YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE® Jewels of Bohemia: Czech Republic, Slovakia & Hungary 2022 Small Groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 13) Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled 1 Dear Traveler, At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. And the O.A.T. Jewels of Bohemia: Czech Republic, Slovakia & Hungary itinerary you’ve expressed interest in will be a wonderful way to resume the discoveries that bring us so much joy. You might soon be enjoying standout moments like these: In my mind, there is nothing more quaint and picturesque than the rural villages that dot the countryside of the Czech Republic. To immerse myself in their traditions and everyday life, I explore rural communities like Slavonice, a small village nestled on the border with Austria. You’ll see what I mean when you experience A Day in the Life of a small, family-run farm here, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the owners, lend a hand with the daily farm chores, and share a Home-Hosted Lunch with your hosts around the warmth of a bonfire. I believe the most moving stories you’ll hear are from the locals who live and work in the regions you travel to around the world, and that is what I found to be true in Prague when I spoke with Zdenek Vacek, a local teacher and lifelong Prague resident, about the Velvet Revolution. I was saddened to hear the reality of their turbulent past under the Czech Communist regime. You’ll hear his harrowing story as well when you sit down with him in a local café to discuss his life as a child under communism. He’ll also talk of his participation in the 1989 Velvet Revolution, where hundreds of thousands of Czechs peacefully demonstrated for the end of the Communist Party. He’ll talk candidly of his experience and offer his perspective on how modern-day politicians have drastically drifted from this revolutionary spirit. The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it. So we keep our groups small, with only 8-16 travelers (average 13) to ensure that your encounters with local people are as intimate and authentic as possible. It’s also why your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader will be a resident “insider” who can show you the culture as only a local can. To ensure that your adventure is truly unique, put your own personal stamp on it. You can arrive early and stay later, add a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or combine two or more trips. Plus, your itinerary offers ample free time so you can pursue your own interests. So until the day comes when you are off to enjoy your Jewels of Bohemia: Czech Republic, Slovakia & Hungary adventure, I hope you will relish the fun and anticipation that this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® will inspire. Should you have further questions, feel free to call our Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925. Love and peace, Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman, Overseas Adventure Travel P.S. For further peace of mind, please know that we are EXTENDING our Risk-Free Booking Policy through 12/31/21. Learn more at www.oattravel.com/risk-free-booking. USA Today “Best Tours” 10Best Readers’ Presented by Choice Awards Solo Traveler 2 CONTENTS A Letter from Harriet Lewis ................................................................2 The O.A.T. Difference......................................................................4 The Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ................................................6 Grand Circle Foundation...................................................................8 The Leader in Solo Travel ..................................................................9 JEWELS OF BOHEMIA: CZECH Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, REPUBLIC, SLOVAKIA & HUNGARY Shipping & More ........................ 88 Your Adventure at a Glance: Where You’re Going, What it Costs, DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY and What’s Included ..................... 10 Czech Republic .......................... 91 Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ........ 12 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 91 Optional Tours .......................... 30 The Czech Republic: A Brief History ....... 91 Pre-Trip Extensions ...................... 31 Slovakia ................................ 92 Post-Trip Extensions ..................... 44 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 92 Dates & Prices ........................... 54 Slovakia: A Brief History .................. 93 Hungary ................................ 94 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 94 Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. 55 Hungary: A Brief History ................. 95 No Visas Required ....................... 56 Germany................................ 96 Requirements for the Czech Republic ..... 56 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 96 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ......... 58 Germany: A Brief History ................. 97 Vaccines Required ..................... .. 59 Poland ................................. 98 Money Matters: Local Currency Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 98 & Tipping Guidelines..................... 61 Poland: A Brief History ................... 99 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ..... 66 Austria ................................. 100 Optional Tours .......................... 66 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 100 Communicating with Home from Abroad . 67 Austria: A Brief History ................... 101 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . 69 Romania................................ 102 Suggested Packing Lists .................. 70 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 102 Electricity Abroad ....................... 73 Romania: A Brief History ................. 103 Climate & Average Temperatures .......... 75 RESOURCES ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: Suggested Reading ...................... 105 CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Suggested Film & Video .................. 109 The Culture of Central Europe ............ 79 Religion and Religious Observances ....... 80 Language .............................. 80 O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures.......................................................... 115 Notes.................................................................................. 116 Map ................................................................................... 119 3 EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE in Central Europe This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized small group journeys on the road less traveled. SMALL GROUPS: 8-16 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE OF 13)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using exceed 16 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or a reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper vintage cab. bonds with your travel mates. Personal service from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character, experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run hotels and historic manors to comfy inns. Occasionally, larger THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Wherever Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience you stay, you’re assured fine comfort and Leader is a resident of the region you are hospitality. visiting, so you will get a true insider’s perspective that brings each place alive—the OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES stories, food, customs, hidden treasures With 36 regional offices around the world, and more. we are perfectly poised to leverage our local relationships to deliver an excellent experience AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported Engage with local people through visits to by our team in Prague. farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ studios; school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more. Raft along the Vltava River in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic Connect with local people in the Czech Republic 4 THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY Enriching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation of your Jewels of Bohemia adventure. GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) VISIT discuss how modern-day Czechs are divided GCF was established in 1992 to help change about their attitude toward the post-Communist people’s lives in the world where we live, work, government and current administration. and travel. To date, we have pledged or donated A DAY IN THE LIFE $200 million worldwide. Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like By investing in the places we explore— to live here?” when you visit new lands? Let’s including local schools, cooperatives, or arts find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life, an centers—we hope to give locals the skills and exclusive, immersive experience that places you confidence they need to become leaders of in the heart of a community where you’ll meet their generation and preserve