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General Tours World Traveler - Ancient Pathways to Petra Ancient Pathways to Petra

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<P class=three-col>          </P>
<H1 class=three-col><FONT size=4>2009 - 2010</FONT></H1>
<H1 class=three-col><FONT size=4>Important Things You Should Know</FONT>                   </H1>
<H2 class=three-col></H2>
<H2 class=three-col>World Traveler Price Protection                   </H2>
<P class=three-col>When you have made a deposit on your General Tours trip you are fully protected against any increases in the land, cruise or international air portion of your price. This protection applies regardless of your form of payment - General Tours World Traveler accepts checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Novus, and American Express.                   </P>
<H2 class=three-col><BR>World Traveler 2% Cash Discount</H2>
<P class=highlighted>If you make payment by check, money order or electronic cash withdrawal and pay-in-full your General Tours trip within seven (7) days of making your reservation - we'll discount the entire cost of your trip by 2%.</P>
<P class=highlighted>Your entire balance must be paid by check, money order or authorized electronic debit withdrawal (ACH) from a checking account to qualify; and your payment must be received by General Tours not later than seven (7) days from the date of your reservation to qualify – we recommend using a traceable overnight delivery method.</P>
<P class=highlighted>If your check or electronic debit is returned from your bank for any reason, your reservation will no longer qualify for the 2% cash discount; a $25 processing fee will be added to your account balance; and all future payments will need to be made by credit card or<BR>certified funds..</P>
<H2 class=highlighted>Rates and Airfares</H2>
<P class=highlighted>Prices in our brochure are based on land or cruise only and do not include international airfare. Air inclusive rates quoted by our call center are based on roundtrip purchase in designated classes of service from select gateway cities on select routings and include all government imposed taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security Fee. Air inclusive rates may require advance purchase, and carry airline restrictions, including specific travel date requirements, blackout dates as well as baggage fees; contact your airline or visit the airline’s website for applicable baggage fees. Seat assignments and flight schedules are subject to change without notice. Land only rates are guaranteed upon deposit; air inclusive rates are subject to change before receipt of full payment. For current prices, please see your travel counselor or call our toll free number at 1-800-221-2216. Airline seats and flight schedules are subject to change without notice.</FONT> </P></FONT><H2 class=highlighted><BR>Transfers</H2>
<P class=highlighted><FONT color=#000000>Transfers are included as indicated and are scheduled to meet air-inclusive arrangements purchased through General Tours. Transfers at other times will require an additional charge.</FONT></P>
<H2 class=three-col><BR>Passport Information</H2>
<P class=three-col>Passport number, date and place of issue, and birth date is now required by many foreign governments, airlines and trains, and may be required to confirm services. Names on your airline tickets must match the first and last name listed on your passport. Your passport must be valid for six months after your return to the U.S.</P>
<H2 class=three-col><BR>Deposit</H2>
<P class=three-col><B>Oberammergau 2010:</B>  Due to the unique nature of this event, special deposit and payment requirements apply. This information is located on the Schedule and Pricing page of each tour.</P>
<P class=three-col><B>Fjords of Chile, Aegean Shores by Private Yacht, Land of the Penguins: </B>A deposit of $1000 per person is due within 7 calendar days of booking in order to secure your reservation.</P>
<P class=three-col><B>All other programs:</B> A deposit of $400 per person is due within seven calendar days of booking in order to secure your reservation.</P>
<H2 class=highlighted><BR>Final Payment</H2>
<P class=three-col><B>Oberammergau 2010:</B>  Due to the unique nature of this event, special deposit and payment requirements apply. This information is located on the Schedule and Pricing page of each tour.</P>
<P class=highlighted><STRONG>All other programs: </STRONG>Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Full payment must be guaranteed at the time of booking with a credit card when booked within 90 days of departure. After any payment has been made a minimum $30 fee will be charged per transaction for any changes made to hotels, sightseeing or to ground or air transportation. When dates are changed, such changes are considered cancelled trips and additional cancellation penalties will apply as set forth below. Changes are subject to additional airline or hotel charges should the original rates no longer be available for your revised travel dates. Revisions to air tickets are subject to the airline fare rules, change fees and cancellation policies. Prices may vary depending on the day of travel, gateway city, routing, and airline class of service booked, which is determined by seat availability.</P>
<P class=highlighted><B>Trade fairs and holidays like New Year’s, Oktoberfest, Christmas, Easter, Carnival in Rio or Venice and Chinese New Year may require early pre-payment and non-refundable deposits. </B></P>
<H2 class=three-col><BR>If the Traveler Cancels</H2>
<P class=three-col>Cancellations must be received in writing and are subject to the following per person fees:</P>
<P class=three-col><B>Oberammergau 2010:</B>  Due to the unique nature of this event, special deposit and payment requirements apply. This information is located on the Schedule and Pricing page of each tour.</P>
<P class=highlighted><B>Land of the Penguins, Aegean Shores by Private Yacht and Pleasures of Cleopatra programs are subject to the following per person fees:</B></P>
<DIV class=three-col><UL class=highlighted>
<LI>Up to 121 days prior to departure: $400 fee ($1000 for Land of the Penguin and Aegaen Shores by Private Yachts) per person plus airline cancellation penalties 
<LI>120 -91 days prior to departure: 50% of price plus applicable airline cancellation penalties 
<LI>Within in 90 days of departure: 100% of the price</LI></UL></DIV>
<P><B>All other cruises are subject to the following per person fees:</B> </P>
<UL class=highlighted>
<LI>Up to 121 days prior to departure: $100 fee per person plus airline cancellation penalties 
<LI>120 -91 days prior to departure: 15% of price plus airline cancellation penalties 
<LI>90-61 days prior to departures: 35% of program price plus airline cancellation penalties 
<LI>60-31 days prior to departures: 50% of the program price plus airline cancellation penalties 
<LI>Within in 30 days of departure: 100% of the program price</LI></UL>
<P> </P>
<P><B>All other programs are subject to the following per person fees:</B><BR></P>
<UL class=highlighted>
<LI>Up to 61 days prior to departure: $200 fee per person plus airline cancellation penalties 
<LI>60-31 days prior to departure: 10% of price plus airline cancellation penalties 
<LI>30-15 days prior to departure: 25% of price plus airline cancellation penalties 
<LI>14-8 days prior to departure: 50% of price plus airline cancellation penalties 
<LI>Within 7 days of departure: 100% of price plus airline cancellation penalties<BR></LI></UL>
<P class=highlighted><B>Trade fairs and holidays like New Year’s, Oktoberfest, Christmas, Easter, Carnival in Venice and Rio and Chinese New Year may carry additional penalties.</B></P>
<P class=highlighted><B>Worldwide:</B> There is no refund for unused services or unused portions of your trip. See General Tours Travel Protection Plan to protect your travel investment.</P>
<H2><BR>Changes to our Programs</H2>
<P>General Tours will make every effort to operate all programs as disclosed in this book. However, circumstances beyond our control may arise which would require an adjustment to the tour, its inclusions or the celebrity. We will do all that is possible to avoid such changes but we must reserve the right to make such modifications. Because waterways can be affected by severe weather conditions including rain or drought, high or low water levels, programs may require a change in embarkation and disembarkation points, sightseeing itineraries, modes of transportation and cruising schedules. Alternate programs may be arranged by the cruise companies without notice. Normal cancellation penalties still apply to the program that has been changed.</P>
<H2><BR>Refunds</H2>
<P class=highlighted>All requests for refunds will be considered promptly, but they must be in writing and received within 30 days of the return date of the tour.</P>
<H2 class=highlighted><BR>Contact for Deposits & Final Payments</H2>
<P>General Tours, 53 Summer Street,<BR>Keene, New Hampshire 03431,<BR>Phone: 800-221-2216, Fax: 603-357-4548<BR>E-mail: <A href="mailto:info@generaltours.com">info@generaltours.com</A></P>
<H2 class=highlighted><BR>Tour Documents & Rail Tickets</H2>
<P class=highlighted>Documents are mailed approximately 21 days prior to departure for all tours. Documents for all passengers cannot be released until full payment and passenger information conditions have been met. Rail tickets are issued under the regulations of each country’s rail system and may require passport information. Train reservations may not be available for certain cities. Rail tickets are not refundable. A shipping and handling fee is charged for Document Delivery.</P>
<H2><BR>Hotels</H2>
<P>All hotels offered in conjunction with our tours are consistent with classifications of the OHRG and established European standards. We must reserve the right to substitute hotels if absolutely necessary. Please note that it is standard policy that hotel rooms are not available for check-in be fore 2 p.m. Single rooms/cabins are often smaller than twin rooms/cabins. Triple rooms may not be available or may consist of a rollaway, cot, temporary bed or mattress in a twin room, and may not be comfortable for three adults. Hotel bookings cancelled after scheduled departure from the USA are subject to 100% cancellation.</P>
<H2 class=highlighted><BR>Gratuities</H2>
<P class=highlighted>Gratuities for the tour manager, local guides, drivers, and cruise staff are not included and are at the discretion of the individual traveler.</P>
<H2><BR>Smoking Policy</H2>
<P>There is a no-smoking policy on all of our transportation. Cruise ships have a non-smoking policy, except where permitted in designated areas of the open decks.</P>
<H2><BR>Baggage</H2>
<P class=highlighted>Airline baggage allowance regulations are based on a weight and measurement system determined by the international carrier. Airline restrictions may include baggage fees: contact your airline or visit the airline’s webstie for applicable baggage fees and up to date dimension. At the time of publication, combined overall dimensions for transpacific/transatlantic checked baggage can not exceed 106 inches. Carry-on luggage cannot exceed 45 inches. For flights within continents baggage restrictions apply: 25-44 lbs. Please consult your travel documents for additional weight restrictions.</P>
<H2><BR>Travelers Requiring Special Assistance</H2>
<P>Any disability requiring special attention should be reported to General Tours at the time the reservation is made. General Tours will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of such travelers, but it is not responsible for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, and other independent suppliers. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches, ships and other transportation vehicle, or other personal needs. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. Cruise ships have very limited handicapped facilities; almost all have stairs rather than elevators.</P>
<H2 class=highlighted><BR>Guaranteed Departures</H2>
<P class=highlighted>All of the departures in this brochure are guaranteed at the time of printing. However, all cruise ships reserve the right to charter a departure date after publication.Modes of transportation and itinerary routings may change based on the number of passengers on a guaranteed departure. More than one tour manager or host may accompany you on your escorted itinerary. Problems beyond the Tour Operator’s control (such as civil unrest or acts of nature) may force a change in itinerary.</P>
<H2><BR>Responsibility</H2>
<P>General Tours (the “Operator”) packages and operates these programs solely as an independent contractor. The tour services described in this brochure, including without limitation transportation, lodging, and sightseeing, are provided by the carrier, hoteliers, and other suppliers that are independent contractors and not agents for, employees, partners, or joint ventures of the Operator. The Operator issues tickets, vouchers, and other travel documents for such services merely as an agent for the companies that furnish such services. Such tickets, vouchers, and other travel documents are subject to all terms and conditions of the respective suppliers (some of them may limit or exclude the supplier’s liability). The Operator is not responsible for any loss of or damage to property or death or injury to persons, resulting from any act or omission of any supplier providing any tour service or any other person or entity or caused by strike, war, weather, quarantine, sickness, government restriction or regulation, or any other cause beyond its reasonable control, including supplier’s decision to withdraw and/or cancel a tour for any reason. The tour participant expressly waives all rights, which he or she may have against the Operator in connection with the foregoing. Under no circumstances is the Operator to be construed as a carrier under contract for safe carriage of the passenger or his or her baggage and belongings. The Operator reserves the right to remove a client from a tour and provide a full refund for unused services.</P>
<P>Any unresolved dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with the services provided by the Operator shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before the American Arbitration Association in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of that body then in effect.</P>
<P>The arbitrator shall not have the authority to add to, detract from, or modify any provision hereof nor to award punitive damages to any injured party.</P>
<P>A decision by the arbitrator shall be final and binding. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. Each party shall be responsible for the respective fees and expenses of their legal representation and the costs of arbitration shall be shared equally.</P>
<P>Legal proceedings against the Operator may be instituted only in a state or federal court within the State of New Hampshire, and any claim involved in such proceedings shall be decided in accordance with the laws of the State of New Hampshire. Any legal proceeding against the Operator must be commenced within one year following the date of tour completion. Neither the Operator nor any affiliate shall in any case be liable for other than compensatory damages, and you hereby waive any right to punitive damages.</P>
<P>Every effort has been made to accurately produce the information in this brochure. We reserve the right to correct errors.</P>
<P>Brochure validity: January 2009-April 2010<BR>CST: 2009641-20</P>
<H2><BR>Visa Information</H2>
<P class=three-col> <A href="/resources/passport_visas.aspx">Click here to go to our Passports & Visas resource page.</A></P>

2009 - 2010

Important Things You Should Know

World Traveler Price Protection

When you have made a deposit on your General Tours trip you are fully protected against any increases in the land, cruise or international air portion of your price. This protection applies regardless of your form of payment - General Tours World Traveler accepts checks, money orders, Visa, MasterCard, Discover/Novus, and American Express.

World Traveler 2% Cash Discount

If you make payment by check, money order or electronic cash withdrawal and pay-in-full your General Tours trip within seven (7) days of making your reservation - we'll discount the entire cost of your trip by 2%.

Your entire balance must be paid by check, money order or authorized electronic debit withdrawal (ACH) from a checking account to qualify; and your payment must be received by General Tours not later than seven (7) days from the date of your reservation to qualify – we recommend using a traceable overnight delivery method.

If your check or electronic debit is returned from your bank for any reason, your reservation will no longer qualify for the 2% cash discount; a $25 processing fee will be added to your account balance; and all future payments will need to be made by credit card or
certified funds..

Rates and Airfares

Prices in our brochure are based on land or cruise only and do not include international airfare. Air inclusive rates quoted by our call center are based on roundtrip purchase in designated classes of service from select gateway cities on select routings and include all government imposed taxes and fees, including the September 11th Security Fee. Air inclusive rates may require advance purchase, and carry airline restrictions, including specific travel date requirements, blackout dates as well as baggage fees; contact your airline or visit the airline’s website for applicable baggage fees. Seat assignments and flight schedules are subject to change without notice. Land only rates are guaranteed upon deposit; air inclusive rates are subject to change before receipt of full payment. For current prices, please see your travel counselor or call our toll free number at 1-800-221-2216. Airline seats and flight schedules are subject to change without notice.

Transfers

Transfers are included as indicated and are scheduled to meet air-inclusive arrangements purchased through General Tours. Transfers at other times will require an additional charge.

Passport Information

Passport number, date and place of issue, and birth date is now required by many foreign governments, airlines and trains, and may be required to confirm services. Names on your airline tickets must match the first and last name listed on your passport. Your passport must be valid for six months after your return to the U.S.

Deposit

Oberammergau 2010: Due to the unique nature of this event, special deposit and payment requirements apply. This information is located on the Schedule and Pricing page of each tour.

Fjords of Chile, Aegean Shores by Private Yacht, Land of the Penguins: A deposit of $1000 per person is due within 7 calendar days of booking in order to secure your reservation.

All other programs: A deposit of $400 per person is due within seven calendar days of booking in order to secure your reservation.

Final Payment

Oberammergau 2010: Due to the unique nature of this event, special deposit and payment requirements apply. This information is located on the Schedule and Pricing page of each tour.

All other programs: Full payment is due 90 days prior to departure. Full payment must be guaranteed at the time of booking with a credit card when booked within 90 days of departure. After any payment has been made a minimum $30 fee will be charged per transaction for any changes made to hotels, sightseeing or to ground or air transportation. When dates are changed, such changes are considered cancelled trips and additional cancellation penalties will apply as set forth below. Changes are subject to additional airline or hotel charges should the original rates no longer be available for your revised travel dates. Revisions to air tickets are subject to the airline fare rules, change fees and cancellation policies. Prices may vary depending on the day of travel, gateway city, routing, and airline class of service booked, which is determined by seat availability.

Trade fairs and holidays like New Year’s, Oktoberfest, Christmas, Easter, Carnival in Rio or Venice and Chinese New Year may require early pre-payment and non-refundable deposits.

If the Traveler Cancels

Cancellations must be received in writing and are subject to the following per person fees:

Oberammergau 2010: Due to the unique nature of this event, special deposit and payment requirements apply. This information is located on the Schedule and Pricing page of each tour.

Land of the Penguins, Aegean Shores by Private Yacht and Pleasures of Cleopatra programs are subject to the following per person fees:

Up to 121 days prior to departure: $400 fee ($1000 for Land of the Penguin and Aegaen Shores by Private Yachts) per person plus airline cancellation penalties
120 -91 days prior to departure: 50% of price plus applicable airline cancellation penalties
Within in 90 days of departure: 100% of the price

All other cruises are subject to the following per person fees:

Up to 121 days prior to departure: $100 fee per person plus airline cancellation penalties
120 -91 days prior to departure: 15% of price plus airline cancellation penalties
90-61 days prior to departures: 35% of program price plus airline cancellation penalties
60-31 days prior to departures: 50% of the program price plus airline cancellation penalties
Within in 30 days of departure: 100% of the program price

All other programs are subject to the following per person fees:

Up to 61 days prior to departure: $200 fee per person plus airline cancellation penalties
60-31 days prior to departure: 10% of price plus airline cancellation penalties
30-15 days prior to departure: 25% of price plus airline cancellation penalties
14-8 days prior to departure: 50% of price plus airline cancellation penalties
Within 7 days of departure: 100% of price plus airline cancellation penalties

Trade fairs and holidays like New Year’s, Oktoberfest, Christmas, Easter, Carnival in Venice and Rio and Chinese New Year may carry additional penalties.

Worldwide: There is no refund for unused services or unused portions of your trip. See General Tours Travel Protection Plan to protect your travel investment.

Changes to our Programs

General Tours will make every effort to operate all programs as disclosed in this book. However, circumstances beyond our control may arise which would require an adjustment to the tour, its inclusions or the celebrity. We will do all that is possible to avoid such changes but we must reserve the right to make such modifications. Because waterways can be affected by severe weather conditions including rain or drought, high or low water levels, programs may require a change in embarkation and disembarkation points, sightseeing itineraries, modes of transportation and cruising schedules. Alternate programs may be arranged by the cruise companies without notice. Normal cancellation penalties still apply to the program that has been changed.

Refunds

All requests for refunds will be considered promptly, but they must be in writing and received within 30 days of the return date of the tour.

Contact for Deposits & Final Payments

General Tours, 53 Summer Street,
Keene, New Hampshire 03431,
Phone: 800-221-2216, Fax: 603-357-4548
E-mail: info@generaltours.com

Tour Documents & Rail Tickets

Documents are mailed approximately 21 days prior to departure for all tours. Documents for all passengers cannot be released until full payment and passenger information conditions have been met. Rail tickets are issued under the regulations of each country’s rail system and may require passport information. Train reservations may not be available for certain cities. Rail tickets are not refundable. A shipping and handling fee is charged for Document Delivery.

Hotels

All hotels offered in conjunction with our tours are consistent with classifications of the OHRG and established European standards. We must reserve the right to substitute hotels if absolutely necessary. Please note that it is standard policy that hotel rooms are not available for check-in be fore 2 p.m. Single rooms/cabins are often smaller than twin rooms/cabins. Triple rooms may not be available or may consist of a rollaway, cot, temporary bed or mattress in a twin room, and may not be comfortable for three adults. Hotel bookings cancelled after scheduled departure from the USA are subject to 100% cancellation.

Gratuities

Gratuities for the tour manager, local guides, drivers, and cruise staff are not included and are at the discretion of the individual traveler.

Smoking Policy

There is a no-smoking policy on all of our transportation. Cruise ships have a non-smoking policy, except where permitted in designated areas of the open decks.

Baggage

Airline baggage allowance regulations are based on a weight and measurement system determined by the international carrier. Airline restrictions may include baggage fees: contact your airline or visit the airline’s webstie for applicable baggage fees and up to date dimension. At the time of publication, combined overall dimensions for transpacific/transatlantic checked baggage can not exceed 106 inches. Carry-on luggage cannot exceed 45 inches. For flights within continents baggage restrictions apply: 25-44 lbs. Please consult your travel documents for additional weight restrictions.

Travelers Requiring Special Assistance

Any disability requiring special attention should be reported to General Tours at the time the reservation is made. General Tours will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of such travelers, but it is not responsible for any denial of services by carriers, hotels, and other independent suppliers. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, dining, getting on and off motor coaches, ships and other transportation vehicle, or other personal needs. Travelers who need such assistance must be accompanied by a qualified companion. Cruise ships have very limited handicapped facilities; almost all have stairs rather than elevators.

Guaranteed Departures

All of the departures in this brochure are guaranteed at the time of printing. However, all cruise ships reserve the right to charter a departure date after publication.Modes of transportation and itinerary routings may change based on the number of passengers on a guaranteed departure. More than one tour manager or host may accompany you on your escorted itinerary. Problems beyond the Tour Operator’s control (such as civil unrest or acts of nature) may force a change in itinerary.

Responsibility

General Tours (the “Operator”) packages and operates these programs solely as an independent contractor. The tour services described in this brochure, including without limitation transportation, lodging, and sightseeing, are provided by the carrier, hoteliers, and other suppliers that are independent contractors and not agents for, employees, partners, or joint ventures of the Operator. The Operator issues tickets, vouchers, and other travel documents for such services merely as an agent for the companies that furnish such services. Such tickets, vouchers, and other travel documents are subject to all terms and conditions of the respective suppliers (some of them may limit or exclude the supplier’s liability). The Operator is not responsible for any loss of or damage to property or death or injury to persons, resulting from any act or omission of any supplier providing any tour service or any other person or entity or caused by strike, war, weather, quarantine, sickness, government restriction or regulation, or any other cause beyond its reasonable control, including supplier’s decision to withdraw and/or cancel a tour for any reason. The tour participant expressly waives all rights, which he or she may have against the Operator in connection with the foregoing. Under no circumstances is the Operator to be construed as a carrier under contract for safe carriage of the passenger or his or her baggage and belongings. The Operator reserves the right to remove a client from a tour and provide a full refund for unused services.

Any unresolved dispute or controversy arising under or in connection with the services provided by the Operator shall be settled exclusively by arbitration, conducted before the American Arbitration Association in Boston, Massachusetts, in accordance with the rules of that body then in effect.

The arbitrator shall not have the authority to add to, detract from, or modify any provision hereof nor to award punitive damages to any injured party.

A decision by the arbitrator shall be final and binding. Judgment may be entered on the arbitrator’s award in any court having jurisdiction. Each party shall be responsible for the respective fees and expenses of their legal representation and the costs of arbitration shall be shared equally.

Legal proceedings against the Operator may be instituted only in a state or federal court within the State of New Hampshire, and any claim involved in such proceedings shall be decided in accordance with the laws of the State of New Hampshire. Any legal proceeding against the Operator must be commenced within one year following the date of tour completion. Neither the Operator nor any affiliate shall in any case be liable for other than compensatory damages, and you hereby waive any right to punitive damages.

Every effort has been made to accurately produce the information in this brochure. We reserve the right to correct errors.

Brochure validity: January 2009-April 2010
CST: 2009641-20

Visa Information

Click here to go to our Passports & Visas resource page.