European Discoveries 2015

KNow Before you Go A step by step guide to your Trafalgar trip Your insider’s journey begins

Thank you for choosing Trafalgar to show you the insider’s view of and Britain. A wealth of experience has taught us that your journey begins well before you leave home. So we have compiled this guide to provide you with as much information as possible to help you “Travel is in our DNA. prepare for your travels. It’s our passion to help our guests travel beyond We look forward to welcoming you the expected.” on the trip of a lifetime. Gavin Tollman, Trafalgar CEO

2 Before you go

of your Trafalgar London hotel at a special group rate that has Travel Documents been negotiated by Trafalgar. Passengers will be picked up A couple of weeks prior to your holiday you will receive and dropped off in time to meet all flights booked to/from your Trafalgar wallet with your travel documents and London’s Heathrow Airport. literature. These documents are valuable and contain US$65 per person per single trip to/from Heathrow Airport a wealth of advice and essential information to make your holiday as enjoyable as possible. Please read them Gatwick Airport: Guests who have booked Trafalgar's Land carefully before your departure. and Air packages arriving at and departing from London's Gatwick Airport are provided with Gatwick Express train Passports and Visas vouchers. The Gatwick Express train journey from Gatwick Airport to London's Victoria Station takes 30 minutes each You will require a passport valid for six months beyond the way. Guests then need to make their way from Victoria conclusion of your trip, with appropriate visas. Some Station to their Trafalgar hotel and at the end of their trip back itineraries may require multiple-entry visas for certain to Victoria Station. countries. You must contact your Travel Agent or applicable Trafalgar's transfer terms and conditions government authorities to get the necessary documentation. It is the sole responsibility of each guest to have a valid 1. Flight information must be provided to Trafalgar no fewer passport and necessary visas, as well as to comply with that 21 days prior to departure. Once transfers are booked entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited. they cannot be changed. 2. Trafalgar only includes one inbound and one outbound Travel Insurance transfer. 3. In the event of flight delays outside of Trafalgar’s control, Travel insurance is a must-have. It is imperative that you take the transfers will be deemed to be cancelled. out a comprehensive travel insurance policy that covers you 4. All transfers are based on group transfers. No refund is the entire time you are away from home. Your policy should therefore available for missed transfers, or passengers not cover the following: using this service. • Trip cancellation or curtailment 5. For London arrivals, you must stay at a London hotel • Loss or damage to property and baggage booked by Trafalgar on the night of arrival and the night • Loss of cash, traveller’s cheques, etc. prior to your departure date. • Medical costs and personal accident 6. In the event of unforeseen events (such as road or rail Don’t forget to pack a copy of your policy, contact phone works, strikes or demonstrations), Trafalgar will not be numbers and instructions on how to claim in the unlikely responsible for delayed or cancelled transfers. event that it is necessary. Airport Transfers in Europe Trafalgar's Express Check-in Trafalgar bonus: all Trafalgar guests receive complimentary arrival and departure transfers by shuttle bus on the arrival Please register as soon as possible after making and departure day of their itinerary at the times specified on your booking. the individual itinerary pages. Any guests whose flight times do not coincide with the shuttle bus transfer timings may By registering with Trafalgar’s Express Check-in, you are choose to book and purchase a transfer. Additionally, guests ensuring we receive all the essential information we need arriving before or leaving after the scheduled itinerary day to better anticipate your needs while on your trip. may also book and buy a transfer through Trafalgar providing that they also purchase the additional pre and post itinerary Other benefits include: hotel night(s) from Trafalgar. • You won’t be required to show your passport at each hotel • Your Travel Director will have all your important details Note that flight timings must be provided to Trafalgar no fewer immediately than 21 days before flight departure. Please see Trafalgar’s • You’ll receive useful information and tips before you go transfer terms and conditions. and compelling offers from our partners

Airport Transfers in London It should take less than 10 minutes to register and you should have the following information ready: Heathrow Airport: Transfers can be expensive, particularly • Your booking number and last name between the airport and your London hotel. But when you • The passport details of everyone on your booking book your Trafalgar vacation and take advantage of our land • The emergency contact details of your nominated person and air packages, we have included a FREE transfer to and (should an unlikely event arise) from London's Heathrow airport and your Trafalgar hotel. For guests who have their own flight arrangments we offer you the opportunity to purchase inexpensive transfers to the door

3 Before you go

Please note, if you check in within 15 days of departure, we cannot guarantee your Travel Director will receive Packing your details. In this instance, please print your completed registration form and present it to your Travel Director at the start of your holiday. All of your details are kept secure. When travelling as a couple, pack each suitcase with day and 1. Go to www.trafalgar.com/express evening clothing for each person, so that in the unlikely event 2. Enter your Booking No. and Last Name one of your suitcases is mislaid on your flight, you’ll still be able 3. Answer all questions and click 'submit' to manage. Ensure that your personal and holiday details are written on a label inside each suitcase (including name, address, telephone number, departure and return flight details). Write only your name and destination address on outside labels. Make sure that your luggage is in good secure condition, and use a TSA approved lock for US security checkpoints. When carrying fragile items, use a rigid style suitcase for protection Check-in only your own suitcases. Do not carry items packed presents by other people. Never accept packages or articles from European Discoveries anyone unknown to you to carry on board the aircraft. There are strict airport security regulations on items that may be carried on board aircraft such as liquids/gels and metal objects. Please consult your airline or travel agent regarding these and other restricted items and how they must be displayed at airport security checkpoints. We suggest you pack only essential items for daytime use in your hand-baggage, both for your flight and while on the coach. For example, your camera, medicines, anything that you use frequently or is particularly valuable. Expensive jewellery, clothing, etc. should be left at home for your Luggage peace of mind.

Luggage Allowance Clothing and Footwear This is restricted to one large suitcase per For information on suitable clothing and footwear, please person with dimensions not exceeding refer to the listings under each country. However, a general 30” 30x19x10” (76x45x25 cm) and a maximum tip would be to make sure you bring comfortable walking weight of 50 lb (23 kg). Hotel porterage of shoes as a number of cities in Europe are developing as this luggage is included in your holiday price. havens for pedestrians. Hand Luggage 19” Hand luggage should be one piece per What To Bring person and small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf This will depend upon your personal preferences, where you compartment. This is your responsibility and are travelling to and the time of year you are travelling. We should be carried on/off the coach with you. generally recommend casual, lightweight, drip-dry clothing Please note that luggage with an adjustable that requires little or no ironing. Laundry facilities are available handle and wheels will not fit in the at most of the places we stay, however, take sufficient overhead compartment of the coach and clothing to last for about a week. Below is a list of items cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage. to consider packing for your Trafalgar holiday: Your understanding and cooperation is appreciated, particularly as it is necessary for Clothing your safety and comfort. If a second suitcase is carried, or if it exceeds the permitted weight and/or dimensions, a • Swimsuit • Undergarments charge of €6/£5 per travelling day will be collected by your Travel • Sandals • Socks Director. Airlines may have additional restrictions and may impose • Sun hat • Sleepwear additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information • Shorts/skirts • Jeans/trousers regarding its checked baggage policies. • Lightweight jacket • Pullover/cardigan Waterproof jacket Shirts/blouses Please note that airport porterage at the beginning and end • • of your guided holiday is not included. Loss or damage • Good walking shoes to luggage or any of your belongings is at your own risk, so please protect yourself with appropriate insurance.

4 Before you go

General Items Budgeting • Spare batteries/charger • Toiletries

• Camera and film/memory cards • Plastic bags Trafalgar itineraries include many features that will save you • Medications and prescriptions • Insect repellent money on your trip – if you study your itinerary pages in the • Power plug adapters/converter • Travel sewing kit Trafalgar brochure you will see how many highlight visits are • Collapsible umbrella • Sunscreen lotion included, as well as other sightseeing, meals and entertainment. • Pocket calculator • Travel alarm clock For personal items such as souvenirs, gifts, taxi fares, laundry • Water bottle (screw top lid) • Sunglasses and gratuities, we suggest you allow €9-€11 per day in Europe • Sachets of washing powder • Money belt or holster and £8-£10 per day in the UK. In addition, we recommend you budget for the following extra expenses per person: Essentials Meals • Passport and Visas Lunches are usually not included and individual requirements • Travel insurance policy (where applicable) vary, but we suggest you allow €10/£9 per day. Where evening • Traveller’s cheques/Cash meals are not included, the cost will depend on the type and • Credit cards locations of restaurants used. As a guide, allow €25-€30/£22- • Trafalgar documents £30 per day. You should budget for drinks with meals and • Airline tickets refreshment stops during the day. Non-alcoholic drinks cost approximately €2-€3/£1.50-£2.50 each. NB: Do not pack your passport or money in your suitcase. Optional Experiences Experience has shown us that most guests participate in Tip: Weed out your wallet prior to leaving. Only take the essential these experiences and you should therefore budget for them identifiers like your driver's license and just two credit cards - in advance. Optional Experiences are operated by third party one to carry, another to be locked in your hotel room safe. suppliers, but have been approved and endorsed by Trafalgar. These may be purchased direct from your Travel Director who Health will accept payment in cash in most major currencies, such as US Dollars or Australian Dollars as well as major credit cards See individual country information for any specific health (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). Full details and prices are requirements or recommendations. If you are on a regular shown in your itinerary leaflet or on the guided holiday itinerary course of medication or there are medicines that particularly suit pages on the Trafalgar website. you, we recommend that you bring an adequate supply for your entire trip. Identical brands may not be available elsewhere, but Money also bring a copy of your prescription. For easy access when travelling, please keep all your medication in your hand luggage, Since 2002, the Euro has been the currency throughout much of not in your suitcases. Carry prescription drugs in their original Europe. Please see the individual listings under each country for package to avoid customs questions. We respectfully suggest the applicable currency. We strongly recommend that you buy a older passengers and those suffering from any existing medical small amount of each currency, particularly Euros, before arriving conditions should have a thorough check-up with their doctor on the continent, since there may be no opportunity to exchange prior to departure. If you wear eyeglasses, you may wish to bring money as you enter a country. This enables you to make your an extra pair or set of contact lenses in your carry-on luggage. initial purchases until you manage to get to a bank. If you have any existing medical conditions, dietary requirements It is also possible at some banks and ATMs to draw cash on or disability that should be brought to our attention, it is essential presentation of your credit card, though this may incur fees/ that you inform us via your travel agent. Medical attention can be interest payments – check with your bank before departure. It is very expensive outside your own country, so be sure to take out a good idea to deposit sufficient funds into your accounts prior adequate insurance. to departure and then use your Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access them. Check with your bankcard company Vaccinations regarding possible ATM availability. Even if you are planning to use your credit card, you may also like to arrange a Prepaid Please contact your doctor or healthcare provider before Currency card before you leave home. These are available in travelling to determine which vaccinations are recommended. Euros, Pounds Sterling and other major currencies and allow you to pre-load any amount you wish. They can be used at ATMs as well as in shops and restaurants across Europe. Social Media Further information can be found at www.cashpassport.com

When you travel with Trafalgar you will have the opportunity to meet new and interesting people from around the world. You can chat with fellow travellers before you depart, read reviews and see photos from Trafalgar trips on our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages. And to see what guests and Travel Directors are saying on the road, just look for #TrafalgarInsider.

5 Before you go

Please note that we don't recommend the use of traveller's cheques as these are increasingly difficult to change and often Weather incur fees. In Britain, you must have £ Sterling currency. Euros are accepted in Banks and Bureau de Change, but not in shops, The climate in Europe is moderately continental and humid restaurants, bars, etc. Trafalgar’s London Reception Centre and in the summer. For weather conditions pertinent to your travel Hotel Service Desk also accept Euro currency. timetable, visit these websites: www.weather.com Credit Cards www.cnn.com/weather/

If you have a credit card, we strongly recommend that you bring it with you, since this gives you extra financial flexibility while Mail travelling. The major international credit cards, especially Visa or MasterCard, are accepted by many restaurants, shops and www.bbc.co.uk/weather/world hotels. The bill you sign will be made out in much the same way Prior to departing you should stop your mail or arrange as at home, except that the total will be in the local currency. for a neighbour to collect it. A full mailbox can be a treasure This will be converted into your home currency by the credit card trove for hackers and identity thieves. company and invoiced in the usual way. Here are some further tips on using credit cards while travelling. • Check the expiry date of your credit card and the amount of credit available to you (do not forget any credit card purchases made just before you leave). • Call your credit card company to advise them you will be travelling, as some companies will block the credit card when they notice unusual charge activity. • Ensure you memorise your Personal Identification Number (PIN); do not write it down.

• Ensure that your credit card is kept in view at all times when paying for goods and services. • Ensure that the total amount of your purchase is entered on the sales voucher in the correct currency before you sign it. • Retain all copies of sales vouchers until you have verified them against your statements.

• Insist that all ‘spoiled’ sales vouchers be destroyed in your

presence.

• Make sure your credit card is carried on your person. • Never leave your credit card unattended in your hotel room, a vehicle or any other place. • Treat your credit card as you would cash.

• Report immediately the loss or theft of your credit card

6 While you are travelling

cities before and after your trip. To assist you with planning your budget, your travel documents will include a comprehensive Your Travel Director and Coach Driver day-by-day itinerary with full details and costs of the Optional Experiences available. Some Optional Experiences cannot be paid by credit card. Your Travel Director will advise you. Please Throughout your Trafalgar guided holiday you will be note that Optional Experiences are operated by third parties accompanied by a professional Travel Director and experienced and Trafalgar accepts no liability. All Optional Experiences are Coach Driver. A Trafalgar Travel Director is more than just a undertaken at your own risk. guide. They are seasoned and experienced travellers, specially selected for their in-depth knowledge of the regions you will visit. Trafalgar Noticeboards They will enrich your experience with informative commentary on the history, culture and natural landscape of the region and In London, most of our hotels display a Trafalgar Noticeboard. reveal the hidden places that only an insider would know. They If you do not find one, please ask the Trafalgar Local Host or will also introduce you to your travelling companions and make at the concierge desk. Please read the notices as they contain you feel welcome. Trafalgar’s Coach Drivers are fully licensed, details about the times your Local Host will be in the hotel and qualified and experienced professionals who are selected for about meeting your Travel Director, if you are joining your holiday their impeccable driving skills and record. in London. During your trip, your Travel Director will post a daily notice Lost/Damaged Baggage with details of the program timetable. Please check this regularly for the most up-to-date information and be ready If upon arrival at the airport after your flight, your baggage at the specified times. fails to arrive or arrives damaged, go immediately to the airline representative (often situated in the Arrivals Hall before you go through customs) and report your loss/damage. They will ask Europe is different you for the numbered baggage receipts given to you when you checked your baggage in for the flight. They will then commence Visiting Europe is a totally new and different experience from life a search for your baggage, and may award you some back home. You will find different people, food and customs and compensation to buy essential clothing until your baggage a completely different attitude and way of life. While many of its is found. You should also contact your travel insurance customs may seem strange to a visitor, they are, after all, what assistance company, as they may help with the recovery makes Europe ‘Europe’. So our advice is to keep an open mind of the bag and offer some monetary compensation depending and enjoy the unfamiliar. on the length of time the baggage remains missing. Hotels Currency Packs At Trafalgar we pride ourselves on our superior hotel selection. Trafalgar’s Currency Packs are one of the easiest ways for Our hotels are centrally located and close to major attractions. you to buy foreign currency for Europe. You will not have the As we travel from major cities to remote regions, the standards inconvenience of standing in line on cross-channel ferries can vary, but you can rest assured that the hotels we have waiting to change money. We recommend at least one pack per selected are the best available. person to give you just the right amount of currency to get you started. Currency Packs can be purchased at the start of your Europe has a tourism industry which has developed over several trip from your Travel Director at Trafalgar’s London Reception centuries and across many different countries, each with its Centre. You can pay in US dollars, Canadian dollars, Euros or own culture and traditions. The hotels often reflect that, so don’t Pounds Sterling. expect European hotels to be the same as those back home. Not all hotels are air-conditioned, for example, since in parts Your Holiday of Europe the climate does not usually warrant it. All Trafalgar hotel accommodation has private facilities, but again, this will vary. Most bathrooms have a bathtub with integrated shower, but Trafalgar’s philosophy is that it’s your holiday and you should occasionally only a walk-in shower. Room sizes in Europe, the have the freedom to enjoy yourself as you wish. However, a UK and Ireland are generally smaller than in other parts of the great deal of planning goes into your itinerary to ensure you world, and can vary within the same hotel, particularly where see all the main sights in the places visited. Trafalgar ensures the hotel is a historic building. you enjoy a full sightseeing experience in all major towns and cities visited on your itinerary. Local sightseeing is conducted Twin rooms usually consist of two single beds while double by qualified Local Guides who are eager to share their vast rooms contain one matrimonial bed. Triple rooms may consist knowledge and love of the local history and culture. In other of one double-bed and the third bed may be a rollaway bed. places, your Travel Director will give you a brief orientation Single rooms in European hotels are generally smaller than twin- drive or walk to familiarise you with the locality, usually on bedded rooms, and may contain one single bed. the way to your hotel. You are strongly advised to book all your pre and post trip hotel accommodation before you travel. In large cities rooms are Optional Experiences constantly in demand for tourism and business purposes. NB: Trafalgar contracted your trip accommodation many months Most of your sightseeing activities are included in your ago. However, on occasions the hotel may need to relocate holiday price. However, there is a wide range of other exciting its guests into alternative accommodation. This can happen experiences available, both while travelling and in the gateway 7 While you are travelling

particularly when special events such as major conferences on board the coach. Our coaches are equipped with DVD and/or or exhibitions are taking place. It is beyond Trafalgar’s control, CD players. but we will always do our utmost to minimise any inconvenience Please note that antiseptic, bandages and other over-the- and you can rest assured that all sightseeing inclusions will be counter medications such as aspirin are not carried on the unchanged. coach. Your Travel Director will be able to direct you as to where Facilities these items may be purchased locally should you need them. All hotel rooms are clean and well serviced. and coffee Porterage making facilities are provided within most hotels rooms in the UK, Your coach crew is always there to lend a hand and to liaise however this is uncommon in European hotels. Rooms usually closely with hotels to ensure efficient handling of your luggage. contain STD/ISD phone and a television, and may have a mini Seat Rotation , room service and in-house movies. Wherever possible we select establishments that offer additional facilities too, such Where appropriate, our seat rotation scheme ensures you get as a swimming pool, sauna, restaurants and bars. Please refer to know your fellow travelling companions and enjoy the views to the itinerary in your travel wallet for information regarding from a different vantage point each day. accommodation at each stop. A Clean Coach Allocation of rooms Your driver is responsible for the coach inside and out. Please Trafalgar does not allocate the rooms in any hotel – this is done assist by eating and drinking on board as little as possible. by the hotel staff – nor can we guarantee the position of your No Smoking room within any hotel. If you are on your guided holiday and For the comfort of all travellers, smoking is not permitted on you feel that you are receiving a disproportionate number of board our coaches, but smokers need not worry – frequent smaller rooms or rooms without a view, please inform your comfort and relaxation stops are made along the way. Travel Director. Onboard Restroom Hotel Check-in and Check-out Coaches on all itineraries in Europe are equipped with restrooms. Arrangements are made to ensure that check-in and While you are free to use this facility whenever required, your check-out at hotels run smoothly, and your Travel Director will Travel Director will suggest that you make use of the facilities advise you in advance of the procedure before arriving at each available at our frequent comfort stops. hotel. On departing the hotel, always remember to return your room key to reception before boarding the coach. Personal Hotel Expenses Meals Any additional costs incurred during your stay at the hotels (for example, laundry, telephone calls and bar bills) are your Breakfast responsibility. Please ensure that your account is settled on Your holiday includes daily breakfasts following local traditions. the evening before you leave to ensure a smooth and speedy Please note that in London, breakfast is only included if you departure the following morning. have stayed in the hotel on the preceding night and booked it Laundry Facilities through Trafalgar. Check with Trafalgar in London as to how your When there is a two-night stopover, arrangements can be breakfast will be served at your London hotel on the morning made for your laundry with hotel housekeeping (at your cost). of your trip departure. Please note laundry services are not available on weekends In Britain and Ireland, and on the majority of our Europe or local holidays. itineraries, you will enjoy a cold or hot buffet style breakfast. Please refer to your itinerary pages in the relevant Trafalgar Lost Property brochure for full details. Dinner Once something is lost it is often difficult to find. Trafalgar While Trafalgar encourages hotels to provide meals that feature cannot accept responsibility for property lost anywhere, although local flavours, most offer fairly plain international fare that caters we will do our utmost to try and recover lost items. If you notice for the broadest range of tastes. If you have a more adventurous the loss while on your trip, you should immediately report it to palate, you will still have a number of opportunities to sample your Travel Director who will complete a lost property form and local specialities throughout your holiday, either during your free give you a copy for insurance purposes. If you wish Trafalgar to time or on our unique Be My Guest dining experiences and other trace any lost property for you once your trip has ended, you Highlight dining occasions. should contact Trafalgar’s London Reception Centre or Hotel Service Desk. Any lost property found will be returned to you Freedom at Meal Times at your own expense. Trafalgar’s philosophy of a careful mix of free time and organised activities extends to your meal arrangements, and only a limited number of lunches are included on our itineraries. Your Coach We believe you should be free to spend your time at lunch stops in your own way, maybe trying a local dish or taking a light snack and using the extra time for additional sightseeing Modern, air-conditioned coaches have been carefully selected or shopping. Occasionally, our daily itinerary may require us by Trafalgar with your comfort, safety and scenic viewing in to make a lunch stop at a recommended roadside eatery. mind. Your Trafalgar team will explain all the safety features of In certain cities, dinners are not included, giving you an your coach at the beginning of your trip. For the comfort of all opportunity to dine out on your own, sample regional dishes travellers, Trafalgar enforces a no-alcohol and no-smoking policy

8 While you are travelling

and eat in typical local restaurants. Your Travel Director will eKIT provides: be able to offer advice to help you choose. • Low cost international calls Drinks • Send and receive voice mails When not specified on an included meal, drinks are always • Free email service at your own expense. In some European cafés/bars you pay • Send SMS text messages from the web one price to drink at the bar, and a higher price to sit at a table. Alcoholic drinks can be much more expensive if purchased • An online travel vault for secure storage of important in hotel bars. documents (e.g. passport number) Water • 24-hour customer service. While tap water is perfectly safe to drink in many European For more information check out the Trafalgar eKIT phone card countries, we suggest you drink bottled water where available. in your travel wallet or go to www.Trafalgar.eKIT.com You may also wish to carry a small bottle of water with you How do I join? throughout the day to ensure you are sufficiently hydrated. Use your credit card to set up an account at www.Trafalgar.eKIT.com or call 24-hour customer service. Tipping Join before you go and receive a Trafalgar eKIT joining bonus. How do I use it? We are confident that by the end of your trip you will have Your account number and PIN gives you access to all the phone come to appreciate the important role your Travel Director and web based services. To make a call, simply use the toll-free and Coach Driver have played in giving you the best possible access numbers for the country you are in, which you will find holiday experience. If you have been pleased with their services, listed on your eKIT card, or at www.Trafalgar.eKIT.com you may wish to express this satisfaction with a gratuity, as is customary throughout the world. Since this is a matter of a How long does it last? private and individual nature, you should seal your gratuity in eKIT is a rechargeable service – simply recharge your account an envelope to present to each of them separately at the end using your credit card at www.Trafalgar.eKIT.com or call their of your holiday. 24-hour customer service. Ask about the monthly recharge bonus. Suggested tipping rates (per person travelling) for your Trafalgar team in Europe/UK are €4/£3 per day for your Travel Director, Is it competitive? €2.50/£2 per day for your Coach Driver, and €2/£1 per half-day Yes. You may find cheaper phone cards in major cities, but you for a Local Guide. can only use them in the country of purchase and may not be While on your guided holiday, tips and service charges are in a language you understand. included for your included meals, accommodation and porterage, The advantages of eKIT: but at other times we suggest the following as a guide to general • It can be used from 70+ countries. tipping practices in Europe/UK: • You can call over 200 countries. Room service waiter: €1/£1 (we recommend that you carry some small change with you, as it is not usual to ask for change when • You can recharge the card as you travel. tipping.) • You can use any balance remaining once you get home. Taxis: 10-15% of the fare on the meter. Restaurants and bars: 10-15% of the total bill. If a service Emailing Home charge has already been added, there is no need to tip as much or at all. Many hotels have WiFi in the public areas as well as in the Photography rooms and there is usually a charge for this. Some hotels also have one or two computers in the reception area for the use Bring extra batteries and memory cards. Depending on the of guests. Internet cafes are also available in many cities. destination, use re-sealable plastic bags to protect camera Tip: Be careful with hotel computers. Do not access financial equipment from dampness. Never leave a camera in a hotel data on hotel or public computers or on public WiFi networks. room or elsewhere unattended. Shipping Staying In Touch If you plan to purchase heavy items, we would recommend that Phoning home from hotels can be expensive. All hotels will add you have them shipped to your home address, as airline charges a service charge to the cost of any phone calls you make from are high for excess baggage. This can either be arranged by your room. This charge can be very high. It is always cheaper the shop where you make your purchases, or you can make up for you to use public telephones (pay phones). Your Travel a parcel and ship it home. Our Reception Centre in London can Director will advise you how to use the telephone if you are advise you of some companies who specialise in this service. unsure. Alternatively, you could use an eKIT phonecard. Note: What is eKIT? Goods may take several months to reach your home. eKIT is your global phone card and web communication You will be liable for import duty on all goods shipped to your service designed to keep you in touch with family and friends home – personal duty-free allowances only apply to goods while you’re travelling. carried home personally.

9 While you are travelling

Security

You are strongly advised to insure goods being shipped in case of breakage or non-arrival. It is important that you take precautions when travelling anywhere. If hotel security boxes are available then we recommend you use them for all your valuables. Do not leave these items in your hotel room. Prior to leaving home, purchase a shoulder or neck holster or a money belt to carry items such as your passport or extra money – make sure it is not visible under your clothing. Be wary of pickpockets. Wallets and purses should be kept out of sight in front/inside pockets; carry your handbags and backpacks around your front.

We also recommend that you photocopy your passport and credit card details and leave them in your suitcase in case of loss. If you are unsure about security while on holiday, your Travel Director will provide you with the best advice. If you need to make cash withdrawals, ATMs in bank lobbies are less vulnerable to devices that capture your credit card information - as they generally have camera surveillance.

Doctor

If at any time on your guided holiday you require a doctor, please inform your Travel Director who will arrange this for you. If you are staying at a Trafalgar hotel prior to your guided holiday commencing, please ask the hotel concierge to call the doctor. Ensure that you keep receipts for the doctor’s visits, medicines and any other expenses incurred, as you will need them to claim on your insurance. Public Holidays and Changes

During local or national holidays, certain facilities such as museums, sightseeing tours and shopping may be limited, so we sometimes have to make slight itinerary adjustments. We advise you to check with your Travel Agent before selecting a departure date so that your enjoyment won’t be diminished. Also, local holidays, closing days and other circumstances may change the day of the week for timetabled dining out, gala dinners, sightseeing and other included activities.

Guest Feedback

Your feedback is always welcomed. Towards the end of your trip, your Travel Director will hand out a feedback questionnaire. We ask that you answer the questions, make any relevant comments and hand it back to your Travel Director. The questionnaires are sealed and returned to our Head Office. Every sheet is read and a summary of each holiday is given to management, and where necessary, appropriate action is taken to rectify any problems.

10 Trafalgar's London Reception Centre

Your home away from home Opening Hours

A friendly welcome awaits you at Trafalgar’s new London Summer (8 April - 24 October 2014) Reception Centre – the departure point for all itineraries Sunday to Thurday 5am - 7am commencing in London. Our aim is to make your stay in London Friday and Saturday 5am - 8pm as enjoyable as possible, so drop in and take advantage of our fantastic range of services and facilities. In an excellent location very close to Waterloo train station and Winter opposite the famous London Eye, the Centre features state-of- Monday to Friday 7am - 7pm the-art design and technology. Here you can relax in comfort before your Trafalgar itinerary departs. Catch up with international Hospitality Service news on TV, read the paper or check your emails using our free Wi-Fi facility or internet café. If you are staying in a Trafalgar hotel, your Trafalgar Local Host At the Hospitality Desk, our highly trained Local Hosts can will visit daily to provide you with important departure information arrange additional accommodation and confirm any current and assist you in any other way they can. Please check the bookings on your behalf, as well as book London sightseeing hotel noticeboard for visiting hours and information, or ask the excursions, an exciting range of out-of-town trips, plus priority concierge. entry tickets to famous London attractions such as Madame If you are not staying at a Trafalgar hotel the night prior to the Tussaud’s, the Planetarium and London Eye. trip departure date, please ensure you contact us on +44 207 For further information, visit us online at www.trafalgar.com/lrc 620 8900 to reconfirm. You must quote your Trafalgar booking reference number when you call. The reference number is Address and Contact Details located at the bottom of your Trafalgar vouchers. Trafalgar London Reception Centre 79 York Road, London SE1 7NJ Mail Tel: +44 (0) 207 620 8900 Email: [email protected] Many of our guests are away from home for some time, so if you are in London and wish to receive mail while away, you can have it sent to Trafalgar’s London Reception Centre to await your collection. It should be clearly addressed showing your surname in capital letters, your guided holiday number and date of arrival in London, and the name of your Trafalgar London hotel.

11 Know before you go Austria The Facts Capital: Vienna Population: 8.3 million Location: Central Europe Famous for: Apple Strudel, Mozart, Sound of Music Land Area: 83,858km2 (32,378mi2) Language: German

sponge with apricot jam in the middle, covered in dark chocolate icing). Local are excellent and reasonably Money Matters priced. White are popular (, Veltliner), but there are some good red wines. is found in most The currency used is the Euro. Euro coins are issued in 2, 1, 50c, German speaking countries and is made by distilling various 20c, 10c, 5c, 2c, and 1c and notes in 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5. fruits. Austrian water, which comes from the Syrian , tastes ATMs are widespread in Austria and are called Bankomat. mountain-fresh. However, if you come across a sign ‘Kein Trinkwasser’ the water is NOT fit for drinking. Geography Best Buys It is a landlocked country with a major river known as the . Austria is mainly an alpine country, two thirds being Cameras, glassware/crystal, chinaware, Viennese local mountainous. handicrafts, dirndls (traditional Austrian dress), embroidered blouses and lederhosen, woodcarvings, dried flower pictures, Climate and Clothing Viennese petit point, winter sports equipment. Shopping Hours The climate in Austria is a moderate continental climate. Shops are generally open Monday-Friday 9am to 6pm. Many Summer days are warm with cooler evenings and winters are shops close at 12 noon or 5pm on Saturdays and are closed cold. Even in summer you will need a cardigan or jumper for the on Sundays. cooler evenings. Postal Information Manners and Customs Stamps can be purchased at post offices and tobacconists. Austrians tend to be formal in both their social and business Post boxes are painted yellow. dealings. One should shake hands when greeting or saying goodbye. It is considered impolite to leave a restaurant or shop without saying ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ – Goodbye. Tipping is not high Telephone but widespread. On restaurant bills 10-15% is added, and it is usual to leave only small change. The country code is +43 (dialling in) and international access 00 (dialling out). Telephones are recognised by a sign with a black receiver in a yellow circle on the door and the word Food and Drink ‘fernsprecher’. All booths have multilingual instructions. Directory assistance is 118200. Many post offices also have telephones Austrian food is distinctive and is traditionally of the stodgy, where calls are made and paid for at the counter afterwards. hearty ‘meat and dumplings’ variety. Traditional dishes include Wiener (veal in breadcrumbs) and Goulash. Many of the eKIT simpler meals are often made with rice, potatoes and dumplings The access number for Austria is 0800-291-018. (Knödel), with delicious sauces. It is renowned for its pastries, and ; the most famous ones being Apfelstudel Public Toilets (Apple Strudel) and (a 2-layer chocolate In general you will need to pay to use a public toilet. Toilets will either be staffed by a toilet assistant or will be ‘slot’ machine operated. Prices range between €0.20 and €1. Toilets may be labelled with symbols of a man and a woman, the initial WC with ‘Damen’ (ladies) and ‘Herren’ (gentlemen).

Canola field, Salzburg

12 Know before you go Belgium The Facts Capital: Brussels Population: 10.8 million Location: Western Europe Famous for: Chocolates and mussels Land Area: 30,500km2 (1,783mi2 ) Language: Flemish, French and German

Money Matters Food and Drink

The currency used is the Euro. Exchange offices are open Mussels and ‘frites’ (French Fries) are the speciality but other Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 12 noon and 1pm to 5pm. These delicious dishes include Waterzooi (chicken or seafood cooked offices, together with the banks, give a far better exchange rate in cream sauce with vegetables), Anguille au Vert (eel flavoured than hotels, shops and restaurants. Major credit cards are widely with sorrel, sage and ), and Carbonade (beef casserole accepted. cooked with and ). The best known of Bank opening hours Belgian origin must be waffles, but Crepes aux Pommes (apple Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm/5pm; pancakes) are definitely worth trying. some banks are open 9am to 12 noon on Saturdays. With almost everything the most common drink is Belgian beer of which there are over 500 varieties. The water in Belgium Geography is safe to drink.

The majority of West European capitals are within 1,000km Best Buys (610 miles) of Brussels. Lace, glass and crystal ware, pewter, leather goods, antiques and Belgian chocolates - said to be the best in the world. Climate and Clothing Shopping Hours Shops are generally open Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 6pm. From the coast inland to Brussels, the Belgian climate is Some shops close between 12 noon and 2pm. temperate maritime, similar to south-east England. The Ardennes have more continental weather, with warmer summers and colder winters. The average temperature is lowest in January at Postal Information 3°C (37°F) and highest in July at 18°C (64°F). Rain can be expected at any time of year and so a Look for the words Postes/Posterijen in shiny white letters on light raincoat would be very useful. a red background. Opening hours are 8am to 5pm or 9am to 6pm. You may also purchase stamps at many news stands, bookshops, street kiosks and vending machines. Mail boxes Manners and Customs are red and are generally wall-mounted.

Belgians are generally friendly. Muster your school French or dabble in Dutch and you’ll find locals will appreciate Telephone your efforts and respond. On the other hand, it won’t take you long to meet a resident English-speaker in Brussels’ The country code is +32 (dialling in) and international access 00 cosmopolitan world. (dialling out). Away from the hotels the TT Téléphone-Télégraphe/ Telefoon-Telegraaf) office is the place to make international and reverse charge (collect) telephone calls. eKIT The access numbers are Belgium 0800-49943, Brussels economy 02-400-6848 and Nationwide economy 078-160-170.

Public Toilets

Public conveniences can be found in the larger metro and railway stations, museums and department stores. If there’s an attendant on duty, a few cents’ tip is customary. The rare and less than salubrious street facilities are best avoided. If toilet doors are not marked with the usual silhouettes, you’ll see the inscriptions WC, Toilettes/Toiletten, Dames (ladies) and Messieurs/Heren (gentlemen).

Manneken Pis, Brussels

13 Know before you go The Facts Capital: Sofia Population: 7.5 million Location: South East Europe Famous for: Black Sea beaches and yoghurt Land Area: 110,910km2 (42,822mi2) Language: Bulgarian

Money Matters Food and Drink

The currency used is the Lev (Lv). It is divided into 100 stotinki Because of its geographical position and long history Bulgarian (1 Lev = 100 stotinki). Coins are issued in 1, 2, 5, cuisine is a mixture between Slavonic, Greek and Turkish cuisines. 10, 20, 50 stotinki, 1 lev and banknotes in 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, Speciality foods include Bansko-style Kapama (meat and 100 leva. vegetables stewed in an earthenware dish), Rhodope Cheverme Bank opening hours (lamb roasted on a spit over an open fire) and Thracian Katmi (a Mondays to Fridays 9am to 4pm. special type of pancake). National specialities include (sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and parsley topped with grated sheep’s cheese) and Tarator (a cold soup of Geography chopped cucumber, and ). Also tempting is Shish , stuffed vine or cabbage leaves and . Bulgarian It may be small but Bulgaria has a great variety of topographical wines are the perfect companion for Bulgarian food. Bulgaria is features. The land is divided into plains, plateaus, hills, mountains, one of the world’s largest producers. The Bulgarian white basins, gorges, and deep river valleys. and red wines such as Gumza, , Pamid, Muscat, Misket, Mavrud and Melnik are well known to connoisseurs. Tap water is Climate and Clothing normally chlorinated, and while relatively safe, can cause mild stomach upsets. It is advisable to drink bottled water. Bulgaria has a temperate climate, with cool and damp winters, very hot and dry summers, and a Mediterranean influence along Best Buys the Black Sea coast. Climate varies according to elevation and it frequently rains during spring and autumn. Medium weight Bulgarian handicrafts, wines, spirits and can clothing is required most of the year and warmer outdoor wear all be purchased. is necessary in winter. Shopping Hours Shops and stores are generally open Mondays to Saturdays, Manners and Customs 10am to 8pm.

Normal courtesies should be observed and handshaking is Postal Information the normal form of greeting. Dress should be conservative but casual. If invited to the home, a small souvenir from one’s The General Post Office in Four Gurko Street in Sofia is open homeland is an acceptable gift. Do not give money. Remember 24 hours. Post office opening hours are usually Mondays that a nod of the head means no and a shake of the head to Fridays 8.30am to 5.30pm. means yes. Telephone

The country code is +359 (dialling in) and international access 00 (dialling out). Calls from some parts of the country must be placed through the international operator. There are many public telephones in the main towns.

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

14 Know before you go England The Facts Capital: London Population: 51 million Location: Western Europe Famous for: The Royal Family, Harrods, tea, fish and chips Land Area: 130,395km2 (50,150mi2) Language: English

Money Matters Best Buys

The currency used is the Pound Sterling (British Pound). It is Shopping in London will more than satisfy the appetite of any divided into pence (1 Pound Sterling = 100 pence). Coins are shopper. London’s department stores are legendary, the most issued in 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2 and notes in £5, famous being Harrods, Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and for old £10, £20 and £50. Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs world architecture and high end fashion, Liberty. Good buys are everywhere. include antiques, clothing (designer and high street), china and glass (Royal Doulton, Spode, and Minton). Geography Shopping hours Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to 5.30pm. Many shops are open on England is the most populous country in the United Kingdom. Sundays. In central London, the shops open later in the morning It shares land borders with to the north and Wales to but generally stay open until around 7pm in the evening. Late the west. The country also includes over 100 smaller islands night shopping is until 8/9pm in Oxford Street, Regent Street, including the Isles of Scilly and the Isle of Wight. It is only Bond Street and Kensington High Street and all shops are open 35km (21 miles) from and is linked by the underwater on Sundays in these areas. Channel Tunnel. No location is more than 125km (77 miles) from tidal waters. Postal Information

Climate and Clothing Post Office opening times vary but are generally open from Monday to Friday 9am to 5:30pm and Saturday 9am to 1pm. England has a temperate climate, with plenty of rainfall all year round, though the seasons are quite variable in temperature. Temperatures rarely fall below 5°C (23°F) or rise above 30°C (86°F). Be sure to take an umbrella.

Manners and Customs

Tipping is expected by most people providing a service - taxi drivers, hotel doormen and airport and railway porters. A tip of 10-15% of the cost of the service is acceptable. In hotels and restaurants, check whether a service charge has been added to the bill. Smoking is now illegal in all public places.

Food and Drink

The most traditional meal is roast beef (served with Yorkshire puddings), pork or lamb, served with roast potatoes. For hearty flavour, order succulent English pork chops, or ham, baked or roasted. Gammon, a cut of ham is boiled or fried. Main courses are normally garnished with a selection of vegetables – green beans, brussel sprouts, cauliflower or peas and potatoes. Most serve good hearty meals including fish and chips and you may wish to sample traditional English beer (bitter). If you feel like a change, a variety of other types of cuisine from around the globe are readily available, in particular in London. The water throughout the United Kingdom is safe to drink.

Westminster, London

15 Know before you go

England continued

Public Transport in London Telephone

The London Underground or tube, is the fastest and easiest way The country code is +44 (dialling in) and international access 00, to get around town. In central London you are never more than a then the country code, area code (omitting any initial ‘0’) and few minutes’ walk from a station. Each line has a name but you’ll finally the telephone number. For phoning home, you may find it probably find the colours easier to remember. What you pay more convenient to use a phone card telephone rather than an generally depends on how many zones (1 - 6 zones) you travel ordinary payphone. Some payphones also accept credit cards. through. You must buy a ticket before you travel and put it in the eKIT automatic entry/exit gates. The best way to see the sights is The access numbers for England is 0800-032-6297, London from the upper decks of a famous red double decker bus. They economy 020-7943-2772 and Nationwide economy pass almost all the capital’s landmarks and famous shops. You’ll 0845-085-0855. find it much easier and cheaper to buy a Travelcard or a Visitor Oyster Card which are both valid for use on London’s red buses and on the Underground. Travelcards are paper tickets available Useful Addresses and Phone Numbers for 1 or 7 days of travel in London. Oyster is a smartcard which can store credit to pay for journeys. It is valid across all travel London Tourist Information Centre, zones and automatically calculates the cheapest fare for all the Victoria Station Forecourt journeys you make in a single day. Further information can be London, SW1V 1JU found at: http://visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk/home.html T +44 0 90 68 66 3344 Visit London, Taxis in London 6th Floor, 2 More London Riverside London SE1 2RR If travelling around London a black cab/minicab is your safest T 020 7234 5800 option. You can stop a black cab anywhere provided the yellow Useful websites ‘for hire’ sign is illuminated. Minicabs are a cheaper option for www.visitbritain.com longer journeys and have to be ordered by telephone. Make sure www.visitlondon.com you ask the price prior to booking. Consult the ‘Yellow Pages’ telephone directory under the heading ‘minicabs’.

Tower of London, London

16 Know before you go France The Facts Capital: Paris Population: 65 million Location: Western Europe Famous for: Eiffel Tower, croissants and fashion Land Area: 547,030km2 (211,209mi2) Language: French

Money Matters Manners and Customs

The currency used is the Euro. Some banks are closed on The French are very proud to be French and a few words Mondays and open on Saturdays. In the provinces most banks of French will receive a more friendly reply than a request as close for lunch. Credit cards are widely accepted. to whether English is spoken. Handshaking is performed on meeting and parting or a kiss on both cheeks for those people Geography you are more familiar with.

France, officially called the Republic of France, is located in Food and Drink Western Europe. The country also has several overseas territories and islands around the world but the mainland of The French have an ongoing love affair with food and wine. France is called Metropolitan France. It stretches north to south Meals are lovingly prepared and consumed leisurely through a from the Mediterranean Sea to the North Sea and the English bevy of appetisers and main courses, usually accompanied by Channel and from the River to the Atlantic Ocean. a number of wines. Boeuf Bourgignon (beef stew with wine, Corsica is one of the 27 regions of France, but it is designated herbs and vegetables), Coq au Vin (chicken cooked with bacon as a territorial collectivity by law. Although the island is separated in a and herb sauce) and Bouillabaisse (fish stew) are from the continental mainland by the Ligurian Sea and is closer featured on many menus. Cheese lovers will not be disappointed, to than to the French mainland, politically Corsica is part with hundreds of varieties to choose from. of Metropolitan France. It is located north of the Italian island No visit would be complete without a visit to a pâtisserie, with of Sardinia and mountains comprise two-thirds of the island, its delicate pastries you will definitely be tempted. Wine is the forming a single chain. Corsica's culture contains elements of most popular in France and of course for special both the French and Italian, and the native Corsican language is occasions there is . Typically French apéritifs (pre- recognised as a regional language by the French government. dinner drinks) are , Ricard or Pernod. Coffee will generally be served black, unless a Café au Lait or Café Crème (with ) is requested. Tap water is safe, except when marked ‘eau non Climate and Clothing potable’ (unsafe for drinking). There are many varieties of bottled water to choose from. Generally cool winters and mild summers. However, along the coast it is a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and hot summers. In summer a good rule is lightweight clothing with Best Buys a sweater and in winter warm woollens plus a raincoat. Perfume, clothing, lace, crystal/glass, china, silk scarves and ties, gloves, cheeses, coffee, wines, spirits and . Shopping Hours Mondays to Saturdays, 9am to 6.30pm. Many shops close for lunch between noon and 2pm. In provincial France shops are often closed on Monday mornings.

Postal Information

Post office opening hours are Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 7pm and Saturday 9am to 12 noon. Stamps can also be bought at ‘Tabacs’. In the provinces most post offices close for lunch.

Telephone

The international country code is +33 (dialling in) and for international access (dialling out) dial 00. Most phone booths only accept phone cards. eKIT The access numbers are France 0805-113-721, Paris economy Eiffel Tower, Paris 01-73-04-56-78 and Nationwide economy 0820-60-0052.

17 Know before you go

France continued

treasures such as the Venus de Milo, the Mona Lisa and Public Transport in London the French crown jewels – just a few of the 200,000 pieces in six different collections on display. Musée D’Orsay on Those near important Metro stops in Paris are generally the Left Bank houses France’s collection of paintings and modern and quite clean. A saucer with small change on it sculptures produced between the 1840s and 1914. Housing means a tip is expected. If the toilet has no light switch, the pieces by Monet, Van Gogh, Matisse, Renoir, Cezanne and light will go on when you lock the door. The women’s toilets Degas is definitely worth a visit. are marked ‘Dames’, the men’s either ‘Messieurs’ or ‘Hommes’. The Sacré Coeur Basilica situated on the top of Montmartre Hill deserves a visit. Its miraculously white facade derives from the special quality of the Chateau Landon stone that whitens Paris and hardens with age. For many its most attractive feature is the view from the dome – you can easily see over 30 miles on a clear day. Don’t miss the chance of an excursion to Versailles, The Seine River divides Paris into two halves, the right and a beautiful palace located 19km (12 miles) outside Paris. Here left bank. The Right Bank conjures up an image of bourgeois Louis XIV created the most sumptuous royal court Europe respectability. Historically the stronghold of merchants and had ever seen - partly for his own glory and partly to keep his royalty, it remains today the home of commerce and government. nobles away from the trouble-making city of Paris. A museum Faubourg Saint Honoré offers the luxury of ‘haute couture’ and since 1832, this impressive chateau with extensive gardens, a jewellery shops, also the authority of the President’s palace, magnificent art collection and a wealth of historic connections while the Champs Élysées claims the shops, film, advertising and proves a fascinating place to visit. airline companies. The Left Bank, in complete contrast, has always had a bohemian and intellectual image dating back to the founding of the Shopping university and the monasteries. Today, the Sorbonne, the The French shopper is one of the most demanding, so you can Académie Francaise, the publishing houses and a myriad expect to find quality and choice. Paris reigns supreme as the of book shops continue to exude an intellectual magnetism. fashion capital of the world, famous for its haute couture and Left Bank theatres typically prefer avant-garde drama. ready-to-wear clothing and accessories. For more modestly priced clothing visit department stores Printemps and the Galeries Lafayette near the Opéra, the Bazar Hôtel de Ville (BHV) and the Places to Go Samaritaine on the Right Bank, and the Bon Marché on the Left Bank. Or wander down the Champs Élysées for stores such as The River Seine is by far the best place to begin an exploration Sephora (perfume and make-up), Petit-Bateau (children’s wear), of Paris. The Seine provides a spectacular vantage point for Louis Vuitton (designer leather goods), Lacoste (clothing) and city landmarks: the Palais de Chaillot and Trocadéro Gardens, international clothing stores such as Gap and Zara. Antique the Grand and Petit Palais, the Palais Bourbon, Louvre Museum lovers should take a trip to the Louvre des Antiquaries on the Left and Notre Dame all take on a dream-like quality when seen Bank, where shops specialise in everything from ancient Egyptian from a river boat. pieces to Art Nouveau. The cathedral of Notre Dame has had religious significance for at least 2,000 years. Building of the main part of Notre Dame began in 1163 and took 167 years to complete. The transition Paris by Night it represented from Romanesque to Gothic has been called a perfect expression of medieval architecture. Given the The Paris night scene has lost none of the glitter that Toulouse cathedral’s gigantic size, the balance of its proportions and Lautrec made famous. Don’t miss the opportunity to see an the harmony of its facade – it’s nothing short of a miracle. exciting ‘Can-Can’ floor show at the ‘Moulin Rouge’ or ‘La The Eiffel Tower was constructed for the World Fair of 1889 Nouvelle Eve’ where the productions are as spectacular as ever. commemorating 100 years since the Revolution. It remains an For many, Paris’s most important attraction is not cabaret but outstanding example of engineering - 15,000 pieces of metal the cinema, Paris is a film-crazy city where directors and even joined together by 2,500,000 rivets, soaring 324m (1063ft) screenplay writers often achieve a celebrity status equal to that into the air. At the time, it was the tallest structure in the world. of the stars. Theatre and art thrive here too. All in all, this city has The critics hated it. Today however, it has become a symbol a supreme talent for living that makes it a favourite of the French of Paris. and foreigners alike. The Champs Elysées still deserves to be called the world’s most celebrated avenue despite the commercialisation in recent years. It stretches in a perfectly straight line, from the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde, and is lined with horse chestnut trees. The Louvre is one of the world’s greatest art museums. This former palace for the French King is now a storehouse for

18 Know before you go Germany The Facts Capital: Berlin Population: 83 million Location: Central Europe Famous for: The Berlin Wall, OktoberFest, Rhine wines Land Area: 357,021km2 (138,846mi2) Language: German

Germany has over 1,200 breweries. In Frankfurt, try the local Money Matters (). Tap water is safe to drink.

The currency used is the Euro. Foreign currency can be changed at ordinary banks or savings banks (Sparkasse), and also at travel Best Buys agencies and hotels although at less favourable rates. Clocks, music boxes, beer steins, cameras, porcelain and local Bank opening hours costume items such as lederhosen, dirndls and Tyrolean hats. Mondays to Fridays, 8.30am to 1pm and 2.30pm to 4pm (on Thursdays until 5.30pm). Shopping Hours Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 6.30pm and Saturdays, 9am to 2pm. Geography

Germany has several geographical regions including lowlands Postal Information in the north, uplands in central parts and the Black Forest and Bavarian Alps in the south. Open Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 6pm and Saturdays, 8am to 12 noon. They also handle telegrams and telephone calls. Mail boxes are painted yellow with a black post-horn. Climate Post offices in train stations are often open later.

Most of Germany has a temperate seasonal climate with hot summer and cold winters. Rain is not uncommon in the summer Telephone so don’t forget an umbrella. The country code is +49 (dialling in) and international access code is 00. Telephone booths are glass boxes with yellow Manners and Customs frames displaying a sign with a black receiver in a yellow square. Calls abroad can be made from booths with a green disk marked While the people are generally friendly a formal culture ‘Ausland’. is present. Good manners and being polite when addressing eKIT people is important. Both married and older women are The access numbers are Germany 0800-100-6492, Frankfurt addressed as ‘Frau’. Customs for formal dress are comparable economy 069-6677-75528. to Britain.

Food and Drink Public Toilets There is usually a charge to use public toilets. Some are staffed; You will find pork as a standard item on most menus. It is others have a slot machine on the door or at the entrance. Have prepared in many different ways, and just about every part coins ready (10c, 20c or 50c pieces). Toilet signs may be a man of the animal is eaten. Specialities include Rippchen mit or woman symbol, the initials ‘WC’, or ‘Herren’ (gentlemen) (pickled ribs of pork) and Bratwurst (grilled sausages) or ‘Damen’ (ladies). are the most popular snack. For dessert you cannot go past the world famous . The national drink is beer -

Brandenburg Gate, Berlin

19 Know before you go The Facts Capital: Athens Population: 11.4 million Location: Southern Europe Famous for: Greek Gods, Greek Islands, the Acropolis Land Area: 131,940km2 (50,942mi2) Language: Greek

purée) and Taramosalata (crushed fish eggs). Money Matters Main dishes generally include meat, Moussaka (potatoes topped with , onions, minced beef and béchamel The currency used is the Euro. sauce) and being the most famous. Seafood dishes Bank opening Hours are recommended, especially on the islands. There is a large Banks are open Monday to Thursday 8am to 2.30pm but close range of Greek wines to choose from, the most famous being on Fridays at 2.00pm. Retsina, a white wine made with pine needle resin. Today's Greek wines are internationally recognised and are frequently awarded wine industry prizes. Local spirits include , Geography an anise based clear spirit. Coffee is thick and sugary. It is advisable to drink bottled mineral water. It is a peninsular country, with an archipelago of about 2,000 islands. Best Buys

Climate and Clothing A selection of jewellery (gold, silver and reproductions of ancient jewellery), handmade carpets and rugs, leather (shoes, clothes, Greece has a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm handbags), handicrafts such as embroidered items, woodwork summers with little rainfall. From mid-May to September it’s very and pottery. hot in Athens, so pack light clothing and good sunglasses. Winters can get chilly and wet so bring a warm jacket or coat. Shopping Hours Approximately 9am to 2.30pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Spring and autumn evenings can turn cool so you may need Saturdays. Then approximately 9am to 2.30pm and then 5.30pm a light sweater or raincoat. to 8.30pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.

Manners and Customs Postal Information

Greek people are proud of their culture and, with 97% being Stamps may be purchased at the post offices. Christian Orthodox, many of the traditional festivals celebrated The post boxes are yellow. Stamps may also be bought today are religious. The are generally gregarious, at news stands and souvenir shops at a 10% surcharge. generous and hospitable. Tipping is normally at 10% of the bill. Handshaking is common and frequent. A nod of the head is a negative response. Telephone

The country code is +30 (dialling in) and the international Food and Drink access code is 00 (dialling out). Yellow phone booths permit direct dialling to countries abroad. Food is celebrated in Greece. Appetisers (Mezedes) come on eKIT small plates and can be shared. Try Dolmades (stuffed vine leaves) or a selection of dips such as (yogurt with finely The access numbers for Greece are 00800-126-434 chopped cucumber, and olive oil), Melitzanosalata ( or 00800-1809-201-2429. Public Toilets

Located in parks and squares throughout the centre of Athens. If there is someone in attendance, you should leave a small tip.

Useful website

www.gnto.gr

Acropolis, Athens

20 Know before you go The Facts Capital: Budapest Population: 10.3million Location: Central Europe Famous for: Inventions like the Rubik’s cube, ballpoint pen Land Area: 93,030km2 (35,919mi2) Language: Hungarian

Money Matters Best Buys

The currency used is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). Coins are Traditional purchases include embroideries, Herend and Zsolnay issued in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100 HUF and notes in notes 200, 500, porcelain, wooden toys and national dolls. Food products such 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000 HUF. as caviar and foie gras, and Hungarian wines and spirits are also Money can be changed at any Ibusz desk (at airport, hotels, a good buy. main railway stations and at local offices) and banks. It is Shopping Hours strongly recommended that you change your money before Mondays to Fridays 10am to 6 or 7pm, Saturdays 10am to 1pm. leaving Hungary. All exchange receipts must be kept and only Shopping centres have longer hours and some shops are open 50% of changed money (up to a maximum of £50) can on Sundays. be re-exchanged. ATMs are found in Budapest. Bank opening hours Mondays to Thursdays, 8am to 3pm and Fridays, 8am to 1pm. Postal Information

Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 6pm and Saturdays, 8am to 2pm. Geography Post offices handle mail, telephone, telegraph and telex services. Stamps can also be bought at tobacconists or where postcards A landlocked country. The north-south flowing Duna (Danube) are sold. Post boxes are painted red and usually decorated with and Tisza Rivers divide the country into three large regions. the postal horn.

Climate and Clothing Telephone

Hungary has a continental climate with cold winters and warm The country code is +36 (dialling in) and international access to hot summers. Temperatures can fluctuate – average July is 00 (dialling out). Pay phones are usually green and yellow or temperatures are around 27ºC (81ºF) but the weather can white aluminium glass-front kiosks. Self-explanatory instructions become very cold, so pack for all eventualities and bring a are displayed in all phone boxes. International calls are best raincoat. Be prepared for snow and bracing cold in the winter. made through the hotel switchboard or at a post office. The number for directory enquiries in foreign languages is 172-200. Manners and Customs eKIT The access number for Hungary are 06800-17053 The Hungarians are a hospitable people, well-known for their or 06800-15970. informal social life. English is not widely spoken outside cities, although some knowledge of German is useful. Public Toilets

Food and Drink In Budapest, there are public toilets in metro stations, parks, squares and museums. The toilet sign may say ‘mosdo’ or ‘WC’ Hungarian dishes are often rich with sour cream, onions, eggs, (pronounced 'vay-tsay'). If not illustrated by symbols, ‘ferfi’ means and wine. Dishes are usually flavoured with . gentlemen and ‘noi’ means ladies. Specialities include Ponty ( in paprika sauce), Pisztrang Tejszin Martasban (trout baked in cream), Gulysleves (goulash soup) and of course the famous Hungarian goulash. Sweets are a speciality and who can resist the microscopically thin pastry of Retes (strudel) or delicious . Vegetarian options are limited. Hungary has 20 wine producing regions making a wide range of wines. Famous wines include the sweet white Tokaji Aszú and strong red Bull’s Blood (Egri Bikavér). Tap water is drinkable but it is advisable to drink bottled mineral water.

Parliament, Budapest

21 Know before you go Italy The Facts Capital: Population: 59.5 million Location: Southern Europe Famous for: Ancient Rome, art, pasta Land Area: 301,230km2 (116,305mi2) Language: Italian

there is so much more to . Each of the 20 regions has Money Matters its own distinctive cuisine such as Abbachio (roast lamb) in Rome, or Bistecca alla Fiorentina (steak Florentine style) or Porcini (grilled The currency used is the Euro. giant mushrooms) in Florence. You must try gelato (ice cream) with Bank opening hours hundreds of different flavours to choose from or granita (crushed Monday to Friday 8.30am to 1.30pm and 2.30pm to 3.30pm. ice with flavoured syrup). Wine is usually served with the meal, Closed Saturday and Sunday. accompanied by mineral water. Tap water is safe to drink, but not always tasty. We recommend you buy bottled mineral water. ‘Acqua non potabile’ means the water is not safe to drink. Geography

Italy comprises the long, boot-shaped Italian Peninsula, the land Best Buys between the peninsula and the Alps and some islands including Sicily and Sardinia. It has over 8,000km (4,968 miles) of coastline Leather goods from Florence, Murano glass and lace from and over 40% of the country is mountainous. Venice, clothing (for both men and women), handbags, silk scarves and ties, jewellery, high end fashion (Prada, Gucci). Sicily is located in the central Mediterranean. It extends from the tip of the Apennine peninsula from which it is separated only by the Shopping Hours narrow Strait of Messina, towards the North African coast. Its most Generally opening times are 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 7.30pm. prominent landmark is Mount Etna, which at 3,320m (10,890ft) is the Some shops may be closed Monday mornings, Saturday tallest active volcano in Europe and one of the most active in the afternoons and Sundays. Many shops however do stay open world. The island has a typical Mediterranean climate. on Saturday afternoons during the summer. Sardinia is the second largest island in the Mediterranean Sea (after Sicily and before Cyprus) and an autonomous region of Italy. Postal Information The coasts of Sardinia (1,849km long) are generally high and rocky, with long, relatively straight stretches of coastline, many outstanding Most main post offices open around 9am to 1.30pm Mondays headlands, a few wide, deep bays, and many inlets with various to Fridays and 8am to 11am Saturdays. You can also buy stamps smaller islands off the coast. The island has a Mediterranean climate at tobacconists and some hotel desks. along the coasts, plains and low hills and a continental climate on the interior plateaus, valleys and mountain ranges. Telephone

Climate and Clothing The country code is +39 (dialling in) and international access 00 (dialling out). When dialling Italy from abroad, the 0 of the area Italy’s climate has many regional variations. However, it’s code must not be omitted. International telephones are situated generally warm in summer and humid in the central region. at post offices and railway stations. Phone cards are available We suggest that during May to September, you bring light in most newsagents but you must remember to break the corner summer clothes and a light jacket or wrap for evenings. off the card before use. eKIT Manners and Customs The access number for Italy is 800-985-675, Milan economy is 02-3631-1926. Italians are passionate, charming and in many ways traditional. Family life and religion play an important role in Italian society. It is considered courteous to shake hands warmly on both Public Facilities arriving and leaving. ‘Ciao’ (pronounced chow) is a word you will hear everywhere and can mean hello or goodbye. Speaking a There is a lack of toilets in many tourist cities, but where they few words of Italian will be very much appreciated. Italians eat are available they are often indicated by symbols of a man or their main meal in the afternoon, around 1pm. woman, or by the sign ‘WC’. They may also be labelled ‘Uomini’ or ‘Signori’ for men and ‘Donne’ or ‘Signore’ for women. A tip of 30 to 50 cents is required if there is an attendant. Food and Drink

Traditionally, lunch (pranzo) is the most substantial meal of the day. It consists of antipasto (starter), a primo piatto (pasta, rice or soup), a secondo piatto (meat or fish) with contorno (vegetable or salad), then frutta (fresh fruit). Finish with espresso and maybe a or amaro (strong digestive ). While the pasta is sensational,

22 Know before you go Monaco The Facts Capital: Monaco Population: 32,020 Location: Western Europe Famous for: The Grand Casino, Grimaldi Royal Family Land Area: 2km2 (0.77mi2) Language: French

Money Matters Best Buys

The currency used is the Euro. Luxury goods are widely available in Monaco’s large jewellers, Bank opening hours art galleries and boutiques. The main shopping precinct is near Monday to Friday, 9am to 12 noon and 2pm to 4pm. Some banks the Place du Casino or for more reasonably priced items try are also open on Saturday mornings to change money. Boulevard des Moulins. Shopping Hours Monday to Saturday, 9am to 12 noon and 2pm to 7pm. Geography Some souvenir shops open on Sunday mornings.

It is the second smallest state in the world (after Vatican City) and is surrounded by France on three sides with the Postal Information Mediterranean Sea on the fourth. The current ruling Grimaldi family secured control in the late 13th century, The main post office, la Scala Palace Beaumarchais Square and a principality was established in 1338. (across from Hôtel Hermitage) has a full range of services: telephones, telegrams, fax and calling cards. Opening Climate and Clothing hours are Mondays to Fridays, 8am to 7pm.

Monaco enjoys an almost perfect climate with mild winters Telephone and warm summers. There are more than 300 days of sunshine per year. There is generally little continuous rainfall; cloudbursts The country code is +377 (dialling in) and international access 00 lasting only a couple of hours are the rule. Light clothing can (dialling out). be worn from spring to autumn. Monaco has a dress code and eKIT appropriate clothing must be worn in public areas and jackets The access number for Monaco is 0800-913-588. and ties should be worn by men in the casino. Useful website www.visitmonaco.com Manners and Customs

Handshaking is performed on meeting and parting. Generally service at hotels and restaurants is included in the bill but you may wish to tip extra for special service.

Food and Drink

Classic French cuisine dominates along with certain regional specialities such as Pissaladière ( tart with anchovies and black olives), Barbajuans (a savoury pastry) and Langoustines à la Provençale (seafood). A variety of is available as are imported . Tap water is safe to drink.

Grimaldi Palace Monte Carlo

23 Know before you go The Facts Capital: Amsterdam Population: 16.6 million Location: Western Europe Famous for: Anne Frank, Vincent Van Gogh, tulips, windmills Land Area: 41,526km2 (6,033mi2) Language: Dutch

Money Matters Best Buys

The currency used is the Euro and ATMs are widely distributed. Delft Blue pottery, national costume dolls, silverware from Schoonhoven, crystal from Leerdam and diamonds from Amsterdam. Edam and Gouda cheeses and traditional wooden Geography clogs are also popular souvenirs.

One fifth of the country is below sea level as a result of being Shopping Hours reclaimed by the sea. It is generally flat and level and is Mondays 11am to 6pm, Tuesdays to Fridays 9am to 6pm, and criss-crossed by rivers and canals. Saturdays 9am to 5pm. Shopping malls are open on Sunday.

Climate and Clothing Post Information

The Netherlands has a maritime climate. Summers are generally Post offices are generally open Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 5pm. warm but not extreme. In summer a light sweater or wrap may When buying postcards from stands and souvenir shops, you be needed in the evenings. Winters are fairly cold and rainfall can usually get stamps on the spot. Post boxes are either red occurs throughout the year. Pack a raincoat for those or red and grey, and are mounted on walls at eye level. In spontaneous showers. Amsterdam they have two slots, one marked ‘Amsterdam’ and the other ‘overige bestemmingen’ (other destinations). Manners and Customs Telephone The Dutch people are polite and courteous and prefer formal greetings on first meetings. The Dutch are a nation of cyclists The country code is +31 (dialling in) and international access 00 and in Amsterdam 540,000 people have bicycles – not surprising (dialling out). when you consider how flat the land is. The use of soft drugs is eKIT allowed, and even sold at ‘coffee shops’ – in the form of cookies. The access numbers are Netherlands 0800-023-3971, Amsterdam economy 0207-133-472. Food and Drink Public Toilets You will find a variety of international food, from ethnic to Italian and of course traditional Dutch food. Potatoes feature There’s a lack of public toilets in Amsterdam. prominently in dishes. Local dishes include Poffertjes (small Most department stores have smart and clean public toilets, pancakes traditionally served warm with powdered usually with an attendant on duty. A tip is expected. sprinkled on top), Patat (French fries with mayonnaise), Haring (raw herring fish with raw onions) and Vlaai (pastry with a fruit filling). Dutch beers can be very good and are quite strong. Bars are open all day and also serve tea and coffee. Only change and small notes should be left as a tip. The water is safe to drink.

Tulip field, Amsterdam Delft canal, Delft

24 Know before you go The Facts Capital: Bucharest Population: 22.4 million Location: South East Europe Famous for: Dracula and Transylvania Land Area: 237,500km2 (91,699mi2) Language: Romanian

Money Matters Best Buys

The official currency is New Leu (RON; plural Lei). It is divided into Specialist purchases include embroideries, pottery, porcelain, bani (1 New Leu = 100 bani). Coins are in issued in Bani 50, 10, 5 silverware, carpets, fabrics, wool jumpers, woodcarvings, metal, and 1 and notes in Lei 500, 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. leather goods, rugs, glass paintings and silk dresses. Bank opening hours Shopping Hours Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm. Monday to Saturday, 9am to 6pm depending on are and season.

Geography Postal Information

Central Transylvania is separated from the Plain of Moldavia Post offices are open daily, including Saturday mornings. on the east by the Carpathian Mountains and separated from the Walachian Plain on the south by the Transylvanian Alps. Telephone

Climate and Clothing The country code is +40 (dialling in) and international access 00 (dialling out). Public telephones are widely available and can be Summer temperatures are moderated on the coast by sea used for direct international calls. Hotels often impose a high breezes while inland at sea level it is hot. Winters are coldest service charge for long-distance calls, but usually do not charge in the Carpathian Mountains where there is snow from December for local calls. through to April. Snow falls throughout most of the country. Winters are mildest on the coast. Lightweight clothes are worn in summer on the coast and in low inland areas. Warmer clothes are needed in winter and throughout the year in the highlands. Rainwear is recommended throughout the year.

Manners and Customs

Handshaking is the most common form of greeting, but it is customary for men to kiss a woman’s hand when being introduced. Visitors should follow normal European courtesies on social occasions. A 10% service tip is customary in restaurants. Porters, chambermaids and taxi drivers also expect tips.

Foods and Drink

The Romanians excel in full-bodied soups, some of the best being cream of mushroom, chicken, beef, vegetable and bean soup. Other national specialities include Tocana (pork, beef or mutton stew seasoned with onions and served with mamaliga), Moldavian Parjoale (flat meat patties, highly spiced and served with garnishes), and Patricieni (charcoal-grilled sausages similar to frankfurters). Fish dishes include Nisetru la Gratar (grilled Black Sea sturgeon), and Scrumbii la Gratar (grilled herring). Vegetarians may struggle to find suitable options. Desserts include Moldavian () and Pasca (a sweet ). A traditional drink with entrées is Tuicã (plum ). Romanian wines have won international prizes and Romanian beers are excellent. Romanian sparkling wines, or methode champagnoise, are very good and superb value. Glühwein () is another popular Romanian drink. Tap water is normally chlorinated, and while relatively safe, may cause stomach upsets.

25 Know before you go Spain The Facts Capital: Bucharest Population: 22.4 million Location: South East Europe Famous for: Dracula and Transylvania Land Area: 237,500km2 (91,699mi2) Language: Romanian

Asado (roast lamb). Many speciality dishes are made with Money Matters seafood – eels, bream and squid. The area of Andalusia is noted for Gazpacho, a delicious cold vegetable soup and in the eastern The currency used is the Euro. Money can be exchanged regions there is Paella, a rice dish made with meat or seafood – at banks, travel agencies and major hotels. Credit cards well worth a try. (pronounced ‘Ree-o-hah’), and travellers cheques are widely accepted. (liqueur) and (, which is much cheaper than Bank opening hours champagne) are also popular. We suggest, like most Spaniards, Monday to Friday, 9am to 2pm, and normally also on Saturdays, you drink bottled mineral water which is widely available. 9am to 1pm. Best Buys Geography Sherry (liqueur), lace, ceramics, leather goods, jewellery, Lladro Spain is large and generally flat in the centre with the rugged figurines (porcelain), Spanish fans (abanico), Flamenco CDs, hills of the Pyrenees in the north and the mountain slopes Damascene jewellery and Majorcan pearls. of the Sierra Nevada in the south. Shopping Hours Mondays to Saturdays 9am to 1pm and 5-8pm. Climate and Clothing Postal Information Spain’s climate does vary but is by and large Mediterranean. Expect hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. The main post offices in major cities are generally open 9am Take light to medium weight clothing in summer. to 8pm. Stamps are not only sold at the post offices but also at establishments called Estancos (tobacconists) which are Manners and Customs authorised to sell tobacco and stamps.

The custom of siesta (early afternoon nap) is gradually Telephone disappearing and department stores now stay open through the traditional three-hour siesta. Some shops close from 2pm to 5pm The country code is +34 (dialling in) and international access 00 and reopen for late-night trading. (dialling out). eKIT Food and Drink The access number for Spain is 800-099-665, Madrid economy is 91-414-61-98. Spaniards eat out a lot and one of the best ways to try a variety of dishes is tapas (snacks). Served in small bowls, the idea is to Public Toilets share a mixed variety of dishes such of olives, squid, cheese, meat and bread. Other speciality dishes include Sopa Castellana There are many expressions for toilet in Spanish – Aseos, (baked garlic soup), Besugo al Horno (seabream poached in a Servicios, WC and Retretes. The first two terms are the more wine sauce), Cochinillo Asado (roasted suckling pig) and Cordero common. In public conveniences, attendants expect a tip.

Park Güell, Barcelona

26 Know before you go The Facts Capital: Bern Population: 7.5 million Location: Central Europe Famous for: Clocks, watches, Swiss army knives, chocolates, banking Land Area: 41,290km2 (15,942mi2) Language: Swiss German, French and Italian

Rösti (fried potato), Bündnerfleisch (air-dried beef) and Fondue Money Matters Bourguigon (cubes of steak with various sauces). Swiss pastries and desserts are excellent. A great variety of Swiss wines are The currency used is the Swiss Franc (CHF). It is divided into available throughout the country. There are also spirits made rappen (1 Swiss Franc = 100 rappen). Many prices may also be from fruit; the most popular are , Pflümli and Williamine. displayed in Euro. Major credit cards are widely accepted and The water in Switzerland is safe to drink. ATMs are widespread. Exchange offices are situated at airports and large railway stations. Best Buys Bank opening hours Generally open Mondays to Fridays, 9am to 12.30 noon Watches, clocks and cuckoo clocks, chocolate, music boxes and 1.30pm to 4.30pm. and Swiss army knives. Shopping Hours Geography Usually Tuesdays to Fridays, 9am to 6pm (closed two hours for lunch); shops are closed on Monday mornings and opening It is a landlocked country, has the highest elevations in the Alps hours vary on Saturdays. and 70% of the country is made up of mountains. Postal Information Climate and Clothing Post offices are easily recognised by their distinctive sign The climate varies with elevation. The temperature is moderate showing a white cross on a red background and the letters PTT. with no real extremes of hot and cold. Summer is warm lasting All offices handle telephone calls and stamps are also dispensed from about June to September. It is best to be prepared for every from vending machines outside. Swiss post boxes are yellow. eventuality and pack a warm sweater and raincoat. Post office hours are Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 12 noon and 2pm to 6.30pm, and Saturdays 7.30am to 11am. Manners and Customs Telephones Etiquette and social customs are very formal. Swiss Germans tend to be extremely polite and hard working. Tips are generally The country code is +41 (dialling in) and international access 00 included in the bills but you can add a small tip if the service (dialling out). Complete and simple operating instructions in four was very good. Make sure you greet a shopkeeper when languages, including English, are posted on all public telephones. entering a store. eKIT The access numbers are Switzerland 0800-562-733, Zurich Food and Drink economy 44-580-4354, nationwide economy 0842-000-004.

French, German and Italian influences prevail in the regions Public Toilets where those languages are spoken. Speciality dishes include Fondue and Raclette (cheese dipping dishes), sausages and There are clean, conveniently located public toilets across Switzerland. Look out for the sign ‘Toiletten’ or ‘WC’. You will also find ‘Damen’ or ‘Frauen’ for ladies’ toilets, and ‘Herren’ and ‘Männer’ for men’s toilets. Useful website www.myswitzerland.com

Matterhorn, Zermatt

27 Austria WRO_Inserat-Dinner90x240_0113_Layout 1 09.01.13 14:05 Seite 1

WIENER RESIDENZORCHESTER

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DINNER (3- or 4-course) before or after the concert in the imperial rooms, followed by a private tour through the palace

Address: Palais Auersperg Auerspergstraße 1, 1080 Wien Tel: +43 1 817 21 78, Fax: +43 813 28 65 Mail: [email protected] Web: www.wro.at Austria

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Tyrolean Evenings with the Gundolf Family

Rathstrasse 54 A - 1190 Wien Neustift am Walde Web: www.dasschreiberhaus.at Web: www.schreiberhaus-catering.at Daily from April through October at 08:30 p.m. Gasthaus Sandwirt INNSBRUCK

Our attractive and entertaining programme, which only includes authentic folk music, Tyrolean dances and “shoe-slapping” as well as typical Tyrolean songs and “yodelling” is one of the best folk performance all across Europe and should not be missed during a visit to the Tyrol.

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Fragonard Riviera

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USINE HISTORIQUE 20, boulevard Fragonard, 06130 Grasse T +33 (0)4 93 36 44 65 LA FABRIQUE DES FLEURS les 4 Chemins, rte de Cannes, 06130 Grasse T +33 (0)4 93 77 94 30 USINE LABORATOIRE Eze-Village Moyenne Corniche, 06360 Eze T +33 (0)4 93 41 05 05

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Caryatids, Acropolis, Athens

Rhodes, Aegean Sea New 2010 Booklet Eur:Layout 1 24/11/10 11:00 Page 36 Italy

La ITavolaTALY di Lucullo #\KGPC #ITKEQNC La Sorgente Sorrento, Italy 7HO    ‡ )D[   

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La Certosa antico ristorante Via Cassia, 1 Certosa Firenze Tel: 0039 055 2048876

“The Monastery Cuisine” was born from the strict manacle uniting our Restaurant and the Certosian Monastery. In fact, the complex where the Restaurant La Certosa is located, in the past, was used by the Certosian Monks as a pharmacy, for the sale of medicine, syrup, ointments, beauty products, and it was like a “shop” where you could buy cheese, oil, liquor and other products made by the Monks during their life of hermitage. The evening begins in the private small hall which has the view of the Certosian Monastery. The waiters will dress in the clothing of the Monks, “the habit”, and a musical group will be dressed in the traditional costume of the early 900’s. Traditional music and famous opera songs will revive the taste and let us reminisce about once upon a time...

Gala Dinner and Italian Opera

3JTUPSBOUF7Via Vacchereccia,JMMB 1 56 BTRVJOJ 51010 Massa E Cozzile (PT), Italy Tel: ++39 0572 72205 Lungotevere Flaminio, 57 00196 ROME Fax: ++39 0572 910888 Tel: 06 361 00 97 Fax: 06 361 37 37 www.villapasquini.com Mobile: 0039-335/321489

35 Italy Italy

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The Best selection of 18 Kt gold jewerly.

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SAVELLI ARTE GALLERIA SAVELLI IL COLONNATO ART STUDIO CAFÉ ROME BY SEGWAY E TRADIZIONE Religious Articles Restaurant Self Service Mosaic Workshop Tour operator Mosaic Art Gallery Via Paolo VI, 27/29 - Roma Piazza Pio XII, 1/2 - Roma Piazza Sant’Uffizio 6 - Roma Via dei Gracchi 187a - Roma Via Celimontana 30/32 - Roma Tel. + 39-06-68307017 Tel. +39-06-68806383 Tel. + 39-06-6865371 Tel. +39-06-32609104 Tel. +39-06-77591822

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Admire the Art of diAmondpolishing in AmsterdAm

Gassan Diamonds, is located in a beautiful restored originally steam driven diamond factory and was built in 1879. In 2013 more than 400.000 visitors had a tour through the magnificent diamond factory and in 2013 Gassan aslo has been declared Best Family Business in the Netherlands by the Family Enterprise Foundation in partnership with KPMG. Visitors can view the diamond polishers at their craft, while multilingual guides explain where diamonds are found and how rough diamonds turn into dazzling brilliants. Loose polished diamonds are shown as well as an elaborate jewelry collection. After the tour you are invited for a free drink in our charming coffee shop in the former boiler house and browse through the extensive jewelry and watch collection in our In-house Boutique. For over 400 years diamond polishers have perfected the art of giving maximum life to the brilliant cut diamond. At Gassan Diamonds this tradition is being continued and we are proud to introduce a breathtaking and worldwide patented cut: Gassan 121, with one hundred and twenty one facets. Let a tour of Gassan Diamonds be the highlight of your trip;

- tours 7 days a week, all year round from 9.00 a.m. till 5.00 p.m. - personal attention for individuals and groups - diamonds mounted while you wait - exclusive in-house Rolex Boutique - large jewelry and watch collection on premises with brands such as Chopard, IWC, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Longines, Omega, Choices by DL and Gassan 121 - parking for tour buses and mooring site - VAT refund for non EU residents

To arrange your tour, visit our website: www.gassan.com

Craftsmanship for over 60 years

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The Revolving Restaurant In The Luzern Area

6300 ft.

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43 New 2010 Booklet Eur:Layout 1 24/11/10 11:01 Page 44

SWITZERLAND

Spain

The Revolving Restaurant In The Luzern Area

6300 ft.

See Eiger, Moench, Jungfrau and 100 km of alpine panorama.

Vintage cable car from 1893.

Mount Stanserhorn Railway, Rondorama® revolving restaurant CH-6370 Stans/Luzern Fon +41 (0)41 618 80 40, Fax +41 (0)41 618 80 48 [email protected], www.stanserhorn.ch

43 Spain

Sagrada Familia, Barcelona Sevilla, Spain Switzerland

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Bahnofplatz Tel: 967 44 00

YOUR ONE STOP IN ZERMATT FOR ALL GROUPFOTOS, T-SHIRTS AND SOUVENIRS

LARGEST SELECTION OF T-SHIRTS/SWEATSHIRTS IN ZERMATT

SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR ALL GROUP MEMBERS. Chapel Bridge, LucerneOpened in 1912, the sensational Jungfrau Railway undoubtendly counts as one of Switzerland‘s most impressive excursions. Aletsch Glacier – the longest ice- stream in the Alps, 22 km long and up to 800 metres thick. Ice Palace – 30 metres beneath the glacier surface Sphinx – the highest vantage point of the Top of Europe, 3571 metres alt. 365 DAYS A YEAR. Charles Bucher Excursions 365 Guided tours on Lake Lucerne

Tel. ++41 41 410 20 55 ++41 41 410 17 37

Fax. ++41 41 410 42 27

Website: www.charles-bucher.ch

Jungfrau Railways · CH-3800 Interlaken Phone: +41 (0)33 828 71 11 [email protected] · www.jungfraubahn.ch

45 Switzerland

CHARLES BUCHER EXCURSIONS GUIDED TOURS ON LAKE LUCERNE

TEL +41 41 410 20 55 TEL +41 41 410 17 37 FAX +41 41 410 42 22 FAX +41 41 410 42 27

2132 possibilities above sea level

W W W. C H A R L E S - B U C H E R . C H

113617_PIL_INS_90x240_Zahnrad_e_RZ1.indd 1 21.12.11 15:45 Switzerland

Daily Lunch and Dinner Folklore Show!

March to October With Folk Music, Yodeling, Alphornblowing and Flagthrowing. Your superb combination for excel- lent food, music and great fun in historical place dating back to the 12th century. Fully air conditioned.

Sternenplatz 3 CH-6004 Luzern Telefon +41 41 410 47 33 Fax +41 41 410 61 33 [email protected] www.swissfolkloreshow.com