|
|
 River cruises offer a whole new level of comfort and convenience. You’ll experience the best of Europe without the stresses of foreign navigation. Your intimate floating boutique hotel will bring you up close to Europe’s great destinations – unpack only once and enjoy a relaxing, value packed all-inclusive European vacation.
You’ll be inspired by the charming squares, magnificent cathedrals, ancient castles and bustling marketplaces that are often just a stroll away from the ship. Our river cruises include all meals, captivating shore excursions and on-board local entertainment.
Learn More > Browse River Cruise Tours
The 40th anniversary of Earth Day is April 22, 2010. Earth Day was designed to foster appreciation of the earth’s environment and awareness of the issues that threaten it.
Caring for the places we visit and protecting our environment is very important to us at Grand European Tours. When traveling with us you can be confident you are opting for one of the most environmentally friendly ways to travel and that you are also helping to support important conservation and sustainable tourism projects around the world.
 Our Conservation Foundation
In 2008 we established The Leading Travel Companies Conservation Foundation, a non-profit organization that encourages sustainable tourism and supports threatened communities, natural environments and historic sites all over the world.
Already, The Leading Travel Companies have helped Conservation International to protect three million hectares of Atlantic Forest in Brazil, an area of unmatched importance to protect the planets biological diversity, supported World Wildlife Fund (WWF) to help establish the first sustainable tourism project wholly managed by the area’s indigenous communities and funded research and restoration in Venice to help protect the city from degradation. The foundation is also a primary sponsor for the Tourism for Tomorrow Awards which encourages tourism operators to develop and share leading sustainable tourism practices.
Additionally, next month the foundation, in conjunction with Tourism Cares, is sending a group of volunteers from our company to the Grand Canyon to work on the Grand Canyon Clean Up Project.
Travel Lightly
Coach travel has been proven to emit less carbon or greenhouse gases on a per passenger basis than either train or car travel. Our coach fleet is among the best in Europe and is continually upgraded to adopt the most fuel efficient engines available.
Touring Britain and Ireland, the beautiful historical cities, the breath taking vistas, it all sounds like a perfect vacation. Britain has so much history to offer, including a wide variety of castles and historical locations that it seems impossible to see it all! Ireland, with its images of lush, rolling hills and the chance to see Stonehenge, sounds like a bit of a dream to visit both. Going on a Britain Ireland guided tour may well be the best and most luxurious way to see the two beautiful countries. A guided tour is a wonderful way to see some of the most beautiful scenery around.
Taking a tour of the beautiful countries of Britain and Ireland, what could be more fun? But, then you start thinking about the stress and hassle of booking a trip overseas. The room accommodations, finding your way around, driving on a different side of the road can be pretty intimidating. It sounds like fun until you think about not knowing the local customs and feeling lost in a foreign land. It is a worry traveling overseas, especially in this day and age with the pressures of flying and news stories about innocent travelers running into trouble. Luckily taking a Britain Ireland guided tour is easier than you may think.
Taking a guided tour can mean a stress free vacation. With a tour guide to help you navigate the cultural hurdles and show you the sites you are free to enjoy everything without the stress. Taking a tour that allows you to relax a bit and enjoy each stop to the fullest is important. You don’t want to be rushed through the sites like a herd of cattle! A Britain Ireland guided tour that keeps your personal comfort in mind can be an unbelievable experience. It can allow you the luxury of taking in each experience to the fullest.
One of the best things about going on a guided tour is the elimination of the need to research every stop. If you know that you want to experience a Britain Ireland guided tour all you need to do is decide what you want to experience and go for it. The tour should take you to the highlights of Europe without the hassle and let you experience each one to the fullest. By going on a guided tour you will have the experiences of overseas travel without the stress of planning.
Ride the “Train in the Sky” to Mexico’s Copper Canyon on a 9-day Guided Tour.
On Grand European’s Tour of Mexico’s Copper Canyon you’ll explore one of North America’s undiscovered treasures the 7 individual canyons collectively known as the Copper Canyon.
The adventure begins in Phoenix Arizona where after a leisurely breakfast the group will depart for Mexico in a comfortable air-conditioned motor coach. After crossing the boarder at Nogales we’ll travel into the Sonoran Desert then through the Hermosillo- known for its cathedral and murals at the Government Palace. We will spend the night in San Carolos – where the desert meets the Sea of Cortez.
The next day we will visit a cactus garden, then take a private boat tour of the Sea of Cortez viewing marine life and learning about their habitat. After lunch we travel south- through the foot hills of the Sierra Madre mountains to the colonial city of Alamos, a National Monument of Mexico.
[learn more about the Tour to Mexico's Copper Canyon at www.getours.com]
From breathtaking scenic beauty to bustling, historic cities, you’re certain to find your heart’s delight on our tours to Ireland. Ireland is one of our top destinations- we took over 1,000 passengers last year!
Here are just a few of the historic sites you will experience on our 13 Day Tour to Ireland
- The elegant squares of historic Dublin
- The famous O’Connell St Customs House and Dublin Castle
- The medieval town of Kilkenny
- St Canice’s Cathedral – a 13th century gothic cathedrals built over 600 years ago!
- The ancient Blarney Castle- Kiss the blarney stone and get the gift of gab.
- The Ring of Kerry- one of the worlds greatest scenic tours
Our tours are competitively priced- including air from your hometown and VIP airport pickup. Our “Any Reason” Travel Protection Plan insures the cost of your tour in the event that an unforeseen incident occurs or your plans need to change for any reason … an extra value for our customers that you can’t get on your own.
Learn more about our Tour to Ireland or any of our other First-Class Tours to Europe.
Tours are booked exclusively though our well-traveled Tour Coordinators who have taken the very trips they sell, so they can make recommendations and help you select the best itineraries.
Have you wanted to experience the history, culture, cuisine and art of a foreign destination, but postponed your trip because you are unsure where to stay, what to do or how much the trip will cost?
Planning international travel can be a daunting task- especially to a country you have never stepped foot in. An overwhelming number of unknowns and “what-ifs” can quickly stifle our innate desire to explore and discover.
But what if you could travel to Europe with a friend who knows every city you visit like the back of her hand – introducing you to the culture, people and history while opening doors to experiences most people miss?
And what if you didn’t have to worry about making reservations, selecting hotels, or booking transportation? You could truly relax and enjoy the experience.
You wouldn’t think twice about visiting exotic lands knowing that you have a trusted guide who will take care of all logistics AND ensure your trip is safe and comfortable.
Experience the best of Europe without the stresses of foreign navigation
Grand European Tours has been taking Americans to Europe for over 30 years. We design, operate and sell our guided tours and there is no middle man. You will experience first-class service at direct-to-consumer, value prices.
If you have not yet traveled with Grand European Tours, you’ll especially appreciate the advantages of our tours when we drop you off in front of the major sites- while we handle the traffic and parking. You’ll have the insiders pass to many of Europe’s top sites. No waiting in line or wasting time juggling logistics- You’ll have more time to enjoy the sites you came to see.
Our escorted tours offer a great and affordable way to travel with your friends and family. Many of our customers enjoy traveling together to celebrate special occasions such as anniversaries, reunions, graduations and more. Be sure to take advantage of our group rates.
From breathtaking scenic beauty to bustling, historic cities, you’re certain to find your heart’s delight on this 15-day tour; and after days of craggy coastlines, rolling hills and towering castles, you’re likely to find a frothy pint as well!
The tour begins in Edinburgh, Scotland and dominating the city is the ever-imposing Edinburgh Castle, site of the famous Military Tattoo. Your guide will lead you through the gates of defense and into the main courtyard at the castle where you will visit St. Margaret’s Chapel, the oldest building in Edinburgh, the Royal Palace Apartments, the Great Hall and the Scottish National War Memorial, as well as have great views overlooking the city. From the castle, walk down the Royal Mile, past many intriguing shops and pubs, to view Holyrood House where Mary Queen of Scots once lived.
As you leave Scotland you will wind your way down through the English Lake District and into the medieval city of Chester. Chester is a remarkable walled-city with its unique Rows and traditional black and white Tudor-style buildings. It is home to an impressive cathedral with unusual fittings and an antique organ as well as beautiful gardens. One of the most memorable things to do while in Chester is to walk along the footpath built into the tops of the walls offering a different perspective of the city, glimpsing the gardens and buildings from a different vantage point.
In Wales you will enjoy lunch in a castle, a highlight of the tour! You’ll then journey through Snowdonia and see the famous castle in Caernarvon where Prince Charles was invested as the Prince of Wales. Then it is on to Holyhead and across the Irish Sea over to Dublin. The high spot of your Dublin tour is a visit to Trinity College to see the 1,000 year-old Book of Kells!
While in Ireland you will visit the breath-taking Cliffs of Moher as well as take a scenic drive around the picturesque Ring of Kerry allowing you to see the million different shades of green that Ireland offers. You’ll also visit Blarney Castle where you have the opportunity to kiss the Stone of Eloquence and obtain the gift of gab!
Once you ferry back across the sea to Southern England you will visit some of the most famous places in Britain! The well-preserved Georgian city of Bath is a wondrous sight as you tour the famous Roman Baths and Pump Room. In Stratford-upon-Avon, Shakespeare’s birthplace, you are able to walk through Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, built prior to the 15th century, and see how she lived as a child before marrying William Shakespeare.
On your way to London you’ll stop to visit the mysterious and prehistoric Stonehenge – a sight you will never forget. Next stop is Hampton Court Palace for a chance to stroll through the gorgeous gardens and see the famous maze. On your last day a city tour of London including views of Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament, Buckingham Palace, Trafalgar Square, Westminster Abbey, and if your timing is right, the Changing of the Guard will round out your journey!
Enjoy this enchanting, scenic spree through Scotland, Ireland, Britain and Wales; from medieval Edinburgh to the modern metropolis of London, you’re bound to delight in this memorable tour of Britain and Ireland Highlights!
Learn More > Click here for all Britain & Ireland tours!
Discover rich history and the warm hospitality of local folks along the way
On Grand European Tours 15-day Britain & Ireland Highlights tour you will experience the best that these countries have to offer. From the castles, bagpipes, cattle and tartan kilts of Scotland to the scenic coastlines, jaunting car rides, sheep and beer of the Irish, to the serene landscape and ruins of Wales, to the quaint villages and bustling cities of England.
With enticing expeditions such as dining in the Ruthin Castles in the deep countryside of Wales, kissing the Blarney Stone in Ireland or seeing the wonder of Stonehenge, you’re bound to delight in this memorable tour of Britain and Ireland Highlights and bring home memories that will never fade!
August departures also include admission to the famous Military Tattoo which is held in the esplanade at Edinburgh Castle. This grand spectacle gathers more than 20,000 people together for an evening of music, marching bands and historical reenactments. The tattoo is such a significant event that is it broadcast to an international audience of 100 million, and this tour gives you the opportunity to watch the festivities right on the castle grounds!
Learn More > Click here for tours to Britain & Ireland!
16-Day Eastern European Explorer River Cruise
From the emergence of city-states to the decline of civilizations, the history of Europe is best revealed along her rivers. You’ll cruise to seven countries: Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria and Romania, and visit five capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest, Belgrade and Bucharest. Immerse yourself in new cultures, meet new friends, and delight in new cuisine!
14-Day European Serenade River Cruise
Let the music and culture of Europe’s grand cities and fairytale villages serenade you! Experience life in the tiny villages, medieval bastions, and bustling cities along the majestic Danube, the peaceful Main, and the romantic Rhine as you travel from the elegant city of Vienna to the colorful canals of Amsterdam.
Travel Europe’s most unspoiled UNESCO World Heritage river valley through Portugal and Spain.
The Douro River, rising in Spain and reaching the Atlantic Ocean in Porto, has created the spectacular Douro River Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rambling Vineyards and charming native farms called “quintas” cling to the steep sides of the Douro River Valley, creating an incomparable backdrop to one of Europe’s most unspoiled regions and to Port country – the oldest demarcated wine region in the world.
Explore the seven hills of cosmopolitan Lisbon, uncovering a treasure trove of old world architecture. Visit Coimbra, the “Birthplace of Kings;” Porto, the beautiful “City of Bridges” with its UNESCO World Heritage-designated Medieval city center; and Salamanca, Spain, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Taste plenty of wonderful local wines from village vineyards, including Port wine, the region’s sweet fortified wine. Feast on a traditional meal at the Alpendurada Monastery; enjoy an authentic Spanish-style lunch complete with a flamenco show; and dine at the Vintage House Hotel, a magnificent 18th-century wine quinta overlooking the Douro River. All along the way, uncover a land of genuine beauty and breathtaking charm, and meet warm-hearted, friendly people with welcoming arms. Learn More > Portugal & Spain River Cruise through the Douro Valley
|