European Delight
13 Days from $2,075 per person
The unbeatable sights of Italy's great cities including Rome, Florence and Venice, the beautiful lakeside landscapes of Lucerne, the incomparable Paris skyline with its iconic monuments and museums. Put them all together and you have a recipe for an exhilarating European trip.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
Overview
The unbeatable sights of Italy's great cities including Rome, Florence and Venice, the beautiful lakeside landscapes of Lucerne, the incomparable Paris skyline with its iconic monuments and museums. Put them all together and you have a recipe for an exhilarating European trip.
Travel to Europe often requires an overnight flight. Please arrange for flights to arrive on or before Day 1.
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Day 1: Arrive Rome (2 Nights)
Welcome to Rome. On arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport transfers will operate at 9:30 am 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel. Unwind after your journey. Meet later with your Travel Director and fellow travelers.
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Day 2: Rome Sightseeing and Free Time
Your Local Specialist takes you on a fantastic sightseeing tour. Visit St. Peter's Basilica and admire Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpiece, the Pietà. Your guided tour continues across the Tiber where you view the mighty Colosseum, see Circus Maximus and the ancient sites of Rome. Spend time afterward seeing more sights or shopping for souvenirs.
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Day 3: Rome – Siena – Florence (2 Nights)
Head north through the Chianti wine-producing region to the beautiful medieval city of Siena in Tuscany. Stroll through ancient cobbled streets to Piazza del Campo where the colorful Palio horse race takes place every year. Marvel at the striped marble cathedral and shop for attractive ceramic pottery. Arrive later in Florence, birthplace of the Renaissance and your home for the next two nights.
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Day 4: Florence Orientation and Free Time
Florence is a treasure trove of art and history. Enjoy spectacular views from Piazzale Michelangelo, then spend time exploring the delights of this amazing city. Perhaps visit Piazza della Signoria featuring many statues and palazzos, and don't miss the Duomo or Giotto's Bell Tower. Learn about the quality and workmanship of two of this city's historic industries at demonstrations of Florentine leathercraft and 18-carat gold.
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Day 5: Florence – Bologna – Venice (2 Nights)
Cross the forested Apennines to the city of Bologna, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and famous for sausages and salami. Your sightseeing tour with a Local Specialist includes views of the Kissing Towers. We enter the fertile Po plain and cross the Adige river en route to the Venice region.
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Day 6: Venice Orientation and Free Time
Watch Venetian craftsmen at work creating local specialties at a glassblowing workshop on Giudecca island. Admire the many sights of this Byzantine city as you cruise by private launch to St. Mark's Square. See the Palladian Churches of the Redeemer and St. George, the ornate Doge's Palace and the Bridge of Sighs. Marvel at the Basilica and Campanile. In your free time take an optional cruise across the lagoon to the Island of Burano for a delicious meal.
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Day 7: Venice – Verona – Lucerne Region (2 Nights)
Follow the Veneto plains to Verona and stop to see the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony. Pass Milan and head north to the Italian and Swiss Lake Districts via Como and Lugano. Drive along the scenic alpine St. Gotthard route through central Switzerland to the region of Lucerne.
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Day 8: Lucerne Orientation and Free Time
Enjoy the sights of Lucerne during your orientation tour, including the 14th-century wooden Chapel Bridge and a visit to the Lion Monument commemorating the heroic Swiss Guards during the French Revolution. In your free time, take an exhilarating mountain excursion, shop for Swiss watches and chocolate or perhaps explore the flower-bedecked squares and fortified towers in the quaint old town.
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Day 9: Lucerne Region – Paris (2 Nights)
Drive across the French border past Belfort and the remains of the Maginot Line and through the Burgundy wine region. View the sprawling vineyards that stretch across the hillsides. Arrive later in Paris, the City of Light. Tonight why not dine at a cozy Parisian bistro and finish with a dazzling tour of the city's illuminations?
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Day 10: Paris Sightseeing and Free Time
This morning enjoy views of the Eiffel Tower, Champs Élysées and Arc de Triomphe during your sightseeing tour. Spend free time exploring the banks of the Seine. This evening you might like to experience a world-famous cabaret show.
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Day 11: Paris – London (2 Nights)
Traverse northern France past World War I battlefields. Cross the English Channel to Dover where you see the famous White Cliffs. Later arrive in London.
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Day 12: London Free Time
Spend a glorious day exploring London on your own. See the sights, visit a museum or go shopping—the list is endless and the choice is yours.
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Day 13: Depart London
Say goodbye to your traveling companions after a delightful European vacation. Transfers are available. Conditions apply.
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 Apr 19 | 30 Apr 19 |
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$2,075pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 25 Apr 19 | 7 May 19 | $2,075pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 2 May 19 | 14 May 19 | $2,325pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 9 May 19 | 21 May 19 | $2,325pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 16 May 19 | 28 May 19 | $2,325pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 23 May 19 | 4 Jun 19 |
|
$2,325pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 30 May 19 | 11 Jun 19 | $2,325pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 6 Jun 19 | 18 Jun 19 | $2,295pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 13 Jun 19 | 25 Jun 19 | $2,295pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 20 Jun 19 | 2 Jul 19 | $2,295pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 27 Jun 19 | 9 Jul 19 | $2,295pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 4 Jul 19 | 16 Jul 19 |
|
$2,295pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 11 Jul 19 | 23 Jul 19 | $2,295pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 25 Jul 19 | 6 Aug 19 | $2,295pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 8 Aug 19 | 20 Aug 19 | $2,075pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 15 Aug 19 | 27 Aug 19 | $2,075pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 29 Aug 19 | 10 Sep 19 | $2,295pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 5 Sep 19 | 17 Sep 19 | $2,325pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 12 Sep 19 | 24 Sep 19 | $2,325pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 19 Sep 19 | 1 Oct 19 | $2,325pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 26 Sep 19 | 8 Oct 19 | $2,325pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 3 Oct 19 | 15 Oct 19 | $2,295pp | Request Quote Book Now | ||||
| 10 Oct 19 | 22 Oct 19 | $2,075pp | Request Quote Book Now |
Price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Supplement: from $620 per person
Triple Room Discount: $40 per person
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $107 per person
Airport transfers: On arrival at Rome Fiumicino Airport transfers will operate at 9:30 am 12:30 pm and 3:30 pm. Guests arriving later should make their own way to the hotel.
AARP Members are entitled to an exclusive Member Benefit Discount on all Grand European Travel vacations. Plus receive a free travel gift! Call Toll Free: 1-866-847-3858 for details.
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Breakfast Daily
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Hotel Tips
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Personal Flight Options
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
Meal Summary
16 meals: 10 Buffet breakfasts, 2 Full breakfasts, 5 Three-course dinners.
Sightseeing Experiences
- Rome Morning sightseeing with your Local Specialist. Visit St. Peter's Basilica. View the Colosseum and see the ancient sites
- Siena Visit the medieval city and view the Piazza del Campo
- Florence Panoramic views of the city from Piazzale Michelangelo
- Bologna Sightseeing tour with your Local Specialist including the Kissing Towers
- Venice Cruise by private boat to St. Mark's Square. Visit a traditional glassblowing workshop on Giudecca Island
- Verona Walk to view the Roman Arena and Juliet's balcony
- Lucerne Orientation includes the Lion Monument and Chapel Bridge
- Paris Sightseeing includes views of the Champs Élysées, Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower
- Dover See the White Cliff
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Reviews
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
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Passports and Visas
U.S. citizens traveling to Europe must have a current passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering countries in the Schengen Area, and the UK.
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Currency
The currency for most countries you will visit in Europe is the Euro (€). Several exceptions apply including the Pound (£) in Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Swiss Franc (CHF) in Switzerland.
While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination. The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling. It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.
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Cuisine
English specialties include fish and chips, Yorkshire pudding, sausages, stilton cheese, and scones with clotted cream. Culinary experiences to not to miss include a traditional pub meal, afternoon tea, and full English breakfast.
The French have an ongoing love affair with food and wine. Meals are lovingly prepared and consumed leisurely through a bevy of appetizers and main courses, usually accompanied by a number of wines. Boeuf bourgignon (beef stew with wine, herbs and vegetables), coq au vin (chicken cooked with bacon in a white wine and herb sauce) and bouillabaisse (fish stew) are featured on many menus. Cheese lovers will not be disappointed with hundreds of varieties to choose from. And no visit would be complete without a visit to a pâtisserie, with its delicate pastries you will definitely be tempted.
While Italy is most famous for pizza and pasta, few travelers are aware of just how varied the country’s culinary offering actually are. Traditionally, lunch (pranzo) is the most substantial meal of the day. A full meal consists of antipasto (starter), a primo piatto (pasta, rice or soup), a secondo piatto (meat or fish) with a side, or contorno (vegetable or salad), then frutta (fresh fruit). Finish with espresso and maybe a limoncello or grappa. Wine is usually served with the meal, accompanied by mineral water.
Swiss cuisine is a flavorful blend of German, Italian, and French influences and a wide variety of regional offerings. Specialty dishes include fondue and raclette (cheese dipping dishes), sausages and rösti (fried potato), bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) and fondue bourguigon (cubes of steak with various sauces). Swiss pastries and desserts are excellent. There are also spirits made from fruit; the most popular are Kirsch, Pflümli and Williamine. And don’t miss out on the world-class selection of Swiss chocolate.
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Packing
We suggest bringing a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. A few important items to bring include sturdy walking shoes and a waterproof jacket with a hood. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.
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Tipping
Tipping through-out Europe is less common or generous than it is in the United States. Some countries will add a service charge of up to 15%, so be sure to check your bill before leaving extra. In most places it is appropriate to leave a few euros or between 5% and 10% for exceptional service. Keep in mind you will likely want to leave cash on the table to ensure your server receives it.
At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity. We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director. Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit. A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.
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Baggage
Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.
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Health and Fitness
You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions. All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers. In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group.
If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.
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Insurance
We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
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Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
Paris
Seine Cruise and Paris Illuminations
Paris at night is a city transformed. Enjoy this superb 'City of Light' on a leisurely cruise along the River Seine. Afterwards, as we drive through this amazing city, we'll stop at some vantage points for you to capture the fascinating sights on camera. In summer, this trip may take place before sunset.
Adult Price: EUR 38.00
Notre Dame and Latin Quarter
A guided drive through Paris' bohemian Left Bank with our Local Specialist brings us to amazing Notre Dame to discover one of the world's most famous Cathedrals and the epitome of Gothic architecture. Afterwards, take a stroll through the delightful Latin Quarter, a medieval maze of winding cobblestone alleyways where you'll have free time to enjoy the sidewalk bistros, boutiques and hidden squares.
Adult Price: EUR 33.00
Nouvelle Eve Cabaret and Dinner
One of the oldest and most elegant revue theaters in Paris, Nouvelle Eve is a hidden gem, where you'll meet the Director and two of the cast members before enjoying a four-course dinner with wine. You will then experience unparalleled Parisian entertainment – including the world-famous Can-Can.
Adult Price: EUR 139.00
Lucerne
Mount Stanserhorn
We experience one of the greatest scenic highlights Europe has to offer! We climb to the top of Mt Stanserhorn by old-timer railway and the world's only Cabrio cable car. At the peak, there's time to enjoy glorious views of the central Alpine chain, explore the hiking trails or just relax at the panoramic terrace before descending.
Adult Price: CHF 78.00
Innsbruck
Grand Alpine Tour
A scenic train ride through the Tyrolean Alps with our Local Specialist takes us to the glamorous ski-resort of Seefeld. Here we'll enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride through spectacular scenery and taste some of the local schnapps. Later, we see the Olympic Ski Jump and marvel at the landscape of the beautiful Inn Valley as it stretches below us.
Adult Price: EUR 62.00
Traditional Tyrolean Evening
You'll enjoy a lively evening of traditional entertainment, as singers, dancers, and musicians dressed in national costume provide a colorful show of folklore and fun. Includes two drinks.
Adult Price: €45.00
Vienna
Dinner and Viennese Concert
A wonderful evening of all things Viennese! Enjoy a superb dinner with drinks, followed by a concert of Viennese classical music. Works by Johann Strauss and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart will be performed and your 'A Class' tickets and a complimentary glass of sparkling wine or juice during the interval will only enhance the experience.
Adult Price: €103.00
Viennese Dinner with Musical Entertainment
Enjoy dinner in an atmospheric Viennese restaurant, with drinks and traditional musical entertainment included. A unique experience in one of Europe's most elegant cities.
Adult Price: €62.00
Schönbrunn Palace and Gardens
The Imperial Summer Palace of Schönbrunn offers an amazing journey through the centuries of Hapsburg rule. It is perfectly preserved and richly decorated with treasures from around the globe. Each room has a story to tell, so of course, you’ll have a Local Specialist to bring it to life and VIP entrance to make the most of your time.
Adult Price: €45.00
Venice
Gondolas & the Grand Canal
On arrival in Venice, a private boat will be waiting to take you to St Mark's Square, where you'll enjoy a gondola ride while being serenaded by local musicians. Later, private water taxi's will take you along Venice's Grand Canal, where you'll admire the magnificent palazzos and Rialto Bridge.
Adult Price: €70.00
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Join us as we discover the Venetian Lagoon by private boat. You will enjoy a delicious meal with a selection of drinks on the fishermen's island of Burano, famous for its multi-colored houses - a real photographer's paradise.
Adult Price: €71.00
Rome
You will be offered one of the following two optional experiences depending on availability:
Inside the Vatican & Colosseum*
We skip the lines at the Vatican Museums for this tour that shows not just remarkable works of art collected and commissioned over the history of the Papacy, but also Michelangelo’s amazing ceiling frescoes in the Sistine Chapel. Later we hear fascinating tales of gladitorial combat and more on our visit to the Colosseum, again with time-saving VIP entrance.
Adult Price: €81.00
Inside the Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel*
Join us for an extension to your included sightseeing tour, which gives you a chance to see the artistic masterpieces collected and commissioned by the Popes. You'll visit the Tapestry Gallery, Gallery of Maps and the Sistine Chapel. Michelangelo spent four years preparing the vault and altar wall, and we give you plenty of time to admire just how much painstaking work went into his creations.
Adult Price: €55.00
Piazzas and Fountains of Rome
Starting with a lovely drive and continuing on foot, you'll discover hidden backstreets, piazzas and fountains of the 'Eternal City' with a Local Specialist. Along the way, you'll marvel at the timeless Pantheon, the best-preserved Roman temple in the world. Many additional highlights are revealed on this relaxed tour that also offers free time in a gorgeous Baroque square with street artists, trattorias and gelaterias!
Adult Price: €33.00
Explore Ostia Antica
Join us on a journey along the Mediterranean coast and visit the excavations of Ancient Ostia, the former harbor of Rome. These ruins offer perhaps a more complete picture of Roman urban life than either Rome or Pompeii. See the remains of the baths, theater, apartment houses, drinking room, mosaics and wall paintings at this beautiful site, mirrored by cypress trees and umbrella pines.
Adult Price: €42.00
Roman Evening with Dinner
Spend a light-hearted evening with us in Rome. Relax and enjoy typical Italian cuisine with drinks and music. Afterwards, we'll enjoy a drive and provide a glimpse into how Romans enjoy their city.
Adult Price: €61.00
*This optional involves reservation and entrance pre-payments. Cancellation within 24 hours will incur a 50% cancellation fee.
Request a Quote
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30 Day Refund Guarantee
We promise you’ll enjoy a stress-free travel experience from the minute you start your vacation planning or we’ll refund your deposit. Make your reservation with a $350 deposit. If you change your mind for any reason within 30 days of booking, we’ll offer you a full refund.
-
Add air to your reservation
Let our Air Specialists handle your air reservations. We have direct access to the most current airfare routes and prices, so you’ll get the best value available when we book your flights. We never charge a booking fee and you’ll enjoy the flexibility to pay for air 60-90 days prior to departure.
