrancas Mexico Castle like hotel started in 1986. There are 50 individual cabins as well as hotel rooms. All rooms have 2 double beds and a fireplace. On site there is restaurant, bar, pool, Jacuzzi, mini-mart, gym, games and horseback riding. The last rooms completed were finished in 1997. Hotel Amenities
Castle like hotel started in 1986. There are 50 individual cabins as well as hotel rooms. All rooms have 2 double beds and a fireplace. On site there is restaurant, bar, pool, Jacuzzi, mini-mart, gym, games and horseback riding. The last rooms completed were finished in 1997. |
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| 7 | Casa Grandes | First Class | Hotel Hacienda | |||||||
Hotel Hacienda
First Class 2603 Avenida Juarez All rooms have AC. There is a pool. Hotel Amenities
All rooms have AC. There is a pool. |
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| 9 | Phoenix | First Class | CourtyardMarriott Phoenix Air | |||||||
CourtyardMarriott Phoenix Air
First Class 2621 South 47th Street The newly renovated Phoenix Airport Courtyard now features "The Market", a 24/7 selection of freshly made sandwiches, salads, snacks and beverages, a business library located in the lobby, fresh new room decor and new beds.
The newly renovated Phoenix Airport Courtyard now features "The Market", a 24/7 selection of freshly made sandwiches, salads, snacks and beverages, a business library located in the lobby, fresh new room decor and new beds. |
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Travel Tools
| Country | Currency | Tips | City | Weather | Time |
| Mexico |
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Copper Canyon | ||
| San Carlos | |||||
| United States |
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Phoenix, Arizona |
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Terms and Conditions
PAYMENT INFORMATION
How to Make Your Reservation: After selecting your tour and departure date, simply call 1-800-552-5545 and a Tour Coordinator will take your reservation over the phone or book online at www.getours.com. 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,
Toll-free: 1-800-552-5545.
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 European River Cruises and Oberammergau
Passion Play package tours, final payment is due 90 days prior
to departure.
Pricing: While the air-inclusive tour prices
printed in this catalog include airfare which is current
at the time of printing, note that availability is
limited and prices may be higher at the time you
book your trip. For the most competitive and up to
date pricing from your departure city call our toll
free number at 1-800-552-5545. All air-inclusive
prices are subject to change before payment is
made in full. Price quoted is per person based on
double occupancy. Does not include government
taxes and fees including the September 11th Security
Fee or taxes ranging from $75 to $250 based
on destination and routing. 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.
CANCELLATION, CHANGES & REFUNDS
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 Transatlantic
Flight section for specific change fee information
for air reservations. PLEASE NOTE: Oberammergau
packages are NOT included in our 30 day
cancellation policy. 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, the following fees
will apply:
Land Tours
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
River Cruises
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
Less than 30 Days ....... 100% of the cost
In addition, no refunds are made for unused portions of a tour or cruise including but not limited to missed meals or sightseeing, motorcoach travel and the non-use of hotel rooms.
PASSPORTS AND VISAS
Passports and Visas: All tour members must possess a valid U.S. passport while traveling outside the U.S. 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. For tours that visit Russia and Belarus, visa application forms will be sent to you approximately 75 days prior to departure. A valid U.S. passport is necessary at this time. The approximate cost of the Russia and Belarus visas is $350* per person. Individuals who do not hold a U.S. passport should contact the appropriate consulate of each country included in the tour to acquire the necessary visa. An entry fee $15 U.S.* is required upon arrival into Egypt, US $20* upon arrival into Turkey, and US $15* upon arrival into Jordan, these countries prefer payment in U.S. dollars rather than local currency. Please note that a valid passport is required for all tours that enter Canada and Mexico. Costa Rica has a Departure Tax of U.S. $26* per person paid at the airport. *Important note: The cost of the visas is subject to change.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Approximately 15 days
prior to the departure date you will receive a travel
information package that will include your airline
ticket, 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
Tour Membership: These tours require a blend of adventuresome spirit, physical fitness, walking ability and 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 & VIP DOOR-TO-DOOR
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 17”x14”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
and Mexico 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.
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer Service: The
VIP Door to Door Transfer service is available for
all customers departing from the 40 airports highlighted
on page 10 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
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.
LAND TOUR ONLY
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
Airport Transfers: Airport transfers are included
in the tour price when you purchase our
Land & Air package. Complimentary airport arrival
and departure transfers operate at fixed times
on the first and last day of your tour. See the individual
tour pages for details. For tours commencing
in London we have included a free group
shuttle to/from London’s Heathrow Airport for
clients that have booked our combined air/land
packages. Passengers who are arriving at London’s
Gatwick Airport who have also booked a
land/air package are provided with a Gatwick Express
train voucher and will need to make their
way from Victoria station to their tour hotel. For
passengers that have made their own flight arrangements
GET has negotiated special rates for
group shuttle transfers from London’s Heathrow
Airport to the door of your London hotel (which
must be booked through GET). Price U.S. $30
per person per single trip to/from London’s
Heathrow Airport. For passengers flying into London’s
Gatwick Airport you could take the Gatwick
Express train, for details visit the Gatwick Express
website at www.gatwickexpress.com. For non-London
arrivals, transfers can be purchased for those
extending at GET hotels. Please call for details.
SMOKING
Please note that we do not permit smoking on our motorcoaches, however, frequent stops are made while touring.
TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT
Transatlantic Flight: Air transportation is in
economy class by scheduled airlines. Some tours
are not available from all of the airports. Any
change in an airline reservation within 60 days prior to departure is subject to a Change Fee of
$75 per person plus any airline penalties. Requests
for specific airlines, non-stop or direct
flights and/or seat assignments are accepted as
preferences only and cannot be guaranteed. All
seating is requested as non-smoking. Frequent flyer
programs are under the control of the respective
airlines. In most cases 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.
SURFACE TRAVEL & SIGHTSEEING
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
Holidays: During local or national holidays
some museums, restaurants or sightseeing may be
limited or not available. Alternatives will be offered
wherever possible. Note that certain Nile
cruises may operate in reverse, from Aswan to
Luxor. Due to the unreliability of domestic air
scheduling, religious festivals and other unforeseen
circumstances, the order of some Nile River
Cruise itineraries may need to change at short
notice. On occasions an alternative cruise boat of
equal standing may be used.
HOTELS
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. 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.
SINGLES & TRIPLES
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.
For people traveling alone on a GET coach tour,
we offer the option to join our Room Share Program
(call for details). Please note that
there is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms.
The Room Share Program does not apply to additional
accommodation, airfares or flight supplements,
Select London & Paris, Greek Islands and
Istanbul, Ancient Greece cruise extension, Egypt and the Nile, Egypt and Jordan, Mexico's Copper Canyon, Costa Rica, South America and and all European River Cruises.
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
Meals: 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
pre-selected 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 DOES NOT INCLUDE
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 Tour Information & Conditions carefully, as
your deposit and payment for a trip constitutes consent to all conditions and general information
contained in this brochure.
RESPONSIBILITY
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.<br><br>
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 prices
for tours that include air, 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.
Important Information for Oberammergau Pre-Release Tours
What’s Included in your Oberammergau Package?
You’ll arrive in Oberammergau the evening before the Passion Play performance, with
plenty of time to settle in and relax before dinner in your hotel. The next morning,
after breakfast there is free time to explore the village, followed by lunch at a local
restaurant. The Passion Play commences at 2.30pm and runs until 5.00pm, when there
is a three hour interval, during which time dinner is served at a local restaurant. The
performance resumes again at 8.00pm. The end of the play is scheduled for 10.30pm
and there is a transfer back to your overnight accommodation. Depart Oberammergau
the following morning after breakfast.
Featured tours are:
Best of Germany and
Road to Rome
Deposits: For bookings made after 1st October
2009, a non refundable deposit of $1,425 is
required. Final tour payment must be completed
90 days prior to departure. Any bookings made less
than 90 days before departure require full payment
at time of booking.
Cancellation Fees:
For cancellations made from
October 1st 2009 to January 31 2010 $500 per person;
for cancellations made after February 1st 2010
and more than 90 days prior to departure 100%
of the deposits paid, between 89 to 60 days prior
to departure 80% of the total tour price and from 59 days to actual day of departure
100% of the total tour price. Grand European Tours Travel Protection Plan is available at $249 per person payable with deposit only (excludes Oberammergau package).
GET’s Savings and Discounts do not apply to the Oberammergau package portion of your tour.
INSURANCE INFORMATION / TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN
DESCRIPTION OF COVERAGE
Grand European Tours Travel Protection Plan is designed exclusively for you to ensure your protection in the event that an unforeseen incident occurs, or your plans need to change, for any reason.
Enjoy extensive coverage during your vacation for just $249 for any tour.
For details call 1-800-552-5545
PRE-DEPARTURE CANCELLATION WAIVER BENEFIT
The Grand European Tours “Any Reason” Cancellation Waiver Provided by Grand European Tours:
With the Grand European Tours “Any Reason” Cancellation Waiver, Grand European Tours will provide you with 100% of the cancellation charges in the form of a future travel credit certificate, should you cancel your tour more than 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure for any reason that is not eligible for cash reimbursement under the Trip Cancellation section of the Travel Protection Plan. Cancellation charges are reimbursed in the form of Grand European Tours Travel Certificates allowing you a two year credit to travel with us at a later date! Please note that to be eligible for the “Any Reason” Cancellation Waiver, you must enroll and pay for the plan within two days of your initial trip deposit. The certificate is valid for two years, is non-transferable and non-refundable and may not be redeemed for cash. Future travel certificates do not include airfare cancellation charges for air arrangements unless those arrangements were provided by Grand European Tours. For NY residents only, the “Any Reason” Cancellation Waiver may be purchased separately from the Grand European Tours Travel Protection Plan. Contact
1-888-722-2195 for details.
SECTION I: TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT PROTECTION Provided by Grand European Tours
PART A: TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT PROTECTION
MAXIMUM BENEFIT LIMIT (Per Participant)
Trip Cancellation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Up To Total Trip Cost
Trip Interruption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Up To Total Trip Cost
Trip Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1,000 ($150/day)
Pre-Departure Trip Cancellation:
We will pay a Pre-Departure Trip Cancellation Benefit, up to the amount in the Schedule if you are prevented from taking your Covered Trip due to your, an Immediate Family Member's, Traveling Companion's, or Business Partner's Sickness, Injury, or death or Other Covered Events as defined, that occur(s) before departure on your Covered Trip. The Sickness or Injury must: a) commence while your coverage is in effect under the plan; b) require the examination and treatment by a Physician at the time the Covered Trip is canceled; and c) in the written opinion of the treating Physician, be so disabling as to prevent you from taking your Covered Trip.
Pre-Departure Trip Cancellation Benefits:
We will reimburse you, up to the amount in the Schedule for the amount of prepaid, non-refundable and unused Payments or Deposits that you paid for your Covered Trip. We will pay your additional cost as a result of a change in the per person occupancy rate for prepaid travel arrangements if a Traveling Companion's Covered Trip is canceled and your Covered Trip is not canceled.
Post-Departure Trip Interruption
We will pay a Post-Departure Trip Interruption Benefit, up to the amount in the Schedule, if: 1) your arrival on your Covered Trip is delayed; or 2) you are unable to continue on your Covered Trip after you have departed on your Covered Trip due to your, an Immediate Family Member's, Traveling Companion's, or Business Partner's Sickness, Injury, or death or Other Covered Events as defined. For item 1) above, the Sickness or Injury must: a) commence while your coverage is in effect under the plan; b) for item 2) above, commence while you are on your Covered Trip and your coverage is in effect under the plan; and c) for both items 1) and 2) above, require the examination and treatment by a Physician at the time the Covered Trip is interrupted or delayed; and d) in the written opinion of the treating Physician, be so disabling as to delay your arrival on your Covered Trip or to prevent you from continuing your Covered Trip.
Post-Departure Trip Interruption Benefits
We will reimburse you, less any refund paid or payable, for unused land or water travel arrangements and/or the following: 1) the additional transportation expenses by the most direct route from the point you interrupted your Covered Trip: a) to the next scheduled destination where you can catch up to your Covered Trip; or b) to the final destination of your Covered Trip; 2) the additional transportation expenses incurred by you by the most direct route to reach your original Covered Trip destination if you are delayed and leave after the Scheduled Departure Date. However, the benefit payable under 1) and 2) above will not exceed the cost of a one-way economy air fare (or first class, if the original tickets were first class) by the most direct route less any refunds paid or payable for your unused original tickets. 3) your additional cost as a result of a change in the per person occupancy rate for prepaid travel arrangements if a Traveling Companion's Covered Trip is interrupted and your Covered Trip is continued. 4) reasonable additional accommodation and transportation expenses (up to $100 per day) incurred to remain near a covered traveling Immediate Family Member or Traveling Companion who is hospitalized during your Trip.
In no event shall the amount reimbursed under Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption exceed the amount you prepaid for your Trip.
Important: You, your Traveling Companion and/or your Immediate Family Member booked to travel with you must be medically capable of travel on the day you purchase this coverage. The covered reason for cancellation or interruption of your Trip must occur after your effective date of Trip Cancellation coverage.
Trip Delay
If your Covered Trip is delayed for 12 hours or more, we will reimburse you, up to the amount shown in the Schedule for unused land or water travel arrangements, less any refund paid or payable and reasonable additional expenses incurred by you for hotel accommodations, meals, telephone calls and economy transportation to catch up to your Trip, or to return Home. We will not pay benefits for expenses incurred after travel becomes possible.
Trip Delay must be caused by or result from: 1) Common Carrier delay; 2) loss or theft of your passport(s), travel documents or money; 3) quarantine; 4) hijacking; 5) natural disaster; 6) a documented traffic accident while you are en route to departure; 7) unannounced strike; 8) a civil disorder.
SECTION II: TRAVEL INSURANCE BENEFITS
Underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company**
PART B. MEDICAL PROTECTION
Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation . . . . . . . . $50,000
Medical Expense . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . .$50,000
Pre-Existing Conditions
Benefits under Parts A & B (except Emergency Evacuation and Repatriation) are subject to the Pre-Existing condition Exclusion detailed below:
"Pre-Existing Condition" means an illness, disease, or other condition during the 60-day period immediately prior to your effective date for which you or your Traveling Companion, Business Partner or Immediate Family Member who is scheduled or booked to travel with you: 1)received or received a recommendation for a diagnostic test, examination for a diagnostic test, examination or, or medical treatment; or 2)took or received a prescription for drugs or medicine .
Item 2) of this definition does not apply to a condition which is treated or controlled solely through the taking of prescription drugs or medicine and remains treated or controlled without any adjustment or change in the required prescription throughout the 60-day period before coverage is effective under this Policy.
Waiver of the Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion:
The Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion is waived provided you meet all of the following requirements:
1) the payment for this plan is received within 2 days of the initial Covered Trip deposit/payment for your Covered Trip; and
2)you are not disabled from travel at the time you make your plan payment.
Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation:
In the event that a covered illness or injury requires air or ground transportation to a specialized facility or to return home, the plan provides covered medical services and supplies (as coordinated by our 24-hour Assistance provider, to help ensure your safe transport). The plan also provides payment for transportation of mortal remains in the event of death that occurs during the Tour.
Medical & Dental Expenses:
Should you become injured or sick during your vacation, the plan will reimburse you for necessary medical expenses for up to one year from the date of your accident or illness. This coverage is especially important, as Medicare and many private insurance policies generally do not cover you outside of the U.S., and many HMO’s do not cover you outside their provider area. The plan also reimburses you for emergency dental treatment incurred during your Tour.
PART C. BAGGAGE PROTECTION
Baggage and Personal Effects . . . . . . .$2,500
Baggage Delay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .$500
Baggage Protection:
Provides reimbursement for baggage or personal property which is lost, stolen, or damaged. If your bags are delayed or misdirected for more than 24 hours, the plan will reimburse you for the purchase of necessary personal items.
PART D. TRAVEL ACCIDENT PROTECTION
Accidental Death and Dismemberment
Air Common Carrier . . . . . . . . . . $100,000
Any Other Circumstance . . . . . . .$25,000
Accidental Death and Dismemberment:
We will pay this benefit up to the amount on the Schedule if you are injured in an Accident which occurs while you are on a Covered Trip and covered under the plan, and you suffer one of the losses listed below within 365 days of the Accident. The Principal Sum is the benefit amount shown on the Schedule.
Air Common Carrier Benefits:
The benefits provided by the plan for air flight applies only if you sustain a covered loss in an Accident which occurs: 1) while a passenger in or on, boarding or alighting from an Air Common Carrier; or 2) being struck or run down by an Air Common Carrier that is licensed to carry passengers for hire.
SECTION III: EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SERVICES
Provided by On Call International
PART E. WORLDWIDE EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE (ON CALL INTERNATIONAL)
CareFreeTM Travel Assistance . . . . . . . . . .24/7
Medical Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24/7
Emergency Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24/7
24-Hour Assistance:
One toll-free telephone call gives you access to On Call International a worldwide network of medical and travel-related professionals who will work together to solve your medical or travel-related problem.
Priced at $249.
Note:
Prices are subject to change without notice.
While the above is not a complete description – a full plan description detailing the terms, conditions and exclusions will be sent to you – we have highlighted just a few of the plan benefits. If you have any Travel Protection Plan questions, or would like to request a copy of the plan description, please call our plan administrator, BerkelyCare, at 1-866-808-7162 or visit www.getours.com.
The Grand European Tours Travel Protection Plan is provided in addition to other applicable indemnity or insurance programs, where permitted by law and shall apply only after benefits have been paid.
* For NY residents, Section I Travel Arrangement Protection (Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption & Trip Delay) is underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio.
** Section II Travel Insurance Benefits, Policy Number MZ0911061H0000A are underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio: NAIC #10952 (all states except as otherwise noted) Policy/Certificate Form series TAHC5000. In CA, CT, HI, NE, NH, PA, TN and TX Policy/Certificate Form series TAHC5100 and TAHC5200. In IL, IN, KS, LA, OR, OH, VT, WA and WY Policy Forms TAHC5100IPS and TAHC5200IPS.
Section III Emergency Assistance Services are provided by On Call International.
This plan was designed and is administered by BerkelyCareSM.
IN CALIFORNIA: BerkelyCareSM is a service mark of Aon Direct Insurance Administrators, CA Insurance License # 0795465.
IN ALL OTHER STATES: BerkelyCareSM is a division of Affinity Insurance Services, Inc. in all states other than CA, except: AIS Affinity Insurance Agency, Inc. in MN and OK and AIS Affinity Insurance Agency in NY.
Tracking # 5864708
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Grand European Tours
6000 Meadows Road, Suite 520
Lake Oswego, OR 97035
Local Calls: (503) 718-2262
Toll Free: (800) 552 - 5545