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YOUR O.A.T. ADVENTURE TRAVEL PLANNING GUIDE® Jewels of Bohemia: Czech Republic, Slovakia & Hungary 2021 Small Groups: 8-16 travelers—guaranteed! (average of 13) Overseas Adventure Travel ® The Leader in Personalized Small Group Adventures on the Road Less Traveled 1 Dear Traveler, At last, the world is opening up again for curious travel lovers like you and me. And the O.A.T. Jewels of Bohemia: Czech Republic, Slovakia & Hungary itinerary you’ve expressed interest in will be a wonderful way to resume the discoveries that bring us so much joy. You might soon be enjoying standout moments like these: In my mind, there is nothing more quaint and picturesque than the rural villages that dot the countryside of the Czech Republic. To immerse myself in their traditions and everyday life, I explore rural communities like Slavonice, a small village nestled on the border with Austria. You’ll see what I mean when you experience A Day in the Life of a small, family-run farm here, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet the owners, lend a hand with the daily farm chores, and share a Home-Hosted Lunch with your hosts around the warmth of a bonfire. I believe the most moving stories you’ll hear are from the locals who live and work in the regions you travel to around the world, and that is what I found to be true in Prague when I spoke with Zdenek Vacek, a local teacher and lifelong Prague resident, about the Velvet Revolution. I was saddened to hear the reality of their turbulent past under the Czech Communist regime. You’ll hear his harrowing story as well when you sit down with him in a local café to discuss his life as a child under communism. He’ll also talk of his participation in the 1989 Velvet Revolution, where hundreds of thousands of Czechs peacefully demonstrated for the end of the Communist Party. He’ll talk candidly of his experience and offer his perspective on how modern-day politicians have drastically drifted from this revolutionary spirit. The way we see it, you’ve come a long way to experience the true culture—not some fairytale version of it. So we keep our groups small, with only 8-16 travelers (average 13) to ensure that your encounters with local people are as intimate and authentic as possible. It’s also why your O.A.T. Trip Experience Leader will be a resident “insider” who can show you the culture as only a local can. To ensure that your adventure is truly unique, put your own personal stamp on it. You can arrive early and stay later, add a pre- or post-trip extension, spend time in a Stopover city, or combine two or more trips. Plus, your itinerary offers ample free time so you can pursue your own interests. So until the day comes when you are off to enjoy your Jewels of Bohemia: Czech Republic, Slovakia & Hungary adventure, I hope you will relish the fun and anticipation that this O.A.T. Adventure Travel Planning Guide® will inspire. Should you have further questions, feel free to call our Regional Adventure Counselors at 1-800-955-1925. Love and peace, Harriet R. Lewis Vice Chairman, Overseas Adventure Travel P.S. For more inspiration, you can watch videos and slideshows from travelers like you at www.oattravel. com/traveler-moments. You can also share some of your own favorite moments by uploading your travel videos and slideshows directly onto the trip-specific pages of our website. USA Today “Best Tours” 10Best Readers’ Presented by Choice Awards Solo Traveler 2 CONTENTS A Letter from Harriet Lewis ................................................................2 The O.A.T. Difference......................................................................4 The Grand Circle Foundation...............................................................6 The Leader in Solo Travel ..................................................................7 JEWELS OF BOHEMIA: CZECH ABOUT YOUR DESTINATIONS: REPUBLIC, SLOVAKIA & HUNGARY CULTURE, ETIQUETTE & MORE Your Adventure at a Glance: Culture & Points to Know ................. 61 Where You’re Going, What it Costs, Shopping: What to Buy, Customs, and What’s Included .......................8 Shipping & More ........................ 69 Your Detailed Day-To-Day Itinerary ..........9 Optional Tours .......................... 26 DEMOGRAPHICS & HISTORY Pre-Trip Extension ....................... 27 Czech Republic .......................... 71 Post-Trip Extension ...................... 33 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 71 Dates & Prices ........................... 38 Historical Overview of the Czech Republic . 71 Slovakia ................................ 72 ESSENTIAL TRAVEL INFORMATION Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 72 Travel Documents & Entry Requirements. 39 Historical Overview of Slovakia . 73 No Visas Required ....................... 39 Hungary ................................ 74 Requirements for the Czech Republic ..... 40 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 74 Rigors, Vaccines & General Health ......... 42 Historical Overview of Hungary ........... 75 Vaccines Required ..................... .. 43 Germany................................ 76 Money Matters: Local Currency & Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 76 Tipping Guidelines....................... 45 Historical Overview of Germany .......... 77 Tipping Guidelines....................... 47 Austria ................................. 78 Air, Optional Tours & Staying in Touch ..... 49 Facts, Figures & National Holidays ........ 78 Optional Tours .......................... 49 Austria: A Brief History ................... 79 Communicating with Home from Abroad . 50 Packing: What to Bring & Luggage Limits . 52 RESOURCES Suggested Packing Lists .................. 53 Suggested Reading ...................... 81 Electricity Abroad ....................... 56 Suggested Film & Video .................. 85 Climate & Average Temperatures .......... 58 O.A.T. Health & Safety Measures.......................................................... 89 Notes.................................................................................. 90 Map ................................................................................... 95 3 EXPERIENCE THE O.A.T. DIFFERENCE in Central Europe This adventure not only showcases iconic sights, but takes you beyond them to experience the culture through unique activities, engagement with the natural world, and authentic encounters with local people. Since our founding in 1978, O.A.T. has become America’s leader in personalized small group journeys on the road less traveled. SMALL GROUPS: 8-16 TRAVELERS LOCAL MODES OF TRANSPORTATION (AVERAGE OF 13)—GUARANTEED To see the world like the locals, you should The world feels more intimate and engaging travel like one. Our small group size allows when your experience of it is also personal us to take the roads and waterways that are and genuine. That’s why our groups never less traveled, and we often follow them using exceed 16 travelers. This gives you access to the same unique modes of transportation people and places larger groups simply can’t that the locals use—be it a canoe, a camel or a reach. More authentic interactions. Deeper vintage cab. bonds with your travel mates. Personal service from your Trip Experience Leader. Smoother UNIQUE LODGINGS transitions. And a far more satisfying Our lodgings reflect the local character, experience than any traditional tour offers. from smaller family-run hotels and historic manors to comfy inns. Occasionally, larger THE BEST TRIP EXPERIENCE LEADERS hotels closer to city centers are used. Wherever Your English-speaking, O.A.T. Trip Experience you stay, you’re assured fine comfort and Leader is a resident of the region you are hospitality. visiting, so you will get a true insider’s perspective that brings each place alive—the OUR WORLDWIDE OFFICES stories, food, customs, hidden treasures With 36 regional offices around the world, and more. we are perfectly poised to leverage our local relationships to deliver an excellent experience AUTHENTIC CULTURAL CONNECTIONS and value. During this trip, you’ll be supported Engage with local people through visits to by our team in Prague. farms, factories, markets, and artisans’ studios; school visits; Home-Hosted meals; and more. Raft along the Vltava River in Cesky Krumlov, Czech Republic Connect with local people in the Czech Republic 4 THE PILLARS OF DISCOVERY Enriching. Inspiring. Unforgettable. These features form the foundation of your Jewels of Bohemia adventure. GRAND CIRCLE FOUNDATION (GCF) A DAY IN THE LIFE VISIT Do you ever wonder, “What would it be like GCF was established in 1992 to help change to live here?” when you visit new lands? Let’s people’s lives in the world where we live, find out during your O.A.T. A Day in the Life, an work, and travel. To date, we have pledged or exclusive, immersive experience that places donated $200 million worldwide. you in the heart of a community where you’ll meet various people where they live, work, By investing in the places we explore— and play; visit the neighborhood school; lend a including local schools, cooperatives, or arts hand with daily chores; and break bread with centers—we hope to give locals the skills and our hosts. confidence they need to become leaders of their generation and preserve their heritage This adventure includes A Day in the Life for many years to come. We’re proud to play experience in a rural Czech farming village a part in preserving precious locales like the where you’ll meet with the owners and get a Bryggen waterfront district of Bergen, a living firsthand insight