General Information & Conditions


The tour participant(s) acknowledge receiving, reading and agreeing to the terms & conditions set forth below, covering the tour packages operated by:

FRANCE VACATIONS (henceforth FV or the Operator)

A company of the Central Holidays Travel Group
Headquarters: 250 Moonachie Road, Moonachie, NJ 07074

Reservations and Sales Los Angeles Office:
21625 Prairie St., Suite 202, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Toll Free: 1-800-332-5332 Tel: 818-775-0202 • Fax: 818-775-1188
Website: www.francevacations.net E-mail: agent@francevacations.net

TOUR PRICES
Our prices may include AIR & LAND/CRUISE or LAND/CRUISE ONLY packages based on the tour selected. Tour prices are per person, based on double occupancy. Single room supplements and triple room reductions are listed where applicable. PLEASE NOTE, in case of a human or computer billing error, we reserve the right to re-invoice for the correct amount. A full refund will be made to passengers not wishing to pay increases provided that the passengers’ written cancellation is received by FV within 5 days after price increase notification. Prices quoted include a 3% discount assuming payment will be in the form of cash or agency check. The discount is forfeited if payment is made by credit card.

PRICE GUARANTEE
All tour prices are based on rates (including exchange rate) known at the time of printing. Prices are subject to increase without notice if such rates change prior to departure. The current price will be confirmed at the time of reservation. However, once FV has received your deposit for any tour departing up to October 31, 2007, that LAND price is guaranteed and any subsequent LAND cost increases are at our expense, NOT including surcharges and any government tax increases. Airfares are subject to change but can be guaranteed when paid in full.

RESERVATIONS/PAYMENT BREAKDOWN
A deposit is required at the time of booking and NO request will be acted upon until a deposit is received. Bookings made online must be paid in full at time of booking.

LATE BOOKINGS (reservations made within 35 days of departure date)
Payments must be made within 24 hours of booking by certified check, wire transfer or credit card, and are subject to a $25 late-booking fee, plus any costs incurred to ensure timely document delivery.

PAYMENT BREAKDOWN: ALL PACKAGES (EXCEPT CAR RENTALS)
A $300 per person (pp) deposit ($200 pp non-refundable) is due at time of booking. CAR RENTALS – A $100 pp deposit ($25 pp non-refundable) is due at time of booking. Final payments for above programs are due 45 days prior to departure. RIVER CRUISE PACKAGES – An additional deposit of $700 per person is due upon confirmation of the barge river cruise of which $300 is non-refundable. Final payment is due 95days prior to departure. No bookings are considered confirmed until deposit is received in-house by FV. If payments are not received on time, FV has the right to cancel the bookings without any liability. We strongly recommend that alternate packages and/or dates be considered if the requested services are not available at the time of booking.

CHARGE IT
We honor most major credit cards so you can make your payments conveniently by phone or by BOOKING ONLINE. Final payment with credit cards require signed credit card authorization form (except for BOOKING ONLINE), validated by the traveler/credit card holder. No second-party credit cards will be accepted. Restrictions apply. Prices quoted include a 3% discount assuming payment will be in the form of cash or agency check. The discount is forfeited if payment is made by credit card.

CANCELLATION POLICY:
ALL PACKAGES (EXCEPT RIVER CRUISES, VILLAS, CASTLES & HOME RENTALS, CAR RENTALS AND AIRFARES)
For cancellations between 45 and 22 days prior to departure, the cancellation fee is 25% of the package; for cancellation between 21 and 15 days prior to departure, the cancellation fee is 40% of the package; for cancellation between 14 and 7 days prior to departure the cancellation fee is 60% of the package; less than 7 days prior to departure, the cancellation fee is 100%. No refunds will be made on any unused portion of the tour package. Should FV cancel a departure for any reason whatsoever, including insufficient number of participants, a full refund of all monies paid will be made. VILLAS, CASTLES & HOME RENTALS: SEE OUR WEBSITE.

RIVER CRUISES
For cancellations received 94 to 60 days prior to departure, cancellation fee is 35% of total Land-Cruise price. From 59 to departure date is 100% of total Land/Cruise price. For cancellations received on departure date or later: 100% of total Land/Cruise price.

CAR RENTAL
$25 per car charge on cancellations received from time of booking up to 15 days before departure. $50 on cancellations received 14 days or less before departure. No refunds for any unused portion of 3 days or less. For unused rentals of 4 days or more, unused portions may be refunded minus a $25 handling fee.

RAIL TICKETS/PASSES
All rail tickets are subject to penalties according to the terms and conditions for the respective ticket. Plus, an additional $25 processing fee will be applied.

AIR TICKETS
Airfares are based on non-refundable fares. Once the air ticket has been issued, its cancellation penalty amount will be added to all the preceding penalty charges, except when FV cancels a departure. In addition, should air tickets used in conjunction with FV ground services be issued by companies other than FV, such tickets may be subject to cancellation penalties and FV cannot be held responsible even when FV may cancel a departure for any reason whatsoever. Consult with our experienced reservations staff, your travel agent or the airline for the applicable penalties and/or restrictions.

TRAVEL INSURANCE
Premiums are non-refundable. TO AVOID INCURRING THESE VARIOUS CANCELLATION CHARGES, THE PURCHASE OF INSURANCE IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

RESERVATION CHANGES
Due to the expense incurred in making any changes, a $35 fee will be assessed for each change made on deposited bookings up to full payment due date. Additional incurred expenses will be charged for each change made less than 35 days before departure. This includes changes made to passenger’s name, hotel, departure/return dates, itinerary, and air or ground transportation. A change of tour date or name changes on ESCORTED, HOSTED AND CRUISE PACKAGE TOURS within full payment date is treated as a cancellation. Also, changes to the air portion, at any time, may be subject to additional charges.

HOTELS
Hotels are classified according to government ratings, which vary from country to country. The Operator reserves the right to make substitutions with hotels of similar or higher ratings. Accommodations are based on two persons sharing a twin-bedded room with private bath or shower at the hotel selected, or similar. A single room may be provided at an additional supplement. In many cases, single rooms, though assuring privacy, are small and not as well situated as double room accommodations. In addition, rooms are assigned upon arrival based on current availability and may vary in size, amenities and location. Generally, triple rooms in Europe consist of two beds with a rollaway set up for a third party. This may not be comfortable for some travelers. In the event a hotel substitution becomes necessary, a comparable class of hotel will be provided; however, amenities may not be the same. Air conditioning is available at most 4-star or higher hotels. However, foreign air conditioning is not necessarily used according to U.S. standards. Some tourist-class hotels may have air conditioning available, and some may charge an additional supplement.

CRUISES
Rates are based on two persons sharing an inside cabin with two lower berths (outside cabin for River Cruises), private shower and toilet. Single and triple cabins and upgrades to outside cabins or to superior cabins and suites, are available at a supplement. Sea Cruise cabin assignments are run-of-the-ship based on selected category. Actual cabin number may be known about 30 days before embarkation. River Cruise cabin numbers are assigned at time of booking.

CHILD CRUISE DISCOUNTS
The following discounts apply for children sharing a cabin with two adults. Louis Cruises: 16 years and under are free; over 16 years are considered adults. Zeus Yacht Cruises: children under 3 are free; ages 3 to 6, reduction of 50%; ages 7 to 10, reduction of 35%; over 10 years are considered adults. IMPORTANT NOTE: In all cases, children must pay port taxes in full.

MEALS
LAND PROGRAMS – Continental or buffet breakfast daily at your hotel. Lunch or dinner daily at hotel or restaurant, as specified in the itinerary. In Italy, lunches and dinners at hotels and popular local restaurants are selected from special “a la carte� menus featuring regional cuisine and include wine, mineral water and coffee; some special meals (where indicated on Italy itineraries) include music. MEDITERRANEAN & RIVER transportation is supplied by connecting ARC/IATAN carriers.

TOUR PARTICIPANTS
On ESCORTED TOURS to Italy, we do not accept children under 8 years of age, because we have found that they are too young to enjoy touring. On CRUISE PACKAGES and INDEPENDENT TOURS there is no age limit. Land arrangements for infants under 2 years are free of charge, providing parents pay directly to hotels for food, crib, etc. Disabled participants who require special assistance must be accompanied by a qualified helper who assumes total responsibility for the disabled participant’s well-being. Furthermore, most transportation services (including motorcoaches), are not equipped with wheelchair ramps and for safety reasons, passengers requiring wheelchairs cannot be transported. Similar restrictions apply for RIVER CRUISES, where there are no elevators, and cabin doors and restrooms cannot be accessed by wheelchairs. SEA CRUISE passengers cannot be carried on ramps when ships are at anchor. To assure congenial membership, FV reserves the right to accept or reject any person as a tour participant and to expel from the tour any participant whose conduct is deemed incompatible with the interests of the tour group. Any incurred expenses will be charged to the expelled tour participants.

TOUR DOCUMENTS
To ensure proper delivery of travel documents (via UPS ground) a fee of $10 will be charged to each invoice. Tour documents, including airline tickets, are sent out three to five weeks prior to departure date, provided payment in full has been received. We can deliver tour documents only to city addresses, and not to P.O. Boxes.

SIGHTSEEING & ITINERARIES
Sightseeing is included as per the itinerary and is under the direction of licensed local guides where required. Entrance fees to all places visited are included where indicated. During holidays, some sights such as museums may be closed or unavailable for visits. FV reserves the right to vary the sequence of sightseeing and/or to re-route the order of cities should circumstances demand it. In either case, the itinerary content will be maintained, however, the order may change. In Italy, the Papal Audience takes place on Wednesdays, and the Papal Blessing is on Sundays. Both are only available in accordance with His Holiness’ schedule, and may not take place when He is out of the country. Optional excursions are offered in most cities. Your tour director and/o host (ess) will advise you of the optional excursions available on your tour, all of which must be purchased locally (and cannot be charged on credit cards except during cruising). There are no refunds for any unused portion of these excursions.

TOUR SERVICES
If the services included in the tour cannot be supplied, or there are changes in an itinerary for reasons beyond our control, we will arrange for the provision of comparable services. Any resulting additional expense will be payable by tour participants; likewise, any resulting savings will be refunded to the tour participants by FV.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION
Is provided by private, air-conditioned motorcoach or other conveyance as specified in the itinerary. On our ESCORTED TOURS, the following rules apply: We encourage SEAT ROTATION, But Smoking is Not Permitted.

TRANSFERS
Transfers are included where specified, from airports, piers and hotels in Europe, on all air-inclusive packages. However, the passenger is responsible for punctuality on all flights and tour services. Service provider allows up to one hour of waiting; further lateness will be considered as NO-SHOW, and no refund is allowed. For ESCORTED TOUR passengers extending pre- and post-tour or deviating from set schedule, transfers are not included, but may be provided as a supplement. Likewise for passengers not arriving on designated flights; transfers between airport and hotels are at passengers’ own expense. For passengers extending HOSTED TOURS, INDEPENDENT TOURS, or MEDITERRANEAN CRUISES on air-inclusive packages, transfers are included, providing that overnights are at designated hotels and are booked through FV. All LANDONLY PACKAGES do not include airport transfers at arrival and departure city. NO TRANSFERS ARE PROVIDED TO AND FROM TRAIN STATIONS.

BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE & HANDLING
Please check with respective airline for baggage allowed. In most cases, airlines allow two bags per person to be checked in, plus a small carry-on. Excess baggage charges are the sole responsibility of the passenger. Porterage is included at hotels ONLY on ESCORTED TOURS, and includes handling of one normal-sized suitcase per person. Wheeled carry-on cases are considered a normal piece of luggage. Additional baggage will incur a charge of $5 per piece per service, to be paid locally. In addition, FV is not responsible in the event that luggage or tour participants’ belongings become damaged or lost, which occurrence must be promptly notified to, and acknowledged by, recognized authority in writing. WE STRONGLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU PURCHASE OUR TRAVEL PROTECTION INSURANCE.

EXTENDED STAY
The airfare included in our packages permits a total stay of 30 to 60 days, depending on the airline. Should you choose to extend your stay before or after your FV program, all arrangements and costs incurred therein shall be your responsibility (extra days at hotel, transfers to airport, weekend surcharges, etc.).

TOUR ESCORT
As indicated in tour features, a professional English speaking Tour Director accompanies each ESCORTED TOUR throughout the itinerary, except while cruising.

AIR TRANSPORTATION
All transatlantic travel to/from USA and Europe is to be on Air France, Alitalia, Continental, Delta, Iberia, Lufthansa, Olympic, Austrian, SAS, United, USAir, Air Tahiti Nui, Aegean Air, Swiss and TAP. Elsewhere, air transportation is provided by connecting ARC/IATAN carriers.

AIRFARES
Airfares in conjunction with our air-inclusive packages are based on scheduled and independent departure dates. Weekend surcharge is included only on scheduled departures. You may extend your stay up to a total of 30 to 60 days, including your tour days. For the convenience of included airport transfers and flight schedules on ALL PACKAGES and CRUISES, due to restrictions and limited space on discounted fares, we recommend that you select our ALL-INCLUSIVE PACKAGES. For details on designated flights, airfare supplements or reductions, arrival/departure transfers, and lowest applicable airfares, consult your travel agent or FV at the time of booking. If passengers purchase non-refundable air tickets, FV cannot be held responsible in the event a tour is cancelled for any reason whatsoever. It is the passenger’s responsibility to reconfirm all flights 72 hours before flight time. Should the airline request, for any reason whatsoever, an unexpected issuance of air tickets, they must be immediately paid in full regardless of any previous notification to passenger.

SEAT ASSIGNMENT
We suggest that tour participants contact the airline directly, 3 to 6 weeks prior to departure, for seat assignments.

RAIL TICKETS/PASSES
Rail tickets included in our packages are point-to point or passes, and are valid for trains that may require mandatory reservations. We can provide reservations and seat assignments for all trains, including special and high-speed trains, for an additional fee.

PASSPORT/VISA
US citizens require a valid US passport. Visa is required for passengers traveling to Turkey, which should be obtained in the US prior to departure. Non-citizens should consult their travel agent or consulate. Passengers are responsible for ensuring that they have the proper travel documents and MUST CHECK with the respective consulates or visa agency to determine whether any visas are required. Most countries require that passports be valid for at least 6 months beyond the conclusion of the trip. It is recommended that you have a minimum of six blank pages in your passport when traveling, as many countries require blank pages.

INSURANCE
Health, accident, luggage and trip-cancellation/interruption insurance is strongly recommended and available. Pre-Existing Condition Exclusion Waiver is only valid if insurance payment is received with deposit. Our invoice will automatically include insurance. You have the option to accept or refuse it. See Insurance page for further details. Insurance premiums are non-refundable.

POST TOUR INQUIRIES/CLAIMS
Typewritten claims must be received within 30 days after scheduled return date and will be acknowledged within 60 days.

CUSTOMER COMMENTS
At the end of each holiday, you will have the opportunity to complete a questionnaire about the tour. This form will be mailed to you with your documents or distributed locally at your destination. Please take this opportunity to give us your comments on all aspects of your trip. This will help us maintain the high standards of quality and service that have been our trademark since 1972.

NOT INCLUDED
Arrival and departure transfers for LAND/CRUISE or CRUISE ONLY; transportation between home city and airport; transfers to/from rail stations; port taxes and fees (unless otherwise specified); porterage at US gateways; air transportation (except for all-inclusive air packages); airport taxes and fees; customs fees; security charges immigration fees; agricultural fees; any other charges/fees imposed at airports; passport fees; vaccinations; visa fees; tips to tour directors, local hosts/hostesses, city guides, drivers, and cruise personnel (see our website for suggested tipping). Also not included are: phone calls, laundry service, items of a personal nature, and sightseeing, services or meals other than those specifically mentioned in the respective itinerary page.

AIRLINE RESPONSIBILITY
The carriers concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission, or event during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances. The airline passenger tickets, when issued, shall be the sole contract between airline and buyer/passenger of these tickets.

RESPONSIBILITY
This program is arranged by your tour operator, France Vacations, a company of the Central Holidays Travel Group Inc. It has made the travel arrangements as an intermediary or agent for the transportation carrier and other suppliers of services connected with the tour, all of which are independent contractors. FV in no way owns or operates the vehicles or facilities to be used during the tour, and assumes no responsibility for the negligent acts and/or omissions of these independent contractors, their employees, agents or representatives. All bookings are accepted subject to the conditions imposed by these independent contractors. FV will make no refund in the event of their delay, cancellation, overbooking, strike, act of terrorism or force majeure.

FRANCE VACATIONS IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY TYPOGRAPHICAL OR PRINTING ERRORS FOUND IN THIS BROCHURE.

FORUM SELECTION CLAUSE:
Any litigation concerning the trip, including accommodations or any other services booked through FV, may be brought only within the state of New Jersey and nowhere else, and New Jersey law will be applicable to any and all such litigation. Valid: March 2007 thru March 31, 2008 Printed: September 2006 200M