You’ll be [...]]]> 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

Caring for the places we visit and protecting our environment is very important to us at Grand European Tours. When traveling with us [...]]]> 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.

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 [...]]]> 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]

Here are just a few of the historic sites you will experience on our 13 Day Tour to Ireland

The tour begins in Edinburgh, Scotland and dominating the city is the ever-imposing [...]]]> 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!

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 [...]]]> 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!

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 [...]]]> 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.

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 [...]]]> 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