EUROPE ANTIQUE TRIP
A SERIOUS INEXPENSIVE ANTIQUING TOUR
Questions/answers
Who is running the trip?
The trip is organized and booked by Ambassador travel, a licensed Massachusetts travel agency with a long reputation for service and integrity in the travel business. You will be assigned a personal travel agent , who will be happy to discuss the details with you. Your guide who will accompany you from the USA on the entire trip is the legendary antique dealer, estate liquidator and auctioneer Joe Perkins, Who has traveled extensively in the USA and Europe. Your guide in Italy is Marcello Cardinale, who lives and operates his antique business in Arezzo where the huge fairs are held. Your guides in England are the well known and extensively experienced father and son team of Billy and Richard Keefe, who hail from the isle of Thanet where they have a shop and conduct estate liquidations. they also conduct business regularly at the huge fairs in Nottingham. Depending on the time of year you join us your guide in France will vary. The three guides on call in France are very knowledgeable and experienced in the Paris antique markets.
Your deposits are held in escrow pending the final due date. All fees are refundable if we cancel the trip.
What's included?
all air fares & their taxes: from Boston to Europe & between Italy, England & France & back to Boston.
All land transportation: To and from antique fairs, from airports to hotels, hotels to antique fairs, trips to buying sites, trip to the train, trip from train to hotel, also includes the train ticket through the chunnel.(if applicable)
All hotel charges & their taxes Arezzo, Nottingham, & Paris.
early entry tickets to the Fairs which require admission.
Guides in each country.
breakfast every day.
Nice group dinner in Paris! We always have this one dinner together included in the deal.
NOTE: If you would like to travel from the airport nearest to your home, our travel agent will make the arrangements. We have a super cheap group deal from Boston, so it is much cheaper to fly to Boston and go with us from there than to go from your local airport direct.
What's not included?
optional tips to service people (coach driver, waitresses, hotel maids, guides, and me) also you are on your own for dinner each night except the first night in Paris. our local friends will guide you to the type of dining you want. typically the prices are lower than USA however the exchange rate brings you back to even.
Shipping your stuff home is extra. We have shipping agents in all locations to service you. even If you are a smalls buyer you should ship your purchases from Italy and England to avoid taking them through customs over and over. Your Paris loot will be picked up by our English shipper and sent to the USA with the English finds. Small items could possibly be brought home in your luggage.
What luggage should I bring?
please limit yourself to one checked bag and one carry on. On the way home you might be able to get one checked bag extra without a small fee, maybe not. ( I took an extra medium suitcase inside my big check-in suitcase in December, then used it to bring home some smalls without extra fees.) It's important to have a suitcase that you can roll across the street from the Gare du Nord train station to the Hotel Maubeuge when you get to Paris.
Do I need a passport?
DUH!! passports are taking a while because of new security. Get it in order early!
What about language?
We will have English speaking guides in all locations. We also recommend Rosetta stone courses for you.
WE GOT MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT SHIPPING HOME. WE HAVE AN AGENT IN ITALY WHOM WE TRUST, AND HAVE NO PROBLEM LEAVING YOUR ITALY FINDS FOR SHIPMENT. WHEN WE SHOP AT THE FAIRS IN ENGLAND, OUR REGULAR SHIPPER WILL HANDLE ALL THE DETAILS. YOUR PURCHASES IN FRANCE WILL BE PICKED UP IN OUR TRUCK AND TAKEN ON THE CALAIS, FRANCE TO DOVER, ENGLAND FERRY AND PLACED IN THE SAME CONTAINER IN ENGLAND TO BE SHIPPED WITH THE ENGLISH MERCHANDISE. ALL THE CONTAINERS WILL BE SHIPPED TO OUR WAREHOUSE IN NEW BEDFORD, MASS. YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR STUFF THERE WHEN THE CONTAINER ARRIVES, OR SHORTLY THEREAFTER BY ARRANGEMENT WITH US.
NEEDLESS TO SAY YOU CAN FEEL FREE TO SHIP SMALLS DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCATION USING OUR SHIPPERS, WHO CAN SEND THE MERCHANDISE TO ANYWHERE YOU WANT. YOU CAN ALSO USE THE UPS OR OTHER SYSTEMS OR ANY OTHER SHIPPER YOU LIKE. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO USE OUR ARRANGEMENTS.
The trip is organized and booked by Ambassador travel, a licensed Massachusetts travel agency with a long reputation for service and integrity in the travel business. You will be assigned a personal travel agent , who will be happy to discuss the details with you. Your guide who will accompany you from the USA on the entire trip is the legendary antique dealer, estate liquidator and auctioneer Joe Perkins, Who has traveled extensively in the USA and Europe. Your guide in Italy is Marcello Cardinale, who lives and operates his antique business in Arezzo where the huge fairs are held. Your guides in England are the well known and extensively experienced father and son team of Billy and Richard Keefe, who hail from the isle of Thanet where they have a shop and conduct estate liquidations. they also conduct business regularly at the huge fairs in Nottingham. Depending on the time of year you join us your guide in France will vary. The three guides on call in France are very knowledgeable and experienced in the Paris antique markets.
Your deposits are held in escrow pending the final due date. All fees are refundable if we cancel the trip.
What's included?
all air fares & their taxes: from Boston to Europe & between Italy, England & France & back to Boston.
All land transportation: To and from antique fairs, from airports to hotels, hotels to antique fairs, trips to buying sites, trip to the train, trip from train to hotel, also includes the train ticket through the chunnel.(if applicable)
All hotel charges & their taxes Arezzo, Nottingham, & Paris.
early entry tickets to the Fairs which require admission.
Guides in each country.
breakfast every day.
Nice group dinner in Paris! We always have this one dinner together included in the deal.
NOTE: If you would like to travel from the airport nearest to your home, our travel agent will make the arrangements. We have a super cheap group deal from Boston, so it is much cheaper to fly to Boston and go with us from there than to go from your local airport direct.
What's not included?
optional tips to service people (coach driver, waitresses, hotel maids, guides, and me) also you are on your own for dinner each night except the first night in Paris. our local friends will guide you to the type of dining you want. typically the prices are lower than USA however the exchange rate brings you back to even.
Shipping your stuff home is extra. We have shipping agents in all locations to service you. even If you are a smalls buyer you should ship your purchases from Italy and England to avoid taking them through customs over and over. Your Paris loot will be picked up by our English shipper and sent to the USA with the English finds. Small items could possibly be brought home in your luggage.
What luggage should I bring?
please limit yourself to one checked bag and one carry on. On the way home you might be able to get one checked bag extra without a small fee, maybe not. ( I took an extra medium suitcase inside my big check-in suitcase in December, then used it to bring home some smalls without extra fees.) It's important to have a suitcase that you can roll across the street from the Gare du Nord train station to the Hotel Maubeuge when you get to Paris.
Do I need a passport?
DUH!! passports are taking a while because of new security. Get it in order early!
What about language?
We will have English speaking guides in all locations. We also recommend Rosetta stone courses for you.
WE GOT MANY QUESTIONS ABOUT SHIPPING HOME. WE HAVE AN AGENT IN ITALY WHOM WE TRUST, AND HAVE NO PROBLEM LEAVING YOUR ITALY FINDS FOR SHIPMENT. WHEN WE SHOP AT THE FAIRS IN ENGLAND, OUR REGULAR SHIPPER WILL HANDLE ALL THE DETAILS. YOUR PURCHASES IN FRANCE WILL BE PICKED UP IN OUR TRUCK AND TAKEN ON THE CALAIS, FRANCE TO DOVER, ENGLAND FERRY AND PLACED IN THE SAME CONTAINER IN ENGLAND TO BE SHIPPED WITH THE ENGLISH MERCHANDISE. ALL THE CONTAINERS WILL BE SHIPPED TO OUR WAREHOUSE IN NEW BEDFORD, MASS. YOU CAN PICK UP YOUR STUFF THERE WHEN THE CONTAINER ARRIVES, OR SHORTLY THEREAFTER BY ARRANGEMENT WITH US.
NEEDLESS TO SAY YOU CAN FEEL FREE TO SHIP SMALLS DIRECTLY TO YOUR LOCATION USING OUR SHIPPERS, WHO CAN SEND THE MERCHANDISE TO ANYWHERE YOU WANT. YOU CAN ALSO USE THE UPS OR OTHER SYSTEMS OR ANY OTHER SHIPPER YOU LIKE. YOU ARE NOT REQUIRED TO USE OUR ARRANGEMENTS.
What does it cost?
Wow! it is cheap. Even with the big increases in jet fuel We have managed to keep the December 2008 trip at $2695.00 and the February 2009 trip at $3295.00 per person, double occupancy. We will help match up roommates to save, but if you insist on rooming alone, you must pay an extra $595.00
Reserve a spot now! Because of the problems with fuel surcharges and dollar fluctuations, we can gaurantee these prices to participants who make a reservation with the initial deposit now. We realize this is early, but your reservation now locks in our prices with the airlines, hotels, etc. If you wait to make your reservations, the prices may be higher in the future and/or you may lose your spot if we are fully booked. We limited the number of shoppers on each trip.
You need to pay a $750.00 deposit right away and the balance 60 days before we leave. The payment must be paid in FULL before the deadline. If you write a check it must clear the bank before the deadline. You may use credit cards for payment, but make sure we are able to process the payment before the deadline. Because we are keeping this trip at the lowest cost possible, we need to add a credit card processing fee of 4.5% of the total you charge. If you pay partially by charge, only the amount on the charge card will be subject to this fee.
If the trip is canceled by us for any reason, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel after the deadline you will be charged. All payments shall be made to EUROPEANTIQUETRIP.COM Deposits will be held in escrow.
We now have some reservations available for the trips in December 2008 and February 2009
Wow! it is cheap. Even with the big increases in jet fuel We have managed to keep the December 2008 trip at $2695.00 and the February 2009 trip at $3295.00 per person, double occupancy. We will help match up roommates to save, but if you insist on rooming alone, you must pay an extra $595.00
Reserve a spot now! Because of the problems with fuel surcharges and dollar fluctuations, we can gaurantee these prices to participants who make a reservation with the initial deposit now. We realize this is early, but your reservation now locks in our prices with the airlines, hotels, etc. If you wait to make your reservations, the prices may be higher in the future and/or you may lose your spot if we are fully booked. We limited the number of shoppers on each trip.
You need to pay a $750.00 deposit right away and the balance 60 days before we leave. The payment must be paid in FULL before the deadline. If you write a check it must clear the bank before the deadline. You may use credit cards for payment, but make sure we are able to process the payment before the deadline. Because we are keeping this trip at the lowest cost possible, we need to add a credit card processing fee of 4.5% of the total you charge. If you pay partially by charge, only the amount on the charge card will be subject to this fee.
If the trip is canceled by us for any reason, you will receive a full refund. If you cancel after the deadline you will be charged. All payments shall be made to EUROPEANTIQUETRIP.COM Deposits will be held in escrow.
We now have some reservations available for the trips in December 2008 and February 2009
What about money exchange?
Euros are used in both Italy and France. Pounds in England. The value of the American dollar is low now and this works against us, however choosing this time of year cuts overall expenses greatly and also because not as many Americans are traveling to buy (especially in the off season) the sellers have lowered their prices to compensate. They have been forced to give us better deals because of the lower dollar value. Exchange for the amount of euros you plan on spending in Italy then save the leftover money for France. Do not exchange the money from dollars to euros to pounds to euros to dollars. Use your credit card for retail purchases like dinner, wine, clothes etc. this is the best rate. You will get a better rate at a national bank rather than use the exchangers at the airports. Let us know if we can help.
What are the rooms like?
Sorry some people thought when I used the phrase " cheap" hotels that I meant rat infested hell holes. NO, THEY ARE NOT! I mean to say they are good clean, pleasant, inexpensive hotels without swimming pools, tennis courts and valet parking. We will be comfortable. On our links page you will see a link to the Maubeuge hotel in Paris.
how are the bargains?
Please bear in mind that you could go to an antique show in the USA and see the same item in ten different booths for ten different prices. The same applies in Europe. The main reason for us shopping at several major shows and "secret" side trips in different countries is to dramatically increase the chances of finding the wholesalers and the uneducated sellers. Our experience lately has been a great willingness of European dealers to make deals. After all, they are really missing the American shoppers that supported them in past years. The merchandise is different as well. European stuff has a unique look and feel and is usually older than we are used to. Try to set your parameters for price break points. for example: If you want to sell the item in the USA for triple what you paid on the trip, use the euros or pound price times the exchange rate times 3. Spend a little time getting your formula right and buying and offering decisions will be easy.
NEWS FLASH: DEC.20, JUST GOT BACK AND BOUGHT SOME GREAT STUFF! IT OBVIOUSLY REQUIRED A LITTLE MORE SEARCHING, ROOTING AND BARGAINING THAN 10 YEARS AGO, BUT I FOUND A GENERAL ATTITUDE THAT THIER BUSINESS HAS SUFFERED FROM THE LACK OF AMERICAN TOURISTS AND ANTIQUE SHOPPERS. OUR TRIPS ARE REALLY INTENSELY ORIENTED TO BARGAIN HUNTING, SO I DON'T MIND THE EXTRA EFFORT TO FIND THE DEALS. IF YOU WANT TO PAY TOP DOLLAR, YOU CAN TRAVEL WITH ANYONE AND GO ANYWHERE, BUT I STILL PREFER "THE THRILL OF THE HUNT"
Where will I have dinner?
Because our local friends will be there for advice, you can elect the type and price range of dining you want. You won't need to spend a fortune for food. We ate a few times in Witherspoon's in Newark where the pints of ale where 99p at happy hour. On the other hand, if you are up for some fine dining, it will be easy to find, especially in Italy and Paris. Don't expect to find gourmet food in England.
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL US FROM THE "CONTACT US" PAGE
Euros are used in both Italy and France. Pounds in England. The value of the American dollar is low now and this works against us, however choosing this time of year cuts overall expenses greatly and also because not as many Americans are traveling to buy (especially in the off season) the sellers have lowered their prices to compensate. They have been forced to give us better deals because of the lower dollar value. Exchange for the amount of euros you plan on spending in Italy then save the leftover money for France. Do not exchange the money from dollars to euros to pounds to euros to dollars. Use your credit card for retail purchases like dinner, wine, clothes etc. this is the best rate. You will get a better rate at a national bank rather than use the exchangers at the airports. Let us know if we can help.
What are the rooms like?
Sorry some people thought when I used the phrase " cheap" hotels that I meant rat infested hell holes. NO, THEY ARE NOT! I mean to say they are good clean, pleasant, inexpensive hotels without swimming pools, tennis courts and valet parking. We will be comfortable. On our links page you will see a link to the Maubeuge hotel in Paris.
how are the bargains?
Please bear in mind that you could go to an antique show in the USA and see the same item in ten different booths for ten different prices. The same applies in Europe. The main reason for us shopping at several major shows and "secret" side trips in different countries is to dramatically increase the chances of finding the wholesalers and the uneducated sellers. Our experience lately has been a great willingness of European dealers to make deals. After all, they are really missing the American shoppers that supported them in past years. The merchandise is different as well. European stuff has a unique look and feel and is usually older than we are used to. Try to set your parameters for price break points. for example: If you want to sell the item in the USA for triple what you paid on the trip, use the euros or pound price times the exchange rate times 3. Spend a little time getting your formula right and buying and offering decisions will be easy.
NEWS FLASH: DEC.20, JUST GOT BACK AND BOUGHT SOME GREAT STUFF! IT OBVIOUSLY REQUIRED A LITTLE MORE SEARCHING, ROOTING AND BARGAINING THAN 10 YEARS AGO, BUT I FOUND A GENERAL ATTITUDE THAT THIER BUSINESS HAS SUFFERED FROM THE LACK OF AMERICAN TOURISTS AND ANTIQUE SHOPPERS. OUR TRIPS ARE REALLY INTENSELY ORIENTED TO BARGAIN HUNTING, SO I DON'T MIND THE EXTRA EFFORT TO FIND THE DEALS. IF YOU WANT TO PAY TOP DOLLAR, YOU CAN TRAVEL WITH ANYONE AND GO ANYWHERE, BUT I STILL PREFER "THE THRILL OF THE HUNT"
Where will I have dinner?
Because our local friends will be there for advice, you can elect the type and price range of dining you want. You won't need to spend a fortune for food. We ate a few times in Witherspoon's in Newark where the pints of ale where 99p at happy hour. On the other hand, if you are up for some fine dining, it will be easy to find, especially in Italy and Paris. Don't expect to find gourmet food in England.
IF YOU HAVE ANY OTHER QUESTIONS, PLEASE EMAIL US FROM THE "CONTACT US" PAGE
