2013-07-18

If you’re looking for a cheap vacation, check out this week’s Groupon Getaways. And remember, you can always click on our Cheap Vacations page to see the latest deals.





Online: $999.00 for Ireland Vacation with 5-Star Ritz-Carlton Hotel and Airfare ($1,999.00 value)

Five-Star Hotel and Spa on Ireland’s East Coast Near Dublin, Kilkenny, and Small Country Towns

Included in all options:

Round-trip airfare from New York (JFK) (flight time: about 7 hours), Los Angeles (LAX) (flight time: about 13 hours), or Chicago (ORD) (flight time: about 8 hours)

Car rental (manual transmission) for the duration of your trip

Six nights at the 5-star Ritz-Carlton Hotel in County Wicklow. Note: On October 1, 2013, The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt will be re-launched as a luxury independent hotel. The hotel will build on the five-star standard of excellence and service already associated with the property.

Set on 1,000 country acres in eastern Ireland, the 5-star Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt (to be known as Powerscourt Hotel beginning October 1) will be your home base during this weeklong trip to the Emerald Isle. Named one of the world’s best hotels by Condé Nast Traveler, the Palladian property features luxurious guest rooms, two championship golf courses, and a spa. There’s no set itinerary for the trip and the package includes a rental car (with manual transmission), leaving you free to explore Ireland at your leisure during the seven days you’re here.

We’ve curated an assortment of worthy destinations below. Feel free to pick and choose, and add your own experiences to the list.

Dublin

A 30-minute drive from the hotel brings you to Dublin, home to several world-famous attractions as well as the country’s most vibrant nightlife. At Trinity College Library, you can see the Book of Kells, a 9th-century religious manuscript known for its extravagant illustrations. Dublin has numerous worthwhile museums, ranging from the National Leprechaun Museum to the Dublin Writers Museum, which houses diaries, letters, and first editions from Ireland’s retinue of literary geniuses. At night, you’ll want to enjoy a pint at one of the city’s nearly 1,000 pubs. Head to the famous Temple Bar district to cut a rug while listening to live music.

Kilkenny

Drop by Kilkenny—located about 1.5 hours from the hotel—to take a tour of Kilkenny Castle, an imposing stone structure built in the early 13th century. The ornamental gardens here are something to behold. In town, you’ll find medieval buildings housing cafes and craft shops stocked with wool blankets, scarves, and cutting boards. Tucked away in the countryside, the monastic ruins of Kells Priory are especially enchanting in the early evening.

Other Highlights

House of Waterford Crystal: Witness the creation of fine crystal stemware during a tour of the factory’s blowing, hand-marking, and cutting departments.

Druids Glen Golf Club: This County Wicklow favorite has drawn comparisons to Augusta for its tree-lined fairways and spectacular water features.
Wicklow Mountains National Park: Go hiking, climbing, fishing, and swimming on nearly 50,000 acres in the heart of the Glendalough Valley.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal?

Call Great Value Vacations at (800) 495-4903 for additional pricing options from any departure airport not listed on the Groupon Getaways deal page. Great Value Vacations will be open July 21 and 28 to accommodate increased call volume.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?

Yes, for an additional fee you can arrange for that over the phone when you redeem your vacation.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?

After your purchase, call Great Value Vacations at (800) 495-4903 for the most up-to-date availability.

4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available?

If Great Value Vacations is unable to book the stay you want during the available dates and before the book-by date, Groupon will refund your purchase.

5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room?

All travelers over the age of 2 are required to purchase a Groupon. Different occupancy arrangements can be requested with Great Value Vacations at the time of reservation.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Online: $195.00 for Four Diamond Boutique Hotel in Vail ($477.00 value)

Hotel at a Glance: AAA Four Diamond The Sebastian – Vail

The Sebastian – Vail is an upscale boutique hotel set against Vail Mountain. In summer, you can mountain bike or hike just steps from the resort. Inside, the atrium features exposed-stone walls, an oversize fireplace, a chic antler chandelier, and sculptures and paintings by local artists. Deluxe plaza rooms are outfitted with contemporary decor in warm hues.

Praise from the press: Named one of the World’s Best Hotels by Travel + Leisure magazine

Unbeatable view: Admire snow-capped peaks while swimming in the outdoor pool or hot tubs

Onsite dining: Coffee and sandwiches at Market, tapas and wine at Leonora, and cocktails at Frost

Best place to unwind: The onsite library

Recommended hike: The 6-mile Booth Falls trail, which wends past alpine meadows filled with wildflowers and ends at a waterfall

Vail, Colorado: Mountain Playground in the Heart of the Rockies

Set amid snowcapped peaks and ponderosa pines, Vail stands at the center of Colorado's mountain recreation scene. Nearby, White River National Forest is crisscrossed with trails and gorgeous vistas in the shadows of the Rockies. The 2.3-million-acre woodland encompasses an array of wildlife habitats and recreational ventures, allowing you to take in fresh mountain breezes while hiking, mountain biking, or playing freeze tag with boulders.

After a day of outdoor adventures, you can stop at the Colorado Ski & Snowboard Museum to learn about the evolution of winter sports. On Tuesdays, Vail Village historical walking tours branch out from the museum into the charming, European-style village.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Online: $1,072.00 for All-Inclusive 4-Star Spa Resort on Mexican Beach ($1,960.00 value)

All-Inclusive Four-Star Hotel on Pristine Beachfront

About 16 miles north of bustling Playa del Carmen lies a quieter swath of sand known as Playa del Secreto, or the Secret Beach. The area is devoid of high-rise hotels and all-hours nightclubs. Instead, you’ll find turquoise water and sugar-sand beaches so tranquil and undisturbed that sea turtles still use them as nesting grounds. Fodor’s calls it “one of the most beautiful coastal communities in Riviera Maya.”

Presiding over a half-mile stretch of Playa del Secreto is Valentin Imperial Maya All Inclusive, an adults-only (18 or older) luxury hotel inspired by grand old Mexican haciendas. Strolling through the hotel’s tropical gardens and landscaped courtyards, you'll see moorish arches, tiled floors, and intricate fountains. You might also see coatimundi, raccoon-like mammals native to the region. Between the villas and the beach, a large pool splinters off into canals and lagoons spreading throughout the property.

As part of this deal, you have a $400 resort credit bundle, including a $100 credit to use toward massage at the onsite spa. Stop in and rejuvenate with a 50-minute Swedish massage, a tropical body scrub, or a caviar anti-aging facial. See the spa menu here. The rest of the resort credit bundle includes $150 toward a room upgrade, $50 toward a romantic beach dinner, $50 toward a wine selection, and $50 toward phone calls.

Valentin Imperial Maya has several onsite restaurants where you can take advantage of an all-inclusive plan that covers all meals, snacks, and beverages. Hit up the gourmet omelet station at Restaurant Le Marché for breakfast, or pop in for an Italian dinner at Il Olivo. The upscale L’Alsace specializes in French cuisine, and La Hacienda offers up a blend of contemporary Mexican fare from three states—Veracruz, Puebla, and Yucatán.

Playa del Carmen, Mexico: Trendy Beach Area and Diving Destination

Just across the sea from the island of Cozumel, Playa del Carmen has been called "the hippest city in all of the Yucatán Peninsula" by Lonely Planet. The laid-back beach bars and cafés have a way of converting vacationers into expats, but Playa's most compelling draw might be its cenotes—cavernous sinkholes filled with turquoise pools. The water in the cenotes is crystal clear, particularly at the lily-pad-dotted Xlacah cenote, where you can snorkel among schools of colorful fish.

To the south, you'll find preserved ruins of pre-Columbian cities. Tulum's crumbling temples are situated above a dramatic ocean bluff, and Coba's enormous pyramid rises between two lagoons. For a fun day trip, hop aboard the ferry to Cozumel, which docks 16 miles (25 km) from the hotel at the pier east of Calle 1. There are about a dozen dive shops on Cozumel, and they offer trips offshore to the reefs Jacques Cousteau declared some of the world's most beautiful.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Online: $799.00 for All-Inclusive Jamaican Resort with Private Beach ($2,064.00 value)

Adults-Only Caribbean Resort with Private Beach

Along the northern coast of Jamaica, the famous Dunn's River Falls flows down 600 feet of tiered ledges before spilling into the Caribbean Sea. A few minutes west, Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort & Spa pays homage to its namesake with its own terraced waterfall that empties into a massive pool. It's one of many luxurious features at the adults-only, all-inclusive resort, which occupies a prime spot along the coastline.

At The Falls Pool, one of two onsite pools, concierges will wade in waist-deep to deliver fruit kebabs, cocktails, or a voodoo doll of your boss. Complimentary kayak rentals are available for those who'd like to explore the Caribbean. Afterwards, you can head down to the Radiant Spa for relaxing body treatments that incorporate Jamaican ingredients such as sugar cane, Blue Mountain coffee, and crushed coral.

Throughout the day, the resort's casual and formal restaurants serve an eclectic range of international cuisine. At The Jade Samurai teppanyaki chefs twirl knives tableside, while the cooks at Platinum craft jerk-chicken spring rolls and other Caribbean-inspired dishes. At night, retire to a colonial-themed room, where you’ll find a four-poster mahogany bed and tiled floors. Sapphire rooms have nice views of the surrounding mountains, and Diamond ocean-view units include complimentary concierge services to help you book special-seating dinner reservations and local excursions.

Ocho Rios, Jamaica: Famed Waterfall and World-Class Shopping

When inaugural Bond girl Ursula Andress emerged from the waves off the shores of Ocho Rios, she helped capture the appeal of Jamaica’s north coast in just a few frames. That iconic scene from Dr. No showed off the region’s green landscapes, rolling hills, and palm-studded beaches. The picturesque scenery hasn’t changed much since the movie was shot here in the 1960s. Visitors today can even visit some of the film locations, including James Bond Beach and Dunn's River Falls—a famous waterfall made up of huge natural stairs. On a guided tour, you can scale the 600-foot falls and splash in cool mountain water. There’s also a beach at the base of the falls where you can bask in the sun.

Other outdoor adventures can be found in the colorful world underwater. Dive sites such as Devil's Reef contain eels, corals, nurse sharks, and barracuda. For a look at Jamaica’s rainforest, head south to Fern Gully. The scenic drive goes through a canyon shaded by a canopy of ferns, trees, and lianas.

Ocho Rios is also known for its shopping centers, starting with Island Village, a theme-park-like entertainment complex with restaurants, duty-free shops, and retail stores brimming with souvenirs. Several local vendors sell handcrafted goods—but be prepared to haggle.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Online: $749.00 for All-Inclusive Beachfront Resort in Jamaica ($1,800.00 value)

Top Reasons to Stay at Grand Lido Negril

Located steps from the Caribbean Sea, the resort is ideal for leisurely beachcombing.

Those looking for more active pursuits can take advantage of the resort’s nonmotorized-watersports equipment, which is free to use with this all-inclusive package.

Other onsite activities include scuba lessons in one of two outdoor pools, reggae classes, and beach volleyball. There are five jacuzzis scattered throughout the property.

Six themed restaurants offer diverse dining options. You can choose from international cuisines, such as Japanese or authentic Jamaican, or opt for a sumptuous buffet served on Mondays and Fridays.

At night, guests can listen to live piano music or dance at one of six onsite bars.

Deluxe junior suites feature modern amenities such as satellite TVs. Rooms may look out on the surrounding tropical gardens or boast private terraces overlooking the Caribbean.

Negril, Jamaica: Laid-Back Beach Town with Picturesque Sunsets, Snorkeling, and Cliff Diving

Located on Jamaica’s western coast, Negril is known for its white-sand beaches, rugged cliffs, and coral reefs lying just offshore in the Caribbean. The underwater beauty nearby makes the town a popular spot for scuba diving and snorkeling at Negril Marine Park, and anglers have found the sea filled with blue marlin, wahoo, and mahi-mahi. The city has a front-row seat to some of the world’s most beautiful sunsets, and people often climb to the top of waterfront cliffs just to watch. At Rick’s Cafe, which is listed in the book 1,000 Places To See Before You Die, groups congregate every night to watch the sun dip below the horizon; some brave adventurers even leap off the 35-foot cliffs into the water.

Often called "the capital of casual," Negril is best defined by its laid-back vibe, from the slow and steady rhythm of the indigenous reggae music to its unofficial uniform—swimsuits and flip-flops. Running along the town is Seven Mile Beach, a stretch of powdery, white sand coastline that earned a spot on Frommer’s Best Beaches in the Caribbean list. The town center comprises a shopping mall and a craft market where visitors can pick up locally produced goods.

Farther inland, the mountainous terrain harbors several eco-tourism attractions including hiking, ziplining, and waterfall tours. Take a 60- to 90-minute drive east to reach the cascading YS Falls or Mayfield Falls, where you can wade in 21 natural pools shaded by exotic tropical flowers and ferns. Or stay close to Negril and visit the Royal Palm Reserve, where 300 acres of swamp forests and wetlands shelter more than 300 types of birds, butterflies, and abandoned Rubik's cubes.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Online: $799.00 for All-Inclusive Vacation in Riviera Maya ($0.00 value)

All-Inclusive Riviera Maya Vacation

Included in this vacation package:

Round-trip airfare

Accommodations at Grand Oasis Tulum

All meals and snacks

Unlimited domestic beverages

Daily organized activities

Nightly entertainment

Hotel taxes and gratuities

With its own private marina and numerous onsite lounges and restaurants, the all-inclusive Grand Oasis Tulum provides visitors with plenty to do without ever leaving the resort. But for those willing to explore beyond this self-sufficient slice of paradise, the cliff-top Mayan ruins of Tulum and the nightlife of Playa del Carmen are both just a short drive away.

In addition to covering all meals, snacks, and drinks, the resort’s all-inclusive privileges entitle you to snorkeling and kayaking equipment for exploring the Caribbean Sea, which is just steps from your room. Guests can also take a dip in one of several swimming pools—including an infinity pool—that are scattered throughout the property. Swim-up bars and thatched-roof palapas add to the laid-back atmosphere.

During the day, you can refuel at one of 11 onsite restaurants, each of which has a different vibe. Nosh on sushi at Nori, savor Brazilian steakhouse cuisine at Bahia Rodizzio, or dine al fresco on the rooftop at Cafe del Mar. At night, the resort's lounges come to life with live piano music, martinis, and dancing. Oceanfront guest rooms are outfitted with Mexican-inspired décor and a private balcony looking out onto the ocean. Each room boasts modern amenities such as satellite television and self-fluffing pillows.

Mexico's Riviera Maya: Rich with History and Tropical Calm

Just south of Cancún, the Riviera Maya is a nearly 80-mile stretch of Caribbean coastline fronted by towns rich in Mexican culture. For some of the area’s best beaches, clubs, and snorkeling reefs, head to the rapidly growing city of Playa del Carmen. Farther south, Tulum sits on a perch of rocky bluffs where you’ll find ancient ruins including temples and dwellings. The inhabitants of Tulum—which means "walled" in the aboriginal language—first erected the city's outer fortress to protect themselves from belligerent invaders. Today, the wall guards the archeological zone, beginning with an entryway of two corbel arches and a limestone house built over an underwater cave.

Swimming in the secret caves isn’t allowed, but a scenic drive south of Playa del Carmen brings you to the Yucatán Peninsula's legendary limestone cenotes—freshwater sinkholes created by an underground river system. At the Cenote Cristalino, you can jump from terraced outcroppings into an exposed pool or go snorkeling in underwater caves. You can also watch locals expertly flip, dive, and synchronously cannonball into the clear water at this popular weekend hangout.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Online: $239.00 for Family Fun in Branson ($511.00 value)

Massive Indoor Water Park near Branson Strip

A 1,000-gallon bucket of water atop a three-level treehouse dumps a deluge on swimmers every eight minutes at Splash Country, the indoor water park at Grand Country Inn. Nearby, a 250-foot-long lazy river meanders through a simulated Ozark riverbank and two tube slides twist and wind around the interactive treehouse. The 20,000-square-foot park is practically its own ecosystem, and it’s the centerpiece of the many family-friendly activities at the sprawling hotel, which boasts a theme park’s worth of games and entertainment.

At the hotel's Fun Spot, you can zoom around in bumper cars, practice putts on a 3-D black-light mini-golf course, and slink through a laser maze. The entertainment emporium also boasts mini bowling, arcade games, and a multilevel play area filled with thousands of soft foam balls.

This deal comes with four tickets to Amazing Pets at Grand Country Music Hall, located a few steps from the resort. In the show, trained dogs and cats perform stunts and exotic birds make fly-by appearances. Families will also get a pass to another show of their choice, such as Grand Jubilee, wherein a quartet croons country and rock classics from such artists as The Oak Ridge Boys and the Eagles.

Once the family is tuckered out, the whole gang can enjoy a quiet night’s rest in a standard room with a king-size bed and pullout couch or two queen-size beds. At the Grand Country Buffet, you can load up plates with everything from eggs and bacon at breakfast to slow-roasted ham, fresh-baked breads, and desserts at suppertime. The onsite Papa Grand's Pizza has a full salad bar and a pizza bar with 12 varieties, including three dessert pizzas.

Branson, Missouri: Family-Friendly Theaters and Concert Halls in the Ozarks

If you take a drive through the Ozarks in Missouri, it might seem like an unlikely place to find glittering lights and stage shows—for the most part, it's a rolling plateau of wooded hills, snaking rivers, and limestone bluffs. But follow Route 76 and eventually you'll reach Branson, which looks like a miniature, family-friendly version of Las Vegas.

Dozens of stages and music halls line Branson's main strip, some of which are owned by stars such as Dolly Parton. On any given night you can watch anything from country music performances to circus acrobatics to magic shows.

If you're traveling with kids, Silver Dollar City is a safe bet; it's located about 5 miles west of the strip. The popular theme park is built around Marvel Cave and modeled after a 19th-century frontier town. Here you can hop on a mine-car roller coaster, take a tour by lantern through limestone caverns, or watch as blacksmiths hand-forge mailboxes for the mayor's private collection.

If you want to duck away from the lights, it's worth exploring the surrounding countryside. Within about 30 miles, there are two large lakes—Table Rock and Taneycomo. Each is stocked with trout and has boats available for rent. Or head to the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area to bike or hike along Roark Creek and through dense oak forests. Paul Henning, who was inspired to create the Beverly Hillbillies after a Boy Scout trip to the Ozarks, donated the 1,534-acre reserve.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Online: $309.00 for Family-Friendly Beachfront Resort in Costa Rica ($520.00 value)

Eco-Adventures and Late-Night Casino Steps from Playa Flamingo

Despite its name, you'd be hard pressed to find a flamingo on Costa Rica's Flamingo Beach. Instead, the stretch of sand and its surrounding mangrove forests are home to exotic toucans, egrets, howler monkeys, and sloths. The setting actually takes its name from Flamingo Beach Resort, one of the area's first hotels of its kind, which rests just a frisbee toss away from the beach's Pacific shore. By day, guests can take in the tropical surroundings on deep-sea-fishing trips and eco-tours, and by night, the fun continues at the onsite casino.

Air-conditioned rooms have modern interiors decorated with a palette of warm earth tones. Ocean breezes pass through the balconies available with some rooms, which may offer panoramic views of the sunset and tall coconut palms.

At dinner, Arenas Restaurant serves an array of fresh seafood infused with local flavors and ingredients, including yellowfin tuna with soy-ginger sauce. For après meal entertainment, the Flamingo Casino entertains guests with video slots, video poker, and video roulette.

If you're looking for laid-back recreation, stop by the onsite spa to melt away stress with aromatherapy massages and volcanic-mud treatments.

Playa Flamingo, Costa Rica: "Gold Coast" Rich with Gorgeous Shorelines and Mountains

From its idyllic setting on northwest Costa Rica's Pacific Coast, the province of Guanacaste welcomes tourists year-round with sparkling beaches ideal for windsurfing or snorkeling. The area's beaches and lush forests are home to several national parks protecting exotic plants and wildlife. You can get up close to sea turtles in the Las Baulas National Park or survey seabirds at Ostional Wildlife Refuge.

The region's vibrant cultural heritage is on display in the cities of Guaitil de Santa Cruz and San Vicente de Nicoya, where artisans sell pottery typically made with local clays, natural dyes, and wood-burning Easy-Bake ovens. The picturesque capital of Guanacaste, Liberia, is often referred to as the "White City" for its whitewashed colonial architecture.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Online: $99.00 for Chic Resort in Palm Springs ($263.00 value)

Posh Digs near San Jacinto Mountains

When naturalist John Muir climbed San Jacinto Peak, he called the view "the most sublime spectacle to be found anywhere on this earth." Nowadays, it's much easier to reach the summit and take in the panorama Muir raved about. Every day, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway ferries tourists up the steep escarpment where trendy Palm Springs looks like a quiet desert mirage. You can also reach the peak via a series of scenic trails. Located less than 10 minutes from the tramway, Marquis Villas Resort has dramatic mountain views of its own. The property puts visitors within reach of the area's natural attractions and the city's hip resort scene.

The resort manages to meld arid mountain surroundings with a distinctly vintage vibe. Native palm trees encircle the outdoor pool and jacuzzi, and the "San Jac" Peak—as it's known to locals—makes a breathtaking backdrop. One-bedroom condos feature a terra-cotta exterior that harks back to the old Southwest, as well as modern architectural details such as sleek, angular lines. Inside each one you’ll find a full kitchen, a dining room, and a fireplace.

To explore Palm Springs, you can take a short drive to visit celebrity homes, family-friendly museums, and international restaurants. With this Getaway, you get a $25 credit to Matchbox Restaurant, a pizza bistro.

Palm Springs, California: Desert City with Outdoor Recreation and Hollywood History

Nestled in the Coachella Valley in southern California, Palm Springs has fallen in and out of fashion throughout the past two centuries. The desert city, which boasts a strong Native American influence, remained relatively unknown up until the 20th century, when Hollywood A-listers flocked there for its temperate weather and tucked-away feel. Word spread quickly, and by the 1950s and 1960s, the landscape was dotted with tennis courts, swimming pools, and flashy modern homes owned by the likes of Elvis and Frank Sinatra.

Though it experienced a lull at the turn of the century, Palm Springs has emerged once again as a vacation hotspot. The sun shines there roughly 350 days a year, which makes it easy to hike nearby or play on one of its designer golf courses in any season. Luxury spas and boutique shops cover the glitzy downtown area of Palm Springs. There's an old, kitschy feel that still survives in the city, which is now surrounded by retro midcentury hotels and classic Mediterranean-inspired villas.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Online: $49.00 for Stylish Boutique Hotel in Phoenix ($99.00 value)

Boutique Hotel with a Palatial Pool and Stylish Guest Rooms

The Oasis pool at The Clarendon Hotel was voted Phoenix’s Best Hotel Pool in 2012 by the Phoenix New Times, and for good reason. At 60 feet wide and two stories tall, the pool’s glass water wall is one of the largest of its kind in the world, according to hotel co-owner Ben Bethel. The water cascades straight down behind the pool, which is bordered by colorful mosaic tiles flecked with 24-karat gold. Underwater, speakers pipe in Rat Pack–era music, and above water, staff members hand out Otter Pops and polish guests' sunglasses. At night, the bubbling fountains and scalp-massage jets are turned down, and 1,000 stars etched into the pool's bottom illuminate, creating an inverted night sky.

Also named Best Boutique Hotel in 2010 by the Phoenix New Times, The Clarendon Hotel blends midcentury modernity with Southwestern kitsch. In a nod to the nearby landscape, original pop-art-style posters from famous Western films hang in the guest rooms. Acrylic-accented desks and dressers sit on geometric-patterned rugs near flat-screen televisions.

Celestial views hang above the hotel’s SkyDeck lounge, which is set to reopen in late August. The recently renovated rooftop spot offers 360-degree views of the Phoenix skyline and the nearby Phoenix Mountains. The all-natural redwood deck hosts sunset cocktail hours beneath a canopy of string lights. Downstairs at Gallo Blanco Cafe and Bar, chef and owner Doug Robson prepares authentic Mexican-style street food from scratch, including acclaimed tortas and the restaurant's signature Pico Rico burger, a 7-ounce patty topped with roasted poblano chilies and aji aioli.

Phoenix: Bustling Metropolis and Native American Culture Surrounded by Desert

Phoenix enjoys about 300 days of sunshine a year, which has helped it to balloon into the sixth-largest city by population in the United States. It's also one of only 12 US cities with at least four major sports teams: the Arizona Cardinals (NFL), the Phoenix Suns (NBA), the Arizona Diamondbacks (MLB), and the Phoenix Coyotes (NHL).

Though the topography of the Phoenix area is all desert, it's by no means desolate. Camelback Mountain is a designated city park area with scenic trails that wind past boulders and red-sandstone formations; climb to the very top for a view of the entire city. Or hit the themed trails at the Desert Botanical Garden filled with southwestern flora such as huge sonoran cacti and other moisture-hoarding succulents. Either way, plan hikes in the early morning or twilight hours to catch the most stunning sunlit views and stay cool.

For an in-depth look at the cultures of Arizona’s indigenous population, browse the 12 exhibition galleries and sculpture garden at the Heard Museum.The collection’s nearly 40,000 pieces of art range from 500 Hopi katsina dolls to a full-size Pueblo oven. In nearby Scottsdale, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Taliesin West was the renowned prairie-style architect’s winter home as well as a campus for his architecture school.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Online: $1,299.00 for See Ancient & Modern China on Trip with Airfare ($0.00 value)

9-Day Tour of Beijing and Shanghai

All trips include:

Round-trip airfare on Air China

Accommodations at 4-star Broadway Mansions Hotel Shanghai and the 4-star Beijing International Hotel

All intra-China flights and ground transportation

Seven breakfast buffets and one lunch

Guided tour of Tian Zi Fang in Shanghai

Guided city tour of Beijing

Full-day trip to Great Wall of China with lunch

English-speaking tour director and local guides

Click here to view the full itinerary.

Days 1–4: Shanghai

After landing in Shanghai, you’ll take a panoramic tour of the Tian Zi Fang neighborhood en route to your hotel. The area is known for its boutiques and charming eateries. Over the course of the next two days, the city is yours to explore independently.

You can sign up for optional excursions for an additional fee, which range from a dinner and an acrobatics show to a city tour of Shanghai. The tour starts by visiting the Shanghai Museum of Chinese Art and its 120,000 artifacts, including Chinese bronze, ceramics, paintings, and calligraphy. Another optional tour takes you to the village of Suzhou, known as the “City of Gardens,” where you’ll explore the streets by rickshaw and the picturesque canals by boat.

Hotel: Broadway Mansions Hotel Shanghai

Days 5–9: Beijing

On the morning of the fifth day, the group boards a flight bound for Beijing, China’s capital city. An introductory tour takes you to historic Tiananmen Square. The following day, you’ll head to the Great Wall of China. On the way there, the guided tour will swing past the venues from the 2008 Summer Olympics and stop at a jade factory. The full-day excursion will be spent exploring the Great Wall, which dates back to the 7th century BC.

In Beijing, you’ll also have the opportunity to participate in optional activities, such as a traditional Chinese foot massage, Peking Duck dinner and the Legend of Kung Fu show, or a visit to the Forbidden City, which served as the Imperial Palace in the Ming and Qing dynasties. Another optional trip includes a tai chi lesson, then takes you to the Summer Palace—home to a classic Chinese Garden— as well as the Temple of Heaven and the Panda Zoo.

Hotel: Beijing International Hotel

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal?

This deal is only available from the gateways included.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?

Late returns are possible at a cost of $100 per person, plus any difference in airfare and additional services required, and are subject to availability. To book a late return, let Friendly Planet know and they’ll do their best to accommodate your request.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?

If your requested date is available for purchase on Groupon’s site, it should still be available.

4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available?

Technically, you should not be able to buy a Groupon for a sold out date or departure city.

5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room?

Every passenger traveling is required to have one. Triple rooms are subject to availability.

Online: $1,699.00 for 7-Day Tour of Top European Cities with Airfare ($0.00 value)

Tour of Amsterdam, Bruges, and Paris with Guided City Tours

Included in all options:

Round-trip airfare from NYC to Amsterdam and from Paris to NYC

Two nights of standard accommodations at Best Western Apollo Museumhotel Amsterdam City Centre

One night of standard accommodations at Hotel Novotel Brugge Centrum in Bruges

Two nights of standard accommodations at Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacre Coeur in Paris

All transfers from city to city

Sightseeing per itinerary

Breakfast daily

English-speaking guide

We’ve listed some trip highlights below. You can check out a full, day-by-day itinerary here.

Days 1–3: Amsterdam

Accommodations: The 3-star Apollo Museum hotel

After arriving in Amsterdam on Day 2, you’ll have the afternoon to explore the city at your leisure. Feel free to take a bike ride along the water—bike rentals are readily throughout the city—or check out the local “coffee shops.”

The first guided tour kicks off on the morning of day 3 with a canal cruise in one of Amsterdam’s renowned glass-top boats. Along the way, you’ll see 16th-century merchant mansions and strings of houseboats bobbing on the water. Then in the afternoon, it’s off to the Holland countryside, where you’ll visit a fishing village, a cheese shop, a working windmill, and a traditional clogmaker.

Days 4–5: Brussels, Bruges

Accommodations: Hotel Novotel Brugge Centrum in Bruges

The next leg of the tour takes you to Belgium’s two most famous cities: Brussels and Bruges. On a guided walking tour of the former, Belgium’s capital city, you’ll end up at Grand Place, a medieval square that Fodors called “Europe’s most ornate and most theatrical.” It has dozens of 17th-century guild houses once owned by butchers, bakers, and haberdashers.

Bruges looks like it was frozen in the Middle Ages. It’s lined with winding cobblestone streets and medieval Gothic architecture. Our Lady’s Church is famous for its formidable art collection, which includes Michelangelo’s Madonna and Child statue dating from 1504.

Stop by one of the laidback brewpubs in town, where you can feast on waffles, chocolate, French fries, and beer. On the evening of day 5, you’ll depart for Paris.

Days 6–7: Paris

Accommodations: Mercure Paris Montmartre Sacre Coeur in Paris

On day 6, a guided coach tour will take you to some of the city’s most iconic spots, including the Notre-Dame Cathedral and Arc de Triomphe. The rest of the time you can explore Paris on your own—browse through antique treasures at the local flea markets, pay a visit to the Mona Lisa in the Louvre, or enjoy a cheese-and-wine picnic at the Jardin du Luxembourg.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How much would it cost to fly from an airport not listed as part of this deal?

The supplemental fee is subject to departure date and availability at the time of booking. For information regarding a specific departure date, please call (800) 682-3333 to speak with a Gate 1 Travel Reservation Specialist.

2. Can we extend our trip before or after the promotional dates for the deal?

Yes, you may extend your stay.

3. How do I find out if the dates I want to travel are available?

The dates available are listed on each option.

4. What happens if I buy the Groupon and my travel dates are not available?

You can either choose another date or be refunded by Groupon. We suggest calling Gate 1 Travel to redeem your vouchers ASAP so that you do not run into this problem.

5. Does my child need a Groupon, and can they stay in my room?

Yes, each person traveling (including children) needs to purchase a voucher. Your child may stay in your room, however there are limits as to how many people per room. Triples are available on this tour.

Online: $50.00 for Spacious Rooms at Marriott near Midtown Atlanta ($119.00 value)

Comfortable Marriott Close to Atlanta

When it was founded in 1870, Norcross, Georgia, quickly became a resort getaway for wealthy Atlantans looking to escape the city. To this day, Norcross continues to supply a refreshing small-town antidote to the hectic pace of Atlanta, which lies just a 30-minute drive away. The Atlanta Marriott Norcross puts both locales within easy reach, welcoming visitors with clean, spacious rooms, luxurious bedding, and a hot daily breakfast.

Pillow-top mattresses and 42-inch flat-screen TVs grace guest rooms that can sleep up to five. Each room also features free WiFi and a workspace for composing postcards or Gone with the Wind fan fiction. Aromatherapy bath products in the granite-accented bathroom help you unwind before bedtime.

Downstairs, an indoor swimming pool connects to an outdoor sun deck through giant windows. A fitness center houses free weights and cardio equipment. Chile Lime, the hotel's casual onsite restaurant, serves up cedar-plank salmon, slow-roasted beef short ribs, and other American favorites for lunch and dinner.

Norcross, Georgia: Historical Village 30 Minutes from Midtown Atlanta

Norcross's 112-acre historic district is marked by turn-of-the-century street lamps and brick walkways along the main thoroughfare. The entire area is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and it's easy to see why: Victorian homes share the street with 100-foot-high trees and antebellum mansions. Golf courses nearby include the public Heritage Golf Links, whose "ambitious, well-kept layout" drew praise from Golf Digest.

About 18 miles south is Atlanta, which stands at the forefront of 21st-century southern culture. Just west of the city’s Piedmont Park, the Woodruff Arts Center houses the High Museum of Art and its permanent Louvre in Atlanta exhibit, which showcases selections from the Paris museum in rotation. Other Atlanta landmarks include the World of Coca-Cola, the rushing fountains in Centennial Olympic Park, and the enormous Georgia Aquarium.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Online: $119.00 for Downtown Philadelphia Hotel near Famous Sites ($215.00 value)

Downtown Philadelphia Hotel Within Walking Distance of City Landmarks and Famous Parks

Center City, Philadelphia’s downtown and business district, houses some of the city’s most famous attractions, including the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the historic City Hall, the world’s second tallest masonry building. The Sonesta Hotel Philadelphia is within walking distance of all of these sites, and minutes from upscale boutiques and fine dining. The hotel is also located between two popular parks, Logan Circle and Rittenhouse Square; Rittenhouse, the more elegant of the two, is flanked by townhouses and open-air cafés. Logan Circle has significant historical draw: many of the sculptures there, including the central Swann Memorial Fountain, were designed by Alexander Milne Calder—son of the man who created the iconic William Penn statue atop City Hall.

Many of Sonesta Hotel’s guest rooms have views of the surrounding cityscape. No matter which room you stay in, the onsite Elephant & Castle Pub and Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and late-night dining. The eatery specializes in classic British bar food, such as shepherd’s pie, as well as a selection of fresh seafood dishes.

Philadelphia’s Center City: Historic Landmarks and Art Museums

The historic Center City neighborhood, also known as downtown Philadelphia, dates back to the city’s founding in 1682. Today, Center City is Philadelphia’s central business district, with several skyscrapers and high-profile museums. The neighborhood is home to Independence National Historical Park, known as America’s most historic square mile due to all the notable landmarks in the vicinity. Tour Independence Hall or head to the Liberty Bell Center to see the 2,000-pound bell that Martha Washington famously rang to let George know when supper was ready. The nearby National Constitution Center features a multimedia presentation on the country’s founding, displayed on a 360-degree screen, as well as galleries of artifacts, including a rare copy of the Emancipation Proclamation.

About a mile from the hotel, you can scale the famous steps outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where Rocky Balboa once pumped his fists victoriously. Inside, the massive museum’s holdings range from ancient Chinese art to famous paintings from Claude Monet, Salvador Dalí, and Vincent van Gogh.

Read the Fine Print for important info on travel dates and other restrictions.

Online: $1,199.00 for Eight-Day Tour of Ecuador with Airfare ($0.00 value)

Guided Tour of Ecuador and the Amazon Rainforest

This eight-day tour has an active schedule packed with rainforest hikes, canoeing and rafting trips, and early starts.

Click here to view the full itinerary, and here to view video from the tour.

The tour includes:

Round-trip airfare from Miami (MIA)

Two nights at Hotel Quito or Hilton Colon Quito

One night at Cabanas del Lago or Hacienda Cusin in Otavalo

One night at Termas de Papallacta

Two nights at Casa del Suizo in the Amazon

One night at Hacienda Manteles in Patate

Seven breakfasts, three lunches, and four dinners

All transportation and hotel porterage fees

Sightseeing per itinerary in an air-conditioned motor coach

<li

Show more