Useful Information - CostSaver

Transcription

Europe & Britain
Know Before You Go
A step by step guide to your Trafalgar trip.
Your insider’s journey begins…
Thank you for choosing Trafalgar to show you
the insider’s view of Europe and Britain. A wealth
of experience has taught us that your journey
begins well before you leave home. So we have
compiled this guide to provide you with as much
information as possible to help you prepare for
your travels. We look forward to welcoming you
on the trip of a lifetime!
Anne Hathaway's Cottage, Stratford-upon-Avon
2
Before you go…
Travel Documents
Airport Transfers in London
A couple of weeks prior to your holiday you will receive your
Trafalgar wallet with your travel documents and literature.
These documents are valuable and contain a wealth of
advice and essential information to make your holiday as
enjoyable as possible. Please read them carefully before
your departure.
Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport
and your London hotel. Trafalgar has negotiated special
group transfer rates from London’s Heathrow* Airport to the
door of your Trafalgar London hotel:
$38 per person per single trip to/from Heathrow Airport.
Trafalgar’s transfer terms and conditions:
1. For included transfers: Your flights must be booked directly by Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. For chargeable transfers: Your Travel Agent provides detailed flight information to Trafalgar no fewer than 21 days prior to departure. Once transfers are booked they cannot be changed.
2. For London arrivals, you must stay at a London hotel
booked by Trafalgar on the night of arrival and the night
prior to your departure date.
3. Trafalgar only includes one inbound and one
outbound transfer.
4. In the event of flight delays outside of Trafalgar’s control,
the transfers will be deemed to be cancelled.
5. All transfers are based on group transfers. No refund is
therefore available for missed transfers, or guests not using this service.
6. In the event of unforeseen events (such as road or rail works, strikes or demonstrations), Trafalgar will not be responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers.
Passports and Visas
You will require a passport valid for six months beyond
the conclusion of your trip, with appropriate visas.
Some itineraries may require multiple-entry visas for
certain countries. You must contact your travel agent or
applicable government authorities to get the necessary
documentation. It is the sole responsibility of each guest
to have a valid passport and necessary visas, as well as
to comply with entry, health or other requirements of the
countries visited.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is a must have! It is imperative that you take
out a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers you
the entire time you are away from home. Your policy should
cover the following:
• Trip cancellation or curtailment
• Loss or damage to property and baggage
• Loss of cash, traveller’s cheques, etc.
• Medical costs and personal accident
Don’t forget to pack a copy of your policy, contact phone
numbers and instructions on how to claim in the unlikely
event that it is necessary.
*Heathrow Airport: Guests will be picked up and dropped
off in time to meet all flights booked to/from London’s
Heathrow Airport.
*Gatwick Airport: For guests flying into London's Gatwick
Airport, Trafalgar recommends the Gatwick Express, see
Gatwick Express's website at www.gatwickexpress.com
Airport Transfers in Europe
Trafalgar’s Express Check-In
Trafalgar bonus! All Trafalgar guests receive complimentary
arrival and departure transfers by shuttle bus on the arrival
and departure day of their itinerary at the times specified on
the individual itinerary pages. Any guests whose flight times
do not coincide with the shuttle bus transfer timings may
choose to book and purchase a transfer. Additionally, guests
arriving before or leaving after the timetabled itinerary
day may also book and buy a transfer through Trafalgar
providing that they also purchase the additional pre and
post itinerary hotel night(s) from Trafalgar.
Please register as soon as possible after making
your booking.
By registering with Trafalgar’s Express Check-In, you are
ensuring we receive all the essential information we need to
better anticipate your needs while on your trip.
Other benefits include:
• You won’t be required to show your passport at each hotel
• Your Travel Director will have all your important
details immediately
• You’ll receive useful information and tips before you go
and compelling offers from our partners
Trafalgar bonus in the Eastern Mediterranean region!
Trafalgar is pleased to offer complimentary airport transfers
at any time either on the first or last day of the itinerary or on
other days in conjunction with pre and post accommodation
booked through Trafalgar.
It should take less than 10 minutes to register and you
should have the following information ready:
• Your booking number and last name
• The passport details of everyone on your booking
• The emergency contact details of your nominated person (should an unlikely event arise)
Note that flight timings must be provided to Trafalgar no
fewer than 21 days before flight departure. Please see
Trafalgar’s transfer terms and conditions.
3
Please note, if you check in within 15 days of departure,
we cannot guarantee your Travel Director will receive
your details. In this instance, please print your completed
registration form and present it to your Travel Director at the
start of your holiday. All of your details are kept secure.
for detailed information regarding your airline’s checked
baggage policies.
Please note that airport porterage at the beginning and end
of your guided holiday is not included. Loss or damage to
luggage or any of your belongings is at your own risk, so
please protect yourself with appropriate insurance.
1. Go to www.trafalgar.com/express
2. Enter your Booking No. and Last Name
Packing
3. Answer all questions and click 'submit'
When travelling as a couple, pack each suitcase with day
and evening clothing for each person, so that in the unlikely
event one of your suitcases is mislaid on your flight, you’ll
still be able to manage.
Ensure that your personal and holiday details are written
on a label inside each suitcase (including name, address,
telephone number, departure and return flight details). Write
only your name and destination address on outside labels.
presents
Europe & Britain
Make sure that your luggage is in good secure condition, and
use a TSA approved lock for US security checkpoints. When
carrying fragile items, use a rigid style suitcase for protection.
Check-in only your own suitcases. Do not carry items packed
by other people. Never accept packages or articles from
anyone unknown to you to carry on board the aircraft.
There are strict airport security regulations on items that
may be carried on board aircraft such as liquids/gels and
metal objects. Please consult your airline or travel agent
regarding these and other restricted items and how they
must be displayed at airport security checkpoints.
Luggage
We suggest you pack only essential items for daytime use
in your hand-baggage, both for your flight and while on
the coach. For example, your camera, medicines, anything
that you use frequently or is particularly valuable. Expensive
jewellery, clothing, etc. should be left at home for your
peace of mind.
Luggage Allowance
This is restricted to one large suitcase
per person with dimensions not
exceeding 30x19x10” (76x45x25 cm) and
a maximum weight of 50 lb (23 kg). Hotel
porterage of this luggage is included in
your holiday price.
30”
Clothing & Footwear
For information on suitable clothing and footwear, please
refer to the listings under each country. However, a general
tip would be to make sure you bring comfortable walking
shoes as a number of cities in Europe are developing as
havens for pedestrians.
19”
Hand Luggage
Hand luggage should be one piece per
person and small enough to fit under your
coach seat or on the small overhead shelf
compartment. This is your responsibility
and should be carried on/off the coach
with you. Please note that luggage with
an adjustable handle and wheels will not
fit in the overhead compartment of the
coach and cannot be accepted as carryon luggage.
What to Bring
This will depend upon your personal preferences, where
you are travelling to and the time of year you are travelling.
We generally recommend casual, lightweight, drip-dry
clothing that requires little or no ironing. Laundry facilities
are available at most of the places we stay, however, take
sufficient clothing to last for about a week. Below is a list of
items to consider packing for your Trafalgar holiday:
Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated, particularly
as it is necessary for your safety and comfort. If a second
suitcase is carried, or if it exceeds the permitted weight and/or
dimensions, a charge of €6/£5 per travelling day will be collected
by your Travel Director. Airlines may have additional restrictions
and may impose additional charges if you choose to check
any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website
Clothing
Swimsuit
Sandals
Hat
Shorts/skirts
Warm jacket
4
Undergarments
Socks
Sleepwear
Jeans/trousers
Pullover/cardigan
Warm jacket
Waterproof jacket
Good walking shoes
General Items
Spare batteries/charger
Medications
& prescriptions
Toiletries
Insect repellent
Travel sewing kit
Plastic bags
Water bottle (screw top lid)
Sachets of washing powder
Make Friends Before You Go
Pullover/cardigan
Shirts/blouses
When you travel with Trafalgar you will have the opportunity
to meet new and interesting people from around the world.
You can meet up with your fellow travelling companions
by visiting Trafalgar’s Online Community. Read posts from
fellow travellers in our Online Forum and register for My
Community, your private travel group portal.
Visit www.trafalgar.com/community and click on the links
at the bottom of the page.
Camera/memory cards
Power plug adapters/converter
Collapsible umbrella
Sunscreen
Pocket calculator
Travel alarm clock
Sunglasses
Budgeting
Trafalgar itineraries include many features that will save
you money on your trip – if you study your itinerary pages
in the Trafalgar brochure you will see how many highlight
visits and other sightseeing is included, as well as meals
and entertainment. For personal items such as souvenirs,
gifts, taxi fares, laundry and gratuities, we suggest you allow
€9-€11 per day in Europe and £8-£10 per day in the UK. In
addition, we recommend you budget for the following extra
expenses per person:
Money belt or holster
Essentials
Passport (& Visas)
Travel insurance policy
Trafalgar documents
Airline tickets
Credit cards/pre-loaded currency cards
NB Do not pack your passport or money in your suitcase.
Meals
Tip: Weed out your wallet prior to leaving. Only take the
essential identifiers like your drivers license and just two
credit cards - one to carry, another to be locked in your hotel
room safe.
Lunches are usually not included and individual requirements
vary, but we suggest you allow €10/£9 per day. Where
evening meals are not included, the cost will depend on the
type and locations of restaurants used. As a guide, allow
€25-€30/£22-£30 per day. You should budget for drinks with
meals and refreshment stops during the day. Non-alcoholic
drinks cost approximately €2-€3/£1.50-£2.50 each.
Health
See individual country information for any specific health
requirements or recommendations. If you are on a regular
course of medication or there are medicines that particularly
suit you, we recommend that you bring an adequate supply
for your entire trip. Identical brands may not be available
elsewhere, but also bring a copy of your prescription.
Money
Since 2002, the Euro has been the currency throughout much
of Europe. Please see the individual listings under each
country for the applicable currency. We strongly recommend
that you buy a small amount of each currency, particularly
Euros, before arriving on the continent, since there may be no
opportunity to exchange money as you enter a country. This
enables you to make your initial purchases until you manage
to get to a bank.
For easy access when travelling, please keep all your
medication in your hand luggage, not in your suitcases.
Carry prescription drugs in their original package to avoid
customs questions.
We respectfully suggest older passengers and those
suffering from any existing medical conditions should have
a thorough check-up with their doctor prior to departure. If
you wear eyeglasses, you may wish to bring an extra pair or
set of contact lenses in your carry-on luggage.
It is also possible at some banks and ATMs to draw cash on
presentation of your credit card, though this may incur fees/
interest payments – check with your bank before departure. It
is a good idea to deposit sufficient funds into your accounts
prior to departure and then use your Personal Identification
Number (PIN) to access them. Check with your bankcard
company regarding possible ATM availability. Even if you are
planning to use your credit card, you may also like to arrange
a Prepaid Currency card before you leave home. These are
available in Euros, Pounds Sterling and other major currencies
and allow you to pre-load any amount you wish. They can
be used at ATMs as well as in shops and restaurants across
Europe. Further information can be found at
www.cashpassport.com
If you have any existing medical conditions, dietary
requirements or disability that should be brought to our
attention, it is essential that you inform us via your travel
agent. Medical attention can be very expensive outside your
own country, so be sure to take out adequate insurance.
Vaccinations
Please contact your doctor or healthcare provider before
travelling to determine which vaccinations are recommended.
5
Please note that we don't recommend the use of travellers
cheques as these are increasingly difficult to change and
often incur fees. In Britain, you must have £ Sterling currency.
Euros are accepted in Banks and Bureau de Change, but not
in shops, restaurants, bars, etc. Trafalgar’s London Reception
Centre and Hotel Service Desk also accept Euro currency.
In Scotland you may receive Scottish sterling notes in your
change; these are accepted in England and Wales.
Credit Cards
If you have a credit card, we strongly recommend that
you bring it with you, since this gives you extra financial
flexibility while travelling. The major international credit
cards, especially Visa or MasterCard, are accepted by many
restaurants, shops and hotels. The bill you sign will be made
out in much the same way as at home, except that the total
will be in the local currency. This will be converted into your
home currency by the credit card company and invoiced
in the usual way. Here are some further tips on using credit
cards while travelling.
•
Check the expiry date of your credit card and the amount
of credit available to you (do not forget any credit card
purchases made just before you leave).
•
Call your credit card company to advise them you will be
travelling, as some companies will block the credit card
when they notice unusual charge activity.
•
Ensure you memorise your Personal Identification
Number (PIN); do not write it down.
•
Ensure that your credit card is kept in view at all times
when paying for goods and services.
•
Ensure that the total amount of your purchase is entered
on the sales voucher in the correct currency before you
sign it.
•
Retain all copies of sales vouchers until you have verified
them against your statements.
•
Insist that all ‘spoiled’ sales vouchers be destroyed in
your presence.
•
Make sure your credit card is carried on your person.
•
Never leave your credit card unattended in your hotel
room, a vehicle or any other place.
•
Treat your credit card as you would cash.
•
Report immediately the loss or theft of your credit card.
Weather
The climate in Europe is moderately continental and humid
in the summer. For weather conditions pertinent to your
travel timetable, visit these websites:
•
•
•
www.weather.com
www.cnn.com/weather/
www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world
Mail
Prior to departing you should stop your mail or arrange for a
neighbour to collect it. A full mailbox can be a treasure trove
for hackers and identity thieves.
6
While you are travelling...
Your Travel Director and Coach Driver
a brief orientation drive or walk to familiarise you with the
locality, usually on the way to your hotel.
Throughout your Trafalgar guided holiday you will be
accompanied by a professional Travel Director and
experienced Coach Driver. A Trafalgar Travel Director is
more than just a guide. They are seasoned and experienced
travellers, specially selected for their in-depth knowledge
of the regions you will visit. They will enrich your experience
with informative commentary on the history, culture and
natural landscape of the region and reveal the hidden
places that only an insider would know. They will also
introduce you to your travelling companions and make you
feel welcome. Trafalgar’s Coach Drivers are fully licensed,
qualified and experienced professionals who are selected
for their impeccable driving skills and record.
Optional Excursions
Most of your sightseeing activities are included in your
holiday price. However, there is a wide range of other
exciting excursions available, both while travelling and
in the gateway cities before and after your trip. To assist
you with planning your budget, your travel documents
will include a comprehensive day-by-day itinerary with full
details and costs of the optional excursions available. Some
optional excursions cannot be paid by credit card. Your
Travel Director will advise you. Please note that optional
excursions are operated by third parties and Trafalgar
accepts no liability. All optional excursions are undertaken
at your own risk.
Lost/Damaged Baggage
If upon arrival at the airport after your flight, your baggage
fails to arrive or arrives damaged, go immediately to the
airline representative (often situated in the Arrivals Hall
before you go through customs) and report your loss/
damage. They will ask you for the numbered baggage
receipts given to you when you checked your baggage in
for the flight. They will then commence a search for your
baggage, and may award you some compensation to buy
essential clothing until your baggage is found. You should
also contact your travel insurance assistance company, as
they may help with the recovery of the bag and offer some
monetary compensation depending on the length of time
the baggage remains missing.
Trafalgar Noticeboards
In London, most of our hotels display a Trafalgar Noticeboard.
If you do not find one, please ask the Trafalgar Local Host
or at the concierge desk. Please read the notices as they
contain details about the times your Local Host will be in
the hotel and about meeting your Travel Director, if you are
joining your holiday in London.
During your trip, your Travel Director will post a daily notice
with details of the program timetable. Please check this
regularly for the most up-to-date information and be ready
at the specified times.
Europe is different!
Currency Packs
Visiting Europe is a totally new and different experience
from life back home. You will find different people, food and
customs and a completely different attitude and way of life.
While many of its customs may seem strange to a visitor,
they are, after all, what makes Europe ‘Europe’. So our
advice is to keep an open mind and enjoy the unfamiliar.
Trafalgar’s Currency Packs are one of the easiest ways for
you to buy foreign currency for Europe. You will not have
the inconvenience of standing in line on cross-channel
ferries waiting to change money. We recommend at least
one pack per person to give you just the right amount
of currency to get you started. Currency Packs can be
purchased at the start of your trip from your Travel Director
at Trafalgar’s London Reception Centre. You can pay in
Australian dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling. They are only
available on European itineraries starting in London and not
on UK and Ireland itineraries.
Hotels
At Trafalgar we pride ourselves on our superior hotel
selection. Our hotels are centrally located and close to
major attractions. As we travel from major cities to remote
regions, the standards can vary, but you can rest assured
that the hotels we have selected are the best available.
Your Holiday
Europe has a tourism industry which has developed over
several centuries and across many different countries, each
with its own culture and traditions. The hotels often reflect
that, so don’t expect European hotels to be the same as
those back home. Not all hotels are air-conditioned, for
example, since in parts of Europe the climate does not
usually warrant it. All Trafalgar hotel accommodation have
private facilities, but again, this will vary. Most bathrooms
have a bathtub with integrated shower, but occasionally
Trafalgar’s philosophy is that it’s your holiday and you should
have the freedom to enjoy yourself as you wish. However,
a great deal of planning goes into your itinerary to ensure
you see all the main sights in the places visited. Trafalgar
ensures you enjoy a full sightseeing experience in all major
towns and cities visited on your itinerary. Local sightseeing
is conducted by qualified Local Guides who are eager to
share their vast knowledge and love of the local history and
culture. In other places, your Travel Director will give you
7
Laundry Facilities
only a walk-in shower. Room sizes in Europe, the UK and
Ireland are generally smaller than in other parts of the world,
and can vary within the same hotel, particularly where the
hotel is a historic building.
When there is a two-night stopover, arrangements can be
made for your laundry with hotel housekeeping (at your
cost). Please note laundry services are not available on
weekends or local holidays.
Twin rooms usually consist of two single beds while double
rooms contain one matrimonial bed. Triple rooms may
consist of one double-bed and the third bed may be a
rollaway bed. Single rooms in European hotels are generally
smaller than twin-bedded rooms, and may contain one
single bed.
Lost Property
Once something is lost it is often difficult to find. Trafalgar
cannot accept responsibility for property lost anywhere,
although we will do our utmost to try and recover lost
items. If you notice the loss while on your trip, you should
immediately report it to your Travel Director who will
complete a lost property form and give you a copy for
insurance purposes. If you wish Trafalgar to trace any lost
property for you – once your trip has ended – you should
contact Trafalgar’s London Reception Centre or Hotel
Service Desk. Any lost property found will be returned to
you at your own expense.
You are strongly advised to book all your pre and post trip
hotel accommodation before you travel. In large cities rooms
are constantly in demand for tourism and business purposes.
NB Trafalgar contracted your trip accommodation many
months ago. However, on occasions the hotel may need
to relocate its guests into alternative accommodation. This
can happen particularly when special events such as major
conferences or exhibitions are taking place. It is beyond
Trafalgar’s control, but we will always do our utmost to
minimise any inconvenience and you can rest assured that
all sightseeing inclusions will be unchanged.
Your Coach
Modern, air-conditioned coaches have been carefully
selected by Trafalgar with your comfort, safety and scenic
viewing in mind. Your Trafalgar team will explain all the
safety features of your coach at the beginning of your trip.
For the comfort of all travellers, Trafalgar enforces a noalcohol and no-smoking policy on board the coach. Our
coaches are equipped with DVD and/or CD players.
Facilities
All hotel rooms are clean and well serviced. Tea and coffee
making facilities are provided within most hotels rooms
in the UK, however this is uncommon in European hotels.
Rooms usually contain STD/ISD phone and a television, and
may have a mini bar, room service and in-house movies.
Wherever possible we select establishments that offer
additional facilities too, such as swimming pool, sauna,
restaurants and bars. Please refer to the itinerary in your
travel wallet for information regarding accommodation at
each stop.
Please note that antiseptic, bandages and other over-thecounter medications such as aspirin are not carried on the
coach. Your Travel Director will be able to direct you as to
where these items may be purchased locally should you
need them.
Porterage
Allocation of rooms
Your coach crew is always there to lend a hand and to
liaise closely with hotels to ensure efficient handling of
your luggage.
Trafalgar does not allocate the rooms in any hotel – this
is done by the hotel staff – nor can we guarantee the
position of your room within any hotel. If you are on your
guided holiday and you feel that you are receiving a
disproportionate number of smaller rooms or rooms without
a view, please inform your Travel Director.
Seat Rotation
Where appropriate, our seat rotation scheme ensures you
get to know your fellow travelling companions and enjoy the
views from a different vantage point each day.
Hotel Check-in & Check-out
A Clean Coach
Arrangements are made to ensure that check-in and
check-out at hotels run smoothly, and your Travel Director
will advise you in advance of the procedure before arriving
at each hotel. On departing the hotel, always remember to
return your room key to reception before boarding the coach!
Your driver is responsible for the coach inside and out. Please
assist by eating and drinking on board as little as possible.
No Smoking
For the comfort of all travellers, smoking is not permitted on
board our coaches, but smokers need not worry – frequent
comfort and relaxation stops are made along the way.
Personal Hotel Expenses
Any additional costs incurred during your stay at the hotels
(for example, laundry, telephone calls and bar bills) are your
responsibility. Please ensure that your account is settled
on the evening before you leave to ensure a smooth and
speedy departure the following morning.
Onboard Restroom
Coaches on all itineraries in Europe are equipped with
restrooms. While you are free to use this facility whenever
required, your Travel Director will suggest that you make use
of the facilities available at our frequent comfort stops.
8
Meals
individual nature, you should seal your gratuity in an
envelope to present to each of them separately at the
end of your holiday.
Breakfast
Your holiday includes daily breakfasts following local
traditions. Please note that in London, breakfast is only
included if you have stayed in the hotel on the preceding
night and booked it through Trafalgar. Check with Trafalgar
in London as to how your breakfast will be served at your
London hotel on the morning of your trip departure.
In Britain and Ireland, and on the majority of our Europe
itineraries, you will enjoy a cold or hot buffet style breakfast.
Please refer to your itinerary pages in the relevant Trafalgar
brochure for full details.
Dinner
While Trafalgar encourages hotels to provide meals that
feature local flavours, most offer fairly plain international
fare that caters for the broadest range of tastes. If you have
a more adventurous palate, you will still have a number of
opportunities to sample local specialities throughout your
holiday, either during your free time or on our unique
Be My Guest dining experiences and other Highlight
dining occasions.
Suggested tipping rates (per person travelling) for your
Trafalgar team in Europe/UK are €4/£3 per day for your
Travel Director, €2.50/£2 per day for your Coach Driver,
and €2/£1 per half-day for a Local Guide.
•
While on your guided holiday, tips and service charges
are included for your included meals, accommodation
and porterage, but at other times we suggest the
following as a guide to general tipping practices in
Europe/UK:
•
Room service waiter: €1/£1 (We recommend that you
carry some small change with you, as it is not usual to
ask for change when tipping.)
•
Taxis: 10-15% of the fare on the meter.
•
Restaurants & bars: 10-15% of the total bill. If a service
charge has already been added, there is no need to tip
as much or at all.
Photography
Bring extra batteries and memory cards. Depending on
the destination, use re-sealable plastic bags to protect
camera equipment from dampness. Never leave a camera
in a hotel room or elsewhere unattended.
Freedom at Meal Times
Trafalgar’s philosophy of a careful mix of free time and
organised activities extends to your meal arrangements,
and only a limited number of lunches are included on
our itineraries. We believe you should be free to spend
your time at lunch stops in your own way, maybe trying a
local dish or taking a light snack and using the extra time
for additional sightseeing or shopping. Occasionally, our
daily itinerary may require us to make a lunch stop at a
recommended roadside eatery. In certain cities, dinners
are not included, giving you an opportunity to dine out on
your own, sample regional dishes and eat in typical local
restaurants. Your Travel Director will be able to offer advice
to help you choose.
Staying In Touch
Phoning home from hotels can be expensive. All hotels
will add a service charge to the cost of any phone calls
you make from your room. This charge can be very high.
It is always cheaper for you to use public telephones (pay
phones). Your Travel Director will advise you how to use the
telephone if you are unsure. Alternatively, you could use an
eKIT phonecard.
What is eKIT?
Drinks
eKIT is your global phone card and web communication
service designed to keep you in touch with family and friends
while you’re travelling.
When not specified on an included meal, drinks are always
at your own expense. In some European cafés/bars you
pay one price to drink at the bar, and a higher price to sit
at a table. Alcoholic drinks can be much more expensive if
purchased in hotel bars.
eKIT provides:
•
•
•
•
•
Water
While tap water is perfectly safe to drink in many European
countries, we suggest you drink bottled water where available.
You may also wish to carry a small bottle of water with you
throughout the day to ensure you are sufficiently hydrated.
•
Tipping
•
•
Low cost international calls
Send and receive voice mails
Free email service
Send SMS text messages from the web
An online travel vault for secure storage of important
documents (e.g. passport number)
24-hour customer service.
For more information check out the Trafalgar eKIT phone
card in your travel wallet or go to www.Trafalgar.eKIT.com
We are confident that by the end of your trip you will
have come to appreciate the important role your Travel
Director and Coach Driver have played in giving you
the best possible holiday experience. If you have been
pleased with their services, you may wish to express this
satisfaction with a gratuity, as is customary throughout
the world. Since this is a matter of a private and
How do I join?
Use your credit card to set up an account at
www.Trafalgar.eKIT.com or call 24-hour customer service.
Join before you go and receive a Trafalgar eKIT joining bonus!
9
How do I use it?
We also recommend that you photocopy your passport and
credit card details and leave them in your suitcase in case of
loss. If you are unsure about security while on holiday, your
Travel Director will provide you with the best advice.
Your account number and PIN gives you access to all the
phone and web based services. To make a call, simply use
the toll-free access numbers for the country you are in,
which you will find listed on your eKIT card, or at
www.Trafalgar.eKIT.com
If you need to make cash withdrawals, ATMs in bank lobbies
are less vulnerable to devices that capture your credit card
information - as they generally have camera surveillance.
How long does it last?
eKIT is a rechargeable service – simply recharge your account
using your credit card at www.Trafalgar.eKIT.com or call their 24hour customer service. Ask about the monthly recharge bonus.
Doctors
If at any time on your guided holiday you require a doctor,
please inform your Travel Director who will arrange this
for you. If you are staying at a Trafalgar hotel prior to your
guided holiday commencing, please ask the hotel concierge
to call the doctor. Ensure that you keep receipts for the
doctor’s visits, medicines and any other expenses incurred,
as you will need them to claim on your insurance.
Is it competitive?
Yes – you may find cheaper phone cards in major cities – but
you can only use them in the country of purchase and may
not be in a language you understand.
The advantages of eKIT:
•
•
•
•
It can be used from 70+ countries.
You can call over 200 countries.
You can recharge the card as you travel.
You can use any balance remaining once you get home.
Public Holidays and Changes
During local or national holidays, certain facilities such as
museums, sightseeing tours and shopping may be limited, so
we sometimes have to make slight itinerary adjustments. We
advise you to check with your Travel Agent before selecting a
departure date so that your enjoyment won’t be diminished.
Also, local holidays, closing days and other circumstances
may change the day of the week for timetabled dining out,
gala dinners, sightseeing and other included activities.
Emailing Home
Many hotels have wi-fi in the public areas as well as in the
rooms and there is usually a charge for this. Some hotels
also have one or two computers in the reception area for the
use of guests. Internet cafes are also available in many cities.
Guest Feedback
Tip: Be careful with hotel computers. Do not access financial
data on hotel or public computers or on public Wi-Fi networks.
Your feedback is always welcomed. Towards the end of
your trip, your Travel Director will hand out a feedback
questionnaire. We ask that you answer the questions, make
any relevant comments and hand it back to your Travel
Director. The questionnaires are sealed and returned to our
Head Office. Every sheet is read and a summary of each
holiday is given to management, and where necessary,
appropriate action is taken to rectify any problems.
Shipping
If you plan to purchase heavy items, we would recommend
that you have them shipped to your home address, as airline
charges are high for excess baggage. This can either be
arranged by the shop where you make your purchases, or you
can make up a parcel and ship it home. Our Reception Centre
in London can advise you of some companies who specialise in
this service.
Note:
•
•
•
Goods may take several months to reach your home.
You will be liable for import duty on all goods shipped
to your home – personal duty-free allowances only
apply to goods carried home personally.
You are strongly advised to insure goods being shipped
in case of breakage or non-arrival.
Security
It is important that you take precautions when travelling
anywhere. If hotel security boxes are available then we
recommend you use them for all your valuables. Do not
leave these items in your hotel room. Prior to leaving home,
purchase a shoulder or neck holster or a money belt to carry
items such as your passport or extra money – make sure it
is not visible under your clothing. Be wary of pickpockets!
Wallets and purses should be kept out of sight in front/
inside pockets; carry your handbags and backpacks around
your front.
10
Trafalgar’s London Reception Centre
Your home away from home!
Summer Opening Hours (8 April – 25 October 2013)
A friendly welcome awaits you at Trafalgar’s new London
Reception Centre – the departure point for all itineraries
commencing in London. Our aim is to make your stay
in London as enjoyable as possible, so drop in and take
advantage of our fantastic range of services and facilities.
Sunday to Thursday 5am – 7pm
In an excellent location very close to Waterloo train station
and opposite the famous London Eye, the Centre features
state-of-the-art design and technology. Here you can relax
in comfort before your Trafalgar itinerary departs. Catch up
with international news on TV, read the paper or check your
emails using our free Wi-Fi facility or internet café.
Hospitality Service
Friday & Saturday 5am – 8pm
Winter Opening Hours
Daily 7am – 7pm
If you are staying in a Trafalgar hotel, your Trafalgar Local
Host will visit daily to provide you with important departure
information and assist you in any other way they can.
Please check the hotel noticeboard for visiting hours and
information, or ask the concierge.
At the Hospitality Desk, our highly trained Local Hosts can
arrange additional accommodation and confirm any current
bookings on your behalf, as well as book London sightseeing
excursions, an exciting range of out-of-town trips, plus priority
entry tickets to famous London attractions such as Madame
Tussaud’s, the Planetarium and London Eye.
If you are not staying at a Trafalgar hotel the night prior to
the trip departure date, please ensure you contact us on +44
207 620 8900 to reconfirm. You must quote your Trafalgar
booking reference number when you call. The reference
number is located at the bottom of your Trafalgar vouchers.
Mail
For further information, visit us online at www.trafalgar.com/lrc
Many of our guests are away from home for some time, so if
you are in London and wish to receive mail while away, you
can have it sent to Trafalgar’s London Reception Centre to
await your collection. It should be clearly addressed showing
your surname in capital letters, your guided holiday number
and date of arrival in London, and the name of your Trafalgar
London hotel.
Address & Contact Details
Trafalgar London Reception Centre
79 York Road, London SE1 7NJ
Tel: +44 (0) 207 620 8900
Email: [email protected]
London Reception Centre
11
Austria
Capital: Vienna
Population: 8.3 million
Location: Central Europe
Land area: 83,858km2 (32,378mi2)
Language: German Famous for: Apple Strudel, Mozart, Sound of Music
Money Matters
beers are excellent and reasonably priced. White wines are
popular (Riesling, Veltliner), but there are some good red
wines. Schnapps liquor is found in most German speaking
countries and is made by distilling various fruits. Austrian
water, which comes from the Syrian Alps, tastes mountainfresh. However, if you come across a sign ‘Kein Trinkwasser’
the water is NOT fit for drinking.
The currency used is the Euro. Euro coins are issued in 2,
1, 50c, 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c and notes in 500, 200, 100,
50, 20, 10, 5. ATMs are widespread in Austria and are
called Bankomat.
Geography
Best Buys
It is a landlocked country with a major river known as the
Danube. Austria is mainly an alpine country two thirds
being mountainous.
Cameras, glassware/crystal, chinaware – Viennese local
handicrafts, dirndls (traditional Austrian dress), embroidered
blouses and lederhosen, woodcarvings, dried flower
pictures, Viennese petit point, winter sports equipment.
Climate and Clothing
The climate in Austria is a moderate continental climate.
Summer days are warm with cooler evenings and winters
are cold. Even in summer you will need a cardigan or jumper
for the sudden cooler evenings.
Shopping Hours
Shops are generally open Monday-Friday 9am to 6pm.
Many shops close at 12 noon or 5pm on Saturdays and
are closed on Sundays.
Manners and Customs
Postal Information
Austrians tend to be formal in both their social and business
dealings. One should shake hands when greeting or saying
goodbye. It is considered impolite to leave a restaurant or
shop without saying ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ – Goodbye. Tipping
is not high but widespread. On restaurant bills 10-15% is
added, and it is usual to leave only small change.
Stamps can be purchased at post offices and tobacconists.
Post boxes are painted yellow.
Telephone
The country code is +43 (dialling in) and international access
00 (dialling out). Telephones are recognised by a sign with a
black receiver in a yellow circle on the door and the word
‘fernsprecher’. All booths have multilingual instructions.
Directory assistance is 118200. Many post offices also have
telephones where calls are made and paid for at the
counter afterwards.
Food and Drink
Austrian food is distinctive and is traditionally of the stodgy,
hearty ‘meat and dumplings’ variety. Traditional dishes
include Wiener schnitzel (veal in breadcrumbs) and Goulash.
Many of the simpler meals are often made with rice,
potatoes and dumplings (Knödel), with delicious sauces. It is
renowned for its pastries, desserts and cakes; the most
famous ones being Apfelstudel (Apple Strudel) and
Sachertorte (a 2-layer chocolate sponge cake with apricot
jam in the middle, covered in dark chocolate icing). Local
eKIT
The access number for Austria is 0800-291-018.
Public Toilets
In general you will need to pay to use a public toilet. Toilets
will either be staffed by a toilet assistant or will be ‘slot’
machine operated. Prices range between €0.20 and €1.
Toilets may be labelled with symbols of a man and a woman,
the initial WC with ‘Damen’ (ladies) and ‘Herren’ (gentlemen).
Canola field, Salzburg
12
Belarus
Capital: Minsk Population: 9.7 million
Location: Eastern Europe
Land Area: 207,600km2 (80,154mi2)
Language: Belarusian and Russian Famous for: 1991 – USSR was dissolved
Money Matters
should be filtered and boiled before drinking; we advise
drinking only bottled water.
The currency used is the Belarusian ruble (BYR). Bank notes
are issues in 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 1000, 500, 100, 50,
10 and 5 denominations. There are no coins in circulation.
There are numerous bureau de change in Belarusian cities
to change foreign currency to Belarusian roubles. There
should be no problem with exchanging US dollars, Euros
and Russian roubles.
Best Buys
Wooden caskets, trinket boxes, straw items, decorative
plates and other handicraft items are good buys. Typical
Russian souvenirs like the wooden matryoshka dolls and
original samovars are also available. Antiquities, valuables,
works of art and manuscripts other than those offered for
sale in souvenir shops require an export license. Scarina
Avenue is the main street in Minsk with antique shops and
two department stores. Only Belarusian rubles are accepted.
However, nearly every shop has a currency exchange counter.
Bank opening hours
Monday – Friday 9am to 5.30pm.
Geography
Belarus is a landlocked country bordered by Russia to the
northeast, Ukraine to the south, Poland to the west and
Latvia to the northwest. It has large areas of flat land and
around 11,000 lakes.
Shopping Hours
Shops are generally open Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to
7pm. In big cities shops are open daily and many open 24
hours a day.
Telephone
The climate is moderately continental and humid with
temperatures averaging -6°C (20°F) in January and +18°C
(64°F) in July. Medium to heavyweight clothing is required
in winter. Waterproofs are advisable throughout the year.
The country code is +375 (dialling in) and to make
international calls (dialling out) it is necessary to dial 8, wait
for a tone then dial 10. Calls from Belarus to some countries
must be booked through the international operator. Public
telephones take phone cards. Grey phone booths are for
internal calls and blue ones for international calls.
Manners and Customs
Handshaking is the usual form of greeting. Hospitality is part
of the tradition and people are welcoming and friendly.
Food and Drink
Traditional cuisine includes borscht (a soup made with
beetroot, which is served hot with sour cream), dracheny,
(a tasty potato dish with mushrooms) and draniki, (a potato
pancake served with pickled berries). Stews, sausages,
bread and vegetables such as cabbage are commonly found
on menus. Alcoholic drinks include beer and vodka and
non-alcoholic drinks include herb teas and coffee. Tap water
Medieval Castle, Mir
13
Belgium
Capital: Brussels Population: 10.8 million
Location: Western Europe Land Area: 30,500km2 (1,783mi2 )
Language: Flemish, French and German
Famous for: Chocolates and mussels
Money Matters
The currency used is the Euro. Exchange offices are open
Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 12 noon and 1pm to 5pm.
These offices, together with the banks, give a far better
exchange rate than hotels, shops and restaurants. Major
credit cards are widely accepted.
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm/5pm;
some banks are open 9am to 12 noon on Saturdays.
Geography
The majority of West European capitals are within
1,000km (610 miles) of Brussels.
Climate and clothing
parsley), and ‘carbonade’ (beef casserole cooked with
onions and beer). The best known dessert of Belgian
origin must be waffles, but ‘crêpes aux pommes’ (apple
pancakes) are definitely worth trying.
With almost everything the most common drink is Belgian
beer of which there are over 500 varieties. The water in
Belgium is safe to drink.
Best Buys
Lace, glass and crystal ware, pewter, leather goods,
antiques and Belgian chocolates - said to be the best in
the world.
Shopping Hours
Shops are generally open Mondays to Saturdays 9am to
6pm. Some shops close between 12 noon and 2pm.
From the coast inland to Brussels, the Belgian climate is
temperate maritime, similar to south-east England. The
Ardennes have more continental weather, with warmer
summers and colder winters. The average temperature is
lowest in January at 3°C (37°F) and highest in July at 18°C
(64°F). Rain can be expected at any time of year and so a
light raincoat would be very useful.
Postal Information
Manners and Customs
Telephone
Belgians are generally friendly. Muster your school French
or dabble in Dutch and you’ll find locals will appreciate
your efforts and respond. On the other hand, it won’t take
you long to meet a resident English-speaker in Brussels’
cosmopolitan world.
The country code is +32 (dialling in) and international
access 00 (dialling out). Away from the hotels the TT
Téléphone-Télégraphe/Telefoon-Telegraaf) office is the
place to make international and reverse charge (collect)
telephone calls.
Food and Drink
eKIT
Mussels and ‘frites’ (French Fries) are the speciality but
other delicious dishes include ‘waterzooi’ (chicken or
seafood cooked in cream sauce with vegetables),
‘Anguille au vert’ (eel flavoured with sorrel, sage and
Look for the words Postes/Posterijen in shiny white letters
on a red background. Opening hours are 8am to 5pm or
9am to 6pm. You may also purchase stamps at many news
stands, bookshops, street kiosks and vending machines.
Mail boxes are red and are generally wall-mounted.
The access numbers are Belgium 0800-49943, Brussels
economy 02-400-6848 and Nationwide economy 078-160-170.
Public Toilets
Public conveniences can be found in the larger metro and
railway stations, museums and department stores. If
there’s an attendant on duty, a few cents’ tip is customary.
The rare and less than salubrious street facilities are best
avoided. If toilet doors are not marked with the usual
silhouettes, you’ll see the inscriptions WC, Toilettes/
Toiletten, Dames (ladies) and Messieurs/Heren (gentlemen).
Manneken Pis, Brussels
14
Bulgaria
Capital: Sofia
Location: South East Europe Land Area: 110,910km2 (42,822mi2)
Language: Bulgarian
Famous for: Black Sea beaches and yoghurt
Money Matters
It may be small but Bulgaria has a great variety of
topographical features. The land can be divided into
plains, plateaus, hills, mountains, basins, gorges, and deep
river valleys.
dish), Rhodope cheverme (lamb roasted on a spit over an
open fire) and Thracian katmi (a special type of pancake).
National specialities include Shopska salad (sliced
tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and parsley topped
with grated sheep’s cheese) and tarator (a cold soup of
chopped cucumber, walnuts and yoghurt). Also tempting is
shish kebab, stuffed vine or cabbage leaves and moussaka.
Bulgarian wines are the perfect companion for Bulgarian
food. Bulgaria is one of the world’s largest wine producers.
The Bulgarian white and red wines such as Gumza, Dimiat,
Pamid, Muscat, Misket, Mavrud and Melnik are well known
to connoisseurs. Tap water is normally chlorinated, and
while relatively safe, can cause mild stomach upsets. It is
advisable to drink bottled water.
Best Buys
Bulgaria has a temperate climate, with cool and damp
winters, very hot and dry summers, and a Mediterranean
influence along the Black Sea coast. Climate varies
according to elevation and it frequently rains during spring
and autumn. Medium weight clothing is required most of
the year and warmer outdoor wear is necessary in winter.
The main shopping area of Sofia is the Vitosha Boulevard.
Bulgarian handicrafts, wines, spirits and confectionery can
all be purchased.
Manners and Customs
Postal Information
Normal courtesies should be observed and handshaking is
the normal form of greeting. Dress should be conservative
but casual. If invited to the home, a small souvenir from
one’s homeland is an acceptable gift. Do not give money.
Remember that a nod of the head means no and a shake
of the head means yes.
The General Post Office in Four Gurko Street in Sofia
is open 24 hours. Post office opening hours are usually
Mondays to Fridays 8.30am to 5.30pm.
The currency used is the Lev (Lv). It is divided into 100
stotinki (1 Lev = 100 stotinki). Coins are issued in 1, 2, 5,
10, 20, 50 stotinki, 1 lev and banknotes in 2, 5, 10, 20, 50,
100 leva.
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Fridays 9am to 4pm.
Geography
Shopping Hours
Shops and stores are generally open Mondays to Saturdays,
10am to 8pm.
Telephone
access 00 (dialling out). Calls from some parts of the country
must be placed through the international operator. There
are many public telephones in the main towns.
Food and Drink
Because of its geographical position and long history
Bulgarian cuisine is a mixture between Slavonic, Greek
and Turkish cuisines. Speciality foods include Bansko-style
kapama (meat and vegetables stewed in an earthenware
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
15
Croatia
Capital: Zagreb Population: 4.5 million
Location: South East Europe Land Area: 56,542km2 (21,830mi2)
Language: Croatian
Famous for: Neckties/cravat and Marco Polo
Money Matters
favourite brandy sljivovica, made from plums or travarica, a
herbal brandy. Italian espresso is also popular. Mains water
is normally chlorinated, and while relatively safe, may cause
mild abdominal upsets. Bottled water is advisable.
The currency used is the Kuna (kn). It is divided in 100 lipa
(1 kuna = 100 lipa). Coins are issued in 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50
lipa and 1, 2, and 5 kuna and notes in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200,
500 and 1000 kuna.
Best Buys
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Fridays 7.30am to 7pm.
Croata kravata (Croatian cravats – ties), Maraschino (cherry)
liqueur of the Zadar region, Pag island lace is a handcrafted
decorative work from the island of Pag, silk embroidery of
Konavle and Morcic´ jewellery are the main souvenirs in
Rijeka. Tourists can reclaim VAT on expenditure of more than
K500. Ensure all receipts are retained after any purchase is
made, as the authorities do have the power to fine visitors
without relevant documents. This is to prevent VAT evasion
by shopkeepers.
Geography
The vast majority of Adriatic Sea islands lie off the coast
of Croatia; there are approximately 1200 islands.
Climate
Croatia has a varied climate, with continental climate
conditions (hot summers and cold winters) in the north
and a pleasant Mediterranean climate on the Adriatic
coast (hot dry summers and mild winters).
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 8pm and Saturdays, 8am to
2pm. Some shops in cities may now open on Sundays.
Manners and Customs
Postal Information
People normally shake hands upon meeting and leaving.
Smoking is generally acceptable but there are restrictions in
public buildings and on public transport.
Post offices (posta or HPT) are open Monday to Fridays,
7 or 8am to 7pm and Saturdays, 8am to 1pm. Stamps
(marke) are also available at news stands.
Food and Drink
Telephone
There is a varied and distinctive range of cuisine on offer
in Croatia. The Adriatic coast excels in seafood: Regional
dishes include scampi, prstaci (shellfish), and Dalmatian
brodet (mixed fish stewed with rice). Inland look for
specialities such as manistra od bobica (beans and fresh
maize soup) or struki (baked cheese dumpling). Traditional
dishes from the area around Zagreb include purica z
mlincima (turkey with pasta noodles), and strukli (raviolilike pasta dough balls with a cheese filling). Croatian beer
(pivo) is of a high quality and of the light lager variety. The
regional wines (vino) are good and cheap. Try Croatia’s
access is 00. Public telephones use magnetic cards
(telekarta), when making long distance and international
calls, it’s usually easier to go to the post office, where you’re
assigned a cabin and given the bill afterwards.
Useful website
www.croatia.hr
Zagreb Cathedral
16
Czech Republic
Capital: Prague Population: 10.5 million
Location: Central Europe Land Area: 78,864km2 (30,332mi2)
Language: Czech
Famous for: Beer and author Franz Kafka
Money Matters
a dessert. The best-known Czech beer is Pilsner Urquell
(Plzensky Prazdroj in Czech), which claims the title of the
original pilsner beer. Every Czech town of any size will
have a brewery; they’re almost all good. Moravia is a wine
growing region, and while it may not rank among the
world’s best, it is very drinkable and very affordable. Tap
water is normally chlorinated, and while relatively safe,
may cause mild stomach upsets. Bottled water is available
and advised.
The currency used is the Czech Koruna (CZK). It is divided
into 100 haler (1 Koruna = 100 haler). Coins are issued in
50h, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 and 50 korun (20 korun is more commonly
found as coins, whereas 50 korun is more common as a
banknote) and notes in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 2000 and
5000 korun.
Bank opening hours
Generally Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 6pm. Some banks
close early on Fridays.
Best Buys
Souvenirs include Bohemian glass, Czech crystal and
porcelain, beaded jewellery, Czech marionettes and
puppets made by Czech artisans, wooden folk carvings and
handmade wooden toys. Other special purchases include
pottery (particularly from Kolovec and Straznice) and geyser
stone carvings from Karlovy Vary, delicate lace and needle
embroidery from many Moravian towns and blood-red
garnets and semi-precious stones from Bohemia.
Geography
It is a landlocked country, with two low-lying river
basins surrounded by forest clad hills. With the fall of
communism the local industry has had to adhere to stricter
environmental standards. This has improved the state of the
rivers and forests.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 6pm, Saturdays 8am to 12
noon. The number of shops also open on Sunday is
constantly increasing.
The Czech Republic has a moderate climate with great local
diversity throughout the year. Generally winters are cold and
summers mild. The hottest months have the highest level of
rainfall. A raincoat is recommended.
Postal Information
Manners and Customs
Stamps are available from the post office and news stands.
Letters go in the orange post boxes around the city. There
is a 24-hour service at the main post office in Prague at 14
Jindrisská Street, Prague 1.
Dress should be casual but conservative, except at formal
dinners and at quality hotels or restaurants.
Food and Drink
Telephone
Czech cuisine is considered heavy and very filling as meals
are mainly meat and starch based. Long and cold winters
do not allow for a variety of fresh vegetables. The meat
dishes (beef goulash) are commonly served with knedlíky
(dumplings), brambory (potatoes), or rýe (rice). Dumplings
are popular side dishes, and are even stuffed with fruit as
code is 00 (dialling out). There are public telephone booths,
including special kiosks for international calls. Most of the
public telephone boxes take phone cards, which can be
purchased at all Telecom points of sale and at newsagent
and tobacconist shops.
eKIT
The access number for Czech Republic is: 800-142-069.
Charles Bridge, Prague
17
Denmark
Capital: Copenhagen Population: 5.5 million
Location: Northern Europe Land Area: 43,094km2 (16,638mi2 )
Language: Danish
Famous for: Hans Christian Andersen, Lego
Money Matters
food includes frikadeller (fried meatballs, often served
with potatoes and various sorts of gravy) and marinated
fish such as herring and plaice are also popular. Popular
drinks include beer and aquavit, a local spirit distilled from
potatoes or similar starch plants. Tap water in Denmark is
safe to drink.
The currency used is the Danish Krone (DKK). It is divided
into 100 øre (1 Krone = 100 øre). Coins are issued in 25, 50
øre, 1, 2, 5, 10, 20 kroner and notes in 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000
kroner. ATMs are in widespread use.
Bank opening hours
Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays 9.30am
to 4.30pm, except Thursdays 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Best Buys
Porcelain, pottery and glassware.
Geography
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Thursdays, 9.30am or 10am to 5.30pm, Fridays
from 9.30am to 7 or 8pm and Saturdays from 9.30am to 4pm.
A quarter of the population lives in greater Copenhagen.
Over 20% of electricity is supplied by wind turbines across
the country.
Postal Information
Post offices are open from Mondays to Fridays 10am to
5:30pm. When buying postcards from souvenir shops,
you can get the appropriate stamps on the spot.
Denmark has a temperate climate. Cool summer days
with an average temperature of around 17-23ºC (64- 74ºF)
and summer nights are often chilly. A sweater or wrap is
essential. A light overcoat or raincoat is also useful.
Telephone
The currency code is +45 (dialling in) and international
access 00 (dialling out). In many places there are full
automatic phone boxes taking 2 x 25 ore, 1 krone or 5 krone
coins. Use only the smallest coins available as the automatic
machines do not return coins if the number dialled is
engaged. Several calls can be made if some credit remains
in the telephone.
Manners and Customs
The Danes are often frank and informal in their attitudes.
A smile and a friendly interest should be taken as such and
nothing more, and a straightforward remark should not be
taken as rudeness. Tipping has almost been abolished and
any tipping should only be as recognition of good service.
Dress is informal. The smoking ban in Denmark restricts
smoking in restaurants to separate smoking rooms.
eKIT
The access number for Denmark is 8088-1909.
Food and Drink
Public Toilets
Like its Nordic neighbours Finland, Norway, Iceland, and
Sweden, Danish cuisine consists mainly of meat and fish.
A speciality for lunch is ‘platte’, which is a selection of
cold meats and salads or ‘smorrebrod’, a type of open
sandwich with many fillings and pickled herring. A traditional
Indicated by a symbol, alternatively they are marked WD,
‘Toiletter’, ‘Damen/Herrer’ (Ladies/Gentlemen) or just D/H.
There is no charge unless marked otherwise.
Useful website
www.visitdenmark.com
Nyhavn, Copenhagen
18
Egypt
Capital: Cairo Population: 90 million
Location: Northern Africa Land Area: 1,001,450km2 (86,662mi2)
Language: Arabic
Famous for: Pyramids, The Nile, Cleopatra
Money Matters
local wine is definitely an acquired taste. Kahwa (thick,
strong coffee) and Shay bil na’na’ (mint tea) are very popular
drinks. It is recommended that you only drink bottled
mineral water.
The currency used is the Egyptian Pound (LE). It is divided
into 100 piasters (1 Egyptian Pound = 100 piasters). It is
mainly a paper currency but there are also 25, 50 and 100 (1
pound) piaster coins.
Best Buys
Bank opening hours
Sundays to Thursdays only from 9.30am to 2pm.
Papyrus paintings, jewellery, copperware, stone carvings,
perfume oils in beautiful glass blown bottles.
Geography
Shopping Hours
10am to 7pm (winter) and 10am to 8pm (summer).
It is the only land bridge between Africa and the remainder
of the Eastern Hemisphere, it controls the Suez Canal, a sea
link between the Indian Ocean and Mediterranean Sea.
Postal Information
Green post boxes with a motorcycle picture are for express
mail, blue with an aeroplane for airmail and red with a train
for ordinary mail.
Except for the Mediterranean coast the country experiences
a desert climate, which is hot and dry most of the year.
Egypt’s climate demands the coolest possible cotton clothing
from May to September; a hat and sunglasses are essential.
Telephone
00 (dialling out). Public telephones are most commonly found
in cigarette shops. If you make a local call from your hotel
room, you may be charged several times the normal rate.
Manners and Customs
Egypt society is conservative by nature and it is encouraged
to respect local customs and sensitivities by dressing
modestly. Being a Muslim society, women especially are
encouraged to wear long skirts or loose fitting trousers
and to cover their shoulders. In Cairo (and when visiting
mosques) a head-scarf may also be necessary; men should
wear trousers and a shirt.
Food and Drink
For a taste of Egyptian fare try a mezzeh – a selection of
local salads, cheese, vine leaves and meat or Makhallal
(tursho) spicy pickled vegetables. Or kebabs (chunks of
lamb marinated in spices and grilled over charcoal) and
hummus (chickpea dip). Although Egypt is a Muslim country,
alcohol is still available in selected restaurants. However,
Pyramids of Giza
Abu Simbel Temple
19
England
Capital: London Population: 51 million
Location: Western Europe Land Area: 130,395km2 (50,150mi2)
Language: English
Famous for: The Royal Family, Harrods, tea, fish and chips
Money Matters
boiled or fried. Main courses are normally garnished with
a selection of vegetables – green beans, brussel sprouts,
cauliflower or peas and potatoes. Most pubs serve good
hearty meals including fish and chips and you may wish
to sample traditional English beer (bitter). If you feel like
a change, a variety of other types of cuisine from around
the globe are readily available, in particular in London. The
water throughout the United Kingdom is safe to drink.
The currency used is the Pound Sterling (British Pound). It
is divided into pence (1 Pound Sterling = 100 pence). Coins
are issued in 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 and notes
in £5, £10, £20 and £50. Credit cards are widely accepted
and ATMs are everywhere.
Geography
England is the most populous country in the United
Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north
and Wales to the west. The country also includes over 100
smaller islands including the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of
Wight. It is only 35km (21 miles) from France and is linked by
the underwater Channel Tunnel. No location is more than
125km (77 miles) from tidal waters.
Best Buys
Shopping hours
Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to 5.30pm. Many shops are
open on Sundays. In central London, the shops open later
in the morning but generally stay open until around 7pm in
the evening. Late night shopping is until 8/9pm in Oxford
Street, Regent Street, Bond Street and Kensington High
Street and all shops are open on Sundays in these areas.
Shopping in London will more than satisfy the appetite of
any shopper. London’s department stores are legendary,
the most famous being Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges
and for old world architecture and high end fashion, Liberty.
Good buys include antiques, clothing (designer and high
street), china and glass (Royal Doulton, Spode, and Minton).
England has a temperate climate, with plenty of rainfall all
year round, though the seasons are quite variable in
temperature. Temperatures rarely fall below 5°C (23°F) or
rise above 30°C (86°F). Be sure to take an umbrella.
Manners and Customs
Postal Information
Tipping is expected by most people providing a service taxi drivers, hotel doormen and airport and railway porters.
A tip of 10-15% of the cost of the service is acceptable.
In hotels and restaurants, check whether a service charge
has been added to the bill. Smoking is now illegal in all
public places.
Post Office opening times vary but are generally open from
Monday to Friday 9am to 5.30pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm.
Food and Drink
The most traditional meal is roast beef (served with
Yorkshire puddings), pork or lamb, served with roast
potatoes. For hearty flavour, order succulent English pork
chops, or ham, baked or roasted. Gammon, a cut of ham is
Buckingham Palace, London
English pub
20
England continued...
Public Transport in London
Telephone
The London Underground or tube, is the fastest and easiest
way to get around town. In central London you are never
more than a few minutes’ walk from a station. Each line
has a name but you’ll probably find the colours easier to
remember. What you pay generally depends on how many
zones (1 - 6 zones) you travel through. You must buy a
ticket before you travel and put it in the automatic entry/
exit gates. The best way to see the sights is from the upper
decks of a famous red double decker bus. They pass almost
all the capital’s landmarks and famous shops. You’ll find it
much easier and cheaper to buy a Travelcard or a Visitor
Oyster Card which are both valid for use on London’s red
buses and on the Underground. Travelcards are paper
tickets available for 1 or 7 days of travel in London. Oyster
is a smartcard which can store credit to pay for journeys.
It is valid across all travel zones and automatically calculates
the cheapest fare for all the journeys you make in a single
day. Further information can be found at:
http://visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk/home.html
00, then the country code, area code (omitting any initial ‘0’)
and finally the telephone number. For phoning home, you
may find it more convenient to use a phone card telephone
rather than an ordinary payphone. Some payphones also
accept credit cards.
eKIT
The access numbers for England is 0800-032-6297,
London economy 020-7943-2772 and Nationwide
economy 0845-085-0855.
Useful Addresses and Phone Numbers
London Tourist Information Centre,
Victoria Station Forecourt
London, SW1V 1JU
T +44 0 90 68 66 3344
Visit London,
6th Floor, 2 More London Riverside
London SE1 2RR
T 020 7234 5800
Taxis in London
If travelling around London a black cab/minicab is your
safest option. You can stop a black cab anywhere provided
the yellow ‘for hire’ sign is illuminated. Minicabs are a
cheaper option for longer journeys and have to be ordered
by telephone. Make sure you ask the price prior to booking.
Consult the ‘Yellow Pages’ telephone directory under the
heading ‘minicabs’.
Useful websites
www.visitbritain.com
www.visitlondon.com
Tower of London, London
21
Estonia
Capital: Tallinn Population: 1.4 million
Location: Eastern Europe Land Area: 45,226km2 (17,461mi2)
Language: Estonian Famous for: Folk dancing
Money Matters
herring and beets). Braised goose stuffed with apples and
plums is also a Baltic speciality. The Estonian restaurant
scene is now amazingly diverse, especially in Tallinn.
Produced in Estonia is the sweet liqueur Vana. It is very
strong and is best served in coffee, over ice with milk or, if
you feel up to it, in a champagne cocktail called Hammer
and Sickle. Some cafes and bars serve tasty, warming
hõõgvein (mulled wine). Estonian vodka (Viru Valge brand) is
very fiery! Saku Originaal is the best brand of national beer.
The currency used is the Kroon (EEK). It is divided into senti
(1 Estonian Kroon – 100 senti). Coins are issued in Kr5 and
1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 senti and notes in Kr500, 100, 50, 25,
10, 5, 2 and 1. Credit cards are widely accepted and there
are ATMs in most towns.
Geography
Estonia is on the north-eastern edge of the European Union,
bordering Russia and Latvia. The mainland terrain is flat, boggy,
and partly wooded and offshore lie more than 1,500 islands.
Best Buys
Typical Estonian handicrafts include pottery, woollen items
and leather goods (purses, wallets and belts). Amber and
local folk art are good buys, along with the high-quality
hand-knitted sweaters, which you see everywhere. As in
other eastern European countries, Soviet and pre-Soviet
memorabilia, such as coins and medals, are readily available,
as are caviar and vodka.
Estonia’s climate is temperate, with four seasons of nearequal length. The warmest month is July and the coldest
months are January and February. Estonia’s climate is
relatively mild because of its proximity to water. Even in
summer, you should take along at least a sweater for the
cool evenings.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Fridays, 10am to 6pm, some on Saturdays
10am to 5pm, and department stores from 10am to 8pm.
Manners and Customs
Postal Information
Handshaking is customary. Normal courtesies should be
observed. Estonians are proud of their culture and their
national heritage, and visitors should take care to respect
this sense of national identity.
Post office hours are Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 7pm,
and Saturdays from 9am to 5pm.
Telephone
Food and Drink
The country code is +372 (dialling in) and for international
access (dialling out) dial 8, wait for the long tone and then
dial 00. An English directory enquiries service is available on
8 1182. Public telephones, which are plentiful, are operated
by phone cards available from kiosks.
Fish features on many Estonian menus, with a speciality
being smoked fish, especially trout (suitsukala). Other typical
foods include blood sausages (verivorst) and sauerkraut,
which is served in most traditional Estonian restaurants.
Black rye bread accompanies most meals. Hors d’oeuvres
are very good and often the best part of the meal. Local
specialities include sült (jellied veal), täidetud vasikarind
(roast stuffed shoulder of veal) and rosolje (vinaigrette with
Old Tallinn
22
Finland
Capital: Helsinki Population: 5.2 million
Location: Northern Europe Land Area: 337,000km2 (30,115mi2)
Language: Finnish and Swedish
Famous for: Saunas, Lapland, Santa Claus and reindeers
Money Matters
Postal Information
The currency of Finland has been the Euro since 2001. ATMs
are widely distributed and credit cards are widely accepted.
Geography
Mailboxes are painted yellow with the traditional post-horn
in black. Stamps can be bought at stationery shops, hotels,
railway stations and yellow stamp machines. Post office
hours are from Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 5pm.
The population is concentrated on the small south western
coastal plain.
Best Buys
Leather goods, fabrics, footwear, furniture, clothing
(particularly sportswear) are recognised for their consistently
high quality. A wide variety of glass and ceramics – best
known factories are Arabia (ceramics and china), Nuutajärvi,
Littala and Riihimäki (glass).
Finland has a temperate climate. Summers days are
generally long and sunny, but rarely uncomfortably hot,
average temperature is 21ºC (70ºF). Light clothing is
recommended, though sweaters prove useful for chilly
evenings. Winters are cold and snowy; warm woollen
clothing is essential.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 5/6pm, shops open on
Saturdays and close at 1 or 2pm.
Manners and Customs
Telephone
A general guideline is that you tip for good service, but it is
not expected as hotel and restaurant bills tend to include
service charges.
The international country code is +358 (dialling in) and
international access is 00.
eKIT
The access number for Finland is 0800-112-010.
Food and Drink
Fish and shellfish are excellent, together with juusto (cheese)
and sweets such as Mustikkapiirakka (blueberry pie) and
Raparperikiisseli (rhubarb pudding). Finnish specialities
include Hernekeitto (pea soup with pieces of pork), Kalakukko
(a thick loaf of rye bread baked with a filling of fish and pork)
and Karjalanpiirakka (a thin shell of rye dough filled with rice
or potato). Restaurants also serve reindeer and bread is a firm
favourite. Finland is traditionally a beer drinking country. Berry
liqueurs and ciders are also popular, along with Kahvi (coffee).
Tap water is perfectly safe to drink, and restaurants serve
inexpensive mineral water (kivennaisvesi).
Old Town pier, Helsinki
23
France
Capital: Paris Population: 65 million
Language: French
Famous for: Eiffel Tower, croissants and fashion
Money Matters
No visit would be complete without a visit to a pâtisserie,
with its delicate pastries you will definitely be tempted. Wine
is the most popular alcoholic drink in France and of course
for special occasions there is champagne. Typically French
apéritifs (pre-dinner drinks) are Pastis, Ricard or Pernod.
Coffee will generally be served black, unless a café au lait or
café crème (with milk) is requested. Tap water is safe, except
when marked ‘eau non potable’ (unsafe for drinking). There
are many varieties of bottled water to choose from.
The currency used is the Euro. Some banks are closed on
Mondays and open on Saturdays. In the provinces most
banks close for lunch. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Geography
France, officially called the Republic of France, is located in
Western Europe. The country also has several overseas
territories and islands around the world but the mainland of
France is called Metropolitan France. It stretches north to
south from the Mediterranean Sea to the North Sea and the
English Channel and from the Rhine River to the Atlantic Ocean.
Best Buys
Perfume, clothing, lace, crystal/glass, china, silk scarves and
ties, gloves, cheeses, coffee, wines, spirits and liqueurs.
Corsica is one of the 27 regions of France, but it is
designated as a territorial collectivity by law. Although the
island is separated from the continental mainland by the
Ligurian Sea and is closer to Italy than to the French mainland,
politically Corsica is part of Metropolitan France. It is located
north of the Italian island of Sardinia and mountains comprise
two-thirds of the island, forming a single chain. Corsica's
culture contains elements of both the French and Italian, and
the native Corsican language is recognised as a regional
language by the French government.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to 6.30pm. Many shops close for
lunch between noon and 2pm. In provincial France shops are
often closed on Monday mornings.
Postal Information
Post office opening hours are Mondays to Fridays, 9am to
7pm and Saturday 9am to 12 noon. Stamps can also be
bought at ‘Tabacs’. In the provinces most post offices close
for lunch.
Telephone
Generally cool winters and mild summers. However, along
the coast it is a Mediterranean climate with mild winters
and hot summers. In summer a good rule is lightweight
clothing with a sweater and in winter warm woollens plus
a raincoat.
The international country code is +33 (dialling in) and for
international access (dialling out) dial 00. Most phone booths
only accept phone cards.
eKIT
The access numbers are France 0805-113-721, Paris economy
01-73-04-56-78 and Nationwide economy 0820-60-0052.
Manners and Customs
The French are very proud to be French and a few words
of French will receive a more friendly reply than a request
as to whether English is spoken. Handshaking is performed
on meeting and parting or a kiss on both cheeks for those
people you are more familiar with.
Public Toilets
Those near important Metro stops in Paris are generally
modern and quite clean. A saucer with small change on it
means a tip is expected. If the toilet has no light switch, the
light will go on when you lock the door. The women’s
toilets are marked ‘Dames’, the men’s either ‘Messieurs’
or ‘Hommes’.
Eiffel Tower, Paris
24
France continued...
Food and Drink
The Louvre is one of the world’s greatest art museums. This
former palace for the French King is now a storehouse for
treasures such as the Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa and the
French crown jewels – just a few of the 200,000 pieces in six
different collections on display.
The French have an ongoing love affair with food and wine.
Meals are lovingly prepared and consumed leisurely through
a bevy of appetizers and main courses, usually accompanied
by a number of wines. Boeuf bourgignon (beef stew with
wine, herbs and vegetables), coq au vin (chicken cooked with
bacon in a white wine and herb sauce) and bouillabaisse (fish
stew) are featured on many menus. Cheese lovers will not be
disappointed with hundreds of varieties to choose from.
Musée D’Orsay on the Left Bank houses France’s collection
of paintings and sculptures produced between the 1840s
and 1914. Housing pieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Matisse,
Renoir, Cezanne and Degas is definitely worth a visit.
The Sacré Coeur Basilica situated on the top of Montmartre
Hill deserves a visit. Its miraculously white facade derives
from the special quality of the Chateau Landon stone that
whitens and hardens with age. For many its most attractive
feature is the view from the dome – you can easily see over
30 miles on a clear day!
Paris
The Seine River divides Paris into two halves, the right and
left bank. The Right Bank conjures up an image of
bourgeois respectability. Historically the stronghold of
merchants and royalty, it remains today the home of
commerce and government. Faubourg Saint Honoré offers
the luxury of ‘haute couture’ and jewellery shops, also the
authority of the President’s palace, while the Champs Élysées
claims the shops, film, advertising and airline companies.
Don’t miss the chance of an excursion to Versailles,
a beautiful palace located 19km (12 miles) outside Paris.
Here Louis XIV created the most sumptuous royal court
Europe had ever seen - partly for his own glory and partly
to keep his nobles away from the trouble-making city of
Paris. A museum since 1832, this impressive chateau with
extensive gardens, a magnificent art collection and a wealth
of historic connections proves a fascinating place to visit.
The Left Bank, in complete contrast, has always had a
bohemian and intellectual image dating back to the
founding of the university and the monasteries. Today, the
Sorbonne, the Académie Francaise, the publishing houses
and a myriad of book shops continue to exude an
intellectual magnetism. Left Bank theatres typically prefer
avant-garde drama.
Shopping
The French shopper is one of the most demanding, so you
can expect to find quality and choice. Paris reigns supreme
as the fashion capital of the world, famous for its haute
couture and ready-to-wear clothing and accessories. For
more modestly priced clothing visit department stores
Printemps and the Galeries Lafayette near the Opéra, the
Bazar Hôtel de Ville (BHV) and the Samaritaine on the Right
Bank, and the Bon Marché on the Left Bank. Or wander
down the Champs Élysées for stores such as Sephora
(perfume and make-up), Petit-Bateau (children’s wear), Louis
Vuitton (designer leather goods), Lacoste (clothing) and
international clothing stores such as Gap and Zara. Antique
lovers should take a trip to the Louvre des Antiquaries on
the Left Bank where shops specialise in everything from
ancient Egyptian pieces to Art Nouveau.
Places to Go
The River Seine is by far the best place to begin an
exploration of Paris. The Seine provides a spectacular
vantage point for city landmarks: the Palais de Chaillot and
Trocadéro Gardens, the Grand and Petit Palais, the Palais
Bourbon, Louvre Museum and Notre Dame all take on a
dream-like quality when seen from a river boat.
The cathedral of Notre Dame has had religious significance
for at least 2,000 years. Building of the main part of Notre
Dame began in 1163 and took 167 years to complete. The
transition it represented from Romanesque to Gothic has
been called a perfect expression of medieval architecture.
Given the cathedral’s gigantic size, the balance of its
proportions and the harmony of its facade – it’s nothing
short of a miracle.
Paris by Night
The Paris night scene has lost none of the glitter that
Toulouse Lautrec made famous. Don’t miss the opportunity
to see an exciting ‘Can-Can’ floor show at the ‘Moulin
Rouge’ or ‘La Nouvelle Eve’ where the productions are as
spectacular as ever. For many, Paris’s most important
attraction is not cabaret but the cinema, Paris is a film-crazy
city where directors and even screenplay writers often
achieve a celebrity status equal to that of the stars. Theatre
and art thrive here too. All in all, this city has a supreme
talent for living that makes it a favourite of the French and
foreigners alike.
The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the World Fair of 1889
commemorating 100 years since the Revolution. It remains
an outstanding example of engineering - 15,000 pieces of
metal joined together by 2,500,000 rivets, soaring 324m
(1063ft) into the air. At the time, it was the tallest structure in
the world. The critics hated it. Today however, it has become
a symbol of Paris.
The Champs Elysées still deserves to be called the world’s
most celebrated avenue despite the commercialisation in
recent years. It stretches in a perfectly straight line, from the
Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, and is lined
with horse chestnut trees.
25
Germany
Capital: Berlin Population: 83 million
Location: Central Europe Language: German
Land Area: 357,021km (138,846mi ) 2
2
Famous for: The Berlin Wall, OktoberFest, Rhine wines
Money Matters
The national drink is beer - Germany has over 1,200
breweries. In Frankfurt, try the local cider (Apfelwein).
Tap water is safe to drink.
The currency used is the Euro. Foreign currency can be
changed at ordinary banks or savings banks (Sparkasse),
and also at travel agencies and hotels although at less
favourable rates.
Best Buys
Clocks, music boxes, beer steins, cameras, porcelain and
local costume items such as lederhosen, dirndls and
Tyrolean hats.
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 4pm
(on Thursdays until 5.30pm).
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6.30pm and Saturdays, 9am
to 2pm.
Geography
Germany has several geographical regions including
lowlands in the north, uplands in central parts and the
Black Forest and Bavarian Alps in the south.
Postal Information
Open Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 6pm and Saturdays, 8am
to 12 noon. They also handle telegrams and telephone calls.
Mail boxes are painted yellow with a black post-horn. Post
offices in train stations are often open later.
Climate
Most of Germany has a temperate seasonal climate with hot
summer and cold winters. Rain is not uncommon in the
summer so don’t forget an umbrella.
Telephone
Manners and Customs
code is 00. Telephone booths are glass boxes with yellow
frames displaying a sign with a black receiver in a yellow
square. Calls abroad can be made from booths with a green
disk marked ‘Ausland’.
While the people are generally friendly a formal culture is
present. Good manners and being polite when addressing
people is important. Both married and older women are
addressed as ‘Frau’. Customs for formal dress are
comparable to Britain.
eKIT
The access numbers are Germany 0800-100-6492, Frankfurt
economy 069-6677-75528.
Food and Drink
You will find pork as a standard item on most menus. It is
prepared in many different ways, and just about every part
of the animal is eaten. Specialities include Rippchen mit
Sauerkraut (pickled ribs of pork) and Bratwurst (grilled
sausages) are the most popular snack. For dessert you
cannot go past the world famous Black Forest Gateau.
Public Toilets
There is usually a charge to use public toilets. Some are
staffed; others have a slot machine on the door or at the
entrance. Have coins ready (10c, 20c or 50c pieces). Toilet
signs may be a man or woman symbol, the initials ‘WC’,
or ‘Herren’ (gentlemen) or ‘Damen’ (ladies).
Brandenburg Gate, Berlin
26
Greece
Capital: Athens Population: 11.4 million
Location: Southern Europe Land Area: 131,940km2 (50,942mi2)
Language: Greek
reek Gods, Greek Islands, the Acropolis
Famous for: G
Money Matters
Melitzanosalata (eggplant purée) and Taramosalata (crushed
fish eggs).
The currency used is the Euro.
Main dishes generally include meat, Moussaka (potatoes
topped with eggplants, onions, minced beef and béchamel
sauce) being the most famous, and kebabs.
Bank opening Hours
Banks are open Monday to Thursday 8am to 2.30pm but
close on Fridays at 2.00pm.
Seafood dishes especially on the islands are recommended.
There is a large range of Greek wines to choose from, the most
famous being Retsina, a white wine made with pine needle
resin. Today's Greek wines are internationally recognised
and are frequently awarded wine industry prizes. Local spirits
include ouzo, an anise based clear spirit. Coffee is thick and
sugary. It is advisable to drink bottled mineral water.
Geography
It is a peninsular country, with an archipelago of about
2,000 islands.
Greece has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters
and warm summers with little rainfall. From mid-May to
September, it’s very hot in Athens so pack light clothing
and good sunglasses. Winters can get chilly and wet so
bring a warm jacket or coat.
Best Buys
A selection of jewellery (gold, silver and reproductions
of ancient jewellery), handmade carpets and rugs, leather
(shoes, clothes, handbags), handicrafts such as embroidered
items, woodwork and pottery.
Spring and autumn evenings can turn cool so you may
need a light sweater or raincoat.
Shopping Hours
Approximately 9am to 2.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays
and Saturdays. Then approximately 9am to 2.30pm and then
5.30pm to 8.30pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
Manners and Customs
Greek people are proud of their culture and with 97%
being Christian Orthodox many of the traditional festivals
celebrated today are religious. The Greeks are generally
gregarious, generous and hospitable.
Postal Information
Tipping is normally at 10% of the bill. Handshaking is common
and frequent. A nod of the head is a negative response.
Stamps may be purchased at the post offices. The post
boxes are yellow. Stamps may also be bought at news
stands and souvenir shops at a 10% surcharge.
Food and Drink
Telephone
Food is celebrated in Greece. Appetizers (mezedes) come
on small plates and can be shared. Try dolmades (stuffed
vine leaves) or a selection of dips such as Tzatziki (yoghurt
with finely chopped cucumber, garlic and olive oil),
The country code is +30 (dialling in) and the international
access code is 00 (dialling out). Yellow phone booths permit
direct dialling to countries abroad.
eKIT
The access numbers for Greece are 00800-126-434
or 00800-1809-201-2429.
Public Toilets
Located in parks and squares throughout the centre of
Athens. If there is someone in attendance, you should
leave a small tip.
Useful website
www.gnto.gr
The Acropolis, Athens
27
Hungary
Capital: Budapest Population :10.3 million
Language: Hungarian
Famous for: Inventions like the Rubik’s cube, ballpoint pen
Money Matters
Best Buys
The currency used is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Coins are
issued in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 HUF and notes in notes 200, 500,
1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 HUF.
Traditional purchases include embroideries, Herend and
Zsolnay porcelain, wooden toys and national dolls. Food
products such as caviar and foie gras, and Hungarian wines
and spirits are also a good buy.
Money can be changed at any Ibusz desk (at airport, hotels,
main railway stations and at local offices) and banks. It is
strongly recommended that you change your money before
leaving Hungary. All exchange receipts must be kept and
only 50% of changed money (up to a maximum of £50) can
be re-exchanged. ATMs are found in Budapest.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Fridays 10am to 6 or 7pm, Saturdays 10am to
1pm. Shopping centres have longer hours and some shops
are open on Sundays.
Postal Information
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Thursdays, 8am to 3pm and Fridays, 8am to 1pm.
Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 6pm and Saturdays, 8am to
2pm. Post offices handle mail, telephone, telegraph and
telex services. Stamps can also be bought at tobacconists
or where postcards are sold. Post boxes are painted red and
usually decorated with the postal horn.
Geography
A landlocked country. The north-south flowing Duna
(Danube) and Tisza Rivers divide the country into three
large regions.
Telephone
is 00 (dialling out). Pay phones are usually green and yellow
or white aluminium glass-front kiosks. Self-explanatory
instructions are displayed in all phone boxes. International
calls are best made through the hotel switchboard or at a
post office. The number for directory enquiries in foreign
languages is 172-200.
Hungary has a continental climate with cold winters and
warm to hot summers. Temperatures can fluctuate – average
July temperatures are around 27ºC (81ºF) but the weather
can suddenly change into a very brisk chill, so pack for all
eventualities and bring a raincoat. Be prepared for snow
and bracing cold in the winter.
eKIT
The access number for Hungary are 06800-17053 or
06800-15970.
Manners and Customs
The Hungarians are a hospitable people, well-known for their
informal social life. English is not widely spoken outside cities,
although some knowledge of German is useful.
Public Toilets
In Budapest, there are public toilets in metro stations, parks,
squares and museums. The toilet sign may say ‘mosdo’ or
‘WC’ (pronounced vay-tsay). If not illustrated by symbols,
‘ferfi’ means gentlemen and ‘noi’ means ladies.
Food and Drink
Hungarian dishes are often rich with sour cream, onions,
eggs, butter and wine. Dishes are usually flavoured with
paprika. Specialities include paprikas ponty (carp in paprika
sauce), pisztrang tejszin martasban (trout baked in cream),
gulysleves (goulash soup) and of course the famous
Hungarian goulash. Sweets are a speciality and who can
resist the microscopically thin pastry of retes (strudel) or
delicious tortes.
Vegetarian options are limited. Hungary has 20 wine
producing regions making a wide range of wines. Famous
wines include the sweet white Tokaji Aszú and strong red
Bull’s Blood (Egri Bikavér). Tap water is drinkable but it is
advisable to drink bottled mineral water.
28
Ireland
Capital: Dublin Population: 4.4 million (Ireland),
Language: English & Irish (Gaelic) Famous for: St. Patrick, Leprechauns, Guinness
Money Matters
pancake) and coddle (boiled pork sausages). The country
is best known for its stout and beer, the most famous
being Guinness.
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Fridays, 10am to 4pm and will be closed on
public holidays.
Other, popular brands include Murphy’s Irish Stout, Beamish,
and Kilkenny beer. Whiskey is also renowned with the most
famous distilleries being the Old Midleton Distillery in Cork,
the Old Jameson Distillery in Dublin, and the Bushmills
Distillery in Antrim. Water throughout the Republic of
Ireland is safe to drink.
Geography
Mostly level to a rolling interior plain surrounded by rugged
hills and low mountains; there are sea cliffs on the west
coast. Over 40% of the population resides within 100km (60
miles) of Dublin.
Best Buys
Tweed clothing, traditional Aran knitwear from the Aran
Islands (once handmade by fishermen featuring family
patterns), Irish music, linen, pottery, Waterford crystal, Irish
whiskey and basketry.
Ireland has a mild, temperate climate with cool summers
and mild winters. Average summer temperatures range from
15ºC to 21ºC (60ºF to 70ºF), July being the warmest month.
Average winter temperatures range from 5ºC to 8ºC (40ºF
to 46ºF). The most useful clothes are casuals, lightweight
wools, sweaters for cold spells, comfortable walking shoes
and a light raincoat.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to 5.30pm. Some towns have
late night shopping until 8 or 9pm on Thursdays or Fridays.
Many shops are open on Sunday.
Postal Information
Manners and Customs
Most post offices are open Mondays to Fridays 9am to 5
or 6pm (closed for an hour around 1pm for lunch in rural
areas). Use Irish postage stamps when posting letters in
the Republic or Ireland.
The Irish are a charming, hospitable people and the rural
lifestyle has remained largely unchanged for years. The
centre of life is still the village community centered around
the church and the pub. As of 2004, smoking is prohibited in
public areas within the Republic of Ireland – this includes all
bars, nightclubs and restaurants.
Telephone
The country code is +353 (dialling in) and the international
access code is 00 (dialling out). Public phones are found in
post offices, hotels, stores and on the street.
Food and Drink
In the last decade, Ireland has made a giant gastronomic
leap. Common foods include smoked salmon, soda bread,
and a variety of seafood, and game when in season.
Traditional dishes consist of Irish stew, boxty (potato
eKIT
The access number for Ireland are 1800-992-363 or
1800-559-634.
Public Facilities
The gender signs on the doors in the republic may be
printed in Gaelic, not English. ‘Mna’ is Gaelic for Ladies and
‘Fir’ means gentlemen.
Ha’penny Bridge, Dublin
29
Israel
Capital: Jerusalem Population: 7.6 million
Location: Middle East Land Area: 20,770km2 (8,019mi2)
Language: Hebrew and Arabic
Famous for: Religious history
Money Matters
Best Buys
The currency is the New Sheqel (NIS), which replaced the
Sheqel in 1985. Coins are issued in 5, 10, 50 agorot, 1, 2,
5, 10 new sheqel and notes in 20, 50, 100, 200 new sheqel.
Money can be changed in the small exchange bureau
found on most main streets, or at banks and hotels. Major
credit cards are widely accepted, along with travellers
cheques, although commission can be high. ATMs are found
throughout the country.
Local handicrafts made from olive wood, embroidered
clothing, diamonds, ceramics, gold and silver jewellery.
Bank opening hours
Sundays to Thursdays 8.30am to 12 noon and normally 4pm
to 5pm. Closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
Most letter boxes are red English-style pillar boxes. Others
are white and blue and bear the postal symbol of a leaping
deer. Shops and kiosks selling stamps also have the same sign.
Telephone
Israel has a Mediterranean climate, with a pleasant spring
and autumn. It is hot and dry in southern and eastern desert
areas. We recommend light weight clothes for warmer
months and medium weights for winter.
access 00 (dialling out). Public phones can be found in post
offices and are cheaper than calling from a hotel or a shop;
have the operator in the post office make the call for you.
Manners and Customs
eKIT
The access numbers for Israel are 1800-920-3300
or 180-931-5243
Shopping Hours
Shops are generally open Sundays to Thursdays, 9am to
1pm and 4pm to 7pm. Many stores close at midday on
Friday and open again on Sunday morning.
Postal Information
Shalom (peace) is the word that begins and ends
every conversation.
Public Toilets
Food and Drink
Toilets may be marked ‘WC’ or with male and female silhouettes.
Food specialities includes Falafel (deep fried chickpea balls,
served in pita / flat bread and salad), Shwarma (meat slowly
grilled on a rotating skewer, served in pita bread with fresh
vegetables) and Hummus (chickpea puree). Soft drinks are
on sale everywhere. Coffee is popular. Arab cafes serve very
sweet Turkish coffee while other cafes also have cappuccino
(café hafukh). Bottled water is advisable, as the tap water,
while drinkable, does not taste nice.
Dead Sea
Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem
30
Italy
Capital: Rome Population: 59.5 million
Location: Southern Europe Land Area: 301,230km2 (116,305mi2)
Language: Italian Famous for: Ancient Rome, art, pasta
Money Matters
Manners and Customs
Italians are passionate, charming and in many ways traditional.
Family life and religion play an important role in Italian society.
It is considered courteous to shake hands warmly on both
arriving and leaving. ‘Ciao’ (pronounced chow) is a word
you will hear everywhere and can mean hello or goodbye.
Speaking a few words of Italian will be very much appreciated.
Italians eat their main meal in the afternoon, around 1pm.
Bank opening hours
Monday to Friday 8.30am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 3.30pm.
Closed Saturday and Sunday.
Geography
Italy comprises the long, boot-shaped Italian Peninsula, the
land between the peninsula and the Alps and some islands
including Sicily and Sardinia. It has over 8,000km (4,968 miles)
of coastline and over 40% of the country is mountainous.
Food and Drink
Traditionally, lunch (pranzo) was the most substantial meal of the
day. It consists of antipasto (starter), a primo piatto (pasta, rice or
soup), a secondo piatto (meat or fish) with contorno (vegetable
or salad), then frutta (fresh fruit). Finish with espresso and maybe
a grappa or amaro (strong digestive liqueur). While the pasta is
sensational, there is so much more to Italian cuisine. Each of the 20
regions has its own distinctive cuisine such as abbachio (roast lamb)
in Rome, or bistecca alla fiorentina (steak Florentine style) or porcini
(grilled giant mushrooms) in Florence. You must try gelato (ice
cream) with hundreds of different flavours to choose from or granita
(crushed ice with flavoured syrup). Wine is usually served with the
meal, accompanied by mineral water. Tap water is safe to drink, but
not always tasty. We recommend you buy bottled mineral water.
‘Acqua non potabile’ means the water is not safe to drink.
Sicily is located in the central Mediterranean. It extends from
the tip of the Apennine peninsula from which it is separated
only by the narrow Strait of Messina, towards the North African
coast. Its most prominent landmark is Mount Etna, which is
at 3,320 m (10,890ft) the tallest active volcano in Europe and
one of the most active in the world. The island has a typical
Mediterranean climate.
Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea
(after Sicily and before Cyprus) and an autonomous region of
Italy. The coasts of Sardinia (1,849km long) are generally high
and rocky, with long, relatively straight stretches of coastline,
many outstanding headlands, a few wide, deep bays, and
many inlets with various smaller islands off the coast. The island
has a Mediterranean climate along the coasts, plains and low
hills and a continental climate on the interior plateaus, valleys
and mountain ranges.
Best Buys
Leather goods from Florence, Murano glass and lace from
Venice, clothing (for both men and women), handbags, silk
scarves and ties, jewellery, high end fashion (Prada, Gucci).
Shopping Hours
Generally opening times are 9am to 1pm and 4pm to
7.30pm. Some shops may be closed Monday mornings,
Saturday afternoons and Sundays. Many shops however do
stay open on Saturday afternoons during the summer.
Italy’s climate has many regional variations. However, it’s
generally warm in summer and humid in the central region.
We suggest that during May to September, you bring light
summer clothes and a light jacket or wrap for evenings.
Postal Information
Most main post offices open around 9am to 1.30pm
Mondays to Fridays and 8am to 11am Saturdays. You can
also buy stamps at tobacconists and some hotel desks.
Telephone
access 00 (dialling out). When dialling Italy from abroad,
the 0 of the area code must not be omitted. International
telephones are situated at post offices and railway stations.
Phone cards are available in most newsagents but you must
remember to break the corner off the card before use.
eKIT - The access number for Italy is 800-985-675, Milan
economy is 02-3631-1926.
The Colosseum, Rome
31
Italy continued...
Public Facilities
There is a lack of toilets in many tourist cities, but where they
are available they are often indicated by symbols of a man or
woman, or by the sign ‘WC’. They may also be labelled ‘Uomini’
or ‘Signori’ for men and ‘Donne’ or ‘Signore’ for women. A tip of
30 to 50 cents is required if there is an attendant.
Florence, Italy
32
Jordan
Capital: Amman Population: 6 million
Location: Middle East
Land Area: 89,342km2 (34,595mi2)
Language: Arabic Famous for: The Red Rose City of Petra, The Dead Sea, Jerash, Wadi Rum
Money Matters
Manners and Customs
The local currency is the Jordanian Dinar, symbol JD, also
pronounced as "jaydee". There are 1, 5, 10, 20, and 50 JD
notes. The dinar is divided into 100 piasters (pronounced
"pee-asters") of 1000 fils ("fills"). The fils is the unit most
commonly used and you will usually see prices written
as 4,750 (which is 4 JD and 750 fils). Currency can be
exchanged at major banks, exchange booths and at most
hotels. Street money-changers are best avoided. Exchange
rates are set daily by the Jordanian Central Bank.
Jordan is a primarily Muslim country, although the freedom
of all religions is protected. Muslim women’s clothing often
covers their arms, legs and hair. Western women are not
subject to these customs, but very revealing clothing is
never appropriate and conservative dress is advisable for
both men and women in the old part of Amman (downtown)
and outside the cities. Shorts are rarely worn and would be
out of place in the downtown Amman area.
Food and Drink
Bank opening hours
Banks are open 8.30am to 3pm Sunday to Thursday and
closed on Fridays and Saturdays.
The cuisine of Jordan relies heavily on fresh, locally grown
fruits and vegetables. Meals are usually leisurely occasions,
with a lavish assortment of tasty salads and mezzah’s
(appetizers). These are usually served family-style, with
diners sampling a variety of dishes with freshly baked bread.
Hummus, a staple of the Middle Eastern cuisine, is usually
prepared daily. Tasty street food includes sandwiches made
with falafel or shawarma (slow-roasted meet); mixed grills,
gallayat bandura (pan-fried tomatoes, onions and peppers
often prepared with cubes of lamb, chicken or egg);
kofta (ground beef topped with roasted tomato or tahina
sauce); sunniyah (pan-roasted meat or chicken with roasted
potatoes, onions and other vegetables; and, maglubah
(which literally translates as “upside down”), a dish of
rice, chicken and vegetables cooked together and then
turned upside down onto a serving tray, along with bowls
of yoghurt and fresh salad. The national dish of Jordan is
Mansaf, a dish served on a large tray with steam rice and
lamb piled on top of wafer thin shiraq bread, and flavoured
with jameed, a tangy yoghurt based sauce.
International credit cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants
and larger shops. Please note that many smaller shops
still prefer cash payment in the Jordanian currency, and it’s
essential for shopping in the local souks.
Geography
Located on desert plateaus in southwest Asia, Jordan is
almost landlocked but for a short coast on the Gulf of Aqaba.
Jordan has a hot, dry climate characterised by long, hot,
dry summers and short, cool winters. January is the coldest
month, with temperatures from 5°C to 10°C, and August is
the hottest month at 20°C to 35°C. Daytime temperatures
can be very hot in the summer; on some days it can be 40°C
or more, especially when the Sirocco, a hot, dry southerly
wind blows.
Drinks
Lightweight cotton clothes are recommended for the
summer, with a sweater for cooler evenings, especially in the
inland areas. Warm clothing is recommended for the winter
and a waterproof jacket.
Although Jordan is a Muslim country, alcohol is still available
in selected restaurants & hotels. However, local wine is
definitely an acquired taste. Kahwa (thick, strong coffee) and
Shay bil na’na’ (mint tea) or Shay bi Maramiyyeh (Sage Tea)
are very popular drinks. It is recommended that you only
drink bottled mineral water. Also, try the Shanineh which is
Cold Laban beverage (Cold Yoghurt Beverage).
Petra Monastery, Jordan
33
Jordan continued...
Telephone
Best Buys
The country code is 00962 (dialing in) and international
access 00 (dialing out). If you make a local call from your
hotel room, you may be charged several times the normal
rate. A local mobile SIM card is easy to obtain with a
reasonable price.
Hand-woven rugs and cushions, beautifully embroidered
items and clothing, traditional pottery, glassware, silver
jewellery embedded with semi-precious stones, Bedouin
knives, coffee pots, narghiles (hubble bubble), hand-made
soap’s, personal care products made from the unique minerals
of the Dead Sea, cold –pressed olive oil, dried organically
grown herbs and spices and a variety of table wines.
Public Toilets
Located at the visitor centre in Petra, Jerash, Madaba, the
Citadel, and Shobak. Elsewhere public toilets generally
below standard and a tip is usually expected. It’s a good
idea to carry tissues with you when travelling, as toilet
paper is not always supplied. Facilities are generally fine in
hotels and restaurants.
Shopping Hours
These vary but are typically from 10.00am to 10.00pm in
the Malls and until 8.00-9.00 pm in the open area shopping
areas. Friday is exceptional where the Malls open at
2.00pm (after the noon time prayer) and many of the shops
at the open shopping areas are closed on Fridays.
However, restaurants and cafes are open 7 days a week.
Useful Website
www.visitjordan.com
Postal Information
Post Boxes are located in most hotels and stamps can be
purchased either from the gift shops or the front desk. In
Petra and Jerash the post office is inside the visitor centre itself.
Dead Sea, Jordan
34
Latvia
Capital: Riga Population: 2.3 million
Location: Eastern Europe Land Area: 64,589km2 (24,937mi2)
Language: Latvian & Russian
Famous for: Amber
Money Matters
1700. It is drunk either with coffee or mixed with vodka.
Kvass and sparkling wine are popular and are refreshing
summer drinks. Do not drink the tap water.
The currency used is the Latvian Lat (Ls). It is divided
into Santimi (1 Latvian Lat = 100 santimi). Coins are in
denominations of 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 santims and Lats
in coins of 2 and 1. Notes are in denominations of Ls500,
100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Fridays, 9 or 10am to 6 or 7pm and Saturdays,
9 or 10am to 4 or 5pm. Some shops may close over lunch,
while others are open 24 hours.
Bank opening hours
In Riga banks should be open between 10am and 5pm.
Outside the capital many banks close at 1pm and all banks
are closed on Saturday and Sunday.
Best Buys
Look for local handicrafts, folk art, brightly coloured woollen
goods, mittens, scarves and sweaters and art objects.
Other typical gifts from the region are belts, purses, book
covers, wicker work, earthenware and even jackets made
from patches of leather sewn together. Riga is considered
a fashion centre of eastern Europe, so have a look at the
boutiques while you are there. Amber is of high quality and
a good buy.
Geography
Latvia lies on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea between
Estonia and Lithuania. Most of the country is composed of
fertile, low-lying plains, with some hills in the east.
Latvia has a temperate climate. Summer is warm with
relatively mild weather in spring and autumn. Winter runs
from November to March and it is cold - expect snow.
Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with the heaviest
rainfall in August. In summer light to medium weight
clothing is worn and in winter medium to heavyweights.
A raincoat is necessary throughout the year.
Postal Information
Manners and Customs
access 00 (dialling out). International calls can be made
from telephone booths. Pay phones are operated by
phone cards, which are sold at kiosks, in post offices and in
some shops.
The main post office is at Brivibas bulvaris 19 (open 24
hours). Post boxes are yellow. General post office opening
hours are Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm and Saturdays,
9am to 1pm.
Telephone
observed. The Latvians are somewhat reserved and formal,
but nevertheless very hospitable. They are proud of their
culture and visitors should take care to respect this sense
of national identity. Generally, taxi fares and restaurant bills
include a tip although it is still customary to give extra for
good service.
Food and Drink
Latvian hors d’oeuvres are delicious and are said to be the
best part of the meal. The soups are especially satisfying
in winter; try the skabu kapostu zupa (cabbage soup),
sweetbread soup with dried fruit or sorrel soup with boiled
pork, onions, potatoes and barley. Speciality dishes include
kotletes (meat patties), smoked fish and piragi (pastry filled
with bacon and onions). For dessert try an Alexander Torte,
which is raspberry or cranberry filled pastry strips. Popular
local beers include the dark bauskas Tumsais and the pale
Gaisais. Or for something stronger try Riga’s Black Balsam a
thick black alcoholic liquid, which has been produced since
35
Liechtenstein
Capital: Vaduz Population: 35,700
Location: Central Europe Land Area: 160km2 (61mi2)
Language: German
Famous for: Stamps, world’s largest producer of dentures
Money Matters
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 12 noon and 1.30pm to 6.30pm.
The currency is the Swiss Franc (Fr). It is divided into Rappen
(1 Swiss Franc – 100 Rappen).
Postal Information
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Fridays 8am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4.30pm.
The Principality’s mail and telecommunications are generally
integrated with those of Switzerland although Liechtenstein
does produce its own stamps. Post office hours are Mondays
to Fridays, 8am to 12 noon and 1.30pm to 6.30pm and
Saturdays, 8am to 11am.
Geography
Along with Uzbekistan, it is one of only two doubly
landlocked (surrounded only by other landlocked countries)
countries in the world. It is noted for its fine vineyards.
Telephone
access 00 (dialling out). Simple operating instructions in four
languages, including English are featured on public phones.
Liechtenstein has a temperate, alpine climate, with warm,
wet summers and mild winters. Light to medium weight
clothing is needed in summer and warmer heavyweights in
winter. Waterproofs are needed throughout the year.
Manners and Customs
Has a hereditary constitutional monarchy, dating back to
1719. Handshaking is performed on meeting and parting.
Food and Drink
Strongly influenced by its Swiss neighbour. Look out
for Bündnerfleisch (wafer-thin sliced air-dried beef),
Leberspiesschen (skewered liver), Käseknöpfle (small
dumplings with cheese) and Rösti (hash brown potatoes).
Local and Swiss beers are popular and Vaduzer (red wine)
is worth trying and often much better value than imported
wines. Tap water is safe to drink.
Best Buys
Watches, cameras, jewellery and stamps, but always
compare prices before buying. Due to low taxes Swiss
chocolates are also a good buy.
Vaduz Castle
36
Lithuania
Capital: Vilnius
Location: Eastern Europe
Land Area: 65,200km2 (25,173 mi2)
Language: Lithuanian
Famous for: Baroque churches
Money Matters
Food and Drink
The currency used is the Litas (LTL). It is divided into centas
(1 Litas = 100 centas). Coins are in denominations of LTL5,
2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 centas. Notes are in
denominations of LTL500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1.
Fertile central plains are separated by hilly uplands that are
ancient glacial deposits.
Local specialities include skilandis (smoked meat), salti
barsciai (cold soup), cepelinai (made from grated potatoes
with a minced meat filling), vedarai (potato sausage) and
bulviniai blynai (potato pancakes). Smoked eel is a famous
Baltic delicacy. Rye bread is eaten every day with breakfast,
lunch and dinner. Local brands of beer and imported drinks
are popular. A famous Lithuanian spirit is Mead (midus) a
mild alcoholic beverage made from honey. Water supplies
are generally reliable in cities, though it has a high mineral
content and can be cloudy. Bottled or filtered water is
preferable for these reasons. If travelling in rural areas,
drink only bottled water.
Climate
Best Buys
Summers are warm and the weather in spring and autumn
relatively mild. Winter can be very cold and heavy snowfall is
common. Rain is common throughout the year but heaviest
in August.
Amber and Amber jewellery (fossilised tree sap), woodcarvings, linen goods and local crafts are good buys.
Manners and Customs
Telephone
observed. The Lithuanians are proud of their culture and
their national heritage and visitors should take care to
respect this sense of national identity. Lithuanians are also
known for their hospitality and are outgoing by nature. They
like to entertain and be entertained; singing plays a large
role in family gatherings.
access 00 (dialling out). There are two kinds of pay phones:
rectangular telephones which take magnetic strip cards
and rounded telephones which take chip cards. Phone
cards are sold at kiosks and post offices. Plans are
underway to introduce one type of phone card,
compatible with both phones.
Bank opening hours
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and some banks are open
Saturday, 9am to 1pm.
Geography
Shopping Hours
Grocery shops open Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 8pm.
Vilnius old town
Baroque church
37
Luxembourg
Capital: Luxembourg Population: 365,000
Location: Western Europe
Land Area: 2585km2 (998mi2)
Language: Luxembourgish, French, German Famous for: Michelin-star restaurants, governed by a grand duchy
Money Matters
produced Mosel wines come recommended as do local
beers (Diekirch, Mousel, or Bofferding), which are brewed
without the use of chemical additives. Tap water is safe to drink.
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Fridays, 8.30pm to 12 noon to 4.30pm.
Although some banks have limited opening hours on
Saturdays, most are closed on weekends.
Best Buys
Cast-iron miniature firebacks, called tak, which depict
castles and coats of arms make interesting souvenirs.
There is also delicately decorated porcelain, crystal and
earthenware pottery. Villeroy & Boch’s crystal factories in
Septfontaines are open to visitors.
Geography
Luxembourg is landlocked and bordered by Belgium,
France and Germany. A third of the country is made up
of the hills and forests of the Ardennes, while the rest is
wooded farmland.
Shopping Hours
Mondays 2pm to 6pm; Tuesdays to Saturdays, 9am to 6pm.
Telephone
access 00 (dialling out) followed by the number for the
country you require, the area code and then the
subscriber’s number.
Luxembourg’s climate is temperate and mild. Summers
are generally cool, with a mean temperature of about 63°F
(17°C), warmest months from May to September. Winters
are cold but seldom severe, average temperature being
about 32°F (0ºC), snow is also possible.
eKIT
The access number for Luxembourg is 800-22026.
Manners and Customs
Useful website
Luxembourg may be small in size, but it is a country of
considerable economic power - it should not be thought of
as part of Belgium, France or Germany. It is a very friendly
country and while the locals like to use their foreign
language skills they are also delighted when visitors
use the local dialect for phrases of greeting and thanks.
Over a third of the locals are immigrants, mostly Italians
and Portuguese. Restaurant bills generally include a tip,
however it is still polite to round up.
www.lcto.lu
Food and Drink
Many describe the country’s cuisine as a blend of French
finesse and German heartiness. Excellent crayfish, pike
and trout comes courtesy of the Grand Duchy River and
is available in modestly priced restaurants. Local dishes
include Judd matt Gaardebounen (smoked collar of pork
with broad beans), and Friture de la Moselle (small deep
fried river fish). Other specialities include Treiben (black
pudding) and sausages served with mash potatoes and
horseradish, and delicious Ardennes ham. Frites (the local
version of French fried potatoes) can be found everywhere
and look out for rou tou tou, an unusual vegetable dish
made from potatoes and onions. Local cheese or perhaps
a pastry such as the Tarte Aux Quetsches, which is made
with small plums, is often offered as dessert. Locally
38
Monaco
Capital: Monaco Population: 32,020
Location: Western Europe Land Area: 2km2 (0.77mi2)
Language: French
Famous for: The Grand Casino, Grimaldi Royal Family
Money Matters
Best Buys
Luxury goods are widely available in Monaco’s large
jewellers, art galleries and boutiques. The main shopping
precinct is near the Place du Casino or for more reasonably
priced items try Boulevard des Moulins.
Bank opening hours
Monday to Friday, 9am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm.
Some banks are also open on Saturday mornings to
change money.
Shopping Hours
Monday to Saturday, 9am to 12 noon and 2 to 7pm.
Some souvenir shops open on Sunday mornings.
Geography
It is the second smallest state in the world (after the Vatican
City) and is surrounded by France on three sides with the
Mediterranean Sea on the fourth. The current ruling
Grimaldi family secured control in the late 13th century,
and a principality was established in 1338.
Postal Information
The main post office, la Scala Palace Beaumarchais Square
(across from Hôtel Hermitage) has a full range of services:
telephones, telegrams, fax and calling cards. Opening
hours are Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 7pm.
Telephone
Monaco enjoys an almost perfect climate with mild winters
and warm summers. There are more than 300 days of
sunshine per year. There is generally little continuous rainfall;
cloudbursts lasting only a couple of hours are the rule. Light
clothing can be worn from spring to autumn. Monaco has a
dress code and appropriate clothing must be worn in public
areas and jackets and ties should be worn by men in the casino.
access 00 (dialling out).
eKIT
The access number for Monaco is 0800-913-588.
Useful website
Manners and Customs
www.visitmonaco.com
Handshaking is performed on meeting and parting.
Generally service at hotels and restaurants is included in
the bill but you may wish to tip extra for special service.
Food and Drink
Classic French cuisine dominates along with certain regional
specialities such as pissaladière (onion tart with anchovies
and black olives), barbajuans (a savoury pastry) and
Langoustines à la Provençale (seafood). A variety of French
wine is available as are imported liquors. Tap water is safe
to drink.
Grimaldi Palace
Monte Carlo
39
Morocco
Capital: Rabat Population: 34 million
Location: Northern Africa Land Area: 446,550km2 (172,413mi2)
Language: Arabic and French
Famous for: Casablanca, couscous
Money Matters
Food and Drink
The currency used is the Moroccan Dirham (Dh). It is divided
into centimes (1 Moroccan Dirham –100 centimes). Coins are
in denominations of MAD10, 5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5
centimes. Notes are in denominations of MAD200, 100, 50,
20 and 10.
Local delicacies include Couscous (steamed savoury
semolina grain served with meat and vegetables), Mechoui
(lamb roasted on a spit), delicious kebabs, Kefta (minced
meat rissoles with spices) and Tagine (meat stew cooked
using an earthenware dish). Don’t miss a refreshing drink of
mint tea. Water from the tap is not safe to drink in Morocco
but bottled water is widely available. Make sure you carry a
bottle of water to prevent dehydration on hot summer days.
Bank opening hours
Usually Mondays to Thursdays, 9.30am to 12 noon and
2.30pm to 4.30pm; Fridays 8.15pm to 11.15pm and 2.30 to
5.30pm. These hours may vary during Ramadan.
Best Buys
Geography
Exquisite Moroccan craftsmanship is evident on hand-woven
rugs, ceramics, and jewellery. In the souks you will find an
abundance of leather goods (cushion covers, shoes, wallets),
tin pressed lanterns, textile products and light weight
scarves and wraps.
Morocco has a Northern coast, with mountainous interiors
of bordering plateaus, valleys, and rich coastal plains.
Shopping Hours
Shops are usually open from 9am to 12 noon and 2.30pm
to 6.30pm but close Sundays. Markets and tourist shops
stay open longer.
Morocco has a mix of climates, however generally it is
Mediterranean, warm on the coast, continental in the
interior and arid in the South. It is sunny most of the year,
although temperatures may drop quite considerably
at night. In high summer we suggest you wear cool
clothing, hat and sunglasses, while a sweater or jacket
are recommended for those cool night breezes. We also
suggest ladies cover their shoulders.
Postal Information
Opening times: Monday to Friday 8.30am to 6.30pm
(closed 12 noon to 3pm in small towns) and 8.30am to
12.30pm on Saturdays. Stamps can be bought at post
offices and tobacconists.
Customs
Morocco is rich in tradition and remains largely a
conservative Muslim society, and people are friendly.
Remember though that when visiting the markets (souks)
if you ask the price, you are starting negotiations and
shopkeepers may get annoyed if you walk away. Also always
ask before taking someone’s photo.
Telephone
access 00 (dialling out). Public telephones can be found in
cafés and public places. However, unless you are reversing
the charges let your hotel or post office make the call and
arrange payment.
Bazaar, Fez
40
Netherlands
Capital: Amsterdam Population: 16.6 million
Language: Dutch
Famous for: Anne Frank, Vincent Van Gogh, tulips, windmills
Money Matters
Best Buys
The currency used is the Euro and ATMs are widely distributed.
Delft Blue pottery, national costume dolls, silverware from
Schoonhoven, crystal from Leerdam and diamonds from
Amsterdam. Edam and Gouda cheeses and traditional
wooden clogs are also popular souvenirs.
Geography
One fifth of the country is below sea level as a result of
being reclaimed by the sea. It is generally flat and level
and is criss-crossed by rivers and canals.
Shopping Hours
Mondays 11am to 6pm, Tuesdays to Fridays 9am to 6pm, and
Saturdays 9am to 5pm. Shopping malls are open on Sunday.
Post Information
The Netherlands has a maritime climate. Summers are
generally warm but not extreme. In summer a light sweater
or wrap may be needed in the evenings. Winters are fairly
cold and rainfall occurs throughout the year. Pack a raincoat
for those spontaneous showers.
Post offices are generally open Mondays to Fridays, 9am
to 5pm. When buying postcards from stands and souvenir
shops, you can usually get stamps on the spot. Post boxes
are either red or red and grey, and are mounted on walls at
eye level. In Amsterdam they have two slots, one marked
‘Amsterdam’ and the other ‘overige bestemmingen’
(other destinations).
Manners and Customs
The Dutch people are polite and courteous and prefer
formal greetings on first meetings. The Dutch are a nation
of cyclists and in Amsterdam 540,000 people have bicycles
– not surprising when you consider how flat the land is. The
use of soft drugs is allowed, and even sold at ‘coffee shops’
– in the form of cookies.
Telephone
00 (dialling out).
eKIT
The access numbers are Netherlands 0800-023-3971,
Amsterdam economy 0207-133-472.
Food and Drink
You will find a variety of international food, from ethnic
to Italian and of course traditional Dutch food. Potatoes
feature prominently in dishes. Local dishes include Poffertjes
(small pancakes traditionally served warm with powdered
sugar sprinkled on top), Patat (French fries with mayonnaise),
Haring (raw herring fish with raw onions) and Vlaai (pastry
with a fruit filling). Dutch beers can be very good and are
quite strong. Bars are open all day and also serve tea and
coffee. Only change and small notes should be left as a tip.
The water is safe to drink.
Public Toilets
There’s a lack of public toilets in Amsterdam. Most
department stores have smart and clean public toilets,
usually with an attendant on duty. A tip is expected.
Tulip field, Amsterdam
Delft canal, Delft
41
Norway
Capital: Oslo Population: 4.9 million
Location: Northern Europe
Land Area: 324,220km2 (125,181m2)
Language: Norwegian
Famous for: Vikings, cross country skiing
Money Matters
Food and Drink
The currency used is the Norwegian Krone (Nkr). It is
divided into øre (1 Norwegian Krone = 100 øre). Coins are
in denominations of NOK 20, 10, 5 and 1 and 50 øre. Notes
are in denominations of NOK 1,000, 500, 200, 100 and 50.
High quality fish, meat and dairy products are easily
available in Norway. Norwegian meals are often large with
an emphasis on fish and seafood specialities. A typical
speciality is a ‘smørgasbord’ meal, a vast selection of meat,
fish, salad, hot dishes, puddings and cheese. Speciality
dishes and ingredients include Lutefisk (a hot, highly
flavoured cod fish), smoked salmon, cod, herring, sardine
products and mackerel. Popular meats include reindeer, lamb
and fowl. Liquor laws are very strict and in some parts of the
country alcohol is not available at all. Where it is available it is
very expensive. The water in Norway is safe to drink.
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Thursdays 9am to 4pm, Fridays 9am to 5pm
and Saturdays 9am to 12 noon.
Geography
About two-thirds is made up of mountains, there are
approximately 50,000 islands off its much indented
coastline. It has one of the longest coastlines in the world.
Best Buys
Pottery, sports equipment, enamelled ware, sportswear,
pewter, silver and knitwear. If you like the unusual, a hand
painted troll is something to add to your collection. Tax-free
is available for tourist from shops displaying a ‘Tax free for
tourists’ sticker. Tourists save 11-18% of the price paid by
residents. Refunds are paid in cash at airports, ferries, cruise
ships and border crossings.
Given the extreme northerly position, the mainland climate
in Norway is surprisingly mild. This is mainly because of
the trade winds and warm currents. Lightweight clothing
generally suffices in summer, however evenings can get
chilly, so it is always a good idea to take along a sweater or
wrap. If you are here in winter, you will definitely need an
overcoat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes/boots.
Shopping Hours
Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm and Saturdays, 9am
to 1pm or 3pm. Shops are often open late on Thursdays.
Manners and Customs
Postal Information
Norwegians are not class conscious and are very polite.
Handshaking is popular, dress is informal. Tipping is
expected however waiters don’t expect more than 5-10% of
the bill. Cross country and downhill skiing are popular sports
and a Nordic speciality is ski jumping. In the last 50 years
Norway has won more Olympic gold medals in Nordic skiing
than any other country.
Generally open Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am to 4pm and
Saturdays, 8am to 1pm. Stamps can also be bought at
tobacco shops, kiosks and hotels. Postboxes are painted red.
Telephone
00 (dialling out). The telephone service is operated by the
state Telecommunications Service, Televerket. Telephone
booths are painted red or grey. For the English speaking
operator dial 093.
eKIT
The access number for Norway is 800-15794.
Public Toilets
Located at stations, department stores and in some of the
squares and parks, may be marked Toaletter, WC, Damer
(female) / Herrer (male) or D/H.
Useful website
www.visitnorway.com
Stavanger, Norway
42
Poland
Capital: Warsaw Population: 38 million
Location: Central Europe Land Area: 312,658km2 (120,728 mi2)
Language: Polish
Famous for: Chopin, Andrzej Wajda, Pope John Paul ll
Money Matters
popular. Faworki pastries (pastry twisters) and chocolates are
definitely worth a try. Beer is becoming increasingly popular
and of course there is vodka, which is served chilled before,
during and after meals. If you like vodka then try ubrówka
(bison vodka). It is advisable to drink bottled mineral water
which is widely available.
The official currency is Zloty (PLN), divided into 100 groszy.
Currency may be exchanged at exchange desks in hotels,
banks and kantors (money exchanges). Travellers cheques
can generally only be exchanged at banks. Most credit
cards are accepted in tourist areas, however note it is
mainly a cash society. It is a good idea to travel with US$ in
small denominations.
Best Buys
Glass and enamel ware, handwoven rugs, silverware and
handmade jewellery, dolls in regional costumes, wood
carvings (from Polish mountains), sculptures and traditional
ceramics from Boleslawiec. Try the bazary (market places) for
other interesting items.
Geography
It is mostly made up of a flat plain with mountains along the
southern border.
Shopping Hours
In general shops are open from Monday to Friday, 10am
to 7pm, and for limited hours on Saturday and Sunday.
In general Poland has a temperate climate with cold winters
and warm summers. In summer light clothing will suffice
with a cardigan or jumper for the evening. Winters are usually
cold with snow in the mountains. Temperatures are often below
freezing and you should pack woollen garments accordingly.
Postal Information
Post office hours are from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday,
and some are open until 2pm on Saturday.
Manners and Customs
Telephone
The Polish are very friendly. Social life is reasonably informal
and casual wear is recommended. Be careful when crossing
roads as jay walking is an offence and is punishable with
a fine. Smoking is quite common. Tipping is only really
expected in restaurants and is approximately 10-15% of a
restaurant bill.
00 (dialling out). Public telephones take coins and telephone
cards but are not plentiful.
eKIT
The access number for Poland is 00800-111-3535.
Food and Drink
Public Toilets
Typical Polish meals are hearty and generally meat based.
Local dishes include Bigos (sauerkraut, fresh cabbage,
onions and meat), kotlet schabowy (breaded pork cutlet)
and klopsiki (meatloaf with tomato sauce). Poland is also a
good country for fish such as carp, which is served in sweet
and sour jellied sauce. Bread and sausages are also very
There are many public toilets in Poland; ladies toilets are
marked by a circle and gents by a triangle. It is most likely
that you will have to pay one zloty to use the facilities.
Useful website
www.polandtour.org
Wawel Castle, Krakow
43
Portugal
Capital: Lisbon Population: 10.6 million
Location: South West Europe
Land Area: 92,391km2 (35,672mi2)
Language: Portuguese
Famous for: Port wine, salted cod
Money Matters
Mateus Rosé is a famous lightweight Rose. Portugal is also
famous for its port wines; the best are produced around
Oporto. Although Lisbon’s water tastes heavily of chemicals,
it is safe for drinking. However, we recommend that you buy
bottled drinking water. Portugal has an excellent range of
local mineral waters.
The official currency is the Euro. ATMs are widely distributed
and major credit cards are readily accepted.
Bank opening hours
Generally Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 3pm; some may
close for lunch.
Best Buys
Geography
Jewellery and handcrafted items from goldsmiths in silver
and gold, leather goods, ceramics, wickerwork, tiles, cork
goods, embroidery and tapestry.
It is mountainous north of the Tagus River with rolling
plains in the south.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 7pm (some may close for lunch),
and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays.
Portugal has a Mediterranean climate. It is one of the
warmest European countries. Summer months are usually
sunny, with the hottest months being July and August, where
you can expect temperature highs of 35°C (95°F). Average
temperatures in winter are 9°C -15°C (48.2°F-59°F). A sweater
will come in handy for cool summer evenings and low heeled
shoes are recommended if you plan to do much walking on
Lisbon’s cobble stoned streets.
Postal Information
Post offices open Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 7pm. You can
also buy stamps from tobacconists. Mail boxes are painted
bright red.
Telephone
Manners and Customs
access 00 (dialling out). For international operator
connected calls from Lisbon (to USA, Canada, Australia,
New Zealand) dial the English-speaking operator on 329011.
The Portuguese shake hands at every opportunity. Don’t
be startled if someone taps you firmly on the arm to attract
your attention – it’s the Portuguese way. If people, especially
villagers, seem to be staring at you, it’s only unaffected
curiosity. One problem can be how to catch the eye of a
waiter. The Portuguese have no equivalent for ‘Waiter’ but
use the term ‘Faz favor’ (please!). Tipping in restaurants is
around 10-15% of the bill.
eKIT
The access number for Portugal is 800-812-993.
Public Toilets
Located in most Metro stations and other heavily-travelled
places in Lisbon. If there is an attendant on duty a 20
cent coin would be an appropriate tip. Ladies’ toilets
are ‘Senhoras’ and men’s are ‘Homens’.
Food and Drink
Due to its long coastline seafood features prominently
on restaurant menus. Typical Portuguese dishes include
sopa de mariscos (shellfish soup made with vegetables
and shellfish), caldo verde (green soup made with green
cabbage leaves), caldeirada (fish stew cooked with
vegetables) and porco altentejano (fried pork covered
with a sauce of mussels stewed with tomato and onions).
Another staple is bacalhau (dried codfish), which you will
find everywhere. Portuguese grilled chicken is world famous
and it is generally marinated in chili, garlic and olive oil.
Puddings include arroz doce (Portuguese version of rice
pudding) and nuvens (egg custard). Wine is the drink of
choice in Portugal. There are good reds and whites and
Useful website
www.visitportugal.com
44
Romania
Capital: Bucharest Population: 22.4 million
Location: South East Europe
Land Area: 237,500km2 (91,699mi2)
Language: Romanian
Famous for: Dracula and Transylvania
Money Matters
chlorinated, and while relatively safe, may cause
stomach upsets.
The official currency is New Leu (RON; plural Lei). It is divided
into bani (1 New Leu = 100 bani). Coins are in issued in Bani
50, 10, 5 and 1 and notes in Lei 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1.
Best Buys
Specialist purchases include embroideries, pottery,
porcelain, silverware, carpets, fabrics, wool jumpers,
woodcarvings, metal, leather goods, rugs, glass paintings
and silk dresses.
Bank opening hours
Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm.
Geography
Shopping Hours
Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm depending on area
and season.
Central Transylvania is separated from the Plain of Moldavia
on the east by the Carpathian Mountains and separated from
the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps.
Postal Information
Summer temperatures are moderated on the coast by sea
breezes while inland at sea level it is hot. Winters are coldest
in the Carpathian Mountains where there is snow from
December through to April. Snow falls throughout most of
the country. Winters are mildest on the coast. Lightweights
are worn in summer on the coast and in low inland areas.
Warmer clothes are needed in winter and throughout the
year in the highlands. Rainwear is recommended throughout
the year.
Post offices are open daily, including Saturday mornings.
Telephone
access 00 (dialling out). Public telephones are widely
available and can be used for direct international calls.
Hotels often impose a high service charge for long-distance
calls, but usually do not charge for local calls.
Manners and Customs
Handshaking is the most common form of greeting,
but it is customary for men to kiss a woman’s hand when
being introduced. Visitors should follow normal European
courtesies on social occasions. A 10% service tip is
customary in restaurants. Porters, chambermaids and taxi
drivers also expect tips.
Food and Drink
The Romanians excel in full-bodied soups, some of the best
being cream of mushroom, chicken, beef, vegetable and
bean soup. Other national specialities include tocana (pork,
beef or mutton stew seasoned with onions and served with
mamaliga), Moldavian parjoale (flat meat patties, highly
spiced and served with garnishes), and patricieni (charcoalgrilled sausages similar to frankfurters). Fish dishes include
nisetru la gratar (grilled Black Sea sturgeon), and scrumbii
la gratar (grilled herring). Vegetarians may struggle to find
suitable options. Desserts include moldavian cozonac
(brioche) and pasca (a sweet cheesecake). A traditional drink
with entrées is tuicã (plum brandy). Romanian wines have
won international prizes and Romanian beers are excellent.
Romanian sparkling wines, or methode champagnoise,
are very good and superb value. Glühwein (mulled wine)
is another popular Romanian drink. Tap water is normally
45
Russia
Capital: Moscow Population: 140 million
Location: Northern Asia Land Area: 17,075,200km2 (6,592,768mi2)
Language: Russian
Famous for: Ballet, vodka, caviar
Money Matters
Best Buys
The official currency is the Rouble (R). It is divided into
Kopeks (1 Rouble = 100 Kopeks). Coins are in issued in RUB
10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 10, 5 and 1 kopeks. Notes are issued
in RUB 5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50 and 10. Money may be
exchanged at the currency exchange desk in the hotel. Hours
vary from place to place but they are open longer and are
considerably easier to deal with than banks. You must always
have your passport and currency control certificate with you
when exchanging money. Only small amounts of money
should be changed as most purchases are made in hard
currency. It is a good idea to travel with small denominations
of Euro.
Traditional matryoshkas (painted wooden dolls within dolls)
and dymkovskaya igrushka (pottery figurines based on folklore
characters) make excellent souvenirs. Engraved amber,
cameras, vodka, watches and Faberge eggs (although you may
have to settle for a reproduction!) are also a good buy.
Bank opening hours
Generally from Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.
Postal Information
Shopping Hours
Tend to vary but usually are Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to
6pm. Most shops close for lunch for an hour. Tourist centres
have foreign currency shops (berioska) where you can buy
a wide range of goods for Sterling, dollars or other hard
currency at favourable prices.
Post offices are generally open Mondays to Fridays from 9am
to 7pm. Most major hotels have their own post office branch,
which sell stamps and accept telegrams.
Geography
It is the largest country in the world in terms of land area,
but much of the country lacks the right soils and climate
for agriculture.
Telephone
810 (dialling out). When dialling the Russian Federation
from abroad, the 0 of the area code must not be omitted.
For outgoing calls dial 810 followed by the relevant country
code (e.g. 81061 for Australia). Long distance calls may be
made from your hotel and it is best that these are booked
in advance. It is not possible to reverse the charges for calls
from Russia.
Weather conditions are varied due to the size of the
country. Summers are generally short and for the most part,
comfortably warm. In all other seasons you are advised to
pack some extra jumpers or cardigans as it is cold.
Manners and Customs
eKIT
The access number for Russia is 8-10- 800-2174-1012.
Russians have a strong cultural history of literature (Tolstoy,
Chekhov, Dostoevsky), ballet and music. It is customary
to shake hands when greeting someone. To avoid pick
pocketing it is best to keep jewellery, watches and cameras
out of sight. A 10% tipping policy should be adhered to.
Public Toilets
Doors are usually marked M for men and X for ladies, or may
also be advertised by the letters WC. Public toilets may be
in short supply, so try places like McDonalds which are free
of charge. It is advisable to carry packs of tissues in case no
toilet paper is available.
Food and Drink
Specialities include traditional borscht soup (beetroot soup
served with sour cream), beef stroganov (creamy beef stew),
pelmeni (meat dumplings) and kasha for breakfast (porridge).
Russians have a very sweet tooth so try their desserts,
especially ponchiki (hot sugared doughnuts). Vodka is
popular and is often served straight or can be flavoured with
herbs and spices such as zubrovka (a variety of grass) and
pertsovka (hot pepper). There is also nalivka which is a sweet
liqueur made from fruits. We recommend that you only drink
bottled mineral water, which is always the carbonated variety.
46
Scotland
Capital: Edinburgh Population: 5 million
Location: North of the British Isles Land Area: 77,925km2 (30,086mi2)
Language: English
Famous for: Bagpipes, kilts, tartan, the Military Tattoo
Money Matters
it’s worth checking whether a service charge has been
added to the bill.
The currency in Scotland is the British Pound (Pound
Sterling). It is divided into pence (1 Pound Sterling = 100
pence). There are four bank notes £5, £10, £20 and £50, and
seven coins, 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p and £1. There are also
some bank notes issued by Scottish banks which are legal
tender throughout the UK but which some shopkeepers
outside Scotland may look at suspiciously.
Food and Drink
Haggis is probably the best known Scottish delicacy. It is rich
in flavour, however some people are put off as it is made
from sheep’s offal. Fresh salmon, trout, herring, game and
potato are also commonly featured on menus. Scottish
Whisky or Scotch is world famous and is sold around the
globe. It has been distilled in Scotland for centuries and was
originally referred to as the water of life – uisge beatha.
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Fridays, 9.30am to 4.30pm.
Geography
Shopping Hours
Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm. Some stores may
be open on Sunday mornings.
Scotland’s terrain is varied and breathtaking. With mountain
peaks to coastlines with white sandy beaches, it has lush
pastures and extensive woodlands.
Best Buys
Scotland makes some of the world’s best clothing and you’ll
find a very good selection of tartans, woollens and tweeds.
Edinburgh crystal, shortbread, Edinburgh rock (candy),
bagpipes, sheepskin clothing, china, silver jewellery, crystal
and whisky are also good buys.
Scotland’s climate is generally oceanic, with no extreme
variations. It is generally cool and wet, so even in midsummer we advise you take some warm clothes and
rainwear. Scotland is generally colder than the rest of the
UK, especially in the more northerly regions. The west tends
to be wetter and warmer than the cool, dry east. In upland
areas, snow is common in winter, along with fog and mist.
Post Office
Open Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 5.30pm, and Saturdays,
9am to 12 noon.
Manners and Customs
Telephone
Scotland is a forthright and friendly place with a long
tradition of hospitality which has not faded. Residents of
countryside hamlets and the western islands may overwhelm
you with their warm and enthusiastic welcome. Tipping is
part of the way of life and is expected by most who provide
a service (e.g. taxi drivers, hotel doormen, and airport and
railway porters.) As a general guide a 10-15% of the cost of
the service should be considered. In hotels and restaurants
00 (dialling out).
Public Toilets
‘Public Conveniences’, ‘WC’ or ‘male’ and ‘female’ symbols
identify toilets throughout Scotland.
Useful website
www.scotland.com
Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh
47
Slovenia
Capital: Ljubljana Population: 2 million
Language: Slovenian
Famous for: Mountain sports, Lake Bled
Money Matters
called potica and there is the ever popular goulash. White
wines such as Laski and Renski Rizling or red karstteran
are popular. Slovenian beer is also excellent. Tap water is
considered safe and drinkable, however we advise you stick
to bottled water.
The currency used is the Euro. Major credit cards are
accepted at upmarket establishments, however cash is
mainly preferred. Travellers cheques are accepted however
they should be in currencies such as Euros, US dollars or
Pounds Sterling.
Best Buys
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am to 12.30pm and 2pm to 5pm.
Some are open Saturdays, 8.30am to 11am.
Local gifts include crystal glass, bobbin lace and speciality wines.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 7pm. Some shops are open on
Saturday mornings.
Geography
It has a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine
mountain region adjacent to Italy and Austria, mixed
mountains and valleys with numerous rivers to the east.
Forest covers 57% of its land area.
Postal Information
Post offices are generally open from Mondays to Fridays,
8am to 6pm, and Saturdays, 8am to 12 noon. Stamps can
also be bought at bookstalls.
Telephone
Slovenia generally has a continental climate with warm
summers and cold winters and a Mediterranean climate on
the coast. We suggest medium weight clothing and heavy
overcoats in winter and light weight clothing and raincoats
for the summer.
access 00 (dialling out). Calls can be made with magnetic
phone cards.
Manners and Customs
Slovenes are generally very friendly and shaking hands is the
normal form of greeting. Usual European social conventions
apply and informal dress is widely acceptable. It is customary
to give a 10% tip in hotels, restaurants and for taxis.
Food and Drink
Slovenian food definitely has a German influence with
sauerkraut, sausage and apple strudel generally appearing
on menus. Breads are another popular accompaniment;
try the strukli (stuffed with meat or vegetables) or a dessert
Ljubljana Castle, Ljubljana
Lake Bled
48
Spain
Capital: Madrid Population: 46 million
Location: South West Europe
Land Area: 504,782km2 (194,897mi2)
Language: Spanish
Famous for: Bull fighting, flamenco dancing, tapas
Money Matters
for Gazpacho, a delicious cold vegetable soup and in the
eastern regions there is Paella, a rice dish made with meat
or seafood – well worth a try! Rioja red wine (pronounced
‘Ree-o-hah’), sherry (liqueur) and Cava (sparkling wine,
which is much cheaper than champagne) are also popular.
We suggest, like most Spaniards, you drink bottled mineral
water which is widely available.
The currency used is the Euro. Money can be exchanged
at banks, travel agencies and major hotels. Credit cards
and travellers cheques are widely accepted.
Bank opening hours
Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm, and normally also on
Saturdays, 9am to 1pm.
Best Buys
Geography
Sherry (liqueur), lace, ceramics, leather goods, jewellery,
Lladro figurines (porcelain), Spanish fans (abanico),
Flamenco CDs, Damascene jewellery and Majorcan pearls.
Spain is large and generally flat in the centre with the
rugged hills of the Pyrenees in the north and the mountain
slopes of the Sierra Nevada in the south.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 1pm and 5-8pm.
Postal Information
Spain’s climate does vary but is by and large Mediterranean.
Expect hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Take light
to medium weight clothing in summer.
The main post offices in major cities are generally open 9am
to 8pm. Stamps are not only sold at the post offices but also
at establishments called Estancos (tobacconists) which are
authorised to sell tobacco and stamps.
Manners and Customs
The custom of siesta (early afternoon nap) is gradually
disappearing and department stores now stay open through
the traditional three-hour siesta. Some shops close from 2 to
5pm and reopen for late-night trading.
Telephone
access 00 (dialling out).
Food and Drink
eKIT
The access number for Spain is 800-099-665,
Madrid economy is 91-414-61-98.
Spaniards eat out a lot and one of the best ways to try a
variety of dishes is tapas (snacks). Served in small bowls,
the idea is to share a mixed variety of dishes such of olives,
squid, cheese, meat and bread. Other speciality dishes
include Sopa Castellana (baked garlic soup), Besugo al
Horno (seabream poached in a wine sauce), Cochinillo
Asado (roasted suckling pig) and Cordero Asado (roast
lamb). Many speciality dishes are made with seafood –
eels, bream and squid. The area of Andalusia is noted
Public Toilets
There are many expressions for toilet in Spanish – Aseos,
Servicios, WC and Retretes. The first two terms are the more
common. In public conveniences, attendants expect a tip.
Cibeles Fountain, Madrid
49
Sweden
Capital: Stockholm Population: 9 million
Location: Northern Europe Land Area: 449,964km2 (173,732 mi2)
Language: Swedish
Famous for: Ikea, ABBA, Volvo and Saab
Money Matters
and milk are very popular, along with lager. Aquavit is the
local spirit, usually drunk chilled. Wines and spirits are very
expensive. The water is safe to drink.
The currency is the Swedish Krona (SKR). It is divided into
Ore (1 Krona – 100 Ore). Travellers cheques are generally only
accepted at exchange bureaux. ATMs are in widespread use.
Best Buys
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Fridays, 9.30am to 6pm.
Sweden is renowned for its quality modern designs.
Glassware and crystal, jewellery, silver and pottery. Women’s
and children’s clothes are also good buys. Nordic sweaters
are a speciality.
Geography
Sweden is mostly flat and has gently rolling lowlands with
mountains in the west.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 5pm, and Saturdays, 9am to 1pm.
Postal Information
In general Sweden’s climate is of a temperate nature.
Summer weather is warm with low humidity and winters
especially in the north are very cold. Summer evenings can
be a bit cool, so we suggest packing a sweater.
Post boxes are yellow in Sweden. Stamps and aerograms
are also on sale at most bookstalls and at stationers.
Telephone
Manners and Customs
access 00 (dialling out). Phones are conveniently located in
glass-enclosed sidewalk stalls and in ‘Tele’ offices. Dialling
instructions are in Swedish and English.
Swedes are very environmentally aware and recycling is
very popular. Midsummer is always celebrated – maypoles,
garlands, flower decked houses, dancing and special
midsummer dishes typify this popular festival.
eKIT
The access numbers are Sweden 0200-888-074, Stockholm
economy 08-5069-2159.
Food and Drink
Swedish food was made famous by the Smörgåsbord, the
Scandinavian cold buffet. A seemingly endless array of
delicacies from a number of herring dishes (sweet-pickled
herring, pickled herring with onions), Swedish meatballs
(köttbullar), smoked salmon, pies, salads, eggs, bread,
boiled and fried potatoes and so on. Other dishes to
look out for are gravlax (salmon that has been specially
prepared), traditional pea soup or ärtsoppa (yellow peas and
pork) served with thin pancakes (pannkakor), pickled wild
strawberries and cloudberries unique to Scandinavia. Coffee
Public Toilets
Located in underground (subway) stations, department
stores and some of the bigger streets, squares and parks.
They are often labelled with symbols for men and women, or
marked WC, Damer (ladies) or Herrer (gentlemen) or simply
D/H. Some have slots for coins or an attendant to give
towels and soap (for a small charge), but most are free and
tips are not usually expected.
Useful website
www.visitsweden.com
Royal Palace, Stockholm
50
Switzerland
Capital: Bern Population: 7.5 million
Language: Swiss German, French and Italian Famous for: Clocks, watches, Swiss army knives, chocolates, banking
Money Matters
Swiss pastries and desserts are excellent. A great variety of
Swiss wines are available throughout the country. There are
also spirits made from fruit; the most popular are Kirsch,
Pflümli and Williamine. The water in Switzerland is safe to drink.
The currency used is the Swiss Franc (CHF). It is divided into
rappen (1 Swiss Franc = 100 rappen). Many prices may also
be displayed in Euro. Major credit cards are widely accepted
and ATMs are widespread. Exchange offices are situated at
airports and large railway stations.
Best Buys
Watches, clocks and cuckoo clocks, chocolate, music boxes
and Swiss army knives.
Bank opening hours
Generally open Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 12.30 noon
and 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
Shopping Hours
Usually Tuesdays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm (closed two
hours for lunch); shops are closed on Monday mornings
and opening hours vary on Saturdays.
Geography
It is a landlocked country, has the highest elevations in the
Alps and 70% of the country is made up of mountains.
Postal Information
Post offices are easily recognised by their distinctive sign
showing a white cross on a red background and the letters
PTT. All offices handle telephone calls and stamps are also
dispensed from vending machines outside. Swiss post boxes
are yellow. Post office hours are Monday to Friday, 7.30am to
12 noon and 2pm to 6.30pm, and Saturdays 7.30am to 11am.
The climate varies with elevation. The temperature is
moderate with no real extremes of hot and cold. Summer
is warm lasting from about June to September. It is best to
be prepared for every eventuality and pack a warm sweater
and raincoat.
Telephones
Manners and Customs
access 00 (dialling out). Complete and simple operating
instructions in four languages, including English, are posted
on all public telephones.
Etiquette and social customs are very formal. Swiss
Germans tend to be extremely polite and hard working.
Tips are generally included in the bills but you can add a
small tip if the service was very good. Make sure you greet
a shopkeeper when entering a store.
eKIT
The access numbers are Switzerland 0800-562-733, Zurich
economy 44-580-4354, nationwide economy 0842-000-004.
Food and Drink
French, German and Italian influences prevail in the regions
where those languages are spoken. Speciality dishes include
Fondue and Raclette (cheese dipping dishes), sausages
and Rösti (fried potato), Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) and
Fondue Bourguigon (cubes of steak with various sauces).
Public Toilets
There are clean, conveniently located public toilets across
Switzerland. Look out for the sign ‘Toiletten’ or ‘WC’.
You will also find ‘Damen’ or ‘Frauen’ for ladies’ toilets,
and ‘Herren’ and ‘Männer’ for men’s toilets.
Useful website
www.myswitzerland.com
Matterhorn, Zermatt
51
Turkey
Capital: Ankara Population: 75 million
Location: South East Europe Land Area: 780,580km2 (301,383 mi2)
Language: Turkish
Famous for: Hand woven carpets, Turkish baths, ceramics and leather
Money Matters
beef roasted on a vertical spit which is then thinly sliced)
and for desert try Nightingale’s nest (walnut stuffed pastry),
baklava, various milk puddings and of course Turkish
delight. The national drink is Raki (an aniseed liqueur), which
can be drunk throughout the meal either neat or with water.
Turkish coffee is strong and served black. Stick to bottled
water, either carbonated or still.
The currency in use is the Turkish Lira (TRY). It is divided into
Kurus (1 Turkish Lira = 100 Kurus). Coins are issued in TL
1 and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 Kurus and notes are issued in TL
200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 1. Major credit cards are widely
accepted and ATMs are widely distributed.
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 12 noon & 1.30pm to 5pm.
Best Buys
Geography
Turkish Delight, local handicrafts, embroidered silks, woven
carpets, jewellery, ceramics and leather.
Turkey has a high central plateau (Anatolia), narrow coastal
plain and several mountain ranges. Mount Ararat, the
legendary landing place of Noah’s Ark, is in the far eastern
part of the country. Turkey is generally hot or warm in
summer with mild winters.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to 7pm.
Postal Information
Post offices are identified by the letters PTT in black on a
yellow background. Large hotels have post offices or will handle
your mail for you at the desk. Post boxes are painted yellow.
Manners and Customs
Hospitality has a strong emphasis on the Turkish way of life.
Following religious laws of the Koran, the Turkish people
are gracious and generous hosts and all guests (Misafir) are
treated in the best possible manner. Turks also make every
effort to communicate no matter what the linguistic barriers
might be. Turkish life is centered around the coffee house
and the bath house. Even the smallest Turkish village has
its coffee house or Kahve as the social centre. Casual light
clothes is the answer for the coast but include something
stylish for dining and dancing. Modesty will win respect;
low-cut tops and miniskirts (for women) are unsuitable
everywhere except at the beach.
Telephone
00 (dialling out). Only a few countries can be called
reverse-charge (collect).
eKIT
The access number for Turkey is 00800-151-0788.
Public Toilets
Facilities are generally fine in hotels and large restaurants
and acceptable at big highway filling stations, otherwise
they are often below standard. Carry tissues with you when
travelling, as toilet paper is not always supplied. Men’s
toilets are indicated by the word Erkekler or Baylar and
women’s by Kadinlar or Bayanlar or are recognisable
by symbols.
Food and Drink
Food generally has a Middle Eastern influence. Speciality
dishes include Meze (a selection of starters), kebabs, in
particular the Shish kebabs (pieces of meat such as lamb
threaded on a skewer and grilled), Doner kebab (lamb and
Blue Mosque, Istanbul
52
Wales
Capital: Cardiff Population: 2.9 million
Location: West of Great Britain Land Area: 20,779km2 (8,022mi2)
Language: English and Welsh
Famous for: Passion for Rugby, choirs
Money Matters
Best Buys
The currency in use is the Pound Sterling (£). It is divided
into pence (1 Pound Sterling – 100 pence). Coins are issued
in 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p and £1 and notes in £5, £10, £20
and £50.
Look out for locally produced crafts including pottery,
slatecraft, Celtic designed jewellery, hand-woven woollens
and love spoons. Love spoons are traditionally hand carved
wooden spoons produced by young men in Wales since the
17th century. They would be presented to women as an offer
of their love. If accepted it was a sign that courtship would
lead to marriage.
Bank opening hours
Normal banking hours are Mondays to Fridays, 9.30am to 3.30pm.
Geography
Much of Wales’ diverse landscape is mountainous,
particularly in the north and central regions. About 80% of
the land is used for agriculture (including cattle grazing).
Shopping Hours
Monday to Saturday, 9am to 5.30pm. In smaller towns
and villages the shops usually close early one day a week
(often Wednesdays).
Postal Information
Though generally mild with warm summers and cool
winters, the weather in Wales is variable with rapid
climate changes taking place with little or no notice. Light
waterproofs or an umbrella are recommended year round
and even in summer a warm woollen jumper or jacket may
be required for cool evenings.
Post boxes come in different shapes and sizes but are
always red.
Telephone
00 (dialling out). There are numerous public telephone
boxes; some take coins and some take phone cards, which
can be purchased in newsagents and other retail outlets.
Food and Drink
British and continental cuisine is widely available. Try Welsh
Rarebit, a tasty snack of cheese on toast (there is no rabbit
involved!). Speciality dishes include laver bread (made from
seaweed), bara brith (fruit bread), cawl cennin (leek soup),
Welsh cakes and Welsh lamb. All the usual beers, wines and
spirits are widely available. Tap water is safe to drink and
bottled mineral water is also available.
eKIT
The access numbers are Wales 0800-032-6297, nationwide
economy 0845-085-0855.
Useful website
www.visitwales.com
Tintern Abbey, Tintern
Caernarvon Castle, Gwynedd
53
Austria
Austria
Austria
Austria
Rathstrasse 54
A - 1190 Wien
Neustift am Walde
Web: www.dasschreiberhaus.at
Web: www.schreiberhaus-catering.at
Mirabell Palace, Salzburg, Austria
England
Windsor Castle, Windsor
France
Nice, France
France
France
Auberge
Cheval Blanc
Blanc
Auberge du
du Cheval
Place
de la
la Colette
Colette
Place de
Eze
Village
Eze Village
Phone
93 41
41 03
03 17
17
Phone 93
Fax
93 41
41 28
28 76
76
Fax 93
At
the historical
historicalvillage
villageofofEze,
Eze,
Atthe
the bottom
bottom of
of the
Giuseppe
you in
in aa homely
homelyenvironment.
environment.
Giuseppe welcomes
welcomes you
AAnice
team at
atyour
yourservice.
service.
nice and
and dynamic team
Germany
ZIKO’s GRILL
ZIKO’s
GRILL
We guarantee
you an unforgettable
evening
inguarantee
Berlin with
excellent
food and music.
We
you
an unforgettable
evening
in Berlin
with
excellent
food
and
music.
Ziko’s Grill Inh. Lj. Milosavljevic,
Kaiser-Friedrich-Strass
Berlin-Charlottenburg
Ziko’s Grill61A,
Inh.10627
Lj. Milosavljevic,
Tel: 030-323 70
53 10627
Fax: 030-323
77 53
Kaiser-Friedrich-Strass
61A,
Berlin-Charlottenburg
Tel: 030-323 70 53 Fax: 030-323 77 53
STOP, LUNCH AND DISCOVER...
...cuckoo clocks, glassblower‘s workshop
in the Black Forest
from Drubba family with compliments
Höllsteig 76 79874 Breitnau Tel.: +49 (0) 7652-9010 www.hofgut-sternen.de
Greece
Caryatids, Acropolis, Athens
Rhodes, Aegean Sea
Ireland
VISIT
enjoy
a medieval
banquet
or
TRADITIONAL
Irish
Night
Bunratty Castle & Folk Park
Bunratty, Co. Clare, Ireland
Telephone: +353 61 360788
Email: [email protected]
www.shannonheritage.com
Step Back in Time and Come on Board with
South West Ireland
Jaunting car Tours
✥ Killarney Estate & Ross Castle
via St Mary’s Cathedral
✥ Muckross Estate to Muckross House & Gardens
via Muckross Abbey
Packages
✥ Jaunting Car Tour of Killarney Estate & Lake Cruise on
Lily of Killarney Watercoach
✥ Jaunting Car Tour of Killarney Estate & Open Boat tour to
Muckross House & Gardens
✥ The Gap of Dunloe Tour
✥ Tour Guides Available for Regional Tours - The Ring of
Kerry/ Dingle Peninsula/ Beara Peninsula
A Family Business in its 5th Generation
Contact: Laura, Paul or Michael Tangney Tel: 353 64 6633358 Fax: 353 64 6633388
Email: [email protected] Website: www.killarneyjauntingcars.com
Ireland
Ireland
Ring of Kerry, Ireland
Italy
Delicious fish specialities on the
fisherman’s island of Burano
Piazza Galuppi 560, 30012 Burano
Tel: 0039 041 735095
Fax: 0039 041 730095
Page 36
Italy
#\KGPC #ITKEQNC
La Sorgente
Sorrento, Italy
7HO )D[ La Tavola di Lucullo
via Rota 51-53
Sorrento (NA)
Italy
Gala Dinner and Italian Opera
Italy
Burano, Italy
Italy
Italy
Italy
Booklet Eur:Layout 1
24/11/10 11:00 Page 36
The Best selection
of 18 Kt gold jewerly.
Some of the designer brands
you will find in our shop include:
MOSAIC,
SCANAVIN,
NANIS,11:00 Page 36
New 2010 FOPE,
Booklet
Eur:Layout
1 24/11/10
UNOAERRE, ROBERTO COIN, ELINI,
ITALY
NOMINATION and PANDORA.
La Sorgente
We also offer an extensive selection of
Sorrento, Italy
original Roman coins and cameos.
7HO )D[ Best selection of 18 Kt gold jewerly.
Our friendly,ITALY
international staff awaits.
#\KGPC #ITKEQNC
#\KGPC #ITKEQNC
La Sorgente
Tax free for tourist
Sorrento, Italy
7HO )D[ Piazza Santa Croce, 15 r
50122 Firenze
Tel. +39 055 24 19 71
Fax +39 055 24 78 437
[email protected]
La Certosa
antico ristorante
Via Cassia, 1
Certosa Firenze
Tel: 0039 055 2048876
La Certosa
antico ristorante
Via Cassia, 1
Certosa Firenze
e Monastery Cuisine” was born from the strict manacle
ting our Restaurant and the Certosian Monastery. Tel: 0039 055 2048876
act, the complex where the Restaurant La Certosa is located,
he past, was used by the Certosian Monks as a pharmacy, for
sale of medicine, syrup, ointments, beauty products, and it
like a “shop” where you could buy cheese, oil, liquor and
er products made
the MonksCuisine”
during their
of hermitage.
“The by
Monastery
waslife
born
from the strict manacle
evening begins
in the
smalland
hallthe
which
has theMonastery.
view
uniting
ourprivate
Restaurant
Certosian
he Certosian Monastery.
In fact, the complex where the Restaurant La Certosa is located,
waiters willin
dress
thewas
clothing
of the
the Certosian
Monks, “the
habit”,
the in
past,
used by
Monks
as a pharmacy, for
a musical group
willofbe
dressed in
the traditional
the sale
medicine,
syrup,
ointments,costume
beauty products, and it
he early 900’s.
music
andyou
famous
songs oil, liquor and
wasTraditional
like a “shop”
where
couldopera
buy cheese,
revive the other
taste products
and let made
us reminisce
aboutduring
once their
uponlife of hermitage.
by the Monks
me...
The evening begins in the private small hall which has the view
of the Certosian Monastery.
The waiters will dress in the clothing of the Monks, “the habit”,
and a musical group will be dressed in the traditional costume
of the early 900’s. Traditional music and famous opera songs
will revive the taste and let us reminisce about once upon
a time...
Al Gladiatore
Plazza del Colosseo, 5
00184 Roma
Gala Dinner and Italian Opera
Italy
Casanova Ristorante
Roma, Via Rodi 18/A, Italy
http://www.casanovarestaurant.it
Cinque Terre, Italy
Morocco
NETHERLANDS
No 2 Place Jamaa El Fnaa
Medina Marrakech
www.Palaisarabe.ma
Morocco
AUX 100000
Marrakech, Morocco
www.aux100000epices.com
Volubilis, Morocco
Fez Royal Palace, Morocco
Netherlands
A Brilliant Choice
ThE DiAmonD ExpEriEncE
in AmsTErDAm
Every year Amsterdam welcomes over one
million visitors who are particularly interested
in the fascinating diamond craftsmanship. The
Gassan Group is the combination of the leading
diamond-polishing factories in Amsterdam.
k
Gassan Diamonds, a family owned company,
is located in a formerly steam driven diamond
factory in the centre of Amsterdam. The company
still concentrates primarily on diamond cutting,
wholesaling and retailing in set diamonds, loose
polished diamonds, gold jewellery and watches.
Gassan Diamonds has a unique position within
the diamond industry by introducing a new cut,
the Gassan 121. Gassan Diamonds offers free
guided tours in 27 languages, a own mooringsite,
coffeeshop and a Diamondland boutique with
a large collection fashion jewellery and brilliant
souvenirs.
open 7 days a week
Gassan Diamonds - Nieuwe Uilenburgerstraat 173-175
1011 LN Amsterdam, Holland
T +31 (0)6225333 F +31(0)20-6246084
E [email protected] I www.gassan.com
Adv. Tracoin 90x240mm dec. 2012.indd 1
14-12-2012 10:39:03
Netherlands
Amsterdam, Netherlands
Scotland
Portugal
Sagres Peninsula, Algarve
Isle of Skye, Scotland
Scotland
Advert_Layout 1 02/01/2012 15:43 Page 1
TASTE OF SCOTLAND
Scottish Show
WORLD FAMOUS SHOW & DINNER
THREE SCOTTISH TENORS
Perform nightly
ROBERT BURNS’
Address to the Haggis
A
BAGPIPES, FIDDLES & CEILIDH DANCING!
TARTAN & KILTS GALORE
WHISKY & HAGGIS
TRADITIONAL SCOTTISH ENTERTAINMENT
love OF GRETNA GREEN
Romance, Scandal, intrigue…
whisky, cashmere, golf…
One of Scotland’s most compelling
historical tales marries
with one of Scotland’s best
shopping experiences.
An unmissable feast of traditional Scottish music, song, food and
culture in the magnificent setting of historic Prestonfield House, just
moments from the Royal Mile. Enjoy a four-course dinner with wine
followed by a spectacular 2-hour show. Unmissable!
DINNER, SHOW & WINE JUST £53
BOOK ONLINE
BOOKING HOTLINE 0131 225 7800
scottishshow.co.uk
BOOK ONLINE scottishshow.co.uk
buy
ticketsfrom
fromthe
theHub
HubBox
BoxOffice,
Office, Castlehill,
OrOr
buy
tickets
Castlehill,Royal
RoyalMile
Mile
Open everyday from 9am
(only closed Christmas Day)
open late in summer
shop online:
www.gretnagreen.com
Gretna Green • Scotland • DG16 5EA
Tel: 01461 338441 • [email protected]
Spain
Scotland
Torphichen Inn
7 The Square
Torphichen
West Lothian
EH48 4LY
www.thetorphicheninn.co.uk
Spain
The
Revolving Re
In T
El Patio Sevillano
The Best and Oldest
Located in the Historical Part
Spanish Art (Flamenco, Regional and Classic).
ft. best artists,
An authentic ‘flamenco’ performed6300
by the
the most complete show of Spanish Dance, in a ‘Patio’
that breathes the pure atmosphere of Seville.
See Eiger, Moench, Jungfrau and
Vin
Mount Stanserhorn Railway, Rondoram
CH-6370 Stans/Luz
Fon
+41SEVILLA
(0)41 618 80 40, Fax +4
Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, 11A,
41001
Telephone: 4214120-4222068 • Fax:
4225591
[email protected],
www.s
Air Conditioned • Security Service
Spain
New 2010 Booklet Eur:Layout 1
24/11/10
11:01
Page 44
SAN MARCO RESTAURANT
c/. Santo Domingo de la Calzada 5
41018 Sevilla – Spain
Tel. +(34) 616 608285
[email protected]
Distinction, wide selection of dishes and excellent service, make the
San Marco restaurant on calle Santo Domingo de la Calzada,
in an area where enjoy the pleasure of good eating.
Gardens, terraces, rooms full of imagination and cared for with all kinds
of decorative details, where you can enjoy the best cuisine of Seville.
SWITZERLAND
Switzerland
C HARLES BUCHER EXCURSIO N S
GUIDED TOURS
ON LAKE LUCERNE
TEL +41 41 410 20 55
TEL +41 41 410 17 37
FAX +41 41 410 42 22
FAX +41 41 410 42 27
W W W. C H A R L E S - B U C H E R . C H
Switzerland
Jungfraujoch Top of Europe
Up to the highest-altitude railway station in Europe · 3454 m
On the journey, this engineering masterpiece of the century awards
simply stunning views from the middle of the famous Eiger North Wall.
A wonderworld of snow and ice.
Seeing it once is better than speaking of it a thousand times.
Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe: your swiss mountain experience
New 2010 Booklet Eur:Layout 1
Bahnofplatz
24/11/10
11:01
top offers & more infos at jungfrau.ch
Page 46
Tel: 967 44 00
YOUR ONE STOP IN ZERMATT
FOR ALL GROUPFOTOS,
T-SHIRTS AND SOUVENIRS
LARGEST SELECTION OF T-SHIRTS/SWEATSHIRTS IN ZERMATT
SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR ALL GROUP MEMBERS.
Opened
Chapel Bridge, Lucerne
in 1912, the sensational
Jungfrau Railway undoubtendly
counts as one of Switzerland‘s most
impressive excursions.
Aletsch Glacier – the longest icestream in the Alps, 22 km long and
up to 800 metres thick.
Switzerland
2132 possibilities above sea level
113617_PIL_INS_90x240_Zahnrad_e_RZ1.indd 1
21.12.11 15:45
C12270 Trafalgar and Insight Booklet Ad.qxd
Wales
C12270 Trafalgar and Insight Booklet Ad.qxd
16/1
16/1
2000 Years of History
www.cardiffcastle.com
2000 Years of History
www.cardiffcastle.com
Prepare to be Amazed!
Prepare to be Amazed!
• Spectacular Castle apartments
• Spectacular
apartments
• Audio
guide of Castle
Battlement
walls, grounds and Norman Keep
•
Audio
guide
of
Battlement
andofNorman
• Traditional Welsh Banquets walls,
for a grounds
true taste
WalesKeep
–
•
Traditional
Welsh
Banquets
for
a
true
taste
of
Wales
–
includes 4 course dinner, entertainment and harpist
includes 4 course dinner, entertainment and harpist
• Book via your Tour Director
• Book via your Tour Director
Snowdonia Mountains, Wales

Useful Information - CostSaver

Transcription

Similar documents

Just cut, fold and tape this stuff to create your very own Cla

SuggestedClothing 12_Layout 1

European Discoveries - CostSaver

Ideal for first

double decker bus - Bubbles Magazine

ETEX Brochure

Citrawarna Malaysia

2nd Quarter Grade 9

summer music programs summer music programs

Premium travel luggage designed to last a lifetime