Castles Along the Rhine River Cruise
Castles Along the Rhine River Cruise
9 Days
from $2,225
Tour Code: RCR
Castles Along the Rhine River Cruise
You’re certain to feel as though you’re waltzing through a fairytale on this 9-day journey through the breathtaking landscape of terraced vineyards, old-world towns and historic, fairytale castles of the Rhine river valley! In fact, there are more medieval castles gracing the shores of the Rhine than any where else in the world!
This dreamlike setting gave the Rhine Valley a vital link to the Romantic Movement of the 1800s. Artists, musicians, writers and poets from all over Europe, enchanted under her spell, immortalized the Rhine’s unadulterated natural beauty in their art. Every bit as inspirational today, each bend and twist in your travels along the Rhine is certain to add to the fairytale magic with new surprises that are certain to inspire.
Stay in a Category 5 Countess Deck cabin with private bath (option to upgrade for low additional cost). Enjoy 19 meals including 7 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 7 dinners.
***This tour is operated by our sister company.
Your Tour Price Includes
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer
Transfers you from your door step to select airports. Start your vacation in style with our outbound VIP Door-to-Door Town Car airport transfer service available on every tour from over 40 cities throughout the USA. Our service will collect your from you home and transfer you to your departure airport. We will arrange a pick-up time from your home that suits you, and your driver will meet you at your front door and assist with your bags before transporting you to the airport with ample time for check-in.
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Deluxe StateroomAll with private bath, river views and bottled water.
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Airport/Cruise TransfersAirport arrival and departure transfers included with the purchase of combined air and land package.
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19 Meals with wine during dinner and bottled water in your stateroomEnjoy 19 meals including 7 Breakfasts, 5 Lunches, 5 Dinners 1 Captain’s Gala and 1 Farewell Dinner. (Wine, beer and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner).
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Professional Cruise ManagerYour cruise will be conducted by the most experienced Cruise Directors in the business. They will manage the intricate details of your tour, keeping you entertained with anecdotes and stories to make sure your vacation is educational, entertaining and fun.
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Choice Is YoursWe realize one size doesn't always fit all. That's why we've added "Choice Is Yours" included excursions in select cities. These options are designed to provide you with exciting alternate experiences - at no extra cost to you. Have you been to Amsterdam's Rijksmuseum already? This visit, you can return to gaze at your favorite Vermeer or you can choose to explore the Van Gogh Museum instead. Soaked up Salzburg when you came for Mozart's 250th? Opt for a shorter day in charming Steyr and quaint Gmunden and still have time to relax back at the ship or take one of the complimentary bikes out for a spin.
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Local Expert Guides on all city toursLocal Expert Guides on all city tours
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Go ActiveIs all this good food, first-class pampering, luxurious bedding, world-class sightseeing, and scintillating cultural exploration making you miss the gym? On a boutique river cruise, you can stretch your legs in some of the world's most beautiful settings. As part of the "Go Active" program, we have preselected the best local opportunities to explore the outdoors with our complimentary bicycles and Nordic walking sticks. Cycle along the river path or through a neighboring village. Set out with your walking sticks to boost your energy with every step. Or simply explore the beautiful countryside at your own pace.
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Loud & ClearThis tour utilizes our personal audio system allowing you to roam and explore sites (within 60 feet) without missing any insight from your Tour Director or local guide.
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Gentle Walking ToursAlong the rivers of Europe, life moves at a slower pace. We've taken that lifestyle to heart in creating our "Gentle Walking Tours" in select cities. If or whatever reason, you desire a more relaxed pace, when the other groups head out to conquer the city, you can join a slower-pace group that gives you more time to linger. Poke your head in a few more shops. Meditate on a beautiful painting. Explore the details of a Baroque cathedral. Relax, as with our Gentle Walking Tours, you'll have the same expert English-speaking guides who'll make sure you get the most out of your excursion.
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Travel DocumentsGET travel wallet, Cruise Companion Booklet, $100 Frequent Traveler Discount upon return for a future tour.
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Included Shore Excursions
Full-day tour along the Alsatian Wine RoadCharming villages and lush vineyards line this winding scenic route. You’ll visit enchanting Colmar with its winding old streets, medieval historic center, and St. Martin’s Church, which is made of pink stone. You’ll also see the picturesque timber-framed houses in the village of Riquewihr.
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Castle Vollrads wine tasting & Boppard village strollEnjoy wine tasting at the prestigious Castle Vollrads. End your day with a guided village stroll around Boppard, a typical small town on the shores of the Rhine.
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Strasbourg canal cruiseView Strasbourg in the way it has been seen through the centuries - on a canal cruise. In addition to viewing the town’s covered bridges, medieval watchtowers, old tanners’ district, and the modern building that houses the European Parliament, you will see Petite France, the picturesque district that seems as if it has been lifted from the pages of a fairytale.
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Choice of Koblenz walking tour OR aerial tram to Fortress Ehrenbreitstein
Beautiful Koblez Awaken on the romantic Rhine and enjoy a morning cruise along the castle-lined river. The German Corner, with its famous William II monument, announces our arrival in Koblenz at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. Choose a walking tour highlighting the appeal of Koblenz—its romantic narrow streets and historical squares, the picturesque alleyways and fountains in the old quarter, and the 12th-century churches of St. Florin and Our Lady. Or ride the aerial tram across the Rhine to Fortress Ehrenbreitstein—inspiration to authors Melville and Byron—which has stood high on the hill overlooking the rivers’ confluence since its beginnings as a fortification in 1,000 BC.
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Choice of Speyer walking tour OR Germersheim village strollYour guided walking tour through Speyer reveals a Medieval town with a grand heritage and a compact historic center dominated by the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its basilica laid out in the form of a Latin cross, including four towers and two domes, this is a marvel to behold. Or explore daily life in the typical German town of Germersheim, with its lively historic downtown and unique old ring fortification around the city core.
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Cologne walking tour & cathedral visitStroll through the narrow streets of Old Town with your guide, passing by tiny squares and little churches as you make your way to Cologne Cathedral, the city’s most famous landmark and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Cruise Extension Packages
Add a pre- or post-extension package to your cruise.
Add a 2-night Pre/Post-Cruise Hotel Extension in AmsterdamAdd a 2-night Pre/Post-Cruise Hotel Extension in Amsterdam, only $679 per person (single supplement $299).
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions can be purchased upon arrival.
The list below is a sampling of excursions that may be offered by your tour director.
Heidelberg Tour with LunchVisit the ruins at Heidelberg Castle, tour the castle courtyard and large wine vat and have time for pictures. Then drive into downtown Heidelberg and take a short walking tour through Old Town, viewing Heiliggeistkirche and Student’s Prison, with the tour ending at a local restaurant for lunch.
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Marksburg Castle & Wine TastingExperience a day in the middle ages at Marksburg Castle - from the kitchen to the chapel, from the banquet room to the herb garden, from the armory to the torture chamber - with the original furnishings and the guide’s stories the castle will come alive!
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Rudesheim Dinner & EntertainmentTake a short mini-train ride to a local restaurant in downtown Rudesheim and enjoy a 4-course dinner with wine and entertainment. The entertainment will be provided by a local band, playing international and German tunes - a fun-filled, interactive evening of music, song and dance.
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Walking – Moderate Physical Activity Required
Not all areas included on this tour are accessible by motor vehicle. Visiting ancient ruins and a handful of other listed sites may require some walking, sometimes on cobblestone streets. Be sure to pack comfortable and safe walking shoes and get ready to enjoy these fascinating attractions up close and personal.
This tour requires moderate physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk slightly longer distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
DAY 1 USA - Basel
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to your local airport for your overnight flight to Basel.
DAY 2 Arrive Basel
Arrive at EuroAirport Basel-
Mulhouse-Freiburg where you’ll be
transferred to the ship.
Dinner Included
DAY 3 Breisach (Colmar) - Strasbourg
Starting from Medieval Breisach, the gateway to the Black Forest, you will cross the Rhine and head for the Alsatian Wine Road, which hugs the foothills of the Vosges Mountains. Charming villages, pastoral landscapes, and lush vineyards line this beautiful winding road. You will visit enchanting Colmar with its historic city center and St. Martin’s Church, which is made of pink stone. You will also see the picturesque timber- framed houses in the romantic Medieval town of Riquewhir.
Breakfast and Captain’s Welcome Gala Included
DAY 4 Kehl (Strasbourg)
Situated halfway between Paris and Prague, the Alsatian town of Strasbourg is known as the “Crossroads of Europe.” It is home to a magnificent Gothic cathedral and beautiful half-timbered houses. View Strasbourg in the way it has been seen through the centuries—on a canal cruise. In addition to viewing the town’s covered bridges, Medieval watchtowers, old tanners’ district, and the modern building that houses the European Parliament, you will see Petite France, the picturesque district that seems as if it has been lifted from the pages of a fairytale. Then spend your afternoon at leisure in this beautiful city.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 5 Germersheim (Speyer or Germersheim)
For your included sightseeing you have the choice of a guided walking tour through Speyer which reveals a Medieval town with a grand heritage and a compact historic center dominated by the largest Romanesque cathedral in Europe—a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its basilica laid out in the form of a Latin cross, including four towers and two domes, this is a marvel to behold. Or you can choose to explore daily life in the typical German town of Germersheim, with its lively historic downtown and unique old ring fortification around the city core.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 6 Rudesheim, cruising the romantic Rhine River, Boppard
Rüdesheim has a long history dating back to Roman times and is considered one of the most charming of the Rhine Valley towns. It has been a magnet for romantics ever since the 19th century. The town is famous for, among other things, the Drosselgasse, a narrow alleyway lined with wine taverns and shops. Explore Rüdesheim at your leisure. Later in the day, be our guest at a princely wine tasting at the prestigious Castle Vollrads, which is perfectly situated in the vineyard-covered hills and is one of the world’s top wine estates for Rheingau Rieslings. The highlight of your day is the scenic cruising along the romantic Rhine—the breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage-designated Upper Middle Rhine Valley. End your day with a guided village stroll around Boppard, a typical small town on the shores of the Rhine.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 7 Cruising the romantic Rhine River, Koblenz
Awaken on the romantic Rhine and enjoy a morning cruise along the castle-lined river. The German Corner, with its famous William II monument, announces our arrival in Koblenz at the confluence of the Moselle and Rhine rivers. For your included sightseeing you may choose a walking tour highlighting the appeal of Koblenz—its romantic narrow streets and historical squares, the picturesque alleyways and fountains in the old quarter, and the 12th-century churches of St. Florin and Our Lady. Or you may choose to ride the aerial tram across the Rhine to Fortress Ehrenbreitstein—inspiration to authors Melville and Byron—which has stood high on the hill overlooking the rivers’ confluence since its beginnings as a fortification in 1,000 BC.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
DAY 8 Cologne
Stroll through the narrow streets of Old Town with your guide, passing by tiny squares and small churches as you make your way to Cologne Cathedral, the city’s most famous landmark and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took 632 years for Germany’s largest cathedral to be completed, and it is one of the most important Gothic churches in Europe. A visit inside features the Shrine of the Three Magi and the beautiful stained glass windows that survived WWII.
Breakfast, Lunch and Captain’s Farewell Dinner Included
Note: No inside tours of the cathedral
are given on Sundays or
Catholic holidays.
DAY 9 Amsterdam - USA
Disembark the ship and transfer to
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport for
your flight home, or extend your
stay in bustling Amsterdam.
Breakfast Included
of $400 per couple when you book by
February 10, 2012.
| Depart Return |
Cruise Only Price | Price includes savings of: | International Airfare |
|---|---|---|---|
$2,575 | $200 | ||
$2,775 | $200 | ||
$2,975 | $200 | ||
$3,225 | $200 | ||
$3,225 | $200 | ||
$3,225 | $200 | ||
$3,225 | $200 | ||
$3,225 | $200 | ||
$3,225 | $200 | ||
$3,225 | $200 | ||
$3,225 | $200 | ||
$3,225 | $200 | ||
$3,025 | $200 | ||
$3,025 | $200 | ||
$3,025 | $200 | ||
$3,025 | $200 | ||
$3,025 | $200 | ||
$3,025 | $200 | ||
$3,025 | $200 | ||
$3,025 | $200 | ||
$3,325 | $200 | ||
$3,475 | $200 | ||
$3,475 | $200 | ||
$3,475 | $200 | ||
$3,425 | $200 | ||
$3,425 | $200 | ||
$3,275 | $200 | ||
$3,025 | $200 | ||
$2,725 | $200 | ||
$2,425 | $200 | ||
$2,325 | $200 | ||
$2,225 | $200 |
Departure Details
Departures are available from March through November 20121.
On the following departures the cruise operates from Amsterdam to Basel: March 25, April 8, April 22, May 6, May 20, June 3, June 17, July 1, July 15, July 29, August 12, August 26, September 9, September 23, October 7, October 21, November 4.On these dates, the ship sails at 5 pm on arrival day (1st day in Amsterdam).
Single Supplement Waivers available while supplies last on the following departures: March 24, March 31, July 21.
Pricing Details
The prices above are for the land only portion of the tour and include the Early Booking Discount of $200 per person. In order to qualify for the discounts you must book and deposit by February 10, 2012.
Airfare is available at an additional cost from over 60 departure cities, call for an up-to-the-minute air quote from your hometown. When you book your Air & Land package together by you’ll save an additional $200 per couple!
Tour price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: Call for details
Port Taxes of $126 per person will appear on your invoice.
Prices shown include cruise in category 5 Countess Deck.
RIVER ANTOINETTE
To upgrade to a higher category,
add per person:
Cat:... ...Cabin................. Cost
4..........Twin/Double..........$200
3..........Twin/Double..........$700
2..........Twin/Double..........$925
1..........Twin/Double..........$1,275
Cancellation Penalties: 89-60 days prior to departure: 35%; 59-30 days prior to departure: 50%; Less than 30 days prior to departure: 100%
At times we offer discounted departures where the price has been discounted to reflect savings. Discounted rates are valid for new bookings only and are not combinable with any other offers.
Transportation: Airport arrival and departure transfers are included on arrival and departure days only. NOTE: Flights must arrive between 5am and 2pm and depart between 6am and 6pm.
Please Note: This tour is operated by our sister company.
River Antoinette
An imperial NEW boutique river cruise ship
The S.S. Antoinette is a deluxe new ship to sail in 2011 and accommodates a maximum of 164 guests, providing the intimate small-ship ambiance preferred by experienced travelers.
Facilities onboard S.S. Antoinette:
* Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms have made-to-order English Savoir™ beds draped in fine linens, a vanity, built-in closets, hair dryer, safe, individual thermostat for air conditioning and heat, direct-dial telephone, flat-screen TV with satellite, and bottled water.
* Suites on the Princess deck have full balconies; staterooms on the Princess and Duchess decks have French balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows that can be raised or lowered with the touch of a button.
* Beautiful panoramic main lounge with full-service bar, cozy library, elegant restaurant, sun deck with chess and shuffleboard, Leopard Bar, Sky Lounge, fitness room, pool, massage treatments, gift boutique, and elevator
* Complimentary 24-hour specialty coffee and tea bar, and use of bicycles and Nordic walking sticks
* 24-hour reception service
* Wireless Internet access in public areas
Ship Facts
Inaugurated: 2011
Length: 443 ft
Width: 37.5 ft
Number of Decks: 4
Maximum Passengers: 164
Staterooms: 73
Cabin Size: 196 sq.ft. on Princess and Duchess Deck. 163 sq.ft. on Countess Deck
Suites: 8 Suites and 1 Owners Suite
Suite Size: 391 sq.ft. for Owners Suite and 294 sq.ft. for Suites
Voltage: 220v
Elevator: Yes
Restaurant: Open seating
Library: Yes
Laundry Service: Yes
Gymnasium: Yes
River Antoinette
; "River Antoinette Category 1 Stateroom")
; "River Antoinette Category 2 Stateroom")
; "River Antoinette Category 5 Stateroom")
The small size of river cruise ships creates a closeness to the passing landscape, an intimate ambiance onboard and a camaraderie that larger ships cannot match. There is simply no better way to travel. Lavishly appointed riverview staterooms and suites have handcrafted English Savoir® beds draped in fine linens. Suites and Staterooms on the Princess Deck have full balconies.
Stateroom and suite amenities include:
* Generous built-in closets
* Hair dryer
* Safe
* Individual climate-control thermostat
* Direct-dial telephone
* Flat-screen TV with satellite
* Bottled water
The bathroom has L’Occitane bath and body products, backlit magnifying mirror, and cozy waffle bathrobes.
Cabin Category Descriptions
Suites on the Princess Deck have full, open air balconies that with the touch of a switch will raise the glass to create a completely enclosed conservatory with two chairs and a table.
Category One Staterooms on the Princess Deck have full, open air balconies that with the touch of a switch will raise the glass to create a completely enclosed conservatory with two chairs and a table.
Category Two Staterooms on the Duchess Deck will have French balconies. The floor-to-ceiling glass will be able to be lowered automatically from top to mid-level with the touch of a switch. This is a little different than the traditional side-to-side sliding windows that most French balconies have.
Category Three Staterooms on the Duchess Deck will have French balconies. The floor-to-ceiling glass will be able to be lowered automatically from top to mid-level with the touch of a switch. This is a little different than the traditional side-to-side sliding windows that most French balconies have.
Category Four Staterooms on the Countess Deck have a high window that is just above the water line. The window measurements are 6ft. x 1.4ft.
Category Five Staterooms on the Countess Deck have a high window that is just above the water line. The window measurements are 6ft. x 1.4ft.
Travel Tools
| Country | Currency | Tips | City | Weather | Time |
| Germany |
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Cologne |
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| Koblenz |
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| Rudesheim |
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| Switzerland |
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Basel, Basel-Stadt |
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| The Netherlands (Holland) |
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Amsterdam |
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Terms and Conditions
How to Make Your Reservation:
After selecting your tour and departure date, simply call 1-800-552-5545 and a Travel Specialist will take your reservation over the phone. You can pay your $350.00 deposit by credit card, or alternately you can mail a check made payable to Grand European Tours to the following address: GRAND EUROPEAN TOURS 6000 Meadows Road, Suite 520 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 USA. Please make your reservations as early as possible since many of our tours are completely filled 4 to 6 months before departure.
Final Payment:
Upon receiving the $350.00 deposit per person, you will be sent a confirmation. VISA, MASTERCARD, American Express and DISCOVER CARD may be used for this deposit amount, however, final payment is preferred by check or money order and is due in our Oregon office 60 days prior to the departure date. If reservations are made less than 60 days prior to departure, payment in full is required at the time of booking. If final payments are not received on time, Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. may cancel the reservation and invoke the cancellation fee. For Highlights of South Africa tour and all River Cruises final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Pricing:
Land prices printed in this catalog are per person based on double occupancy. The Operator reserves the right to adjust prices due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, imposed fuel surcharges, taxes, charges and levies imposed by any third party including government and its agencies. Should these change the price of your tour by more than 10% you may cancel without penalty within 7 days after we notify you of the increase.
Cancellations, Changes & Refunds:
If a cancellation in writing is received by Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. 30 days or less after your reservation has been made, your $350.00 deposit will be FULLY REFUNDED. *See Air Reservations section for specific change fee information for air reservations. For cancellations or changes thereafter but more than 61 days prior to departure there will be a $350.00 per person fee assessed. If you must withdraw or make a change 60 days or less prior to departure (90 days or less for River Cruises and Highlights of South Africa), the following fees will apply:
| Number of Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation/Change Land Tours – Per Person |
| 31 - 60 Days | 25% of tour cost |
| 15 - 30 Days | 50% of tour cost |
| Less than 15 Days | 100% of tour cost |
| Number of Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation/Change River Cruises – Per Person |
| 89 – 60 Days | 35% of the cost |
| 59 – 30 Days | 50% of the cost |
| 100% of the cost |
Air Reservations:
Air Add-On prices listed in this catalog were effective on August 19, 2011 and their availability is limited. At the time you purchase your tour, air prices may be higher. Air Add-On prices shown include September 11th Security fee, government fees, taxes and airline fuel surcharges based on destination and routing. The total price at time of purchase may vary slightly due to fluctuations in currency exchange. For the most competitive and up to date pricing from your departure city call our toll free number at 1-800-552-5545. Quoted air reservation prices are inclusive of all taxes and fees and are subject to change before payment is made in full. Air transportation is in economy class by scheduled airlines. Business class is available upon request. Some tours are not available from all of the airports. Requests for specific airlines, non-stop or direct flights and/or seat assignments are accepted as preferences only and cannot be guaranteed. Frequent flyer programs are under the control of the respective airlines. Your airline tickets will be electronically issued in lieu of paper tickets. Please note that your airline tickets and other tour documentation must bear your FULL name as it appears on your passport. Please note that airline reservations can only be made for dates less than 331 days out.
Airline Tickets Issued by Grand EuropeanTours:
The following charges apply for cancellations or changes to airline arrangements made by Grand European Tours: • Prior to Airline Ticketing: service fee of $50 per person • After Airline Ticketing: service fee of $75 per person plus any airline imposed penalties which may be up to 100% of the airline ticket value.
DOT Advisory:
The Department of Transportation requires us to inform you of the following conditions. The package price is subject to change as a result of increases in fuel surcharges and/or government taxes until it has been paid in full. You must consent to the possibility that, until you pay for your package in full, your price could go up. Once you have paid in full we would only pass along increases in government taxes if applicable at that time. You have 7 days from receipt of the first invoice to revoke your consent and request a refund, at which time we would cancel your booking.
Passports and Visas:
A valid U.S passport is required for traveling outside of the U.S.; including to Canada & Mexico. Passport application forms may be obtained from your local post office. All passports must contain at least 3 blank visa pages and must be valid for 6 months after the completion of your tour. Entry visa application forms will be sent prior to your departure for U.S. passport holders. Russia ($218*), China ($193*), Brazil ($220*) and Vietnam & Cambodia ($283*). An entry fee is required upon arrival at the airport in Egypt ($15*), Turkey ($20*) and Zimbabwe ($30*), these countries prefer payment in U.S. dollars rather than local currency. A per person Departure Tax is required at Costa Rica ($26*) and Peru ($31*) paid at the airport. A onetime Reciprocity Tax is required upon entry at the airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina ($140*) and Santiago, Chile ($131*); the fee can be paid in local currency, US Dollars, credit card or traveler check; the tax is valid for multiple entries for 10 years or until your passport expires. Australia requires an electronic visa ($0*) which is obtained at the time of airline ticket purchase. *All visa costs and entry/exit requirements can change at any time. Please visit travel.state.gov for current information. Individuals who do not hold a U.S. passport should contact CIBT/ZVS at 1-866-788-1100 to see if visas are required.
Travel Documents:
Approximately 15 days prior to the departure date you will receive a travel information package that will include your airline itinerary, travel tips, hotel list, baggage tag, travel wallet, etc. Visas, when required, will be distributed as soon as they are issued by the countries involved. Please note that your airline tickets and other tour documentation must bear your FULL name as it appears on your passport.
Tour Membership:
These tours require a blend of adventuresome spirit, physical fitness, walking ability, mental alertness, and a capacity for accepting situations as they exist and not, necessarily, as we would find them in America. If you have health concerns, we suggest that you contact your physician to help determine the suitability of one of these tours for you. We regret that we are unable to accept requests for special diets or itinerary variations. Disabled travelers requiring special attention or treatment on any tour must be reported when reservations are made. A companion who is able to provide the required assistance must accompany any person who is unable to travel independently or who needs any type of assistance.
Baggage:
Due to limited motorcoach storage capacity, each tour member is permitted one large suitcase not to exceed 50 pounds in weight nor 30”x22”x10” in dimension on European tours. Handling of this bag by hotel porters is included in the tour price. In addition, each person is allowed one small piece of carry-on size luggage that does not exceed the dimensions of 12”x11”x6” and is the complete responsibility of the tour member and must be taken on the motorcoach with you. Carry-ons with telescopic handles and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartments and therefore cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage for safety reasons. Please note, North America, Mexico and Egypt tours have smaller baggage dimensions which are noted in your pre-tour documentation. Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. does not assume any responsibility for loss or damage to baggage or passengers’ belongings. Please note: It is your responsibility to verify the baggage weight restrictions for the individual airlines that you will be traveling on as in some instances baggage is restricted. Airline baggage charges collected at check-in are not included and are at passengers own expense.
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer Service:
The VIP Door-to-Door Transfer service is available for all customers departing from the 41 airports highlighted on page 12 and living within a 25 mile radius from point of departure to your chosen airport. It is an outbound service only. Maximum passengers in one car can not exceed four. For bookings with more than four people, further vehicles may be necessary and further supplementary charges will apply. For any journeys greater than 25 miles a supplementary cost for additional mileage will apply and will be advised within 48 hours of booking if necessary. Mileage is based on journey information from www.mapquest. com. Should you not use the VIP Door-to-Door Transfer we will deduct $50 per person from your tour price (this must be advised at time of booking). Cancellation of service or changes must be made 72 hours before scheduled pick-up.
Early Departure or Extended Stay:
If you wish to depart early or extend your stay in Europe, flight and hotel arrangements can be made by contacting our Oregon office. Airport transfers are not included but may be purchased through GET. On most tours you can reserve up to 3 additional nights at the hotel where your tour starts and ends, however space may be limited and is subject to availability. Please call for our low cost rates and availability. Luggage handling and breakfast is not included on North American tour extensions.
Land Tour Only:
If you wish to make independent flight arrangements, you may still reserve the land portion of a tour. Hotel-airport transfers are subject to availability and flight details must be provided in writing at least 45 days prior to departure. See tour page for specific transfer times.
Airport Transfers:
Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers are included in the tour price when you purchase our land/air package and operate at fixed times on the first and last day of your tour. See the individual tour pages for details. For those making their own flight arrangements or extending at GET hotels, transfers can be purchased; please call for details. London Heathrow Airport Arrivals: For tours commencing in London, we have included a free group shuttle to/from LHR for clients that have booked our combined land/air packages. For clients that have made their own flight arrangements GET has negotiated special rates for shuttle transfers from LHR to your London hotel (which must be booked through GET) at a price of $40 per person per single trip to/from LHR. London Gatwick Airport Arrivals: Clients arriving at LGW who have booked our combined land/air packages are provided with a Gatwick Express train voucher to Victoria Station, and will need to make their own way from Victoria Station to the tour hotel. For clients that have made their own flight arrangements we suggest you visit www.gatwickexpress. com for transfer information.
Smoking:
Please note that we do not permit smoking on our motorcoaches, however, frequent stops are made while touring.
Surface Travel & Sightseeing:
Ground arrangements are provided by Grand European Operations Ltd., a separate company, and include inter-city travel by private motorcoach with air-conditioning and an emergency restroom*, ferry, train, and ship as per the itinerary. Activities on days indicated in the itinerary as being “at leisure or optional” are left to your discretion. *Some exceptions apply.
Holidays:
During local or national holidays some museums, restaurants or sightseeing may be limited or not available. Alternatives will be offered wherever possible. At times, some itineraries may be operated in reverse; you will be advised at the time of booking. Nile River Cruises: due to the unreliability of domestic air scheduling, religious festivals and other unforeseen circumstances, the order of some itineraries may need to change at short notice; on occasion an alternative cruise boat of equal standing may be used.
Hotels:
The hotels reserved for our tours are rated as European Standard First Class. All hotel rooms provide a private bath (and/or shower) and toilet. These hotels are clean, comfortable and located so as to best facilitate guided sightseeing of the area. Hotels reserved for each tour are indicated in the Day-By-Day Itinerary. If, for any reason, it becomes necessary to use other hotels, they will be of a similar standard, where possible. We only contract non-smoking rooms. All accommodations, meals and services have been designated as first class in Russia, Eastern Europe and provincial areas though some tourism facilities are less developed than what might normally be expected in this category. Tours in North and South America use Standard First Class hotels
Single Rooms:
A limited number of single rooms are available at the supplement shown for each tour. While single rooms provide privacy, they are often smaller than twin-bedded rooms. We do offer the option to join our non-smoking Room Share Program (see page 13 for details). The Room Share Program is not available on tours/cruises to Greece, Egypt, Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Peru, South America, South Africa, China, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, all European River Cruises and all pre or post tour extensions.
Triple Rooms:
Triple room accommodations are available on a limited basis at a reduced price. Triple rooms usually consist of a twin-bedded room with an additional folding bed or cot for the third person. They may not be comfortable for three adults. Triple rooms are not available on cruises.
Meals:
WR=Welcome Reception. Breakfasts are served as: B=Breakfast, BB=Buffet Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast, SB=Scandinavian Buffet Breakfast, FB=Full Breakfast. Lunches (L) and three-course table d’hote (set menu) dinners (D), (FD) farewell dinners and (BD) buffet dinners are shown in the itinerary for each tour and are generally catered by the hotel in which you are residing. (HD)Highlight Dinner and (HL) Highlight Lunch will be catered at a local restaurant or special venue. (DA) Dine-Around dinners are catered at a selection of restaurants preselected by Grand European Tours. Please note in cases of early morning departures, FB may not be available. Please note that we are unable to accept requests for special menus to meet dietary or religious requirements.
Tour Price Does Not Include:
Beverages and meals not detailed in the itinerary. Personal expenses including passport and visa fees, alcoholic beverages, optional sightseeing tours, laundry, phone calls, traditional end of the tour gratuity to your Tour Director and Motorcoach Driver, tips to local city guides, crew tips and all other items of a personal nature, airport tax, service & security charges and port taxes. (Subject to change.) Travel Insurance is also not included but is highly recommended.
Consumer Disclosure Notice:
Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully, as your deposit and payment for a trip constitutes consent to all conditions and general information contained in this brochure.
Responsibility:
These trips are arranged by Grand European Operations Ltd. (“Operator”) in conjunction with Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. It has made the travel arrangements as agent for the transportation carriers and other suppliers of services connected with the tour (“suppliers”) all of which are independent contractors. The Operator in no way owns or operates the vehicles or facilities to be used during the trip, and does not guarantee or assume responsibility for the acts and/or omissions of suppliers, their employees, agents, etc. Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all benefit of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to passengers and luggage. Enrollment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company.
All bookings are accepted subject to the conditions imposed by suppliers and Operator, including airline, cruise line, rail, coach, hotel, restaurants, insurance and other companies, firms or persons concerned with the trip, and the Operator will make no refund in the event of their delay, cancellation, overbooking, strike, force majeure or for elements of the package not used by customer. If there is a difference between the Operator’s Conditions and those published by a supplier, the conditions of supplier shall apply. The Operator reserves the right to cancel a trip or change the itinerary whenever in its sole judgment conditions warrant, or if the Operator deems it necessary for your comfort, convenience or safety. Trips outside the USA require a valid passport. You are responsible for, and release the Operator from, passport, visa, vaccination requirements, and safety conditions in travel destinations. The Operator strongly recommends you purchase appropriate cancellation/medical/baggage insurance for the trip, which is available from the Operator. For medical information, call the Center for Disease Control at 800- 232-4636 or visit www.cdc.gov/travel, and for U.S. State Department travel advisories, call 202-647- 5225. The Operator reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the trip at any time who presents a significant risk to the health or safety of himself or others which can not be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by the Operator’s reasonable accommodation. The Operator reserves the right to correct an error in the advertised price prior to your departure. Prices in this brochure are accurate at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice due to changes in market factors including but not limited to foreign currency and supplier cost fluctuations. Prices set forth in future brochures shall supersede the prices in this brochure. Airfare quotes, and Air Add-ons in this brochure are subject to airline capacity limitations and higher airfares may apply depending on seat availability at the time of reservation. A contract is made when your reservation and payment are accepted by the Operator at its office, and any dispute shall be governed by Oregon law and subject to the jurisdiction of Portland, Oregon. In calculating the cost of your trip, Operator has relied on your consent to these terms and in the absence of this release, the trip cost would have been higher. Operator reserves the right to substitute hotels of similar quality at any time or to make changes in itinerary of similar quality. Operator will not be responsible to any person for expense, loss of time, money or other circumstance resulting from a change in itinerary or change of tour arrangements. Operator also reserves the right to cancel a tour prior to departure, and in such cases all payments made to date will be refunded and shall constitute full settlement. If you purchase an airline ticket separately, ensure that your travel agent explains the conditions under which the ticket is issued, as the Operator assumes no responsibility for such airline ticket cancellation fees. Please understand that not all museums and attractions are open every day of the year. Operator reserves the right to vary the sequence of sightseeing and/ or to re-route the order of cities if that will enable you to visit all listed excursions. In either case, the itinerary content will be maintained to the extent possible and there are no refunds for any unused or unavailable excursions. Promotional offers subject to change. This brochure supersedes any other current brochure on the market.
Privacy Policy:
Occasionally we make portions of our mailing lists available to carefully selected companies. If you would prefer not to have your name and mailing address made available, please call us at 1-800-552-5545. To review our full privacy policy, visit our website at www.getours.com/privacypolicy.
