General Tours - World Traveler
Never more than 16 guests. Guaranteed.
General Tours, founded in 1947, is one of America’s oldest tour companies. The company’s guiding philosophy originated at the Geneva Peace Conference following the Second World War with a mission to build bridges of understanding between North America and Eastern Europe. Since that time, more than one million travelers have enjoyed General Tours' programs and small ship cruises to destinations including Asia, Japan, China, South America, Costa Rica, India, Western and Eastern Europe, Russia, Morocco, South Africa, Turkey, and Egypt.
General Tours offers only Small Group Journeys, including 19 new trips filled with unforgettable experiences in some of the world’s most evocative places, like Borneo, Malta and Sicily, Lake Baikal, the Inca Trail, and Zimbabwe. On any of their 74 remarkably affordable, upscale trips you’ll discover the superior value, attentive services of the Trip Leaders, and how flexible and responsive they are as a company.
By blending thoughtful and unique experiences with exceptional value, General Tours is able to offer terrific travel at great prices. You’ll find the premium hotels and resorts, unique dining, and comprehensive and experiential sightseeing reflect the quality, value, and innovation which has made General Tours one of America’s leading travel companies for 66 years.
General Tours offers the right journey to fit your lifestyle:
Sampler
Value-oriented Small Group Journeys, all with the excellent hotels, comprehensive sightseeing, and attentive services you would expect – at a really great price!
Sojourn
Broad and in-depth, these journeys feature truly remarkable experiences in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations.
Adventure & Safaris
Exploring the natural world, these active escorted trips offer comfort and style for the spirited, inquisitive traveler.
Private Tour
Personal, flexible touring just for your traveling party! Surprisingly affordable trips with your very own car and driver... and wonderful in-the-know guides!
Hosted
Independent journeys with fine hosts assisting you along the way for worry-free travel at the most affordable prices.
FreeStyle
Shorter tours and city stays which can be added to any of their other tours and cruises, or mixed-and-matched as you wish.
To plan your vacation, call a AAA Travel professional toll-free 1-877-934-6222
or stop by your local AAA office.
Small Group Sampler, Value-oriented Journey
Our extended stay in Cuzco and overnight at Machu Picchu allow you to experience the best of Peru, even sunrise at the Lost City!
2013 Tours: 9 days from $2,799 per person, double occupancy
Small Group Sampler Value
- Extensive, expertly-guided Small Group sightseeing every day including all entrance fees
- 15 meals: 8 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 3 dinners
- 8 nights accommodation in our handpicked first class hotels
- All on-tour transportation including both internal flights
- Our vehicles in Cuzco are equipped with oxygen tanks to ensure your comfort at high altitude
- Luggage handling, hotel taxes and service charges, and all airline fees and fuel charges for your 2 included flights
- GeneralAssist, our toll-free 24/7 emergency on-tour assistance
Small Group Discoveries
- Join Ana Maria, our engaging Trip Leader in the Andean highlands, and discover the vibrant modern spirit and ancient ways of her beloved homeland.
- Meet the highland residents of Cuyuni, spending time in their homes and fields... Gain deep insight into a lifestyle that’s changed little since Inca times.
- Journey to the rarely-visited town of Urcos and mingle with Andean villagers and rainforest peoples who come together to trade at the weekly market.
- Travel deep into the Sacred Valley to learn about Andean species, see skilled weavers at work, and meet pottery artisans Pablo and Marilu Seminario.
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Lima
Check in to the Estelar Hotel, ideally set in the seaside district of Miraflores.
Day 2 – Discover Lima
Your city tour includes the lovely Santo Domingo Church & Convent and the Larco Herrera Museum, famed for its fine pre-Columbian artifacts. Meals: B
Day 3 – Into the Sacred Valley of the Inca
Fly to Cuzco where you’ll be greeted by Ana Maria. Journey with her into the Sacred Valley to visit the Cochahuasi Animal Sanctuary, dedicated to the rescue of endangered Andean animals. At Awanacancha, see llamas and alpacas in their natural habitat, and learn about ancient weaving techniques. Explore the colorful town of Pisac and have lunch before checking in to the Casa Andina Private Collection Hotel. Tonight, head over to your resort’s planetarium and observatory to marvel at the constellations of the Southern Sky. Meals: B, L
Day 4 – Explore the Sacred Valley with Ana Maria
Tour the mountaintop fortress of Ollantaytambo with Ana Maria and stop by a local chicheria to learn about chicha, an Andean beverage distilled from corn. Then visit the studio of Pablo and Marilu Seminario – renowned pottery artisans who draw on ancient techniques and designs. Tonight, witness a Pago a la Tierra, a Tribute to the Earth, performed by an Andean shaman. Meals: B, L
Day 5 – Through the Sacred Valley by rail to Machu Picchu
A two-day visit to the Lost City of the Inca begins with a rail journey through the spectacular Sacred Valley. Arrive Machu Picchu and explore the mountain citadel as Ana Maria illuminates the history of the ancient Inca. Overnight at the 5-star Sumaq Hotel, nestled at the base of Machu Picchu. Meals: B, L, D
Day 6 – Morning at Machu Picchu and back to Cuzco by train
We include your transportation and entry ticket so you can ascend again to explore at your own pace as the sun casts its first light upon Machu Picchu. With morning dew, the paths can be slippery, requiring caution. Enroute to Cuzco, stop in Chincheros, a high-mountain town known for its skilled weavers. Spend three nights in the heart of Cuzco at the Novotel Hotel, set in a 16th-century landmark. Meals: B, D
Day 7 – Morning sightseeing
Join Ana Maria this morning to discover Cuzco’s iconic landmarks, including Sacsayhuaman and the Temple of the Sun. Then mingle with city residents and visit Almudena Cemetery to experience traditional facets of daily life here in the Andes. Meals: B
Day 8 – Off the beaten path to Urcos and Cuyuni
Travel to Urcos, rarely visited by tourists, to explore the lively market where Andean villagers and rainforest peoples come together to trade. Then walk with residents in their remote mountain village of Cuyuni. They’ll take you into their homes and fields, teaching you about their traditions and a way of life which has changed little over the centuries. Return to Cuzco and dine tonight at Incanto. Meals: B, L, D
Day 9 – From Cuzco back to the capital
Fly to Lima where you’ll have a day-use room at the Estelar Hotel. Our services end upon your late afternoon check out. Meals: B
To plan your vacation, call a AAA Travel professional toll-free 1-877-934-6222
or stop by your local AAA office.
Privately Guided FreeStyle Touring
Your tour of these fascinating Eastern European cities features a choice of fine hotels in each city, daily breakfast, sightseeing with your personal car, driver, and guide, and all on-tour transportation.
10 days from $2,799 per person, double occupancy
Your FreeStyle Touring Includes
- 9 nights in your choice of city-center hotels
- 9 meals: Daily buffet breakfast
- Extensive sightseeing with your own personal car, driver, and guide including all entry fees
- Scenic overland journey from Budapest to Krakow with your own private car and driver
- Flight from Krakow to Prague, including airport transfers
- All hotel taxes and service charges and all airline fees and taxes for your included flight from Krakow to Prague
Engaging Discoveries for our World Travelers
- Enjoy our distinctive combination of these three splendid cities and the flexibility and personal touch of our privately-guided services.
- Delight in the countryside of Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland on a scenic drive to Krakow and then fly to Prague… thoughtful planning for a better, more convenient vacation.
- Step out from your hotel to savor more of these cities at your own pace… All our hotels are handpicked for terrific, city-center locations!
- 3 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Itinerary
Day 1 – Welcome to Budapest, Hungary!
Check in to your choice of hotel, carefully selected for service, ambience, and a terrific location.
Day 2 – Explore Budapest
On your privately guided morning tour through Budapest you’ll visit the Central Market, see the Opera House, Heroes’ Square, and Chain Bridge, and then tour the historic Buda side including the Citadel atop Gellert Hill, Fishermen’s Bastion, and the Coronation Church. Meals: B
Day 3 – Budapest as you wish
Step out from your city center hotel to enjoy more of the city at your own pace. Meals: B
Day 4 – Drive through Slovakia to Krakow, Poland
Your private car and driver will take you through the lovely countryside to Krakow, where you check in to your choice of city-center hotel. Meals: B
Day 5 – Explore Krakow
Your privately guided city tour this morning shows you the architectural riches of medieval Krakow. You’ll see the grand exterior of the 16th century Wawel Royal Castle, admire the Wit Stwosz altar in St. Mary’s Church and explore the cobbled streets of Old Town, the Main Market Square and the Renaissance-era Cloth Hall. Meals: B
Day 6 – At leisure in Krakow
Enjoy this day at leisure to discover more of Krakow at your own pace. Meals: B
Day 7 – Fly to Prague, Czech Republic
This morning, your private car and driver await to escort you to the airport for your flight to Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted and escorted by chauffeured car to your choice of hotel. Meals: B
Day 8 – Prague
Join your private guide to visit the Hradcany Castle, Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, and the Loretto Church. You will also explore the Old Town Square with its famous Astronomical Clock. The rest of your time is free to enjoy this great city. Meals: B
Day 9 – Enjoy Prague as you wish!
Enjoy a day at leisure to venture forth at your own pace. Your hotel’s central location makes it easy to shop, explore, and dine on your own. Meals: B
Day 10 – Depart Prague
Your journey with us ends after breakfast. Meals: B
To plan your vacation, call a AAA Travel professional toll-free 1-877-934-6222
or stop by your local AAA office.