This fascinating vacation covers the central and eastern regions of Europe, focusing on the monumental architecture, history, and traditions of the former Prussian and Austro-Hungarian Empires. Begin with two overnights in London, then cross the Channel by ferry and join your motorcoach to Brussels, capital of Belgium. Pass through the Duchy of Luxembourg to enter Germany with a stop in ancient Trier. Overnight in Frankfurt and travel through Bavaria, visiting Nuremberg and Munich, and arriving in Mozart’s hometown of Salzburg. Next, an included sightseeing tour in Vienna shows off the State Opera, Hofburg Palace, Parliament, and St Stephen’s Cathedral. On to Hungary with a stop in historic Györ and two nights in Budapest, where you’ll admire the Parliament Building, the Royal Castle, Fishermen’s Bastion, and Mathias Coronation Church. Stop in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, then encounter the brilliant gothic and baroque architecture in Prague, including Charles Bridge and the old Town Hall. Back in Germany, visit Dresden, Berlin, and medieval Hamelin to hear the story of the Pied Piper. Continue to the Rhineland for the night. Back to the Channel for your return ferry ride to England and transfer to London for the final night of your exciting vacation.
Day 1Fri. BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT
Day 2Sat. ARRIVE IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Check into your hotel. In the afternoon you may want to start exploring the lively British capital. Uniformed Hosts are available to help you make the most of your stay.
Day 3Sun. LONDON
A full day to savor our rich program of optional activities: take a panoramic tour of London’s landmarks, visit the Tower of London, or choose an excursion to Windsor Castle. Tonight, maybe a leisurely cruise on the River Thames? (Breakfast)
Day 4Mon. LONDON–BRUSSELS, BELGIUM
Leave London in the early morning and head through the lush English countryside to the Channel port, where you board your ferry for the Continent. Here, meet your Tour Director and board your luxury coach for the drive to Brussels. (Breakfast)
Day 5Tue. BRUSSELS–LUXEMBOURG–TRIER, GERMANY–FRANKFURT AREA
Drive south this morning into the Duchy of Luxembourg. Cross the German border and make a stop in ancient Trier before continuing through the splendid scenery of the Moselle Valley. A choice this afternoon of the included scenic drive along the shores of the Rhine or, even more thrilling, the optional Rhine cruise with vistas of the Lorelei rock, hilltop castles, half-timbered wine villages, and terraced vineyards. Just a few more miles by coach to the overnight in the Frankfurt area. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 6Wed. FRANKFURT AREA–NUREMBERG–MUNICH–SALZBURG, AUSTRIA
Journey through the heart of Germany on the highway to reach Nuremberg, at one time Germany’s most beautiful city and much later famed for the war criminal trials that took place in 1945. Stop for a short visit. Drive south this afternoon through Bavaria, past Munich, across the German-Austrian border, and head towards Salzburg for an overnight. (Breakfast)
Day 7Thu. SALZBURG AREA–VIENNA
A morning to enjoy some optional sightseeing in Salzburg, Mozart’s hometown. In the afternoon, journey through the Salzkammergut Lakelands of Sound of Music fame, past Mondsee to follow the Danube almost all the way to Vienna. (Breakfast)
Day 8Fri. VIENNA
Start the morning with an included sightseeing tour featuring the State Opera, Parliament, and the Town Hall. Stop for a stroll in Heroes’ Square to view the Hofburg. Finally, an inside visit of St. Stephen’s Cathedral. Complete the day by joining the optional excursion to Schönbrunn Palace. (Breakfast)
Day 9Sat. VIENNA–LAKE BALATON, HUNGARY–BUDAPEST
East today into Hungary through the historic city of Györ. Next, the vast stretch of Lake Balaton unfolds as you drive through some of its summer resorts. Reach Budapest by way of Martonvasar, where Beethoven wrote his Appassionata. Tonight an optional cruise on the Danube to enjoy the fascinating city illuminations. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 10Sun. BUDAPEST
Buda Castle dominates the twin cities of Buda and Pest, separated by the broad ribbon of the Danube. Heroes’ Square typifies the modern capital, while along the riverbank you find the old inns and wine cellars. Included sightseeing takes in the Parliament building, Margaret Island, Fishermen’s Bastion, the Royal Castle, and Matthias Coronation Church. (Breakfast)
Day 11Mon. BUDAPEST–BRATISLAVA, SLOVAKIA–PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC
Start the day by traveling into Slovakia. Once across the border, have a break in Bratislava, its capital. Drive north to cross yet another border into the Czech Republic. The highway will take you through Bohemia, an enchanted land of castles, spas, and picket-fenced villages. Evening arrival in Prague. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 12Tue. PRAGUE
The wealth of gothic and baroque architecture here perhaps inspired Dvorak and Smetana, both Prague composers. Included sightseeing features landmarks such as the Jewish Quarter, Wenceslas Square, Charles Bridge, and the Old Town Square with the Astronomical Clock. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 13Wed. PRAGUE–DRESDEN, GERMANY–BERLIN
Discover more of Bohemia as you journey towards the German frontier. Next, the mountains and fortresses of the Erzgebirge range. Today’s highlight is a stop in Dresden, a magnificently restored city after its almost total destruction in World War II. In the afternoon, travel north across the River Elbe to reach Berlin for two overnights. Maybe join the optional dinner outing. (Breakfast)
Day 14Thu. BERLIN
Included sightseeing focuses on the Reichstag, Brandenburg Gate, and the Europa Center. Reunited Berlin has regained not only its territorial integrity but also the status of a German capital. Afternoon at leisure or join an optional excursion. (Breakfast)
Day 15Fri. BERLIN–HAMELIN–RHINELAND
Back on the Autobahn this morning past Brunswick on the way to Hamelin. Stop and hear the story of the Pied Piper. Next, the grand scenery of the Teutoburger Forest and into the Ruhr, then farther west to the Rhineland for an overnight. (Breakfast, Dinner)
Day 16Sat. RHINELAND–LONDON, ENGLAND
A comfortable drive this morning to the Channel port for your ferry crossing from the Continent to England. Through Kent, return to London for an evening arrival. (Breakfast)
Day 17Sun. YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY. (Breakfast)
BOOK YOUR FLIGHTS WITH US
Learn more about booking an air-inclusive vacation - the reasons why include, you'll receive free airport transfer on published dates and your air will be coordinated with your vacation.
AIRPORT TRANSFER TIMES
View details and pricing on airport transfer times and extra nights. Learn more about what's included with your vacation and how you can personalize it.
Here's a list of optional excursions you can enjoy during your vacation. Whether it's a special dinner, a local show or a special behind-the-scenes glimpse into an historical site, optional excursions are a wonderful way to enrich your vacation even further. Plus, they give you flexibility. We include the must-see sites and experiences, and we also understand that people take interest in different activities and may want to craft a more personal vacation by hand-picking optional excursions that appeal to them.
Availability is subject to sufficient participation, weather conditions, seasonal suitability, days of operation, group interests, and general feasibility for your vacation. The approximate value listed gives you a good, general idea of what you can expect to pay but may vary once you are on your vacation. Some information provided might be in a foreign currency; you can use our online
currency converter for exchange rate information.
CITY: BerlinZiko'S Grill Dinner A fun evening at a local restaurant with good food and atmosphere. You will be served a four-course meal with 2 drinks per person and coffee/tea. During the evening musical entertainment you can even dance between the tables!
Approximate value: EUR €33 per person
Famous City of Potsdam Potsdam is famous for its fine palaces and many beautiful historical buildings. Visit the Cecilienhof Palace where Truman, Attlee and Stalin signed the Potsdam agreement in 1945. See magnificent Sanssouci Palace, built by Frederich the Great.
Approximate value: EUR €40 per person
Variety Show Enter in a real gem! Precious wood, gleaming brass, dark red velvet and mirrors create a special flair. Top international artists in a unique atmosphere combined with the delights of the interior are the guarantee for an outstanding experience. The show you will see combines classical music, fashion, pop music, dance or exotic acrobatics and the elements of variety into a constantly changing diverse mixture. A drink will be offered during the performance.
Approximate value: EUR €45 per person
City - Night Cruise Enjoy a relaxing boat ride through the city centre with a warm and cold buffet on board. The dinner will be accompanied by music and a commentary.
Approximate value: EUR €45 per person
CITY: BrusselsEvening City Sightseeing See the main sights of this city which has something for all tastes and interests. Visit the beautiful Grand Place with its 17th century guild houses. End the evening with a visit to a typical Brussels historical cafe to enjoy a glass of old fashioned Belgian beer.
Approximate value: EUR €25 per person
CITY: BudapestDanube Cruise & Illuminations Board a boat for a one-hour cruise on the mighty Danube accompanied by a local guide. Enjoy river views of the Castle District, the House of Parliament, Gellert Hill, and cruise under the Chain Bridge and around Margaret Island. Two drinks are included.
Approximate value: EUR €28 per person
Artist Village Szentendre Drive to the picturesque village of Szentendre, the home of many famous Hungarian artists at the turn of the century. Proceed with a visit to a the pretty Greek Orthodox church or Marzipan Museum plus Margit Kovacs Museum. Finally enjoy coffee and cake at a typical inn.
Approximate value: EUR €30 per person
Hungarian Night A typical Hungarian evening. After an aperitif, enjoy dinner with some fine local specialties and unlimited wine, followed by a programme of Hungarian folklore and Gypsy music.
Approximate value: EUR €47 per person
CITY: LondonMorning City Sightseeing Daily A comprehensive tour in the company of a local guide including St. Paul's Cathedral and the Changing of the Guard (if held). Note: Groups cannot visit St.Paul's on Sundays. Reduced traffic permits more sightseeing and a lower price (GBP 23.00) applies.
Approximate value: GBP £28 per person
Tower of London and Crown Jewels Afternoons daily Let your guide bring the 900-year-old Tower of London to life before you inspect the fabulous Crown Jewels. Afternoons daily.
Approximate value: GBP £35 per person
Afternoon Excursion to Windsor Castle Daily Enjoy your guided visit to the Queen's favorite residence, the largest inhabited castle in the world. The highlight is the newly refurbished state rooms.
Approximate value: GBP £35 per person
Buckingham Palace & the Royal Mews Afternoons daily July 27 to September 29First a guided visit to the Royal Mews to see the magnificent gold coach, then admire over 20 grand rooms in the palace used by the Queen for state occasions.
Approximate value: GBP £43 per person
A Taste of London Daily April to October Ideal for your arrival day, this guided evening excursion includes a three-course dinner with wine and beer at a famous London pub situated on the banks of the River Thames, followed by a narrated illumination cruise.
Approximate value: GBP £53 per person
CITY: LoreleiLorelei And Its Castles Cruise down the most legendary section of the mighty Rhine passing the Lorelei Rock. Hear the story (and maybe the song) of the Lorelei. Travel through the Rhine's narrow gorge, and see its castles, steep fjord-like mountains, half timbered wine villages and terraced vineyards perched high above you. This cruise will be a highlight of your cultural voyage along the Rhine Valley. The Rhine between Bingen and Koblenz has been declared a protected UNESCO World Cultural Heritage.
Approximate value: EUR €20 per person
CITY: PraguePanorama & Krizik'S Fountains First enjoy a visit to Strahov monastery where you will appreciate a spectacular view over the whole of Prague and the Moldau River. Then continue to a typical Czech pub where you will taste the famous Prague dark beer. You will end your evening at the Krizikova Fountains, a well known outdoor spectacle where the fountains and the sound of the cascading water is synchronized with music and lights.
Approximate value: EUR €30 per person
The Best Of Medieval Prague An afternoon full of history and architectural beauty - an intensive visit of the entire Castle District with entrance to the Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral and the Crypt of the Bohemian Kings. You will also see inside the St. George Basilica. Finally, to Golden Lane where Franz Kafka lived for a short while.
Approximate value: EUR €35 per person
Folklore Show This evening is for those interested in the colourful heritage of folk music and the culture, so popular with the locals. Spoil yourself with pancakes, unlimited drinks with wine served from special glass pipes, be entertained by a folklore show with traditional costumes and then enjoy the music until the end of the evening.
Approximate value: EUR €35 per person
CITY: SalzburgCity Sightseeing This city is a gem of rococo architecture and the birthplace of Mozart. First by coach and then a walk through the old town; see Residenz Square, the cathedral, the Old Market, and pass by Mozart's house in the lively Getreidegasse in the very heart of Salzburg.
Approximate value: EUR €22 per person
CITY: ViennaTypical Viennese Evening An unforgettable evening in one of Vienna¿s most beautiful palaces. The Vienna Residence Orchestra was founded to perform the music of the ¿Wiener Klassik¿ to the highest standard. The programme consists mainly of works by Mozart and Johann Strauss. The present leaders of the orchestra are violinists of world renown and, as well as performing for the Vienna Residence Orchestra, they perform as soloists with the leading orchestras of the world. During the intermission you will be offered 1 glass of champagne or an orange juice.
Approximate value: EUR €40 per person
Schonbrunn Palace & Gardens A guided tour of part of the magnificent palace of Schonbrunn, which was the summer residence of the Austrian Emperors for nearly 150 years. It was built between 1695 and 1749 with over 100 rooms and beautiful gardens. End the tour with free time in the main gardens.
Approximate value: EUR €40 per person
Evening In The Viennese Woods A visit to Vienna is incomplete without seeing one of its famous wine villages. Enjoy typical vintner's fare and taste Heurigen (new wine). With musicians to entertain you, this is a convivial, and jovial evening.
Approximate value: EUR €42 per person
View the following dates and prices to find just the right date for your vacation. Below you'll find the date you'll depart, the date the vacation starts and date you'll return.
Once you've selected your date, you'll move to the next step to get an airfare quote and to begin booking your vacation. When you book your flights with us, you'll find we offer competitive and hassle-free airfares, plus you'll receive free airport transfers, flights coordinated with vacation dates and you'll avoid strict Internet terms and conditions.
The price listed does not include your airfare. Once you click "Book Now", you will be able to receive an air quote.
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9/10/2010
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9/11/2010
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9/26/2010
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$1,899.00
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Not Available
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9/17/2010
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9/18/2010
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10/3/2010
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$1,899.00
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Popular Departure
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9/24/2010
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9/25/2010
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10/10/2010
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$1,849.00
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Please Call
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Popular Departure
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10/1/2010
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10/2/2010
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10/17/2010
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$1,849.00
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Early Booking*
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4/22/2011
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4/23/2011
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5/8/2011
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$1,849.00
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Early Booking*
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5/6/2011
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5/7/2011
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5/22/2011
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$1,899.00
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Early Booking*
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5/20/2011
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5/21/2011
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6/5/2011
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$1,899.00
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Early Booking*
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6/3/2011
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6/4/2011
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6/19/2011
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$1,899.00
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Early Booking*
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6/17/2011
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6/18/2011
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7/3/2011
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$1,899.00
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Early Booking*
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7/1/2011
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7/2/2011
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7/17/2011
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$1,899.00
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Early Booking*
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7/15/2011
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7/16/2011
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7/31/2011
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$1,899.00
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Early Booking*
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8/12/2011
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8/13/2011
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8/28/2011
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$1,899.00
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Early Booking*
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8/26/2011
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8/27/2011
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9/11/2011
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$1,899.00
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Early Booking*
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9/2/2011
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9/3/2011
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9/18/2011
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$1,899.00
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Early Booking*
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9/9/2011
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9/10/2011
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9/25/2011
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$1,899.00
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Early Booking*
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9/16/2011
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9/17/2011
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10/2/2011
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$1,899.00
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Early Booking*
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9/23/2011
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9/24/2011
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10/9/2011
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$1,849.00
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Early Booking*
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9/30/2011
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10/1/2011
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10/16/2011
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$1,849.00
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Early Booking*
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10/7/2011
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10/8/2011
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10/23/2011
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$1,849.00
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Early Booking*
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10/14/2011
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10/15/2011
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10/30/2011
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$1,849.00
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Single room supplement: $780
No triple room reduction.Note: This vacation includes travel in the Czech Republic, which requires a minimum of at least €30,000 ($45,000 USD) in medical and repatriation insurance coverage. The basic Cosmos Travel Protection has a $25,000 limit however this will be increased to $50,000 while you are traveling in the Czech Republic at no additional cost. If other coverage is obtained, it is the travelers’ responsibility to verify their coverage meets requirements as they may be required by immigration to produce proof of coverage while traveling in the Czech Republic.
* Indicates that this departure and vacation is available for 2011 early booking. 2010 saw the lowest prices to Europe in recent history. Get this vacation on the books and save by paying 2010 prices for your 2011 European vacation. Price protection only applies to those tours that currently offer 2011 dates and prices and only with full, per person deposit. All tours will be open for 2011 bookings in the Fall of 2010. Vacation upgrades and/or additions will not be available for early booking, as well as, any extra pre- or post-night pricing until the Fall of 2010. With the exception of Journeys Club coupons, future travel promotions are not applicable and are not retroactive on early bookings.
AIRPORT TRANSFERS & EXTRA NIGHTSView details and pricing on airport transfer times and extra nights. Learn more about what's included with your vacation and how you can personalize it.
US$ Price Details
Our Volume Buying Power Saves You Money!
-We may be able to provide you with flight arrangements from your gateway city.
-Additional accommodations before or after your vacation may be available at our low prices.
Additional Information:
-Departure/arrival taxes and fares from other cities will be advised at the time of booking.
-Vacation departures, itineraries and prices are subject to change.
Guaranteed air-inclusive prices:
Air is only available to passengers traveling from the United States and only available when booked in conjunction with a land vacation. An additional $250 non-refundable deposit is required for air booked in conjunction with any land vacation (i.e., air-inclusive vacation.) However, once your airfare is confirmed and Cosmos has received your full air and land deposit, your air-inclusive vacation price is guaranteed.
We also accept your reservation on a land-only basis:
While booking your vacation air-inclusive gives you various advantages, you can also choose the land-only option. But remember, airlines’ special fares generally apply to very brief periods. (Our low air-inclusive fares apply throughout the year.) Plus, to get these “deals” you often are required to pay full fare at the time of booking.
Taxes & fees
Taxes and fees are subject to change and are not guaranteed until full land and air deposit are received.
Applicable Taxes and Fees (Airfare & Charges Not Included in the Price)
Air-Inclusive Vacations
Air-inclusive prices provided online include a September 11th fee up to $10, passenger facility charges of up to $18, Federal domestic flight segment fees of up to $3.50 per segment and U.S. and International arrival and departure and other government imposed fees between $200-$375 depending on your itinerary. The total airfare price, the base airfare price, and the applicable government taxes and fees are broken-out line-by-line and shown while booking online and on the invoice after your travel is booked.
Not Included In Your Vacation Price (Air-Inclusive, Land-Only or Cruise-Only)
Federal inspection fees for the Federal U.S. Customs and Immigrations; International Air Transportation tax; agricultural tax; other per person taxes imposed by government entities: port taxes; passports; visas and vaccinations; tips to your Tour or Cruise Director, Local Host, driver, Local Guides, and/or ships’ crew; gratuities on ferries, trains, and cruise ships; laundry; telephone; minibar; alcohol, beverages, and food outside of the contracted menu as presented at a hotel or restaurant (these extra items will be billed to you before leaving the hotel, ship, or restaurant); additional excursions and activities not listed as 'included' in the itinerary; airport transfers on non-qualifying flights; porterage at airports and train stations; Travel Protection premiums; excess baggage fees; and all other items of a personal nature.