European Traveler
11 Days from $2,655 per person
Explore the tradition and elegance of Europe's most romantic capital cities – the majestic Arc de Triomphe, Bridge of Sighs and Sistine Chapel your gateways to an unforgettable journey. Enjoy radiant Paris and the Renaissance romance of Florence, dramatic Alpine landscapes and the Eternal City of Rome where you'll toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your swift return...
European Traveler also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
Overview
Explore the tradition and elegance of Europe's most romantic capital cities – the majestic Arc de Triomphe, Bridge of Sighs and Sistine Chapel your gateways to an unforgettable journey. Enjoy radiant Paris and the Renaissance romance of Florence, dramatic Alpine landscapes and the Eternal City of Rome where you'll toss a coin in the Trevi Fountain to secure your swift return...
European Traveler also has winter departures; click here to see the Winter Season version of this tour!
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Day 1: USA - Europe
Board your overnight flight to Europe (not included). -
Day 2: Arrive London (2 Nights)
Welcome to the vibrant capital that is London, your home for the next two nights. Spend the day exploring the pomp and pageantry of a city that effortlessly combines old and new. -
Day 3: London Sightseeing
Join a Local Specialist this morning for a tour of the iconic sites of London, including Big Ben, the imposing Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey. Your afternoon is at leisure to go shopping on Carnaby Street, visit one of the fascinating museums or wander along the Thames watching ambitious Londoners bustle about on their day-to-day. -
Day 4: London – Paris (2 Nights)
Meet your Travel Director before saying cheerio London and hello sparkling White Cliffs of Dover, England's last hurrah before we cross the English Channel bound for Calais. We pass the bloody World War I battlefields of the Somme before arriving in the beautiful city of Paris where we will enjoy a Welcome Reception with dinner to meet our fellow travelers and Travel Director. This evening the City of Light creates an enchanting backdrop for an orientation drive that will showcase several of the sights which will await us tomorrow. -
Day 5: Paris Sightseeing
Enjoy a scenic sojourn along the grand boulevard of the Champs Élysées to view the Arc de Triomphe, honoring those who fought for France. We join our Local Specialist for a guided sightseeing tour that ascends to the second level of the Eiffel Tower, the cultural icon of France, for spectacular views of the city. This afternoon, we enjoy time at leisure to explore the treasures of Paris. Wander through the quaint cobblestone lanes of Montmartre in search of beautiful art, consider viewing da Vinci's Mona Lisa at the Louvre or relax at a cozy French café and enjoy a glass or two of wine watching the world go by. -
Day 6: Paris – Lucerne
We wind our way through the sprawling vineyards of Auxerrois and Burgundy, journeying south past the 15th century fortress of Châteauneuf and rolling green farmlands into Switzerland en route to Lucerne where we will spend the night. Cross the famous wooden Chapel Bridge with its 17th century paintings and visit the mortally wounded lion hewn from rock, paying tribute to the hundreds of brave Swiss Guards who died defending Louis XVI. -
Day 7: Lucerne – St. Gotthard – Venice
We meander through the imposing Alps today through the winding St. Gotthard region and across the border at Chiasso into Italy. Catch a glimpse of its beautiful lakes, which have attracted aristocrats in search of a scenic retreat for centuries, before arriving later in Venice, the Queen of the Adriatic. -
Day 8: Venice Orientation – Florence
Take to the water and board a private motor launch to the gateway to Venice, St. Mark's Square, view the Bridge of Sighs and ornate Doge's Palace. Witness a Cultural Insight into the fine, centuries-old craft of glassblowing at one of the oldest workshops on the island. We'll have some time to explore the hidden calle and campi fitting in some last-minute shopping or soaking up the old-world charm of this island city. This afternoon we cross the striking Apennine Mountains to Florence, the Cradle of the Renaissance and our home for the night. -
Day 9: Florence Sightseeing – Rome (2 Nights)
The magnificent Renaissance Dome of Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral and the Baptistery stand imposingly in the center of Florence and are among the sights we will view during our guided walking tour in the company of a Local Specialist who will share with us the rich cultural, artistic and architectural treasures of this fascinating city. Admire the 400-year-old Ponte Vecchio which spans the Arno and marvel at the impressive palazzi and art in the Piazza della Signoria, the political hub of the city, before traveling to Rome, the last stop on your trip. -
Day 10: Rome Sightseeing
Cross the Tiber to The Vatican City for a fascinating encounter with the Center of Christianity. A Local Specialist will take us on a tour of St. Peter's Basilica, the home of Michelangelo's Renaissance masterpiece, the Pietà, crafted from the most perfect block of Carrara marble. Consider an Optional Experience to see the magnificent frescoes of the Sistine Chapel, before traveling to Ancient Rome to view the Colosseum where brave gladiators and slaves fought to the death to the thunderous applause of thousands of spectators. This evening we join our travel companions and Travel Director for a Be My Guest Farewell Dinner celebrating the Italian's zest for life, food and good company. -
Day 11: Depart Rome
Our adventure together has come to an end. We say a fond farewell to Rome and our travel companions at the end of our journey together. Airport transfers are available. Conditions apply.
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.
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Definite Departure
| Depart Date | Return Date | Price | Discount | Availability | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 May 18 | 27 May 18 |
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$2,850pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 24 May 18 | 3 Jun 18 |
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$2,850pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 29 May 18 | 8 Jun 18 |
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$2,850$2,708pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 31 May 18 | 10 Jun 18 |
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$2,850pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 12 Jun 18 | 22 Jun 18 |
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$2,850pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 19 Jun 18 | 29 Jun 18 |
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$2,850pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 21 Jun 18 | 1 Jul 18 |
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$2,850pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 28 Jun 18 | 8 Jul 18 |
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$2,850pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 10 Jul 18 | 20 Jul 18 |
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$2,850pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 12 Jul 18 | 22 Jul 18 |
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$2,875pp | Request Quote Book Now | |||
| 2 Aug 18 | 12 Aug 18 |
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$2,795$2,655pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 7 Aug 18 | 17 Aug 18 |
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$2,795$2,655pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 16 Aug 18 | 26 Aug 18 |
|
$2,795$2,655pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 23 Aug 18 | 2 Sep 18 |
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$2,795$2,655pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 30 Aug 18 | 9 Sep 18 |
|
$2,850$2,708pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 4 Sep 18 | 14 Sep 18 |
|
$2,850$2,708pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 13 Sep 18 | 23 Sep 18 |
|
$2,850$2,708pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 18 Sep 18 | 28 Sep 18 |
|
$2,850$2,708pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 27 Sep 18 | 7 Oct 18 |
|
$2,850$2,708pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 4 Oct 18 | 14 Oct 18 |
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$2,825$2,684pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | Request Quote Book Now | ||
| 11 Oct 18 | 21 Oct 18 |
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$2,825$2,684pp | Early PaymentPay by Apr 26 | 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 Room Supplement: from $500 p.p.
Triple Room Discount: up to $50 p.p.
Gratuities: Option to pre-pay gratuities for Travel Director and Driver $78 per person.
Airport transfers: Return transfers on the last travel day will arrive at Rome Fiumicino Airport at 7:00 am and 9:30 am.
Cruise Connection: This trip starts or ends in a popular cruise port, so you can combine a cruise with a more in-depth guided vacation in Europe.
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.
Past Travelers: Save an additional 5% off the Land Only price of the vacation.
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Professional Travel Director
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Sightseeing with Local Experts
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VIP Access
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WIFI on Coach and in Hotels
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Personal Flight Options
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Most Meals
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Hotel Tips
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Expertly Selected Hotels
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Cultural Enrichment
Meal Summary
12 meals: 9 Buffet Breakfasts, 2 Dinners, 1 dinner, all with tea and coffee.
Included Highlights
Be My Guest
- Indulge in delicious Italian flavors and the hearty hospitality of a local family who will share why the Italians say, "first we eat, then we do everything else"
Authentic Accommodations
- Enjoy the elegance of yesteryear and sweeping lake vistas at the Grand Hotel Europe in Lucerne, where warm Swiss hospitality and a grand past spanning over a century guarantee an unforgettable stay
Cultural Insight
- Witness the exquisite craft of glassblowing, a delicate tradition that generations of Venetian craftsmen have perfected over the centuries
Local Specialist
- For included sightseeing in London, Paris, Florence and Rome
Hidden Treasure
- Enjoy at least one surprise Hidden Treasure
Sightseeing Highlights
- City tour in London, Paris, Florence, Rome
- Orientation of Lucerne, Venice
- Visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris, St. Peter's Basilica in Rome
- View the White Cliffs of Dover, the Champs Élysées and Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Lion Monument and the Chapel Bridge in Lucerne, St. Mark's Basilica in Venice, the ancient sites of Rome
- See the Somme Battlefields, the vineyards of Burgundy
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
-
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, the UK, or the Republic of Ireland.
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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 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 have 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.
Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.
Paris
Notre Dame And Latin Quarter
Adult Price: €33.00
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.
Moulin Rouge Cabaret And Dinner
Adult Price: €162.00
Enjoy dinner and cabaret, including wine and champagne, at the world-famous Moulin Rouge – the original Paris cabaret. Immortalized by the award-winning film of the same name, this Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers and over 1000 costumes!
Nouvelle Eve Cabaret And Dinner
Adult Price: €139.00
One of the oldest and most elegant revue theatres 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.
Lucerne
Mount Stanserhorn
Adult Price: CHf78.00 | Child Price: €44.00
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.
Venice
Gondolas & Grand Canal
Adult Price: €70.00
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.
Lagoon Cruise to Burano with Food and Drinks
Adult Price: €70.00
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-coloured houses - a real photographer's paradise.
Florence
Dinner, Wine And Music In The Tuscan Hills
Adult Price: €64.00
Join us for a scenic drive through the beautiful Tuscan countryside. We will enjoy a meal at a charming restaurant where a selection of regional favourites is served, accompanied by a selection of local wines and live music. A truly unforgettable experience, with an atmosphere that is the essence of all things Tuscan.
Michelangelo's 'David' & Accademia
Adult Price: €41.00
Enjoy an insight into the world of Michelangelo and his masterpiece, David. We have fast track entry to the Academy of Fine Arts and its Michelangelo collection, where you’ll learn all about the life and works of this immortal Renaissance genius through the expert commentary of our Local Specialist.
Rome
Inside The Vatican & Colosseum
Adult Price: €81.00
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.
Piazzas and Fountains of Rome
Adult Price: €33.00
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!
Roman Evening with Dinner
Adult Price: €61.00
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.
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.
