European Discoveries - CostSaver

Transcription

European Discoveries
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
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Before you go…
Travel Documents
Airport Transfers in London
A couple of weeks prior to your vacation 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 vacation as enjoyable
as possible. Please read them carefully before your departure.
Transfers can be expensive, particularly between the airport
and your London hotel. But when you book your Trafalgar
vacation and take advantage of our land and air packages,
we have included a FREE transfer to and from London’s
airports* and your Trafalgar London hotel. Guests who have
made their own flight arrangements may purchase transfers
at our specially negotiated group transfer rates from London’s
Heathrow* to the door of your Trafalgar London hotel:
$39 per person per single trip to/from Heathrow airport.
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.
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.
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, traveler’s checks, 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: Guests who have booked Trafalgar’s Land
and Air packages arriving at London’s Gatwick Airport are
provided with a Gatwick Express train voucher. The Gatwick
Express train journey from Gatwick Airport to London’s
Victoria Station takes 30 minutes. Guests then need to make
their way from Victoria Station to their Trafalgar hotel.
Airport Transfers in Europe
On many itineraries, we offer complimentary group arrival
transfers from the airport to your Trafalgar hotel at set times.
(Please check your relevant itinerary page in the brochure for
full details). If your flight times do not coincide with the shuttle
bus transfer timings you may choose and book a private
transfer. It is very important that your travel agent provides us
with all your arrival and departure flight details and we must
be advised if your flight is changed for any reason. If we are
not informed, no refund will be given for the cost of your taxi
to the hotel.
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Luggage
Trafalgar’s Express Check-In
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.
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
vacation price.
30”
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
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 carry-on luggage.
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)
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
vacation. All of your details are kept secure.
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 traveling 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 for detailed information
regarding your airline’s checked baggage policies.
1. Go to www.trafalgar.com/express
2. Enter your Booking No. and Last Name
3. Answer all questions and click 'submit'
Please note that airport porterage at the beginning and end
of your guided vacation 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.
Packing
presents
European Discoveries
When traveling 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 vacation 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.
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.
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Health
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 jewelry,
clothing, etc. should be left at home for your peace of mind.
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. For
easy access when traveling, 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. 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.
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.
What to Bring
This will depend upon your personal preferences, where you
are traveling to and the time of year you are traveling. 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 vacation:
Clothing
Swimsuit
Sandals
Hat
Shorts/skirts
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
Vaccinations
Please contact your doctor or healthcare provider before
traveling to determine which vaccinations are recommended.
Undergarments
Socks
Sleepwear
Jeans/trousers
Pullover/cardigan
Shirts/blouses
Make Friends Before You Go
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 traveling companions by visiting
Trafalgar’s Online Community. Read posts from fellow travelers
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
Budgeting
Collapsible umbrella
Sunscreen
Pocket calculator
Travel alarm clock
Sunglasses
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
Meals
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.
NB Do not pack your passport or money in your suitcase.
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. Do not carry your social security number on you.
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Optional Excursions
Experience has shown us that most guests participate in
these excursions and you should therefore budget for them
in advance. Optional excursions are operated by third party
suppliers, but have been approved and endorsed by Trafalgar.
These may be purchased direct from your Travel Director who
will accept payment in cash in most major currencies, such as
US Dollars or Australian Dollars as well as major credit cards
(Visa, MasterCard, American Express). Full details and prices
are shown in your itinerary leaflet or on the guided vacation
itinerary pages on the Trafalgar website.
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.
Call your credit card company to advise them you will be
traveling, as some companies will block the credit card
when they notice unusual charge activity.
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Ensure you memorize your Personal Identification Number
(PIN); do not write it down.
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Ensure that your credit card is kept in view at all times when
paying for goods and services.
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Ensure that the total amount of your purchase is entered on
the sales voucher in the correct currency before you sign it.
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Retain all copies of sales vouchers until you have verified
them against your statements.
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Insist that all ‘spoiled’ sales vouchers be destroyed in your
presence.
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Make sure your credit card is carried on your person.
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Never leave your credit card unattended in your hotel
room, a vehicle or any other place.
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Treat your credit card as you would cash.
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Report immediately the loss or theft of your credit card.
Weather
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
The climate in Europe is moderately continental and humid in
the summer. For weather conditions pertinent to your travel
schedule, visit these websites:
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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
neighbor to collect it. A full mailbox can be a treasure trove for
hackers and identity thieves.
Please note that we don't recommend the use of travelers
checks 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
Center and Hotel Service Desk also accept Euro currency.
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 traveling. 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 traveling.
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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).
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While you are traveling...
Your Travel Director and Coach Driver
drive or walk to familiarize you with the locality, usually on the
way to your hotel.
Throughout your Trafalgar guided vacation 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
travelers, 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
traveling 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
vacation price. However, there is a wide range of other
exciting excursions available, both while traveling 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
Trafalgar Noticeboards
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.
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
vacation in London.
During your trip, your Travel Director will post a daily notice
with details of the program schedule. Please check this
regularly for the most up-to-date information and be ready at
the specified times.
Europe is different!
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.
Currency Packs
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 Center. You can pay in US dollars, Canadian dollars,
Euros or Pounds Sterling.
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 Vacation
Trafalgar’s philosophy is that it’s your vacation 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 a brief orientation
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 accommodationss have private facilities,
but again, this will vary. Most bathrooms have a bathtub with
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Laundry Facilities
integrated shower, but occasionally 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 vacations.
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 Center 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 accommodationss before you travel. In large cities
rooms are constantly in demand for tourism and business
purposes.
NB Trafalgar contracted your trip accommodationss many
months ago. However, on occasions the hotel may need to
relocate its guests into alternative accommodations. 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
minimize 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 travelers, Trafalgar enforces a no-alcohol 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 accommodationss 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 vacation
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 traveling 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 checkout 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 travelers, 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.
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Tipping
Meals
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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 vacation 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 individual
nature, you should seal your gratuity in an envelope to
present to each of them separately at the end of
your vacation.
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Suggested tipping rates (per person traveling) 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.
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While on your guided vacation, tips and service charges
are included for your included meals, accommodationss
and porterage, but at other times we suggest the
following as a guide to general tipping practices in
Europe/UK:
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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.)
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Taxis: 10-15% of the fare on the meter.
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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.
Breakfast
Your vacation 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 flavors, 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 specialties throughout your
vacation, either during your free time or on our unique
Be My Guest dining experiences and other Highlight
dining occasions.
Freedom at Meal Times
Trafalgar’s philosophy of a careful mix of free time and
organized 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.
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.
Staying In Touch
Drinks
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.
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.
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.
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What is eKIT?
advise you of some companies who specialize in this service.
eKIT is your global phone card and web communication service
designed to keep you in touch with family and friends while
you’re traveling.
Note:
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eKIT provides:
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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
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!
How do I use it?
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
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.
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.
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.
Tip: Be careful with hotel computers. Do not access financial
data on hotel or public computers or on public wi-fi networks.
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 Center in London can 10
•
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 traveling
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. 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 vacation, your Travel Director
will provide you with the best advice. 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.
Doctors
If at any time on your guided vacation 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
vacation 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.
Public Vacations and Changes
During local or national vacations, 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 vacations, closing days and other circumstances
may change the day of the week for scheduled dining out, gala
dinners, sightseeing and other included activities.
Guest Feedback
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
vacation is given to management, and where necessary,
appropriate action is taken to rectify any problems.
Trafalgar’s London Reception Center
Your home away from home!
Summer Opening Hours (8 April – 25 October 2013)
A friendly welcome awaits you at Trafalgar’s new London
Reception Center – 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 Center 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 accommodationss 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 Center to
await your collection. It should be clearly addressed showing
your surname in capital letters, your guided vacation number
and date of arrival in London, and the name of your Trafalgar
London hotel.
Address & Contact Details
Trafalgar London Reception Center
79 York Road, London SE1 7NJ
Tel: +44 (0) 207 620 8900
Email: [email protected]
London Reception Center
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
Apfelstudel (Apple Strudel) and Sachertorte (a 2-layer
chocolate sponge cake with apricot jam in the middle,
covered in dark chocolate icing). Local 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 mountain-fresh. 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
It is a landlocked country with a major river known as the
Danube. Austria is mainly an alpine country two thirds
being mountainous.
Best Buys
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
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.
Postal Information
Stamps can be purchased at post offices and tobacconists.
Post boxes are painted yellow.
Telephone
Food and Drink
The country code is +43 (dialling in) and international access
00 (dialling out). Telephones are recognized 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.
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
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
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
Food and Drink
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.
Mussels and ‘frites’ (French Fries) are the specialty but other
delicious dishes include ‘waterzooi’ (chicken or seafood
cooked in cream sauce with vegetables), ‘Anguille au vert’ (eel
flavored with sorrel, sage and 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.
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
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.
The majority of West European capitals are within
1,000km (610 miles) of Brussels.
Best Buys
Climate and clothing
Lace, glass and crystal ware, pewter, leather goods, antiques
and Belgian chocolates - said to be the best in the world.
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.
Shopping Hours
Shops are generally open Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 6pm.
Some shops close between 12 noon and 2pm.
Postal Information
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.
Manners and Customs
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.
Telephone
00 (dialling out). Away from the hotels the TT TéléphoneTélégraphe/Telefoon-Telegraaf) office is the place to make
international and reverse charge (collect) telephone calls.
eKIT
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
13
Bulgaria
Capital: Sofia
Population: 7.5 million
Location: South East Europe Land Area: 110,910km2 (42,822mi2)
Language: Bulgarian
Famous for: Black Sea beaches and yoghurt
Money Matters
Food and Drink
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.
Because of its geographical position and long history
Bulgarian cuisine is a mixture between Slavonic, Greek
and Turkish cuisines. Specialty foods include Bansko-style
kapama (meat and vegetables stewed in an earthenware
dish), Rhodope cheverme (lamb roasted on a spit over an
open fire) and Thracian katmi (a special type of pancake).
National specialties 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 yogurt). 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.
Bank opening hours
Mondays to Fridays 9am to 4pm.
Geography
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.
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.
Best Buys
The main shopping area of Sofia is the Vitosha Boulevard.
Bulgarian handicrafts, wines, spirits and confectionery can
all be purchased.
Manners and Customs
Shopping Hours
Shops and stores are generally open Mondays to Saturdays,
10am to 8pm.
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.
Postal Information
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.
Telephone
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.
Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria
14
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
hearty flavor, order succulent English pork chops, or ham,
baked or roasted. Gammon, a cut of ham is 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 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.
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.
Manners and Customs
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.
Postal Information
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
Buckingham Palace, London
English pub
15
England continued...
Public Transportation 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 colors 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 Center,
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 traveling 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
16
France
Capital: Paris Population: 65 million
Language: French
Famous for: Eiffel Tower, croissants and fashion
Money Matters
Manners and Customs
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.
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.
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.
Food and Drink
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.
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 comprize 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 recognized as a regional language by
the French government.
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.
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.
Best Buys
Perfume, clothing, lace, crystal/glass, china, silk scarves and
ties, gloves, cheeses, coffee, wines, spirits and liqueurs.
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
The international country code is +33 (dialling in) and for
international access (dialling out) dial 00. Most phone booths
only accept phone cards.
Eiffel Tower, Paris
17
France continued...
eKIT
The access numbers are France 0805-113-721, Paris economy
01-73-04-56-78 and Nationwide economy 0820-60-0052.
Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, and is lined
with horse chestnut trees.
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. 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.
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’.
Paris
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! 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 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 jewelry shops, also the authority of the
President’s palace, while the Champs Élysées claims the
shops, film, advertising and airline companies.
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 theaters 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 specialize 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. Theater and art thrive here too. All in all,
this city has a supreme talent for living that makes it a favorite
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
18
Germany
Capital: Berlin Population: 83 million
Location: Central Europe Language: German
Land Area: 357,021km2 (138,846mi2) Famous for: The Berlin Wall, OktoberFest, Rhine wines
Money Matters
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
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’.
Manners and Customs
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
Public Toilets
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. Specialties 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. The national
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
19
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
vine leaves) or a selection of dips such as Tzatziki (yogurt with
finely chopped cucumber, garlic and olive oil), Melitzanosalata
(eggplant purée) and Taramosalata (crushed fish eggs).
The currency used is the Euro.
Bank opening Hours
Banks are open Monday to Thursday 8am to 2.30pm but close
on Fridays at 2.00pm.
Main dishes generally include meat, Moussaka (potatoes
topped with eggplants, onions, minced beef and béchamel
sauce) being the most famous, and kebabs.
Geography
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
recognized 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.
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 jewelry (gold, silver and reproductions
of ancient jewelry), 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
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 center of Athens.
If there is someone in attendance, you should leave a small tip.
Useful website
www.gnto.gr
The Acropolis, Athens
20
Hungary
Capital: Budapest Population :10.3 million
Location: Central Europe Land Area: 93,030km2 (35,919mi2)
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 reexchanged. ATMs are found in Budapest.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Fridays 10am to 6 or 7pm, Saturdays 10am to
1pm. Shopping centers 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.
Manners and Customs
eKIT
The access number for Hungary are 06800-17053 or
06800-15970.
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
Food and Drink
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.
Hungarian dishes are often rich with sour cream, onions, eggs,
butter and wine. Dishes are usually flavored with paprika.
Specialties 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 specialty 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.
21
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 flavors to choose from or
granita (crushed ice with flavored 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
(10,890 ft) 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, jewelry, high end fashion (Prada, Gucci).
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.
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.
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
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.
The Colosseum, Rome
22
Italy continued...
eKIT - The access number for Italy is 800-985-675, Milan
economy is 02-3631-1926.
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.
Venetian gondola, Venice
23
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
Food and Drink
Classic French cuisine dominates along with certain regional
specialties such as pissaladière (onion tart with anchovies and
black olives), barbajuans (a savory pastry) and Langoustines à
la Provençale (seafood). A variety of French wine is available as
are imported liquors. Tap water is safe to drink.
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.
Geography
Best Buys
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.
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.
Shopping Hours
Monday to Saturday, 9am to 12 noon and 2 to 7pm. Some
souvenir shops open on Sunday mornings.
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.
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.
Manners and Customs
Telephone
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.
00 (dialling out).
eKIT
The access number for Monaco is 0800-913-588.
Useful website
www.visitmonaco.com
Grimaldi Palace
Monte Carlo
24
Netherlands
Capital: Amsterdam Population: 16.6 million
Language: Dutch
Famous for: Anne Frank, Vincent Van Gogh, tulips, windmills
Money Matters
change and small notes should be left as a tip. The water is
safe to drink.
The currency used is the Euro and ATMs are widely distributed.
Best Buys
Geography
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.
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 crisscrossed 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.
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 Information
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).
Food and Drink
eKIT
The access numbers are Netherlands 0800-023-3971,
Amsterdam economy 0207-133-472.
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
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
25
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
value. Glühwein (mulled wine) is another popular Romanian
drink. Tap water is normally 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
Bank opening hours
Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm.
Specialist purchases include embroideries, pottery, porcelain,
silverware, carpets, fabrics, wool jumpers, woodcarvings,
metal, leather goods, rugs, glass paintings and silk dresses.
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
The country code is +40 (dialling in) and international 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 specialties 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 (charcoal-grilled
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
26
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
pig) and Cordero Asado (roast lamb). Many specialty dishes
are made with seafood – eels, bream and squid. The area of
Andalusia is noted 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 travelers cheques are widely accepted.
Bank opening hours
Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm, and normally also on
Saturdays, 9am to 1pm.
Geography
Best Buys
Spain is large and generally flat in the center with the rugged
hills of the Pyrenees in the north and the mountain slopes of
the Sierra Nevada in the south.
Sherry (liqueur), lace, ceramics, leather goods, jewelry, Lladro
figurines (porcelain), Spanish fans (abanico),
Flamenco CDs, Damascene jewelry and Majorcan pearls.
Shopping Hours
Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 1pm and 5-8pm.
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.
Postal Information
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
00 (dialling out).
Food and Drink
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 specialty dishes include Sopa
Castellana (baked garlic soup), Besugo al Horno (seabream
poached in a wine sauce), Cochinillo Asado (roasted suckling
eKIT
The access number for Spain is 800-099-665, Madrid economy
is 91-414-61-98.
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
27
Switzerland
Capital: Bern Population: 7.5 million
Location: Central Europe Land Area: 41,290km2 (15,942mi2)
Language: Swiss German, French and Italian Famous for: Clocks, watches, Swiss army knives, chocolates, banking
Money Matters
and Rösti (fried potato), Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) and
Fondue Bourguigon (cubes of steak with various sauces). 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
Bank opening hours
Generally open Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 12.30 noon
and 1.30pm to 4.30pm.
Watches, clocks and cuckoo clocks, chocolate, music boxes
and Swiss army knives.
Geography
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.
It is a landlocked country, has the highest elevations in the
Alps and 70% of the country is made up of mountains.
Postal Information
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.
Post offices are easily recognized 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.
Manners and Customs
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.
Telephones
00 (dialling out). Complete and simple operating instructions
in four languages, including English, are posted on all
public telephones.
Food and Drink
eKIT
The access numbers are Switzerland 0800-562-733, Zurich
economy 44-580-4354, nationwide economy 0842-000-004.
French, German and Italian influences prevail in the regions
where those languages are spoken. Specialty dishes include
Fondue and Raclette (cheese dipping dishes), sausages
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
28
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
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Phone
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Phone 93
93 41
Fax
41 28
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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
Fax:
030-323
77 53
Kaiser-Friedrich-Strass 61A, 10627 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
Santorini, Aegean Sea
Rhodes, Aegean Sea
Italy
Delicious fish specialities on the
fisherman’s island of Burano
Piazza Galuppi 560, 30012 Burano
Tel: 0039 041 735095
Fax: 0039 041 730095
Italy
#\KGPC #ITKEQNC
La Sorgente
Sorrento, Italy
7HO )D[ La Tavola di Lucullo
via Rota 51-53
Sorrento (NA)
Italy
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
24/11/10 11:00 Page 36
include:
FOPE, MOSAIC, SCANAVIN, NANIS,
ITALY
UNOAERRE, ROBERTO COIN, ELINI,
La Sorgente
NOMINATION and PANDORA.
Sorrento, Italy
We also offer an extensive selection of 7HO )D[ original Roman coins and cameos.
ITALY
Best selection
of 18 Kt gold jewerly.
La Sorgente
Our friendly, international staff awaits.
New 2010 you
Booklet
Eur:Layout
1
will find
in our shop
#\KGPC #ITKEQNC
#\KGPC #ITKEQNC
Sorrento, Italy
7HO )D[ Tax free for tourist
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
e Monastery Cuisine” was born from the strict manacle Firenze
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
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
Spain
The
Revolving Rest
In The
El Patio Sevillano
The Best and Oldest
Located in the Historical Part
Spanish Art (Flamenco, Regional and Classic).
An authentic ‘flamenco’ performed by the best artists,
6300 Dance,
ft.
the most complete show of Spanish
in a ‘Patio’
that breathes the pure atmosphere of Seville.
See Eiger, Moench, Jungfrau and 100
Vintag
Mount Stanserhorn Railway, Rondorama ®
CH-6370 Stans/Luzern
Paseo de Cristóbal Colón, 11A, 41001 SEVILLA
Telephone: 4214120-4222068
• Fax:
4225591
Fon +41
(0)41
618 80 40, Fax +41 (0
Air Conditioned • Security Service
[email protected], www.stans
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
Spain
Park Guell, Barcelona
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.
New 2010 Booklet
Eur:Layout
1 your
24/11/10
11:01
Page 46
Jungfraujoch
– Top of Europe:
swiss mountain
experience
Bahnofplatz
top offers & more infos at jungfrau.ch
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
Switzerland
2132 possibilities above sea level
113617_PIL_INS_90x240_Zahnrad_e_RZ1.indd 1
21.12.11 15:45

European Discoveries - CostSaver

Transcription

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