Amazing Spain & Portugal
Amazing Spain & Portugal
10 Days
from $1,569
Tour Code: VSP
Amazing Spain & Portugal
From the cobbled streets of Toledo to the arabesque Alhambra and Manueline Lisbon, this well planned itinerary highlights the culture, art and landscapes of these two ‘amazing’ countries on this 10-day tour through Iberia.
The enchanting spell of Southern Spain will overcome your senses as you explore the famous Alhambra -- “a fantasy of stone cut lace, arabesque gardens and fountains” - and the Gardens of the Generlife. In the beautiful city of Seville, seeing the gothic cathedral and stunning Alcazar is the perfect preparation for participating in an optional, evening flamenco show!
Your exploration of Iberia would not be complete without a visit to the land of the navigators – Portugal! Discover alluring Lisbon, “the princess of the world...before whom even the ocean bows!” and her various monuments to her ancient explorers, before returning to Spain, and the lovely city of Salamanca!
Stay in our selection of European First Class accommodations and enjoy 12 meals including Welcome Reception with snacks, 8 Buffet Breakfasts, 2 Three-Course Dinners with tea or coffee, 1 Dine-Around Dinner 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 emergency 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.
Note: 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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TransportationLuxury motorcoach with A/C, panoramic windows, reclining seats & emergency restroom. Airport arrival and departure transfers as noted in itinerary included with the purchase of combined air and land package.
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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 DirectorYour tour will be conducted by the most experienced Tour Directors in the business and will be with you throughout the tour.
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First Class HotelsHotels are an expensive element of any tour and certainly one of the most important. For our tours we reserve European Standard First Class Hotels (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 Guides: Toledo, Granada, Seville, Lisbon and MadridLocal Expert Guides in Toledo, Granada, Seville, Lisbon and Madrid.
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12 MealsWelcome Reception with snacks, 8 Buffet Breakfasts, 2 Three-Course Dinners with tea or coffee, 1 Dine-Around Dinner and 1 Farewell Dinner.
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Included Tour Highlights
Visit Toledo and see El Greco’s masterpieceVisit Toledo and see the Cathedral and El Greco’s masterpiece in the chapel of Santo Tome.
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Lisbon SightseeingVisit the Monument to the Discoveries, Belem Tower and Jeronimo’s Monastery.
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Visit Alhambra PalaceThe Alhambra is a true expression of the once flourishing Moorish civilization and is the finest example of its architecture in Spain. See the remains of the citadel, the so-called palace of the kings, and the quarters once used by officials. The halls and chambers surround a series of open courts, which include the Court of Lions containing arcades resting on 124 white marble columns. The interior of the building is adorned sumptuously with magnificent examples of the so-called honeycomb and stalactite vaulting; its walls and ceilings are decorated with geometric ornamentation of minute detail and intricacy, executed with surpassing skill in marble, alabaster, glazed tile, and carved plaster.
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Visit the Basilica in FatimaVisit legendary Fatima where on May 13, 1917 the Virgin Mary is reported to have appeared to three shepherd children. Since the recognition of this apparition by the Vatican in the 1930’s, this has become one of the most important shrines in Europe and places of pilgrimage. You will admire the 213 foot high tower crested by a bronze crown and crystal cross and have time to enjoy this peaceful, holy place and shop for religious souvenirs.
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Visit the gardens of the GeneralifeVisit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence, where you can enjoy the fine views over the town and its hills.
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Madrid City TourMadrid sightseeing includes the Plaza de Espana, Royal Palace and Cibeles Fountain.
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Guided sightseeing tour of Seville
Seville sightseeing includes the tomb of Christopher Columbus in Seville’s Gothic Cathedral.
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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.
Madrid - Classical MadridWe drive to the magnificent Prado Museum for a guided tour of its art treasures, including works by El Greco, Velasquez, Goya and many others.
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Lisbon - Sintra, Cascais & Estoril ExcursionWe leave the city of Lisbon for the slopes of the Sierra de Sintra. After visiting an impressive palace, we see the fashionable casino resort of Estoril before returning to Lisbon by way of the quaint fishing village of Cascais.
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Seville - Cordoba & the MesquitaA morning excursion to historic Cordoba, the most perfectly preserved Moorish city, where our guided walking tour shows us this fascinating city including the magnificent 'Mesquita', an 8th century mosque which is considered to be one of the finest monuments built by the Moors during their occupation of Spain.
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Lisbon - Lisbon by NightWe drive first to the Barrio Alto, the old quarter of Lisbon, to admire the views over the city. We then take a short funicular ride to the Baixa, the heart of the downtown area where after a short walk you will have time to have a leisurely dinner in one of the many restaurants in this area. Later back to the hotel passing the sights of the city by night.
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Seville - Andalusian Tapas & the Atmosphere of Old SevilleEnjoy a delicious selection of tapas specialties in a local restaurant with wine included. Then later we conclude the evening by taking an atmospheric walk through the old quarter of Seville which has a special magic in the evening.
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Lisbon - Seafood Dinner by the Tagus RiverTake the ferry across the mighty Tagus River and enjoy typical Portuguese seafood and fish specialties. After dinner cross the impressive suspension bridge for sweeping views over the Portuguese capital.
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Seville - Flamenco ShowThis evening, enjoy the true spirit of Spain as we watch a spectacular and colorful Flamenco show. Drinks are included.
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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 - Madrid
VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to your local airport for your overnight flight to Madrid.
DAY 2 Arrive Madrid
Welcome to Madrid, Europe’s highest capital, occupying the very center of the Iberian Peninsula. Your airport transfers depart from Madrid Airport to the tour hotel at 09:00, 11:00, 13:30 & 16:00 hours. The rest of the day is at leisure to begin to get to know this stylish city. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Reception with your Tour Director.
Welcome Reception Included
DAY 3 Madrid - Toledo - Granada
Set off southwards this morning to the city of Toledo, situated high above the River Tagus, and famous for its burnished steel swords, which have been crafted here for centuries. Walk through the cobbled streets to visit the great Gothic Cathedral to see its magnificent high altar, the incredible baroque window and El Greco’s famous paintings. Continue on through the dry plains of Don Quixote’s La Mancha, before crossing the Sierra Nevada to reach Granada, capital of the Moorish Kingdom of Spain till the Moors’ defeat in 1492.
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included.
DAY 4 Granada -Seville
‘There is no pain in life so cruel as to be blind in Granada’, cries the inscription on the walls of the Alhambra. Bathed in morning light, the Alhambra Palace awaits: a fantasy of stone cut lace, arabesque gardens and fountains, built as a citadel by the Moors in the 13th century. You also visit the exotic water gardens of the Generalife, the royal summer residence. Relax here in the sunshine, and enjoy the fine views over the town and its three verdant hills before embarking on a scenic drive to Seville.
Buffet Breakfast Included
DAY 5 Seville
Your guided sightseeing tour of Seville reveals the city in all its glory! Soak up the atmosphere in the fashionable Santa Cruz Quarter, with its narrow lanes and flower decked wrought iron balconies. See the fabulous Alcazar and slender Giralda Tower before entering the immense 15C Cathedral, the final resting place of Christopher Columbus. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, there are a selection of local restaurants to choose from for your Dine-around evening.
Buffet Breakfast and Dine-Around Dinner Included
DAY 6 Seville - Lisbon
A picturesque day’s drive through the Iberian landscape as you cross the Guadiana river and leave Spain, driving on to Portugal’s beautiful Algarve coast. Around lunch time, stop in one of the pleasant towns of this sun drenched region. Now head for Lisbon, historic capital of Portugal - according to the poet Camoes, “the princess of the world...before whom even the ocean bows”!
Buffet Breakfast Included
DAY 7 Lisbon
A panoramic guided tour takes you along the spacious avenues of the Lower Town and beneath the hilltop Bairro Alto to the Terreiro do Paco, finest square in the city. Visit the Belem Quarter from where sailing ships set forth to discover unknown lands. See the modern Monument to the Discoveries and the more ancient Belem Tower, a masterpiece of Manueline style. It was erected to protect Jeronimo’s Monastery which you visit next. Take some time to admire the fabulous double tiered cloisters. Then you are at leisure. Perhaps join a tour to the beautiful town of Sintra which was the summer residence of the Kings of Portugal?
Buffet Breakfast Included
DAY 8 Lisbon - Fatima - Salamanca
Drive into the green hills north of Lisbon to visit Fatima the most celebrated place of pilgrimage in Portugal. Visit the Basilica commemorating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to three children in 1917. Then cross the border back into Spain and continue to Salamanca, famous for its golden stone buildings. See the handsome arcades of the Plaza Mayor, and Puente Romano bridge across the River Tormes - 15 of its 26 arches still date from the time of the ancient Romans!
Buffet Breakfast and Dinner Included
DAY 9 Salamanca - Avila - Madrid
Cross the rock strewn hills of La Morana, towards the city of Avila, still entirely enclosed within 11th century walls, and unique in Europe. Walk awhile within the ancient city, before returning to Madrid for a sightseeing tour. Here, your local guide takes you along the Gran Via and through the Puerta del Sol. You’ll see the statue of Don Quixote in the Plaza de España, Royal Palace, Cibeles Fountain and Parliament. This evening, bid farewell to your new found friends with a lively Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.
Buffet Breakfast and Farewell Dinner Included
DAY 10 Madrid - USA
After breakfast, the airport transfer
from the tour hotel arrives
Madrid Airport at 07:00, 09:00 &
11:00 hours.
Buffet Breakfast Included
of $400 per couple when you book by
February 10, 2012.
| Depart Return |
Land Only Price | Price includes savings of: | International Airfare |
|---|---|---|---|
Fri 02/10/12 |
$1,569 | $200 |
Call 1-877-622-9109 |
Fri 02/24/12 |
$1,569 | $200 |
Call 1-877-622-9109 |
Fri 03/02/12 |
$1,569 | $200 |
Call 1-877-622-9109 |
Fri 03/09/12 |
$1,569 | $200 |
Call 1-877-622-9109 |
$1,569 | $200 | ||
$1,569 | $200 | ||
$1,569 | $200 | ||
$2,169 | $200 | ||
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$2,199 | $200 | ||
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$2,199 | $200 | ||
$2,169 | $200 | ||
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Departure Details
Departures are available November 2011 through October 2012.
Pricing Details
The prices above are for the land only portion of the tour and include the Early Booking Discount of $200 per person. In order to qualify for the discounts you must book and deposit by February 10, 2012.
Airfare is available at an additional cost from over 60 departure cities, call for an up-to-the-minute air quote from your hometown. When you book your Air & Land package together by you’ll save an additional $200 per couple!
Tour price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement or you can choose to participate in our room share program.
Single Room Supplement: from $635
At times we offer discounted departures where the price has been discounted to reflect savings. Discounted rates are valid for new bookings only and are not combinable with any other offers.
Please Note: This tour is operated by our sister company.
Day |
City |
Hotel |
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| 2 | Madrid | Melia Madrid Princesa | |||||||||||||||||
Melia Madrid Princesa
Melia Madrid Princesa Location: The Meliá Madrid Princesa is located right in the “Royal” heart of the capital of Spain, in the commercial center and just a few meters from the Plaza España, the Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor and close to the city’s business and financial district. Barajas airport and the exhibition center are within easy reach using the metro stop just 50 meters from the hotel. Hotel Amenities
Location: The Meliá Madrid Princesa is located right in the “Royal” heart of the capital of Spain, in the commercial center and just a few meters from the Plaza España, the Royal Palace, the Plaza Mayor and close to the city’s business and financial district. Barajas airport and the exhibition center are within easy reach using the metro stop just 50 meters from the hotel. |
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| 3 | Granada | Saray | |||||||||||||||||
Saray
First Class Saray Location: Located next to the congress and expositions palace, a few minutes from the centre make this a perfect location. The hotel was refurbished in 2008 and is one of the most emblematic hotels in Granada. Hotel Amenities
Location: Located next to the congress and expositions palace, a few minutes from the centre make this a perfect location. The hotel was refurbished in 2008 and is one of the most emblematic hotels in Granada. |
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| 4,5 | Seville | Ayre Hotel Seville | |||||||||||||||||
Ayre Hotel Seville
First Class Ayre Hotel Seville Location: Situated in the residential and commercial area of Sevilla and only 10 minutes from the historic quarter and from the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones. Just opposite the AVE train station of Santa Justa & only 7 km. from the San Pablo airport. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Situated in the residential and commercial area of Sevilla and only 10 minutes from the historic quarter and from the Palacio de Congresos y Exposiciones. Just opposite the AVE train station of Santa Justa & only 7 km. from the San Pablo airport. |
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| 6,7 | Lisbon | Marriott Lisbon | |||||||||||||||||
Marriott Lisbon
First Class Marriott Lisbon Location: Centrally located near Lisbon University Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Centrally located near Lisbon University |
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| 8 | Salamanca | Hotel Alameda Palace | |||||||||||||||||
Hotel Alameda Palace
First Class Hotel Alameda Palace Location: A modern and luxurious five-star hotel situated in the center of the city. Located in the historic Palacio de los Prada. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: A modern and luxurious five-star hotel situated in the center of the city. Located in the historic Palacio de los Prada. |
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| 9 | Madrid | Melia Galgos | |||||||||||||||||
Melia Galgos
First Class Melia Galgos Location: The hotel is located in the heart of the Salamanca Quarter, one of Madrid’s most elegant & exclusive neighborhoods, and very close to the famous museums of the Paseo del Arte. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: The hotel is located in the heart of the Salamanca Quarter, one of Madrid’s most elegant & exclusive neighborhoods, and very close to the famous museums of the Paseo del Arte. |
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Travel Tools
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.
