TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE
Central Europe’s Past & Present: Berlin to Prague 2020
Grand Circle Travel ® Worldwide Discovery at an Extraordinary Value 1 Dear Traveler,
Timeless cultures ... unforgettable landscapes ... legendary landmarks. We invite you to discover centuries-old traditions and cosmopolitan gems with Grand Circle Travel on one of our enriching vacations around the globe.
No matter what your dream destination, Grand Circle offers an unrivaled combination of value and experience—all in the company of like-minded fellow American travelers and a local Program Director. Assigned to no more than 42 travelers, these experts are ready and eager to share their homeland and insights as only a local can. Whether it's recommending their favorite restaurant, connecting travelers with people and culture, or providing the best regional maps to enhance your leisure time, our Program Directors are here to take care of all the details and ensure that you have a fun and carefree travel experience.
You'll also enjoy the best value in the travel industry. Each of our trips includes all accommodations, most meals, exclusive Discovery Series events, guided tours, and most gratuities, all at a value that no other company can match. Plus, solo travelers can enjoy FREE Single Supplements on all Grand Circle Tours and extensions for even more value. In addition to our wealth of included features, each itinerary is balanced with ample free time to ensure you're able to make your vacation truly your own.
Plus, with Grand Circle, you have the freedom to personalize your trip. For example, you can customize your air experience, and start your trip early or stay longer with our optional pre- and post-trip extensions. You can even choose to "break away" on your own to arrive early and refreshed before your trip begins, or explore independently.
We hope you enjoy the information inside. Our Travel Counselors are available at 1-800-221-2610 to answer any questions you may have. Thank you for your interest, and we look forward to welcoming you.
Warm regards,
Alan E. Lewis Harriet R. Lewis Chairman Vice Chairman Grand Circle Travel
P.S. Visit us online to find our ever-growing collection of videos and films about our vacations—from independent films featuring the destinations you'll visit to itinerary highlights, interviews with our Program Directors, trip extensions, and more. Go to www.gct.com and find your travel inspiration.
1073 POD PMA-LET.indd 1 2 5/31/12 4:11 PM WHAT’S INSIDE
TRIP SUMMARY
It’s Included...... 4
Departure Dates and Prices ...... 5
Freedom to Personalize Your Experience ...... 6
DETAILED DAY-TO-DAY ITINERARY ...... 7
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP...... 30
Travel Documents & Entry Requirements ...... 32
Health ...... 35
Money Matters ...... 38
Preparing for Your Trip ...... 42 Packing ...... 46 Climate ...... 52
About Your Destinations ...... 55
Demographics & History ...... 66
Resources ...... 71
MAP ...... 75
3 FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE New! Central Europe’s Past & Present: Berlin to Prague GERMANY: BERLIN, LEIPZIG DRESDEN • CZECH REPUBLIC: PRAGUE
Old Town, Dresden, Germany
IT’S INCLUDED 14 days from $ 3695 C hoose to purchase Grand Circle’s airfare, and your airport transfers, Including international airfare • government taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges are included. Or, make from New York your own air arrangements Travel from only $264 per day • Accommodations for 12 nights in comfortable rooms with private baths $ • 22 meals: Daily breakfasts, 5 lunches, and 5 dinners 13 days from 2795 • 1 2 included features: 11 guided tours and 1 exclusive Discovery Series Tour only event: Home-Hosted Visit Travel from only $215 per day • Exclusive services of a local Grand Circle Program Director (assigned to no more than 42 travelers) MAXIMIZE YOUR • Gratuities on your main trip for local guides and motorcoach drivers DISCOVERIES & VALUE • P ersonal headset for all included and optional tours on your main trip • Private motorcoach land travel OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS • Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per person, including tips Hamburg, Germany • 5 % Frequent Traveler Credit toward your next trip 3 nights pre-trip from $895 Highlights of Poland: Krakow & Warsaw To get a richer view of the Included Features on this trip, 5 nights post-trip from $1195 watch our Trip Itinerary video at www.gct.com/ngp2020
Central Europe’s Past & Present: Berlin to Prague 4 Central Europe’s Past & FREEDOM TO PERSONALIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE Present: Berlin to Prague Create your unique travel experience with optional pre- and post-trip extensions, a custom air itinerary, seat upgrades on 2020 Dates & Prices your flights, and more. See details at www.gct.com/personalize-ngp2020
JUN 2, 23; AUG 11, 18; DEPART FROM: APR 21 MAY 7 MAY 19 SEP 1, 22 JUL 7, 21 OCT 8 New York $ 3695 $ 4095 $ 4395 $ 4595 $ 4495 $ 4195 Baltimore, Boston, Houston, Newark, $ 3895 $ 4295 $ 4595 $ 4795 $ 4695 $ 4395 Philadelphia, Washington, DC Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, $3995 $4395 $4695 $4895 $4795 $4495 Orlando, Phoenix, Portland, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle, Tampa
JUN 2, 23; APR 21 MAY 7, 19 AUG 11, 18 JUL 7, 21; OCT 8 SEP 1, 22
T o u r o n l y $ 2795 $ 3195 $ 3395 $ 3295 $ 3695
Find departure dates, up-to-the-minute availability, and detailed pricing online at NGP2020 www.gct.com/ngp2020 pricing
Airfare prices shown include government taxes, fees, and airline fuel Prices are per person for 14 days with airfare (13 days tour only), based on surcharges totaling $430 per person, all subject to change up until receipt double occupancy, and include meals and sightseeing as specified in the of final payment. It’s Included section. Our tour only vacation package begins at the first hotel listed on our itinerary All prices are effective as of the date of this publication, and are subject to and ends at the last hotel; includes all internal flights and transfers; and does change without notice. Standard Terms & Conditions apply, please visit not include airport transfers at the beginning and end of the main trip, or on our website: www.gct.com/tc. Every effort has been made to produce this the pre- and post-trip extensions. Dates shown above are departure dates information accurately. We reserve the right to correct errors. from the U.S. (rather than start dates of the tour).
Find up-to-the-minute availability, additional departure dates, detailed pricing, and more online at www. gct.com/ngp2020pri cing
SHARE YOUR LOVE BEST PRICE GUARANTEE FREE SINGLE OF TRAVEL SUPPLEMENTS We promise you won’t find a on your main trip and extensions. New travelers you refer will lower price on a comparable instantly save $100, and you’ll vacation—if you do, we’ll match it. We don't charge you more for earn increasing rewards! your own room. See details at www.gct.com/bpg See details at www.gct.com/va
Publication Date 9/3/19 1-800-221-2610 • www.gct.com/ngp2020 5 Freedom to Personalize Your Experience Your Choice, Your Trip, Your Way
Extending the length of your stay in a destination can improve your overall travel experience—and allow you to seek out even more eye-opening cultural interactions. Your local Program Director will serve as your trip experience leader—helping to ensure you’re getting the personalized experiences you’re looking for. In fact, 85% of our travelers are personalizing their experience in more than 90 countries.
Call us at 1-800-221-2610 to discuss personalizing your vacation today or visit us online at www.gct.com/personalize-ngp2020.
Maximize Your Time & Value: 55% of our travelers Back-to-Back Trips: 90% of our travelers who choose to take a pre- or post-trip extension combined two vacations rated it excellent
See more of the world and maximize your value by taking Consider combining this vacation with Romantic Villages of advantage of your already-included airfare. On this Alpine Europe. If you’re already overseas, why not see more vacation, you can choose between Hamburg, Germany and of the region and avoid another international flight? Plus, Highlights of Poland: Krakow & Warsaw. you’ll save $250 per person when you reserve two trips right after one another. “Break Away” Options: 30% of our travelers choose to arrive early or stay late in their destination Air Options: More than 50% of our travelers customize their flights Before or after your main tour or trip extension, “break away” anywhere you’d like to go to do more exploring We make every effort to provide you with non-stop entirely on your own. flights and acceptable connection times to and from your destination. You also have several other ways you can Please note: Our Travel Counselors can help you plan your personalize your air itinerary, including choosing your
Old Town, Warsaw, Poland Central Europe’s Past & Present: Berlin to Prague
6
Central Europe’s Past & Present: Berlin to Prague 2020 14-Day Grand Circle Tour
EXTEND YOUR TRIP PRE-TRIP Hamburg, Germany POST-TRIP Highlights of Poland: Krakow & Warsaw
Your Day-to-Day Itinerary
7 GRAND CIRCLE TRAVEL
Grand Circle Travel, founded in 1958 to serve the American Association for Retired Persons (AARP), is the leader in international travel and discovery for Americans over age 50. Grand Circle vacations have been recommended by The New York Times, Conde Nast Traveler, The Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure, The Wall Street Journal, Arthur Frommer’s Budget Travel, and others. But our most impressive reviews come from our travelers. More than two million people have traveled with us, and the overwhelming majority say they’d gladly do so again.
YOUR GRAND CIRCLE PROGRAM DIRECTOR
During your Grand Circle vacation, you’ll have reliable assistance available at all times from an on-site ORFDO*UDQG&LUFOH7UDYHO3URJUDP'LUHFWRUWKURXJKRXW\RXUWULS+HRUVKHLVͬXHQWLQ(QJOLVKDQGFDQ give you an inside perspective on your destinations. You will also be supported along the way by local tour guides, who lead you expertly through particular sites and cities.
Many Program Directors are graduates of professional education programs for travel guides. In addition, they receive specialized training directly from Grand Circle, based on what we’ve learned from past travelers about how to make the trip most enjoyable. Your Program Director offers both a deep knowledge of the region and a commitment to make this a very pleasant, informative, and rewarding travel experience for you.
He or she will provide sightseeing trips, handle all travel details, reserve optional tours you choose to take, oversee your Discovery Series events, and provide any other assistance you may need.
INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE
» Choose to purchase Grand Circle’s airfare, » ([FOXVLYHVHUYLFHVRIDORFDOGrand and your airport transfers, government Circle Program Director (assigned to no taxes, fees, and airline fuel surcharges more than 42 travelers) are included. Or, make your own air » Gratuities on your main trip for local guides arrangements and motorcoach drivers » Accommodations for 12 nights in » Personal headset for all included and comfortable rooms with private baths optional tours on your main trip » 22 meals: Daily breakfasts, 5 lunches, » Private motorcoach land travel and 5 dinners » Baggage handling for 1 piece of luggage per » 12 included features: 11 guided tours person, including tips and 1 exclusive Discovery Series event: » 5% Frequent Traveler Credit toward Home-Hosted Visit your next trip
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
8 WHAT THIS TRIP IS LIKE
GROUP SIZE »T ravel by boat on day 11 »A maximum of 42 travelers, led by a local »T ravelers joining us on our optional Grand Circle Program Director Highlights of Poland: Krakow & Warsaw extension will set off on a 6-hour drive PACING from Prague to Krakow on Day 14 of the »4 locations in 14 days main trip » 5HWXUQͬLJKWVRIWHQUHTXLUHGHSDUWLQJLQ early morning hours CLIMATE » Daytime temperatures range from 40-77°F PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS during touring season » Included features of this trip may consist of »J une-August are the warmest months up to 3-4 hours of physical activities each » Weather can sometimes be rainy or day; travelers should be capable of walking unpredictable 1-3 miles unassisted within 1-2 hours, including stairs and cobblestones. Travelers will also have the choice to participate in additional, optional walks and activities, if desired. »N ot accessible for travelers using wheelchairs or scooters »T ravelers using walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids must travel with a companion who can assist them » We reserve the right for Program Directors to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience
TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION » Diverse terrain and uneven walking surfaces, including steep and unpaved paths, hills, riverbanks, 25-50 stairs without handrails, and cobblestones, which can be slippery in wet or colder conditions »T ravel by 45-seat coach
Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610
9 Central Europe’s Past & Present: Berlin to Prague 2020
Bookended by stays in Berlin, Germany’s capital and the second-largest cosmopolitan area in Europe, and Prague, the capital of Czech Republic, our NEW &HQWUDO(XURSH̞V3DVW 3UHVHQW %HUOLQWR3UDJXHTour is punctuated by memorable stays in Western Europe’s urban gems. Discover the timeless charm of Berlin, with time to explore this historic city on your own and on an included tour. Discover the birthplace of some of the ZRUOG̞VͫQHVWSRUFHODLQGXULQJDYLVLWWRWKH0HLVVHQ3RUFHODLQ0DQXIDFWRU\ EXTEND YOUR TRIP Hamburg, Germany 3 NIGHTS PRE-TRIP Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city—and its greenest. Nourished by the Elbe and studded with lakes and canals, Hamburg is as rich in natural beauty as it is in history and culture. You’ll discover this Hanseatic port, as well as the historic town of Schwerin. Highlights of Poland: Krakow & Warsaw 5 NIGHTS POST-TRIP Immerse yourself in the highlights of Poland, and discover all that Warsaw and Krakow have to offer. Explore the history and charm of Warsaw’s Old Town, discover Krakow’s rich architecture and culture, and pay a memorable—and moving—visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Auschwitz. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 10 DETAILED ITINERARY Day 1 Fly to Berlin, Germany Day 3 Explore Berlin Afternoon/Evening: Depart the U.S. on an • Destination: Berlin RYHUQLJKWͬLJKWWR%HUOLQ*HUPDQ\ • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner • Accommodations: InterContinental Berlin Day 2 Arrive in Berlin or similar • Destination: Berlin Breakfast: At the hotel. • Accommodations: InterContinental Berlin Morning: This morning, we’ll kickoff our or similar (XURSHDQYDFDWLRQZLWKD:HOFRPH%ULHͫQJ Morning/Afternoon: Depending on your provided by our Program Director. Afterward, departure city, you will arrive either this we’ll embark on a city tour of Berlin, Germany’s morning or afternoon. A Grand Circle capital and one of the strongest economies in representative will meet you at the airport this part of the world. and assist you to the hotel, where you’ll enjoy 7KHVHFRQGODUJHVWXUEDQDUHDLQ(XURSH an introduction to the lively surrounding most of Berlin’s iconic sites are relatively close neighborhood during a vicinity walk with your together. Divided at the end of World War II, Program Director. You’ll also meet your fellow blockaded by the Soviets during the Cold War, travelers, including those who are concluding ULYHQE\DFUXHOJUH\ZDOODQGͫQDOO\GHOLYHUHG their Hamburg, Germany pre-trip extension. E\WKHVOHGJHKDPPHUVRIIUHHGRPͫJKWHUV Dinner: On your own tonight. Berlin is home Berlin is once again a united city since 1991. to the largest Turkish community outside of ,I\RXͫQG\RXUVHOILQWKHROG6RYLHWVHFWRU 7XUNH\ZKLFKKDVJUHDWO\LQͬXHQFHGWKHFLW\̞V of the city, keep your eyes open for extant DQGQDWLRQ̞V GLQLQJRSWLRQVRYHUWKHODVWͫIW\ AmpelmannchenWKH̡OLWWOHWUDIͫFOLJKWPDQ̢ years. Today, one of the most popular dishes ZKRDGRUQHG(DVW*HUPDQWUDIͫFOLJKWV among locals is Döner, rotisserie sliced meat Today, modern Berlin is much more than served either as a plate, pita wrap, or sandwich, it’s tumultuous history—it’s a multicultural complete with salad or vegetables, which metropolis, home to revered and budding may include tomato, onion with sumac, chili, artists alike, trendy tech startups, and a and various types of sauces, such as tzatziki food scene that holds it’s own among the (a yogurt-base with cucumbers, garlic, salt, gastronomic capitals of the world. The city’s and olive oil added) or a hot sauce. Döner can lakes and forests provide a stark contrast to its be found anywhere from a small, local Imbiss XUEDQVSDFHVWKDWH[KLELWDXQLTXHFROOHFWLRQ (small food stands or street food shops) to of architectural styles. Your city tour today full-service restaurants. Here’s a tip for you will take you by such landmarks as the Kaiser when you go to order: If you’re sensitive to Wilhelm Memorial Church, a 19th-century spice, you can always say, “Nicht scharf, bitte” church badly damaged in a 1943 bombing raid; (not spicy, please). 3RWVGDPHU3ODW]DQLPSRUWDQWSXEOLFVTXDUH Evening: You have the freedom to spend the in the city center; and Checkpoint Charlie, the rest of your evening as you wish—ask your LQIDPRXVFURVVLQJSRLQWEHWZHHQ(DVWDQG:HVW Program Director for recommendations. Berlin during the Cold War. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 11 Lunch: On your own today. Your Program Morning: After breakfast, embark on a tour Director is a wealth of information and will be to learn more about Berlin’s Cold War history. happy to suggest a place. If you’re looking for Following the defeat of the Nazis in World War a classic German dish, look no further than II, Berlin was split among the allied nations into SchnitzelWHQGHUL]HGPHDWSDQIULHGLQͬRXU four sectors of occupation—American, Soviet, eggs, and breadcrumbs. Though it doesn’t British, and French. Your tour today will take originate from here (technically Schnitzel is \RXE\EXVWKURXJKKLVWRULFVLWHVRIVLJQLͫFDQFH Austrian), this dish is commonly enjoyed located in what was once the American sector, throughout Germany, and if you eat meat, a starting with Schoeneberg Town Hall. It great introduction to German gastronomy. was here that John F. Kennedy delivered his There are many variations of Schnitzel; one notorious “ich bin ein Berliner̢VSHHFKDQGD popular preparation style is called Jägerschnitzel replica of the liberty bell currently occupies the (hunter’s schnitzel), which is topped with a clock tower. Your tour continues with a ride creamy mushroom sauce. past the building where RIAS, or “Radio in the $PHULFDQ6HFWRU̢LVVXHGLWVEURDGFDVWVELOOLQJ Afternoon: The remainder of the afternoon is LWVHOIDV̡WKHIUHHYRLFHRIWKHIUHHZRUOG̢ free for your own discoveries. Check with your countering the Soviet broadcasts coming from Program Director for ideas. One activity you the east. You’ll also travel along the Clayallee, may enjoy is a ride through the city in a trabant a road named after American general Lucius D. (a classic German car from the mid 1900s). Clay, who organized the famous Berlin Airlift Your Program Director can help you arrange in 1948. Later, we’ll visit the Allied Museum, this activity, should you be interested. For art which documents the contributions of the ORYHUVDQRWKHURSWLRQLVWRYLVLWWKH(DVW6LGH Western Allies during the war. Gallery, an open-air gallery featuring a series of murals depicted on a remaining portion of the Lunch: Around noon, you’ll taste a national Berlin Wall. delicacy at a nearby street vendor: currywurst, a fast food dish consisting of steamed and fried Dinner: Tonight, get to know your fellow pork sausage traditionally cut into bite-sized travelers during an included Welcome Dinner at chunks and served alongside curry ketchup a local restaurant. (spiced ketchup with curry powder). Typically Evening: The rest of the evening is free for accompanied by pommes frittes (French fries), you to spend as you wish. Perhaps you’d like WKLVGLVKLVTXLQWHVVHQWLDOO\*HUPDQDQGFDQ to continue celebrating the beginning of your be found throughout the country. In fact, it’s journey with your fellow travelers. such a cherished part of German gastronomic culture that there’s even a museum dedicated Day 4 Berlin • Allies in Berlin tour to it—the Deutsches Currywurst Museum of %HUOLQWKHͫUVWDQGRQO\currywurst museum • Destination: Berlin in the world, located in Berlin Mitte near • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Checkpoint Charlie. • Accommodations: InterContinental Berlin Afternoon: After lunch, the afternoon is or similar free for your own discoveries. Your Program Breakfast: At the hotel. Director is sure to have activity ideas if you’d like some. Should strolling down some of the PDLQDYHQXHVSLTXH\RXULQWHUHVW\RX̞OOͫQG Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 12 shopping and cafés along Kurfürstendamm Dinner: Dinner is on your own this evening. One DQG7DXHQW]LHQVWUDVVH VPDOOERXWLTXHVDQG classic German dish you may want to seek out is book shops along Oranienstrasse; and luxury Eisbein, pork knuckles usually cured and boiled brands in the former entertainment district of and traditionally served in Berlin with pease Friedrichstrasse. If weather permits and you’d pudding, a spiced legume paste. Of course, like to optimize your time outdoors, ask your you’re always welcome to consult with your Program Director about sailing on the Spree Program Director for restaurant ideas tailored 5LYHUZKLFKͬRZVWKURXJKWKHFLW\ to your tastes. For more historically important activities, Evening: After dinner, you’re free to spend the perhaps you’ll visit sites such as the Reichstag rest of the night as you wish. When the sun goes building, a formidable government structure down in Berlin, the city comes alive. There are dating back to the late 19th century, once events and social gatherings to accommodate EDGO\GDPDJHGLQDͫUHLQ 7KHWRSRI just about every kind of socialite here, whether the building is a large glass dome, designed you prefer a low-key jazz bar or a boisterous WRV\PEROL]HWKHXQLͫFDWLRQRI*HUPDQ\DQG Biergarten (beer garden). offering a 360-degree view of the surrounding urban landscape. From the dome, you can Day 5 Berlin • Potsdam • Leipzig also peer below into the debating chamber of • Destination: Leipzig the Bundestag or German parliament. Audio • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner guides can be found on the roof terrace of the building, should you want one. There is even a • Accommodations: The Westin Hotel Leipzig rooftop restaurant for dining with a view. Check or similar with your Program Director for details prior to Breakfast: At the hotel. visiting, as you must follow certain procedures in order to visit this government building. Morning: After breakfast this morning, you’ll transfer to Potsdam, a city on the Alternatively, for those who wish to delve outskirts of Berlin and former residence deep into Holocaust history, the Memorial of of Prussian kings until 1918. Here, you’ll 0XUGHUHG-HZVLQ(XURSHLVDQHYHUSUHVHQW embark upon a tour of Cecilienhof Palace, a reminder of the horrors of this time period. 81(6&2:RUOG+HULWDJH6LWH2ULJLQDOO\WKH Opened in 2004, the museum location itself last palace built by the Hohenzollern dynasty, LVRIJUHDWKLVWRULFDOVLJQLͫFDQFHERWKDVWKH and constructed between 1914 and 1917 for former site of part of the Berlin Wall “death Crown Prince Wilhelm and his wife Cecilie von VWULS̢ ZKLFKDWRQHSRLQWFRQWDLQHGKXQGUHGV Mecklenburg-Schwerin, Cecilienhof is now a of watchtowers, vehicle trenches, guard dog museum and hotel. It was here that Winston routes, and trip-wire machine guns) and Churchill, Josef Stalin, and Harry Truman +LWOHU̞V̡FRQWUROFHQWHU̢VRWRVSHDN WKH hammered out the details of the German Chancellery building as well as his former surrender in World War II. The structure was EXQNHUDUHQHDUE\ 8SRQͫUVWVLJKWRIWKH EXLOWWRPRGHODQ(QJOLVK7XGRUPDQRUKRXVH museum, visitors will notice it’s covered in and boasts a whopping 176 rooms. After your rows upon rows of grey, rectangular stone introduction to this historic landmark, you’ll VODEVFORVHO\UHVHPEOLQJFRIͫQVDQGDUUDQJHG have some free time to perhaps stroll the LQDVORSLQJͫHOG$YLVLWWRWKLVPXVHXPLVRIWHQ garden grounds. an emotional experience for visitors. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 13 Then, you’ll depart for a visit to Wannsee Day 6 Explore Leipzig Conference House, the lakeside villa located in • Destination: Leipzig the Berlin suburb of Wannsee, where 15 senior • Included Meals: Breakfast JRYHUQPHQWRIͫFLDOVDQGUHSUHVHQWDWLYHVRI • Accommodations: The Westin Hotel Leipzig the Schutzstaffel (a paramilitary organization or similar led by Hitler and the Nazi party) planned the GHSRUWDWLRQDQGPXUGHURI(XURSHDQ-HZVLQ Breakfast: At the hotel. 1942. This meeting was also referred to as the Morning: After breakfast, depart with a ̡)LQDO6ROXWLRQRI-HZLVK4XHVWLRQLQ(XURSH̢ local guide for a tour of Leipzig, Germany’s a secretive way to talk about the genocide. fastest-growing city and home to about Wannsee’s idyllic lakeside setting is at odds 600,000 inhabitants. Due to its turbulent with its tragic past: With white sand imported KLVWRU\SXVKIRUUHXQLͫFDWLRQDQG from the Baltic Coast along the lake’s shores, modern-day progressive politics, this WKLVLV(XURSH̞VODUJHVWRXWGRRUVZLPPLQJDUHD (DVWHUQ*HUPDQFLW\LVYLHZHGDVDV\PERORI on an inland body of water. We may have the FRQQHFWLRQEHWZHHQWKHIRUPHU(DVWDQG:HVW opportunity to walk to the lake and learn a bit A major center for music, world-renowned DERXWLWVRZQVLJQLͫFDQFHLQWKHOLWHUDU\ZRUOG musician Johann Sebastian Bach lived and worked here, serving as the music director Lunch: This afternoon your group will gather for four prominent local churches. Today, for lunch in a local restaurant. Leipzig is a hip, bustling city with a pleasantly Afternoon: After lunch, you’ll transfer to our affordable cost of living (in fact, Leipzig is ͫQDOGHVWLQDWLRQIRUWKHGD\ /HLS]LJ consistently ranked as one of the most livable German cities). Your tour this morning will Dinner: Tonight, join your fellow travelers for a begin with a drive by historic landmarks such traditional German dinner. as the enormous Monument to the Battle of the Nations, a tribute to the 1813 Battle of Leipzig Evening: The rest of the evening is free to in which Napoleon was defeated, as well as spend as you’d like. For those who wish to taste various sites associated with a number of other a local treat, ask your Program Director about major music composers, including Robert ZKHUHWRͫQGLeipziger Lerche (which translates DQG&ODUD6FKXPDQQ(GYDUG*ULHJDQG)HOL[ to Leipzig larks, like the bird), a shortcrust Mendelssohn. SDVWU\ͫOOHGZLWKFUXVKHGDOPRQGVQXWVDQG a cherry. Until the late 19th century, these Later, we’ll make our way to St. Nicholas SDVWULHVZHUHSUHSDUHGTXLWHGLIIHUHQWO\ LQ Church, one of two major churches of the city IDFWWKH\ZHUHͫOOHGZLWKPHDWIURPWKHDFWXDO and one of the largest in the state of Saxony. bird, the lark, until the hunting of the birds 2ULJLQDOO\FRQVWUXFWHGLQWKH5RPDQHVTXH was banned by King Albert I in 1876. Today, VW\OHLQ*RWKLFDQG%DURTXHHOHPHQWV it is believed that the cherry in the modern were added on to the structure throughout interpretation represents the heart of the lark. the 15th and 16th centuries, and the entire inside was remodeled in the 18th century in the classic style. Besides it’s architectural TXDOLWLHV6W1LFKRODVERDVWVDQLPSRUWDQW history, by which it’s best known for playing a key role in the “Monday demonstrations Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 14 LQ*HUPDQ\̢DVHULHVRISHDFHIXOSURWHVWV church. After our visit, we’ll continue on for against the German Democratic Republic. a walking tour around the Stadtzentrum (city Tens of thousands of protesters took to the FHQWHU LQFOXGLQJDYLVLWWRWKHPDUNHWVTXDUH streets between 1989-1991, holding candles surrounded by Renaissance-syle buildings as DQGVKRXWLQJ̡:LUVLQGGDV)RON̢ ̡:HDUH well as the church of St. Wenzel. WKHSHRSOH̢ DQGODWHU̡:LUVLQGHLQ9RON̢ The next stop on your Optional Tour is a ̡:HDUHRQHSHRSOH̢ HYHQWXDOO\LQVSLULQJ nearby vineyard home to Germany’s most RWKHU(DVW*HUPDQFLWLHVWRIRUPWKHLURZQ famous champagne brand, Rotkäppchen Sekt GHPRQVWUDWLRQVLQVXSSRUWRIUHXQLͫFDWLRQ ̡5HGFDSSHGFKDPSDJQH̢QDPHGDIWHU/LWWOH Next up, we’ll visit Leipzig’s other major Red Riding Hood from the Grimm brothers’ religious site: St. Thomas, a famous Lutheran IDLU\WDOH (PEDUNRQDZDONWKURXJKWKH church associated with a number of composers, vineyard, wine glass in hand, to appreciate including Johann Sebastian Bach, whose tomb WKHYLHZRYHUWKHTXDLQWFREEOHVWRQHYLOODJH resides in this important landmark. DQGVSUDZOLQJͫHOGV/DWHUHQMR\DWRXURIWKH cellars, where you’ll have the opportunity to Lunch: After your city tour, enjoy lunch on partake in more of the local wine, paired with \RXURZQ)RUDWUXH(DVW*HUPDQPHDODVN some bread and cheese. \RXU3URJUDP'LUHFWRUZKHUH\RXFDQͫQG 0XW]EUDWHQ, a type of pot roast, or Leipziger Dinner: Dinner is on your own this evening. Allerlei, a vegetable dish consisting of peas, One traditional dish you might like to try is FDUURWVJUHHQEHDQVFUD\ͫVKDQGPRUHOV roulade served with potato dumplings, gravy, and red cabbage. Ask your Program Director sfr Afternoon: This afternoon, you’re free to set VXJJHVWLRQVRQZKHUHWRͫQGWKLVGLVK your own agenda for the day. For more insight LQWRIRUPHU(DVW*HUPDQ\YLVLWWKH0XVHXPLQ Evening: Tonight, you are free to spend as you der Runden Ecke (Museum in the Round Corner), wish. If you’d like to wind down with a drink or housed in the former Stasi KHDGTXDUWHUVIRUWKH piece of Kuchen (cake), be sure to stop by Zum GLVWULFWRI/HLS]LJ8VHGE\WKH(DVW*HUPDQ Arabischen Coffe BaumRQHRI(XURSH̞VROGHVW VHFUHWVHUYLFHXQWLO WKHRIͫFHVUHPDLQWR FRIIHHKRXVHV2SHQHGLQWKLVPXOWLͬRRU this today in their original condition. café also contains a tiny museum of more than 500 coffee-related objects. Alternatively, you may choose to join our Optional Tour to Naumburg and Freyburg. 6KRXOG\RXFKRRVHWRDWWHQG\RXUͫUVWVWRSZLOO Day 7 Wittenberg • Home-Hosted Visit be Naumburg, a small, historic town famous for • Destination: Leipzig LWVFDWKHGUDOZKLFKZDVMXVWGHFODUHGD81(6&2 • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch :RUOG+HULWDJH6LWHLQ(UHFWHGLQ • Accommodations: The Westin Hotel Leipzig Naumburg Cathedral, also known as The Dome or similar of St. Peter and St. Paul, served as the former Breakfast: At the hotel. parish of the Bishopric of Naumburg-Zeitz and houses a number of prized works of art, Morning: This morning, enjoy an included including a life-sized statue of the twelve tour of the twelfth-century city of Wittenberg. church founders as well as one of the earliest 2IͫFLDOO\NQRZQDVLutherstadt Wittenberg, examples of a Gothic monument. Today, the the cradle of the Protestant Reformation is Naumburg Cathedral remains a Protestant best known as the town where Martin Luther Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 15 lived, preached, and began his philosophical Built in the 1530s, the home was designed dispute with the Catholic Church. Your tour especially for Melanchthon and his family, as begins with a visit of Lutherhaus, Martin a way to persuade him to stay on staff at the Luther’s private home for much of his adult university. This architectural gem is believed life. Today, it now serves as the world’s largest by many to be the most beautiful house in Reformation history museum. Afterward, Wittenberg. you’ll see Wittenberg’s oldest surviving Late in the afternoon, your group will gather structure—the twin-towered Stadtkirche to join a local family in their home for a special (Town Church) and visit the most important Home-Hosted Visit—featuring an enjoyable landmarks in the history of Protestantism, afternoon of German hospitality and culture including the Augustinian Monastery, where during an exclusive Discovery Series event. Martin Luther lived with his family following This time of day is sacred for Germans because his excommunication from the Catholic Church. it usually means Kuchenzeit, which literally Later, your tour will also take you to the All translates to cake time—though, don’t be Saints’ Schlosskirche (Castle Church) where the deceived by the name: usually ample coffee WKHRORJLDQͫUVWSRVWHGKLV95 Theses criticizing accompanies said cake. Although this is a the Catholic Church’s practice of selling longstanding tradition, many German families, ̡LQGXOJHQFHV̢ 3RSHVDQFWLRQHGDEVROXWLRQIRU particularly in small or rural villages, still any sin). As an academic who taught theology at DGKHUHWRLW7KLVLVDXQLTXHRSSRUWXQLW\WR the University of Wittenberg, Luther challenged learn about a time-honored custom that fosters local church authorities to a theological FRQYHUVDWLRQDQGTXDOLW\WLPHZLWKIULHQGVDQG debate—but the Bishop never responded. By family. It’s also an optimal setting to get to the time 95 Theses reached Rome, the document know your hosts and their overall way of life. KDGEHHQVHHQDOORYHU(XURSH'XHWRKLV Dinner: On your own this evening in Leipzig. continuing theological criticism of the papacy, Check with your Program Director for /XWKHUZDVRIͫFLDOO\GHFODUHGDQRXWODZDQG suggestions. For something casual, light and effectively sentenced to death. He escaped typically German, try a Brezel (pretzel), bread arrest and returned to Wittenberg in secret, dough most commonly shaped into a twisted where he developed the tenets of Lutheranism. NQRWDQGFRYHUHGLQVDOW Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 16 Day 8 Torgau • Dresden Lunch: On your own in Torgau. Check with your • Destination: Dresden Program Director for ideas about where to go. Torgau is relatively small, so you won’t have to • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner YHQWXUHIDUWRͫQGVRPHWKLQJ • Accommodations: The Westin Bellevue Dresden or similar Afternoon: After lunch, enjoy some time on Breakfast: At the hotel. your own exploring Torgau. For more historical discoveries, visit Bürgermeister-Ringenhain Morning: After breakfast, depart for the town Haus, the former residence of mayor Paul RI7RUJDXORFDWHGRQWKHEDQNVRIWKH(OEHULYHU Ringenhain—considered one of the most in northwestern Saxony. This district capital is important Renaissance town houses in the most famous for being the location of what’s country. Built in 1596, the interior features a NQRZQDV̡(OEH'D\̢2Q$SULO 86 number of 16th-century wall paintings and DQG6RYLHWIRUFHVͫUVWFDPHWRJHWKHUQHDUWKH IUHVFRHVGDWLQJEDFNWRWKHWLPHRIDQWLTXLW\ end of the Second World War on the city’s Check with your Program Director for other banks, marking an important step toward the ideas, should you need any. HQGRIWKHFRQͬLFW$VLGHIURPLWVSDUDPRXQW KLVWRULFDOVLJQLͫFDQFHWKHWRZQLWVHOILVD Later in the afternoon, you’ll make your way remarkably well-preserved example of late WRWKHGD\̞VͫQDOGHVWLQDWLRQ 'UHVGHQ8SRQ Gothic, early Renaissance architectural styles, arrival, check into your hotel and perhaps relax evoking the distinct sense of a bygone era. This a bit before dinner. morning, you’ll begin your exploration on Dinner: Tonight’s dinner will be at a local IRRWͫUVWVWRSSLQJDW7RUJDXEULGJHWKHH[DFW restaurant. point where the American and Russian troops ͫUVWPHWRQ(OEH'D\7RGD\DPRQXPHQW Evening: Free for your own discoveries. Your marks the site to honor this decisive moment. KRWHORYHUORRNVWKH(OEH5LYHUZKLFKPDNHVD Then, you’ll continue on to Castle Hartenfels, wonderful spot for a nighttime stroll. one of the largest early Renaissance castles in Germany. The castle houses an important Day 9 Explore Dresden Lutheran chapel, which was consecrated in • Destination: Dresden 1544 by Martin Luther himself. Afterward, • Included Meals: Breakfast \RXUZDONLQJWRXUͫQLVKHVRIIDWWKHPLG 16th-century Torgau town hall, which formerly • Accommodations: The Westin Bellevue adjoined the Church of St. Nicholas before most Dresden or similar of it was demolished in the nineteenth century. Breakfast: At the hotel. 7KHFKXUFK̞V%DURTXHVW\OHQDYHKRZHYHUVWLOO graces the town hall courtyard. Morning: After breakfast, you’ll depart for a bus and walking tour of the Saxon capital Later this morning, we’ll meet a Torgau local RI'UHVGHQZKLFKZDVDͬRXULVKLQJDUWLVWLF for an informative discussion about Germany’s center until the rise of the Nazis, when it role as a pawn between the United States and was completely destroyed during World War the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Our II. Writer Kurt Vonnegut, himself a survivor speaker will bring this period of history to life of the controversial air raids that leveled by sharing stories of his or her own experience WKH%DURTXHFLW\FKURQLFOHGWKHHYHQWVLQ growing up during the war. Slaughterhouse-Five. Dresden has since risen Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 17 from the ashes to be rebuilt from the ground Day 10 Dresden up—reclaiming its place as one of Germany’s • Destination: Dresden intellectual and cultural hubs. Today, Dresden • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner is known as an artistic and architecturally • Accommodations: The Westin Bellevue important city boasting trendy shopping Dresden or similar streets and lively Kneipen (pubs). Your tour today begins with Frauenkirche (Church of Our Breakfast: At the hotel. Lady), Residenzschloss (Dresden Castle), the Morning: Today is yours to plan as you please. VSHFWDFXODUWKFHQWXU\%DURTXH=ZLQJHU Perhaps you’d like to spend the day exploring Palace, and the Semper Opera House—set in a or relaxing in Dresden. For art and architecture ODUJHSXEOLFVTXDUHDORQJWKHEDQNVRIWKH(OEH lovers, you may wish to visit Kunsthofpassage Lunch: On your own today. For a true Dresdner (art court), a complex of courtyards located in meal, try Sauerbraten mit Rotkraut, a leg of beef the Neustadt (new city) featuring each of their soaked for several days in herb vinegar, malt RZQͬDPER\DQWGHVLJQVDQGWKHPHVVXFK beer, bay leaves and spices, then fried before as African wildlife. Another option for today being put in the oven for a couple of hours. This is visiting the 0DUNWKDOOH(Market Hall), an dish is traditionally served with red cabbage indoor market featuring various food stalls, a and Knödel (German bread dumplings). UHVWDXUDQWͫWQHVVFHQWHUDQGPRUH7KRXJK part of it was destroyed in air raids toward the Afternoon: Continue discovering Dresden this end of World War II, this vibrant gathering afternoon on your own. For auto enthusiasts, place has been in operation since 1899 and be sure to visit The Transparent Factory of continues to serve the community today. Volkswagen, which currently produces the electric version of the Volkswagen Golf. Here, You also have the option to join our Optional you’re able to test drive VW electric cars and Tour to Meissen, a small town located on the explore exhibits pertaining to the automaker’s EDQNVRIWKH(OEH5LYHUNQRZQDVWKHKRPHRI electric and hybrid technologies. (XURSHDQSRUFHODLQ2IWHQFDOOHGWKH̡FUDGOH RI6D[RQ\̢0HLVVHQLVLQWHUQDWLRQDOO\NQRZQ Dinner: On your own. Please see your Program for the high-end ceramic material (called Director for suggestions, should you want any. ̡ZKLWHJROG̢ GHYHORSHGKHUHLQWKHHDUO\ For a hearty bowl of soup, you may want to try 18th century and manufactured continually Sächsische Kartoffelsuppe, a potato, celery, carrot for the past 300 years. This morning, you’ll and onion purée with marjoram and Wiener KDYHWKHRSSRUWXQLW\WRWRXU(XURSH̞VͫUVW Würstchen, Viennese sausages. and oldest porcelain factory, Staatliche Evening: The rest of the evening is yours to 3RU]HOODQ0DQXIDNWXU0HLVVHQ (State Porcelain explore Dresden as you please. If you’d like to Manufacturer of Meissen). First, you’ll begin Schauhalle ͫQLVK\RXUGD\ZLWKDW\SLFDO'UHVGQHUGHVVHUW by exploring the (watch hall), where DVN\RXU3URJUDP'LUHFWRUDERXWZKHUHWRͫQG you’ll have the opportunity to see some of the EierscheckeVKHHWFDNHPDGHPDGHZLWKTXDUN intricate work produced at the factory. Next, (dairy product similar to yogurt, commonly visit the Schauwerkstatt (show workshop), used throughout Germany) and covered with a where you’ll learn how these delicate pieces are JOD]HRIFUHDPHJJVXJDUDQGͬRXU created. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 18 Lunch: For those who do not join the Optional these million-year-old jagged rocks, formed Tour to Meissen, lunch is on your own in through water erosion, provide a panoramic Dresden today. Be sure to check with your YLHZRIWKH(OEH5LYHUWKHQHDUE\YLOODJHRI Program Director for restaurant ideas before Rathen, and the surrounding mountains, he/she departs for Meissen. For travelers who valleys, and forests. In 1851, a sandstone bridge do join the tour, lunch is included at a local was constructed, granting sturdy access of restaurant. one shelf of the rocks to another. This bridge is known as Basteibrücke (Bastei bridge), a Afternoon: For travelers who join the Optional striking structure consisting seven arches Tour, the afternoon is free to continue and stretching 250 feet across a 130-foot exploring the riverside town of Meissen. You ravine. Across the bridge lies the partially may wish to visit the late Gothic Albrechtsburg, reconstructed medieval castle of Felsenburg or Meissen Castle, one of the iconic landmarks Neurathen, once one of the largest rock castles to punctuate the waterfront location. For in the region and currently serving as an wine connoisseurs, you may care to venture open-air museum. After an introduction to to Schloss Proschwitz Winery, a vineyard the area by your Program Director, enjoy free situated on rolling hills along the river. On the time exploring this geological marvel. Perhaps winery grounds sits 18th-century Proshwitz you’d like to walk to the castle ruins, or enjoy a Castle, a former aristocratic residence turned carriage ride around the area. events venue. Lunch: Lunch is included at a local restaurant, Dinner: Once together again in Dresden, the ZKLFKIHDWXUHVDVSUDZOLQJYLHZRIWKH(OEH group will enjoy dinner together this evening at River in the valley below. our hotel. Afternoon: After lunch, continue on to Bad Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Schandau, a spa town situated directly on rest of your evening as you wish. Classical WKH(OEH5LYHU7KLVUHODWLYHO\TXLHWWRZQLVD music lovers may want to take in a concert at wonderful respite for those looking to escape the renowned Dresden Philharmonic, whose the daily grind and relax. Here, you’ll board symphony orchestra performs out of the a traditional, early 19th-century steam boat Kulturpalast. Philharmonic tickets must be for a leisurely ride along this iconic body of booked in advance. water, offering an opportunity to take in the QDWXUDOVXUURXQGLQJVIURPDXQLTXHYDQWDJH Day 11 Dresden • Bastei • Bad Schandau point. Throughout the ride, you’ll learn about • Destination: Dresden the strategic importance of the river and how • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch it has contributed to the advancement of the communities located along it. Our destination • Accommodations: The Westin Bellevue is the small town of Pirna, located not too far Dresden or similar from Dresden. Pirna boasts a lovely, riverside Breakfast: At the hotel. location, but also a tragic past. During the second world war, around 15,000 disabled Morning: This morning, you will venture people were murdered in the town’s mental outside of the city today to witness a natural hospital, Sonnenstein Castle, after it was turned phenomena called Bastei rock formation. into a euthanasia center. Located in Saxon Switzerland National Park and jutting approximately 700 feet above sea level, Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 19 From Pirna, we will head back to Dresden. Here, we’ll have the opportunity to taste some of the chateau wines and learn about their Dinner: On your own. You may want to try VLJQLͫFDQFH$QRWKHUKLJKOLJKWIRUYLVLWRUV KohlrouladenFDEEDJHUROOVW\SLFDOO\ͫOOHGZLWK is the terrace located on the far side of the beef and various spices. FKDWHDXZKLFKRIIHUVYLHZVRIWKH(OEHULYHU Evening: You have the freedom to spend the below. Grab a glass of víno (wine) and have a rest of your evening as you wish—ask your look as far as the eye can see. Program Director for recommendations. /DWHUFRQWLQXHRQWR\RXUͫQDOGHVWLQDWLRQIRU the evening, Prague. Day 12 Dresden • Melnik, Czech Republic • Prague Dinner: On your own. For a typical Czech dish, you may want to seek out +RYÝ]¯JXO£Ģ (beef • Destination: Prague goulash), a hearty, rustic stew made with meat, • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch vegetables, and typically seasoned with paprika. • Accommodations: Grandier Hotel Prague or similar Evening: The evening is free to spend as you wish. If you’d like to continue exploring, ask Breakfast: At the hotel. your Program Director for walking directions Morning: Bid auf Wiedersehen to Dresden this WRWKHIDPRXV+UDGÏDQ\WKHFDVWOHGLVWULFW morning and head toward Prague, the capital surrounding Prague Castle. This 9th-century of the Czech Republic. Along the way, stop in complex was the commanding position of 0HOQLNDTXLQWHVVHQWLDO&]HFKWRZQVHWDWWKH kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman emperors, and FRQͬXHQFHRIWKH(OEHDQG9OWDYDULYHUV0HOQLN presidents of the former Czechoslovakia. One of not only boasts a charming setting, but also the largest castles in the world, this is perhaps a rich history. Sudetenland is the historical the most historical and strategically important German boundaries that previously included landmark in the city. This is an ideal time to parts of the former Czechoslovakia. Because of visit the area, as it tends to be less crowded in Melnik’s location in these boundaries during the evening. WKHHDUO\WKFHQWXU\*HUPDQLQͬXHQFHFDQ still be found sprinkled throughout the town. Day 13 Explore Prague Upon arrival, your Program Director will lead • Destination: Prague an informative walk through this small, hilltop • Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner village, located in one of the most agriculturally • Accommodations: Grandier Hotel Prague important areas of the country. or similar Lunch: (QMR\OXQFKDWWKHUHVWDXUDQWLQ0HOQLN Breakfast: At the hotel. Castle, which we will tour after our meal. Morning: This morning, begin your exploration Afternoon: After lunch, embark on a tour of RI3UDJXH̡&LW\RI6SLUHV̢3UDJXH̞VUHJDO Melnik Castle, the Renaissance-style residence beauty spreads on both sides of the winding of the ancient noble family of the Princes of 9OWDYD5LYHUFRQQHFWHGE\SLFWXUHVTXH Lobkowicz. This lovely chateau is situated bridges. Like Rome and San Francisco, the above a longstanding vineyard, believed by city is built over a series of hills and its varied PDQ\WREHIURPWKHYHU\ͫUVWYLQHVEURXJKW architecture spans many centuries. Home to Bohemia by Charles IV in the 14th century. to more than 1 million people, Prague is the Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 20 political, cultural, and economic center of the stroll along Nerudova Street, named after country, though it wasn’t always so stable as a one of the most prominent Czech poets, Jan result of Nazi occupation and Soviet control in Neruda, who resided in this neighborhood the mid-20th century. from 1849-1857. Aside from the striking architecture, one remarkable detail about this Today’s included city tour begins with a visit street, which links Prague Castle and Charles WR3UDJXH̞VKLVWRULFFLW\FHQWHUD81(6&2 %ULGJHLVWKDWWKHKRXVHVDOOERDVWXQLTXH World Heritage Site. Among the highlights of signs with elaborate designs. Before a numeric your guided walking tour here is the Old Town method was implemented in 1770, this was how 6TXDUHKRPHWRWKHFLW\̞VIDPRXVPHGLHYDO communities distinguished between residences. Astronomical Clock—or Orloj—parts of which Jan Neruda’s house sign, for example, boasts date back to 1410, making it the third-oldest two golden suns—hence why his house was DVWURQRPLFDOFORFNLQWKHZRUOG(YHU\KRXU UHIHUUHGWRDV̡$WWKH7ZR6XQV̢ crowds assemble below to watch Christ and the twelve Apostles appear at two little windows Dinner: 2QWKLVͫQDOQLJKWRI\RXUWULSMRLQ above the clock face, followed by the skeleton of your fellow travelers—and new friends—for a Death tolling the bell. Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant. Later this morning, you’ll meet with an eye Evening: The rest of the evening is free for your witness of the famous Velvet Revolution. own discoveries. Perhaps you want to continue From November-December 1989, a series of celebrating with your fellow travelers before popular demonstrations took place against the returning home tomorrow. one-party government of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia. These protests put pressure Day 14 Return to U.S. on the government to peacefully transition into • Included Meals: Breakfast DGHPRFUDF\7KLVLVDXQLTXHRSSRUWXQLW\WR speak with someone who has experienced the Breakfast: At the hotel. pain that stems from such political turmoil, as Morning: 'HSHQGLQJRQ\RXUͬLJKWLWLQHUDU\ well as the power that comes with organization GHSDUWIRU\RXUͬLJKWKRPHRUEHJLQ\RXU and civic responsibility. You’ll be able to ask any Highlights of Poland: Krakow & Warsaw post-trip TXHVWLRQV\RXPD\KDYHDQGKHDUͫUVWKDQGKRZ extension. this time period has shaped local culture. Lunch: On your own. If you’re looking for a substantial meal, ask your Program Director ZKHUHWRͫQG6HNDQ£SHÏHQÝ, Czech meatloaf, often served with boiled eggs, pickles, or wienerwurst (Vienna sausage) inside. Afternoon: After lunch on your own, enjoy the remainder of the day relaxing or exploring independently. Perhaps you’ll explore St. George’s Basilica, with its early tenth-century towers. Founded by Vratislaus I of Bohemia, this is the oldest church within Prague Castle. Alternatively, perhaps you would enjoy a Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 21 OPTIONAL TOURS During your trip you will be able to book optional tours directly with your Program Director. He or she ZLOODVN\RXWRFRQͫUPWKHSD\PHQWIRUWKHVHWRXUVE\ͫOOLQJRXWDSD\PHQWIRUP2SWLRQDOWRXUVFDQ only be purchased with a credit or debit card. We accept Visa, MasterCard, and Discover credit cards. We also accept Visa and MasterCard debit cards, but it must be a debit card that allows you to sign for purchases. In order to correctly process these charges, there can be a delay of 2-3 months from the date of your return for the charges to be posted to your account. Therefore we ask that you use a card that will not expire in the 2-3 months following your return. Please note: Optional tour prices include gratuities for local guides and motorcoach drivers, are listed in U.S. dollar estimates determined at the time of publication, and are subject to change. Optional tours may vary. Naumburg Meissen (Day 6 $120 per person) (Day 10 $90 per person) (QMR\DQDIWHUQRRQLQ1DXPEXUJDQG Venture to Meissen, a small town located on *HUPDQZLQHFRXQWU\ Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 22 PRE-TRIP Hamburg, Germany INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE » Accommodations for 3 nights » Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach » 4 meals: 3 breakfasts and 1 lunch drivers on your extension and all optional tours » 2 included tours: Hamburg • Schwerin » ([FOXVLYHVHUYLFHVRIDORFDO*UDQG&LUFOH Program Director »A ll transfers PRE-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY Hamburg is Germany’s second-largest city—and its greenest. Nourished by the Elbe and studded with lakes and canals, Hamburg is as rich in natural beauty as it is in history and culture. You’ll discover this Hanseatic port, as well as the historic town of Schwerin. Day 1 Depart U.S. ͫVKLQQRUWKHUQ*HUPDQ\̜RUDͫVFKEURWFKHQ DVLPSOHEXWVDYRU\ͫVKVDQGZLFKPDGHRI 'HSDUWWKH86WRGD\RQ\RXUͬLJKWWR SLFNOHGKHUULQJDQGͬDYRUIXOWRSSLQJV Hamburg, Germany. Please refer to your personal air itinerary for exact departure and Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries—ask arrival times. your Program Director for recommendations. You may want to relax in the city’s botanical Day 2 Hamburg gardens, or visit one of the city’s museums, such as the International Maritime Museum • Destination: Hamburg for an inside look into Hamburg’s rich • Accommodations: Hamburg Hotel or similar maritime history. Morning: After arriving at your hotel, join Dinner: On your own—ask your Program your Program Director for a discovery walk Director for local restaurant recommendations. of the area surrounding your hotel and a brief Continue exploring the local area to try introduction to the city. traditional dishes like schnitzel or falafel—both Lunch: On your own—ask your Program VWUHHWIRRGIDYRULWHV\RXFDQͫQGDV\RXVWUROO Director for local restaurant recommendations. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Perhaps you’ll head to Hamburg’s famous rest of your evening as you wish—ask your ͫVFKPDUNW ͫVKPDUNHW IRUDWDVWHRIORFDO Program Director for recommendations. favorites like plaice—one of the most popular Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 23 Day 3 Hamburg Day 4 Hamburg • Destination: Hamburg • Destination: Hamburg • Included Meals: Breakfast • Included Meals: Breakfast • Accommodations: Hamburg Hotel or similar • Accommodations: Hamburg Hotel or similar Breakfast: At the hotel. Breakfast: At the hotel. Morning: Join your Program Director and Morning:(QMR\DPRUQLQJDWOHLVXUHLQ fellow travelers for a Welcome Drink and Hamburg. Many visitors enjoy the waterfront EULHͫQJ7KHQVHWRXWRQDQLQFOXGHGWRXURI experience of St. Pauli, one of Hamburg’s the city’s highlights, including the Altstadt (Old TXDUWHUV GLVWULFWV ZKHUH\RX̞OOͫQGWKH Town), which is anchored by the Rathaus (Town Landungsbrucken, a 660-foot long structure Hall), a 19th-century neo-Renaissance gem. built of volcanic rock. Or, head 80 feet underground into the Alter Elbtunnel, which The Rathaus overlooks the Rathausmarkt, the connects St. Pauli with the Steinwerder, a plaza used for local festivals and ceremonial shipyard island. You might also experience events. The surrounding Alstadt offers visitors the charms of the other body of water that a great window into the past, with its narrow GHͫQHVWKLVULYHUVLGHFLW\̜$OVWHU/DNHZKLFK lanes lined with neo-Gothic and half-timbered is surrounded by local residences as well as a homes from the 1700s, many still occupied by well-manicured park. local families. Lunch: On your own—ask your Program Lunch: On your own—ask your Program Director for local restaurant recommendations. Director for local restaurant recommendations. 3HUKDSV\RX̞OOGLQHRQVSHFLDOWLHVWKDWUHͬHFW Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries—ask ancient Hamburg’s trade with Scandinavia, your Program Director for recommendations. such as rote grutze (red berry summer pudding) Or, join us for an optional Village on the Elbe or labskaus (a one-pot dish of corned beef, tour. You’ll transfer to Blankenese, a charming mashed potatoes, and beets). ULYHUWRZQRQWKHULJKWEDQNRIWKH(OEHZKLFK cheerfully greets ships passing along between Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries—ask Hamburg and the North Sea. Here you will be your Program Director for recommendations. joined by a local guide who will lead a walking You may want to continue your explorations of tour. Then enjoy free time to relax, followed by historic Old Town. Or, visit one of Germany’s coffee and cake at a local café before returning most famous attractions—0LQLDWXU:XQGHUODQG. by motorcoach to Hamburg this afternoon. The largest model railway in the world, it features miniature people, buildings, and more Dinner: On your own—ask your Program illuminated by more than 380,000 lights. Director for local restaurant recommendations. Dinner: On your own—ask your Program Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Director for local restaurant recommendations. rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Program Director for recommendations. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the 3HUKDSV\RX̞OOͫQLVKWKHGD\RIIZLWKDQLJKWFDS rest of your evening as you wish—ask your at the hotel bar. Program Director for recommendations. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 24 Day 5 Hamburg • Join main trip an island, and the Gothic-style Schwerin • Destination: Hamburg Cathedral. You’ll enjoy an informative stroll of the city, followed by free time to explore on • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch your own. Breakfast: At the hotel. Lunch: Included at a local restaurant in Morning: Check out of the hotel and Schwerin. transfer to Schwerin, the capital and largest city of the northern German state Afternoon: Transfer to Berlin, where you of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. The town is will join your fellow travelers on Day 2 of best known for Schwerin Castle, located on your Central Europe’s Past & Present: Berlin to Prague trip. OPTIONAL TOUR Village on the Elbe (Day 4 $120 per person) Spend the afternoon in Blankense, a scenic river WRZQRQWKHEDQNVRIWKH(OEHDIHZPLOHVZHVW of Hamburg. Here, ships traveling along the (OEHEHWZHHQ+DPEXUJDQGWKH1RUWK6HDSDVV by the town, and are regularly treated to a lively greeting from the town’s sea-loving residents. You’ll tour the charming town on a walking tour with a local guide, and enjoy free time before returning to Hamburg later today. Please note: This tour involves walking over GLIͫFXOWWHUUDLQIRUH[WHQGHGSHULRGVRIWLPH Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 25 POST-TRIP Highlights of Poland: Krakow & Warsaw INCLUDED IN YOUR PRICE » Accommodations for 3 nights in Krakow » Gratuities for local guides and motorcoach and 2 nights in Warsaw drivers on your extension and all » 8 meals: 6 breakfasts and 2 lunches optional tours » 4 included tours: Krakow • Auschwitz • » ([FOXVLYHVHUYLFHVRIDORFDO*UDQG&LUFOH Czestochowa • Warsaw Program Director »A ll transfers POST-TRIP EXTENSION ITINERARY Immerse yourself in the highlights of Poland, and discover all that Warsaw and Krakow have to offer. Explore the history and charm of Warsaw’s Old Town, discover Krakow’s rich architecture and culture, and pay a memorable—and moving—visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Auschwitz. Day 1 Prague, Czech Republic • ͫOOHGZLWKLQJUHGLHQWVOLNHSRWDWRFKHHVHDQG Krakow, Poland spinach—or stop at one of the many food stalls in town for a simmering kielbasa (sausage). • Destination: Krakow • Included Meals: Lunch Evening: You have the freedom to spend the • Accommodations: Hotel Kossak or similar rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Program Director for recommendations. Morning: Begin your transfer to Krakow, Poland. Day 2 Krakow Lunch: Included at a local restaurant in • Destination: Krakow Olomouc during the drive to Krakow. • Included Meals: Breakfast Afternoon: Upon arrival at your hotel, join your • Accommodations: Hotel Kossak or similar Program Director for a discovery walk of the Breakfast: At the hotel. surrounding area. The former capital of Poland, Krakow is one of the only cities in the country Morning:(PEDUNRQDJXLGHGWRXURI.UDNRZ that wasn’t destroyed during World War II and The city is a showcase of seven centuries of RIIHUVDXQLTXHORRNDWSUHZDU3RODQG architecture, as you’ll notice while witnessing highlights like the Wawel Royal Castle Hill, Dinner: On your own—ask your Program site of the cathedral where the former Cardinal Director for local restaurant recommendations. Wojtyla (the late Pope John Paul II) once Now is the perfect time to try some Polish preached. staples, such as pierogies—savory dumplings Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 26 Lunch: On your own—ask your Program Site. Grand Circle Foundation has donated Director for local restaurant recommendations. to assist in the expansion of this educational Perhaps you’ll settle in at a local café for a center. Following your guided tour, you’ll comforting bowl of bigos—a sausage and return to Krakow. cabbage stew favored by the city’s locals. Lunch: On your own—ask your Program Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries—ask Director for local restaurant suggestions. your Program Director for recommendations. Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries—ask You may want to explore the Oskar Schindler’s your Program Director for recommendations. (QDPHO)DFWRU\6FKLQGOHULVIDPRXVIRUVDYLQJ Perhaps you’ll visit the 14th-century St. the lives of more than 1,000 Jews during the Mary’s Basilica, or sit down for a local craft Holocaust by employing them in his enamel beer at one of the many breweries on the busy factory. Today, the building is home to two Florianska Street. popular museums, including the Museum of Contemporary Art and a branch of the National Dinner: On your own—ask your Program History Museum. Director for local restaurant suggestions. There are a variety of restaurant options within Or, join this afternoon’s optional tour, walking distance of the hotel—whether you which takes you 250 feet underground to want to continue sampling local dishes at a the eleventh-century Wieliczka Salt Mines, Polish restaurant or savor a pizza at an Italian D81(6&2:RUOG+HULWDJH6LWHͫOOHGZLWK eatery, there’s something for everyone. sculptures and chandeliers carved from salt. Evening: You have the freedom to spend the Dinner: Included at a local restaurant for rest of your evening as you wish—ask your travelers who chose to take the optional tour. Program Director for recommendations. For those who stayed back, dinner is on your own—ask your Program Director for local restaurant suggestions. Day 4 Krakow • Warsaw • Destination: Warsaw Evening: You have the freedom to spend the • Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch rest of your evening as you wish—ask your Program Director for recommendations. • Accommodations: Mercure Warszawa Grand or similar Day 3 Krakow • Auschwitz Breakfast: At the hotel. • Destination: Krakow Morning: Transfer by motorcoach to Warsaw, • Included Meals: Breakfast stopping in the city of Czestochowa. Here, • Accommodations: Hotel Kossak or similar you’ll explore the 14th-century Jasna Gora Monastery, home of the famous Black Activity Note: The guided tour of Auschwitz 0DGRQQDVKULQH(VWDEOLVKHGLQ WKH UHTXLUHVDSSUR[LPDWHO\WZRPLOHVRIZDONLQJ Polish-American Roman Catholic shrine was Breakfast: At the hotel. erected in honor of Our Lady of Czestochowa (the Black Madonna). Morning: Today’s tour may be an emotional one, as you visit the former Nazi concentration Lunch: Included at a local restaurant. FDPSDW$XVFKZLW]D81(6&2:RUOG+HULWDJH Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 27 Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries upon You may want to further explore the delights your arrival in Warsaw—ask your Program of historic Old Town, or visit Lazienki Park, Director for recommendations. Perhaps you’ll Warsaw’s largest park and home to the Palace venture to Old Town. Restored after heavy on the Isle—once home to Polish royalty, the GDPDJHIURP:RUOG:DU,,WKHVTXDUHLVOLQHG palace now features collections of famous with pastel buildings and open-air cafes, with SDLQWLQJDQGVWDWXHV Lunch: On your own—ask your Program Director for local restaurant recommendations. 3HUKDSV\RX̞OOHQMR\\RXUͫQDOOXQFKLQ3RODQG continuing your explorations of Poland’s food scene, dining on favorites like baranina (roasted lamb). Finish off with something sweet, such as Polish donuts called paczki. Afternoon: Free for your own discoveries—ask your Program Director for recommendations. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 28 OPTIONAL TOURS Wieliczka Salt Mines (Day 2 $130 per person) Join an afternoon tour to the Wieliczka Salt Mines—working mines that have been in operation for more than seven centuries, producing about 700 tons of pure salt per day. There are more than 2,000 caverns on nine main levels here, most of which feature breathtaking chambers, galleries, and salt lakes. These fascinating mines are considered RQHRI(XURSH̞VJUHDWZRQGHUVDQGDUH SURWHFWHGE\81(6&2DVDKLVWRULFPRQXPHQW After exploring the mines, end the day with a typical Polish dinner in a local restaurant, accompanied by a sample of Zubrowka, the famous Polish vodka. Please note: The salt mine tour involves extensive walking inside caves that are not brightly lit. You’ll descend into the caves by stairs that may be slippery and return to ground level via elevator. Chopin Recital & Dinner (Day 4 $150 per person) In the early evening, you can attend an optional Chopin piano recital, enjoying the music of Poland’s best-known and most beloved musician. Following the concert, you’ll enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before returning to your hotel. Itinerary Subject to Change. For Information or reservations, call 1-800-221-2610 29 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TRIP: With the planning of any vacation comes the need to research and L^V\`P^_TZY^BPɪ]PSP]P_ZSPW[4Y_SPQZWWZbTYR[LRP^dZ`ɪWWʭYO TYQZ]XL_TZY_SL_Z`]_]LaPWP]^SLaPQZ`YOXZ^_MPYPʭNTLWL^_SPdɪaP prepared for this vacation, on subjects ranging from passports to weather, and currency to recommended reading. BPɪaPTYNW`OPO_SPZʯNTLW?]LaPW3LYOMZZV_SL_dZ`ɪWW]PNPTaPbSPY you reserve your departure of this trip, which outlines everything you’ll YPPO_ZVYZbMPQZ]PLYOO`]TYRdZ`]aLNL_TZYBSL_ɪ^XZ]PZ`]?]LaPW Counselors will be ready and eager to address any additional questions you may have. With all of our resources available to you, enjoy peace of mind … and look forward to the incredible discoveries that await. 30 CONTENTS TRAVEL DOCUMENTS & ENTRY REQUIREMENTS...... 32 HEALTH ...... 35 MONEY MATTERS ...... 38 Top Tips Local Currency Tipping Guidelines PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP...... 42 PACKING ...... 46 CLIMATE...... 52 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION ...... 55 Culture & Points to Know Shopping DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY...... 66 RESOURCES ...... 71 31 PASSPORT, VISAS & TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Your Passport • Must be in good condition • Must be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return to the U.S. • Must have the required number of blank pages (details below) • The blank pages must be labeled “Visas” at the top. Pages labeled “Amendments and Endorsements” are not acceptable Need to Renew Your Passport? Contact the National Passport Information Center (NPIC) at 1-877-487-2778, or visit their website at www.travel.state.gov for information on obtaining a new passport or renewing your existing passport. You may also contact our recommended visa service company, PVS International, at 1-800-556-9990 for help with your passport. Recommended Blank Pages 3OHDVHFRQͫUPWKDW\RXUSDVVSRUWKDVHQRXJKEODQNSDJHVIRUWKLVYDFDWLRQ • Main trip only: You will need 3 blank “Visa” pages in your passport. • Pre- and/or post-trip extension: No additional blank pages are needed for any of the extensions. No Visas Required Travelers with a U.S. passport do not need any visas for this vacation, including the optional trip extensions. Traveling Without a U.S. Passport? If you are not a U.S. citizen, or if your passport is from any country other than the U.S., it is your responsibility to check with your local consulate, embassy, or a visa services company about visa requirements. We recommend the services of PVS International, a national visa service located in Washington D.C.; they can be reached at 1-800-556-9990 or www.pvsinternational.org. Traveling With a Minor? Traveling with a minor may require certain documentation for border crossings. For further detail on the required documentation, please contact the local embassy or state government. 32 Emergency Photocopies of Key Documents We recommend you carry color photocopies of key documents including the photo page of your passport plus any applicable visas, air itinerary, credit cards (front and back), and an alternative form of ID. Add emergency phone numbers like your credit card company and the number for your travel protection plan. Store copies separate from the originals. If you plan to email this information to yourself, please keep in mind that email is not always secure; consider using password protection or encryption. Also email is not always available ZRUOGZLGH$VDQDOWHUQDWLYH\RXFRXOGORDGWKHVHGRFXPHQWVRQWRDͬDVKGULYHLQVWHDGZKLFK can do double-duty as a place to backup photos during your trip. Overseas Taxes & Fees This tour may have taxes and fees that cannot be included in your airline ticket price because you are required to pay them in person onsite. All taxes are subject to change without notice and can be paid in cash (either U.S. or local currency). If applicable, you will receive a list of these fees with your Final Documents. Requirements for the Czech Republic You will need to bring additional documentation for the Czech Republic, so please read carefully. According to the U.S. State Department and Czech Embassy, all foreign tourists must be able to provide proof of medical coverage, if asked. Not all travelers will be asked—in fact, most travelers ZRQ̞W̜DQGHYHQVRPHORFDORIͫFLDOVDUHXQDZDUHRIWKLVUXOH%XWRFFDVLRQDOO\WUDYHOHUVDUH asked at passport control in Prague or by medical personnel. And if that happens to you, we want you to be prepared. 6SHFLͫFDOO\\RXPXVWEHDEOHWRVKRZSURRIRIFRYHUDJHWKDWPHHWVWKHVHUHTXLUHPHQWV • %HIRUDPLQLPXPRI(XURV DERXW86GROODUVDWWKHWLPHRIZULWLQJ • Cover possible medical expenses and hospitalization charges while traveling. • %HYDOLGLQ6FKHQJHQFRXQWULHVOLNHWKH&]HFK5HSXEOLF6FKHQJHQFRXQWULHVDUHWKH(XURSHDQ Union countries that have signed the Schengen Agreement—for example, Austria, France, Germany, Hungary, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, etc. • Include evacuation or repatriation coverage—it must cover the cost of getting you back home if you need to return for medical reasons. The good news is that our Travel Protection Plan DOES meet these requirements. So what type of documentation you should bring depends on if you purchased Travel Protection with us or not. 33 If you purchased our Travel Protection Plan: All you’ll need to bring is a copy of the coverage from our plan provider. You can download and print a copy of your coverage for this purpose. Go online to www.gct.com/tpp or oattravel.com/tpp, and follow the links to the plan provider’s website. This will redirect you to where you can print a copy of your coverage. TIP: In our H[SHULHQFHWKHSDJHIURP3DUW%ZLWKWKHVFKHGXOHRIEHQHͫWVLVXVXDOO\HQRXJKWRVDWLVI\ORFDORIͫFLDOV If you did not purchase Travel Protection with us: You will need to bring some other form of proof of coverage. If your own health insurance meets the requirements above, contact your LQVXUHUIRUDOHWWHUVWDWLQJWKDW\RXDUHFRYHUHG$FHUWLͫFDWHRIFRYHUDJHRUSURRIRISXUFKDVHIURP DSULYDWHLQVXUHURUDQRWKHU7UDYHO3URWHFWLRQ3ODQZLOODOVRVXIͫFHDVORQJDVWKHUHTXLUHPHQWV listed above are met. However, Medicare cards are not acceptable, since Medicare does not cover PHGLFDOH[SHQVHVDEURDG 34 HEALTH Keep Your Abilities In Mind Please review the information below prior to departing on this trip. We reserve the right for our Program Directors to modify participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home if their limitations are impacting the group’s experience. GROUP SIZE • A maximum of 42 travelers, led by a local Grand Circle Program Director PACING • 4 locations in 14 days • 5HWXUQͬLJKWVRIWHQUHTXLUHGHSDUWLQJLQHDUO\PRUQLQJKRXUV PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS • Included features of this trip may consist of up to 3-4 hours of physical activities each day; travelers should be capable of walking 1-3 miles unassisted within 1-2 hours, including stairs and cobblestones. Travelers will also have the choice to participate in additional, optional walks and activities, if desired. • Not accessible for travelers using wheelchairs or scooters • Travelers using walkers, crutches, or other mobility aids must travel with a companion who can assist them • We reserve the right for Program Directors to restrict participation, or in some circumstances send travelers home, if their limitations impact the group’s experience TERRAIN & TRANSPORTATION • Diverse terrain and uneven walking surfaces, including steep and unpaved paths, hills, ULYHUEDQNVVWDLUVZLWKRXWKDQGUDLOVDQGFREEOHVWRQHVZKLFKFDQEHVOLSSHU\LQZHW or colder conditions • Travel by 45-seat coach • Travel by boat on day 11 • Travelers joining us on our optional Highlights of Poland: Krakow & Warsaw extension will set off on a 6-hour drive from Prague to Krakow on Day 14 of the main trip CLIMATE • 'D\WLPHWHPSHUDWXUHVUDQJHIURPr)GXULQJWRXULQJVHDVRQ • June-August are the warmest months 35 • Weather can sometimes be rainy or unpredictable OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS • HamburgSUHWULSH[WHQVLRQ • Krakow & WarsawSRVWWULSH[WHQVLRQ Health Check )HHOLQJKHDOWK\DQGFRQͫGHQWRI\RXUPRELOLW\LVHVVHQWLDOWRIXOO\HQMR\\RXUWULS,I\RX have ongoing medical conditions or concerns about your health, we highly recommend that you schedule a checkup with your personal physician at least six weeks in advance of your departure date. • Discuss with your doctor any aspects of your itinerary that may affect your health and be guided by his or her advice. (You can use the “Keep Your Abilities in Mind” on the previous page as a guideline to discuss with him or her.) • • If you have a condition that requires special equipment or treatment, you must bring and be responsible for all necessary items related to your condition. No Vaccines Required At the time of writing there were no required vaccines for this trip. The CDC recommends that all travelers be up to date on their routine vaccinations and on basic travel vaccines like Hepatitis A and Typhoid, but these are suggestions only. However, this could change in future so we encourage you to check with the CDC yourself before meeting with your doctor. Traveling with Medications • Pack medications in your carry-on bag to avoid loss and to have them handy. • Keep medicines in their original, labeled containers for a quicker security screen at the airport and a better experience if you get stopped by customs while overseas. • Bring copies of your prescriptions, written using the generic drug name rather than a brand name to be prepared for any unforeseen loss of your medications. :HUHFRPPHQGFKHFNLQJZLWKWKH6WDWH'HSDUWPHQWIRUPHGLFDWLRQUHVWULFWLRQVE\FRXQWU\ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel- Country-Information-Pages.html. (Pick the country and then follow the links to “Local Laws & 6SHFLDO&LUFXPVWDQFHV̢ LI\RXGRQ̞WVHHDQ\PHGLFDWLRQVVSHFLͫFDOO\PHQWLRQHGWKHQ\RXFDQ presume major U.S. brands should be OK). 36 Staying Healthy on Your Trip Jet Lag Tips • Start your trip well-rested. • %HJLQDJUDGXDOWUDQVLWLRQWR\RXUQHZWLPH]RQHEHIRUH\RXOHDYHRUVZLWFKWR\RXU destination time zone when you get on the plane. • Attempt to sleep and eat according to the new schedule. • Avoid heavy eating and drinking caffeine or alcoholic beverages right before–and during– \RXUͬLJKW • 'ULQNSOHQW\RIZDWHUDQGRUIUXLWMXLFHZKLOHͬ\LQJ • Stretch your legs, neck, and back periodically while seated on the plane. • After arrival, avoid the temptation to nap. • 'RQ̞WSXVK\RXUVHOIWRVHHDORWRQ\RXUͫUVWGD\ • 7U\WRVWD\DZDNH\RXUͫUVWGD\XQWLODIWHUGLQQHU Allergies ,I\RXKDYHDQ\VHULRXVDOOHUJLHVRUGLHWDU\UHVWULFWLRQVZHDGYLVH\RXWRQRWLI\XVDWOHDVWGD\V prior to your departure. Please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-321-2835, and we will FRPPXQLFDWHWKHPWRRXUUHJLRQDORIͫFH(YHU\HIIRUWZLOOEHPDGHWRDFFRPPRGDWH\RX Water • Tap water in the countries you visit is perfectly safe for drinking, although the water in the &]HFK5HSXEOLFPD\QRWDOZD\VEHWDVW\ • %RWWOHGZDWHULVXVXDOO\IRUVDOHLQKRWHOVIRRGVKRSVDQGUHVWDXUDQWV 37 MONEY MATTERS Top Three Tips • Carry a mix of different types of payments, such as local currency, an ATM card, and a credit card. • Traveler’s checks are not recommended.7KH\FDQEHGLIͫFXOWWRH[FKDQJHDQGWKH commission fee for cashing them is quite high. It’s more practical to view them as a last resort in the event of a special situation. • You will not be able to pay with U.S. dollars on this trip; you will need local currency instead. Local Currency For current exchange rates, please refer to an online converter tool like www.xe.com/ currencyconverter\RXUEDQNRUWKHͫQDQFLDOVHFWLRQRI\RXUQHZVSDSHU Euro Countries 7KHHXURLVWKHRIͫFLDOFXUUHQF\LQPDQ\PHPEHUFRXQWULHVRIWKH(XURSHDQ8QLRQ8QOHVV otherwise listed, the countries you will be visiting will use the euro. Euro banknote and coin GHQRPLQDWLRQVDUHDVIROORZV • %DQNQRWHV DQGHXURV • &RLQV DQGFHQWV DQGHXURV Czech Republic Czech legal tender is the Czech crown or koruna &=. GLYLGHGLQWRhellers or haler%DQNQRWH DQGFRLQGHQRPLQDWLRQVDUHDVIROORZV • %DQNQRWHV DQG&=. • &RLQV DQG&=. 1RWHWKDWFRLQDJHEHORZWKHFURZQ LHKHOOHUV DVZHOODVWKH&=.QRWHDUHQRORQJHULQ FLUFXODWLRQ7KH&]HFK5HSXEOLFLVSUHSDULQJWRPHUJHLQWRWKH(XUR]RQH LQ DQG\RX̞OOͫQG many places in the larger cities accept Euros with no problem. Prices given in CZK and hellers – LH.ƯZLOOEHURXQGHGWRWKHQHDUHVWFURZQ Poland 7KH3ROLVKPRQHWDU\XQLWLVWKH]ORW\ZKLFKLVGLYLGHGLQWRJURV]\%DQNQRWHDQGFRLQ GHQRPLQDWLRQVDUHDVIROORZV • %DQNQRWHV DQG]ORW\ 38 • &RLQV DQGJURV]\ DQG]ORW\ How to Exchange Money If you want to exchange money before your trip, you can usually do so through your bank or at DQH[FKDQJHRIͫFH On your trip, the easiest way is to withdraw funds from a local ATM. The ATM will give you local money and your bank at home will convert that into U.S. dollars. Please note that many banks in Europe will only exchange money for their own customers. One H[FHSWLRQLVLQWKH&]HFK5HSXEOLFZKHUHLWLVPRUHHFRQRPLFDOWRWU\DEDQNͫUVW1HYHUH[FKDQJH money on the street. All exchange methods involve fees, which may be built into the conversion rate; ask beforehand. ATMs When using the ATM, keep in mind that it may only accept cards from local banks, and may not allow cash advances on credit cards; you might need to try more than one ATM or more than one card. 0DQ\EDQNVFKDUJHDIHHRIHDFKWLPH\RXXVHDQRXWRIQHWZRUN$702WKHUVPD\FKDUJH you a percentage of the amount you withdraw. We recommend that you check with your bank before you depart. Lastly, don’t forget to memorize the actual digits of your card’s PIN number (many keypads do not include letters on their keys—they only display numbers.) Germany: ATMs are readily available throughout Germany. Czech Republic: ATMs are widely available in large cities and small towns. Poland: ATMs are widely available throughout larger cities and small towns in Poland. Credit & Debit Cards Even if you don’t plan on using a credit card during your trip, we still suggest that you bring one or two as a backup, especially if you are planning a large purchase (artwork, jewelry). We also suggest that you bring more than one brand of card (i.e. Visa, MasterCard, American Express) if possible, because not every shop will take every card. For example, although the Discover card is accepted in some countries outside the U.S., it is not widely adopted, so other brands will work at a much larger range of stores, restaurants, etc. 39 Germany: Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Germany. Czech Republic:&UHGLWDQGGHELWVFDUGVDUHZLGHO\DFFHSWHGLQWKH&]HFK5HSXEOLF Poland: Credit and debit card use is common in Poland. Chip Cards Many countries have adopted a new type of credit card that has an embedded computer chip. These cards are inserted into the reader instead of swiped. The card owner then authorizes the purchase using a PIN instead of signing. This new technology is only now gaining traction in the U.S., so occasionally there are machines in other countries that can’t read U.S. cards. Or the machine can read the card, but asks for a PIN. This doesn’t happen often, and is nothing to worry about. You can usually resolve the situation by asking the cashier to let you sign. (If you don’t speak the language, just mime signing on your hand.) If you are not able to sign for a purchase, such as at an automated ticket booth, you can use another form of payment, such as a debit card that has a PIN. Notify Card Providers of Upcoming Travel Many credit card companies and banks have fraud alert departments that will freeze your card if they see suspicious charges—such as charges or withdrawals from another country. To avoid an accidental security block, it is a good idea to notify your credit card company and/or bank you will be using your cards abroad. You can do this by calling their customer service number a week or two before your departure. Some banks or credit card companies will also let you do this online. You should also double-check what phone number you could call if you have a problem with a FDUGZKLOH\RXDUHDEURDG'RQ̞WDVVXPH\RXFDQXVHWKHQXPEHUSULQWHGRQWKHEDFNRI \RXUFDUG̜PRVWQXPEHUVGRQ̞WZRUNRXWVLGHRIWKH86 Tipping Guidelines 2IFRXUVHZKHWKHU\RXWLSDQGKRZPXFKLVDOZD\VDW\RXURZQGLVFUHWLRQ%XWIRUWKRVHRI you who have asked for tipping suggestions, we offer these guidelines. To make it easy for you to budget, we have quoted the amounts in U.S. dollars; tips can be converted and paid in local currency or in U.S. dollars. • GCT Program Director: It is customary to express a personal “thank you” to your GCT 3URJUDP'LUHFWRUDWWKHHQGRI\RXUWULS$VDJXLGHOLQHPDQ\WUDYHOHUVJLYHSHU traveler for each day their Program Director is with them. 3OHDVHQRWHWKDWWLSVIRU\RXU 3URJUDP'LUHFWRUFDQRQO\EHLQWKHIRUPRIFDVK,I\RXDUHWDNLQJDQ\RIWKHRSWLRQDOH[WHQVLRQV \RXU3URJUDP'LUHFWRUGXULQJWKHH[WHQVLRQ V PD\QRWEHWKHVDPHDVWKHRQHRQ\RXUPDLQWULS • Housekeeping Staff::HUHFRPPHQGSHUWUDYHOHUSHUGD\ • Included in Your Trip Price: Gratuities are included for local guides and motorcoach drivers on your main trip, extensions, and all optional tours. 40 Time at Leisure When you are exploring on your own, it’s useful to know when to tip and how much, because local customs often differ from the U.S. Here are a few helpful guidelines for the most common services DWUDYHOHUPLJKWXVH • Taxis: In many cities the tip is included in the fare, and will be announced on a sign inside WKHFDE RWKHUZLVHDWLSLVDSSURSULDWH • Restaurants, cafes, and bars: A service charge is usually included in restaurant and bar bills. ,IQRWLWLVFXVWRPDU\WROHDYHDWLSRIDURXQGRIWKHELOOIRU\RXUZDLWHURUEDUWHQGHU • Public restrooms: Most public restrooms in Europe have attendants that take care of FOHDQLQJDQGVXSSOLHV,WLVFXVWRPDU\WROHDYHDVPDOOWLSIRUWKHP̜XVXDOO\FURZQVLQ WKH&]HFK5HSXEOLFRUKDOIDHXURHOVHZKHUH̜VRKROGRQWRWKRVHFRLQV6RPHUHVWURRPVDUH pay-toilets; you pay the staff at the entrance to the restroom or drop the appropriate coin into the slot on the stall door. In this case, the fee is set and no tip is needed. 41 PREPARING FOR YOUR TRIP Land Only Travelers & Personalized Air ŽĢóĴ'āƩłĢŶĢŋłŭ • Land Only: • Air-Inclusive: You booked international air with us. Airport transfers are included as long as you didn’t customize your trip’s dates (see next bullet). • Personalized Air: You booked international air with us, and have customized it in some way. If you have customized your trip’s dates to arrive early, stay longer, or stop on your own in a connecting city, airport transfers will NOT be included. You must also arrange your own accommodations for any additional nights. For your convenience, a preliminary list of your included hotels is available on your My Account at www.gct.com/myaccount under “My 5HVHUYDWLRQV̢ Airport Transfers Can Be Purchased )RUHOLJLEOHͬLJKWVDLUSRUWWUDQVIHUVPD\EHSXUFKDVHGVHSDUDWHO\DVDQRSWLRQDODGGRQVXEMHFW WRDYDLODELOLW\7REHHOLJLEOH\RXUͬLJKW V PXVWPHHWWKHIROORZLQJUHTXLUHPHQWV • • Airport transfers can be purchased up to 45 days prior to your departure; they are not available for purchase onsite. To learn more, or purchase airport transfers, please call our Traveler Support team at 1-800-321-2835. ,I\RXGRQ̞WPHHWWKHUHTXLUHPHQWVDERYH\RX̞OOQHHGWRPDNH\RXURZQWUDQVIHUDUUDQJHPHQWV:H VXJJHVWWKH5RPHWR5LRZHEVLWHDVDKDQG\UHVRXUFH www.rome2rio.com Air Inclusive Travelers If you have purchased international air with Grand Circle Travel, there are some points that may be helpful for you to know. • U.S. Departure: If you are among a group of ten or more Grand Circle travelers who depart the U.S. from your international gateway city, it is our goal to have a Grand Circle 5HSUHVHQWDWLYHDVVLVW\RXDWWKH86DLUSRUWZLWKWKHFKHFNLQRI\RXUͬLJKW8QOHVVWKHUH DUHH[WHQXDWLQJFLUFXPVWDQFHVEH\RQGRXUFRQWUROWKH5HSUHVHQWDWLYHZLOOEHDWWKHFKHFN LQFRXQWHUWKUHHKRXUVEHIRUH\RXUGHSDUWXUHWLPH,I\RXDUHͬ\LQJGRPHVWLFDOO\EHIRUH\RXU LQWHUQDWLRQDOͬLJKWWKHUHSUHVHQWDWLYHZLOOEHVWDWLRQHGDWWKHFKHFNLQFRXQWHUIRU\RXU GHSDUWLQJLQWHUQDWLRQDOͬLJKWQRWDWWKHGRPHVWLFDUULYDOJDWH 42 • Overseas Arrival: Once you arrive overseas, you’ll need to collect your luggage and clear FXVWRPV$*UDQG&LUFOH5HSUHVHQWDWLYHZLOOPHHW\RXRXWVLGHRIFXVWRPVDQGDVVLVW\RXZLWK your transfer to the hotel. Note that depending on the airport, luggage porters aren’t always allowed into the baggage claim area, so you may need to handle your own bags for at least part of the transfer process. • Flight Delays:*UDQG&LUFOH7UDYHOLVQRWUHVSRQVLEOHIRUͬLJKWGHOD\VRUFDQFHOODWLRQV,Q WKHXQIRUWXQDWHFLUFXPVWDQFHWKDW\RXUͬLJKWLVGHOD\HGRUFKDQJHGSOHDVHWU\WRUHDFKWKH UHJLRQDO*UDQG&LUFOHRIͫFH WKHLUQXPEHUZLOOEHLQ\RXU)LQDO'RFXPHQWV LQRUGHUWRPDNH QHZDUUDQJHPHQWVIRU\RXUWUDQVIHU'XHWRDLUOLQHUHJXODWLRQVRXUVWDIILVQRWQRWLͫHGRI ͬLJKWUHURXWLQJDQGRXUORFDOUHSUHVHQWDWLYHZRQ̞WQHFHVVDULO\EHDZDUHRI\RXUQHZDUULYDO time. In these cases you will need to arrange your transfer by taxi to your hotel. • Porters & Return Airport Transfer: In Germany most hotels do not offer porterage service EHIRUHDP7KLVPHDQVWKDWLI\RXUͬLJKWKRPHLVHDUO\HQRXJKWKDW\RXUDLUSRUWWUDQVIHU LVEHIRUHDP\RXZLOOEHUHVSRQVLEOHIRUEULQJLQJ\RXURZQOXJJDJHIURPWKHURRPWRWKH motorcoach, where our driver will load it. • U.S. Return: If you are among a group of ten or more Grand Circle travelers who return to WKHVDPH86JDWHZD\FLW\D*UDQG&LUFOH5HSUHVHQWDWLYHZLOOPHHW\RXDV\RXH[LW&XVWRPV DQGKHOS\RXͫQGWD[LVEXVHVKRWHODFFRPPRGDWLRQVRUFRQQHFWLQJͬLJKWV$JDLQLWLVRXU JRDOWRKDYHRXU*UDQG&LUFOH5HSUHVHQWDWLYHZDLWLQJWRDVVLVW\RXUJURXS,QUDUHLQVWDQFHV unforeseen circumstances may prevent this service. • Flying with a Travel Companion: If you’re traveling with a companion from a different household, and both of you are beginning and ending your trip at the same airport on the same dates, let us know you’d like to travel together and we’ll make every effort to arrange this (please note, however, that this is not always possible). If you request any changes to \RXUͬLJKWVSOHDVHEHVXUHWKDWERWK\RXDQG\RXUFRPSDQLRQWHOOXVWKDW\RXVWLOOZDQWWR ͬ\WRJHWKHU Optional Tours Optional tours are additional add-on tours that allow you to personalize your vacation by tailoring it to your tastes and needs. And if you decide not to join an optional tour? Then you’ll have free time to relax or explore on your own—it’s about options, not obligations. What You Need to Know • All optional tours are subject to change and availability. • Optional tours that are reserved with your Program Director can be paid for using credit/ debit cards only. We accept MasterCard, Visa, and Discover credit cards; we can also take MasterCard or Visa debit cards as long as the card allows you to sign for purchases. (You won’t be able to enter a PIN.) 43 • To ensure that you are charged in U.S. dollars, your payment will be processed by our U.S. KHDGTXDUWHUVLQ%RVWRQ7KLVSURFHVVFDQWDNHXSWRWKUHHPRQWKVVRZHDVNWKDW\RXRQO\ use a card that will still be valid three months after your trip is over. The charge may appear RQ\RXUFUHGLWFDUGVWDWHPHQWDVEHLQJIURP%RVWRQ0$RUPD\EHODEHOHGDV̡237%RVWRQ̢ • Your Program Director will give you details on the optional tours while you’re on the WULS%XWLI\RX̞GOLNHWRORRNRYHUGHVFULSWLRQVRIWKHPHDUOLHU\RXFDQGRVRDWDQ\WLPH by referring to your Day-to-Day Itinerary (available online by signing into My Account at www.gct.com/myaccount). Communications Cell Phones If you want to use your cell phone on the trip, check with your phone provider to see if your phone and service will work outside of the U.S. It may turn out to be cheaper to rent an international phone or buy a SIM card onsite. If you want to use a local SIM, just make certain your phone is “unlocked”, meaning it can accept a local SIM card. If your cell is “unlocked” then you will be able to purchase a local SIM for it and then buy minutes with “Pay as You Go” cards, so that you have a local contact number for your friends and family. Calling Apps Another option is to use a smartphone app like Skype or FaceTime. These services are usually less expensive than making a traditional call, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi connection and the calls may count towards your phone plan’s data allowance. Many smartphones—and some tablets or laptops—come with one of these apps pre-installed or you can download them for free from the appropriate apps store. Calling Cards & 1-800 Numbers When calling the U.S. from a foreign country, a prepaid calling card can be useful because it circumvents unexpected charges from the hotel. Calling cards purchased locally are typically the EHVW OHVVH[SHQVLYHPRUHOLNHO\WRZRUNZLWKWKHORFDOSKRQHVHWF 2QHUHPLQGHU 'RQRWFDOO 86QXPEHUVRXWVLGHWKHFRQWLQHQWDO8QLWHG6WDWHV7KLVFDQUHVXOWLQFRVWO\ORQJGLVWDQFH IHHVVLQFHQXPEHUVGRQRWZRUNRXWVLGHWKHFRXQWU\ Receiving Calls from Home To ensure you are available during your trip to friends and relatives at home, you will receive two copies of your hotel list, including phone numbers, with your Final Documents. One copy is for you to bring, and one is to leave behind with friends or relatives in case they need to contact you during the trip. 44 How to Call Overseas :KHQFDOOLQJRYHUVHDVIURPWKH86GLDOIRULQWHUQDWLRQDOH[FKDQJHWKHQWKHFRXQWU\FRGH LQGLFDWHGE\DSOXVVLJQ DQGWKHQWKHQXPEHU1RWHWKDWIRUHLJQSKRQHQXPEHUVPD\QRW have the same number of digits as U.S. numbers; even within a country the number of digits can vary depending on the city and if the phone is a land line or cell phone. Germany: Poland: Czech Republic: 45 PACKING Luggage Limits MAIN TRIP LIMITS Pieces per person One checked bag and one carry-on bag per person. Weight restrictions Varies by airline. The current standard is 50 lbs for checked bags and 15 lbs for carry-on bags. Size Restrictions Varies by airline. Measured in linear inches (length+width+depth). Generally, 62 linear inches is the checked bag limit; carry-on limit is 45 linear inches. Luggage Type A sturdy, fabric-sided suitcase with built-in wheels and lockable zippers is recommended. TRIP EXTENSION(S) LIMITS Same as the main trip. REMARKS/SUGGESTIONS One suitcase and one carry-on bag per person: Due to the space limitations on bus transfers, you’ll be restricted to one suitcase and one carry-on bag per person. This is to ensure that we have room for everyone’s luggage. We ask that you abide by this limit to avoid inconveniencing your fellow travelers and prevent additional airlines luggage fees (which are your responsibility). Most airlines now charge to check more than one suitcase per person for flights to Europe and other international flights. Luggage rules: Luggage rules and limits are set by governmental and airline policy. Enforcement of the rules may include spot checks or may be inconsistent. However one thing is the same across the board: If you are found to have oversized or overweight luggage, you will be subject to additional fees, to be assessed by—and paid to—the airline in question. Don’t Forget: • These luggage limits may change. If the airline(s) notify us of any changes, we will include an update in your Final Documents booklet. • ,W̞VDJRRGLGHDWRUHFRQͫUPEDJJDJHUHVWULFWLRQVDQGIHHVGLUHFWO\ZLWKWKHDLUOLQHDZHHNRU so prior to departure. For your convenience, we maintain a list of the toll-free numbers for the most common airlines on our website in the FAQ section. 46 • Baggage fees are not included in your trip price; they are payable directly to the airlines. Your Luggage Checked Luggage Consider a duffel bag or soft-sided suitcase. Look for one with heavy nylon fabric, wrap-around handles, built-in wheels, and a heavy duty lockable zipper. Due to space limitations on our motorcoaches, you are allowed one piece of checked luggage per person. Porterage at airports and hotels is provided for one bag per person. All bags should have luggage tags. Carry-on Bag You are allowed one carry-on bag per person. We suggest a tote or small backpack that can be XVHGDVERWKDFDUU\RQEDJIRU\RXUͬLJKWDQGWRFDUU\\RXUGDLO\QHFHVVLWLHV̜ZDWHUERWWOH camera, etc—during your daily activities. Locks )RUͬLJKWVWKDWRULJLQDWHLQWKH86\RXFDQHLWKHUXVHD76$DSSURYHGORFNRUOHDYH\RXU luggage unlocked. Outside of the U.S. we strongly recommend locking your luggage as a theft- prevention measure. Clothing Suggestions Functional Tips • Travel light: A good rule of thumb is to gather together everything you want to bring; then take half of that. To have a varied travel wardrobe, yet keep your luggage light, we recommend you select a color scheme and pack color-coordinated clothing items that can EHPL[HGWRFUHDWHGLIIHUHQWRXWͫWV • Pack casual clothes: Comfortable, informal apparel is acceptable at each of your destinations. At dinner, you will not need to don “dressy” clothing; men do not need jackets or ties and women do not need fancy dresses. You may want one or two “smart casual” RXWͫWVIRUWKH:HOFRPHRU)DUHZHOO'LQQHUEXWLW̞VFRPSOHWHO\XSWR\RX • Consider clothing designed for travel, sports, or camping: With modern fabrics, lightweight packing for comfort and protection through a wide range of weather is easy. • Plan to dress in layers.%HSUHSDUHGIRUDYDULHW\RIZHDWKHUFRQGLWLRQV ZDUPGD\VZLWK VXQFKLOO\WHPSHUDWXUHVZLWKVKRZHUVDQGHYHQLQJVWKDWFRXOGGLSLQWRWKHVRUV depending on your travel season. • Bring rain gear:5HJDUGOHVVRI\RXUPRQWKRIWUDYHOUDLQIDOOLVFHUWDLQO\DSRVVLELOLW\:H suggest you bring a folding umbrella and waterproof shell. Water-resistant walking shoes are advantageous in case heavy downpours pass through. 47 • Good walking shoes are critical. This program features many included tours that follow steep, unpaved or cobbled routes; and even an average day of light sightseeing or shopping can put great demands on your feet. If you prefer more ankle support, take light hiking boots. In case you get caught in the rain, we suggest you bring an extra pair of walking shoes, and rain boots or galoshes. What to Bring We have included suggestions from Program Directors and former travelers to help you pack. These lists are only jumping-off points—they offer recommendations based on experience, but not requirements. You may also want to consult the “Climate” chapter of this handbook. What not to pack: Do not pack aerosol cans, as they tend to leak during air travel. Leave behind any credit cards that are not essential for your trip, valuable jewelry, and anything that you would hate to lose. Your accommodations will supply soap, body wash, and shampoo/conditioner. If you prefer a certain brand you may want to bring your own, but otherwise you can rely on what they provide. Recommended Clothing T 6KLUWV $PL[WXUHRIVKRUWDQGORQJVOHHYHGVKLUWVWROD\HU T Trousers, jeans, or skirts T Comfortable walking shoes and/or water resistant shoes T Light rain jacket/windbreaker with hood T Sleepwear T Socks and undergarments T A jacket or sweater, depending on the time of year Essential Items T 'DLO\HVVHQWLDOV WRRWKEUXVKWRRWKSDVWHͬRVVKDLUEUXVKRUFRPEVKDYLQJLWHPV deodorant, etc. T Spare eyeglasses/contact lenses and your prescription T Sunglasses with a neck strap T Sunscreen, SPF 15 or stronger T Travel money bag or money belt 48 T Moisturizer, lip balm T Wide-brim sun hat or visor T Pocket-size tissues T Moist towelettes (packets) and/or anti-bacterial hand lotion T Light folding umbrella T Photocopies of passport, air ticket, credit cards T Camera, spare batteries, and memory cards Medicines T Your own prescription medicines T Vitamins T &ROGUHPHGLHV 6XGDIHG'ULVWDQ T 3DLQUHOLHYHUV ,EXSURIHQQDSUR[HQDVSLULQ T /D[DWLYHV 6HQRNRW([/D[ T 6WRPDFKXSVHW 3HSWR%LVPRO0\ODQWD T $QWLGLDUUKHDO ,PRGLXP T %DQG$LGV0ROHVNLQIRRWSDGV T $QWLELRWLFV 1HRVSRULQ%DFLWUDFLQ Optional Gear T Travel alarm T Compact binoculars T Hanging toiletry bag with pockets T Washcloth T Travel-size tissues T %DVLFVHZLQJNLW 49 T Hand-wash laundry soap (Woolite), clothespins/travel clothesline/stopper T (OHFWULFDOWUDQVIRUPHUDQGSOXJDGDSWHƯVHH̡5HJLRQDO(OHFWULFLW\̢VHFWLRQ T 5HDGLQJPDWHULDOV T Travel journal/note pad T Swimsuit, if your ship/hotel has a pool or whirlpool T Addresses for postcards T Photos, small gift for Home-Hosted visit T Phrase book T Pocket-size calculator for exchange rates T Insect repellent T +DLUGU\HU 0DQ\KRWHOVZLOOSURYLGHKDLUGU\HUVEXWQRWDOO,IDKDLUGU\HULVHVVHQWLDOWR you consider a travel-size version. Electricity When traveling overseas, the voltage is usually different and the plugs might not be the same shape. Voltage (OHFWULFLW\LQ*HUPDQ\WKH&]HFK5HSXEOLFDQG3RODQGLVYROWV,QWKH86LWLV volts. Most of the things a traveler will want to plug in—battery chargers, MP3 players, tablets RUFRPSXWHUV̜FDQUXQRIIERWKDQG%XW\RXVKRXOGFKHFNWKHLWHPRUWKHRZQHU̞V JXLGHͫUVWWRFRQͫUPWKLVEHIRUH\RXSOXJLWLQ,I\RXKDYHVRPHWKLQJWKDWQHHGVYROWV̜OLNHD VKDYHURUDKDLUGU\HU̜\RXFDQEULQJDWUDQVIRUPHUWRFKDQJHWKHFXUUHQW %XWWUDQVIRUPHUVWHQG to burn out, so it might be better to leave whatever it is at home.) Plugs The shape of plugs will vary from country to country, and sometimes even within a country depending on when that building was built. To plug something from the U.S. into a local socket \RX̞OOQHHGDQDGDSWHUWKDWͫWVEHWZHHQWKHSOXJDQGWKHVRFNHW(YHQWKRXJK\RX̞OORQO\QHHG RQHW\SHRISOXJDGDSWHURQWKLVWULS 7\SH&ͫWVLQWRD7\SH(DQG)RXWOHW LWPD\EHHDVLHUWR purchase an all-in-one, universal adapter/converter combo. Versatile and lightweight, these can usually be found at your local electronics goods or hardware stores. Sometimes you can buy them DWODUJHUHWDLOHUVWRROLNH7DUJHWRU:DOPDUW,I\RXIRUJHWWREULQJDQDGDSWHU\RXPLJKWDOVRͫQG them for sale at the airport when you arrive at your destination. 50 Different plug shapes are named by letters of the alphabet. Standard U.S. plugs are Type A and 7\SH%+HUHLVWKHOLVWRISOXJVIRUWKHFRXQWULHVRQWKLVWULS Germany: C and/or F Czech Republic: C Poland: C and E Type C Type E Type F 51 CLIMATE Berlin:6XPPHULQ%HUOLQEHWZHHQ0D\DQG$XJXVWLVSOHDVDQWO\ZDUPZLWKORWVRIVXQVKLQH-XO\ and August, the hottest months, are also unpredictable – with the possibility of going from sunny to rainy very quickly. Winters can be quite cold and damp although extreme weather is rare. Snow, however, is common and days can be cold, clear, and frosty. Czech Republic:,QVSULQJYDULDEOHZHDWKHUUHLJQV VRPH\HDUVLW̞VZDUPLQRWKHUVLW̞VFRRO Summer days are typically very warm, though there may still be some brisk days. Temperatures start to fall in early autumn, and winter weather begins settling in by early November. In general, \RXFDQH[SHFWVSULQJWHPSHUDWXUHVWRDYHUDJHLQWKHORZVVXPPHULQWKHVDQGIDOOLQWKH V7KHFOLPDWHLVVLPLODUWRWKDWRI$XVWULDEXWZLWKWHPSHUDWXUHVDELWFRROHULQDOOVHDVRQV Poland:3RODQGKDVDORQJERUGHUZLWKWKH&]HFKDQG6ORYDN5HSXEOLFVLQWKHVRXWKDQGDFRDVWOLQH RQWKH%DOWLF6HDLQWKHQRUWK0RVWRI3RODQGKDVDYHU\VLPLODUFOLPDWHDQGWKHVDPHVHTXHQFH of weather throughout the year. Winter cold increases towards the east and in the southern PRXQWDLQVZKLOHWKHFRDVWODQGVRIWKH%DOWLF6HDKDYHVOLJKWO\PLOGHUZLQWHUVDQGFRROHU summers. Precipitation is well distributed around the year with a summer maximum of rain, often heavy and accompanied by thunder. Much of the winter precipitation is snow. Summer WHPSHUDWXUHVGRQRWGLIIHUYHU\PXFKRYHUWKHFRXQWU\,WUDUHO\JHWVH[FHVVLYHO\KRWEXWͫQH sunny spells of weather and occasional droughts occur. Winters are distinctly cold and the length of really cold spells varies considerably from year to year. Climate Averages & Online Forecast 7KHIROORZLQJFKDUWVUHͬHFWWKHaverage climate as opposed to exact weather conditions. This means they serve only as general indicators of what can reasonably be expected. An extreme heat wave or cold snap could fall outside these ranges. As your departure approaches, we encourage you to go online to www.gct.com/myaccountIRU\RXUGD\IRUHFDVW 52 Average Daily High/Low Temperatures (°F), Humidity & Monthly Rainfall MONTH BERLIN, GERMANY PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall JAN 35 to 26 89 to 83 23 34 to 2491 to 8415 FEB 39 to 27 90 to 7618 36 to 25 92 to 7612 MAR 47 to 33 88 to 64 20 46 to 32 89 to 63 16 APR 54 to 37 84 to 541654 to 36 83 to 5116 MAY 65 to 45 78 to 50 15 64 to 4579 to 53 17 JUN 70 to 53 79 to 55 19 69 to 51 80 to 55 17 JUL 73 to 56 80 to 53 18 72 to 54 81 to 5418 AUG 73 to 55 84 to 5417 73 to 53 85 to 53 16 SEP 66 to 50 89 to 5917 65 to 48 90 to 60 15 OCT 56 to 42 90 to 7117 54 to 3991 to 68 16 NOV 45 to 35 89 to 81 22 41 to 32 91 to 83 17 DEC 38 to 30 89 to 86 23 36 to 28 90 to 85 14 MONTH HAMBURG, GERMANY KRAKOW, POLAND Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Temp. High-Low % Relative Monthly Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall Humidity (am-pm) (inches) JAN 38 to 30 92 to 8612 33 to 22 88 to 82 1.2 FEB 39 to 2990 to 77 9 35 to 24 88 to 761.2 MAR 45 to 34 89 to 69 11 45 to 31 89 to 66 1.2 APR 52 to 37 87 to 60 10 54 to 38 85 to 58 1.6 MAY 62 to 4581 to 57 10 64 to 46 84 to 58 2.4 JUN 67 to 51 82 to 60 11 69 to 52 85 to 61 3.1 JUL 70 to 55 85 to 61 12 71 to 55 86 to 602.4 AUG 71 to 54 88 to 60 11 71 to 5490 to 61 2.8 SEP 64 to 49 91 to 67 11 64 to 48 92 to 67 2.0 OCT 55 to 43 92 to 75 10 55 to 40 92 to 711.6 NOV 45 to 37 91 to 83 12 42 to 32 90 to 82 1.6 DEC 40 to 32 91 to 87 12 36 to 26 89 to 841.6 53 MONTH WARSAW, POLAND Temp. High-Low % Relative Average # of Days Humidity (am-pm) with Rainfall JAN 33 to 24 88 to 8415 FEB 34 to 24 89 to 7913 MAR 44 to 31 88 to 67 15 APR 54 to 37 83 to 58 15 MAY 65 to 4779 to 5615 JUN 70 to 52 80 to 60 16 JUL 73 to 55 83 to 60 15 AUG 73 to 54 86 to 58 13 SEP 64 to 47 91 to 66 14 OCT 54 to 40 92 to 75 15 NOV 42 to 33 91 to 85 16 DEC 36 to 27 90 to 87 15 54 ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS Your Program Director During your exclusive Grand Circle vacation, you’ll have reliable assistance available at all times IURPDQRQVLWH*UDQG&LUFOH7UDYHO3URJUDP'LUHFWRU Many Grand Circle Program Directors are graduates of professional education programs for travel guides. In addition, they receive specialized training directly from Grand Circle, training that is based on what we’ve learned from thousands of past travelers about how to make the trip most enjoyable. Your Program Director offers both a deep knowledge of the region and a commitment to make this a very pleasant, informative, and rewarding travel experience for you. Your Program Director will provide sightseeing trips, handle all travel details, reserve optional tours you choose to take, oversee your Discovery Series events, and provide any other assistance you may need. You will be in the company of a Program Director throughout your vacation. During Your Trip Language Barrier You can have some great “conversations” with local people who do not speak English, even if you don’t speak a word of the local language. Indeed, this non-verbal communication can be a highly rewarding part of travel. To break the ice, bring along some family photographs, or a few postcards of your hometown. Keep in mind, however, that it is always good form to know at least a few words in the local language. Taking Photographs The etiquette of photographing most people in Europe is about the same as it would be on the VWUHHWVRI\RXUKRPHWRZQ Safety & Security As you travel, exercise the same caution and awareness that you would in a large American city. Don’t be overly nervous or suspicious, but keep your eyes open. If you are venturing out after dark, go with one or two other people. 55 Carry a one-day supply of cash in your pocket. Carry most of your money, and your passport, in DWUDYHOSRXFKRUPRQH\EHOWXQGHU\RXUVKLUW5HSOHQLVK\RXUSRFNHWVXSSO\ZKHQ\RXDUHLQD safe and quiet place, or in our vehicle. Don’t leave valuables unattended in your hotel room. Most hotels will offer use of a hotel safe at the front desk or an electronic in-room safe (for which you can set your own personal number). Please utilize them. Pickpockets may create a sudden distraction. In any sort of puzzling street situation, try to keep one hand on your wallet or money belt. If an encounter with a local turns out to be long and complicated and involves money or your valuables, be very careful. Con artists sometimes target travelers. Cuisine in Germany *HUPDQ&XLVLQHYDULHVJUHDWO\IURPUHJLRQWRUHJLRQ7KHVRXWKHUQUHJLRQVRI%DYDULDDQG6ZDELD share many dishes among them and with their neighbors to the south, Switzerland and Austria. ,QWKH:HVW)UHQFKLQͬXHQFHVDUHPRUHSURQRXQFHGZKLOHWKHHDVWHUQSDUWVRIWKHFRXQWU\KDYH PXFKLQFRPPRQZLWK(DVWHUQ(XURSHDQFXLVLQHDQGWKHUHDUHPDUNHG6FDQGLQDYLDQLQͬXHQFHVLQ the northern coastal regions. Traditionally, the main meal of the day is lunch, eaten around noon. Supper (Abendessen or Abendbrot) is a smaller meal, sometimes only consisting of a couple of sandwiches. However, changing working habits have forced this to be changed in recent decades; today, it is not uncommon for many Germans to eat their main meal in the evening. Meat is usually pot-roasted; pan-fried dishes also exist, but these are usually imports from )UDQFH7KURXJKRXW*HUPDQ\PHDWLVYHU\RIWHQHDWHQLQVDXVDJHIRUP7KHUHDUHPRUHWKDQ GLIIHUHQWW\SHVRIVDXVDJHLQ*HUPDQ\&XUU\ZXUVWLVDIDYRULWHVDXVDJHGLVKLQDQGDURXQG%HUOLQ which consists of steamed pork sausage cut into slices and steamed with warm curry ketchup. %HHULVYHU\FRPPRQWKURXJKRXWDOOSDUWVRI*HUPDQ\,QPRVWRIWKHFRXQWU\WKHRULJLQDOO\ &]HFK3LOVLVSUHGRPLQDQWQRZDGD\VZKHUHDVSHRSOHLQWKH6RXWK HVSHFLDOO\LQ%DYDULD VHHP to prefer Lager or wheat beer. Wine is also popular throughout the country. German wine comes SUHGRPLQDQWO\IURPWKHDUHDVDORQJWKHXSSHUDQGPLGGOH5KLQHDQGLWVWULEXWDULHV Cuisine in the Czech Republic 7KHIRRGVRIWKH&]HFK5HSXEOLFDUHKHDUW\DQGULFKWKHLUͬDYRUVLQͬXHQFHGE\*HUPDQFRRNLQJ and they tend toward meaty dishes accompanied by sauces and gravies. The three items that are nationwide favorites are pork, dumplings, and cabbage. 7KLFNVRXSVRIIHUVRPHRIWKHVWURQJHVWͬDYRUVRQDW\SLFDOPHQXZLWKJDUOLFRQLRQDQGͫVK soup being among the tastiest. Pork as a main course is often a seasoned brisket that is breaded and fried. Another mainstay is svickova, slices of oven-braised beef served with a rich sauce of VRXUFUHDPDQGFUDQEHUULHV5HVWDXUDQWVDOVRPD\RIIHUEDNHGFKLFNHQVPRNHGKDPVDQGZLOG JDPHVXFKDVUDEELWGXFNRUYHQLVRQ$VWKHFRXQWU\LVODQGORFNHGͫVKXVXDOO\FRPHVIURP IUHVKZDWHUͫVKIDUPVDQGLQFOXGHVSHUFKWURXWDQGFDUS6HDIRRGVXFKDVVKHOOͫVKRUVKDUNLV sometimes offered at restaurants, but is usually fairly expensive. 56 Accompanying almost every meal is the ubiquitous dumpling, or knedlik. The lighter dumplings DUHPDGHIURPZKHDWͬRXUZKLOHWKHKHDUW\DQGGHQVHUYHUVLRQLVFUHDWHGXVLQJSRWDWRͬRXU The rolled dough is boiled and served in slices with a gravy or sauce. The vegetable that graces most dinners is the zeli, or cabbage. The cabbage is often cooked in a lightly sweetened sauce. Condiments include fruit chutney, horseradish, mustard, and tartar sauce. Vegetarian main FRXUVHVPD\EHTXLWHGLIͫFXOWWRͫQGEXWGLVKHVRIURRWFURSVVXFKDVFDUURWVWXUQLSVEHHWV and of course potatoes are plentiful. For cheese lovers, there’s VPD]HQ\V\U, a delectable breaded cheese, fried until its center is creamy. While in Prague, don’t miss the opportunity to sample some of the delightful beers born of the UHJLRQ̞VͫHOGVRIFXOWLYDWHGKRSV3XEVDUHLQLQWHJUDOSDUWRIWKH&]HFKQHLJKERUKRRGOLIHDQGWKH nation brews some of the best beer in the world. In the town of Plzen, the brewing of beer dates DVIDUEDFNDVWKHIRXQGLQJRIWKHWRZQLQ 3O]HQLVLQWHUQDWLRQDOO\NQRZQIRULWVDZDUG winning Pilsener Urquell, and there are numerous other local beers that perfectly accompany the region’s hearty dining. To conclude your culinary explorations, you might consider capping the night with a taste of Becherovka, a unique herbal liqueur from the Karlovy Vary area. Cuisine in Poland $VZLWKPDQ\(XURSHDQFRXQWULHV3ROLVKFXLVLQHIHHOVWKHLQͬXHQFHRIPDQ\FXOWXUHV /LWKXDQLDQ 8NUDLQLDQ-HZLVK+XQJDULDQ*HUPDQHWFDVZHOODVDSLQFKRI5XVVLDQ,WDOLDQDQG7XUNLVK The focus is on meat, especially chicken and pork, and winter vegetables (cabbage in the dish bigos), and spices, as well as different kinds of noodles – particularly the pierogi. Traditionally, 3ROHVWDNHWKHLUIHVWLYHPHDOVVHULRXVO\DQGIHDVWGD\V̜OLNH&KULVWPDV(YHRU(DVWHU%UHDNIDVW — can involve days of preparation. Normally the main meal is eaten in mid-afternoon or later, and involves three courses, starting with a soup, such as bouillon or tomato or more festive barszcz (beet) followed sometimes by an appetizer. The main course is usually meaty — a roast or breaded pork cutlet. Vegetables, though now replaced by leaf salad, were traditionally served as ‘surówka’ - shredded root vegetables with lemon and sugar (carrot, celeriac, beetroot) or fermented cabbage. Popular side dishes are now boiled potatoes, and, less commonly the traditional kasha (cereals). Meals often conclude with a dessert such as makowiec, a poppy seed pastry, or GURĽGĽµZND, a type of yeast cake. Religion in Poland 7KHPDMRULW\RI3ROHVDUH5RPDQ&DWKROLFDQGQHDUO\WZRWKLUGVRIWKHSRSXODWLRQDWWHQGVFKXUFK on Sunday. The most important religious holidays are Christmas and Easter; Advent and Lent are both observed. These holidays are viewed as an important time to be with family—even if you’re QRWWRRIRQGRIHYHU\RQHLQWKHIDPLO\7UDGLWLRQDOIRRGVDUHVHUYHGVXFKDVHJJVDW(DVWHUDQG 2SODWHN +RO\%UHDG RQ&KULVWPDV(YH7KH+RO\%UHDGLVDFWXDOO\PDGHRIWKHVDPHLQJUHGLHQWV 57 as a Catholic communion wafer, only it is not consecrated (blessed by a priest). The act of EUHDNLQJWKH+RO\%UHDGDQGVKDULQJLWZLWKVRPHRQHRQ&KULVWPDV(YHLVVHHQDVDV\PEROLF gesture of putting the past behind you or offering your blessing. Namesake Day in Poland One such celebration may be a person’s namesake day. In the Catholic tradition, each day belongs WRDVSHFLͫFVDLQW3HRSOHZLWKWKHVDPHQDPHDVWKDWVDLQWVKDUHWKHGD\DVWKHLUQDPHVDNH GD\6RLI'HFHPEHUWKLV6W%DUEDUD̞VGD\WKHQ3ROHVZRXOGZLVKDOOWKH%DUEDUDVWKH\NQRZ a “Happy Namesake Day” and perhaps present them with a gift. In Poland it is very common to celebrate your namesake day instead of your birthday—that way, no one needs to know how ROG\RXDUH Berlin in Brief City Layout and Details %HUOLQLVDVSUDZOLQJFLW\FRPSULVHGRIVHYHUDOVPDOOHUWRZQVWKDWMRLQHGWRJHWKHURYHUWLPH The city was largely destroyed in World War II before being occupied and reconstructed by the YLFWRULRXV)RXU3RZHUV%HUOLQVHUYHGDVDSRZHUIXOV\PERORIWKH&ROG:DUDQGWKH6RYLHWV EXLOWDQGPDLQWDLQHGDQPLOHORQJZDOOWKDWSK\VLFDOO\GLYLGHGWKHFLW\7RGD\RQO\WKH SODFLGZDWHUVRIWKH5LYHU6SUHHVHSDUDWHHDVWIURPZHVW,QWKHWZRGHFDGHVVLQFHWKHIDOORI FRPPXQLVP%HUOLQKDVUHLQWHJUDWHGDQGUHPDGHLWVHOIDVDXQLͫHGFLW\DEHDFRQIRUWKHIXWXUH RI*HUPDQ\)RUWKHPRVWSDUW%HUOLQ̞VZLGHZHOOPDLQWDLQHGERXOHYDUGVIRUPDVHQVLEOHJULG pattern, which makes the city easy to navigate. Major thoroughfares on the western side of the city include Potsdamerstrasse, Kantstrasse, and PRVWLPSRUWDQWO\.XUIXUVWHQGDPP7KH̡.X̞GDPP̢DVLWVNQRZQWRORFDOVLV%HUOLQ̞VDQVZHU WRWKH&KDPSV(O\VHHV DORQJOHDI\DYHQXHOLQHGZLWKXSVFDOHVKRSVDUWJDOOHULHVGHSDUWPHQW stores, hotels, restaurants, bars, and clubs. The enormous Europa Center, a modern shopping and business complex, forms the easternmost terminus of the Ku’damm and abuts the Tiergarten, a verdant urban park. The Europa Center sits at the extreme southwestern edge of the park; at WKHH[WUHPHQRUWKHDVWHUQHGJH\RXFDQͫQGWKHVHDWRIWKH*HUPDQJRYHUQPHQWLQFOXGLQJWKH YHQHUDEOH%UDQGHQEXUJ*DWHDQGWKHJODVVGRPHG5HLFKVWDJ $VKRUWZDONHDVWIURPWKH%UDQGHQEXUJ*DWHDORQJ8QWHUGHQ/LQGHQ FHQWUDO%HUOLQ̞VDQVZHUWR WKH.X̞GDPP ZLOOWDNH\RXSDVWWKH8QLYHUVLW\RI+XPEROGWWRWKHEDQNVRIWKH5LYHU6SUHH,I you follow Unter den Linden over the river, it becomes Karl-Liebknicht Strasse, and a few short EORFNVODWHU\RXUSDWKLQWHUVHFWVZLWK$OH[DQGHUSODW]+HUH\RX̞OOͫQG.DXIKRIGHQ:HVWHQVDQ enormous department store rivaled in size and splendor only by Harrod’s in London. 7KH.D'H:H %HUOLQHUV̞QDPHIRUWKH.DXIKRI UHVLGHVLQWKHVKDGRZRIWKH)HPVHKWXUPDQ LFRQLFWHOHYLVLRQWRZHUEXLOWE\WKH6RYLHWVWKDWKDVEHFRPHDGHͫQLQJIHDWXUHRI%HUOLQ̞VVN\OLQH -XVWDIHZEORFNVWRWKHVRXWKZHVW\RXFDQͫQGWKH%HUOLQFLW\KDOO0DULHQNLUFKH1LNRODLNLUFKH DQGWKHPDJQLͫFHQW1HSWXQEUXQHQIRXQWDLQ,I\RXFURVVEDFNRYHUWKH6SUHHIURP1LNRODLNLUFKH 58 \RX̞OOͫQG\RXUVHOIDPLGWKHPHGLHYDODUFKLWHFWXUHRIWKH1LNRODLYLUWHODQG)LVFKHULQVHO neighborhoods, both of which survived the destruction of World War II to preserve a taste of ROG%HUOLQ Local Transportation %HUOLQKDVRQHRIWKHPRVWHIͫFLHQWSXEOLFWUDQVSRUWDWLRQV\VWHPVLQ(XURSHDVPRRWKO\ integrated network of subway (U-bahn) and elevated (S-bahn) train lines, buses, trams (in East %HUOLQRQO\ DQGHYHQDIHUU\ DFURVVWKH:DQQVHH/DNH PDNLQJHYHU\SDUWRIWKHFLW\DFFHVVLEOH There’s also an all-night bus service, indicated by the letter “N” next to route numbers. In summer, there are excursion buses linking the downtown area with the most popular recreational DUHDV)RUYLVLWRUVZKRSODQWRWUDYHOH[WHQVLYHO\DURXQGWKHFLW\WKHUHLVD̡%HUOLQ7LFNHW̢YDOLG for 24 hours and good for all trains and buses. Cuisine *HUPDQFXLVLQHLVDWRQFHORFDODQGJOREDO,Q%HUOLQ\RX̞OOͫQGH[DPSOHVRIZKDWPLJKWEH considered traditional German fare—currywurst, sauerkraut, Apfelstrudel— alongside dishes imported by Turkish, Italian, and east Asian immigrants. Italian workers arriving to rebuild the city after World War II brought spaghetti and pizza with them, while Chinese and Thai LPPLJUDQWVKDYHSRSXODUL]HGWKHLUKRPHFRXQWULHV̞FRRNLQJLQUHFHQWGHFDGHV%XW7XUNLVKIRRG KROGVJUHDWHUVZD\RYHU%HUOLQHUV̞EHOOLHVWKDQDQ\RWKHUDQGWKHGRQHUNHEDELVIDUDQGDZD\WKH PRVWSRSXODUIRRGLQWKHFLW\5HFHQWO\$XVWULDQFXLVLQHKDVH[SHULHQFHGDUHQDLVVDQFHLQ%HUOLQ PDNLQJZLHQHUVFKQLW]HODFRPPRQVLJKWRQWKHFLW\̞VPHQXV7KHVL[WKͬRRURIWKH.D'H:H features gourmet foods from around the world and is a must-see for anyone seeking to satisfy KLVJDVWURQRPLFFXULRVLW\2IFRXUVHQRYLVLWWR%HUOLQZRXOGEHFRPSOHWHZLWKRXWDIHZVLSVIURP DPROOH JODVVRIEHHU %HUOLQ̞VEDUVGRQRWKDYHDQRIͫFLDOFORVLQJWLPHVRSDWURQVZKLOHDZD\ WKHKRXUVE\QLEEOLQJRQUROOPRSV PDULQDWHGKHUULQJͫOHWV DQGEXOHWWHQ KDPEXUJHUVZLWKRXW buns, served with spicy mustard) to wash down some of the best beer in the world. Pilsners are FRPPRQLQ%HUOLQDQGLI\RXͫQG\RXUVHOILQRQHRIWKHSLFWXUHVTXHEHHUJDUGHQVQHDUWKH5LYHU 6SUHHEHVXUHWRWU\%HUOLQHU:HLVVHDUHIUHVKLQJH[WUDOLJKWVOLJKWO\ELWWHUEHHUWKDW\RXZRQ̞W ͫQGDQ\ZKHUHHOVH Dresden in Brief City Layout and Details 6LWXDWHGQHDUWKH3ROLVKDQG&]HFKERUGHUV'UHVGHQVLWVRQDZLGHRSHQͬRRGSODLQ7KH5LYHU (OEHͬRZVWKURXJKWKHFHQWHURIWRZQDQGXQOLNHPRVWPDMRU(XURSHDQFLWLHVFLYLFSODQQHUVKDYH made the riverbanks accessible to the public, creating broad green spaces in the heart of Dresden. The Dresdner Heide is the largest of several nature reserves within the city, and the Elbe meadows provide a provincial retreat within a major metropolitan area. 59 'UHVGHQZDVQHDUO\FRPSOHWHO\UD]HGE\$OOLHGERPEHUVLQ)HEUXDU\ WKHͫUHVWRUPFDXVHG E\WKHUDLGVUHDFKHGWHPSHUDWXUHVRIGHJUHHV)DKUHLQKHLWDQGLQFLQHUDWHGRYHU RIWKH city. Since then, Dresden has risen from the ashes, a city marked by enlightened urban planning, spacious green areas, and an eclectic blend of neighborhoods. The Dresden Frauenkirche is perhaps the most vivid example of the city’s reconstruction DIWHU:RUOG:DU,,7KHFKXUFKZDVJXWWHGE\WKH$OOLHGͫUHERPELQJOHDYLQJRQO\RQHFRUQHU RIWKHRULJLQDOVWUXFWXUHLQWDFW$VUHFHQWO\DV WKHUXLQVZHUHRYHUUXQZLWKJUDVVEXW with the help of sophisticated computer modeling, the Frauenkirche was rebuilt in its original splendor, with the charred bricks of the old church intermingled with the new. The soaring cupola of the Lutheran Frauenkirche, the stately nave of the Catholic Hofkirche, and the regal PL[WXUHRIEDURTXHDQG5HQDLVVDQFHVW\OLQJVRIWKHUHFRQVWUXFWHG6HPSHURSHUDQGWKHQHDUE\ Zwinger Palance evoke the glory of Dresden’s architectural past. Alongside these reconstructed PDVWHUSLHFHV\RX̞OOͫQGQHZHU6WDOLQLVWDSDUWPHQWEORFNVEXLOWGXULQJWKH&ROG:DUWKHSRVW modern New Synagogue, and the sleek glass walls of the Transparent Factory and the UFA Palast. 7KH%RWDQLFDODQG=RRORJLFDO*DUGHQVLQWKH*URVVHU*DUWHQSDUNSURYLGHDEHDXWLIXOVDQFWXDU\IRU locals and travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of this modern city. Local Transportation 'UHVGHQKDVORQJEHHQDZRUOGUHQRZQHGFHQWHURIWUDIͫFHQJLQHHULQJDQGLWVZHOOPDLQWDLQHG autobahnen make the city easy to navigate by car. Public transportation is equally user-friendly, ZLWKRYHUPLOHVRIWUDPZD\VSURYLGLQJHIͫFLHQWWUDQVSRUWDWLRQIRU'UHVGHQHUVDQGWRXULVWV alike. Unlike many cities of similar size, none of Dresden’s trams operate underground, making them a great way to see the city’s center. Germans have a reputation for punctuality, so you can rest assured that your tram will arrive and depart according to the published schedule. Dresden also features two large rail hubs providing commuter service to the city’s suburbs, along with LQWHUFLW\VHUYLFHWR/HLS]LJ3UDJXHDQG%HUOLQ Cuisine 7\SLFDO*HUPDQFXLVLQHLVFRPPRQLQ'UHVGHQEXW\RXFDQͫQGVRPHORFDO6D[RQVSHFLDOLWLHV here too. Sauerbraten (marinated braised beef) is the most recognizable Saxon dish, and quark, a VRIWFKHHVHFRPPRQLQWKLVSDUWRI(XURSHͫQGVLWVZD\LQWRDQXPEHURILFRQLFGLVKHVLQFOXGLQJ quarkkeulchen (sweetened potato pancakes) and eierschecke (similar to cheesecake). Potato stew, sour roast, and lebkeuchen (a soft gingerbread) are considered traditional Saxon fare, but QRJDVWURQRPLFWRXURI'UHVGHQLVFRPSOHWHZLWKRXWDWDOOJODVVRI5DGHEHUJHUDQRXWVWDQGLQJ Pilsner brewed just outside the city. 60 Prague in Brief City Layout and Details 3UDJXHDQDQFLHQWDQGKLVWRULFFLW\LVWKHFDSLWDORIWKH&]HFK5HSXEOLF PDGHXSRI%RKHPLD Moravia, and part of Silesia). The city, located at the crossroads of Europe, is both ancient and modern and possesses a palpable energy. Getting around Prague can be a bit tricky—many of the VWUHHWVDUHVPDOOQDUURZFREEOHVWRQHSDWKVWKDWVHHPWRZLQGDERXWHQGOHVVO\%XWWKH̡FLW\RI VSLUHV̢LVRQHRIWKHPRVWEHDXWLIXO\RXZLOOHYHUVHH 3UDJXHLVUHDOO\DVHULHVRIͫYHKLVWRULFWRZQVZHOGHGWRJHWKHUWRIRUPRQHJUHDWFLW\7KHULYHU Vltava slices through Prague, giving the city its distinctive bridges. Hradcany, the castle district, LVRQWKHULYHU̞VZHVWEDQNZLWK3UDJXH&DVWOHDQG6W9LWXVFDWKHGUDOQHDUE\%HORZWKLVVHFWLRQ lies Mala Strana (the Lesser Quarter) with buildings dating back to the 13th century. Petrin Hill to the south offers wonderful views out over the city. On the east bank of the river is Stare Mesto (Old Town) with its large central square. Nearby is Josefov, the former Jewish ghetto. Nove Mesto (New Town, though parts of it go back to the 14th century) stretches around parts of Stare Mesto DQGKLVWRULF:HQFHVODV6TXDUH7KH&KDUOHV%ULGJHDFLW\ODQGPDUNVWUHWFKHVRYHUWKH9OWDYDDQG links much of the city. 5X]\QHDLUSRUWLVLQWKHZHVWHUQVXEXUEVRIWKHFLW\7KH3UDJXH,QIRUPDWLRQ6HUYLFHRIIHUVJRRG LQIRUPDWLRQDERXW3UDJXHDQGLVORFDWHGLQ2OG7RZQ6TXDUH7KH7RXULVW2IͫFH &HGRN DW1D Prikope is also a good place for information and maps. 3UDJXHLVDORYHO\FLW\IRUZDONLQJVREHVXUHWRVWUROOWKH5R\DO:D\ZKLFKWDNHV\RXE\VRPHRI the city’s architectural treasures, including Prague Castle and St. Vitus Cathedral. In Hradcany stop to see the Strahov Monastery and the Summer Palace. If you are a fan of classical music you’ll want to stop in at the Smetana Hall in Obecni Dum. The Museum of the City of Prague in northern Nove Mesto is an impressive and interesting stop. Wenceslas Square in Old Town and Josefov in Stare Mesto both offer excellent walking and sightseeing opportunities. Local Transportation Subway 3UDJXH̞VPRGHUQVXEZD\V\VWHP̜WKH0HWUR̜LVHDV\WRXVHDQGVSRWOHVVO\FOHDQ,W provides the simplest and fastest means of transportation, and most new maps of Prague mark the routes. Subways run daily from 5 am to midnight with trains every two minutes during peak KRXUVVORZLQJGRZQWRHYHU\WHQWRͫIWHHQPLQXWHVE\ODWHLQWKHHYHQLQJ7KHUHDUHVHYHUDOOLQHV each a different color, which intersect at various points in the city center and the route plans are HDV\WRIROORZ2QFHLQVLGHWKH0HWURDFTXDLQW\RXUVHOIZLWKWKHVHZRUGV Y\VWXSPHDQVH[LWDQG prestup means connection. Tram/Bus 61 Taxi 7KHVHDUHQRWUHFRPPHQGHGDVVRPHGULYHUVWU\WRWDNHDGYDQWDJHRIWRXULVWVDQGLQͬDWH the price, possibly by driving miles out of the way. If you must take a taxi, it is best to use the hotel’s taxi service—it is a little more expensive than taxis found at taxi stands but it is more reliable. Another choice is to ask the hotel to contact AAA Taxi for you (or call them at 233 113 311)—AAA Taxi is also dependable and they speak English. If you choose instead to use a taxi at a WD[LVWDQGRURQH\RXKDLORQWKHVWUHHWGHͫQLWHO\DJUHHRQDSULFHEHIRUHKDQG Punch your ticket on the Metro, trams, and buses )RUWKH0HWURSXQFKWKHWLFNHWLQWKHVWDWLRQ before getting on the escalators; for buses and trams, punch the ticket inside the vehicle. Hamburg in Brief City Layout 6LWWLQJEHVLGHWKH(OEHDWLWVMXQFWLRQZLWKWKH$OVWHU5LYHU+DPEXUJLV*HUPDQ\̞VVHFRQG ODUJHVWFLW\DQGWKHZRUOG̞VͫIWKODUJHVWKDUERU7KH$OVWHUIRUPVWZRODNHVLQWKHKHDUWRIWKH city, and the city center is largely situated there. Traveling further out (if you’re here for a while, \RX̞OOZDQWWRVHHFLW\IHDWXUHVWKDWDUHIXUWKHUDͫHOG LVHDV\YLDWKHPHWURV\VWHP 8%DKQ DQG6%DKQ Hamburg won’t ever be confused with a small town. However, the commercial and shopping GLVWULFWFHQWHUHGRQWKH%LQQHQDOVWHU WKH,QQHU$OVWHUVHSDUDWHGIURPWKH2XWHU$OVWHUE\ WKH/RPEDUGDQG-RKQ).HQQHG\EULGJHV DQGWKH5DWKDXV FLW\KDOO LQFOXGHVDKLJKGHQVLW\ of historic buildings, restaurants and shops, and makes the city center a perfect start for an extended stay or an concise one-day tour of the best of the old city’s highlights. Mönkberstrasse DQG6SLWDOHUVWUDVVH SHGHVWULDQDFFHVVRQO\ VRXWKRIWKH%LQQHQDOVWHUDUHWZRIDVKLRQDEOH VWUHHWV DQGWKH-XQJIHUQVWLHJDWWKHIRRWRIWKH%LQQHQDOVWHULVWKHFHQWHURI+DPEXUJ̞V VKRSSLQJGLVWULFW7KURXJKRXWWKHDUHD\RX̞OOͫQGVWRUHVUHVWDXUDQWVDQGFDIHV0XFKRI Hamburg’s center was destroyed during WW II, but many historic structures have been rebuilt. ,QDGGLWLRQWRWKH5DWKDXV\RX̞OOͫQG6W3HWULFKXUFKWKHUHVWRUHG6W-DFRELFKXUFK6W0LFKDHOLV church, the Kunsthalle art gallery, and the Hamburgische Staatsoper – Hamburg’s modern opera house. 9HQWXULQJIXUWKHUDͫHOG\RX̞OOͫQGWKHKDUERUDUHD̛ZKLFKVWUHWFKHVPLOHVDORQJWKH(OEH DQGKDVEHHQDFHQWUDOSRUWIRUWKH(XURSHDQFRQWLQHQWVLQFH $KDUERUWRXURIIHUVXSDQ interesting view of the city and the part the river has played in making it what it is today. The 6W3DXOLGLVWULFWLVIDPHGIRULWVQLJKWOLIHDQGUDF\HQWHUWDLQPHQW6SOLWE\WKH5HHSHUEDKQWKH district, while toned down from its peak, is still in the business of nighttime diversions, including FDIHVVH[VKRZVDQGPXVLFKDOOV WKLVLVDIWHUDOOZKHUHWKH%HDWOHVKRQHGWKHLUKDUGHGJHG early version of rock and roll.) Once a stand-alone city, the Altona district has been absorbed by Hamburg and is, on Sundays at dawn, home to Hamburg’s famous Fischmarkt. 62 Local Transportation $QHIͫFLHQWQHWZRUNRIEXVHVDQGWZRUDLOZD\VVHUYHV+DPEXUJ WKH8%DKQ LQWHUFLW\ XQGHUJURXQGOLQH DQGWKH6%DKQ VXEXUEDQDERYHJURXQGOLQH 7KH6%DKQVHUYHV+DPEXUJ̞V VXEXUEVDQGRXWO\LQJDUHDV WKHPLOHVRI8%DKQUDLO VRPHDERYHDQGVRPHEHORZJURXQG VHUYHWKHFLW\SURSHU,QDGGLWLRQ\RX̞OOͫQGDERXWEXVURXWHVDQGIHUULHVWKDWFURVVWKHULYHU Elbe. All public transport is under the control of the Hamburg Transit Authority (HVV), and tickets are valid on all types of transit. A one-day pass – Tageskarte – is an economical way of getting around the city on any given day, since it allows you to mix modes to meet your travel needs. The city center is the Nahbereich zone, stretching between St Pauli and the Hauptbahnhof. The Grossbereich (Greater Hamburg area) zone covers both the city center and communities like %ODQNHQHVHDQGRIIHUVWKHPRVWͬH[LEOHRSWLRQIRUJHWWLQJDURXQG7D[LVDUHDQRSWLRQDVZHOO Krakow in Brief City Layout and Details Krakow, for centuries the capital of royal Poland, is today recognized as a valid competitor to the KLVWRULFFKDUPV\RX̞OOGLVFRYHULQ9LHQQD%XGDSHVWDQG3UDJXH+DYLQJHVFDSHGVHULRXVGDPDJH in World War II, and come through the Communist years with minimal impact. The beautifully restored Old Town, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, retains its original Medieval form, and serves as a lovely setting for Wawel Castle. Surrounded by charming streets, a plethora of Catholic FKXUFKHVDQGFODVVLFH[DPSOHVRIKLVWRULFDUFKLWHFWXUHWKHIRUPDO5\QHN*ORZQ\LVWKHKXJH central square. The Old Town bustles constantly, vibrant with visitors and locals admiring the VTXDUHSLFNLQJXSͬRZHUVDWRQHRIWKHPDQ\ͬRULVWVVWRSSLQJIRUDVQDFNDWWKHEDJHOFDUWRU perhaps sitting in one of the restaurants. Local Transportation .UDNRZ̞VFHQWHULVPRVWO\FORVHGWRWUDIͫFDQGLVTXLWHFRPSDFW ZLWKPDQ\DWWUDFWLRQVFHQWUDOO\ located, walking in Krakow is both easy and a pleasure. Trams are most convenient for distance WUDYHODQGWKH\UXQIURPHDUO\PRUQLQJWRDURXQG SPWKRXJKLW̞VEHVWWRDYRLGWKHWUDPVDW UXVKKRXU%XVHVDQGWD[LVDUHHFRQRPLFDOHIͫFLHQWDQGVLPSOHWRXVHDQGWRXJKPRUHH[SHQVLYH than the trams, are relatively economical. Warsaw in Brief City Layout and Details %LVHFWHGE\WKH9LVWXOD5LYHU:DUVDZ̛WKHPRGHUQFDSLWDORI3RODQG̛LVDYHU\GLIIHUHQWDQLPDO IURP.UDNRZ:RUOG:DU,,GHDOW:DUVDZDSDUWLFXODUO\GHYDVWDWLQJKDQG̛RQO\RIWKH FLW\HPHUJHGVWLOOVWDQGLQJDIWHUEHLQJUD]HGE\WKH*HUPDQRFFXSLHUVDQGQHDUO\RIWKH population was either dead or missing. The Postwar years saw Soviet-style city planners, with a EODQNVODWHGHVLJQDQGEXLOGWRWKHLU6RFLDOLVW5HDOLVWSDOHWWH 63 Local Transportation Warsaw is quite large, so you can expect to become familiar with the public transportation V\VWHP,W̞VFRPSOH[DQG\RXVKRXOGSUREDEO\VHHNGHVWLQDWLRQVSHFLͫFVEHIRUH\RXVHW out. Trams are most convenient for distance travel, and they run from early morning to around SPWKRXJKLW̞VEHVWWRDYRLGWKHWUDPVDWUXVKKRXU%XVHVDQGWD[LVDUHHFRQRPLFDO HIͫFLHQWDQGVLPSOHWRXVHDQGWRXJKPRUHH[SHQVLYHWKDQWKHWUDPVDUHUHODWLYHO\HFRQRPLFDO Shopping There may be scheduled visits to local shops during your vacation. There is no requirement to make a purchase during these stops, and any purchase made is a direct transaction with the shop in question, subject to the vendor’s terms of purchase. Grand Circle is not responsible for purchases you make on your trip or for the shipment of your purchases. Returns If you discover an issue with an item, you should contact the vendor directly. If the shop is outside the country, you should expect that any resolution will take longer than it would in the U.S. We recommend that you keep a copy of all your receipts, invoices, or contracts, along with the shop’s contact information. Keep in mind, local practice may vary from the standards you are used to, so don’t assume that you have a certain number of days after the purchase to speak up or that you are guaranteed a refund. Crafts & Souvenirs Germany Popular German buys include Nymphenburg porcelain, cutlery, high-quality cameras and ELQRFXODUVORGHQFORWKLQJJRRVHGRZQFRPIRUWHUV5RVHQWKDOFKLQDDQGJODVVZDUHDQG chocolate. Munich is Germany’s fashion capital—there are plenty of chic boutiques, especially on Theatinerstrasse, Maximilianstrasse, and Schwabing’s Leopoldstrasse. Value Added Tax: Depending on how much you spend on certain goods, you may be eligible for DSDUWLDOUHIXQGRI*HUPDQ\̞V9DOXH$GGHG7D[ 9$7 Czech Republic ,QWKH&]HFK5HSXEOLFPDQ\VWRUHVVHOODZLGHUDQJHRIFUDIWVDQGWRXULVWJRRGVVXFKDV%RKHPLDQ glass, porcelain, crystal, peasant pottery, wooden toys, jewelry, and folk carvings. Modern artwork and crafts are sold at private art galleries. 64 Poland Polish folk objects make good mementos and are an excellent value. Some interesting possibilities include embroidery, lace, dolls in folk costumes, prints and engravings, amber, pottery, and woodcarvings. The wide range of chain stores specializing in different local wares makes shopping in Poland relatively easy. Desa stores carry tapestries, painting, sculptures, and porcelain. U.S. Customs Regulations & Shipping Charges )RUDOOWKLQJVUHODWHGWR86&XVWRPVWKHXOWLPDWHDXWKRULW\LVWKH86%XUHDXRI&XVWRPV %RUGHU3URWHFWLRQ7KHLUZHEVLWHwww.cbp.gov has the answers to the most frequently asked questions. Or you can call them at 1-877-227-5511. 7KHWRSWKUHHSRLQWVWRNQRZDUH • $WWLPHRIZULWLQJ\RXUSHUVRQDOGXW\IUHHDOORZDQFHLVIRULWHPVEURXJKWZLWK\RX ,WHPVWRWDOLQJPRUHWKDQDUHVXEMHFWWRGXW\IHHV • Items shipped home are always subject to duty when received in the U.S. Even when the shop has offered to include shipping and duties in the price, this typically means shipping to the nearest customs facility and payment of the export duties—not door-to-door shipping or payment of the import duties. All additional duties or shipping charges would be your responsibility. Unless an item is small enough to send by parcel service (like FedEx), chances are you will need to arrange shipping or pick-up once the item is in the U.S. and will need to pay customs duties. • ,WLVLOOHJDOWRLPSRUWSURGXFWVPDGHIURPHQGDQJHUHGDQLPDOVSHFLHV86&XVWRPV %RUGHU Protection will seize these items, as well as most furs, coral, tortoise shell, reptile skins, feathers, plants, and items made from animal skins. 65 DEMOGRAPHICS & BACKGROUND Europe Germany Facts & Figures • Area:VTXDUHPLOHV • Capital:%HUOLQ • Languages:*HUPDQLVWKHRIͫFLDOODQJXDJH 7XUNLVKLVDOVRVSRNHQLQ%HUOLQ • Location:*HUPDQ\LVERUGHUHGE\$XVWULD%HOJLXPWKH&]HFK5HSXEOLF'HQPDUN)UDQFH /X[HPERXUJWKH1HWKHUODQGV3RODQG6ZLW]HUODQGWKH1RUWK6HDDQGWKH%DOWLF6HD • Geography:/RFDWHGLQFHQWUDO(XURSH*HUPDQ\LVERUGHUHGRQWKHZHVWE\WKH%HQHOX[ FRXQWULHVDQG)UDQFHDQGRQWKHHDVWE\3RODQGDQGWKH&]HFK5HSXEOLF6ZLW]HUODQG and Austria are to the south. Germany’s northern coastline is met by the North Sea and WKH%DOWLF • Population: HVWLPDWH • Religions:3URWHVWDQW5RPDQ&DWKROLF0XVOLPRWKHU • Time Zone: Germany is on Central European Time, six hours ahead of U.S. EST. When it is DPLQ:DVKLQJWRQ'&LWLVQRRQLQ%HUOLQ'D\OLJKW6DYLQJ7LPHEHJLQVWKHODVW6XQGD\LQ March and ends the last Sunday in October. National Holidays: Germany In addition to the holidays listed below, 0D\'D\ Germany celebrates a number of national 'D\RI*HUPDQ8QLW\ holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such as Easter. There are also some holidays that $OO6DLQWV̞'D\ are not national holidays, but are widely REVHUYHG7RͫQGRXWLI\RXZLOOEHWUDYHOLQJ 12/24 Christmas Eve during these holidays, please visit www. 12/25 Christmas Day timeanddate.com/holidays. %R[LQJ'D\ 1HZ Historical Overview of Germany Though the history of Germany includes centuries-old tribal settlements, the reign of Charlemagne, and the rise of imperialism, its more recent history—including the wars of the WKFHQWXU\DQGWKHDIWHUPDWK̜KDVKDGWKHODUJHVWFXOWXUDODQGSV\FKRORJLFDOLQͬXHQFHRQ the country. 66 *HUPDQ\̞VFDSLWDO%HUOLQLVDFLW\FRPSOHWHO\WUDQVIRUPHGE\WKHWKFHQWXU\'LYLGHGDWWKH end of World War II, blockaded by the Soviets during the Cold War, driven apart by a cruel grey ZDOO%HUOLQZDVͫQDOO\UHWXUQHGWRLWVSUHVHQWXQLWHGIRUPE\WKHVOHGJHKDPPHUVRIIUHHGRP ͫJKWHUV+RZHYHUWKHFLW\̞VGLYLGHGKLVWRU\KDVOHGWRDWUXO\XQLTXHFROOHFWLRQRIDUFKLWHFWXUDO VW\OHV7KH5HLFKVWDJVLWHRIWKHͫQDOGHIHQVHRIWKH7KLUG5HLFKZDVUHEXLOWDIWHU:RUOG:DU,, and now features an enormous glass sphere, emphasizing the transparency and openness of the new Germany. Nearby Potsdam also played an important role in shaping the post-war world. Stalin, Truman, and Churchill met here to determine how to deal with a defeated Germany, and the city’s *OLHQLFNH%ULGJHEHFDPHNQRZQDVWKH̡%ULGJHRI6SLHV̢GXULQJWKH&ROG:DUDVWKHVXSHUSRZHUV used its midpoint as a place to exchange captured agents. Germany’s second largest city, Hamburg, was devastated by Allied bombings during the World War II. Today, however, this northern port is a thriving business and cultural center, hearkening back to its past as an important free trading center during the Middle Ages. Another notable cultural center is Dresden, a mecca for Germany’s artists, whose complete destruction was catalogued in Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse Five. Following the war, Dresden was rebuilt from the ground up. Today, the Frauenkirche (Church of Our Lady), whose ruins stood as a stark reminder of the war, has been totally reconstructed, incorporating the charred bricks of the original structure as a tribute to its past. Since reconstruction, Dresden has, for the most part, returned to its place as one of Europe’s major cultural leaders. Nuremburg has similarly been intrinsically connected to World War II in the minds of many visitors. While this city is now known for being the site of major Nazi activity during the war—and WKHKLJKSURͫOHWULDOVWKDWIROORZHG̜WKLVSROLWLFDOO\LPSRUWDQWFLW\KDVDFWXDOO\EHHQDWWKH FHQWHURIZRUOGSROLWLFVIRUFHQWXULHVGDWLQJEDFNWRLWVSRVLWLRQDVWKHXQRIͫFLDOFDSLWDORIWKH +RO\5RPDQ(PSLUH7KRXJK$OOLHGERPELQJGHVWUR\HGPXFKRILWVPHGLHYDOFLW\FHQWHUWKHFLW\ has been largely rebuilt, once again a hub of trade and culture in Germany. 0HDQZKLOH0XQLFKLVDFRQYHQLHQWORFDWLRQIURPZKLFKWRH[SORUHVFHQLF%DYDULD*HUPDQ\,WV *HUPDQQDPH0¾QFKHQGHULYHVIURPWKH*HUPDQZRUGIRU̡PRQNV̢DQRGWRWKH%HQHGLFWLQH PRQNVZKRIRXQGHGWKLVFLW\7KHWKLUGODUJHVWFLW\LQ*HUPDQ\DIWHU+DPEXUJDQG%HUOLQ Munich prides itself on being a Weltdorf (world village), where an international stream of visitors comes to explore its museums, shop its high-fashion boutiques, and revel in its seemingly contradictory Gemütlichkeit (coziness). Czech Republic Facts & Figures • Area:VTXDUHPLOHV • Capital: Prague • Languages:&]HFKLVWKHRIͫFLDOODQJXDJH 67 • Ethnicities:&]HFK0RUDYLDQ6ORYDNRWKHU • Location:7KH&]HFK5HSXEOLFLVERUGHUHGE\$XVWULD6ORYDNLDDQG3RODQG • Geography:/DQGORFNHGLQ(DVWHUQ(XURSHWKH&]HFK5HSXEOLFFRPSULVHVWKHDQFLHQW SURYLQFHVRI%RKHPLDDQG0RUDYLDZLWKDPRXQWDLQRXVULPRQWKH*HUPDQERUGHU to the west. • Population: HVWLPDWH • Religions:5RPDQ&DWKROLF3URWHVWDQWRWKHURUXQVSHFLͫHGQRQH • Time Zone:7KH&]HFK5HSXEOLFRQ&HQWUDO(XURSHDQ7LPHVL[KRXUVDKHDGRI86(67 When it is 6am in Washington D.C., it is noon in Prague. National Holidays: Czech Republic In addition to the holidays listed below, 6DLQWV&\ULODQG0HWKRGLXV WKH&]HFK5HSXEOLFFHOHEUDWHVDQXPEHURI -DQ+XV'D\ national holidays that follow a lunar calendar, VXFKDV(DVWHU7RͫQGRXWLI\RXZLOOEH 6W:HQFHVODV'D\ traveling during these holidays, please visit www.timeanddate.com/holidays. ,QGHSHQGHQW&]HFKRVORYDN6WDWH'D\ 1HZ Historical Overview of the Czech Republic Although it has undergone many changes en route to its present form as a future leader of Eastern (XURSHWKHDUHDNQRZQDVWKH&]HFK5HSXEOLFKDVDFWXDOO\EHHQVHWWOHGVLQFHWKH1HROLWKLFHUD 2QFHWKHVHDWRI%RKHPLD̜DNH\VWURQJKROGRIWKH+RO\5RPDQ5HSXEOLFDQGODWHUWKHVWRULHG Austro-Hungarian Empire—Czechoslovakia only emerged as an autonomous country after the collapse of the latter following World War I. 7KHWKFHQWXU\VDZ&]HFKRVORYDNLDFRPHXQGHU&RPPXQLVWFRQWUROXQWLOWKH9HOYHW5HYROXWLRQ LQ ZKHQLWGLVVROYHG QRWDEO\ZLWKRXWEORRGVKHG LQWRWZRQDWLRQV WKH&]HFK5HSXEOLF and Slovakia. After centuries of being ruled by monarchs, the country has now become a SDUOLDPHQWDU\GHPRFUDF\DQGPXFKRILWVHFRQRP\LVIXHOHGE\YLVLWRUVZKRͬRFNWR3UDJXHLWV historic capital. Prague today is a bustling city that retains much of its Old World charm. It lies along both sides of WKHZLQGLQJ9OWDYD5LYHUFRQQHFWHGE\SLFWXUHVTXHEULGJHV/LNH5RPHDQG6DQ)UDQFLVFRWKH city is built over a series of hills, with varied architecture that spans many centuries. Entering the city, one is struck by the view of its many hilltop neighborhoods, where rows of steeples stand out DJDLQVWWKHFLW\̞VVN\OLQHHDUQLQJ3UDJXHWKHQLFNQDPH̡&LW\RI6SLUHV̢ 68 Prague owes much of its modern majesty to the fact that while other European capitals were leveled during World War II, Prague survived virtually intact. Among the structures to remain remarkably undamaged was Prague’s great landmark, Prague Castle—the largest ancient castle LQWKHZRUOGDQGVWLOOWKHVHDWRISROLWLFDOSRZHU%XLOWGXULQJWKHQLQWKFHQWXU\3UDJXH&DVWOHKDV HYROYHGRYHUWKHFHQWXULHVEOHQGLQJ5RPDQHVTXH*RWKLFDQGHYHQ6SDQLVKDUFKLWHFWXUDOVW\OHV Today, it is a sprawling complex of breathtaking enormity and a symbol of Czech unity. $YLVLWWR6WDUH0HVWRWKH2OG7RZQUHYHDOV*RWKLFDQG%DURTXHEXLOGLQJV)URPWKHUH\RX PLJKWFURVVRYHUWKHIDPRXV&KDUOHV%ULGJHEXLOWE\&KDUOHV,9LQZKLFKFURVVHVWKH9OWDYD 5LYHUIURP6WDUH0HVWRWR0DOD6WUDQD /HVVHU7RZQ /LQHGZLWKVWDWXHVDQGRUQDWHODPSSRVWV the bridge is reserved for pedestrians and offers views of Prague Castle and the skyline of the PHGLHYDOFLW\)RU\HDUVWKLVEULGJHZDVWKHRQO\ULYHUOLQNFRQQHFWLQJWKHWZRSDUWVRI the city. Prague’s attractions do not simply include historical monuments. As it was during the zenith RIWKH%RKHPLDQNLQJGRP3UDJXHVWLOOUDQNVDVWKHWKULYLQJFXOWXUDOFHQWHURIWKHFRXQWU\ UHPLQLVFHQWRI3DULVLQWKH V+HUH\RX̞OOͫQGVRPHRI(XURSH̞VEHVWMD]]YHQXHVH[FHOOHQW opera, and innovative theater groups. Poland Facts & Figures • Area:VTXDUHPLOHV • Capital: Warsaw • Government:5HSXEOLF • Language:3ROLVKLVWKHRIͫFLDOODQJXDJH,WLVD6ODYRQLFODQJXDJH8QOLNH5XVVLDQLWXVHV WKHIDPLOLDU5RPDQDOSKDEHWEXWZLWKPDQ\DGGLWLRQDODFFHQWV*HUPDQ5XVVLDQ(QJOLVK and French are spoken by most members of the travel industry and in hotels. • Location:6LWXDWHGLQWKHKHDUWRI(XURSH3RODQG̞VORZO\LQJSODLQVH[WHQGIURPWKH%DOWLF VKRUHLQWKHQRUWKWRWKH7DWUD0RXQWDLQVRQLWVVRXWKHUQERUGHUZLWKWKH&]HFK5HSXEOLF DQG6ORYDNLD7RWKHHDVWRIWKH3ROLVKERUGHUDUH/LWKXDQLD%HODUXVDQGWKH8NUDLQH WRWKH west is Germany. • Population: HVWLPDWH • Religion:&DWKROLF(DVWHUQ2UWKRGR[3URWHVWDQWRWKHUDQG XQVSHFLͫHG • Time zone:7KHWLPHLQ3RODQGLVVL[KRXUVDKHDGRI(DVWHUQ7LPHLQ1RUWK$PHULFD ZKHQLW is 12 noon in New York, it is 6 pm in Warsaw and Krakow. 69 National Holidays: Poland In addition to the holidays listed below, /DERU'D\0D\'D\ Poland celebrates a number of national &RQVWLWXWLRQ'D\ holidays that follow a lunar calendar, such DV(DVWHU7RͫQGRXWLI\RXZLOOEHWUDYHOLQJ $VVXPSWLRQRI0DU\ during these holidays, please visit www. timeanddate.com/holidays. $OO6DLQWV̞'D\ 1HZ (SLSKDQ\ 12/25 Christmas Day %R[LQJ'D\ Historical Overview of Poland Polish history can be traced back to the Piast dynasty, a medieval monarchy which brought &KULVWLDQLW\WRWKHUHJLRQLQ $''XULQJDWLPHRIWHUULWRULDOH[SDQVLRQNQRZQDVWKH Jagiellonian dynasty period, Poland developed close relations with the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, DQGIRUPHGWKH3ROLVK/LWKXDQLDQ&RPPRQZHDOWKLQ 7KH&RPPRQZHDOWKHYROYHGLQWRDQREOHGHPRFUDF\EXWVXIIHUHGJUHDWO\LQWKHPLGWKFHQWXU\ when war struck. Unfortunately, the Commonwealth weakened to the point that it was eventually FRPSOHWHO\GLVVROYHGE\VXUURXQGLQJIRUFHVLQFOXGLQJWKH5XVVLDQ(PSLUHWKH.LQJGRPRI 3UXVVLDDQGWKH$XVWULDQ+DEVEXUJ0RQDUFK\%HFDXVHRIWKLVGDUNSHULRG3RODQGQRORQJHU existed as an independent nation. ,WZDVQ̞WXQWLO WKDWDQLQGHSHQGHQW3ROLVKVWDWHFDPHEDFNLQWRH[LVWHQFH7KHHQGRI:RUOG :DU,VLJQLͫHGWKHEHJLQQLQJRIWKH6HFRQG3ROLVK5HSXEOLFZKHQ3RODQG̞VLPSHULDOSRZHUV ZHUHFRQTXHUHG%XWLWVWLOOZDVQRWDQHDV\URDGIRU3RODQG7KH6HFRQG5HSXEOLFRQO\ODVWHGD little more than twenty years before it was again destroyed, this time by Nazi Germany during the onset of World War II. The Nazi occupation targeted Polish citizens as one of the groups that needed to be exterminated. Despite the gruesome killing of millions of Polish people, the government continues to function behind the scenes and actually ended up serving a major role in the Allied victory and the end RI:RUOG:DU,,:LWKWKHGHIHDWRI1D]L*HUPDQ\DQGWKHDGYDQFHPHQWRIWKH6RYLHW5HG$UP\ Poland became a Soviet satellite country. The shift from communism towards the Poland we know today took some time. It wouldn’t be XQWLOWKHODWH ̞VWKDWZRUNHU̞VUHYROWVDQGDQRYHUZKHOPLQJGULYHIRUVRFLDOUHIRUPVZRXOG begin steering the country away from Soviet rule. Eventually, the resulting modern Polish state transitioned relatively peacefully from communism to capitalism. 70 RESOURCES Suggested Readings General Central Europe: Enemies, Neighbors, FriendsE\/RQQLH5-RKQVRQ +LVWRU\ $SDQRUDPLFKLVWRU\RI Central Europe that provides a comparative analysis of the key events that have shaped Germany, 3RODQGWKH&]HFK5HSXEOLF6ORYDNLD$XVWULD+XQJDU\6ORYHQLDDQG&URDWLD7KHDXWKRU DEDQGRQVWKH&ROG:DUFRQYHQWLRQRIGHͫQLQJ&HQWUDO(XURSHLQWKHELSRODUWHUPVRI(DVWDQG West, and emphasizes the underlying continuities in the region’s history. Germany $0LJKW\)RUWUHVV $QHZKLVWRU\RIWKH*HUPDQ3HRSOH by Steven Ozment (History) A thorough and refreshing account of Germany’s history written by an award-winning historian. *HUPDQ\DQGWKH*HUPDQVE\-RKQ$UGDJK +LVWRU\ $QRWHG%ULWLVKDXWKRUDQGKLVWRULDQRIIHUVD contemporary study of the German culture. ,QWKH*DUGHQRI%HDVWV /RYH7HUURUDQGDQ$PHULFDQ)DPLO\LQ+LWOHU̞V%HUOLQ by Erik Larson (History) Acclaimed historian and author Larson follows the experiences of the American DPEDVVDGRUWR*HUPDQ\LQ DVKHDQGKLVIDPLO\VORZO\FRPHWRUHDOL]HWKHPHQDFHDQG GDQJHUWKDWLV+LWOHU̞V7KLUG5HLFK March VioletsE\3KLOLS.HUU 0\VWHU\ 7KHͫUVWRIDVHULHVWKDWDOVRLQFOXGHVWLWOHVVXFKDV7KH 3DOH&ULPLQDODQG$*HUPDQ5HTXLHP6HWLQ V%HUOLQWKHVHGDUNP\VWHULHVIROORZ%HUQDUG *XQWKHUDIRUPHUSROLFHRIͫFHUQRZWXUQHGSULYDWHGHWHFWLYHZKRVSHFLDOL]HVLQͫQGLQJPLVVLQJ SHRSOHDQGSHRSOHZKRGRQ̞WZDQWWREHIRXQG7KHODQJXDJHLVYHU\PXFKOLNHDFODVVLFQRLUͫOP IURPWKHVRUV The Woman from Hamburg: and Other True Stories by Hana Krall (Non-Fiction) A journalist from :DUVDZERUQLQ .UDOOUHYHDOVWKHOLYHVDQGVWUDQJHWUDMHFWRULHVRIKHUFRPSDWULRWVLQWKHVH VWRULHVSURͫOHVDQGLQWHUYLHZVRIVXUYLYRUVRI::,, Before the Deluge: A Portrait of Berlin in the 1920s by Otto Friedrich (History) A noted historian GHVFULEHVWKLVLQWHUHVWLQJDQGLQWULJXLQJFKDSWHULQ%HUOLQ̞VKLVWRU\DWLPHZKHQVXFKZHOO NQRZQSHRSOHDV0DUOHQH'LHWULFK$OEHUW(LQVWHLQ*UHWD*DUER%HUWROW%UHFKW:DOWHU*URSLXV Kandinsky, and Klee all made their homes here. BerlinE\*LOHV0DF'RQRJK +LVWRU\ $ VWXG\RIWKHKLVWRU\VRFLRORJ\DUFKLWHFWXUHIRRG crime, and theater of one of Europe’s most intriguing cities—on the eve of its return as the capital RIWKH8QLͫHG*HUPDQ\ A Tramp Abroad by Mark Twain (Travel Account) The American humorist details his travels through Germany in witty, highly entertaining prose. 71 Czech Republic 0H0\VHOI 3UDJXH $Q8QUHOLDEOH*XLGHWR%RKHPLDE\5DFKDHO:HLVV 7UDYHO1DUUDWLYH :KHQ the author uproots herself and moves from Australia to Prague she hopes to reinvent herself in a VSHFLͫFZD\̜DVDZRUOGO\DQGFKLFQRYHOLVW̜EXWHQGVXSGLVFRYHULQJPRUHDERXWZKRVKHZDV all along. 3UDJXH:LQWHU $3HUVRQDO6WRU\RI5HPHPEUDQFHDQG:DU by Madeleine Albright (History) Although she was only two when the Nazis invaded her homeland (then known as Czechoslovakia), the story of her parents’ struggles is movingly retold and the history of the war clearly explained in this book. And yes, she’s that Madeleine Albright—the former Secretary of State. The Metamorphosis and The Trial both by Franz Kafka (Literature) Two famous works by DQLQͬXHQWLDODXWKRUDQGDQDWLYHRI3UDJXH,Q7KH0HWDPRUSKRVLV DOVRFDOOHGVLPSO\ 0HWDPRUSKRVLV WKHPDLQFKDUDFWHUZDNHVXSRQHPRUQLQJWRͫQGWKDWKHKDVWXUQHGLQWRDJLDQW EXJRYHUQLJKW LQ7KH7ULDOWKHSURWDJRQLVWͫQGVKLPVHOIRQWULDOZLWKRXWNQRZLQJH[DFWO\ZKDW the charge is. The Power of the PowerlessE\9DFODY+DYHO 3ROLWLFDO6FLHQFH ,QWKLV HVVD\9DFODY+DYHO HOHFWHGWKHͫUVWSUHVLGHQWRIWKH&]HFK5HSXEOLFLQ DQDO\]HVWRWDOLWDULDQRSSUHVVLRQDQGWKH mechanisms used by the powerful to subdue the spirit and morality of the powerless citizenry. He speaks in searing terms of the meaning of citizenship, resistance, and the power of the moral and truthful individual. 7KH8QEHDUDEOH/LJKWQHVVRI%HLQJ by Milan Kundera (Fiction) Passion, politics, and philosophy; loyalty and lies; these are just some of the themes explored in this novel, which follows a young ZRPDQLQORYHZLWKDSKLODQGHULQJVXUJHRQLQ3UDJXHRIWKH V Poland *RG̞V3OD\JURXQG $+LVWRU\RI3RODQG by Norman Davies (History) Critics regard this work as the best and most exciting history of Poland, in two volumes; the author also offers a condensed version—+HDUWRI(XURSH $6KRUW+LVWRU\RI3RODQG. The Polish August by Neal Ascherson (History) An absorbing postwar history that culminates in the rise of Solidarity. The Struggle & the Triumph by Lech Walesa (Autobiography) Lech Walesa’s autobiography sheds enormous light on the issues around Solidarity, as wells as reveals much about the life of this courageous leader. 72 Suggested Movies Germany *RRGE\H/HQLQ &RPHG\ ,QWKLVFRPHG\GUDPDIURPGLUHFWRU:ROIJDQJ%HFNHUD\RXQJ German boy named Alex pulls off an elaborate scheme to prevent his fragile mother from experiencing fatal shock after waking from a long coma. Alex strives to keep the fall of the *HUPDQ'HPRFUDWLF5HSXEOLFDVHFUHWIURPKLVVRFLDOLVWPRWKHUIRUDVORQJDVSRVVLEOH Das Boot $GYHQWXUH 2QHRIWKHPRVWDXWKHQWLFZDUͫOPVHYHUPDGH'DV%RRWLVDUDZDQG compelling portrayal of a German Atlantic U-boat crew and captain as they struggle to survive during World War II. 7KH/LYHVRI2WKHUV 'UDPD $GUDPDWKDWPDUNHGWKHIHDWXUHͫOPGHEXWRI*HUPDQ ͫOPPDNHU)ORULDQ+HQFNHOYRQ'RQQHUVPDUFN6HWLQ(DVW%HUOLQLQ DQDJHQWRIWKHVHFUHW SROLFHFRQGXFWVVXUYHLOODQFHRQDZULWHUDQGKLVORYHU$VWKHVWRU\XQIROGVKHͫQGVKLPVHOI EHFRPLQJLQFUHDVLQJO\DEVRUEHGE\WKHLUOLYHV$VLQWR[LFDWLQJDVLWLVFKLOOLQJWKLVͫOPTXLHWO\ depicts the secret world of German espionage. In German with subtitles. Czech Republic &ORVHO\:DWFKHG7UDLQV &RPHG\ 7KLVPRYLHLVDERXWDER\ZRUNLQJDWDWUDLQVWDWLRQLQ German-occupied Czechoslovakia during World War II. Oblivious to the war around him, the young boy embarks on a journey of sexual awakening and self-discovery—revealing just how the ͫOP̞VVXEWOHFRPHGLFͬDLUFRPSOHPHQWVLWVGUDPDWLFXQGHUSLQQLQJV3HUKDSVWKHSLQQDFOHRIDOO &]HFK1HZ:DYHͫOPVWKLVͫOPRIIHUVJUHDWLQVLJKWVLQWRWKHFRXQWU\̞VXQLTXHFXOWXUDOLGHQWLW\ Divided We Fall &RPHG\ ,QWKLVFRPHG\GUDPDDFRXSOHIURP1D]LRFFXSLHG Czechoslovakia agrees to hide a Jewish teenager in their home. During this time, Josef and Marie Cizek’s marriage begins to show signs of strain as a result of the political tension and Marie’s inability to become pregnant. The situation worsens when an acquaintance of theirs becomes a Nazi collaborator and asks them to house a Nazi clerk. Divided We Fall is a reminder of the kinds of choices made by millions of people during times of devastation. /DVW+ROLGD\ $GYHQWXUH ,QWKLVUHPDNHRIWKH PRYLHZLWKWKHVDPHQDPHWLPLG GHSDUWPHQWVWRUHFOHUN*HRUJLD%\UGLVGLDJQRVHGZLWKDQLQFXUDEOHLOOQHVVZKLFKSURPSWVKHU to set off on a European adventure. A lighthearted comedy, but one that shows off the beauty of &HVN\.UXPORYLQWKH&]HFK5HSXEOLF 7KH8QEHDUDEOH/LJKWQHVVRI%HLQJ 'UDPD %DVHGRQDZHOONQRZQQRYHOE\WKHVDPHQDPH /LJKWQHVVIROORZVWKHZRPDQL]LQJ7RPDVDQGWKHWZRZRPHQLQKLVOLIHLQ V3UDXJH,W̞VD VWRU\WKDWFRXOGEHVHWDQ\ZKHUHLQWKHZRUOG̜XQWLOWKH5XVVLDQWDQNVDUULYH 73 Poland Night Train 7KULOOHU 7KHVWRU\EULQJVWRJHWKHU-HU]\DQG0DUWD̜WZRVWUDQJHUVZKRERWK seem to be on the run from something. They accidentally end up holding tickets for the same VOHHSLQJFKDPEHURQDQRYHUQLJKWWUDLQWRWKH%DOWLF6HDFRDVW7KHVWRU\WDNHVDWXUQZKHQWKH police enter the train in search of a murderer and rumors start brewing. The Pianist 'UDPD 7KLVͫOPIRFXVHVRQWKHGHVWUXFWLRQRIWKH:DUVDZJKHWWRGXULQJ :RUOG:DU,,7KH3LDQLVWLVEDVHGRQWKHWUXHVWRU\RID3ROLVK-HZLVKSLDQLVWZKRVSHQWͫYH\HDUV struggling against the Nazi occupation of Warsaw. As his family is shipped off to the Nazi labor FDPSVKHHVFDSHVGHSRUWDWLRQDQGOLYHVLQWKHUXLQVRI:DUVDZ7KHDZDUGZLQQLQJͫOPWHOOVWKH harrowing story of the brilliant pianist as he struggles to live through the extreme destruction and despair. 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