Eastern Europe 2015 Travel Brochure

Discoveri ng Eastern Europe Featuring Poland, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic July 2 8 – Aug us t 1 3, 2 0 15 F ro m $ 5, 2 95 pe r p erso n (La nd & Air )

presents...

O ptiona l Post -Tour Exten sion: Prague (3 day s/2 n ights)

Whether you’re seeking to recapture your ancestral heritage or simply to discover a beautiful and poignant part of the world, this small group tour offers ample opportunity for enrichment, enlightenment, and enjoyment. Both leisurely and comprehensive, it provides a generous overview of five distinctly different and fascinating nations.

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Itinerary - July 28 - August 13, 2015 Day 1 - Tuesday, July 28: Depart U.S. for Warsaw, Poland Early this evening depart the U.S. for Europe, with a connecting flight to Warsaw.

Day 2 - Wednesday, July 29: Arrive Warsaw After reaching Warsaw late this morning and transferring to the hotel, there’s time to unpack, relax, or begin your discovery of this fascinating city. This evening we gather for a welcome dinner at our hotel, where you’ll have a chance to get acquainted with your fellow travelers and your Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director. Accommodations: Polonia Palace Hotel; Meals: D

Day 3 - Thursday, July 30: Warsaw Devastated by World War II, Warsaw had to be virtually rebuilt from the ground up – a 15-year project that used every piece of authentic stone found amid the rubble. We see the results on today’s morning tour, which includes the completely restored Old Town Square, a UNESCO Heritage site; and the Royal Castle, the official residence of the Polish monarchs located in Castle Square at the entrance to the Old Town. We also explore the area of the former Jewish Ghetto and the Jewish Cemetery, the largest of its kind in Europe. As you walk the streets that the Jews of Warsaw once inhabited, you can imagine the 1943 uprising when a small number of Jewish Resistance fighters inside the ghetto held out against Nazi forces for an incredible 22 days. After some time at leisure, late this afternoon we enjoy a special treat: a private classical piano recital. Lunch and dinner are on your own today. A ccommodations: Polonia Palace Hotel; Meals: B Day 4 - Friday, July 31: Warsaw/Auschwitz & Birkenau/Krakow This morning we board our motor coach for a day-long journey to Krakow, the former Polish capital city. Along the way we stop and enjoy lunch together at a local restaurant in the town of Oswiecim, better known by its German name of Auschwitz. All over the world, Auschwitz has become a symbol of terror, genocide, and the Holocaust. We also tour the concentration camps of Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II – Birkenau. Auschwitz was the largest camp established by the Nazis during World War II. More than a million people – the vast majority of them Jews – died there between 1940, when it was built, and 1945, when it was liberated. Both camps have been preserved as they were during the war, including the prison blocks, gas chambers, and crematoria. We will spend approximately three hours here, touring the sites and learning more about this horrific time. We arrive in Krakow late this afternoon. Tonight we dine together at our hotel. Accommodations: Hotel Pod Roza; Meals: B, L, D

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Itinerary - July 28 - August 13, 2015 Day 5 - Saturday, August 1: Krakow The country’s third largest city, Krakow escaped the devastation that obliterated other Polish cities during World War II, and its perfectly preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is on the itinerary of this morning’s tour.

We also visit the Main Market Square, the largest medieval town square in Europe; as well as 14th-century Wawel Castle and Cathedral before returning to our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to do as you please. Lunch and dinner today are on your own. A ccommodations: Hotel Pod Roza; Meals: B

Day 6 - Sunday, August 2: Krakow This morning we tour the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage site that is a virtual underground city, with galleries, lakes, chapels, and murals – all carved from salt. The mine’s centerpiece is the Chapel of Saint Kinga, with its chandelier and mural of the Last Supper, carved by three miners over a period of 68 years. The mine has been a family tradition, with fathers passing their mining – and carving – skills on to their sons for generations. During World War II, the Nazis actually used the mine to manufacture parts for their aircraft. Though no longer a source of hard salt, the mine does extract and sell salt from ground water in the underground lakes. After this fascinating tour we return to Krakow, where the remainder of the day is at leisure with lunch and dinner on your own in this historic capital. A ccommodations: Hotel Pod Roza; Meals: B

Day 7 - Monday, August 3: Krakow/Slovakia/Budapest Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tatra Mountains as we travel by bus from Poland to Hungary via Slovakia, where we stop for lunch. Boasting the highest elevations in the Carpathian mountain range, the Tatras count as a popular winter sports destination. Early this evening we reach the Hungarian capital of Budapest and our hotel, located in Buda’s lovely and historic Castle District. A Hungarian king originally built Buda Castle in the aftermath of a 13th-century Mongolian invasion. Destroyed in a 17th-century siege, rebuilt, and decimated once again in World War II, the castle complex was reconstructed according to the original medieval design in an extensive post-war project that lasted through the 1980s. This evening is at leisure for dinner on your own in this sophisticated city. A ccommodations: Hilton Budapest; Meals: B, L

Day 8 - Tuesday, August 4: Budapest Our half-day tour introduces us to this great city, home to one in every five Hungarians. We begin with a visit to Matthias Church (Mátyás Templom), the symbol of Buda’s Castle District; followed by a stroll around Fisherman’s Bastion behind our hotel for spectacular views of the Pest side of the city across the river. Looking out over the Danube to Pest we can see the Chain Bridge – the first permanent bridge across the Danube – connecting Buda with Pest; Margaret Island, a public park since 1908; and the huge neo-gothic House of Parliament, seat of this democratic nation’s government. Our tour also includes an inside visit of the Dohány Synagogue with its rich but tragic history. Built in 1859, it is the largest synagogue in Europe and the world’s second largest. During the German occupation, Nazis used the synagogue as a stable and a radio base; in 1945, some 5,000 murdered Jews were buried in a mass grave in its courtyard where a Holocaust Memorial now stands. After lunch on your own, the afternoon is free for independent exploration. Tonight we enjoy a typical Hungarian dinner at a local restaurant. Accommodations: Hilton Budapest; Meals: B, D

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Itinerary - July 28 - August 13, 2015 Day 9 - Wednesday, August 5: Budapest Today is free to explore “the Paris of the East” on your own.

Your tour director is on hand to offer suggestions and assist with any special arrangements. The city’s riches include the ornate Opera House, one of Budapest’s most spectacular buildings and among the top opera houses in Europe. You may wish to take a guided tour of the Opera House, or even to enjoy an evening performance there (the season runs from late September through June; performances usually start at 6 or 7 p.m.).

Or visit the Thermal Bath at the Hotel Gellert, with pools of varying temperatures, steam rooms, and an outdoor artificialwave pool; or the Museum of Fine Arts, displaying Central Europe’s most important collection of foreign art. If you’d rather be outdoors, you can walk one of the many trails in the Buda Hills or take a leisurely stroll on Margaret Island.

Lunch and dinner today are on your own. Accommodations: Hilton Budapest; Meals: B Day 10 - Thursday. August 6: Budapest/Danube Bend/Vienna We travel by bus to Vienna today via the small towns that lie along the scenic Danube Bend. Our first stop is Szentendre, a tiny town packed with artisans’ shops; here we visit the fascinating museum showcasing the works of Hungarian ceramic artist Margaret Kovács. We continue to Neszmély, a picturesque village along the Danube where we meet the friendly inhabitants and sample outstanding cuisine for lunch before continuing to Vienna. After arriving in the Austrian capital late this afternoon and checking in to our hotel, the remainder of the evening is free. Dinner is on your own this tonight; this is the perfect opportunity to sample some of Vienna’s acclaimed cuisine. Accommodations: Hilton Vienna Plaza; Meals: B, L

Day 11 - Friday, August 7: Vienna The grandeur of the Habsburg Empire comes to life today as we embark on a half-day tour of the city that was the cornerstone of Habsburg rule for centuries. A drive along the Ringstrasse, the city’s famed boulevard, gives us a wonderful overview of Vienna. We pass the Hofburg, the former Imperial Palace; city hall; the Parliament; and the National Museum. Stopping at the storied, ornate Opera House, we enjoy a guided tour of one of Europe’s grandest opera houses. Next we drive to Schönbrunn Palace for a guided inside tour of the Imperial Apartments and a stroll through the surrounding gardens. After returning to our hotel, lunch is on your own and the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. You may want to spend some time on the pedestrian-only Kärntnerstrasse, a bustling shopping street that features all the best shops, restaurants, and coffeehouses. We gather in the early evening for a traditional Wiener Schnitzel dinner at a local restaurant. Afterwards we attend a concert of classical music in this most musical of all cities. Accommodations: Hilton Vienna Plaza; Meals: B, D

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Itinerary - July 28 - August 13, 2015 Day 12 - Saturday, August 8: Vienna Woods This morning we enjoy an excursion to the Vienna Woods, the eastern tip of Alpine Europe. The Vienna Woods gained fame during the heyday of the Austrian Empire, and infamy as the site of Mayerling, where in 1889 the mysterious deaths of Archduke Rudolf and his mistress changed the course of European history and led to the fall of the House of Habsburg. Our first stop is the medieval abbey of Heiligenkreuz, Austria`s second oldest Cistercian monastery (1133) with Babenberg tombs, a chapel with a Romanesque nave, High Gothic choir hall, Baroque choir stalls, and Early Gothic cloisters. We continue on past Mayerling to the medieval spa town of Baden, where we take a brief stroll through the city center and then have some free time. We return to Vienna early this afternoon and the remainder of the day is free for independent exploration. You may wish to visit the Lipizzaner Museum; shop along the pedestrian Kärntnerstrasse; visit the home of Sigmund Freud; or tour the acclaimed Museum of Fine Arts or Museum of Natural History.

Both lunch and dinner are on your own today. Accommodations: Hilton Vienna Plaza; Meals: B Day 13 - Sunday, August 9: Vienna/Bratislava Mid-morning we depart for Bratislava, capital of the independent nation of Slovakia and the world’s only capital to share borders with two countries, Austria and Hungary. Soviet-era buildings intermingle with classical and medieval architecture in this rapidly growing city straddling the Danube. Upon arrival we embark on a mini-train and walking tour of the historic Castle area where various peoples – Celts, Romans, Slavs, and Slovaks – have built fortifications since the Stone Age. Bratislava Castle underwent many renovations throughout the centuries until fire destroyed it in 1811; reconstruction began in the 1950s and continues today. We also visit the 18thcentury classical-style Archbishop’s Palace, now the Bratislava mayoral residence. Before continuing on, we enjoy lunch on our own. After reaching our hotel late this afternoon, we have time to refresh before dinner tonight at the restaurant of a local family. Accommodations: Radisson Blu Carlton; Meals: B, D

Day 14 - Monday, August 10: Bratislava/Prague This morning we leave for Prague, proud capital of the Czech Republic, filled with art, medieval architecture, historic churches, and cobblestone streets.

Along the way we stop for lunch and a brief tour of Brno, the Czech Republic’s second largest city and capital of Moravia. We reach Prague late-afternoon and have the rest of the day to discover this wondrous city on our own or to join your tour director on a short orientation walk of Old Town (Staré Mĕsto). Walking is really the only way to explore Prague; most of the oldest areas are walking zones where motor traffic is limited or prohibited.

Discover Prague’s Old Town, whose ancient streets are lined with many stately buildings, churches, shops, and theaters; and 14th-century Charles Bridge, Prague’s most celebrated structure linking Old Town and the Castle District across the river. All roads eventually lead to Old Town Square, a focal point of Czech history and politics. Here you can see the historic Astronomical Clock – at the top of the hour a mechanical parade of saints and sinners performs for passers-by. Tonight you enjoy dinner on your own. Accommodations: Grand Bohemia Praha; Meals: B, L

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Itinerary - July 28 - August 13, 2015 Day 15 - Tuesday, August 11: Prague This morning we tour Prague’s celebrated Castle District (Hradčany). This hilltop complex encompasses many houses, towers, churches, courtyards, and monuments. We visit the key sites of St. Vitus Cathedral and the Royal Palace, then this afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. The historical core of the city – Hradčany, Malá Strana (Lesser Town), Staré Mĕsto (Old Town), and Václavské námĕstí (Wenceslas Square), site of the demonstrations that led to the Velvet Revolution – covers about two square miles and is pedestrian-friendly. The afternoon and evening are free to enjoy your choice of restaurants in this dazzling city. Accommodations: Grand Bohemia Praha; Meals: B

Day 16 - Wednesday, August 12: Prague This morning join your tour director on a walk to Josefov, Prague’s historic Jewish Quarter, located entirely within Staré Mĕsto. Your tour director will provide you with entrance tickets to the Jewish Quarter. Led by a local guide, we’ll have access to the following sites within Josefov: Maisel Synagogue, now serving as the exhibition space for the Jewish Museum; the Spanish Synagogue, the “newest” synagogue in the Jewish Quarter, built in 1868; Pinkas Synagogue, where a haunting collection of paintings and drawings by children from Terezín concentration camp is on display; Klausen Synagogue, exhibiting Jewish traditions and customs; and the Old Jewish Cemetery and the adjacent Ceremonial Hall. This afternoon is free for lunch on our own and individual pursuits before tonight’s special farewell dinner together.

Accommodations: Grand Bohemia Praha; Meals: B, D

Day 17 - Thursday, August 13: Return to U.S. Early this morning you’ll transfer to the airport for your connecting flight to the U.S. Meals: B

Your Tour Price Includes 

Round-trip air transportation from listed cities

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15 nights’ accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class, and unrated hotels

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25 meals: 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners

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Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees

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Services of an Odysseys Unlimited Tour Director

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Private motor coach transportation throughout your trip

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Luggage handling for one bag per person

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Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers

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IMPORTANT NOTE: We will do our best to adhere to our printed itinerary. Occasionally, though, unexpected obstacles – or opportunities – may arise that will force us to deviate from the itinerary as written. We would ask you to be openminded and flexible should we vary the itinerary slightly. In addition, please note that airline schedules are subject to change. We will provide you with updated flight information closer to your departure.

Since this tour is fairly comprehensive in its inclusion of sites and venues in multiple countries across Eastern Europe, there are some days that include lengthy motor coach transfers. While road conditions in Eastern Europe are generally very good and the scenery interesting, you should be prepared for fairly long days on tour days 4, 7, and 10.

"Prague – ON YOUR OWN" OPTIONAL POST-TOUR EXTENSION (3 days/2 nights) includes 2 nights’ accommodations Grand Bohemia Praha and 2 meals (2 breakfasts)

Day 17 & 18 - Thursday, August 13 & Friday, August 14: Prague No need to transfer anywhere: you’re right at home for the next two nights at the Grand Bohemia Praha, your base for exploring Prague to your heart’s delight. Options abound. You may wish to further explore some of the sights visited on tour on Days 15 and 16; tour such museums as the Czech Museum of Music, housed in a 17th-century Baroque church, the incredible Museum of Miniatures, the Mucha Museum of Czech Art Nouveau, or the Franz Kafka Museum, with first editions of all of the writer’s works; follow silver arrows of the “Royal Route” that winds through the city in the footsteps of Bohemian kings’ coronation processions; relax over a local brew in a typical beer garden; or attend a performance at the National Theater.

Day 19 - Saturday, August 15- Return to U.S. Early this morning, you’ll take an included transfer to the airport for your connecting flight to the United States.

Price per Person: $295

Single Supplement: $195

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Discovering Eastern Europe 2015 Hotel Accommodations POLAND Polonia Palace Hotel - Phone:011-48-22-31-82-800; Fax:011-48-22-31-82-801; www.poloniapalace.com Opened more than 90 years ago, the French-style Polonia Palace Hotel preserves the unique characteristics of early 20thcentury architecture while incorporating many contemporary features. The conveniently located hotel stands near the Palace of Culture and Science and numerous shopping areas. Hotel amenities include a restaurant, bar, internet access, laundry and dry cleaning services, fitness center, and sauna. Each of the 206 air-conditioned rooms comes fully equipped with a private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

Hotel Pod Roza - Phone:011-48-12-424-33-00; Fax:011-48-12-424-33-51; www.hotel.com.pl Located in the center of Old Town on beloved Florianska Street, this is Krakow’s oldest hotel. Indeed, the neo-classical building’s origins date to the 14th century as a private home; it became a hotel in the 17th century. The hotel offers a restaurant, café, bar, internet access, fitness center with spa, laundry service, currency exchange, and safe deposit boxes.

Your air-conditioned room features contemporary amenities, including private bath with hair dryer, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

HUNGARY Hilton Budapest - Phone:011-36-1-889-6600; Fax:011-36-1-889-6644; www.hilton.com A Gothic building incorporating part of a 16th-century Jesuit college and a 13th-century monastery, the Budapest Hilton is located in the Castle District of Buda, near Fisherman’s Bastion and Matthias Church. Hotel amenities include two restaurants and a lounge, internet access, laundry and dry cleaning services, fitness center, casino, and elevator service.

Your climate-controlled room has a private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

AUSTRIA Hilton Vienna Plaza - Phone:011-43-1-313-900; Fax:011-43-1-313-902-2009; www.hilton.com The Vienna Plaza is located on the famous Ringstrasse, opposite the Vienna Stock Exchange and within walking distance of the city center. Among its facilities: a restaurant, bar, internet access, fitness center, sauna, massage treatments, whirlpool, solarium, and elevator and laundry service. Your air-conditioned room has a private bathroom with hair dryer, mini-bar, in-room safe, TV, and phone. Please note that while you may be expected to pay for internet access at certain hotels throughout the course of your tour, the cost of internet access at the Hilton Vienna Plaza is higher than most.

SLOVAKIA Radisson Blu Carlton Hotel - Phone: 011-421-2-5939-0000; Fax: 011-421-2-5939-0010; www.radissonblu.com Nestled in the heart of the city, close to the National Opera house and main business area, the stately 170-room Radisson Blu Carlton offers a brasserie restaurant, bar, internet access, fitness center, and laundry service. Guest rooms provide private bath with hair dryer, climate control, mini-bar, in-room safe, TV, and phone.

CZECH REPUBLIC Grand Bohemia Praha - Phone: 011-420-234-608-111; Fax: 011-420-234-608-877; www.grandhotelbohemia.cz Ideally located in the center of Prague next to Powder Tower and within walking distance of Old Town Square and Old Town Hall, the 78-room Grand Bohemia Praha is just minutes from Wenceslas Square. The hotel offers a restaurant, coffee shop/bar, laundry and dry cleaning services, and internet access. Your air-conditioned guest room has a private bath with hair dryer, in-room safe, mini-bar, TV, and phone.

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Discovering Eastern Europe:

Featuring Poland, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic Enclosed is my/our non-refundable deposit for $__________($750 per person) for _____ person/people on the “Discovering Eastern Europe” tour departing the USA on July 28, 2015 and returning on August 13, 2015. I/we understand the final payment is due on or before April 24, 2015. Your deposit may be paid by American Express, Discover, MasterCard, VISA, or personal check. This excursion is limited to 24 participants. Please mail this completed form as soon as possible to: The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Attention: John Guerra, 1010 5th Ave South, Naples, FL 34102.

(PRINT CLEARLY)

Name: (Tr aveler #1) Address:

Name: (Tr aveler #2) Address:

Tel: Email: Emergency Contact Name #1: Emergency Contact Tel #1:

Tel: Email: Emergency Contact Name #2: Emergency Contact Tel #2:

 I/We wish to reserve AIR & LAND for $5,295 pp (Roundtrip air from JFK; BOS; including airline taxes, fuel surcharges and fees)  I/We wish to reserve AIR & LAND for $5,595 pp (Roundtrip air from RSW/ORD; including airline taxes, fuel surcharges and fees)  I/We wish to reserve LAND ONLY for $3,845 per person  I prefer single accommodations for an additional cost of $1,195 (Single accommodations are limited)  I/We wish to reserve the Post-Tour Extension for $295 pp ($195 single supplement)  I have the following special requirements (including dietary):  I am travelling alone but will share a room with ____________________________________________  I/We wish to reserve a Business Class upgrade on the RT Trans-Atlantic flight (price available upon request & subject to change) I/We have read and understood this brochure and agree to be bound by its terms, policies and conditions:

Signature:___________________________________

Date:_______________________________________

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PLEASE ENCLOSE A PHOTOCOPY OF YOUR PASSPORT WITH YOUR DEPOSIT IMPORTANT: THIS IS A MODERATE EXERTION TOUR. PARTICIPANTS MUST BE ABLE TO WALK, STAND AND CLIMB STAIRS WITHOUT DIFFICULTY. I understand that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU is unable to accept any person as a tour passenger who may require special attention because of a medical condition unless they have a companion traveling with them who can provide whatever services and assistance is necessary. I further understand that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU cannot accept or retain any person whose health or general deportment impedes the operation of the tour or affects the rights, welfare or enjoyment of other tour passengers. I accept sole responsibility for determining that I am in good physical and mental health and am able to participate in group touring. I further certify that I have read and agree with the General Terms and Conditions associated with this excursion.

Method of Payment (Circle One) – Make Checks Payable to Odysseys Unlimited Check

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Card/Account #____________________________________ Exp. Date___________ CCV___________ Name As It Appears On Card: ____________________________________________________________ Signature:

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Discovering Eastern Europe: Featuring Poland, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia and the Czech Republic July 28 (Depart USA) – August 13, 2015 GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS Please read this information carefully, as payment of a $750 deposit per person represents your acceptance of the following General Terms and Conditions. Please retain a copy of these General Terms and Conditions for your records.

Tour Cost: Total tour cost, air and land, fr om J FK or BOS is $5,295per per son, $5,595 per per son fr om ORD or RSW. Land -only cost is $3,845 per person. A non-refundable deposit of $750 per person is required with your signed application. Final payment in full is due on or before April 24, 2015. The single supplement is $1,195. Tour costs, which are based on current exchange rates and a group size of 24 participants, are subject to change. Airline taxes, departure fees, and fuel surcharges are subject to change and will affect the total cost of the tour.

Upon reservation you must provide your full legal name as it appears on your passport. In the event an air line ticket is issued with incor rect information you have provided, you will be responsible for charges associated with the ticket’s reissue.

Luggage: Only one car r y-on and one checked bag per person is accepted on tour.

Documents: U.S. citizens ar e r equir ed to have a valid passpor t for this tour , valid for at least six months after the conclusion of the t our .

Cost of Tour Includes: Round-trip airfare; 15 nights' accommodations in Deluxe, Superior First Class and unrated hotels; 25 meals: 15 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners; Extensive sightseeing as described, including all entrance fees; Services of a private Tour Director; Private motor coach transportation; Luggage handling for 1 bag per person; Gratuities for local guides, dining room servers, airport and hotel porters, and all drivers.

Cost of Tour DOES NOT Include: Roundtr ip air far e fr om any depar tur e point other than those listed her ein or with the pur chase of a land-only tour package; costs of passports, visas, personal expenses such as beverages, laundry, room service, and meals and beverages not specified; airline baggage fees; communication charges; airline transfers when purchasing a land-only package; gratuities to your Tour Director (suggested gratuities: $10-$15 per traveler, per day), which are at your discretion; optional sightseeing; and travel protection insurance.

Cancellations: All deposits ar e non-refundable. If you must cancel your trip, the effective date of cancellation will be upon our receipt of your written notification. Cancellations received 95 days or more from the date of departure will be subject to a $300 processing fee plus any and all additional charges dependent upon the obligations of The Renaissance Academy of FGCU to its suppliers and the airline refund policies. Cancellations received at or within 94 days of departure are subject to the following schedule of cancellation fees: 94-65 days prior to departure - 65% of the tour cost per person; 64-30 days prior to departure - 85% of the tour cost per person; 29 days or less prior to departure – 100% of the tour cost per person. If a guest makes any changes within 94 and 30 days prior to departure to either their departure city and/or the optional post-tour extension, a $150 per person administrative fee, in addition to any fees or penalties imposed by third parties will apply. No changes are allowed within 30 days of departure.

Travel Cancellation/Interruption Insurance: Tr avel insur ance is strongly r ecommended. Compar e and pur chase insur ance at www.squaremouth.com or contact your personal travel agent. Neither the Renaissance Academy nor Odysseys can offer travel insurance.

Medical Conditions: If you or a member of your par ty suffer fr om any physical challenge or medical condition, you must check with your doctor about the advisability of traveling abroad and make this known to us before you book. We will make reasonable attempts to accommodate the special needs of tour participants, but are not responsible for denial of services by carriers, hotels, restaurants and other independent suppliers.

Smoking: Smoking is NOT per mitted in the hotels, on motor coaches, or other modes of tr anspor t used by the gr oup.

Responsibility-Tour Participation Contract – IMPORTANT: The Renaissance Academy of FGCU does not pr ovide tr avel ser vices or act as the agent of any provider of travel services. The liability of Florida Gulf Coast University, as a sponsor, and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc., as a tour operator, is strictly limited. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU is not responsible or liable for any of the services provided for/by Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. or any other travel agency, or for any of the services of hotels, motor coaches, trains, vessels, aircrafts or other forms of transportation that may be used in connection with the tour. Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. purchases transportation, hotel accommodations, restaurant and other services from independent suppliers not under its control. All arrangements for transport, accommodations, and services are made upon the express condition that The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, consequential, or incidental damage, injury, loss, accident, delay or irregularity of any kind occasioned by reason of any act or omission beyond its control, including without limitation, any act of negligence or breach of contract of any third party such as an airline, cruise line, train, hotel, restaurant, tour operator/supplier, ground handler, etc., including their employees, agents, servants or representatives, who is to or does supply any goods or services to the tour. Without limiting the foregoing, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates are not responsible for any losses or expenses due to delay or changes in schedule, overbooking of accommodations, default of any third parties, sickness, weather, strikes, acts of God, acts of terrorism, war, quarantine, criminal activity, the defect of any vehicle or for any other cause beyond their control. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU reserves the right to change the itinerary of the tour or to substitute similar quality hotels or airlines without prior notice. If the tour is cancelled by The Renaissance Academy of FGCU for any reason, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. and their affiliates shall have no liability beyond the refund of all tour participant deposits received by them, net of any and all expenses due to suppliers and the airline refund policies. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU, in its sole discretion, may increase the tour price in the event costs increase. The Renaissance Academy of FGCU may decline to accept or retain any tour participant as a participant on the tour at any time. Airline tickets may be sold in conjunction with the services of any airline. The passenger tickets in use by the carriers, cruise line, and other independent suppliers when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the carriers and the passenger. If you choose to make your own air arrangements, The Renaissance Academy of FGCU and Odysseys Unlimited, Inc. shall not have any liability for any loss resulting from cancellation of or changes to this tour. The parties agree that Ft. Myers (Lee County) in the state of Florida shall be the venue for any disputes arising out of this tour. A signed FGCU General Release and Waiver Agreement is required from each participant prior to departure.

Important Note: When you pur chase a “land only” package, air por t tr ansfer s and luggage handling at the ar r ival and depar tur e air por ts at the beginning and end of the tour are not included. Should you be at the arrival airport and departure hotel concurrent with the group of arriving Odysseys Unlimited travelers, you are welcome to transfer with the group at no charge, providing additional seating is available. However, please note that the motor coach cannot wait for you; you must be aboard when the coach is leaving. Business Class upgrades apply ONLY to the TransAtlantic portion of your itinerary.