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GRAND TOUR OF BRITAIN AND IRELAND - 2010
20 days incl. air, or 19 days from London
to London (CO-9050)
Vacation Overview
Experience the best of
England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales on this in-depth exploration of the
British Isles. Begin your vacation in London with a full day to enjoy
London on your own or to take optional tours. Head out to Henry VIII’s
Hampton Court Palace, majestic Salisbury with its magnificent cathedral,
and enigmatic Stonehenge. Drive through Dartmoor National Park and visit
Widecombe in the Moor, setting of The Hound of the Baskervilles, before
arriving in Plymouth, starting point for the Pilgrims’ 1620 voyage. Hear
about legendary King Arthur in Glastonbury and explore elegant Georgian
Bath, famous for its Roman relics. Leave England, cross into Wales, and
arrive in Cardiff, the capital of Wales, for an orientation drive. Enjoy
an excursion into Brecon Beacons National Park and a visit to St. Fagan’s
National History Museum. Ferry across St. George’s Channel to Ireland.
Stop in Blarney, famous for the legendary “Blarney Stone,” and in the
popular resort of Killarney, starting point for the scenic coastal drive
along the “Ring of Kerry.” Along the “Ring of Kerry,” see sparkling
seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding
lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the
Lakes of Killarney. In Adare, take photographs of the lovely thatched
cottages, then enjoy an orientation drive of Limerick. Spend the night in
the market town of Ennis before heading west to the spectacular Cliffs of
Moher, the spectacular 668-foot cliffs above the Atlantic Ocean. Travel
via Galway to Dublin, Ireland’s capital, where you see all the major
sights.
Cross the Irish Sea to Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey, then motor
to 2,000-year-old Chester in England. Head north through the Lake
District, often considered the finest of England’s national parks, and
cross the border into Scotland. Spend the night in Glasgow, Scotland’s
largest city, before traveling into the Highlands. Follow the banks of
mysterious Loch Ness on the way to Inverness. Cross Culloden Moor and
stop at St. Andrews, home of golf founded in 1754. Spend two overnights
in regal Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital, and visit mighty Edinburgh Castle
on your guided tour. Continue south to see a section of Hadrian’s Wall,
the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes. Stop
in York, England’s most complete medieval city, for a walking tour
through its maze of quaint streets. Pass Robin Hood’s legendary Sherwood
Forest, and enjoy time in Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, Lady
Godiva’s Coventry, and the scenic Cotswolds. On the way back to London,
visit the burial place of Sir Winston Churchill at Bladon. Enjoy a
walking tour in Oxford, where England’s elite receive their education.
Your tour—featuring England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales—ends back in
London. An unforgettable vacation experience!
Itinerary
Day 1 Fri.
BOARD YOUR OVERNIGHT TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT
Day 2 Sat.
ARRIVAL IN LONDON, ENGLAND
Uniformed Hosts are
available to help you make the most of your stay.
Day 3 Sun.
LONDON
A full day to enjoy our
exciting program of optional activities. Morning sightseeing with a Local
Guide includes all the famous landmarks: Knightbridge with Harrods, the
Houses of Parliament and Big Ben beside the River Thames, Westminster
Abbey, Whitehall’s mounted horseguards and the Prime Minister’s Downing
Street, and Buckingham Palace. A highlight is the ceremonial pageantry of
the Changing of the Guard, if held. This afternoon you may want to visit
Windsor Castle of the Tower of London with the spectacular Crown Jewels,
and tonight a leisurely cruise on the River Thames would be fun. (B)
Day 4 Mon.
LONDON-SALISBURY-STONEHENGE-PLYMOUTH
Meet your Tour Director
and traveling companions and depart at 8 am for the West Country. First,
a photo opportunity at Hampton Court, Henry VIII’s magnificent Tudor
palace. Continue westward to Salisbury, the “City of the Soaring Spire.”
Cross the chalky terrain of Wiltshire and pass Stonehenge, one of
England’s most intriguing mysteries. Drive through Dorset, and finally in
the heart of Dartmoor National Park, visit quaint Widecombe-in-the-Moor,
ghostly setting for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles. (B,D)
Day 5 Tue.
PLYMOUTH-BATH-CARDIFF, WALES
In Plymouth, hear about
Sir Francis Drake and see the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim Fathers
embarked in 1620. Via Glastonbury and its associations with King Arthur
to Georgian Bath, famed for its Roman relics. Cross the spectacular
Severn Bridge into Wales and head for the capital, Cardiff. Your Tour
Director will have suggestions for an evening of Welsh entertainment. (B)
Day 6 Wed.
CARDIFF. BRECON BEACONS EXCURSION
Enjoy an orientation
drive to the major attractions: Cardiff Castle, Cathays Park, Millennium
Stadium, and the stately civic buildings. Then, head out to “The
Valleys,” whose iron ore and coal were the raw materials for the
Industrial Revolution. Drive through Brecon Beacons National Park, land
of salmon rivers and home of the Welsh mountain pony. Afternoon at
leisure back in Cardiff and a visit to St. Fagans National History
Museum. (B,D)
Day 7 Thu.
CARDIFF-TRAMORE, IRELAND
A leisurely departure
from Cardiff and vistas of rich dairy farmland. Pause at the pretty
seaside resort of Tenby on the way to the departure point for the ferry
across St. George’s Channel to Ireland. Arrive at Rosslare in just under
four hours. (B,D)
Day 8 Fri.
TRAMORE-BLARNEY-KILLARNEY 
Killarney National Park
Today, discover why
Ireland is called the “Emerald Isle.” Drive along the southern coast,
passing Cork, the country’s second-largest city. Stop in Blarney, famous
for its Stone of Eloquence. Time to see the castle and shop for Irish
crafts and handmade crystal. After lunch, continue to the popular resort
of Killarney. (B,D)
Day 9 Sat.
KILLARNEY-RING OF KERRY-LIMERICK-ENNIS
This morning, enjoy a
100-mile coastal panoramic drive known as the “Ring of Kerry”—sparkling
seascapes, mountains dotted with brightly colored farmhouses, winding
lanes bordered with subtropical vegetation, and spectacular views of the
Lakes of Killarney from Ladies View. Via Adare, a village known for its
prize-winning thatched cottages, to Limerick. An orientation drive here
features King John’s Castle and the Treaty Stone of 1691. Tonight, an
optional banquet at Knappogue Castle. (B)
Day 10 Sun.
ENNIS-CLIFFS OF MOHER-GALWAY-DUBLIN
A scenic route this
morning via the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren on the way to the port
city of Galway on its lovely bay. Hear about the infamous Lynch Stone
commemorating the day Mayor James Lynch Fitzstephen hanged his son for
murder. Continue via Athlone before arrival in Dublin with suggestions
from your Tour Director for this evening. (B)
Day 11 Mon.
DUBLIN
A day in the “Fair City”
starts with an orientation drive through Eire’s capital, including
statue-lined O’Connell Street, elegant Georgian squares, and St.
Patrick’s Cathedral. The rest of the day at leisure. Later, take your
Tour Director’s dining recommendation. (B)
Day 12 Tue.
DUBLIN-CHESTER, ENGLAND-MANCHESTER
Across the Irish Sea to
Holyhead on the Welsh Isle of Anglesey with its tongue-twisting place
names. Follow the North Wales coast to Chester, the ancient county town
on the River Dee. See the Roman remains, black and white half-timbered
buildings, and the two-tiered arcades called the “Rows.” Overnight in
Manchester, “Capital of the North,“ the world's first industrialized
city, and a once thriving international center of textile manufacture and
cotton spinning. (B,D)
Day 13 Wed.
MANCHESTER-GRASMERE-GRETNA GREEN-GLASGOW, SCOTLAND
Drive into the tranquil
Lake District, often considered to be the finest of England’s national
parks. Visit Grasmere, home of poet William Wordsworth, and over the border
for a visit to Gretna Green, where the blacksmith used to wed runaway
couples. Travel through the history-steeped Lowland Hills to Glasgow,
Scotland’s largest city. (B,D)
Day 14 Thu.
GLASGOW-FORT WILLIAM-INVERNESS-NEWTONMORE
Along the “Bonnie Banks”
of Loch Lomond and through wild Rannoch Moor into the Highlands. Via Glen
Coe, where the MacDonald Clan was treacherously massacred by the
Campbells in 1692, to Fort William beneath Ben Nevis. Then the Great
Glen: vistas of the Caledonian Canal, Loch Lochy, and Loch Oich. Follow
the banks of Loch Ness, home of the timid and timeless Nessie. Continue
via Inverness, the Highland capital, and on the way to tonight’s
destination in Cairngorms National Park, stop at the battlefield of
Culloden Moor with its memories of Bonnie Prince Charlie. (B,D)
Day 15 Fri.
NEWTONMORE-PITLOCHRY-ST. ANDREWS-EDINBURGH
View over Auld Reekie in Edinburgh, Scot
Drive through more spectacular
Highland scenery for a stop in the pretty Victorian mountain resort of
Pitlochry. The routing then takes in Perth and Dundee before crossing the
Tay Bridge to St. Andrews, whose Royal and Ancient Golf Club, founded in
1754, has given us the rules of golfing. Continue through Fife and over
the mighty Forth Road Bridge to spend the next two nights in the Scottish
capital. For departure numbers 0727 through 0817, tickets are included
for tonight’s performance of the world-renowned Military Tattoo. (B)
Day 16 Sat.
EDINBURGH
A full day to enjoy this
“Prince of Cities.” Morning sightseeing with a Local Guide introduces you
to the 200-year-old “New Town” and famous scientists, inventors, and
novelists. In the “Old Town,” drive up the narrow Royal Mile to
Edinbuburgh Castle to admire Scotland’s Crown Jewels. Afternoon at
leisure. A suggestion for this evening: join your Tour Director for a
traditional Scottish night out with Highland dancers, bagpipers, and, of
course, the Ceremony of the Haggis. (B)
Day 17 Sun.
EDINBURGH-YORK, ENGLAND-LEEDS
At Jedburgh, glimpse the
house of Mary, Queen of Scots, and see the abbey ruins before heading
towards the Cheviot Hills and the English border, then through wild
Northumberland National Park. On the way, see a section of Hadrian’s
Wall, the Roman coast-to-coast defense against marauding northern tribes.
In York, England’s most complete medieval city, stand in awe in front of
the great structure of York Minster, then follow your Tour Director
through a maze of quaint streets, including the narrow Shambles. (B,D)
Day 18 Mon.
LEEDS-STRATFORD-UPON-AVON-COVENTRY
Head for the Midlands,
passing the once-mighty Sherwood Forest, home of the legendary Robin
Hood. In Shakespeare’s Stratford-upon-Avon, take your pictures of Anne Hathaway’s
Cottage and explore the town at your own pace. At historic Coventry,
whose center had to be rebuilt after the devastation of World War II
bombings, hear the tale of Lady Godiva and Peeping Tom, and admire the
splendid modern cathedral. (B,D)
Day 19 Tue.
COVENTRY-OXFORD-LONDON
Motor through the
Cotswold Hills and pause at Bladon, where Sir Winston Churchill lies
buried within sight of his birthplace, Blenheim Palace. Finally, enjoy a
walking tour in Oxford, one of the country’s oldest seats of learning.
After returning to London around 4 pm, how about celebrating the success
of your tour with a night out on the town? (B)
Day 20 Wed.
YOUR HOMEBOUND FLIGHT ARRIVES THE SAME DAY
(B)
AIRPORT
TRANSFERS
Airport transfers may be included when you make your international
flights arrangements.
Dates
and Prices
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Departure
Details
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Departure
Date
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Tour
Start Date
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Return
Date
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Land/Cruise
Price Only
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Status
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3/26/2010
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3/27/2010
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4/14/2010
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$2,229.00
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Available
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4/2/2010
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4/3/2010
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4/21/2010
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$2,229.00
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Available
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4/9/2010
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4/10/2010
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4/28/2010
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$2,229.00
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Available
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4/16/2010
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4/17/2010
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5/5/2010
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$2,349.00
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Available
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4/23/2010
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4/24/2010
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5/12/2010
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$2,349.00
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Available
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4/30/2010
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5/1/2010
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5/19/2010
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$2,419.00
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Available
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5/7/2010
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5/8/2010
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5/26/2010
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$2,419.00
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Available
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5/14/2010
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5/15/2010
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6/2/2010
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$2,419.00
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Available
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Popular
Departure
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5/21/2010
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5/22/2010
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6/9/2010
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$2,419.00
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Available
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5/28/2010
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5/29/2010
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6/16/2010
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$2,419.00
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Available
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6/4/2010
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6/5/2010
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6/23/2010
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$2,419.00
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Available
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6/11/2010
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6/12/2010
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6/30/2010
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$2,419.00
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Available
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6/18/2010
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6/19/2010
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7/7/2010
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$2,419.00
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Available
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6/25/2010
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6/26/2010
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7/14/2010
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$2,399.00
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Available
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7/2/2010
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7/3/2010
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7/21/2010
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$2,379.00
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Available
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7/9/2010
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7/10/2010
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7/28/2010
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$2,379.00
|
Available
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7/16/2010
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7/17/2010
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8/4/2010
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$2,379.00
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Available
|
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Popular
Departure
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7/23/2010
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7/24/2010
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8/11/2010
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$2,479.00
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Available
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Popular
Departure
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7/30/2010
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7/31/2010
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8/18/2010
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$2,479.00
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Available
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Popular
Departure
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8/6/2010
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8/7/2010
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8/25/2010
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$2,479.00
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Available
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Popular
Departure
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8/13/2010
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8/14/2010
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9/1/2010
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$2,479.00
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Available
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8/20/2010
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8/21/2010
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9/8/2010
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$2,399.00
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Available
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8/27/2010
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8/28/2010
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9/15/2010
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$2,419.00
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Available
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Popular
Departure
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9/3/2010
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9/4/2010
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9/22/2010
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$2,419.00
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Available
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9/10/2010
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9/11/2010
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9/29/2010
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$2,419.00
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Available
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9/17/2010
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9/18/2010
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10/6/2010
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$2,379.00
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Available
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9/24/2010
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9/25/2010
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10/13/2010
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$2,379.00
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Available
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10/1/2010
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10/2/2010
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10/20/2010
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$2,379.00
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Available
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10/8/2010
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10/9/2010
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10/27/2010
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$2,229.00
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Available
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Popular Departure - due
to itinerary and time of year, this departure historically sells out
quickly. Early booking is encouraged.
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