The Trailblazer
The Trailblazer
8 Days
from $1,325
Tour Code: TRA
The Trailblazer
Blaze a trail from Las Vegas through Arizona and Utah on this fascinating tour through America’s wild, wild west. Lose yourself in the glitter of Las Vegas and try your hand in the casinos before you escape to the scenic wonderland of Red Rock Country, the Grand Canyon, Zion and Bryce Canyon.
Drive along Route 66 and stay in the charming Arizona town of Sedona. You’ll have time to explore the changing hues of the Grand Canyon and travel through a Navajo Indian Reservation.
Save some amazement for a peak experience. The magnificent sandstone peaks of Zion National Park will take your breath away. You’ll be breathless once more as you walk amidst the magical sandstone rock formations at Bryce Canyon National Park.
Stay in our selection of First Class accommodations and enjoy 10 meals including Welcome Reception, 7 Full Breakfasts, 2 Three-Course Dinners and 1 Farewell Dinner with wine. To ensure a comfortable travel experience, our motorcoaches are equipped with large panoramic windows, reclining seats, air-conditioning and restroom facilities.
Tour price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement or you can choose to participate in our room share program.
***This tour is operated by our sister company.
Your Tour Price Includes
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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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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TransportationMotor-coach with A/C, panoramic windows, reclining seats & emergency restroom. Airport transfers on arrival and departure days.
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Travel DocumentsTravel wallet, travel planner & map. $100 Frequent Traveler Discount upon return for a future tour.
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Professional Tour Director
Your tour will be conducted by some of the most experienced Tour Directors in the world. These dedicated professionals will manage the intricate details of your tour 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!
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First Class HotelsHotels are an expensive element of any tour and certainly one of the most important. For our tours we reserve First Class Hotels (or best available) and all hotel rooms feature a private bathroom. You’ll enjoy our selection of hotels such as Radisson, Hilton and Sheraton.
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Local Expert Guide: Grand Canyon National ParkLocal Expert Guide in Grand Canyon National Park.
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10 MealsWelcome Reception,7 Breakfasts, 2 Three-Course Dinners and 1 Farewell Dinner with wine.
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Included Tour Highlights
Travel along Route 66
Travel along a portion of the historic Route 66 to the Red Rock Country landscape of Sedona.
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Lake Powell
Beautiful Lake Powell Enjoy views of the impressive rock formations that shape Lake Powell.
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Travel through Oak Creek CanyonClimb through the dramatic Oak Creek Canyon, with incredible views looking back over Sedona and Red Rock Country.
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Visit Bryce Canyon National Park
The “hoodoos” at Bryce Canyon Travel along the amphitheater of pink, orange and red hoodoos in Bryce Canyon National Park.
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Enjoy the Grand Canyon
South Rim, Grand Canyon Your first view of the amazing Grand Canyon is at Mather Point. Enjoy the changing views of this natural wonder as you travel to the hotel located near the South Rim. As the sun sets, join your Tour Director on a stroll along the rim and watch the colors change on the canyon’s walls. There is time the next morning to admire the canyon’s amazing colors in the sunrise light.
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Explore the massive rock formations at Zion National Park
View Checkerboard Mesa, one of Zion’s most famous landmarks as you arrive at the impressive Zion Canyon. Witness the amazing results of millions of years of erosion, including the Great Arch of Zion.
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Monument ValleyJoin a local guide for an informative excursion through Monument Valley.
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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.
Las Vegas - Sights & LightsWhether you’re a first-time or repeat visitor to Las Vegas, you’ll want to join this exciting night on the town in the ‘City That Never Sleeps!’ You’ll be amazed by the brilliant Fremont Street Experience, see countless wedding chapels, and, of course, be awed by the most spectacular collection of casino hotels in the world. See some of the most extravagant casinos and attractions, each trying to outdo the other. Be prepared for an evening that’s full of surprises! Tour duration: 3.5 hours.
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Grand Canyon - North Canyon Helicopter Flight (25-30 minute)Experience the magnitude of the Grand Canyon and its splendor of ever-changing color in a perspective
incomparable to any other method of seeing this “Wonder of the World.” Your tour takes you over the deepest portion of the Grand Canyon, through the Dragon Corridor, and continues to the North Rim, where you view the incredible geological differences between the North and South Rims. During your return to the South Rim, enjoy breathtaking views of temples, shrines and rock formations sculpted by time while flying above the widest portion of the mighty Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 25-30 min. Tour length: 2 hours.
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Las Vegas - Bally’s Jubilee!Have a blast at Jubilee! -- Donn Arden's lavish stage spectacular, boasting the most glitter this side of
Hollywood. A brilliant spectacle filled with beautiful showgirls, lavish costumes and intricate sets, Jubilee! Sets itself apart as the true Vegas production show. More than 70 showgirls fill the stage, adorned with elaborate feather head-dresses and dazzling Bob Mackie costumes. The Titanic sinks nightly, and a stunning tribute to Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers will leave you mesmerized. Enjoy the million dollar sets and the A-1 tune-crooning -- a true Las Vegas marvel. Tour duration: 2 hours. (Minimum: 15 passengers; adults only).
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Grand Canyon - Ecostar Helicopter Flight (25-30 minute)Fly the EC 130, the “newest and quietest” helicopters in the Grand Canyon with larger windows, and all seats facing forward. Your tour takes you over the deepest portion of the Grand Canyon, through the Dragon Corridor, and continues to the North Rim, where you view the incredible geological differences between the North and South Rims. During your return to the South Rim, enjoy breathtaking views of temples, shrines and rock formations sculpted by time while flying above the widest portion of the mighty Colorado River. Flight duration: 25- 30 min. Tour length: 2 hours. Subject to weather conditions.
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Las Vegas - Hoover Dam ExcursionSee two amazing engineering sights when you visit the Hoover Dam -- the spectacular new bypass bridge, the largest concrete arch bridge in the Western Hemisphere just completed in 2010, and the amazing dam that controls the flow of the Colorado River, providing water and power for millions in the hottest, driest areas of the U.S. Travel past Lake Mead for a two-hour stay at the Hoover Dam. Explore the Visitor’s Center museum and movie room. Ride the elevator 530 feet down through the rock wall of Black Canyon and begin a 35-minute guided tour. You'll exit the elevator into a tunnel drilled in the 1930s for construction, and walk out to the viewing platform atop one of the four huge pipes that can transport nearly 90,000 gallons of water each second from Lake Mead to the dam's hydroelectric generators. Visit the balcony for a panoramic view of the power plant and eight of the dam's 17 huge generators. Tour length: 5 hours.
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Grand Canyon - Imperial Helicopter Flight (40-50 minute)Enjoy this tour of the panoramic magnificence of the Eastern Grand Canyon combined with the renowned
beauty of The North Canyon. The spectacular views of the Painted Desert and Colorado River alone make this tour worth its weight in gold. With so much to see and experience, the Eastern Canyon tour is as unique as it is beautiful. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 40-50 min. Tour length: 2 hours.
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Sedona - Canyon & Cowboys Jeep TourYour Red Rock Western Guide takes you through a scenic wonderland surrounded by seven majestic canyons into historic Dry Creek Basin. Relive Sedona’s early cowboy days with tales of murder and moonshine at the old “Van Derin” cabin, where only select jeep tour companies are permitted to travel. Tour duration: 1.5 hours.
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Grand Canyon - Grand Kingdom Ecostar Helicopter Flight (40-50 minute)Fly the EC 130, the “newest and quietest” helicopters in the Grand Canyon with larger windows, and all seats facing forward. Embark on this 45-50 minute tour of the Eastern Grand Canyon that combines with the renowned beauty of The North Canyon tour. Enjoy spectacular views of the Painted Desert and Colorado River. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 40-50 min. Tour length: 2 hours
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Lake Powell - Antelope Canyon CruiseWith a shoreline longer than the entire west coast of the United States, Lake Powell is one of the premier destinations in the country for sightseeing cruises. This cruise is a photographer’s dream and will take you on a 90-minute journey through the lower portion of Antelope Canyon. The canyon is famous for its slot canyons, sculpted cracks in the sandstone that are often only a few meters wide but a hundred meters deep. A photo stop will also be made at the crest of the Glen Canyon Dam, more than 600 feet above the Colorado River. Add to this the sandy beaches, cool blue water and incredible red rock scenery – all part of the second largest man-made lake in the United States. This is a trip not to be missed!
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Grand Canyon - Fixed Wing Aircraft Flight (40-50 minute)The original air tour of the Grand Canyon and the best value! Board an ultra-quiet 19-passenger, climate-controlled de Havilland Twin Otter Vistaliner for a 40-45 minute Grand Discovery flight over the Grand Canyon. This tour covers the most famous and beautiful parts of the Grand Canyon including the Eastern Zuni Corridor, the Confluence and the North Rim and returns through the Western Dragon Corridor. The wings on this aircraft are located over the windows which allows for spectacular panoramic sightseeing and picture taking. Subject to weather conditions. Flight duration: 40-50 min. Tour length: 2 hours.
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Day 1 Arrive Las Vegas
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to
your local airport for your flight
to Las Vegas. A complimentary
transfer is provided to the tour
hotel where your Tour Director
will be on hand to greet you and
answer any questions you may
have about the exciting days
ahead. At 6 p.m., gather at the
hotel with your Tour Director and
fellow travelers for a Welcome
Reception.
Welcome Reception Included
Day 2 Las Vegas - Route 66 - Sedona
Say good-bye to Sin City and
hit the “Mother Road” on
historic Route 66. Watch the
classic motels and restaurants
of a simpler time roll by, framed
by stunning desert landscapes.
Travel south through the fragrant
pine groves of the Kaibab
National Forest on your way to
the artists’ enclave of Sedona, a
lovely town situated in the high
desert of Arizona.
Full Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 3 Sedona - Grand Canyon National Park
This morning, enjoy some free time
to stroll the pedestrian-friendly
streets, browse a gallery full of local
art inspired by the striking landscapes
and pure mountain light,
or just relax with a cup of coffee
and a croissant at a cozy bakery. If
adventure’s more your thing, take
an optional excursion by jeep into
Red Rock Country. Then depart for
Oak Creek Canyon – from a panoramic
viewpoint, gaze at the red
cliffs and crystal pools below. Then
meet with a local expert who walks
you through the geologic life of
the canyon -- you’ll become a rock
expert yourself as you examine the
multicolored rocks from different
eras of the canyon’s formation. This
evening, gather to watch the sunset
and the fading light gilding the canyon
and casting enchanting shadows.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 4 Grand Canyon - Monument Valley - Lake Powell
Rise early to catch the first light
washing over
the canyon.
If you like,
take an optional
helicopter or
fixed-wing aircraft
flight-seeing trip to
see the canyon from
the sky. Then, leave
the canyon following
Desert Drive and more
spectacular views and
wind your way through the
ancestral home of the Navajo
people. Stop at Cameron Trading
Post to browse through handicrafts
and maybe enjoy some tasty
fry bread. Traverse the badlands of
the Painted Desert — the rugged
landscape changing hour by hour
as the sun illuminates the eroded
stone of the desert floor. Visit the
Code Talkers Exhibit in Kayenta
and learn how the Navajos were one of America’s greatest secret
weapons in World War II. Continue
on to striking Monument
Valley where you’ll hop aboard
an open-air vehicle with a Local
Guide to explore the magnificent
mesas and iconic rock formations.
Even more spectacular vistas await
as you arrive on the shores of glittering
Lake Powell, one of America’s most beautiful lakes. Tonight,
meet with an expert naturalist for
a fascinating slideshow about the
ecology and survival strategies of
the desert wildlife of the Colorado
Plateau.
Full Breakfast and Dinner Included
Day 5 Lake Powell Free Day
The day is yours. Rise early for
an adventurous hike or kick back
in the sun on the shores of this
186-mile-long lake, formed by the
Glen Canyon Dam. Gather some
of your traveling companions for
an optional raft down one of the
prettiest sections of the Colorado
River or a scenic cruise on the
lake, visiting magnificent Antelope
Canyon. If you want to hit the water,
go kayaking or fish for striped
bass and bluegill in one of the
lake’s glittering bays.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 6 Lake Powell - Bryce Canyon & Zion National Parks
Continue your journey into Bryce
Canyon National Park, home to
the world’s largest concentration of
hoodoos, those towering limestone
spires that seem to rise majestically
from the desert floor. From
the rim of the amphitheater, gaze
down upon thousands of pink,
orange and yellow pinnacles, the
result of millions of years of erosion.
You may even spot one of the
park’s bristlecone pines, the world’s
longest-living trees. Depart Bryce
Canyon for the gorgeous wonderland
that is Zion National Park.
You’ll be amazed by the petrified
sandstone formation of Checkerboard
Mesa and the otherworldly
Zion Canyon. Throughout your
stay, you’ll never be far from the
natural glories of Zion; even your
room has a view of the canyon.
Full Breakfast Included
Day 7 Zion National Park Free Day
You have the entire day to immerse
yourself in the beauty of
Zion. Marvel at the graceful slot
canyons, towering cliffs and awe-inspiring
monoliths, all carved
out over 200 million years from
the orange sandstone. Stretch
your legs on a leisurely stroll
along the Virgin River up to the
Temple of Sinawava to peek at the
start of the Narrows slot canyon
or hike up to the three Emerald
Pools. Spot some of the more than
200 species of birds that call the
park home. Or join a park ranger
to learn more about the park on
one of the many daily programs.
This evening, share your adventures
with your traveling companions
at a festive Farewell Dinner.
Full Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Included
Day 8 Zion - Depart Las Vegas
From Zion, head west to the thriving
town of St. George, nestled
between the Mojave Desert and
the cool Pine Valley Mountains,
and home to Utah’s first Mormon
temple. Travel along one of
the most expensive sections of
interstate ever constructed as you
wind your way through the Virgin
River Gorge on your way to the
flat expanses of the Mojave Desert
and the neon lights of Las Vegas. A
complimentary transfer is provided
to Las Vegas International Airport.
Full Breakfast Included
Please do not schedule any flights before 3:00pm
of $300 per couple when you book by
February 10, 2012.
| Depart Return |
Land Only Price | Price includes savings of: | Airfare |
|---|---|---|---|
$1,325 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,700 | $150 | ||
$1,575 | $150 |
Departure Details
Departures are available March 2012 through December 2012.
Note: March 18 departure operates the 2011 itinerary, please call for details.
Pricing Details
The prices above are for the land only portion of the tour and include the Early Booking Discount of $150 per person. In order to qualify for the discount you must book and deposit by February 10, 2012.
Tour price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement or you can choose to participate in our room share program.
Single Room Supplement: from $520
At times we offer discounted departures where the price has been discounted to reflect savings. Discounted rates are valid for new bookings only and are not combinable with any other offers.
Please Note: This tour is operated by our sister company.
Day |
City |
Hotel |
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| 1 | Las Vegas | Paris Las Vegas | |||||||||||
Paris Las Vegas
Paris Las Vegas Location: Right in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. Amid neon lights of Sin City, Paris Las Vegas transports you to the City of Light, form the replica Eiffel Tower to the charming sidewalk cafes Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Right in the heart of the Las Vegas strip. Amid neon lights of Sin City, Paris Las Vegas transports you to the City of Light, form the replica Eiffel Tower to the charming sidewalk cafes |
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| 2 | Sedona | Poco Diablo Resort | |||||||||||
Poco Diablo Resort
First Class Poco Diablo Resort Location: Near beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, Poco Diablo Resort is just a couple miles from the alluring Cathedral Rock Vortex, Majestic Bell Rock, Montezuma’s Castle, the mysterious ghost town of Jerome and the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Near beautiful Oak Creek Canyon, Poco Diablo Resort is just a couple miles from the alluring Cathedral Rock Vortex, Majestic Bell Rock, Montezuma’s Castle, the mysterious ghost town of Jerome and the famous Chapel of the Holy Cross. |
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| 3 | Grand Canyon | National Park Lodges | |||||||||||
National Park Lodges
First Class National Park Lodges Location: Yavapai Lodge is Grand Canyon Lodges’ largest facility and is surrounded by pinyon and juniper woodlands, about ½ mile from the rim. In-Room Amenities
Location: Yavapai Lodge is Grand Canyon Lodges’ largest facility and is surrounded by pinyon and juniper woodlands, about ½ mile from the rim. |
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| 4 | Lake Powell | Lake Powell Resort | |||||||||||
Lake Powell Resort
First Class Lake Powell Resort Location: Wahweap Marina and at the heart of all your downlake activities and adventures. Right on the lake, and just minutes from Page AZ. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Wahweap Marina and at the heart of all your downlake activities and adventures. Right on the lake, and just minutes from Page AZ. |
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| 6,7 | Zion | Majestic View Lodge | |||||||||||
Majestic View Lodge
Majestic View Lodge Location: It’s situated on a knoll at the entrance to Zion Canyon in the southern Utah town of Springdale. Less than 3 miles from our door is the south entrance to Zion National Park, one of the most frequently visited, and truly inspiring National Parks. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: It’s situated on a knoll at the entrance to Zion Canyon in the southern Utah town of Springdale. Less than 3 miles from our door is the south entrance to Zion National Park, one of the most frequently visited, and truly inspiring National Parks. |
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Travel Tools
| Country | Currency | Tips | City | Weather | Time |
| United States |
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Las Vegas, Nevada |
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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.
