Overview
All aboard for an unforgettable train ride through the wondrous gorges of Mexico’s Copper Canyon! This impressive canyon system – comprised of six massive gorges – is four times larger than the Grand Canyon and more than 1,000 feet deeper in some places, and offers incredible views you will remember for a lifetime!
Before you board the “train ride in the sky,” you’ll travel from Arizona into Mexico, with stops in the Sonoran Desert and San Carlos. After sailing on the Sea of Cortez, you’ll explore the colonial city of Alamos and the 16th-century town of El Fuerte de Montesclaros.
The journey into Copper Canyon climbs to 7,000 feet through spectacular tunnels and bridges. But you’ll do more than just pass through this breathtaking area. You’ll meet the nomadic people who’ve lived here for centuries and learn about the geology of this dramatic landscape.
Stay in our selection of First Class accommodations and enjoy 21 meals including Welcome Reception, 8 Full Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 3 Three-Course Dinners, 2 Highlight Dinners with wine and 1 Farewell Dinner with wine.
To ensure a comfortable travel experience, our motorcoaches are equipped with large panoramic windows, reclining seats, air-conditioning and restroom facilities.
Tour price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
***This tour is operated by our sister company.
Your Tour Price Includes
VIP Door-to-Door TransferTransfers you from your door step to select airports. Start your vacation in style with our outbound VIP Door-to-Door Town Car airport transfer service available on every tour from over 40 cities throughout the USA. Our service will collect your from you home and transfer you to your departure airport. We will arrange a pick-up time from your home that suits you, and your driver will meet you at your front door and assist with your bags before transporting you to the airport with ample time for check-in. |
Local Expert Guide: Alamos |
TransportationAirport transfers on itinerary arrival & departure days. Motorcoach with reclining seats and A/C. |
Travel DocumentsTravel wallet, travel planner & map. $100 Frequent Traveler Discount upon return for a future tour. |
Professional Tour DirectorYour tour will be conducted by some of the most experienced Tour Directors in the world. These dedicated professionals will manage the intricate details of your tour and delight you with their anecdotes and stories. Their vast knowledge of the region will enhance your entire travel experience, allowing you to have a vacation that is education, entertaining and fun! |
First Class HotelsHotels are an expensive element of any tour and certainly one of the most important. For our tours we reserve First Class Hotels (or best available) and all hotel rooms feature a private bathroom. You’ll enjoy our selection of hotels such as Radisson, Hilton and Sheraton. |
Loud & ClearThis tour utilizes our personal audio system allowing you to roam and explore sites (within 60 feet) without missing any insight from your Tour Director or local guide. |
21 MealsWelcome Reception, 8 Full Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 3 Three-Course Dinners, 2 Highlight Dinners with wine and 1 Farewell Dinner. |
Included Tour Highlights
Hermosillo cathedral and muralsThe Cathedral in Hermosillo View the cathedrals and murals at the Government Palace in Hermosillo. |
Discover the crafts and folklore of the Tarahumara IndianSpend time with the local Tarahumara Indians, a semi-nomadic tribe whose ancestors have lived in the canyon’s caves for thousands of years, and gain insight into their timeless traditions and culture. |
Visit a cactus garden, cruise the Sea of Cortez and visit a pearl farmVisit a cactus garden in San Carlos. Cruise the Sea of Cortez on a private boat. Visit a pearl farm and learn about pearl farming. |
Learn the ancient craft of live pottery firinVisit a pottery studio where local artisans have adapted ancient traditions into a modern style called Mata Ortiz. Watch master craftsmen design and fire pots and learn about the archaeological finds at Paquime that inspired their style. |
Tour colonial Alamos and meet the local Mayo IndiansVisit colonial Alamos Tour colonial Alamos, with a local guide, meet the local Mayoo Indians and learn about their language and culture. |
Visit the Chichimeca archeological site of PaquimeThe ruins of Paquime Visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Paquime, a vestige of the great Chichimeca civilization. |
Copper Canyon - Ride the ’Train in the Sky’Train in the Sky Ride the ’Train in the Sky’ into the vast Copper Canyon, in our private First-Class rail car. |
Itinerary
Walking – Moderate Physical Activity Required
Not all areas included on this tour are accessible by motor vehicle. Visiting ancient ruins and a handful of other listed sites may require some walking, sometimes on cobblestone streets. Be sure to pack comfortable and safe walking shoes and get ready to enjoy these fascinating attractions up close and personal.
This tour requires moderate physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk slightly longer distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
Day 1 Arrive Phoenix

VIP Door-to-Door Transfer to
your local airport for your flight to
Phoenix. Take your complimentary
transfer to the tour hotel. This
afternoon, meet your Tour Director
who can answer any questions
you may have about the exciting
days ahead.
Courtyard Marriott Phoenix Airport
Day 2 Phoenix - Tucson - San Carlos

Begin your adventure with a short
stop in Tucson to pick up joining
passengers before crossing
into Mexico. South of the border,
the great Sonoran Desert opens
up before you. Keep an eye out
for giant saguaro cacti — this is
the only place on earth they grow
wild. After stopping for lunch in
the small town of Santa Ana, travel
on to Hermosillo to see the lovely
colonial cathedral and the Government
Palace, its walls bedecked
with murals depicting the history
of the Sonoran region. Arrive in
San Carlos where the desert meets
the glittering Sea of Cortez just in time for sunset. Relax in your waterfront
resort before gathering for
a Welcome Reception and Dinner.
Marinaterra Hotel & Spa
Welcome Reception, Full Breakfast, Lunch and Highlight Dinner Included
Day 3 San Carlos - Sea of Cortez Cruise - Alamos

Wander among massive cacti at a
stunning desert garden and learn
about these fascinating plants.
Then board a private boat for a
scenic cruise on the Sea of Cortez
— keep a lookout for dolphins,
seals, whales and such exotic sea
birds as the blue-footed booby and
the great blue heron. After lunch at
a waterfront restaurant, embark on
a guided tour of the first cultured
pearl farm in the Americas and
learn all about pearl oysters, farming,
pearl grading and quality selection.
Next, travel south through
rich farmlands to the foothills of
the Sierra Madre and the quaint
town of Alamos. A living museum,
the city’s cobblestone streets are
lined with beautiful Spanish colonial
buildings. This evening, immerse
yourself in the local culture
at dinner with a colorful spectacle
of music and folk dancing by performers
in
traditional
costumes.
Casa De Los Tesoros
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 4 Alamos - El Fuerte

Stroll the streets
of Alamos as
your Local
Guide brings
this town’s
history to life.
Visit some of
the restored
mansions
built when
Alamos’ silver
mines were among
the richest in the
world. You can also
meet local Mayo Indians
and learn about their language,
culture and customs. After lunch,
journey farther into the Sierra
Madre to the town of El Fuerte.
This evening, the gracious Torres
family personally welcomes you
to their beautifully restored 19th-century
mansion for a Highlight
Dinner and entertainment. You’ll
enjoy a performance of traditional
Spanish and native dances
followed by a sumptuous dinner of delicious local dishes, including
Black Bass caught fresh from the
El Fuerte River.
Torres del Fuerte
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Highlight Dinner Included
Day 5 El Fuerte - Copper Canyon - Posada Barrancas

Mexico’s Copper Canyon — four
times as large as the Grand Canyon
of Arizona — looms large in
the culture and imagination of this
proud country. Board your private
rail car and start your journey on
the “Train in the Sky,” traveling
from sea level to 7,500 feet in less
than 150 miles, passing through
tunnels and over soaring bridges.
Engineers and laborers spent
nearly 100 years laying tracks into
this rugged terrain, and now the
spectacular views make this one
of the world’s most exciting train
journeys. Pass alongside the jagged
Barranca Septentrion and Urique
Canyons as you travel into the
heart of Copper Canyon. Disembark
in Posada Barrancas situated
right on the rim of the Urique
Canyon, your home for the next
two nights.
Mansion Tarahumara
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 6 Copper Canyon

Spend the entire day exploring this
dramatic area, one of the greatest
natural treasures of North
America. Learn about the geological
forces that created the seven
individual canyons, collectively
known as Copper Canyon. Meet
the local Tarahumara Indians, a
semi-nomadic tribe whose ancestors
have lived in the canyon’s
caves for thousands of years, and
learn about their natural remedies
from a local medicine woman.
Later, board the new aerial tram
and descend into the canyon to experience
its grandeur in a way few
have done before.
Mansion Tarahumara
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included
Day 7 Copper Canyon - Casas Grandes

Travel to the pleasant village of
Creel via Oteros Canyon before
descending into the stark Chihuahuan
Desert and the city of Casas
Grandes. This evening, visit a pottery
studio where local artisans
have adapted ancient traditions
into a modern style called Mata
Ortiz. Watch master craftsmen
design and fire pots and learn
about the archaeological finds at
Paquime that inspired their style.
This evening, gather for a festive
Farewell Dinner.
Hotel Hacienda
Full Breakfast, Lunch and Farewell Dinner Included
Day 8 Casas Grandes - Paquime - Phoenix

Today, visit the UNESCO World
Heritage Site of Paquime, a great
trading center in the 14th and 15th
centuries before
the Spanish
conquest
of Mexico.
You can see
ceremonial
mounds; the
House of the
Cross, believed
to be a temple
and observatory;
and the
House of the
Serpent, where
animals were
raised. Travel
across the
Chihuahuan
Desert into
the U.S. and
stop in Tucson
before arriving
back in Phoenix
late this
afternoon.
Courtyard Marriott Phoenix Airport
Full Breakfast and Lunch Included
Day 9 Depart Phoenix

Take a complimentary transfer to
Phoenix International Airport.
Full Breakfast Included
Please Note: This spectacular region
of Mexico is still off the beaten
path. Meal choices may not be as
extensive as on other itineraries and
hotel facilities in some towns may
be limited. This journey reaches an
elevation of 8,000 feet and requires
walking on uneven surfaces and
steps. Occasionally, the itinerary
may be subject to delays or variations
due to circumstances beyond
our control; it is best enjoyed by the
experienced traveler in good health
who can take such variations in
stride.
Dates & Prices
of $300 per couple when you book by
June 15, 2012.
| Depart Return |
Land Only Price | Price includes savings of: | Request a Quote or Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|
Fri 09/07/12 |
$1,475 | $150 | |
Fri 09/14/12 |
$1,475 | $150 | |
Fri 09/21/12 |
$1,475 | $150 | |
Fri 10/05/12 |
$1,475 | $150 | |
Fri 10/12/12 |
$1,475 | $150 | |
Fri 10/19/12 |
$1,475 | $150 | |
Fri 11/02/12 |
$1,475 | $150 | |
Fri 11/09/12 |
$1,475 | $150 | |
Fri 11/16/12 |
$1,475 | $150 | |
Fri 11/23/12 |
$1,475 | $150 | |
Fri 12/07/12 |
$1,475 | $150 |
Departure Details
Departures are available November 2011 through December 2012.
Note: November 2011 through March 2012 departures operate as per the 2011 itinerary, hotels and inclusions may vary.
Seat Sale Discounts, if applicable, will be highlighted above. Some restrictions may apply please call for details.
2013 Dates may operate a slightly different itinerary.
Pricing Details
The prices above are for the land only portion of the tour and include the Early Booking Discount of $150 per person. In order to qualify for the discount you must book and deposit by June 15, 2012.
Tour price is per person and is based on two people sharing a twin bedded room. Single rooms are available at a supplement.
Single Room Supplement: from $360
At times we offer discounted departures where the price has been discounted to reflect savings. Discounted rates are valid for new bookings only and are not combinable with any other offers.
Please Note: This tour is operated by our sister company.
Accomodations
Day |
City |
Hotel |
|||||||
| 1 | Phoenix | Courtyard Marriott Phoenix Airport | |||||||
Courtyard Marriott Phoenix AirportFirst Class Courtyard Marriott Phoenix Airport Location: This four-story hotel is three miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Arizona State University. Complimentary airport transportation is available around the clock, and shuttles to downtown Tempe and the Arizona Mills Mall operate upon request. Hotel Amenities
Location: This four-story hotel is three miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Arizona State University. Complimentary airport transportation is available around the clock, and shuttles to downtown Tempe and the Arizona Mills Mall operate upon request. |
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| 2 | San Carlos | Marinaterra Hotel & Spa | |||||||
Marinaterra Hotel & Spa
Marinaterra Hotel & Spa Location: Located in the heart of San Carlos, adjacent to Mexico’s largest natural marina and in front of Tetakawi Hill. San Carlos is 1 hour from Hermosillo, Sonora’s capital. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Located in the heart of San Carlos, adjacent to Mexico’s largest natural marina and in front of Tetakawi Hill. San Carlos is 1 hour from Hermosillo, Sonora’s capital. |
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| 3 | Alamos | Casa De Los Tesoros | |||||||
Casa De Los TesorosFirst Class Casa De Los Tesoros Location: Located in a 236-year old restored convent, the Casa de los Tesoros offers the services of a luxury hotel and the intimacy of a bed & breakfast. Centrally located near the town cathedral and plaza, the hotel is an ideal place to experience the beauty and charm of Alamos. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: Located in a 236-year old restored convent, the Casa de los Tesoros offers the services of a luxury hotel and the intimacy of a bed & breakfast. Centrally located near the town cathedral and plaza, the hotel is an ideal place to experience the beauty and charm of Alamos. |
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| 4 | El Fuerte | Torres del Fuerte | |||||||
Torres del FuerteFirst Class Torres del Fuerte Location: Completely restored antique hacienda Mansion that has been in the family for over 200 years. Hotel Amenities
Location: Completely restored antique hacienda Mansion that has been in the family for over 200 years. |
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| 5,6 | Posada Barrancas | Mansion Tarahumara | |||||||
Mansion TarahumaraFirst Class Mansion Tarahumara Location Castle like hotel started in 1986. There are 50 individual cabins as well as hotel rooms. Hotel Amenities
Location Castle like hotel started in 1986. There are 50 individual cabins as well as hotel rooms. |
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| 7 | Casa Grandes | Hotel Hacienda | |||||||
Hotel HaciendaFirst Class Hotel Hacienda Location: The largest hotel near the Paquime ruins and is built hacienda style with the rooms centered around a large courtyard with a pool and garden area, ideal for relaxing. Hotel Amenities
In-Room Amenities
Location: The largest hotel near the Paquime ruins and is built hacienda style with the rooms centered around a large courtyard with a pool and garden area, ideal for relaxing. |
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| 8 | Phoenix | Courtyard Marriott Phoenix Airport | |||||||
Courtyard Marriott Phoenix AirportFirst Class Courtyard Marriott Phoenix Airport Location: This four-story hotel is three miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Arizona State University. Complimentary airport transportation is available around the clock, and shuttles to downtown Tempe and the Arizona Mills Mall operate upon request. Hotel Amenities
Location: This four-story hotel is three miles from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and Arizona State University. Complimentary airport transportation is available around the clock, and shuttles to downtown Tempe and the Arizona Mills Mall operate upon request. |
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Tools & Tips
Travel Tools
| Country | Currency | Tips | City | Weather | Time |
| Mexico |
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Copper Canyon | ||
| San Carlos | |||||
| United States |
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Phoenix, Arizona |
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Terms and Conditions
After selecting your tour and departure date, simply call 1-800-552-5545 and a Travel Specialist will take your reservation over the phone. You can pay your $350.00 deposit by credit card, or alternately you can mail a check made payable to Grand European Tours to the following address: GRAND EUROPEAN TOURS 6000 Meadows Road, Suite 520 Lake Oswego, OR 97035 USA. Please make your reservations as early as possible since many of our tours are completely filled 4 to 6 months before departure.
Upon receiving the $350.00 deposit per person, you will be sent a confirmation. VISA, MASTERCARD, American Express and DISCOVER CARD may be used for this deposit amount, however, final payment is preferred by check or money order and is due in our Oregon office 60 days prior to the departure date. If reservations are made less than 60 days prior to departure, payment in full is required at the time of booking. If final payments are not received on time, Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. may cancel the reservation and invoke the cancellation fee. For Highlights of South Africa tour and all River Cruises final payment is due 90 days prior to departure.
Land prices printed in this catalog are per person based on double occupancy. The Operator reserves the right to adjust prices due to fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, imposed fuel surcharges, taxes, charges and levies imposed by any third party including government and its agencies. Should these change the price of your tour by more than 10% you may cancel without penalty within 7 days after we notify you of the increase.
If a cancellation in writing is received by Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. 30 days or less after your reservation has been made, your $350.00 deposit will be FULLY REFUNDED. *See Air Reservations section for specific change fee information for air reservations. For cancellations or changes thereafter but more than 61 days prior to departure there will be a $350.00 per person fee assessed. If you must withdraw or make a change 60 days or less prior to departure (90 days or less for River Cruises and Highlights of South Africa), the following fees will apply:
| Number of Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation/Change Land Tours – Per Person |
| 31 - 60 Days | 25% of tour cost |
| 15 - 30 Days | 50% of tour cost |
| Less than 15 Days | 100% of tour cost |
| Number of Days Prior to Departure | Cancellation/Change River Cruises – Per Person |
| 89 – 60 Days | 35% of the cost |
| 59 – 30 Days | 50% of the cost |
| 100% of the cost |
Air Add-On prices listed in this catalog were effective on April 6, 2012 and their availability is limited. At the time you purchase your tour, air prices may be higher. Air Add-On prices shown include September 11th Security fee, government fees, taxes and airline fuel surcharges based on destination and routing. The total price at time of purchase may vary slightly due to fluctuations in currency exchange. For the most competitive and up to date pricing from your departure city call our toll free number at 1-800-552-5545. Quoted air reservation prices are inclusive of all taxes and fees and are subject to change before payment is made in full. Air transportation is in economy class by scheduled airlines. Business class is available upon request. Some tours are not available from all of the airports. Requests for specific airlines, non-stop or direct flights and/or seat assignments are accepted as preferences only and cannot be guaranteed. Frequent flyer programs are under the control of the respective airlines. Your airline tickets will be electronically issued in lieu of paper tickets. Please note that your airline tickets and other tour documentation must bear your FULL name as it appears on your passport. Please note that airline reservations can only be made for dates less than 331 days out.
The following charges apply for cancellations or changes to airline arrangements made by Grand European Tours: • Prior to Airline Ticketing: service fee of $50 per person • After Airline Ticketing: service fee of $75 per person plus any airline imposed penalties which may be up to 100% of the airline ticket value.
The Department of Transportation requires us to inform you of the following conditions. The package price is subject to change as a result of increases in fuel surcharges and/or government taxes until it has been paid in full. You must consent to the possibility that, until you pay for your package in full, your price could go up. Once you have paid in full we would only pass along increases in government taxes if applicable at that time. You have 7 days from receipt of the first invoice to revoke your consent and request a refund, at which time we would cancel your booking.
A valid U.S passport is required for traveling outside of the U.S.; including to Canada & Mexico. Passport application forms may be obtained from your local post office. All passports must contain at least 3 blank visa pages and must be valid for 6 months after the completion of your tour. Entry visa application forms will be sent prior to your departure for U.S. passport holders visiting the following countries: Russia ($218*), China ($193*), Brazil ($220*) and Vietnam & Cambodia ($283*). An entry fee is required upon arrival at the airport in Egypt ($15*), Turkey ($20*) and Zimbabwe ($30*), these countries prefer payment in U.S. dollars rather than local currency. A per person Departure Tax is required at Costa Rica ($26*) and Peru ($31*) paid at the airport. A onetime Reciprocity Tax is required upon entry at the airport in Buenos Aires, Argentina ($140*) and Santiago, Chile ($131*); the fee can be paid in local currency, US Dollars, credit card or traveler check; the tax is valid for multiple entries for 10 years or until your passport expires. Australia requires an electronic visa ($0*) which is obtained at the time of airline ticket purchase. *All visa costs and entry/exit requirements can change at any time. Please visit travel.state.gov for current information. Individuals who do not hold a U.S. passport should contact CIBT/ZVS at 1-866-788-1100 to see if visas are required.
Approximately 15 days prior to the departure date you will receive a travel information package that will include your airline itinerary, travel tips, hotel list, baggage tag, travel wallet, etc. Visas, when required, will be distributed as soon as they are issued by the countries involved. Please note that your airline tickets and other tour documentation must bear your FULL name as it appears on your passport.
These tours require a blend of adventuresome spirit, physical fitness, walking ability, mental alertness, and a capacity for accepting situations as they exist and not, necessarily, as we would find them in America. If you have health concerns, we suggest that you contact your physician to help determine the suitability of one of these tours for you. We regret that we are unable to accept requests for special diets or itinerary variations. Disabled travelers requiring special attention or treatment on any tour must be reported when reservations are made. A companion who is able to provide the required assistance must accompany any person who is unable to travel independently or who needs any type of assistance.
Due to limited motorcoach storage capacity, each tour member is permitted one large suitcase not to exceed 50 pounds in weight nor 30”x22”x10” in dimension on European tours. Handling of this bag by hotel porters is included in the tour price. In addition, each person is allowed one small piece of carry-on size luggage that does not exceed the dimensions of 12”x11”x6” and is the complete responsibility of the tour member and must be taken on the motorcoach with you. Carryons with telescopic handles and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartments and therefore cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage for safety reasons. Please note, North America, Mexico and Egypt tours have smaller baggage dimensions which are noted in your pre-tour documentation. Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. does not assume any responsibility for loss or damage to baggage or passengers’ belongings. Please note: It is your responsibility to verify the baggage weight restrictions for the individual airlines that you will be traveling on as in some instances baggage is restricted. Airline baggage charges collected at check-in are not included and are at passengers own expense.
The VIP Door-to-Door Transfer service is available for all customers departing from the 41 airports highlighted on page 12 and living within a 25 mile radius from point of departure to your chosen airport. It is an outbound service only. Maximum passengers in one car can not exceed four. For bookings with more than four people, further vehicles may be necessary and further supplementary charges will apply. For any journeys greater than 25 miles a supplementary cost for additional mileage will apply and will be advised within 48 hours of booking if necessary. Mileage is based on journey information from www.mapquest. com. Should you not use the VIP Door-to-Door Transfer we will deduct $50 per person from your tour price (this must be advised at time of booking). Cancellation of service or changes must be made 72 hours before scheduled pick-up.
If you wish to depart early or extend your stay in Europe, flight and hotel arrangements can be made by contacting our Oregon office. Airport transfers are not included but may be purchased through GET. On most tours you can reserve up to 3 additional nights at the hotel where your tour starts and ends, however space may be limited and is subject to availability. Please call for our low cost rates and availability. Luggage handling and breakfast is not included on North American tour extensions.
If you wish to make independent flight arrangements, you may still reserve the land portion of a tour. Hotel-airport transfers are subject to availability and flight details must be provided in writing at least 45 days prior to departure. See tour page for specific transfer times.
Complimentary airport arrival and departure transfers are included in the tour price when you purchase our land/air package and operate at Terms and Conditions 91 xed times on the rst and last day of your tour. See the individual tour pages for details. For those making their own ight arrangements or extending at GET hotels, transfers can be purchased; please call for details. London Heathrow Airport Arrivals: For tours commencing in London, we have included a free group shuttle to/from LHR for clients that have booked our combined land/air packages. For clients that have made their own ight arrangements GET has negotiated special rates for shuttle transfers from LHR to your London hotel (which must be booked through GET) at a price of $40 per person per single trip to/from LHR. London Gatwick Airport Arrivals: Clients arriving at LGW who have booked our combined land/air packages are provided with a Gatwick Express train voucher to Victoria Station, and will need to make their own way from Victoria Station to the tour hotel. For clients that have made their own ight arrangements we suggest you visit www.gatwickexpress. com for transfer information.
Please note that we do not permit smoking on our motorcoaches, however, frequent stops are made while touring.
Ground arrangements are provided by Grand European Operations Ltd., a separate company, and include inter-city travel by private motorcoach with air-conditioning and an emergency restroom*, ferry, train, and ship as per the itinerary. Activities on days indicated in the itinerary as being “at leisure or optional” are le to your discretion. *Some exceptions apply.
During local or national holidays some museums, restaurants or sightseeing may be limited or not available. Alternatives will be offered wherever possible. At times, some itineraries may be operated in reverse; you will be advised at the time of booking. Nile River Cruises: due to the unreliability of domestic air scheduling, religious festivals and other unforeseen circumstances, the order of some itineraries may need to change at short notice; on occasion an alternative cruise boat of equal standing may be used.
The hotels reserved for our tours are rated as European Standard First Class. All hotel rooms provide a private bath (and/or shower) and toilet. ese hotels are clean, comfortable and located so as to best facilitate guided sightseeing of the area. Hotels reserved for each tour are indicated in the Day-By-Day Itinerary. If, for any reason, it becomes necessary to use other hotels, they will be of a similar standard, where possible. We only contract non-smoking rooms. All accommodations, meals and services have been designated as rst class in Russia, Eastern Europe and provincial areas though some tourism facilities are less developed than what might normally be expected in this category. Tours in North and South America use Standard First Class hotels.
A limited number of single rooms are available at the supplement shown for each tour. While single rooms provide privacy, they are o en smaller than twin-bedded rooms. We do o er the option to join our non-smoking Room Share Program (see page 13 for details). e Room Share Program is not available on tours/cruises to Greece, Egypt, Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Peru, South America, South Africa, China, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, all European River Cruises and all pre or post tour extensions.
Triple room accommodations are available on a limited basis at a reduced price. Triple rooms usually consist of a twin-bedded room with an additional folding bed or cot for the third person. ey may not be comfortable for three adults. Triple rooms are not available on cruises.
WR=Welcome Reception. Breakfasts are served as: B=Breakfast, BB=Bu et Breakfast, CB=Continental Breakfast, SB=Scandinavian Bu et Breakfast, FB=Full Breakfast. Lunches (L) and three-course table d’hote (set menu) dinners (D), (FD) farewell dinners and (BD) bu et dinners are shown in the itinerary for each tour and are generally catered by the hotel in which you are residing. (HD)Highlight Dinner and (HL) Highlight Lunch will be catered at a local restaurant or special venue. (DA) Dine- Around dinners are catered at a selection of restaurants pre-selected by Grand European Tours. Please note in cases of early morning departures, FB may not be available. We are unable to accept requests for special menus to meet dietary or religious requirements.
Beverages and meals not detailed in the itinerary. Personal expenses including passport and visa fees, alcoholic beverages, optional sightseeing tours, laundry, phone calls, traditional end of the tour gratuity to your Tour Director and Motorcoach Driver, tips to local city guides, crew tips and all other items of a personal nature, airport tax, service & security charges and port taxes. (Subject to change.) Travel Insurance is also not included but is highly recommended.
Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully, as your deposit and payment for a trip constitutes consent to all conditions and general information contained in this brochure.
These trips are arranged by Grand European Operations Ltd. (“Operator”) in conjunction with Grand European Tours (2003) Inc. It has made the travel arrangements as agent for the transportation carriers and other suppliers of services connected with the tour (“suppliers”) all of which are independent contractors. The Operator in no way owns or operates the vehicles or facilities to be used during the trip, and does not guarantee or assume responsibility for the acts and/or omissions of suppliers, their employees, agents, etc. Transportation companies, airlines etc. are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time passengers are not on board planes, transportation or conveyances. We rely on international convention which may apply to the services provided by us, our suppliers or agents with respect to any claim of any nature brought by you against us as a result of the provision of those services. International conventions which apply may include: Warsaw Convention 1929, (as amended by Hague Protocol and Montreal Protocol) in relation to air travel, or Montreal Convention; the Berne Convention for rail travel; Athens Convention 1974 for carriage by sea; the Geneva Convention for carriage by road and the Paris Convention 1962 for Hotels. We are to be regarded as having all bene t of these conventions on limiting our liability in relation to any claim for death, injury, loss, damage and delay to passengers and luggage. Enrollment in and payment for a tour shall constitute agreement and acceptance by the passenger of the terms and conditions set forth in this brochure which cannot be varied except in writing by an officer of the Company.
All bookings are accepted subject to the conditions imposed by suppliers and Operator, including airline, cruise line, rail, coach, hotel, restaurants, insurance and other companies, firms or persons concerned with the trip, and the Operator will make no refund in the event of their delay, cancellation, overbooking, strike, force majeure or for elements of the package not used by customer. If there is a difference between the Operator’s Conditions and those published by a supplier, the conditions of supplier shall apply. e Operator reserves the right to cancel a trip or change the itinerary whenever in its sole judgment conditions warrant, or if the Operator deems it necessary for your comfort, convenience or safety. Trips outside the USA require a valid passport. You are responsible for, and release the Operator from, passport, visa, vaccination requirements, and safety conditions in travel destinations. e Operator strongly recommends you purchase appropriate cancellation/medical/baggage insurance for the trip, which is available from the Operator. For medical information, call the Center for Disease Control at 800- 232-4636 or visit www.cdc.gov/travel, and for U.S. State Department travel advisories, call 202-647- 5225. e Operator reserves the right to decline to accept any person as a member of the tour, or to require any participant to withdraw from the trip at any time who presents a significant risk to the health or safety of himself or others which can not be eliminated or reduced to an acceptable level by the Operator’s reasonable accommodation. e Operator reserves the right to correct an error in the advertised price prior to your departure. Prices in this brochure are accurate at the time of printing and are subject to change without notice due to changes in market factors including but not limited to foreign currency and supplier cost fluctuations. Prices set forth in future brochures shall supersede the prices in this brochure. Airfare quotes, and Air Add-ons in this brochure are subject to airline capacity limitations and higher airfares may apply depending on seat availability at the time of reservation. A contract is made when your reservation and payment are accepted by the Operator at its office, and any dispute shall be governed by Oregon law and subject to the jurisdiction of Portland, Oregon. In calculating the cost of your trip, Operator has relied on your consent to these terms and in the absence of this release, the trip cost would have been higher. Operator reserves the right to substitute hotels of similar quality at any time or to make changes in itinerary of similar quality. Operator will not be responsible to any person for expense, loss of time, money or other circumstance resulting from a change in itinerary or change of tour arrangements. Operator also reserves the right to cancel a tour prior to departure, and in such cases all payments made to date will be refunded and shall constitute full settlement. If you purchase an airline ticket separately, ensure that your travel agent explains the conditions under which the ticket is issued, as the Operator assumes no responsibility for such airline ticket cancellation fees. Please understand that not all museums and attractions are open every day of the year. Operator reserves the right to vary the sequence of sightseeing and/ or to re-route the order of cities if that will enable you to visit all listed excursions. In either case, the itinerary content will be maintained to the extent possible and there are no refunds for any unused or unavailable excursions. Promotional offers subject to change. is brochure supersedes any other current brochure on the market.
Occasionally we make portions of our mailing lists available to carefully selected companies. If you would prefer not to have your name and mailing address made available, please call us at 1-800-552-5545. To review our full privacy policy, visit our website at www.getours.com/privacypolicy.




















