Imperial Russia & Baltic States
16 Days from
$4465
Tour Code: RBS
Discover the imperial glory of Russia and witness the effects of turbulent history and revolution during this 16-day adventure through the Baltic countries of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Russia’s two largest cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg.
Land in Helsinki and get your bearings Finnish style before crossing the Baltic to Estonia’s lovely 13th-century capital, Tallinn. Travel along the Gulf of Riga and spend two nights in Riga, capital of Latvia. Then continue into Lithuania and the beautiful Baroque city of Vilnius.
In Moscow, see the enduring influence of Ivan the Terrible, Peter the Great and the Bolsheviks in a city that is rapidly changing. And in the Baroque city of St. Petersburg, see the unparalleled art collection started by Catherine the Great in the Hermitage Museum.
Stay in our selection of European First Class accommodations and enjoy 23 meals, including 7 dinners. To ensure a comfortable travel experience, our motorcoaches are equipped with large panoramic windows, reclining seats, air-conditioning and emergency restroom facilities.
Airfare is included from selected cities across the US and over 60 alternative departure cities are available at a low cost supplement. Tour price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Your Tour Price Includes
Roundtrip AirfareAirfare and fuel surcharges are included from selected cities across the US and over 60 alternative departure cities are available at a low cost supplement. |
Local Expert Guides: Helsinki,Tallinn, Riga, Vilnius, Moscow & St.PetersburgLocal Expert Guide in Helsinki,Tallinn, Riga, Villnius, Moscow & St.Petersburg |
TransportationAirport & hotel transfers on arrival & departure. Deluxe motorcoach with A/C, panoramic windows, reclining seats & emergency restroom. |
First Class Hotels |
Travel DocumentsGET travel wallet, travel planner & map. $100 Frequent Traveler Discount upon return for a future tour. |
25 MealsWelcome Reception, 15 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 6 Three-course Dinners with tea or coffee and 1 Highlight Dinner |
Professional Tour Director
Your tour will be conducted by some of the most experienced Tour Directors in the world. These dedicated professionals will manage the intricate details of your tour, fill you in on local culture and customs, and delight you with their anecdotes and stories. Their vast knowledge of the region will enhance your entire travel experience, allowing you to have a vacation that is education, entertaining and fun! |
Included Tour Highlights
| Helsinki sightseeing includes visits to the Market Square and Rock Church of Temppeliaukio |
Moscow sightseeing includes Red Square & views of St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's....
Moscow sightseeing includes Red Square & views of St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Tomb & the Kremlin Wall |
See Tallinn's Weighing House, Pharmacy and Town Hall in the old Market Square
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral |
Train from Moscow to St.Petersburg |
| Visit the astonishing 'Votive Hill of Crosses' near Siauliai |
St Petersburg sightseeing includes visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress and the Hermitage
When Peter the Great re-conquered the lands along the Neva River in 1703, he decided to build a fort to protect the area from possible attack by the Swedish army and navy. The fortress was founded on a small island in the Neva delta on May 27, 1703 (May 16 according to the old calendar) and that day became the birthday of the city of St Petersburg. The Swedes were defeated before the fortress was even completed. For that reason, from 1721 the fortress housed part of the city's garrison and rather notoriously served as a high security political jail. Among the first inmates was Peter's own rebellious son Alexei. Later, the list of famous residents included Dostoyevsky, Gorkiy, Trotsky and Lenin's older brother, Alexander. Parts of the former jail are now open to the public. Also, tour one of the world's greatest museums, the spectacular Hermitage. |
| Minsk sightseeing includes Leninsky Prospect & Victory Square |
Popular Tour Add-Ons
Optional tours can be purchased upon arrival ......
St. Petersburg - Russian Folklore EveningFull transportation is provided to an impressive Russian palace for a colorful evening of traditional folklore. The music, costumes and provided drink evoke the spirit of old Russia. |
Moscow – Back to the USSRTake a ride back in time to the Moscow underground - meant to be the artistic showcase of the Soviet Union. The beautiful metro-stations display stained glass, statues, marble walls, chandeliers and mosaics to rival those in Rome. Continue with an exclusive visit to the country’s top cemetery where you will find the final resting place of Nikita Khrushchev and Raisa Gorbachev |
St Petersburg – Yusupov Residence and Rasputin MuseumJourney into the glamorous world of Russian aristocracy today, as we visit the palace of the Yusupov family. Built with great imagination and an unlimited budget, the palace offers a memorable visit. Learn of the final hours of Rasputin who was murdered in the palace by his host. |
Vilnius – Traditional Dinner & Local EntertainmentThis lighthearted evening of fun, music, dance and colorful costumes introduces us to the cultural of the region. We enjoy a typical meal of regional specialties with drinks and entertainment by Lithuanian performers. |
Moscow – Moscow By NightGet a splendid view of Moscow as you admire the famous sights, such as Red Square and the Kremlin, as night descends upon them |
Day 1 USA - Helsinki
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to your local airport for your overnight flight to Helsinki.
Day 2 Arrive Helsinki
Arrive in Finland’s capital, Helsinki, for a relaxing two-night stay. Tonight enjoy a Welcome Drink and dinner with your Tour Director and travel companions.
Dinner Included
Day 3 Helsinki
This morning enjoy a sightseeing tour that includes views of Finlandia Hall, the Parliament Building and visits to the colorful Market Square, the Sibelius Monument and the unique Rock Church of Temppeliaukio.
Scandinavian Breakfast Included
Day 4 Helsinki - Tallinn
Today we board our ship to cross the Baltic Sea and arrive in Estonia’s beautiful capital city, Tallinn, where our sightseeing includes walking through the well preserved streets of the old hanseatic quarter with its medieval walls and 15th-century Luhike Jalq Gate, plus a visit to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. For dinner this evening, enjoy the freedom of your Dine-Around program, and choose from a selection of restaurants recommended by your Tour Director.
Scandinavian Breakfast and Dine-Around Included
Day 5 Tallinn - Riga
Today we enjoy a scenic drive along the Gulf of Riga and finish the day in the Latvian capital of Riga, our home for the next two relaxing nights.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 6 Riga
Our sightseeing tour of Riga visits the 13th-century Dom Cathedral with time to admire the medieval architecture of the Tris Brali.
Buffet Breakfast Included
Day 7 Riga - Vilnius
Our first stop this morning is to view the summer palace of the Duke of Kurland in Rundale. We cross the border into Lithuania, the largest and most densely populated of the Baltic States, to view the 'Hill of Crosses' in Siauliai – a symbol of resistance against Soviet occupation.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 8 Vilnius
During your included sightseeing of Vilnius, see the Gedimino Square with its towering Cathedral dating from 1784. Visit the Jesuit University and see the incredible 'Gates of Dawn.' Later, visit the medieval Castle in Trakai.
Buffet Breakfast Included
Day 9 Vilnius - Minsk
Depart Lithuania on our way to Minsk, the capital of Belarus, also known as White Russia. Sightseeing will include both the Leninsky Prospect and Victory Square. Tonight, enjoy local Belarus cuisine at dinner with Russian Champagne.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 10 Minsk - Smolensk - Moscow
From Minsk, we cross the Pripet Marshes on our way to Smolensk. Continuing along the historic road to Smolensk, we follow a route traveled throughout history by countless others including Napoleon’s retreating Grande Armée in the grim winter of 1812. We then arrive for a leisurely three-night stay in Russia’s historic capital and largest city, Moscow.
Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 11 -12 Moscow
Two full days in Moscow with guided sightseeing that includes Red Square where we view St. Basil’s many-domed cathedral built by Ivan the Terrible, Lenin’s Tomb and the Kremlin Wall. A special highlight visit will be made to the Armory inside the Kremlin, once the treasure chamber of the Czars!
Buffet Breakfast Included
Day 13 Moscow - St. Petersburg
A highlight of the tour and something completely different: we take our reserved seats for our train journey from Moscow to St. Petersburg! Crossing the River Volga we make our way through a land once inhabited by the famous Russian composer Tchaikovsky and an inspiration for many of his works. Then we arrive for a leisurely three-night stay in St. Petersburg.
Buffet Breakfast and Lunch Included
Day 14 -15 St. Petersburg
Founded in 1703 by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg is considered to be Russia’s most magnificent city. Russian Baroque architecture will intrigue you, as we travel along Nevsky Prospect viewing St. Isaac’s Cathedral and visiting the Czar’s Winter Palace. A special highlight visit takes us to the famous Hermitage Museum, home to one of the world’s largest collections of fine art. The next day is free to explore on your own. On your last evening enjoy a festive Highlight Farewell Dinner!
Buffet Breakfast and Highlight Dinner Included
Day 16 St. Petersburg - USA
We bid farewell to Russia.
Buffet Breakfast Included
| Depart - Return | Land Only Rate | East Coast | Mid West | Price includes discount of: | West Coast |
|---|
Land Only Rate: After discounts have been applied.
East Coast Roundtrip Airfare included from New York (JFK). This price includes discounts.
Mid West Roundtrip Airfare included from Chicago (ORD). Price includes discounts.
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.
West Coast Roundtrip Airfare included from Los Angeles (LAX). Price includes discounts.
Departure Details
Meet our Tour Director - Alex Golovko - "It is a real treat to take my visitors to the Kremlin - for most people it is something they have heard about all their lives, or seen in the movies. It's amazing to be able to see it in real life in all of its impressive beauty - we really get a great tour!"
Pricing Details
Tour Price
Airfare and fuel surcharges are included from selected cities across the US and over 60 alternative departure cities are available at a low cost supplement. 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: from $840
Additional Charges: September 11th Security Fee, taxes, & government fees of $162 per person (subject to change) will appear on your invoice.
Airline baggage charges collected at check-in are not included.
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.
* Note: 2 Visas are required for this tour. Call for information.
Day |
City |
Rating |
Hotel |
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| 2,3 | Helsinki | First Class | Radisson SAS Royal | |||||||||||||||
Radisson SAS Royal
First Class Runeberginkatu 2 One of the finest hotels in Finland, the stylish Radisson SAS Royal Hotel is located in the heart of Helsinki with bus and underground stations are right across the street. All 262 rooms have been recently renovated with relaxing rocking chair, bathtub and A/C in every room. Other hotel... Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
One of the finest hotels in Finland, the stylish Radisson SAS Royal Hotel is located in the heart of Helsinki with bus and underground stations are right across the street. All 262 rooms have been recently renovated with relaxing rocking chair, bathtub and A/C in every room. Other hotel... |
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| 4 | Tallinn | First Class | Reval Park Hotel Olympia | |||||||||||||||
Reval Park Hotel Olympia
First Class Kreutzwaldi 23 This hotel is located in city centre and offers restaurant/bar, 24 hour front desk, safe deposit boxes, casino, laundry services and currency exchange. Room amenities include air conditioning, cable/satellite TV, mini bar, private bath & hair dryer in room Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
This hotel is located in city centre and offers restaurant/bar, 24 hour front desk, safe deposit boxes, casino, laundry services and currency exchange. Room amenities include air conditioning, cable/satellite TV, mini bar, private bath & hair dryer in room |
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| 5,6 | Riga | First Class | Reval Hotel Latvija | |||||||||||||||
Reval Hotel Latvija
First Class Elizabetes Str 55 Hotel situated downtown opposite park & convenient to Museum of Fine Arts the Reval Latvija offers restaurant/bar/lounge, sauna, fitness equipment, coffe shop/café, wireless internet access, safe-deposit box at front desk, currency exchange & dry cleaning services. Rooms are equipped with... Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Hotel situated downtown opposite park & convenient to Museum of Fine Arts the Reval Latvija offers restaurant/bar/lounge, sauna, fitness equipment, coffe shop/café, wireless internet access, safe-deposit box at front desk, currency exchange & dry cleaning services. Rooms are equipped with... |
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| 7,8 | Vilnius | First Class | Reval Lietuva | |||||||||||||||
Reval Lietuva
First Class Konsititucijos Pr 20 The Reval Hotel Lietuva is situated on the bank of the River Neris in the center of Vilnius, only a 10-minute walk to the medieval old town. The hotel features a sauna, fitness equipment, restaurant/bar/lounge, current exchange, ATM & laundry/dry cleaning services. Each room includes a... Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
The Reval Hotel Lietuva is situated on the bank of the River Neris in the center of Vilnius, only a 10-minute walk to the medieval old town. The hotel features a sauna, fitness equipment, restaurant/bar/lounge, current exchange, ATM & laundry/dry cleaning services. Each room includes a... |
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| 9 | Minsk | First Class | Planeta Hotel | |||||||||||||||
Planeta Hotel
First Class 31 Masherov Ave The Planeta Hotel, built in 1980 and renovated in 1996, is located in the central part of the city, on the main avenue, opposite the Sport Center, close to the area where all the pubs, restaurants and shops are located. The Old Town and the Troitskiy Estate are nearby. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
The Planeta Hotel, built in 1980 and renovated in 1996, is located in the central part of the city, on the main avenue, opposite the Sport Center, close to the area where all the pubs, restaurants and shops are located. The Old Town and the Troitskiy Estate are nearby. |
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| 10-12 | Moscow | First Class | Holiday Inn Sokolniki | |||||||||||||||
Holiday Inn SokolnikiFirst Class Rusakovskaya Ulitsa 24 Brand new hotel located within minutes of the city center and near the Red Square, Bolshoi Theatre & Old Circus. The hotel offers a health & fitness center, spa facilities, housekeeping & laundry services, indoor pool, live entertainment and currency exchange. Rooms all equipped with... Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Brand new hotel located within minutes of the city center and near the Red Square, Bolshoi Theatre & Old Circus. The hotel offers a health & fitness center, spa facilities, housekeeping & laundry services, indoor pool, live entertainment and currency exchange. Rooms all equipped with... |
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| 13-15 | St. Petersburg | First Class | Pribaltiskaya Hotel | |||||||||||||||
Pribaltiskaya Hotel
First Class 14 Korablestroiteley St Located on the Western end of Vasilyevsky Island. Room features Satellite TV, A/C, Direct Phone. Hotel amenities include Concierge, Elevator, Bar, Restaurant, Safe Deposit Box, Post, Laundry, Internet, Currency Exchange. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Located on the Western end of Vasilyevsky Island. Room features Satellite TV, A/C, Direct Phone. Hotel amenities include Concierge, Elevator, Bar, Restaurant, Safe Deposit Box, Post, Laundry, Internet, Currency Exchange. |
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Travel Tools
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
















