Grand Tour of France
Grand Tour of France
Grand Tour of France
14 Days Starting and ending in Paris, France
Visiting: Arrive In Paris, France, Paris, Rouen, Honfleur, Caen, Normandy Landing Beaches, Mont St. Michel, St. Malo, Angers, Châteaux Country, Bordeaux, Dordogne, Rocamadour, Toulouse, Carcassonne, Pont Du Gard, Avignon, Arles, Aix-En-Provence, French Riviera, Orange, Lyon, Beaune
Tour operator:
Tour code:
4780-2025
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
0-0
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
You’ve seen photos of Paris—now is your time to see it in person. You’ve studied and read about D-Day’s Normandy Beaches—now’s your chance to visit them. You’ve heard about France’s famous wines—now’s your chance to see the Bordeaux wine-growing region. All of this and much more are included on this tour of France that begins and ends in Paris. History buffs are sure to be amazed by the many historic towns and attractions on this tour. Immerse yourself in ancient Roman history with a stop at Pont Du Gard bridge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 1st Century. Visit the amphitheatre in Arles, the city with the most Roman remains outside of Rome. Go back in time to the Middle Ages with a visit to the clifftop town of Rocamadour. Walk by the ancient battlements in the beautifully preserved, medieval town of Carcassonne; and visit Beaune’s Hôtel-Dieu charity hospital, built in 1443 after the Hundred Years' War left many of the town's population destitute. Coming to recent history, see Normandy’s landing beaches, where Operation Neptune was launched on June 6, 1944. Art history fans will enjoy a visit to Aix-en-Provence, the birthplace of painter Cézanne, and a stroll around the 17th-century Cours Mirabeau, a lively area with fountains, elegant homes, and famous cafés. Spend time in the Loire Valley with its spectacular vineyards and castles. Discover Dordogne, one of France’s most picturesque regions, showcasing many charming villages. Of course, no France tour is complete without visiting the French Riviera, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore this beautiful area on the Mediterranean Sea. This value-minded tour through France is truly a vacation of a lifetime!
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive In Paris,France
Location: Arrive In Paris, France
Check into your hotel and spend free time strolling around Paris. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travel companions.
ARRIVE IN PARIS, FRANCE Check into your hotel and spend free time strolling around Paris. Tonight, meet your Tour Director and fellow travel companions.
Day 2: Paris,Rouen,Honfleur,Caen
Location: Paris, Rouen, Honfleur, Caen
Meals Included: Breakfast
Drive first to the historical capital city of Normandy, Rouen—one of the most prosperous cities of medieval Europe. Walk through its center, rich in Gothic architecture. Next, visit lovely Honfleur, known for its picturesque port and houses with slate-covered facades. Continue to Caen.Today’s Distance: 186 mi/ 300 km
PARIS–ROUEN–HONFLEUR–CAEN Drive first to the historical capital city of Normandy, Rouen—one of the most prosperous cities of medieval Europe. Walk through its center, rich in Gothic architecture. Next, visit lovely Honfleur, known for its picturesque port and houses with slate-covered facades. Continue to Caen.Today’s Distance: 186 mi/ 300 km (B)
Day 3: Caen,Normandy Landing Beaches,Mont St. Michel,St. Malo
Location: Caen, Normandy Landing Beaches, Mont St. Michel, St. Malo
Meals Included: Breakfast
Embark on an emotional journey to the legendary beaches where the Allied troops landed on D-Day, June 6,1944, and experience the most moving site of the American Cemetery at Omaha. Travel through the Normandy countryside and stop to marvel at the unique beauty of Mont St. Michel, which stands on an island accessed via a causeway. Overnight in St. Malo.Today’s Distance: 147 mi/ 236 km
CAEN–NORMANDY LANDING BEACHES–MONT ST. MICHEL–ST. MALO Embark on an emotional journey to the legendary beaches where the Allied troops landed on D-Day, June 6,1944, and experience the most moving site of the American Cemetery at Omaha. Travel through the Normandy countryside and stop to marvel at the unique beauty of Mont St. Michel, which stands on an island accessed via a causeway. Overnight in St. Malo.Today’s Distance: 147 mi/ 236 km (B)
Day 4: St. Malo,Angers,Châteaux Country
Location: St. Malo, Angers, Châteaux Country
Meals Included: Breakfast
Time for a stroll on the shores of St. Malo, a popular seaside resort, then depart for Angers to visit its cathedral. Continue along the banks of the Loire River to reach the enchanting Chateaux Country. Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km
ST. MALO–ANGERS–CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY Time for a stroll on the shores of St. Malo, a popular seaside resort, then depart for Angers to visit its cathedral. Continue along the banks of the Loire River to reach the enchanting Chateaux Country. Today’s Distance: 224 mi/ 360 km (B)
Day 5: Châteaux Country
Location: Châteaux Country
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend the day at leisure or walk in the footsteps of French royalty on the optional visit of the Loire Valley castles. If these walls could talk, they would tell the intriguing tales of kings, ladies, and lords who called these sumptuous palaces home.
CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY Spend the day at leisure or walk in the footsteps of French royalty on the optional visit of the Loire Valley castles. If these walls could talk, they would tell the intriguing tales of kings, ladies, and lords who called these sumptuous palaces home. (B,D)
Day 6: Châteaux Country,Bordeaux
Location: Châteaux Country, Bordeaux
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, rich in agricultural resources including vineyards, forests, and cereal fields, and stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Pyrenees in the South. On arrival in Bordeaux, discover the city on the included guided city sightseeing tour.Today’s Distance: 230 mi/ 370 km
CHÂTEAUX COUNTRY–BORDEAUX Enjoy a scenic drive through the Nouvelle Aquitaine region, rich in agricultural resources including vineyards, forests, and cereal fields, and stretching from the Atlantic coast to the Pyrenees in the South. On arrival in Bordeaux, discover the city on the included guided city sightseeing tour.Today’s Distance: 230 mi/ 370 km (B)
Day 7: Bordeaux,Dordogne,Rocamadour,Toulouse
Location: Bordeaux, Dordogne, Rocamadour, Toulouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Discover one of France’s most scenic regions, the Dordogne. Stop in the sacred medieval town of Rocamadour, dramatically perched high upon a cliff. Built on three successive levels, this storybook village is both a place of legend and history where old stone houses, majestic towers, and impressive castle stand poised on the cliff’s edge above Alzou Canyon. Continue southwards to Toulouse.Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km
BORDEAUX–DORDOGNE–ROCAMADOUR–TOULOUSE Discover one of France’s most scenic regions, the Dordogne. Stop in the sacred medieval town of Rocamadour, dramatically perched high upon a cliff. Built on three successive levels, this storybook village is both a place of legend and history where old stone houses, majestic towers, and impressive castle stand poised on the cliff’s edge above Alzou Canyon. Continue southwards to Toulouse.Today’s Distance: 267 mi/ 430 km (B,D)
Day 8: Toulouse,Carcassonne,Pont Du Gard,Avignon
Location: Toulouse, Carcassonne, Pont Du Gard, Avignon
Meals Included: Breakfast
Immerse yourself fully in the medieval atmosphere of the city of Carcassonne and discover some of its secrets during an orientation walk. Then, stop for a picture at the famous Pont du Gard, one of the wonders of Antiquity, and the finest remaining example of an ancient aqueduct built 2000 years ago by the Romans. This architectural gem, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is set in a beautifully pristine natural setting. Upon arrival in Avignon, free time to explore the old quarter featuring amazing architectural and historic heritage, such as the Palace of the Popes or the St. Bénézet bridge.Today’s Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km
TOULOUSE–CARCASSONNE–PONT DU GARD–AVIGNON Immerse yourself fully in the medieval atmosphere of the city of Carcassonne and discover some of its secrets during an orientation walk. Then, stop for a picture at the famous Pont du Gard, one of the wonders of Antiquity, and the finest remaining example of an ancient aqueduct built 2000 years ago by the Romans. This architectural gem, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is set in a beautifully pristine natural setting. Upon arrival in Avignon, free time to explore the old quarter featuring amazing architectural and historic heritage, such as the Palace of the Popes or the St. Bénézet bridge.Today’s Distance: 217 mi/ 350 km (B)
Day 9: Avignon,Arles,Aix-En-Provence,French Riviera
Location: Avignon, Arles, Aix-En-Provence, French Riviera
Meals Included: Breakfast
Visit Arles, known all over the world for Van Gogh’s paintings. Admire the famous Roman amphitheatre, then continue to Aix-en-Provence. Walk down its main street, the Cours Mirabeau, lined with plane trees in the French tradition, and the 17th-century palace, houses, and fountains. Finally, head to the French Riviera on the shores of the Mediterranean.Today’s Distance: 186 mi/ 300 km
AVIGNON–ARLES–AIX-EN-PROVENCE–FRENCH RIVIERA Visit Arles, known all over the world for Van Gogh’s paintings. Admire the famous Roman amphitheatre, then continue to Aix-en-Provence. Walk down its main street, the Cours Mirabeau, lined with plane trees in the French tradition, and the 17th-century palace, houses, and fountains. Finally, head to the French Riviera on the shores of the Mediterranean.Today’s Distance: 186 mi/ 300 km (B)
Day 10: French Riviera
Location: French Riviera
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take time to enjoy all the amenities of the French Riviera at your own leisure. Or picture yourself on an optional excursion to the artist mecca of Saint Paul de Vence. Masters such as Matisse, Cézanne, Chagall, and Picasso drew inspiration for their works here. Tonight, you’re invited to roll the dice and rub elbows with high rollers on an optional “Monte Carlo by Night” excursion amid the glitz and glamour of Monaco.
FRENCH RIVIERA Take time to enjoy all the amenities of the French Riviera at your own leisure. Or picture yourself on an optional excursion to the artist mecca of Saint Paul de Vence. Masters such as Matisse, Cézanne, Chagall, and Picasso drew inspiration for their works here. Tonight, you’re invited to roll the dice and rub elbows with high rollers on an optional “Monte Carlo by Night” excursion amid the glitz and glamour of Monaco. (B)
Day 11: French Riviera,Orange,Lyon
Location: French Riviera, Orange, Lyon
Meals Included: Breakfast
See more of the Provence region today and stop in Orange, a town surrounded by beautiful countryside, featuring two ancient Roman monuments listed by UNESCO: the Arc de Triomphe and the Ancient theater. It also boasts first-class wines and original culinary and craft products. Next is Lyon, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.Today’s Distance: 298 mi/ 480 km
FRENCH RIVIERA–ORANGE–LYON See more of the Provence region today and stop in Orange, a town surrounded by beautiful countryside, featuring two ancient Roman monuments listed by UNESCO: the Arc de Triomphe and the Ancient theater. It also boasts first-class wines and original culinary and craft products. Next is Lyon, located at the confluence of the Rhône and Saône Rivers. On arrival, enjoy an orientation tour.Today’s Distance: 298 mi/ 480 km (B)
Day 12: Lyon,Beaune,Paris
Location: Lyon, Beaune, Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Travel through the picturesque vineyards and fields of Burgundy to medieval Beaune, the region’s wine capital since Roman times. Stop to visit the famous Hôtel-Dieu. Return to the French capital of Paris.Today’s Distance: 304 mi/ 490 km
LYON–BEAUNE–PARIS Travel through the picturesque vineyards and fields of Burgundy to medieval Beaune, the region’s wine capital since Roman times. Stop to visit the famous Hôtel-Dieu. Return to the French capital of Paris.Today’s Distance: 304 mi/ 490 km (B)
Day 13: Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Discover the glorious ville lumières (City of Lights) and its many boulevards and monumental buildings. Join a local expert with a guided tour through Parisian history, tradition, and modern living. Optional excursions are also available to complete your experience.* *Note: for operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded
PARIS Discover the glorious ville lumières (City of Lights) and its many boulevards and monumental buildings. Join a local expert with a guided tour through Parisian history, tradition, and modern living. Optional excursions are also available to complete your experience.* (B)*Note: for operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded
Day 14: Paris
Location: Paris
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning.
PARIS Your vacation ends with breakfast this morning. (B)
What's Included
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Accommodation
Stay in various hotels including Novotel Paris 17, Ibis Caen Porte D'Angleterre, Hotel Vert, Novotel Amboise, Moxy Bordeaux, Ibis Pont Jumeaux, Ibis Avignon Centre Ponte De L'Europe, Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port, and Doubletree By Hilton Lyon Eurexpo.
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Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily and 3 dinners are included.
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Guided Tours
Included guided city sightseeing tours in Bordeaux and Paris.
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Transportation
Transportation between cities and sites as per the itinerary.
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UNESCO Sites
Visits to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Mont Saint Michel, Historic Centre of Avignon, and the Loire Valley.
What's Not Included
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Optional Excursions
Optional excursions such as the 'Monte Carlo by Night' excursion and dinner at a local restaurant in Chateaux Country are not included.
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Entrance Fees
Entrance fees to certain attractions like the Bayeux Tapestry are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included and should be purchased separately.
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Flights
International and domestic flights to and from Paris are not included.
Meals
Buffet breakfasts daily, 2 Dinners
UNESCO Sites
Arles (Roman and Romanesque Monuments)|Bordeaux (Port of the Moon)|Historic Centre of Avignon: Papal Palace Episcopal Ensemble and Avignon Bridge (See Only)|Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne|Historic Site of Lyon|Mont Saint Michel and its Bay|Nice, Winter Resort Town of the Riviera|Paris Banks of the Seine|Pont du Gard (Roman Aqueduct)|The Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes (Chenonceau Castle)
Accommodation
The city-styled Tribe Paris La Défense Esplanade offers stylish warm spaces in a relaxed atmosphere and has 184 spacious, air-conditioned guestrooms and a fitness center. The terraced restaurant offers delicious cuisine using local produce, the menus are a nod to TRIBE's Australian roots and the bar offers low-alcohol cocktails to make life more inclusive. The ultra-comfy rooms are fully furnished with a flat-screen TV, coffee machine, mini-bar, complimentary toiletries and hairdryer. The property is located in a natural setting near the esplanade, and the nearest metro station is less than a ten minute walk away. This 91-room property is located not far from the city center of Caen, its in-house restaurant serves regional cuisine and there is a friendly all day bar for drinks. Hotel Vert offers all comfort and services to make easier you to stay at Mont-Saint-Michel: a staff that listens to you, reception open all day, and some spacious and comfortable rooms. You'll be charmed by the good value for money of this 2-star hotel. The Novotel Amboise hotel is located in the heart of the Pays de la Loire with its nearby castles (including Chenonceaux, Chambord and Cheverny). Built on a hill overlooking Amboise and its castle, this 4-star hotel has 121 air-conditioned rooms. The decor of the Ibis Styles Bordeaux Centre Mériadeck is inspired by the industrial heritage of Bordeux and the property offers 102 modern, air-conditioned rooms, all equipped with a flat-screen TV, Free Wi-Fi and a functionally furnished bathroom. Delicious drinks can be enjoyed at the lounge bar, which is open daily and the in-house restaurant serves French cuisine for lunch and dinner. The tram stop next to the hotel, allows easy access to the UNESCO-listed capital of southwest France, with its historic center, gardens, museums and monuments. This 104-room modern budget hotel is located on the bank of the Canal du Midi, near the Palais des Congrès, an ideal location from which to discover the monuments of the pink city. Free Wi-Fi access is offered throughout, there is a traditional restaurant serving fresh colorful lunch and dinner menus as well as a relaxed 24-hour bar with terrace. Located opposite to the city walls, just a short walk from the city centre and the famous "Pope Palce" and "Pont d'Avignon" as well as its conference centre. Free public car parks nearby. Easy access: 437 yards (400 m) from the central train station and 10 minutes by train shuttle to the TGV train station. The hotel has 114 spacious, air-conditioned and fully renovated rooms and a paying enclosed car park. A polished contemporary 133-room hotel located in the St. Priest area with a surrounding park and views of the Alps and Lyon Hills. The Spacious, modern rooms beautifully combine a warm-heated décor with functional amenities such as Free Wi-Fi, ecological individual air-conditioning, adjustable bedside table, work area and LED TV screen. Amenities include a fitness centre and a restaurant serving eco-friendly, authentic cuisine using local produce and fruits and vegetables from the hotel's own garden. The Novotel Paris Charenton is ideally located on the edge of Bois de Vincennes, Paris's largest public park. It has 133 spacious, soundproofed rooms, all equipped with a flat-screen TV, Free Wi-Fi, a minibar, coffeemaker and a bathroom furnished with a hairdryer and complimentary toiletries. The restaurant serves modern, delicious cuisine with a sunny outdoor terrace and drinks can be enjoyed at the hotel's bar well into the night. The Liberté Metro Station is 80 meters away from the hotel and provides direct access to Bastille, Opera Garnier and Place de la Concorde.
Notes
For operational reasons, changes to the Paris program cannot be excluded.Participation in the Mont St. Michel visit requires walking uphill with many steps and may be challenging for guests with physical limitations or reliant on mobility devices such as wheelchairs due to uneven terrain.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
The tour includes stays at various hotels such as the Novotel Paris 17, Ibis Caen Porte D'Angleterre, Hotel Vert, Novotel Amboise, Moxy Bordeaux, Ibis Pont Jumeaux, Ibis Avignon Centre Ponte De L'Europe, Ibis Styles Nice Vieux Port, and Doubletree By Hilton Lyon Eurexpo. These hotels offer amenities like air-conditioned rooms, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and in-house restaurants.
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Are there any optional excursions available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional excursions available, such as a dinner at a local restaurant in Chateaux Country, a wine tasting excursion in Bordeaux, and a 'Monte Carlo by Night' excursion to see the Principality of Monaco.
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What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes buffet breakfasts daily and three dinners.
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What are some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites visited on this tour?
The tour visits several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Mont Saint Michel and its Bay, the Historic Fortified City of Carcassonne, the Historic Centre of Avignon, the Roman and Romanesque Monuments of Arles, the Port of the Moon in Bordeaux, the Historic Site of Lyon, the Paris Banks of the Seine, the Pont du Gard Roman Aqueduct, and the Loire Valley between Sully-sur-Loire and Chalonnes.
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What activities are planned for the first day in Paris?
On the first day in Paris, you will check into your hotel and have free time to stroll around the city. In the evening, you will meet your Tour Director and fellow travel companions.
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What can I expect to see in Rouen and Honfleur?
In Rouen, you will walk through the center of the historical capital city of Normandy, rich in Gothic architecture. In Honfleur, you will visit its picturesque port and houses with slate-covered facades.
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What is special about the visit to Mont St. Michel?
Mont St. Michel is unique for its beauty and stands on an island accessed via a causeway. You will have time to enjoy a visit to this iconic site.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Bordeaux?
In Bordeaux, you will enjoy a guided city sightseeing tour and have the option to join a wine tasting excursion.
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What can I do during the leisure day in Chateaux Country?
During the leisure day in Chateaux Country, you can take an optional excursion to see some of the most spectacular castles of the Loire Valley, which are steeped in the history of noblemen and kings since the 11th century.
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What is included in the guided tour of Carcassonne?
The guided tour of Carcassonne will immerse you fully in the medieval atmosphere of the city and allow you to discover its secrets.
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What is the significance of the Pont du Gard?
The Pont du Gard is one of the wonders of Antiquity and the finest remaining example of an ancient aqueduct built 2000 years ago by the Romans. It is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is set in a beautiful, unspoilt natural setting.
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What can I expect to see in Avignon?
In Avignon, you will have free time to explore the old quarter, which features an amazing architectural and historic heritage, such as the Palace of the Popes.
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What are the highlights of the visit to Arles?
In Arles, you will admire the famous Roman amphitheatre and see the places known for Van Gogh's paintings.
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What can I do during the leisure day on the French Riviera?
During the leisure day on the French Riviera, you can enjoy all the amenities of the area at your own pace. You also have the option to join the 'Monte Carlo by Night' excursion.
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What is included in the sightseeing tour of Paris on the last day?
The included sightseeing tour of Paris will guide you through the city's history, tradition, and modern living with the help of a local expert. Optional excursions are also available to complete your experience.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1961
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Cosmos is committed to minimizing our impact on the environment and to reducing dependence on non-renewable resources. In this endeavor, we have implemented policies to support this mission and are working carefully to enhance our products with this mission and our values combined. We are committed to complying with all relevant legislation and/or regulations.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Travel documents, including any air tickets, itineraries, and other information, are available approximately two to three weeks prior to departure provided full payment has been received.
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
All guests are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 for travel through February, 2023. Beginning March 1, 2023, while we highly recommend vaccination, we will no longer require it. We ask all guests to comply with airline and destination requirements, which still may apply. To check your destination requirements for your travel dates, view the Latest Travel & Health Restrictions for Travel.
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Low Deposit
Cosmos requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of cosmos charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.