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Home > Europe and Britain Premium Tours and Cruises > Britain and Ireland
Elegance of Great Britain
This tour is leisurely paced with two-night stays in every place visited. In each city there is an expertly planned day excursion, with fabulous visits designed to showcase each region in depth.
| Summary |
Highlights |
Itinerary |
Prices & Dates |
Savings & Discounts |
Optionals |
Conditions |


Included Premium Highlights
- Visit Winston Churchill's former country residence of Chartwell
- Visit Hever Castle, the childhood home of Anne Boleyn, tragic queen of King Henry VIII
- Tour the Palace House, Abbey ruins and National Motor Museum at Beaulieu
- Visit the birthplace of the celebrated bard, William Shakespeare, in Stratford-upon-Avon
- Visit the house and gardens of Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque
- Visit the award-winning gardens of Sudeley Castle in the Cotswolds
- Visit the Edinburgh Botanical Gardens
- View the Honours of Scotland on your visit to Edinburgh Castle
- Attend the spectacular Edinburgh Military Tattoo (selected departures only)
- Visit Abbotsford, the house built and lived in by famous novelist and author, Sir Walter Scott
- Visit the fabulous 18th century Castle Howard, with its tapestries and scenic gardens
- Visit the dungeons, Great Hall and State Rooms of medieval Warwick Castle
Included Personal Insights
- At Ironbridge, the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution, enjoy an introduction to the engineering miracle that changed the world forever
- Learn some of the lesser known facts about the life of William Wordsworth, Britain's best-loved poet
Included Additional Excursions & Sights
- See Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and Buckingham Palace on your London sightseeing tour
- See Churchill's statue in the village of Westerham
- Visit the cathedral town of Winchester
- See Salisbury Cathedral with its soaring 404ft spire, highest in England
- Visit Avebury's stone circles See Ludlow's ruined castle and Jacobean timbered buildings
- See Wenlock Edge Visit Gretna Green
- Tour the New Town and drive the Royal Mile to Holyroodhouse Palace in Edinburgh
- See Jedburgh Abbey Visit Hadrian's Wall
- See York Minster and Shambles Scenic Drives - Cotswolds, New Forest, Lake District
Included First Class Services
- Escorted by a professional Tour Director
- Luxury air-conditioned 40 seat coach with onboard restroom
- Insight Hotels include all service charges, taxes and porterage
- Insight Traveler document wallet, map book journal and information pack
- Free London Airport shuttle service.
Included Quality Dining
- Dine-Around evening at your own choice of restaurant from our selection in Stratford (DA)
- 1 Continental (CB) & 12 full Breakfasts (B) and 5 three-course Evening Meals with choice, or buffets, plus tea or coffee (D)
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ENGLAND & SCOTLAND
Tour Pace -This tour features two-night stays throughout. In each overnight destination there are expertly planned day excursions, or city tours, with fabulous visits designed to showcase each region in depth. An engaging, yet balanced itinerary.
Fellow Passengers -Both seasoned and first-time travellers are attracted to this unique tour, which includes so many visits to gardens and stately homes. It is the perfect tour for lovers of English history and the countryside. |
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Day 1 - DEPART CANADA
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Overnight flight to London.
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Day 2 - ARRIVE LONDON
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Welcome to London! After checking in
to your hotel, perhaps take a stroll to Hyde Park or the department stores of Oxford
Street.
Hotel: Thistle Marble Arch.
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Day 3 - LONDON SIGHTSEEING
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Your half day sightseeing tour of London’s West End shows you Westminster Abbey, Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament,
Trafalgar Square and Buckingham Palace. The afternoon is free to explore or shop. (B)
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Day 4 - LONDON - HAMPSHIRE
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After a warm welcome from your Tour Director, make your way into the Kent countryside. At the pretty village of Westerham, Winston Churchill watches over the neat village green and you visit his nearby residence of Chartwell next. Continue through brilliant yellow and green pastures to Hever Castle, home to the tragic tale of Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII. Cross the moat to explore the fortified manor house and stroll the pretty gardens. Move on to your hotel set amid a 176-acre parkland golf course, with extensive leisure facilities and Health Spa. Enjoy a Welcome Drink before dinner tonight. Hotel: Botley Park, Golf & Country Club (D)
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Day 5 - NEW FOREST EXCURSION
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A scenic drive through the woods and glades of the New Forest brings you to Beaulieu Abbey, once a Cistercian Abbey, now the stately home of Lord Montagu. Tour the Palace House, Abbey ruins and visit his lordship's collection of cars in the National Motor Museum. Travel on to Salisbury to see the 13th century cathedral, whose spire is the tallest in the land. After some free time, return to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
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Day 6 - HAMPSHIRE - STRATFORD
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Visit the cathedral town of Winchester this morning, where King Alfred stands guard in the High Street. The country roads lead you past pretty villages en route to Avebury, which is partially situated in a huge prehistoric henge monument of several stone circles. Continue on to Stratford-upon-Avon to visit Shakespeare's birthplace, full of memorabilia and artifacts relating to his life. Hotel: Swans Nest (B)
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Day 7 - COTSWOLDS EXCURSION
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An enchanting day takes you across the beautiful Cotswold hills, a chocolate box scene of golden stone villages with roses round the doors. Visit Blenheim Palace, the greatest building of the English Baroque, residence of the Dukes of Marlborough and birthplace of Winston Churchill. After touring the house and gardens, visit the gardens of Sudeley Castle, former home to one of King Henry VIII's wives, Katherine Parr. Tonight, you are offered a choice of restaurants for your dining pleasure. (B,DA)
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Day 8 - STRATFORD - LAKE DISTRICT
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Travel through the orchards of Worcestershire to the border town of Ludlow, where elegant 18th century mansions rub shoulders with picturesque half-timbered Tudor buildings. The town is dominated by the massive castle, rich in tragic royal history. After some time to explore the lanes and hidden courtyards, continue through the remote Shropshire hills. You pass Wenlock Edge, as celebrated in the poetry of AE Housman, to reach historic Ironbridge Gorge, birthplace of the Industrial Revolution. From the eponymous 200-year-old bridge the smooth motorway carries you north to the English Lake District. Hotel: Windermere Hydro (B,D)
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Day 9 - LAKE DISTRICT EXCURSION
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A whole day is devoted to the Lake District - a scenic wonderland of rugged mountains and tranquil waters and an inspiration to a host of English poets. Visit Wordsworth's grave in the small churchyard at Grasmere, then admire the vast expanse of Windermere, the largest of the lakes. Perhaps consider a cruise on its peaceful waters before returning to the hotel. (B,D)
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Day 10 - LAKE DISTRICT - EDINBURGH
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Cross the Scottish border at Gretna - for years the destination of eloping English lovers. Spend your spare time shopping before enjoying the contrasting beauty of the Southern Lowlands en route to Edinburgh. Here, discover the wonders of the plant kingdom in the Botanical Gardens, which form a remarkable haven of tranquillity in the south of the city, as well as being a world-renowned centre for botanical science. Hotel: Hilton Grosvenor (B)
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Day 11 - EDINBURGH SIGHTSEEING
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Today a local guide shows you the glory of the 'Athens of the North'. In the old town visit Edinburgh Castle containing the Honours of Scotland, the oldest Royal regalia in the British Isles. Follow the Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse where Mary Queen of Scots lived - it is still the official Scottish residence of the Queen. Drive along Princes Street to see the ornate Scott Memorial, then visit the 18th century 'New Town' with its classical Adam facades. The rest of the day is at leisure. Tonight, selected departures attend the spectacular Edinburgh Tattoo. (B)
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Day 12 - EDINBURGH - BRONTË COUNTRY
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Travel through the Borders region to Abbotsford House, the 19th century estate of Sir Walter Scott, which now serves as a museum for the Scottish memorabilia and artefacts collected throughout his lifetime. Head south past Jedburgh Abbey and over the border to visit Hadrian's Wall, boundary of the civilised world in Roman times! Stay for the next two nights in an historic, grand Victorian hotel, set amidst a landscape that fuelled the imagination of the Brontë sisters in writing their classic novels. Hotel: Marriott Hollins Hall & Country Club. (B,D)
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Day 13 - YORKSHIRE EXCURSION
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After breakfast, drive to the walled city of York, one of the most historic cities in Britain, its story going back to the time of the Romans and the Vikings. See the huge Minster, Britain's largest medieval cathedral, and explore the maze of narrow streets, including the Shambles. Head out now through rich farmland to visit the fabulous 18th century Castle Howard, one of Britian's grandest historic houses with its fine furniture, paintings, tapestries and extensive gardens. (B,D)
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Day 14 - BRONTË COUNTRY - LONDON
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Travel south to visit Warwick Castle, with its magnificent medieval towers and ramparts perched on a crag above the River Avon. The chilling dungeon contrasts with the splendour of the State Rooms and baronial Great Hall. Return to London where you bid farewell to your Tour Director and your tour comes to an end. (B)
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Day 15 - RETURN TO CANADA
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Your tour comes to an end after breakfast. (CB)
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Great Savings and Discounts
FRIENDS & FAMILY DISCOUNTS
SAVE 5% FOR 5-8 PASSENGERS
Why not share your Insight tour experience with your friends and family - and save money! If 5-8 passengers book together we offer a discount of 5%.
Further savings are available for groups of 9 or more passengers!
This discount cannot be combined with Frequent Traveler, Young Traveler or Triple Room Discounts. To qualify, the names of all passengers traveling must be advised to Insight at the time of booking. Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours, Turkey tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.
YOUNG TRAVELLER SAVING
5-17 YEAR-OLDS SAVE UP TO 10%
Insight offers you the opportunity of sharing your happy holiday memories with your children or grandchildren.
This discount applies only to tours featuring the "Young Traveler Discount" in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE!
Young Travelers must be under the age of 18 years old on the tour departure date and accompanied by an adult (limit of one Young Traveler Discount per room). Children under 5 years old are not accepted on any escorted tour. This discount cannot be combined with our "Friends & Family Discount".
EARLY PAYMENT DISCOUNT
SAVE UO TO 10% ON EARLY BOOKINGS
Insight's most popular tours fill very quickly. Don't be disappointed, book early! You'll be assured of the tours you want, and the earlier you pay, the more you SAVE! Here's how...
Pay in full 12 months prior to your tour departure date and SAVE UP TO 10%
Pay in full 10 months prior to your tour departure date and SAVE UP TO 7.5%
Pay in full 6 months prior to your tour departure date and SAVE UP TO 5%
Tours must be paid in full for this discount to apply. This discount only applies to tours that feature the "Early Payment Discount" in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you can SAVE.
SINGLE TRAVELLER SAVING
INSIGHT'S ROOM MATE MATCHING
For people traveling alone on an Insight coach tour, we'll match you with someone of the same gender, so you don't have to pay the single room supplement. If we fail to match you, we'll provide a single room at no extra cost.
There is a no-smoking policy in all shared rooms. Does not apply to additional accommodation, Riad upgrade option, airfares or flight supplements, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, Irish Elegance, Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises. Single rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion Play Option.
TRIPLE ROOM DISCOUNT
When three people travel together and share one room, each of the three enjoys a discount off the tour price. See the Triple Room Reductions on the itinerary of your choice.
This discount only applies to tours featuring the "Triple Room Discount" in the price panel. Check the itinerary pages now to see how much you SAVE. Note the third bed on occasions, will be a foldaway. This discount cannot be combined with our "Friends & Family Discount". Triple rooms are not available for the Oberammergau Passion Play Option - see page 19 for details.
EXTRA TOUR DISCOUNTS
Save 5% on your 2nd Tour
Book two Insight vacations, and you will receive a reduction of 5% off the cheaper of the two tours. Take three tours and save on two! Ask your Travel Agent for suggestions!
Tours must be booked at the same time to qualify. Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodation, airfares or flight supplements, the Gems of Britain, Select London Week, Select London & Paris, Select London, Paris & Rome, all Egypt tours, Israel tours, Jordan tours and tours with Mediterranean or River cruises.
FREQUENT TRAVELLER SAVING
SAVE 5% OFF YOUR NEXT TOUR
In recognition of our loyal customers, Insight now extends to all traveled guests automatic membership into our Club Bon Voyage, as well as a 5% Discount off the Land portion of their next Insight trip. You will need to travel within the next two years. So act NOW and take full advantage of this great offer.
Enrolment forms and discount vouchers are available from your Tour Director. Insight's Club Bon Voyage and 5% Discount is not available retroactively. Only one voucher is available per person, per tour, per year and only one voucher can be redeemed against each further tour booking. This discount cannot be combined with our "Friends & Family Discount" and "Extra Tour Discount." Does not apply to Oberammergau Passion Play Option, additional accommodations, Select London Week, Select London & Paris and Select London, Paris & Rome.
SEE HOW IT ALL ADDS UP
Insight's tours are already great value but if you want to cut the cost of your European vacation
look at all
the extra ways we can help you save money! This simple calculation shows the typically dramatic reductions
in tour price that are possible when you combine one or more tours with the savings on offer on this
page!
| European Heritage (12 June) |
$10050 |
| Britain & Ireland Explorer (starting 18 July) |
$3365 |
Total vacation price |
$13415 |
| Less Extra Tour Discount |
$168 |
| Less 5% Past Guest Frequent Traveller Saving |
$503 |
| Less 12mths Early Payment Discount |
$1325 |
Net vacation price after savings |
$11419 |
| FREE transfer back to London (18 July) worth |
$50 |
| Total savings per person |
$2046 |
| Total savings per couple |
$4092 |
Note: Additional savings apply for families, groups, and single travelers. Conditions as detailed
in the savings boxes on this page.
FREE LONDON RETURN
Passengers taking our Discovery tours may return to London by Insight motorcoach at NO EXTRA CHARGE, instead of departing from Paris. Ask your Travel Agent to book this for you.
Offer applies to the final day of the following Discovery tours: E920, E910, E933, E912, E913, E916 & G916. Accommodations will be required, as arrival in London is late afternoon/early evening.
Insight Offers You Peace of Mind
INSIGHT'S TRAVEL PROTECTION PLAN
PROVIDING YOU WITH "ANY REASON" CANCELLATION FLEXIBILITY AND PEACE OF MIND WHILE YOU TRAVEL:
Insight Vacations Travel Protection Plan - designed exclusively with the following:
Priced at: Trips up to $2,000 : $159 per person
Priced at: Trips $2,001 or greater : $189 per person
Note: Prices are subject to change without notice.
SECTION I: TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT PROTECTION: Provided by Insight Vacations
Trip Cancellation: Up to Total Trip Cost: Reimburses the non-refundable Insight Vacations cancellation penalties imposed if you must cancel your trip for a covered reason such as illness, injury or death to you, a traveling companion or an immediate family member. Other reasons for cancellation include Common Carrier-caused delays due to inclement weather, jury duty, subpoena, or a documented traffic accident en route to departure, and other reasons as cited in the plan description.
The Insight Vacations "Any Reason" Cancellation Waiver: With the Insight Vacations "Any Reason" Cancellation Waiver, Insight Vacations will provide you with 100% of the cancellation charges in the form of a future travel credit certificate, should you cancel your tour more than 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure for any reason that is not eligible for cash reimbursement under the Trip Cancellation section of the Travel Protection Plan. Cancellation charges are reimbursed in the form of Insight Vacations Travel Certificates allowing you a two year credit to travel with us at a later date! Please note that to be eligible for the "Any Reason" Cancellation Waiver, you must enroll and pay for the plan within two days of your initial trip deposit. The certificate is valid for two years, is non-transferable and non-refundable and may not be redeemed for cash. Future travel certificates do not include airfare cancellation charges for air arrangements unless those arrangements were provided by Insight Vacations.
Trip Interruption: Up to Total Trip Cost
Trip Delay: Up to $1,000 ($150/day) CAD
SECTION II: TRAVEL INSURANCE BENEFITS: Underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company*
Baggage Protection: Up to $2,500 CAD
Baggage Delay: Up to $500 CAD
Medical & Dental Expenses: Up to $1,000,000 CAD**
Emergency Evacuation/Repatriation: Up to $50,000 CAD
SECTION III: EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SERVICES: Provided by On Call International
While the above is not a complete description - a full plan description detailing the terms, conditions and exclusions will be sent to you - we have highlighted just a few of the plan benefits. If you have any Travel Protection Plan questions, or would like to request a copy of the plan description, please call our plan administrator, BerkelyCare, at 1-866-808-7161. You may also view the plan at www.insightvacations.com
The Insight Vacations Travel Protection Plan is provided in addition to other applicable indemnity or insurance programs, where permitted by law and shall apply only after benefits have been paid.
* Section II Travel Insurance Benefits, Policy Number MZ0911065H0000A-C are underwritten by Stonebridge Casualty Insurance Company, Columbus, Ohio: NAIC #10952 Policy/Certificate Form series TAHC5000. ** NOTE: The Medical & Dental Expense benefits of this plan are subject to a maximum benefit limit of $30,000 CAD for those persons who, at the time of a covered Injury or Sickness, do not have valid hospital and medical insurance under a Government Health Insurance Plan of a province or territory of Canada.
This plan was designed and is administered by BerkelyCareSM. 5864684A
The pre-departure cancellation waiver for any reason cancellations does not apply to the Oberammergau portion of the tour.
For the latest details on all our holidays including updated lists ofDefinite Departures (DEF) PLUS travel tips, specials and more, visit our Bulletin Board, which offers a travel forum where you can exchange tips and questions with past and future travellers.
No Currency Surcharges
Currencies continually fluctuate, but with Insight, once you have paid your deposit in FULL, your LAND price is guaranteed and any subsequent LAND cost increases are at OUR expense.
NB. This guarantee excludes government taxes, any imposed fuel surcharges, any airlines surcharges that are part of the LAND packages, cruise company surcharges, and international airline fuel surcharges or fare increases (affecting all international airlines). Surcharges within these exceptions are outside our control and may be applied, regardless of payment status, fully paid or not, at any time during the booking process (or may occasionally be required to be paid while on tour).
Definite Departures
At Insight, we are aware you need to plan your travel arrangements early to take advantage of our early payment discounts, utilise frequent flyer or benefit from airline early booking offers. To assist you when booking ahead, we have designated a great many tours as Definite Departures (DEF); these are guaranteed to operate and we will regularly update our website at www.insightvacations.com with the latest listings for each itinerary.
N.B. Don't worry if the departure of your choice is not yet designated as 'DEF' - we adjust our capacity each year to ensure that the vast majority of tours operate as scheduled and tours will never be rescheduled within 50 days of their departure dates between 01 May & 15 Oct (subject to change if market or other circumstances occur beyond our control).
Please note that optional excursions featured below are based on the 2009 tour season and are listed for guidance and budget purposes only and are subject to change without notice.
OPTIONAL SIGHTSEEING & EXCURSIONS
With Insight, you will enjoy many of Europe's famous highlights as included features
on your tour - at no extra cost. However, there are an exciting array of additional
excursions which are made available to help turn an already outstanding experience into
a trip of a lifetime. These are entirely optional and offered to you at competitive
prices. They are all bookable through your Tour Director at the commencement of your
tour as many of them are planned to coincide with the best highlights available at the
time of your visit.
The following list is a general selection as it would be impossible to operate all
excursions on any one tour. This selection will vary due to seasonal conditions and
museum opening days and times. Your Tour Director will give you a receipt once you have
paid for your excursions. Payment can be made in cash or by Visa, Mastercard and
American Express. Please note that credit/debit card payments can only be processed in
Pound Sterling however cash can be taken in most major currencies and your Tour
Director will be able to give you specific details of relevant exchange rates on
commencement of your tour.
HOW TO BUDGET FOR OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS:
The final list of optional excursions to be offered during your tour by your Tour
Director will be based on the descriptions and pricing featured in this leaflet. To
help your pre tour budgeting we suggest you allow approximately £35 per person
per day for optional excursions.
STRATFORD
ST01 STRATFORD DINNER
We enjoy a three-course dinner with wine in a traditional venue. . UK
£26.00
LAKE DISTRICT
LKD01 LAKE WINDERMERE CRUISE & STEAM TRAIN RIDE
Windermere is England's largest lake, what better way than a cruise followed by a
ride aboard a steam train from Lakeside to Haverthwaite. UK £13.00
EDINBURGH
EDI01 SCOTTISH CABARET
Tonight is a chance to put on that tartan and join us for an evening of singing,
dancing and bagpipe playing. There is food, wine and a great atmosphere. Join in with
the singing, we'll show you a Highland dance or two and there's a chance to sample
Scotland's national dish - haggis. It's a grand night and a wonderful way to celebrate
an evening in Edinburgh.UK £ 41.00
EDI02 DINNER IN EDINBURGH
This evening we visit a local restaurant for a three-course dinner with a drink
included.UK £26.00
EDI03 HOLYROOD PALACE
An afternoon tour of the Scottish royal residence of Holyrood Palace. It is here
that the Queen receives Scottish nobility. We enjoy a guided tour around the State
Apartments and a stroll in the Queen's lovely gardens. Thereafter we continue on for
views from the legendary Arthur's Seat. UK £ 12.00
2009 v2
Booking Conditions & Other Important Information
What's included in the tour price
Inter-city Travel: By private motorcoach, trains and ferries (see itineraries).
Touring: By air-conditioned luxury motorcoaches with on-board washroom and reclining seats for maximum comfort.
- Insight's premium touring coaches are configured with 40 or 41 seats for just 40 guests. However, due to EC regulations on drivers hours, replacement coaches may be required to be used once per touring week on certain selective itineraries. When this occurs the replacement coach may have in excess of 40 seats. Also, transfer coaches, sightseeing vehicles, or, in the event of a mechanical breakdown, relief coaches may feature 49 or 53 seats.
- In the Eastern Mediterranean, Iceland and Morocco smaller motorcoaches without toilet facilities may be used.
- If, due to circumstances beyond our control, coaches are used on tours otherwise than advertised, a refund of $10 per person will be made.
Air Transportation: Internal air flights are included in the land price only when indicated in the 'Included Features' panel on specific itineraries.
- Reservations for our Egyptian airline are given well in advance, however actual flight timings cannot be confirmed prior to departure. Internal flights in Egypt may involve very early or very late departures and arrivals.
Hotel Accommodation: Prices per person are based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private bath or shower.
- When booking triple rooms please note that the third bed may be a 'roll-away'. Availability of triple rooms is limited.
- Please note that single rooms in Europe will generally be smaller than twin-bedded rooms.
- Please note European hotel standards & services provided may vary from those in other parts of the world and are often in the local style.
- Members of Hotel Frequent Traveller programmes are not entitled to earn points with any of the hotels featured on an Insight Vacations tour.
- Any special room request will be made on a REQUEST basis only. Insight cannot guarantee special room request although every effort will be made to request from respective hotels.
Cruises: Per person prices are based on two persons sharing a cabin with two berths, private shower and toilet. A limited number of single cabins are available on request at extra cost.
- Single Traveller Savings do not apply to tours featuring cruises.
- Triples are not available on Nile cruises or European river cruises.
Tour Director: Escorted tours are conducted in English only by a professional multi-lingual Tour Director.
- In Egypt, Jordan and Greece only tours of 10 people or more will be escorted by an Insight Tour Director.
- Hosted service is provided in London on Select London Week, Select London & Paris and Select London, Paris & Rome.
Meals: Continental or buffet breakfasts in the local style are included as indicated on all tours except in provincial Britain and Scandinavia, where full national style breakfasts are served. Dinners and lunches are included as detailed in itineraries. All meals are included on cruises.
- Any special meal requirements will be made on a REQUEST basis only. Insight cannot guarantee special meal requests nor will it assume any responsibility or liability if clients' special meal requests are not fulfilled.
Sightseeing: Excursions and entrance fees to places of interest as detailed on each itinerary with an English-speaking guide where necessary. Headphones will be provided as advertised on the itinerary pages. No refund will be made if they cannot be provided for operational reasons.
Premium Highlights: Featured sightseeing is integral to our tours, therefore no refund will be given (or value attached) if not used or operated for any reason.
London Airport Transfers: Can be provided or purchased (depending on booking) through Insight providing the following conditions have been met:
- Your Travel Agent provides detailed flight information to Insight no less than 21 days prior to departure.
- You must stay at a London Hotel booked by Insight on the night of your arrival and the night prior to your departure date.
- In the event of flight delays outside of Insight's control, the transfer will be deemed to be cancelled.
- All transfers are based on group shuttle. No refund is therefore available for missed transfers.
- In the event of unforeseen events Insight will not be responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
- Passengers who have booked air and land packages through Insight arriving/departing at London's Gatwick Airport, will be provided with a Gatwick Express voucher. The Gatwick Express train journey from Gatwick to London's Victoria takes 30 mins. Guests then need to make their way from Victoria station to their Insight hotel.
Continental Europe Airport Transfers: Passengers will only be entitled to transfers to and from European Gateway Airports providing the following conditions have been met:
- Coach transfers only operate at the scheduled times and days specified for each tour. Passengers arriving or departing outside these times may purchase a transfer through Insight or make their own way to/from the tour hotel.
- For those who choose to make their own flight arrangements, flight details must be provided to Insight by the Travel Agent not less than 21 days before the
flight departure.
- Your flights should be timed to allow you to clear customs in good time for the scheduled transfers – ask your travel agent for advice.
- As these are group transfers, in the unlikely event of a missed transfer through flight delays outside Insight's control, passengers will need to make their own alternative transfer arrangements at their own expense.
- Passengers who have booked pre or post tour accommodation with Insight, will NOT be entitled to be transferred to or from the Airport and transfers will be at the clients expense. These can also be purchased through Insight.
Airport transfers in Cairo, Athens, Istanbul, Amman and Tel Aviv: transfers operate at all times, between the airport and the tour hotel on the first and last day of the tour and also in conjunction with pre and post tour accommodation booked through Insight. The following conditions apply:
- For those who choose to make their own flight arrangements, flight details must be provided to Insight by the Travel Agent not less than 21 days before the flight departure for entitlement to the transfers.
- You must be staying at the Insight tour hotel, booked by Insight, on the night of your arrival and the night before the date of your departure flight.
- Only one arrival and one departure transfer per person is included.
- As these are group transfers, in the unlikely event of a missed transfer through flight delays outside Insight's control, passengers will need to make their own alternative transfer arrangements at their own expense.
- Transfers cannot be routed to other pick-up points or destinations other than those booked.
- Transfers are non-transferable to other people.
Baggage Allowance & Porterage: Porterage for one suitcase on tour is included and at arrival or departure from each tour hotel. Due to limited coach capacity this single bag should have a weight not exceeding 30kg (66lbs) and dimensions not exceeding 77.5cm (30.5in) x 56cm (22in) x 32cm (12.5in). Charges will be levied in the event these limits are exceeded and our promise to transport you as indicated may be invalidated.
- Note: Airlines may restrict check-in baggage to 20kgs per person.
Tips & Taxes: All tips are included for services on tour provided by dining room waiters, chambermaids and to the crew on Nile and Aegean cruises. Where porterage is specified as being included, tips are included for the porters.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THE TOUR PRICE
Transatlantic airfares (on 'Land Only' tours), Airport taxes, passport and visa fees, insurance, laundry, phone calls, beverages, meals not detailed in the itinerary, tips to Tour Directors, motorcoach drivers and local city guides, items of a personal nature, excess baggage, optional excursions. Air & Land Prices: Airport and departure taxes, security, agricultural and customs fees are not included. Note that in Egypt, service charges (of up to 33%) will be levied on all additional services, meals, beverages etc not included in the tour price. This service charge will be applied on your hotel bill at time of checkout.
PAYMENTS
Deposit: Non-refundable, non-transferable deposit of $200 per person per tour and $250 for pre or post tour options including European river cruises.
Final Payment: 45 days prior to departure from Canada. 90 days prior to departure from Canada for pre or post tour options including European river cruises.
- Your land reservation will be confirmed upon receipt of a non refundable deposit of $200 per person, per tour which must be paid within 7 days of booking (except on departures where space is limited and your deposit may be required sooner. You will be advised at time of booking.) Your reservation will automatically be cancelled if the deposit is not received within the specified period.
- Payment in full is required at time of booking for reservations made less than 45 days before departure (90 days for options including European river cruises).
- Insight reserves the right to cancel the reservation and apply cancellation charges should payments not be received within the above specified periods.
- Your agent shall, upon the receipt of any monies, hold such monies for each and every person named in the booking until the booking is confirmed at which times those monies shall be remitted promptly by your agent to us. All such monies received by us will be deposited as required by law. We will be entitled to keep for each account any interest earned on such monies. It is a condition of our confirmation of your booking and acceptance of your deposit in respect of your tour, that all monies paid by you to us through your agent, whether by way of deposit or otherwise in respect of your tour, may be disbursed by us as and when we see fit or in respect of the services to be provided or fees payable under the tour programme, and the payment of a deposit or otherwise for your tour shall be deemed to be a direction to disburse such monies as aforesaid.
- Travel documents and instructions for joining your tour will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure (provided full payment has been received). If final payment is not received when due, costs to courier documents will be the responsibility of the Travel Agent.
CANCELLATIONS, REFUNDS & BOOKING CHANGES
For Oberammergau supplements see separate conditions.
- Notice of cancellation must be made in writing either directly to Insight or through your Travel Agent.
- A fee of $30 per person will be charged for any revision or alteration made to a reservation after the booking is confirmed unless the change increases the value of the booking. A change of tour date or tour itinerary within 45 days of tour departure (90 days for options including European river cruises) will be treated as a cancellation, and normal cancellation fees will apply except when the change is to an earlier tour departure of equivalent or greater value in which case a $30 per person amendment fee will be charged.
- There are no refunds for any unused services including unused London airport transfers.
- The following scale of charges will apply when cancellation is notified:
| No. of days prior to tour commencement |
Cancellation fee as % of total price |
| 45 Days or more |
Non-refundable deposit |
| 45-22 days |
25% |
| 21-8 days |
30% |
| 7-1 days |
50% |
| Day of departure* |
100%* |
- The following scale of charges will apply when cancellation is notified for pre or post tour options including European river cruises:
| No. of days prior to tour commencement |
Cancellation fee as % of total price |
| 90 Days or more |
Non-refundable deposit |
| 89-60 days |
35% |
| 21-8 days |
30% |
| 7-1 days |
50% |
| Day of departure* |
100%* |
- The following scale of charges apply when cancellation is notified for additional accommodation.
| No. of days prior to date of stay |
Cancellation fee as % of hotel price |
| 45 Days or more |
$30 per person |
| 44-22 days |
25% |
| 21-15 days |
30% |
| 14 days or less |
100% |
- Airline Flights/Tickets: If flight changes are requested after the deposit has been received, or if flights are cancelled after tickets are issued, revision fees, change fees or Airline cancellation fees will be applicable and will be in addition to the above cancellation charges. In some cases, airline tickets fees are 100% non refundable.
The above penalties will apply regardless of whether final payment has actually been received by Insight.
These cancellation fees are in addition to any cancellation fees that may be levied by your Travel Agent.
Illness or Absenteeism: In case you have to withdraw from a tour after it has begun for reasons such as illness, be sure to obtain a medical certificate in support of any insurance claim. We regret that we are not able to make refunds for absences from a tour, including but not limited to missed meals or sightseeing. If a promotional airfare is broken or extended for any reason, an additional fare may apply.
GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS
Tour Prices: Are based on costs, charges, tariffs, rates, prices, taxes, levies and exchange rates as at 3rd September 2009. Should any of these costs change a surcharge may apply. If the total tour price increases by more than 7%, passengers will have the right to cancel within 7 days of notification of the surcharge without penalty. No surcharges regarding cost or currency fluctuations will be made to the Land Only price once the deposit is received. This guarantee does not apply to pre-registered bookings, or departures where prices are still subject to confirmation. This guarantee also excludes fuel surcharges and does not apply to any taxes, charges or levies imposed by any government or its agencies. Airport taxes are subject to change. In exchange for these guarantees no refund will be made if costs are reduced. All prices are in CAD$ unless otherwise specified and do not include airfare, except where noted.
Credit Card Bookings: Your authorization to use your Credit Card number for deposit and/or final payment indicates your compliance with our booking conditions, whether or not you have actually signed the appropriate draft. Verbal authorization of the use of your Credit Card confirms your reservation. MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted. Credit Card payments are not accepted for group bookings. A signed sales draft is required. If you wish to change a credit card payment after it has been processed, change fees will apply. Cardholders billing address and CVC code is required at time of payment.
Pre-registered Bookings – As the published price for subsequent years may vary depending on a number of factors including, but not limited to, international exchange rates, possible changes to the itinerary or different product content, the final price may need to be adjusted.
Tour Membership:
- Children under 5 years of age are ineligible. Children under 8 years of age are ineligible on pre or post tour options including European river cruises.
- Passengers with disabilities are welcome on Insight's tours providing they are accompanied by a person capable of providing all assistance required, and do not require special assistance from Insight personnel. Insight reserves the right to refuse to carry anyone it feels cannot cope with the requirements of coach tour travel and who may require services and facilities that Insight cannot guarantee will be available. Passengers agree that they will not hold the Insight group of companies liable for any decision by a third party service provider to refuse to carry them, or to provide any facilities, accommodation or services to them. Please note that wheelchair access on Nile Cruise boats is limited, please check with your travel agent for details.
Itinerary Variations: Insight constantly strives to improve tour itineraries and features. If such improvements can be made, or unforeseen circumstances beyond our control make changes necessary, we reserve the right to vary itineraries and to substitute hotels. At certain peak periods duplicate departures may operate, sometimes in reverse, in which case hotels will probably vary from those listed in this brochure. Trade fairs (e.g. IBC congress in Amsterdam) and other events (e.g. Venice film festival on Lido) occasionally cause changes from scheduled hotels. In these and in other cases substitute hotels may be used and will be of a similar standard and location whenever possible.
- Holidays & Changes: During local or national holidays abroad, certain facilities such as museums, sightseeing tours and shopping may be limited. In such instances, and whenever possible, slight itinerary adjustments are made by Insight Vacations to minimise inconvenience to our passengers. If, however you feel your enjoyment might be diminished by such minor limitations please check with the respective national tourist office before selecting a specific departure. Similarly, holidays, closing days and other circumstances may necessitate a change of the day of the week for scheduled highlight dinners, sightseeing or other activities.
- Pre or post tour accommodation is subject to availability. If not available, an alternative may be offered, however, additional transfers to or from the tour hotel are not included.
- On locally-hosted tours, sightseeing and other services may occasionally be provided by third parties in which case transportation and itineraries may vary.
- Note that hotel information is provided as a guide; information on facilities has been provided by the hotels concerned. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, facilities may change without notice.
- Due to religious festivals or other reasons it will occasionally be necessary to rearrange some itineraries and hotels. Ports of call on Mediterranean cruises may sometimes be curtailed if weather conditions do not permit docking.
- Cruises will be operated by the cruise ships as indicated on the tour pages, however, due to maintenance and other circumstances beyond our control, alternative cruise boats of equal standard may be used.
Tour Cancellation: Insight reserves the right to cancel any booking not later than thirty (30) days before the departure. However, between 01 May and 15 October, Insight will give fifty (50) days notice. Insight will, wherever possible, offer an alternative tour of similar standard. If there is a difference in cost, it will be at the passengers' expense. If an alternative tour is not accepted by the tour participant within seven (7) days, Insight will refund all monies and will be under no further obligation or liability. Insight Vacations is not responsible for any additional costs/penalties incurred on travel arrangements and air tickets purchased separately from the 'Air and Land' inclusive package.
RESPONSIBILITY
All British Isle and Continental Europe tours are operated by Insight Vacations Limited, The Picquet House, St. Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 1AF, Channel Islands. Insight Vacations Limited referred to as the operator, undertakes the following duties:
- The Operator shall be responsible to the passenger for supplying the services and accommodations described in this brochure, except where such services cannot be supplied or the itinerary used is changed due to delays or other causes of whatever kind of nature beyond the control of the Operator. In such circumstances, the Operator will do their best to supply comparable services, accommodation and itineraries and there shall be no refund in this connection.
- This brochure represents the entire agreement between the passenger and the Operator.
- In the absence of their own negligence, neither the Operator nor their agents or co-operating organisations shall be responsible for any cancellations, delays, diversions or substitution of equipment or any act or omission whatsoever by air carriers, transportation companies, hotels or any other persons providing any of the services and accommodations to passengers including any results thereof, such as changes in services or accommodations necessitated by same. Nor shall they be liable for any loss or damage to baggage or property, or for injury, illness or death, or for any damages or claims whatsoever arising from loss, negligence or delay from the act, error, omission, default or negligence of any person not its direct employee or under their exclusive control, including any act, error, omission, default or negligence of any country, government or governmental authority, officer or employee. All baggage and personal effects are at all times and in all circumstances at the risk of the tour participant. Baggage insurance is recommended. The carriers, accommodation and other suppliers providing services are independent contractors and are not agents, employees, servants or joint venturers of the Operator or their affiliates.
All certificates and other travel documents for services issued by the Operator are subject to the terms and conditions specified by the carriers and suppliers and to the laws of the countries in which the services are supplied. Carriage by sea is subject to the Carrier's Conditions of Carriage which are expressly incorporated into this contract, copies of which are available upon request. The Operator is not responsible for any criminal conduct by third parties.
- Where the passenger occupies a motorcoach seat fitted with a safety belt, neither the Operator nor their agents or co-operating organisations will be liable for any injury, illness or death or for any damages or claims whatsoever arising from any accident or incident, if the safety belt is not being worn, or the passenger is not seated when the coach is moving, at the time of such accident or incident.
- 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 benefit 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.
- Insight (Canada) Ltd, is only responsible for the services of reservations and ticketing, it does not accept any responsibility or liability for any of the acts, omissions, or defaults, whether negligent or otherwise, of its principal Insight Vacations Limited or any of the companies of the Insight group of companies.
All matters arising in relation to the services provided by Insight (Canada) Ltd., but not in respect of other things, are subject to the Laws of Canada.
- Every effort is made to ensure brochure accuracy at the time of going to press; however Insight cannot be held responsible for printing or typographical errors, or errors arising from unforeseen circumstances.
All bookings made with any provider of any transport, facilities, meals, other goods or, of any services, are subject to terms and conditions imposed by them in relation to matters not covered particularly and expressly by our agreement with the above mentioned Operator in the Insight group of companies.
DATA PROTECTION STATEMENT
In order to process your tour booking, Insight Vacations will need to use personal information for you and other passengers included in your booking. This personal information may include each passenger's name, address, phone number, email address, passport number, credit/debit card number and sensitive information such as health, medical, dietary, mobility, religious or other special requirements. This personal information may be passed on to other suppliers of your travel arrangements in addition to public authorities (such as customs and immigration), security and credit checking organisations, and otherwise as required by law. Similarly, we may also need to provide personal information to contractors who provide services to or for us (eg., sending mail, processing payments, providing marketing assistance). This may involve sending personal information (including sensitive information) to other countries that may not afford the same level of protection of personal information.
We may also use the personal information you provide us to review and improve the tours and services that we offer, and to contact you (by post, email and/or telephone) about other tours and services offered by Insight Vacations that you may be interested in. If you don't want to receive this information, or if you want a copy of the personal information we hold about you, write to us at Insight Vacations, Attn: Marketing Department, 33 Kern Road, Toronto Ontario, Canada, M3B 1S9. Insight Vacations may charge a fee for supplying you with this information as permitted by law.
CONDITIONS RELATING TO AIRFARES & AIRLINE OFFERS
- Air-inclusive tour prices are subject to change without notice. Insight guarantees the air-inclusive tour price only once full payment is received.
- Any changes, corrections or cancellations made after the air ticket has been issued are subject to the rules governing the fare.
- If an air-inclusive tour is cancelled after receipt of air tickets, the refund (if applicable) will be processed only after the return of the air tickets.
- It is the responsibility of the tour participant to ensure that all details received by Insight Vacations are correct.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Tour Documents: Your tour documents, travel literature, wallet and comprehensive pre-departure documentation will be sent to you prior to departure. Please read this information carefully as it contains essential information and helpful advice to make your vacation as enjoyable as possible.
Passports & Visas: All passengers require a valid passport valid for 6 months after their trip return date and may require visas. Some countries require multiple visas. It is the passengers' responsibility to ensure he/she travels with the appropriate documents. Please ask your Travel Agent for advice.
Travel Insurance: Insight recommends that all passengers purchase comprehensive Travel Insurance. Certain European countries have a requirement for foreign visitors to have medical insurance on entry. Insight cannot be held responsible for denied entry should a passenger be unable to provide details to the authorities of such insurance.
Walking Tours: Many of Insight Vacations' tours feature walking tours and comfortable walking shoes are recommended for all passengers.
Plan Your Budget: You are advised to do this well in advance and be sure to allocate funds for special events whilst on tour, such as theatre, celebration meals, shopping and side trips, and 'Optional Excursions'.
Optional Excursions: Insight carefully plans each itinerary to include the important sightseeing highlights and excursions. Understanding that each of our guests has different interests and priorities, it is neither possible nor desirable to include every possible excursion in the tour itinerary. To enhance your experience, we offer a range of optional visits, activities and local meals available throughout your tour. Our Optional Excursion List is designed to cater for all tastes and is included with your documentation for use as an aid in budgeting. Payment can be made in cash and with credit cards.
Complaints Procedure: Should you have a complaint in respect of your holiday, you should inform your Insight Tour Director or Representative during the course of your holiday. If the matter cannot be resolved after the representative's best endeavours to do so during the holiday, your complaint should be made in writing to Insight Vacations as soon as possible after the holiday.
Smoking Policy: There is a No Smoking policy whilst travelling. However, we make plenty of convenience stops, allowing you ample opportunity to smoke if you wish, use local restroom facilities or just relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.
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