Our first group travel venture was comprised of 13 wives and one husband. At the last minute one of the girls had a health problem and had to drop out. Her roommate’s husband was a retired airline pilot, so he could easily take the empty slot. Not all men could handle the task of traveling with 13 wives. My husband commented that if anyone could, this husband could carry it off. The fill-in husband was outgoing and the life of the party; however, on this particular trip, he hardly got a word in, being greatly out-numbered by 13 wives on vacation. There was laughter and non-stop talking from day one. We all applauded our “lone husband” on the flight home as he walked down the aisle toward his seat. The stewardesses thought he was someone famous. To us, he was.

Thus, that first trip was the start of some incredible shared adventures among friends.

The main benefit of traveling with a group is the joy and bonding of friends in shared travel experiences. It does take some effort to organize, but highly worth the effort. In the past, I have been the leader who does a lot of the organizing. We live in a small town of about 15,000 population and keep close contact with many friends, however, shared travel can be done with smaller groups just as easily. It helps to keep an open and positive attitude toward each person involved. In short, we have learned to care about each other and have become even closer friends.

Not the same friends travel on every trip. Itinerary, timing, and family situations determine the final travel list. Everyone has the opportunity to accept or decline.

I now have a contact list of about 30+ who are interested. If any of our friends and their friends or family want to go, they are included.

This last trip, composed of a group of 16 girls, was with Grand European Tours and the first trip for which I didn’t plan all the details. I found it an enormous help to locate a reliable agency that takes care of everything. Our hotels, food, excursions couldn’t have been planned better ourselves. Historically, arranging intra-country transportation independently, I had found to be the most difficult challenge.

With GET, we were supplied with a new Mercedes Benz tour bus & reliable driver at our call. We just signed on with GET and everything was taken care of. Being the one who usually does these tasks, this was an enormous travel benefit of using an excellent tour company. GET’s employees are outstanding in reliability and service. Usually, I go to considerable effort to locate charming hotels with flair of each country. We couldn’t have been more pleased with the excellent hotel accommodations which GET arranged.

I cannot give enough credit to Diane Anzalone, our GET booking agent; who tirelessly answered my many, many questions and graciously worked to solve our booking problems, many months prior to our trip. Every advertising promise GET made was fulfilled.

I would rate our travel experience with GET as over-the-top excellent. Our luggage was handled for us out of the hotel and on to and off the bus. Our every want was supplied and planned so well that we were able to enjoy the amazing countries of Spain and Portugal. Somehow, we never got the feeling that we were standing in long lines waiting for an event or that we were being herded. In order to achieve this ease, much expert planning is required. I would not hesitate to use GET on a future trip and especially for a large group.

In choosing the GET “Unforgettable Spain & Portugal” trip, I checked out the itineraries of quite a few travel agencies before booking. I could find no other company which offered travel in northern Spain. Northern Spain has a strong European influence in art and architecture, which interested our group.

I liked the varied stops throughout Portugal and Spain which GET’s itinerary offered. To me, GET’s “Unforgettable Spain & Portugal” trip offered the traveler a comprehensive taste of two+ countries. None of us were disappointed. It was truly an amazing trip which lived up to every promise and more.

Listing highlights is most difficult because there were so many: Bilbao’s Guggenheim, World Heritage site Burgos Cathedral, San Sebastian’s Tapas bars, charm of Salamanca, Montserrat Monastery, Gaudi’s Familia Sagrada, Catalan Music Hall Performance, Gaudi’s Guell Park, Valencia’s Futuristic Art and Science Park, Valencia’s Cathedral, Toledo excursion, & Madrid’s Prado Museum.

I have never been on a trip with so many “not to miss” excursions in 14 days.

GET supplied us with an outstanding bilingual Tour Director, Ercilia Afonso. Ercilia had her hands full managing a bus 43-full of travelers. We never got the feeling that we were being herded. Her grace and patience were remarkable.

She was on the job every minute, working for us. She was friendly and flexible in dealing with our group in a confident manner.

Did we have problems? Yes, but they were very minor and handled expertly by GET. Excellent planning prevents a vacation from being swamped with problems.

Did we have a memorable trip? Yes, yes, yes!!!!! All 16 girls loved this trip and are so glad that we signed on with GET. One in our group was a stand-in for a friend who had to drop out at the last minute due to illness. The “stand-in”, who had been considering this trip months earlier, told me that she is so thankful she didn’t miss this wonderful trip. My message to any others is “GET Out and Travel” with your family and friends. You will NEVER regret it. You cannot find a better tour company than Grand European Tours. THANK YOU DIANE, ERCILIA, FERNANDO AND GET for a fabulous & memorable 14 days.

Sincerely,
Helen from Texas

Click here to view Helen’s photos

Over the past two weeks Tour Director Riccardo Panareo has shared his insights on getting ready for your tour. In this week’s final installment, learn from this seasoned Tour Director the secret of packing the perfect suitcase – laying to rest the burning question of “How do I pack my house including the kitchen sink into my suitcase?”

As I’m sure you are all aware, the airlines are becoming increasingly strict in their baggage policies. Long gone are the days of multiple and large suitcases as they are quick to charge you for too many bags and overweight bags.

Before you start to fret, let me tell you that I know from personal experience that you can pack light and still enjoy your tour of Europe!

People tend to want big suitcases, and the luggage industry is quick to sell you bags that are big, have many pockets and unzip to add a few more inches of space – but these are not necessary. I jokingly call these “pregnant suitcases” as the zippers allow them to grow bigger and bigger every day until they are bursting at the seams. These suitcases often get torn or the zipper breaks which is no help to you at all as I’m sure the last thing you want to do is spend your free time on tour looking for a new suitcase.

Now, if you already have this type of suitcase don’t worry. I don’t want you to throw it out and buy a new one. You can make it work as long as you pack it smartly. But if you are in the market for a new piece of luggage I recommend a good-sized, old-fashioned hard sided suitcase (be sure to look for the light-weight tag while shopping). They can stand the rain, the airport handling, and the weight of other suitcases which are sometimes heaped on top of them.

On every tour we try to keep you comfortable on the coach by stowing your carry-ons in a section of the trunk. But if the trunk gets filled up with bigger and bigger suitcases, the only place left for carry-ons will be your laps as the space above the seats is quite small.

At the end of a tour avoid the “pregnant” suitcase that has doubled its size and weight resulting in:

• Extra charges when you check in for your homebound flight
• Potential physical strains when you have to drag them through the airport and back into your house
• Rooms in Europe are already small. You don’t want to end up asking yourself a Hamlet question: sleep or open your suitcase?

What to take with you on a tour?
The answer to this Biblical question is very plain and simple: TRAVEL LIGHT! Before packing your suitcase at home, lay out all clothes you would like to take on your bed. Coordinate main pieces that can be mixed and matched, need little care and are comfortable. Once you have reviewed your selection, you should be able to put half of your clothes back in the closet.

On most tours we don’t have requirements for gentlemen’s jackets or ladies’ evening dresses. On most evenings the right dress attire will be smart casual (no ties/jackets required). Remember, we are not going to a convention, we do not have to impress anybody with extravagant clothes; we’ll be walking up and down museums, gardens, and alleyways. Always wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes.

Another good tip is LAYERING. Layering works well for all seasons. In the fall and winter and/or cooler climates, layered dressing will help with warmth as needed. In the summer, it will also help you adjust to cooler and warmer areas, particularly when going from hot sun to an air conditioned room.

Think about your last vacation – how many items did you not even pull out of the suitcase until you got home?

Personal Hygiene Kit
If you have the habit of using your personal washcloth you should know that very often hotels in Europe do not provide them. Take yours with you, although you should know it may be difficult to dry it, as it has to remain in your suitcase while moving from one city to another.

All hotels provide shampoo and soap, but this last one is sometimes so small you can hardly handle it, and kneeling down to pick it up in some of those micro-showers is something for Circus Contortionists! I would suggest you take your own regular size soap with you.

TSA Approved Baggage Locks
This is a disputed point: many airlines do not want locked bags as they may be opened for security even if you are not there. Also, in the case of delayed bags, some airports do not deliver locked bags to hotels because they have to be searched by local Customs first, and they cannot do it if they are locked. Instead you have to take time out of your vacation to go to the airport and unlock them for customs. By then you’ve wasted half a day plus the cost of the taxi. Besides, if a burglar wants to open your suitcase, do you seriously believe he will be discouraged by your padlock? If you do choose to put a lock on your luggage be sure to choose a TSA approved lock which can lessen your chances of hassle.

Carry-On Bags
We have to understand the meaning of this word: a carry-on (as the term should self-explain) is a piece of light–baggage which is small and easy for you to carry on your travels. Many people think that a small suitcase with wheels on it is a carry-on – but they are not. In order to have room for your carry-on while on the motorcoach you should have a bag that can easily be carried on your shoulder and can be stowed comfortably inside the motorcoach either in the overhead bin above your seat or under your seat. If it is larger, then it is quite possible that you may have to carry your bag in your lap when you’re on the motorcoach.

Medication
Always carry your medications in your carry-on bag while flying. While it does not happen very often, you don’t want to find out that the bag with your medications in it is delayed – or even worse – lost.

Carry with you a list of full names of all medication you may require and the reason why they are used, in case you need a doctor abroad. One more piece of advice: when in foreign countries medications’ names are different, ask your doctor to write the basic chemical description of your medicine as it will be easier for foreign doctor/pharmacists to give you the right stuff if needed. Also, I highly advise bringing a spare pair of reading glasses with you.

Photography / Video Kit
Generally in Europe films, batteries, memory cards and all stuff for this purpose is more expensive than in the USA. Make sure you bring enough from home to last throughout your trip. If you’re in front of the Colosseum when your camera battery dies and you have to buy a new one, you can, it is just going to cost you a pretty penny.

When flying, keep memory cards and films in your hand luggage, usually X-ray detectors for suitcases are stronger than the ones for human beings.

In my years as a Tour Director I’ve seen it all and learned many things. I hope that my packing tips help you to have a smooth trip to Europe.

Ciao,
Riccardo

Click here to view all of our tours

Click here to travel with Riccardo!

When Jerry Hulsen booked the Britain & Ireland Highlights tour for August 2011, he was excited that he’d be able to see the Military Tattoo at Edinburgh Castle. What he didn’t expect was that he’d meet his future wife along the way.

Jackie Brennan, the unsuspecting bride-to-be, had a different reason for joining the tour. Her daughter Robin wanted to visit the Cotswolds, so Jackie enthusiastically agreed to join her for a chance to revisit one of her favorite places.

It didn’t take long for Jerry to notice Jackie when the tour began in Edinburgh. It took Jackie a few days – and a nudge from her daughter – to realize that Jerry was more than just a nice, friendly guy. “I didn’t think about it until Robin pointed out that Jerry had been with me quite a bit, and she thought he was interested in me. It took me by surprise,” Jackie says. “It had been so long, that it just didn’t strike me. Then I started paying attention, and I thought, maybe he does like me! I just feel so fortunate.”

For Jackie, the connection between the two of them really started in Ireland. ‘We had our picture taken together in the countryside near the Ring of Kerry. That was the first time I really paid some serious attention to him,” she says.

Jerry recalls the pivotal evening when Jackie and Robin invited him out for fish and chips at a restaurant the women had been to on a previous trip. After that meal, the deal was sealed. They were inseparable through the rest of the trip, exploring villages, enjoying the countryside, and seeing the sights together.

When they were in the Cotswolds, Jackie was impressed with Jerry’s enthusiasm for visiting the places she wanted to see. “I’m interested in tombstones and inscriptions, and he followed me through the cemeteries,” she says. “It seemed like everything I wanted to do, he was right there with me, enjoying it the same as I was.”

Strolling through one of the quaint, thatch-roofed villages that Jackie adores, the two happened upon a magic shop with a little tearoom. They stopped for a spot of tea, but left without any magic tricks. “I was more focused on Jerry than on the magic,” she notes.

By the time the 16-day tour ended in London, love was blossoming, and the couple made plans to continue their journey back in the U.S. The only obstacle was about 2,000 miles. Jerry, a retired New York police officer, was living in Brooklyn, while Jackie, a paralegal, lives in Las Vegas. With plenty of vacation time, Jackie took the first trip and flew off to New York to spend time in Jerry’s stomping grounds. A few months later, Jerry joined her in Las Vegas for an extended stay, and the two decided to get married. On Valentine’s Day this year, the happy couple exchanged vows and began their life together in Las Vegas.

Happily Ever After – with Travel!
Eager to travel together again, Jerry and Jackie are considering a belated honeymoon trip to Spain and Portugal. Although Jackie has traveled throughout the world and has been to both countries before, she welcomes an opportunity to experience Spain and Portugal with Jerry, who has never been there. Their Britain and Ireland tour was Jerry’s fourth tour with Grand European and Jackie’s first, but they say they hope to join many more GET tours in their future together.

Wherever they choose to travel next, it may be a hard act to follow given the life changing moments they shared on their first tour. “I kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland and saw the Changing of the Guard in London,” Jerry says. “In Scotland, I saw the Military Tattoo at the castle – the main reason I went on the trip in August. And…I happened to luck out and meet my wife!”

Do you have a fun story you’d like to share with us? Email us your story at stories@getours.com

Last week we talked about introducing some physical activity into your daily routine in the weeks leading up to your tour to ensure that you get the most from your vacation.

In today’s update, 13-year veteran Tour Director Riccardo Panareo shares some great tips on preparing for your up-coming travels; explaining how a slight change in perspective takes you from a tourist into a traveler. It sounds simple – and it is! Read along as Riccardo opens your minds into a world full of possibilities ….

Visiting a foreign country means to deal with lots of different things. Different arrangements, different systems and different food, and that’s most likely one of the reasons why you are traveling abroad – to see differences. After all, if it were the same, you would stay home, right?

Different sometimes means better, sometimes worse, and we must accept these differences with an open mind. Differences may occasionally turn into little difficulties or challenges, but we can easily get over these little difficulties with a smile and a positive attitude. You will see that even the strangest experience will become a funny memory, because touring is not only seeing the Colosseum or Capri Island or the Eiffel Tower, but it’s experiencing the different lifestyles around the world.

Another benefit of touring is the possibility of sharing all this with the new friends you will meet on a tour. Actually, they will become your accomplices! Do you remember the school trips? That’s usually how our groups end up! Lots of laughter, we make jokes, lots of fun. And, this is another unique asset that only a tour can provide. Creating and forging new friendships.

So, this is what I mean for mental preparation. Being flexible, ready to respect differences, human and environmental, and accept them. Very often, people ask me – “Riccardo, which is your goal as a Tour Director?” My answer? I would like to help the change from a tourist into a traveler, because there is a big difference between a tourist and a traveler. And – again – it’s in the attitude.

You know, Humans have 5 senses. I believe there is a sixth: the brain. A tourist – nothing wrong with him – is the person that travels and uses only 1 on the senses: sight. Eyes. Actually, nowadays, digital eyes: Eiffel tower: click. Rhine River: click. St. Mark’s: click. – but that’s all!

A traveler – yes – takes a picture, but waits for a second, turns around and watches it from a different angle, then touches it, maybe smells it, looks what there is around it, in other words feels it. A traveler uses all 5 senses. And then usually – not always – the traveler switches his 6th sense on: the brain. All these information are blended together to create an idea, an opinion. And automatically he will compare this idea, this information to what he has at home, to what he is used to. Not to criticize, this is important, but just to know how different things can be and accept them, with respect and gratitude. Because travelling makes us better persons.
Travellingmeans to discover not only new places (we could do it nicely seated at home with our computers), but to discover new people, different arrangements, new lifestyles. It means also to realize that not necessarily our own arrangements, our own lifestyles are the best. There is always something new to learn, and if we are smart we pick it up, we make it ours. We change.

Only when we experience the differences we realize how fortunate we are. We appreciate how beautiful is the part of the world we live in. And how we should take better care of it. We become more responsible, more complete. In other words, we become better persons.

Join me again next week where I’ll answer the age-old question, “How do I pack my entire house into a suitcase so that I have all I need on vacation?”

Ciao,
Riccardo

Click here to view all of our tours

Click here to travel with Riccardo!

The 2012 travel season is underway and there’s excitement and enthusiasm all around. Here are a few quick highlights:

I recently returned from our 2012 Tour Director meetings – one in Athens, Greece with our European Tour Directors and another in Las Vegas, Nevada with our North American Tour Directors – to kick off the 2012 travel season. Our talented team of professional Tour Directors is fully committed to sharing the best of your chosen destination with you – in comfort and ease, with fascinating and educational insights, and humor and camaraderie. We can’t wait to see you on tour!

Now is a great time to visit Greece! During my stay I was lucky enough to jump onto a tour, meet some guests, and visit a few of the major sites in Athens – the Acropolis, the Temple of Zeus, the new Acropolis Museum (wonderful) and stroll around the city. The sites are amazing, as you’ll see from my snapshots, and our team of experts is on hand to ensure you have the trip of a lifetime.

Click here to view snapshots from my trip to Greece

With the early spring travelers starting to return home from their tours, we are starting to receive emails and calls sharing what a great vacation they experienced. Nothing is more gratifying for me than to learn that the planning, hard work, and hopes of GET team members throughout the world comes to fruition in the form of exceptional experiences and lasting memories for you, our guests.

Here’s an email and photo we received from the Cassani family. They just returned from our Unforgettable Italy tour in March. The photo captures the Cassani’s and their children, along with Tour Director Peter DeVries, learning to communicate in true Italian style.

Barbara Cassani wrote to Travel Specialist Dave Frontella:

“Dave, Just a short note to let you know we had a great time on our trip. The family enjoyed every moment of it. Our tour guide Peter was outstanding. He took a liking to our children and they had a great time with him. Everything we could think of was there. We look forward to our next trip in September. …. Again we had a great time.This picture shows what a fun time we had with our family and Peter.”

The Travel Specialists that answer the phones at our office here in Oregon start heading out on tour themselves in the upcoming months. This gives them the practical experience and understanding to help you make the right choice. The benefit to you is that when you call Grand European Tours – you speak with someone who knows what it’s like to be on tour. When you call our toll free number there’s a good chance that the person answering the phone or the Associate sitting next to them has been on the tour you’re asking about.

Check out their staff tour reviews. I particularly enjoyed Diane’s review of her experience on Egypt & The Nile. I’ve been on that tour myself and loved every minute.

Wishing you the best this travel season.

John A. Miller
President
Grand European Tours

Riccardo Panareo has been a Grand European Tour Director for over 13 years, focusing on Italy. Over the next 3 weeks Riccardo will share his top tips for getting in “tour” shape so you can get the most out of your upcoming vacation!

Click here to travel with Riccardo!

Preparing for your trip to Europe is very exciting. Many of us buy new outfits and luggage, but take a tip from a professional Tour Director – if you start to add some physical activity into your daily schedule in the weeks before your trip, you’ll get so much more out of your vacation! Let’s start from the solid fact that a tour is that type of vacation which is based on the PHYSICAL VISIT of several places, usually located in foreign countries, where habits, temperament, and food, can be very different from the ones we are use to at home.

As most European cities and villages were planned and built centuries ago, their layout didn’t take into consideration today’s urban population and traffic. Many European cities have become pedestrian only zones. The places we visit are usually ancient, located in old city centers, not always accessible to our coaches. For us, this means that in order to visit some of the “not-to-be-missed and must-see” sites and attractions, we walk from where we park our motorcoach and visit the attraction on foot. This requires normal, good, walking capabilities.

To physically visit the various places while coping with the many differences requires energy – both physical and mental – just like dancing, or hiking or even cooking! Therefore for a full enjoyment of a tour I encourage all my travelers to do some simple, basic preparation. If you are not used to walking daily, I suggest that in the weeks leading up to your departure that you start so you can fully enjoy the beauty that each tour encounters.

“How far do I need to walk?” I hear you ask. If you do not do it already, 3 weeks before a tour, perhaps start walking for 10 minutes a day for 4-5 days, then increase to 15 minutes for another 4-5 days. Then go to 20 minutes, and include a few stretches slightly uphill. Now keep in mind, we are not training for the Olympics… our walks are of slow, but steady, pace. Don’t forget that in many areas throughout Europe you’ll encounter un-even cobble-stoned streets and uneven surfaces.

Wherever you travel in Europe, you will encounter steps. Very often the places we visit are housed in ancient buildings, built in times when the only meaning of the word “elevator“ was a sequence of prayers leading to heaven… So we have steps. In Europe we have the greatest collection of steps. But we also have the greatest collection of food. Food, steps.. steps, food… Could it be that there is a relation between the two? Ah the wisdom of the old…

Here are my top tips to become more active & to prepare your body for your tour:

• Start Moving. In the weeks leading up to your departure, add some basic, physical activity into your daily schedule.

•  Be prepared to walk on different types of paths. On your tour you’ll likely encounter uneven ground and cobblestone streets. Practice by walking on different types of ground at home; pavement, dirt, etc.

•  Break your shoes in before you travel. Brand new shoes will give you blisters, so be sure to wear comfortable, safe walking shoes that are already broken in.

Next week join me again to read up on my packing tips.

Ciao,
Riccardo

Click here to view all of our tours to Italy.

Click here to view pictures from our tour

Part 2: From Aswan to Cairo

One of our Travel Specialists, Diane Anzalone and her husband recently returned from our 13-Day Egypt & the Nile tour. Last week Diane shared the first part of her tour, from Cairo to Kom Ombo, if you missed it click here to read Part 1. Below she continues with her insider view on exploring ancient Egypt.

Aswan was our southernmost port and home to the great Aswan Dam. We visited the dam and Lake Nasser, the world’s largest artificial lake. We also visited the ancient Granite Quarries and the unfinished Obelisk before visiting the Temple of Philae. A small boat took us to the temple located on an island surrounded by the waters of Lake Nasser. The temple was moved to its current location, dismantled and reconstructed once the dam was built.

The afternoon was free; however, the majority of our group took the optional excursion to visit a Nubian Village. Located about 30 minutes by boat from where our ship was docked, we were amazed to see the outstanding bird life on the Nile. Our local Nubian guide was a bird enthusiast and was quick to spot a wide variety of birds, some familiar to us and some quite unique to this region.

Fortunately we had taken our binoculars with us and we had quite the bird watching experience on the way to the village. This was something quite unexpected and a highlight of the day as we enjoy bird watching here at home in Oregon.

When we arrived at the Nubian Village, our local guide explained how the Nubians were moved from the region now flooded by Lake Nasser to their new homes just outside Aswan. We met the family who hosted us in their home and we had a chance to purchase hand-made scarves and jewelry. We even had the opportunity to handle the baby crocodiles they keep in their homes to protect them from evil spirits (for those brave enough). It was a great experience to visit this family and it gave us insight to an interesting part of Egyptian culture.

This evening we enjoyed a special dinner on board our ship followed by entertainment in the lounge, including a belly dancer and a Whirling Dervish.

The next morning we set out early for one of the many great highlights of our tour, our visit to Abu Simbel. We took a short 30 minute flight from Luxor to arrive mid-morning for our introductory tour of the temples. There are two beautiful temples sitting side by side, the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor, built for the wife of Ramses, Queen Nefertari. We spent about two hours visiting the temples which were amazing. This gave us plenty of time to take photos and just marvel at how these temples could have been moved from their original location to their present location when the dam was built. Everyone agreed this was one of the greatest highlights of our tour. We flew back to Aswan in time for lunch and a little rest time before our afternoon Felucca ride. We had passed many of these commonly used sailboats on our journey along the Nile. Ayman scheduled this to coincide with the evening sunset which was spectacular. We had just the right amount of wind to carry us gently over the Nile with beautiful views of Aswan and the surrounding countryside.

It was now time to begin our final journey down the Nile heading north returning to Luxor. We had free time in the morning before sailing so Ayman arranged taxis for us to visit the Aswan Bazaar. We had a little over two hours to do some shopping and to get a glimpse of local life at the bazaar. It was a great chance to take some colorful photos and we had fun bargaining with the local shop keepers. Our ship sailed as we sat down to lunch and we enjoyed a leisurely afternoon on board taking in the beautiful scenery as we cruised down the Nile. Our late afternoon visit to Kom Ombo came just before sunset. As we toured the beautiful temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile headed god, and Horus the Elder, we had beautiful views of the sun setting over the Nile. We had time to visit the small and very interesting museum of crocodiles located next to the temple. We set sail on our journey northward to Edfu where we docked for the night. The evening was spent enjoying another special dinner of Egyptian specialties and a chance to wear our Galabeyas again.

We had already visited the beautiful temple of Edfu so we enjoyed a relaxing breakfast on board before continuing our journey. Today we experienced passage through the Esna Lock on our way to Luxor. We also had a chance to visit the bridge and meet our captain. We arrived in Luxor that evening after a very relaxing day on the ship. Our last evening on board was celebrated with festive music performed by the crew along with a very special “Good-Bye” cake. It was sad to leave behind the wonderful crew who had treated us so well.

We disembarked in the morning and boarded our Egypt Air flight to Cairo. We arrived in the early afternoon and had free time. Some of our group went back to the Egyptian Museum and we decided to hire a taxi to take us to the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar. This was quite an experience wandering through the maze of shops in this area of Cairo. We took time to visit the Al-Azhar Mosque, built in 872 AD, which was very interesting. This evening was the optional Sound & Light Show at Giza. We drove from the hotel to Giza stopping to take a few photos along the way. The show, conducted in English, was quite spectacular. It was truly an amazing experience to realize that we were in Egypt, with the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx right there in front of us.

Our last day had arrived and we were all looking forward to yet more highlights of the tour. We left the hotel early in the morning heading back to Giza for our tour of the Great Pyramids. We had plenty of time for photos and for those who were brave enough, a short camel ride through the desert surrounding the pyramids. We also had the chance to enter one of the pyramids. After our group photo, we headed to a special restaurant for a delicious lunch. From there we visited Memphis and Sakkara. It was a beautiful day and a wonderful way to finish our amazing journey through Egypt. We were so glad we decided to take the opportunity to visit this wonderful country. This was enhanced by the services of our outstanding Tour Director, Ayman Saber. He not only educated us on the rich and colorful history of his country, he also gave us great insight into the culture and many changes occurring in Egypt. The memories of our tour will last a lifetime and for some of us, the dream of coming back for another visit remains in our future. Egypt has so much to offer, not only the incredible history and beauty, but the wonderful culture and warm and friendly people. It truly is an experience of a lifetime!

Click here to view pictures from our tour

For more information about our 13-Day Egypt & the Nile tour, including the day-by-day itinerary, click here.

At GET we strive to provide our clients with accurate and current information about our tours. In order to do this we invest significantly in our staff, sending them out on tours so that they can share their stories and experiences with you, our clients, upon their return.

Our Travel Specialist, Diane Anzalone and her husband recently joined our 13-Day Egypt & the Nile tour. We hope you enjoyed her report.

Click here to view pictures from our tour

Part 1: From Cairo to Kom Ombo

One of our Travel Specialists, Diane Anzalone and her husband recently returned from our 13-Day Egypt & the Nile tour. Below she shares her insider view on exploring ancient Egypt.

I just returned from Egypt and would like to report that all is well in Cairo and now is a great time to visit Egypt. Everyone gave us a warm welcome and the service we received was impeccable. There were absolutely no problems to report and we felt extremely safe at all times. There was very little evidence of the Revolution other than a few burned out buildings and a few tents and signs posted in Tahir Square.

The local people in Cairo and beyond were very happy to see us and could not do enough to please us. The number of tourists is continuing to increase. The overall experience was enhanced due to the low number of tourists at major sights (compared to crowds visiting pre-Revolution Egypt).

I would encourage anyone interested in traveling to Egypt to go now. There is still ongoing work with the government infrastructure and the elections will be coming up in late May, early June but the Egyptian people are proud of their country and are looking forward to life with their new found freedom. The overall impression is one of great optimism and we can certainly help them define this future with an increase of tourism which is so important to their economy and the livelihood of so many wonderful Egyptians.

Our trip to Egypt was an amazing experience from our arrival in Cairo to our final days on the Nile ending in Luxor with our return to Cairo and the visit to the Great Pyramids at Giza. We were scheduled to travel to Egypt in February, 2011, however our trip was postponed indefinitely due to the revolution. We were somewhat hesitant to get our hopes up of planning another tour until the opportunity came up and we decided to give it another try. The reports from Egypt were very positive and the word was out that this was an excellent time to visit this incredible country. So we packed our bags and were off on what proved to be a trip of a lifetime.

Upon arrival in Cairo, we were met by our local representative. He was very helpful in assisting us with our visas which were very quick and easy to obtain by paying a small fee of $15 USD. Our driver was waiting just outside the terminal and in a matter of minutes we had obtained our visas, cleared customs and were on our way to the beautiful Conrad Hotel. The ride in from the airport was very interesting and gave us a glimpse of what was in store for us over the next two weeks. We checked into the hotel, had a light snack at the wonderful Lebanese restaurant at the hotel and turned in knowing we would be up early the next morning to meet our Tour Director, Ayman Saber.

After a delicious buffet breakfast at the Conrad, we assembled in the lobby with our fellow travelers. We were a small group of 8 which made it very easy to get to know each other. Our local representative, Mohammed, joined Ayman to give us a brief introduction to the tour. We signed up for our optional excursions at this time as advance reservations are required for the flight to/from Abu Simbel. We departed from the hotel for our city tour which included visits to the Citadel of Saladin and the Alabaster Mosque of Mohammed Ali. The morning concluded with our visit to the amazing Egyptian Museum where we had free time after our guided visit to explore the museum on our own.

The following morning we returned to the Cairo Airport for our short flight to Luxor. We were met upon arrival by our local representative. Our first stop was the great Karnak Temple. We were given an extensive tour of the complex and then time on our own for photos. This was truly one of the highlights of the entire tour. From Karnak we drove a short distance to board the MS Medea, our special home for the next seven days. We enjoyed a delicious buffet lunch on board and then had time to rest and settle in to our cabins before our late afternoon visit to the Temple of Luxor. Both temples are breathtakingly beautiful and we ended our visit just as the sun was setting on our drive back to the ship. We enjoyed a wonderful dinner made special as I celebrated my birthday on the Nile River in Luxor, Egypt. We headed back to Karnak after dinner for the Sound & Light Show. The evening was beautiful with a clear sky and bright stars shining over this amazing temple. The whole experience brought Karnak back to life as you could imagine it was several thousand years ago.

After breakfast the next morning we were on our way by motorcoach to the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. It was a beautiful drive and we were given a glimpse of rural life along the Nile. We passed sugar plantations where the crops were being harvested. We also passed children on their way to school and Ayman shared information about the lives of the local people. We arrived at the Valley of the Kings and were taken by a little tram to the tombs. We were each given a ticket which gave us entrance to three tombs. Ayman suggested which tombs we should visit and gave us a preview of what to expect. We were all in awe as we entered each tomb realizing that they were constructed by the Pharaohs over a 500 year period from the 16th – 11th century BC! Our next stop was Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple, so modern in design, yet constructed in the 15th century BC, for ancient Egypt’s only woman pharaoh. Our last stop before heading back to our ship was to see the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal seated statues once part of the now vanished Temple of Amenophis.

We set sail after lunch and started our overnight journey up the Nile to the ancient city of Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus. Our horse-drawn carriages were awaiting us as we disembarked after breakfast. We were soon on our way to the temple for our guided visit. This temple is one of the most popular and best preserved in Egypt and certainly lives up to its reputation. We had free time to take photos and to shop for our Galabeya dress for the special Egyptian Galabeya party on board the ship that evening. As we sailed south, we passed amazing scenery which really gives you that step-back-in-time experience. Remote villages, water buffalo, camels, small fishing boats and donkey carts were all common sights along the Nile, the world’s longest river. Occasionally we would hear one of the five daily calls to prayer from the local mosques. We stopped briefly at Kom Ombo, where we would spend time on our return trip to visit the temple. Our next stop was Aswan, where we arrived for our two-day stay.

Click here to view pictures from our tour

For more information about our 13-Day Egypt & the Nile tour, including the day-by-day itinerary, click here.

At GET we strive to provide our clients with accurate and current information about our tours. In order to do this we invest significantly in our staff, sending them out on tours so that they can share their stories and experiences with you, our clients, upon their return.

Our Travel Specialist, Diane Anzalone and her husband recently joined our 13-Day Egypt & the Nile tour. We hope you enjoyed her report.

Spice up your life with the rich variety of this 13-day tour across Germany, Switzerland and Austria.

Bavarian Alps and Austrian Delights
The adventure begins in the Bavarian Capital of Munich, home to the delightful Glockenspiel in Marienplatzs quare. Explore the city’s sights and enjoy an excursion into the Bavarian Alps before traveling into Austria. Discover Salzburg with a local guide and cruise the River Danube through the Wachau Valley before arriving in elegant Vienna for a relaxing two-night stay. Travel through pine forests and over the Semmering Pass to the charming Carinthian town of Klagenfurt. After a trip through the Italian Alps, spend your final Austrian night in the Tyrolean city of Innsbruck.

Stylish St. Moritz and Medieval Lucerne
On to Switzerland! During your two-night stay in the alpine resort of St. Moritz, you’ll have a mountain railways pass to ride the cable cars, funiculars and chairlifts in this snow-capped paradise. Marvel at the glacial beauty on an excursion aboard the thrilling Bernina Express. The next day, board the Glacier Express – known as the slowest express train in the world – for an unforgettable trip across 291 bridges and through 91 tunnels. Explore the charming medieval city of Lucerne and ride a cog-wheel train and a cable car to the summit of Mount Pilatus for an astonishing farewell view of the Swiss Alps.

We Cover the Details so You Can Relax
Like all Grand European Tours vacations, Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria gives you a first-class travel experience. As your personal travel expert, we take care of every detail – from hotels and meals to wide-ranging sightseeing and seasoned Tour Directors – so you can vacation with comfort and ease.

Grand European Tours takes you to the heart of Europe’s great cities and allows you to travel with comfort and ease. Every tour includes first-class hotels, most meals, extensive sightseeing and professional Tour Directors – all at direct-to-consumer value pricing. From the time you start planning your trip until you return home, our travel experts are dedicated to giving you personalized service and memorable experiences.

To learn more about our Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria tour, or to make a reservation, call one of our friendly and experienced Travel Specialists at 1-866-873-0356.

The Calgary Stampede takes place at the beginning of July every year and is included on two special departures: July 8 & July 11. These departures are 8-days and operate a slightly different itinerary, featuring two nights in Calgary at the Delta Bow Valley hotel and entry to the Calgary Stampede.

Calgary Cowboys to Joys of Jasper
From Calgary – Stampede City and Gateway to the Rockies – travel along the dramatic Icefields Parkway, rich with wildlife and natural wonders. Inside Jasper National Park, climb aboard an Ice Explorer and explore the Athabasca Glacier, which stretches out nearly four miles. Settle in for two relaxing nights at Jasper and explore the rock formations of Maligne Canyon, float the Athabasca River or simply kick back and soak up the sun.

Wonders of Banff
The stunning scenery just keeps coming in Banff National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit emerald green Lake Louise and deep blue Moraine Lake – glacial-fed and picture perfect – on the way to your alpine lodge, home for three nights. Enjoy an excursion to Yoho National Park and Emerald Lake, with plenty of time to explore Banff on your own. You’ll stay as busy as you want to be with optional activities such as a float trip on the Bow River or a helicopter ride over Mount Assiniboine.

We Cover the Details so You Can Relax
Like all Grand European Tours vacations, Canada’s Rockies gives you a first-class travel experience. As your personal travel expert, we take care of every detail – from hotels and meals to wide-ranging sightseeing and seasoned Tour Directors – so you can vacation with comfort and ease.

To learn more about our Canada’s Rockies tour, or to make a reservation, call one of our friendly and experienced Travel Specialists at 1-866-873-0356.

Go where the excitement is – from England, to Scotland to Wales – with our new Best of Britain tour. Over 13 days, you’ll explore the cities of London, Edinburgh and Glasgow, discover charming villages and grand castles, and delight in stunning scenery – all at direct-to-consumer value pricing.
We’ve designed Best of Britain with an active pace that gives you a comprehensive tour of Great Britain and a rich range of memorable experiences. You’ll enjoy the comfort and ease of two-night stays in London, Edinburgh and Plymouth, with shorter stays that make it possible to see Britain’s best sights and destinations.

Classic London to Vibrant Edinburgh
Get your bearings in London with a guided tour of the city’s classic sights – Big Ben to Buckingham Palace – plus time to explore on your own. From the big city, travel north through the rolling hills and villages of the Cotswolds to the lovely walled city of York. Continuing north, Edinburgh awaits. Visit the castle, stroll the Royal Mile and on select departures experience the Military Tattoo on the castle grounds.

Lovely Lakes to Mysterious Stonehenge
Soak up the natural beauty of the Trossachs hills and the bonnie banks of Loch Lomond on your way to Glasgow. The stunning scenery of the English Lake District is a breathtaking prelude to a visit to Cardiff, Wales. Back in England, visit the Roman spa town of Bath. Then drop anchor for two nights – and a cruise – in the coastal town of Plymouth, just 34 miles from the village where Doc Martin is filmed. Return to London, passing through south central England, where Downton Abbey is filmed, with a stop to marvel at the prehistoric standing stones of Stonehenge.

We cover the details so you can relax
Like all Grand European Tours vacations, Best of Britain gives you a first-class travel experience. As your personal travel expert, we take care of every detail – from hotels and meals to extensive sightseeing and seasoned Tour Directors – so you can see Europe without a care in the world.

To learn more about our Best of Britain tour, or to make a reservation, call one of our friendly and experienced Travel Specialists at 1-866-873-0356.

Click here to view pictures from our tour

Enjoy more of Amanda’s travels as she continues on the second half of our 8-Day Costa Rica Eco Adventure tour from Sarapiqui to Guanacaste. If you missed Part 1, days 1-4 from San Jose to Tortuguero National Park, you may read it here.

The beautiful property on which the lodge in Sarapiqui is located was perfect for a stroll to watch for tropical rainforest birds or other animals and to learn about the culture through the archeological museum.

The following morning we drove onward towards La Fortuna and our hotel for the night near Arenal Volcano. We stopped along the way to have lunch with a family and the local school children. The dance presentation performed by the children and the food they prepared for our group was such a treat. They loved having us as company and sharing a bit of their culture with us. That afternoon and evening we were pampered with the relaxing, warm water and the delicious food at the Tabacon Thermal Hot Springs.

As it had been cloudy the night before, we were wondering if we would get a glimpse of Arenal during our stay, as it is one of the 10 most active volcanoes in the world. At breakfast, not only did we get a beautiful view we were also able to hear it spewing rocks from the top. From Arenal, we headed down toward the Pacific Ocean to the tour’s final destination, the Montverde Cloud Forest. Along the way, we learned tips on how to pick the best pineapples and coffee to purchase.

In Monteverde, we had the opportunity to try out some of the optional excursions that the cloud forest is famous for:  zip-lining, horseback riding and a plantation tour. The small town of Santa Elena was just down the hill from our beautiful hotel. We ate in a couple of cute little cafes and bought some small gifts in the various shops. Being able to explore on our own combined with the knowledge of our Tour Directors brought this town to life for us.

The next morning we joined the group on a Sky Trek in the jungle. The suspension bridges over the cloud forest gave us a completely different perspective of the plant and animal life that make up this amazing ecosystem. Luckily, all the optional excursions in Monteverde are offered on both days allowing us to not miss out on anything. At the delicious farewell dinner that evening we were able to say goodbye to our fellow travelers as some would be heading home the next day and others, like us, would be extending to Tamarindo in Guanacaste.

After dropping some of our fellow travelers at the airport the next morning the remaining group headed to the beach for a 2 night extension. The hotel was right on the beach and located in the heart of town. This gave us easy access to shopping and wonderful beach front restaurants. We decided to add just a bit more adventure to our trip by enjoying a sunset catamaran and snorkeling tour. The beautifully colored fish and lonely beach was the perfect end to our Costa Rica Adventure.

If you missed Part 1, click here.

Click here to view pictures from our tour

For more information about our 8-Day Costa Rica Eco Adventure tour, including the day-by-day itinerary, click here.

At GET we strive to provide our clients with accurate and current information about our tours. In order to do this we invest significantly in our staff, sending them out on tours so that they can share their stories and experiences with you, our clients, upon their return.

Our Marketing Data Services Coordinator, Amanda Lowe and her husband recently joined our 8-Day Costa Rica Eco Adventure tour. We hope you enjoyed her report.

Click here to view pictures from our tour

Meet Amanda Lowe, our Marketing Data Services Coordinator here at Grand European Tours. Amanda recently returned from our 8-Day Costa Rica Eco Adventure tour. Below she shares her insider view on exploring tropical Costa Rica.

My husband, Tim, and I recently returned from the Costa Rica Eco Adventure tour. Having only been as far south as the Yucatan Peninsula this was our first time to travel to Central America. We were anxious to see what this new country had in store for our adventurous hearts. This tour offers such a great overview of the country as a whole since it visits 6 out of the 7 Costa Rican provinces.

We arrived in San Jose in the afternoon and were quickly guided to our transfer coach waiting to take us to the hotel. It was a warm sunny day set with a back-drop of a few dramatic clouds. After checking in at the hotel we had the rest of the afternoon to explore San Jose or just hang out at the hotel pool. San Jose offers many markets, small unique places to eat and a larger city feeling as this is the largest city in Costa Rica.

The next morning we met our tour group and our wonderful Tour Directors, Jorge and Fabian, along with our motorcoach driver Tino. After getting acquainted, we were on our way to Tortuguero National Park. As we headed through San Jose our Tour Directors explained in detail about the history of Costa Rica, about how the country no longer has a military making it a neutral country and how they treasure their parks and monuments like the National Theater.

Driving on, we passed through the Braulio Carrillo National Park. The scenery was breathtaking as we worked our way up through the lushly vegetated canyons and across the Súcio River, also known as the “dirty river” since it is colored by minerals from the nearby volcanoes.

After a stop for a snack, we had just gotten back on the road when one of the Tour Directors had the motorcoach pull over to the side. We all filed off to see why the Tour Directors had pulled out their binoculars. Much to our surprise, there were 3 sloths just hanging out in the trees. One of these sloths was literally 10 feet over our heads. What a treat to see!

Back on the motorcoach, we headed for the Caño Blanco Dock to catch our water taxi to the Laguna Lodge in Tortuguero. To my surprise this was a “real-live” jungle cruise. We stopped a few times along the way to watch an Iguana on a branch, Toucans flying over-head, a Camen in the reeds and sleeping Bats on a tree.

Over the next day and a half we were able to explore this remote portion of the rainforest through more in-depth canal cruises to view various types of wild life; exploring the frog sanctuary; strolling through the jungle gardens; and of course walking along the beach. We were lucky enough to be staying here during turtle hatching season. The last afternoon we had the amazing pleasure of watching a nest of baby sea turtles start their life journey by waddling their way to the ocean. Click here for video!

After saying good-bye to this wonderful preserve and our very courteous boat drivers, we were off to Sarapiqui. Again to our surprise along the way our Tour Directors had the coach pull to the side where we were able to watch 2 pairs of Great Green Macaws flying to-and-fro in the trees. As our Tour Directors explained when we got back on the coach, this was a very special treat as there are only about 35 pairs of this type of Macaw left in the wild.

Amanda’s adventure continues…stay tuned for Part 2 next week!

Click here to view pictures from our tour

For more information about our 8-Day Costa Rica Eco Adventure tour, including the day-by-day itinerary, click here.

At GET we strive to provide our clients with accurate and current information about our tours. In order to do this we invest significantly in our staff, sending them out on tours so that they can share their stories and experiences with you, our clients, upon their return.

Our Marketing Data Services Coordinator, Amanda Lowe and her husband recently joined our 8-Day Costa Rica Eco Adventure tour. We hope you enjoyed her report.

We would like to give a big thank you to those that submitted photos for our contest! There were some truly great photos sent in and we had a difficult time narrowing down the entries.

We asked for your help in picking a winner and had over 2,000 votes! Without further ado, here are the winners from our 2011 “GET the Picture” Photo Contest:

1st place – $2,000 GET Travel Certificate

Geiranger, Norway submitted by Willard
16-Day Spectacular Scandinavia  & its Fjords

2nd place – $1,000 GET Travel Certificate

Colosseum at night submitted by Solita
15-Day Grand Italia

3rd place – $500 GET Travel Certificate

Balloons over Cappadocia submitted by Ed
16-Day Grand Tour of Turkey

Congratulations to our winners and thank you to all those that entered and voted in our 2011 “GET the Picture” Photo Contest.

We look forward to seeing many more amazing shots capturing the essence of being on a GET tour when you return from your 2012 tour!

Browse customer submitted photos

If you haven’t booked your 2012 tour yet, click here to browse our 60+ tours and river cruises!

As a Grand European Tours traveler, you know that you can expect a carefree, comfortable vacation, filled with rich experiences, when you travel with us. Many of you join us over and over because our tours are an easy, rewarding and affordable way to see the world and meet new people.

In the months ahead, we’ll be introducing you to some of our travelers and sharing stories from their travels. We hope their experiences will inspire you to join us again. Perhaps you’ll even be one of our featured travelers!

Loving Escorted Travel for 14 Years
Bob and Bonnie Bunger decided they wanted to see Europe in 1998. After shopping around, they booked GET’s Leisure Europe tour and have relied on GET ever since. The retired Oregon school teachers have joined 22 tours, typically traveling in the spring and fall.

“First, we did Leisure Europe and we went through about 10 different countries,” Bob recalls.

“That really got us interested and we decided we wanted to go back to explore the countries more,” Bonnie says.

Before discovering escorted travel, the Bungers had traveled independently to Norway and around the United States. But their Leisure Europe experience convinced them that a tour was an easier, more enriching way to travel.

“If you go on your own, you have to plan out everything,” Bob says. “And you have to know some of the language and tote your own luggage around. In some of the train stations, that’s not the easiest thing to do.”

“We like the fact that we are taken care of, where everything is done,” Bonnie says. “We like being told when to have our suitcase out, when to be down for breakfast. That’s our biggest selling point. We like the idea that somebody’s telling us where we’re going and they’re doing the driving.”

“And if we traveled on our own, my co-pilot wouldn’t be that great as far as reading maps,” Bob adds with a laugh. “We also enjoy having the historical background of the areas we’re going through as we’re driving along on the bus. And the Tour Directors have been extremely knowledgeable, very warm and helpful.”

Discovering the World Together
Married 45 years, the Bungers share a mutual love of travel, lifelong learning and making new friends that certainly plays a part in their happy marriage. In the last 14 years, they’ve traveled together throughout Europe and beyond, including trips to South Africa, Egypt and China, which are among their favorite destinations.

“I really enjoyed the South Africa tour with the safari,” Bonnie recalls. “We just had a ball. They got you up early and took you out to see the animals. Then while we were out there, they’d set up a table and we’d have coffee in the morning. In the afternoon when we went out, we’d have cocktails out in the bush. It was just a totally different type of thing to do.”

“I liked Egypt – going through the pyramids and all the stuff that was 5,000 years old, and the history part of that,” Bob says. “Also going to China and doing the Great Wall and seeing the Terra Cotta soldiers was a highlight.”

For the Bungers, robust itineraries are one of the reasons they continue to travel with GET. “We like to be doing something and moving all the time,” Bob says. “We prefer to go sightseeing and doing things other than shopping.”

“But there’s plenty of time to shop, even with all the other things,” Bonnie adds. “We always do the optionals because we like to be busy all day long.”

Making Friends on Every Trip
Meeting new people – from fellow travelers to their Tour Directors – is another draw for the Bungers. “Seems like on every tour, we pick up with one other couple and chum with them,” Bonnie says. “But one of the things we decided when we first started traveling is that we’d prefer to start the tour without knowing anyone as that way we get to know everybody in the group.”

The Bungers often stay in touch with people they’ve met on their travels. And in the fall, they’ve booked a tour to Ireland and Scotland with a couple they met on a tour of Turkey.

They’ve also enjoyed getting to know their Tour Directors. “We’ve had wonderful Tour Directors,” Bonnie says. “They’ve just been so friendly. In fact, we got an email just this Christmas from the Tour Director we had in Turkey.”

Appreciating Value
After the Bungers return from Ireland and Scotland in the fall, they plan to shift their travel focus to the United States and are looking at the new tours GET has added for 2012. But regardless of where they travel next, they’re convinced escorted travel is a great value.

“We met a couple on one tour, and he had priced out what it would cost to do it on his own,” Bonnie says. “ To stay in the same hotels, eat at the same type of restaurants and cover the transportation, ended up being more expensive to do on his own. So that’s a plus for traveling on a tour. But even if it was more, it’s worth it for us!”

Click here to view photos from Bob & Bonnie’s tours

Click here to view pictures from our tour

Enjoy more of David’s travels on our 13-Day Unforgettable Italy tour. If you missed Part 1, you can read it here.

We spent two nights on the beautiful Sorrento Peninsula. Be sure to try the local Limoncello liquor. It makes for a great souvenir. Enjoy a hydrofoil ride to the beautiful island of Capri. Upon arrival you will take a funicular up to the world class luxury town of Capri. With the included locally guided tour, you won’t miss any of the village highlights.

Everybody on the tour loved our included dinner with a local family. We visited with Pasquale and his family in their Sorrento villa. They shared their family history and cooked local specialties for us. Thanks to Pasquale and his family for a wonderful time!

Our next day of travel took us to the spiritual village of Assisi. Time is given to visit the giant Basilica of St. Francis, a large church made up of two churches built on top of each other. The basilica honors St. Francis with amazing frescoes.

Then it’s on to beautiful Florence, with a stop along the way at San Gimignano, the medieval Manhattan of Tuscany. In Florence, I highly suggest the optional tour to see the statue of David at the Accademia. With the local guide and the emphasis on Michelangelo, you will have a great experience.

Your next day in Florence begins with a guided city tour including the Duomo, third largest church in Christianity and one of the world’s great feats of engineering. Then to the front of the line at the Galleria Degli Uffizi — the Renaissance arts Hall of Fame, for another locally guided tour to view masterpieces by Michelangelo, Raphael, Botticelli, and Caravaggio.

Don’t miss the optional tour to Pisa. With your guide, you will find Pisanos (Pisa citizens) really don’t want the Tower to be straightened out, as that would make a tower like all the other towers; and Pisa would lose its uniqueness. Make sure you take your iconic Italy photo of you trying to hold up the tower!

The tour continues across the Apennine Mountains to incredible Venice. Experience an outstanding glass blowing demonstration. With your local guide, you enjoy a tour of St. Marks Square and Basilica. My wife and I will long remember our optional Gondola ride through the canals of Venice. I know I will never forget my first view of the Grand Canal of Venice, with the afternoon sun setting over the palaces along the water. Days like that are why we travel. As our Tour Director Ian says, “Fantastico, Super”!

Finally we drive north, close to the Switzerland border, to visit Como with a chance for a wonderful optional cruise on the lake. See if you can catch sight of the villas of some of Hollywood’s most famous. Our last evening was at a wonderful hotel along Lake Maggiore with a great farewell dinner as all too soon we said arrivederci to our travel companions. If you want to see a tremendous amount of Italy in a short amount of time, our Unforgettable Italy Tour is a great choice.

If you missed Part 1, click here.

Click here to view pictures from our tour

For more information about our 13-Day Unforgettable Italy tour, including the day-by-day itinerary, click here.

At GET we strive to provide our clients with accurate and current information about our tours. In order to do this we invest significantly in our staff, sending them out on tours so that they can share their stories and experiences with you, our clients, upon their return.

Our Personal Travel Counselor, David Seeberger and his wife recently joined our 13-Day Unforgettable Italy tour. We hope you enjoyed his report.

Click here to view pictures from our tour

Meet David Seeberger, one of our Travel Specialists here at Grand European Tours. David recently returned from our 13-Day Unforgettable Italy tour. Below he shares his insider view on why an escorted tour is the way to go!

As in ancient times, all roads led to Rome for my wife Katherine and myself as we recently enjoyed our Unforgettable Italy tour. As a travel specialist for Grand European Tours, we are lucky to be given the opportunity to expand our travel knowledge by regularly traveling.

Upon arrival, we were transferred from the Rome airport to our hotel, by our transportation for the next two weeks, a virtually new spotless luxury motorcoach. We were fortunate to have great weather for our tour. For premier Italy touring weather, consider May, June, September and October travel dates. It can be mighty warm in Italy in the heart of summer.

The first evening activities begin with the Welcome Reception. This is where you will meet your Tour Director and the other tour participants. This is also your first opportunity to purchase optional tours. Do consider purchasing optional tours, as they are specially selected to enhance your experience. I would like to give kudos to our Tour Director, Ian, for his knowledge, cheerfulness, patience and connections. It is remarkable how he kept everyone joyful and together throughout the trip. Good show my friend!

In the evening, we enjoyed the optional Italian dinner and Rome Illuminations tour, a great beginning to our Italy experience. The restaurant’s musician was hilarious, a fantastic way to begin to bond with our fellow tour participants.

The next day – after a great breakfast – it was off to St. Peter’s. You will quickly come to appreciate Grand European Tours’ connections as you fly to the front of the line at the Vatican Museum, passing literally hundreds of people already in line. After the Vatican Museum you enter the Sistine Chapel via a special entrance – a private back entrance by the papal apartments.

After the Vatican Museum visit, on to your guided tour of St. Peters Basilica, the largest church in Christianity. Don’t miss the Pieta or the new chapel devoted to Pope John Paul II. One thing you will learn from the guide is that this is one of 4 Pieta’s, but it’s the main one. After a lunch break, off to visit the Colosseum, where we took our included group photo. Once again, you will pass the crowds and head to the front of the line. All that and this is just our first full day!

The next day is on your own in Rome, or you can choose to take an optional tour out of the city. My wife and I chose to revisit the Vatican and see the Pantheon. If you’ve read Dan Brown’s Angels & Demons book then you are familiar with the Pantheon. The Pantheon is unique as it has an open hole in the amazing dome. I had to ask, “Does it rain inside the Pantheon?” Yes it does rain inside. The Pantheon floor is sloped with holes for rain to flow out of the building. Be sure to dress with long trousers to visit the Pantheon, as it is an active church. As with most churches, clothing that shows your knees or shoulders is not permitted. Tough for me, as I’m a shorts-wearer kind of traveler.

Next morning we stopped at the Montecassino Abbey. The church is a couple thousand feet in altitude on a virtually one way road. Over and over, I was impressed by the driving skill of our motorcoach driver, Niello. Montecassino Abbey is also the home of the Benedictine order, and contains the tomb of St. Benedict. The Abbey is a very beautiful, restful place with a wonderful view of the valley. It also has an amazing World War II legacy.

That afternoon we enjoyed one of my favorite experiences of the whole trip – a visit to the ruins of Pompeii with a local guide. Be sure to stay well hydrated as it can be pretty dry and dusty as you traverse the ruins. Watch your step as well, as the ground is very uneven. With a little carefulness, you will have an amazing adventure frozen in time as you travel through the excavations of Pompeii. Too Cool!

Dave’s tour continues… stay tuned for Part 2!

Click here to view pictures from our tour

For more information about our 13-Day Unforgettable Italy tour, including the day-by-day itinerary, click here.

At GET we strive to provide our clients with accurate and current information about our tours. In order to do this we invest significantly in our staff, sending them out on tours so that they can share their stories and experiences with you, our clients, upon their return.

Our Personal Travel Counselor, David Seeberger and his wife recently joined our 13-Day Unforgettable Italy tour. We hope you enjoyed his report.

Our Britain and Ireland travel experts have created four great tours that let you experience England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland your way. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant cities of London, Edinburgh and Dublin or the country roads of the Cotswolds, Scottish Highlands or Connemara, there’s a Grand European Tours adventure that’s just right for you.

Many of our travelers share their stories when they return. Here’s what a few recent travelers had to say about their experiences on three of our British and Irish vacations:

Jeanene Lorey, Melanie Lorey & Cristajoy Jenkins, Washington
16-day Britain & Ireland Highlights

“On our first-ever tour, we three ladies had a super vacation. For the first time, I actually enjoyed seeing everything and loved not having to plan, schedule, cart and carry, or worry about details. The entire tour was exactly what I hoped for – a launching point for future European excursions.

So many great times – loved Stirling Castle, Bath, pub dinner in the Cotswolds and Blarney. I personally liked Anne Hathaway’s Cottage – it’s an English teacher thing!

Ian was a fantastic Tour Director. He shared an amazing wealth of historical, local and hilarious details. Hotel accommodations were excellent – always situated near super walking areas with local interest. The entire tour was stress-free and safe. So much great food – more than any human should partake of.”

Allen & Kathryn Angel, New York – 17-day Grand Tour of Ireland & Scotland

“We were very pleased with all aspects of our trip to Ireland and Scotland. Grand European did an excellent job helping us plan our trip and provided us with the necessary and interesting travel information in a timely manner. The itinerary was excellent, as was the pace. We were also pleased with the hotel accommodations. Our Tour Director was A+ – excellent!

We can’t pick one favorite destination – we loved so many of them! One thing that stands out is how the itinerary gave us a chance to enjoy the cities, the small towns, the countryside, and all the magnificent scenery. Another aspect that stands out is the warmth of the people we met and how safe and comfortable we felt in all locations.

This trip to Ireland and Scotland was truly wonderful. The pace is relaxing, yet we had the opportunity to see so much. The optional excursions offered some delightful activities. Our tour director, Michael Doughty, was one of the best we have ever had. He has a wealth of knowledge regarding the history and culture of Ireland and Scotland, and his personality is, indeed, A+. He made the trip so enjoyable, along with it being a true learning experience.”

Jo Ann Dreyer, Georgia – 13-day Country Roads of Ireland

“Country Roads of Ireland was just what I dreamed it would be. The hotels were beautiful. The tour coach and driver, Matt, were excellent. Our Tour Director, Pat, was especially helpful and very knowledgeable about history. He made our trip wonderful and complete. The side trips he planned were very enjoyable and worth every penny. I have great memories. There were three other women traveling on their own, and this made me feel at ease. All the couples included us, and Pat really looked after us.”

As these travelers have learned, Grand European Tours allows you to travel with ease so you can relax and enjoy the sights, cultures and people of Britain and Ireland. Join us, and discover why so many people travel with us again and again:

Experience the heart of great British and Irish cities – Our extensive guided city sightseeing, visits and experiences are all included in your tour price.
Tour Director expertise – As your personal travel expert and concierge, your Tour Director ensures you see, do and learn more – and have fun along the way!
Everything included – Enjoy first-class hotels, meals, extensive sightseeing, entrances to top sights and one-of-a-kind activities – all at direct-to-consumer value pricing.
Convenience and comfort – We cover all the details so you can be on vacation 100%. Just settle in with top-of-the-line accommodations and transportation.
Personalized service – Your satisfaction is our top priority, from the time we spend helping you plan your trip to the moment you board your flight to return home.

Click here to view information on all of our tours to Britain & Ireland

Our Spain experts have created four great tours of this captivating country to let you experience the Iberian Peninsula your way. Whether you’re drawn to vibrant Madrid and sun-drenched Costa del Sol or lively Seville and Moorish Granada, there’s a Grand European Tours Spanish adventure that’s just right for you.

If France is calling your name, join us for one of two memorable tours – a grand tour from Paris to Provence and Bordeaux to Burgundy, or a leisurely journey through the Loire Valley, Brittany and Normandy, with generous time in Paris.

Many of our travelers share their stories when they return. Here’s what a few recent travelers had to say about their experiences on three of our Spanish and French vacations:

Stephen & Cecile Newman, Tennessee – 14-day Unforgettable Spain & Portugal

“This was a wonderful trip. We felt that we saw the best of the northern half of Spain, visiting destinations we would not have considered if we were on our own. Our guide was knowledgeable and thoroughly informed us on all aspects of Spanish life – history, politics, natural beauty, culture.

Besides the regular itinerary of the trip, we could not resist the variety of optional tours, and we thoroughly enjoyed every one. And an added bonus – our fellow travelers were terrific people who enjoyed travel as much as we do.

The most unexpected surprise was our first few days in Portugal. We loved hearing about life in Portugal from a native and comparing Portugal and Spain throughout the trip. The Portuguese people were friendly and delightful.”

Virginia & Harry Wagner, Maryland – 14-day Spain, Morocco & Portugal

“We had a wonderful time! The accommodations, transportation and service were all first class. Our Tour Director, Tania, was the best we could hope for. She spoke perfect English, had a great personality and was very knowledgeable about all the places we visited. The entire tour was well organized.

We love Spain. It is always a great vacation spot. The highlights of the trip, in our opinion, were the trip to Mijas and the choice of restaurants, and the home-hosted lunch in Alfarnatejo, Andalusia. We also enjoyed the visit to Gibraltar, the tour of the Alhambra, the tour of Sevilla, Costa Del Sol and Torremolinos. We have a great experience. GET met all our expectations and more. We will travel again with GET and will highly recommend it to all our friends and relatives.”

James & Suzanne Kilcullen, Pennsylvania – 16-day Grand Tour of France

“We thoroughly enjoyed the tour of France. Our tour guide, Simon, was very knowledgeable and kind. Our bus driver, Philippe, drove through some amazingly tight roads with the greatest of ease. Our group of 24 people were friendly, on time and prompt. The entire tour was like traveling with family. We can’t say enough to express our thanks.

I thoroughly enjoyed Lourdes, my reason for booking this trip, and my husband liked Normandy, his reason for booking this tour. Each city made its own impression on us, never to be forgotten. Paris also made an impression on us with our hotel two blocks from the Eiffel Tower – couldn’t get any closer!

We especially like that GET comes recommended by AARP. This was the only tour of France with two days in Normandy and one day in Lourdes. The French people tried to speak English for us and we tried some every limited French, but all was understandable. We both came home with an appreciation of French food and the French people. The school children even said “hello” and “have a nice day” in English.”

As these travelers have learned, Grand European Tours allows you to travel with ease so you can relax and enjoy the sights, cultures and people of Spain or France. Join us, and discover why so many people travel with us again and again:

Experience the heart of great Spanish and French cities – Our extensive guided city sightseeing, visits and experiences are all included in your tour price.
Tour Director expertise – As your personal travel expert and concierge, your Tour Director ensures you see, do and learn more – and have fun along the way!
Everything included – Enjoy first-class hotels, meals, extensive sightseeing, entrances to top sights and one-of-a-kind activities – all at direct-to-consumer value pricing.
Convenience and comfort – We cover all the details so you can be on vacation 100%. Just settle in with top-of-the-line accommodations and transportation.
Personalized service – Your satisfaction is our top priority, from the time we spend helping you plan your trip to the moment you board your flight to return home.

Click here to view information on all of our tours to Spain & France

Majesty and History of the American West
14-day Scenic Parks Explorer

If you’ve dreamed of visiting the great National Parks of the west, this is the year to make it happen. Over two weeks, you’ll travel across 7 states and explore the wonders of 7 of the most popular U.S. National Parks – from Zion, Bryce, Arches and Grand Teton to Yellowstone, Arches, Mesa Verde and Grand Canyon.

This not-to-be missed tour features an active itinerary that has made it our most popular U.S. vacation for the last three years. Like all Grand European Tours, it gives you a first-class travel experience and memories you’ll treasure for years to come. As your personal travel expert, we take care of every detail – from hotels and meals to extensive sightseeing and seasoned Tour Directors – so you can enjoy your vacation without a care in the world.

Here’s what traveler Carolyn Anders had to say about the experience she and her husband Mark had on the Scenic Parks Explorer tour last spring:

“My favorite part of the trip was the segment from Vail to Monument Valley. We lived in Tucson 1980 to 1986, and I had forgotten how the Navajo, Hopi and Pueblo Indian culture hold such a spell over me. I also loved the Indian Museum at the Crazy Horse Monument. The beauty of Bryce, the Tetons, Old Faithful Lodge, the Arches and hoodoos filled my soul. Snow-covered landscapes at Yellowstone and baking sun at Mesa Verde reminded me what hardy men and women settled those areas. Utah’s beauty was the biggest surprise. Monument Valley was a cathedral in stone and sky. I fell in love with the desert Southwest as a young mother and again as I approach the wonderful age of 64. Life is good.”

Here’s what travelers Jean and John Coleman had to say about their experience on the Scenic Parks Explorer tour last spring:

“This tour was a COMPLETE experience – far above our expectations. Such a variety of things to see and do: mountains and deserts, plains, boats, cities and small towns. We enjoyed the open air vehicle that took us down into Monument Valley. Yellowstone Falls were beautiful. And the optional raft trip and jet boat ride were great.

Everything was first class – great accommodations and the food was excellent. What pleased us the most was the great organization. Everything ran so smoothly. The Tour Director was so helpful – full of information – and made each of us feel very special. The coach was comfortable with a very safe driver. Frequent stops broke up the drive. A five-star rating!”

Tropical Treasures and the Wonders of Wildlife
8-day Costa Rica Eco Adventure

From Tortuguero National Park on the Caribbean coast to the Monteverde Cloud Forest near the Pacific, this active 8-day vacation will take your breath away. With some of the richest biodiversity in the world, you’ll come face to face with a rainbow of flora and fauna as you explore on land, water and above the treetops. Keep your camera poised for shots of howler monkeys, hummingbirds, toucans, macaws, crocodiles and sea turtles. And in Arenal, watch the night-time lava fireworks of one of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Known for their gracious hospitality, Costa Ricans will greet you with open arms throughout your journey. Whether you’re sharing a home-cooked lunch with a local family, soaking in the thermal pools at Tabacon Hot Springs, or tasting Gouda at a Quaker cheese factory, you’ll feel the warm Tico welcome.

Bruce Shull shared the following observations on the Costa Rica Eco Adventure, which he shared with Nancy Donohue last summer:

“I researched Costa Rica tours for 3 years, then found this one through AARP. The itinerary was all-inclusive and the excursions very interesting and exciting. The hotels were wonderful and the bus was comfortable and uncrowded. Our tour guides were professional, well educated and knowledgeable. Not one single glitch in all the arrangements. We met and made friends with many on the tour. Our bus driver, Jesus, navigated those winding mountain roads like a pro.

We enjoyed the nature walks, individual attention by the tour guides, the rainforest boat cruise, the volcano, hot springs, white water rafting, cloud forest train, zip line, hanging bridges, critters, birds, beach, interface with the local people and more. One of our best vacations ever!”

Choose a vacation designed just for you
Wherever your wanderlust leads you – from the American West to tropical rainforests, European capitals to the pyramids of Egypt – Grand European Tours is your personal travel expert. We offer over 65 fully escorted tours and river cruises throughout Europe, North and South America, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. With a range of styles and activity levels, we can help you choose just the right vacation.

Our Italy experts have created five great tours of this captivating country to let you experience Italy your way. Whether you’re drawn to the captivating cities of Rome, Florence and Venice, the alpine scenery of the northern Lake District, or the countryside of the south, there’s a Grand European Tours Italian adventure that’s just right for you.

Many of our travelers share their stories when they return. Here’s what a few recent travelers had to say about their experiences on four of our Italian vacations:

Donna Williamson, Washington – 15-day Grand Italia

“The tour was very inclusive of Italy’s highlights. I am thoroughly satisfied that I received the best Italian experience one could have in a 15-day tour. Because of the scope, I feel that I do not need to come back to Italy since there is so much more of the world I would like to see.

The tour included everything and every place I ever wanted to see in Italy. Next to the excellent choice of locations, I have to say that our Tour Director, Peter deVries, was the highlight of my trip. In addition to all of his professional skills, his personality and wonderful sense of humor will always stand out in my memory of Italy. He is excellent at his job! ”

Virginia & Harry Wagner, Maryland – 13-day Unforgettable Italy

“Great trip! We enjoyed every moment of our journey. This was a true unforgettable experience! Both the included tours and the optional ones were excellent. We were very involved the whole time – no wasted time at all. Excellent accommodations, transportation and service from our Tour Director. She was very informative and helpful.

We enjoyed it all, but the most impressive were the tour of Pompeii, the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Positano, Venice and the gondola ride, Lake Como, and Tivoli Gardens – as well as the people we met and the lasting friendships we developed. We can honestly say that this was one of the most congenial and fun groups of people we have ever traveled with. We hated to say goodbye at the end of the trip. We were like a big happy family.

This trip has a lot to offer because it covers most of the highlights of Italy. There is a nice variety of scenery, history and activities to provide you with a greater appreciation of the whole country. We highly recommend this tour to any first-time visitors to Italy. ”

Reinhard & Carole Martin, North Carolina – 9-day Italian Intermezzo

“Rome, Venice and Florence were outstanding destinations, especially for art and history appreciation. Each location had a charm all its own. Every location seemed carefully crafted to see treasures and create memorable experiences. Our guides and special guides were experienced and helpful in all ways.

I loved walking about in Rome and seeing all the fountains and piazzas, Spanish Steps and Trevi, and the Roman Forum at night. In Florence, walking and seeing David – an exciting place! In Venice, the Grand Canal and gondolas – traveling around in boats and glass blowing. Lovely landscapes of Tuscany! Gelato in San Gimignano!

There are always new discoveries when one travels. Seeing Michelangelo’s work in person was an experience that can’t be captured by looking through books. The museum in Florence, with the figures literally trying to climb out of the blocks of stone, was so beautifully presented by our tour guide – a most impressive and inspiring moment. I was so glad for the opportunity to visit the catacombs and to see a little more of Raphael’s work – truly a genius.”

Peggy Wade, Virginia – 14-day Country Roads of Southern Italy and Sicily

“I thoroughly enjoyed visiting a region I had little knowledge of. Grand European Tours took me to historical and picturesque villages where I interacted with local inhabitants, enjoying the opportunity. Traveling over the Amalfi Coast was breathtakingly beautiful. What fun I had in Positano – which was built into a steep limestone cliff – to shop in the little stores nestled in the cliff. I also really liked the Dine Around experience!

Our guide was quite energetic and ready to address every need that was expressed. She gave us interesting information as we rode along and readily answered questions. She is a super great guide! She even arranged a birthday cake for two of us who had birthdays during the trip – complete with candles!”

As these travelers have learned, Grand European Tours allows you to travel with ease so you can relax and enjoy the sights, cultures and people of Italy. Join us, and discover why so many people travel with us again and again:

Experience the heart of Italy’s great cities – Our extensive guided city sightseeing, visits and experiences are all included in your tour price.
Tour Director expertise – As your personal travel expert and concierge, your Tour Director ensures you see, do and learn more – and have fun along the way!
Everything included – Enjoy first-class hotels, meals, extensive sightseeing, entrances to top sights and one-of-a-kind activities – all at direct-to-consumer value pricing.
Convenience and comfort – We cover all the details so you can be on vacation 100%. Just settle in with top-of-the-line accommodations and transportation.
Personalized service – Your satisfaction is our top priority, from the time we spend helping you plan your trip to the moment you board your flight to return home.

Click here to view information on all of our tours to Italy

Both these Grand European Tours vacations combine unforgettable experiences with the ease of an escorted tour – all at direct-to- consumer value pricing. In fact, if you book now, you can save up to $300 per couple on each tour.

Wild West and Wondrous Wildlife
8-day National Park Wonders

Begin this active western adventure in Salt Lake City and visit sites in Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and South Dakota. In Idaho, learn about the Oregon Trail experience, then enjoy two nights in Jackson at the foot of the snow-capped Grand Tetons. Wildlife – bison, elk, moose and eagles – is everywhere as you explore Grand Teton National Park and Yellowstone National Park.

From the geysers and hot springs of Yellowstone, travel east into Buffalo Bill Country and enjoy a ranch dinner in the shadow of the Big Horn Mountains. See the eerie Devil’s Tower before heading into the Black Hills of South Dakota for a visit to the gold rush town of Deadwood. Watch Mount Rushmore light up at night, then return the next day for a daylight tour of the iconic American landmark.

Southern Spice and Warm Hospitality
9-day Tastes & Sounds of the South

Country music, barbeque, cotton plantations, and Creole cooking are all part of the rich mix of Southern spirit you’ll experience on this leisurely trip from Nashville to New Orleans. Starting in Tennessee, explore Nashville’s music scene, tour the Jack Daniels Distillery and attend the Grand Ole Opry. Then it’s on to two nights in Memphis, where you’ll tour the home of “the King” and dig into some tasty local barbeque.

Heading south along the Mississippi River, visit the gracious 18th-century city of Natchez and enjoy an elegant dinner at a grand plantation mansion. Then end the journey with a 3-night stay in New Orleans, where you’ll have time take in the city’s rich sights, sounds and flavors. From lively Bourbon Street to the stately Garden District, a local guide gives you an insider’s view of the Big Easy. A Creole cooking class and farewell meal will leave delicious memories on your lips.

We Cover the Details So You Can Relax
Like all Grand European Tours vacations, National Park Wonders and Tastes & Sounds of the South, give you a first-class travel experience. As your personal travel expert, we take care of every detail – from hotels and meals to extensive sightseeing and professional Tour Directors – so you can enjoy your vacation without a care in the world.

Central Europe’s Grand Cities Await
14-day Vienna, Salzburg, Prague & Budapest

One of our most-loved escorted tours, this two-week vacation takes you to Austria, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. With leisurely 3-night stays in Central Europe’s four grandest cities, you’ll visit treasured sights and have time to relax and explore on your own.

Vienna, city of castles, music and pastries, is a fascinating mix of imperial and modern influences. After a trip along the Danube River, discover Salzburg, Mozart’s birthplace and former home of the singing VonTrapp family. In Prague, “City of a Hundred Spires,” admire 600 years of architecture and learn how Czech life has changed since the end of communism. Arrive in Hungary, with a stop in Bratislava along the way, and kick up your heels to traditional gypsy music in Budapest.

This not-to-be missed tour is already one of our most popular vacations for 2012. Like all Grand European Tours, it gives you a first-class travel experience. As your personal European travel expert, we take care of every detail – from hotels and meals to extensive sightseeing and seasoned Tour Directors – so you can see Europe without a care in the world.

Here’s what travelers Edward and Charlotte Dootz had to say about their experience on the Vienna, Salzburg, Prague & Budapest tour last summer:

“The cities included in the trip were excellent choices with amazing history and architecture – we’d do it again in a heart-beat. Our guide, Dawn, was unbelievable in her knowledge of the area and her manner of presenting her material. Dawn was very humorous and fun to be with, and very caring of all our individual needs.

We enjoyed the tour of Schoenbrunn Palace; Vienna; Parliament Buildings of Budapest; and the family dinner at their farm in Salzburg. The two biggest highlights of the trip were the evening dinner cruise on the Danube River with all the historical buildings lit up with golden lights and the farewell evening dinner high in the hills overlooking Budapest – a beautiful way to end a delightful trip.”

London & Paris – Your Way
9-day Select London & Paris Hosted Vacation

Immerse yourself in the beauty, history and excitement of Europe’s two most magnificent cities. London and Paris await, offering you a feast for the senses. You’ll make each city your own on this 9-day Hosted Vacation, which combines the services of a Local Host with the freedom to do as you please.

How is a hosted vacation different than an escorted tour? Our Select London and Paris Hosted Vacation gives you the independence of solo travel with the benefits of first-class accommodations, included orientation sightseeing tours, Eurostar train tickets, and the services of a Local Host in each city. Think of your host as your own personal concierge rather than a Tour Director – available at regular times in your hotel to provide expert advice and friendly assistance.

Here’s what travelers Peggy and Michael Robinson had to say about their experience on their Select London & Paris Hosted Vacation last spring:

“This was an outstanding tour. It provided the right balance between optional local tours and free time, allowing us to tailor our experience. We found our local host to be knowledgeable and helpful, providing useful advice on dining, transportation and local culture. The local guides were knowledgeable and personable. The accommodations were superior and centrally located. We had a great time!”

Choose a Vacation Designed Just for You
Whether you want to experience the imperial cities of Central Europe on a guided tour with professional Tour Director or lose yourself in London and Paris, Grand European Tours can make your travel dreams come true. Offering more than 40 European tours and cruises with a range of vacation styles, we can help you choose just the right vacation.

Call one of our expert Travel Specialists at 1-877-622-9100 for personalized advice and to make a reservation.

Pearl of the Danube to island of Korcula
The adventure begins when you travel from Vienna into Hungary for two nights in beautiful Budapest on the Danube River. Discover Hungarian wines on the journey past Lake Balaton into Croatia and the medieval city of Zagreb. Explore the bustling capital with a guided tour and time on your own.

Sunshine greets you when you reach the Dalmatian Coast and the glistening waters of the Adriatic. The craggy coastline and charming, red-tiled villages confirm Dalmatia’s reputation as one of the most beautiful places on earth. Soak  in Split, home to Diocletian’s palace, and the charming island of Korcula.

Jewel of the Adriatic and lovely Ljubljana
Back on the mainland, spend three nights in the 16-century walled city of Dubrovnik. Dubbed the,“jewel of the Adriatic,” it is picture-postcard perfect and revered for fine cuisine that draws from the bounty of the sea. Travel north to discover the wild and scenic wonders of Plitvice National Park, then into Slovenia. After two nights in the Baroque, castle-topped city of Ljubljana, return to Austria for a Viennese auf wiedersehen.

We cover the details so you can relax
Like all Grand European Tours vacations, Country Roads of Dalmatia & the Adriatic Riviera gives you a first-class travel experience. As your personal travel expert, we take care of every detail – from hotels and meals to extensive sightseeing and professional Tour Directors – so you can see Europe without a care in the world.

To learn more about our Country Roads of Dalmatia & the Adriatic Riviera tour, or to make a reservation, call one of our friendly and experienced Travel Specialists at 1-866-873-0356.