Highlights |
Escorted Package Includes
- Flights NYC-Warsaw, Prague-NYC
Other departure cities available. Click on date of departure for selection and prices
- Airline fuel surcharges
- 11 nights First Class accommodations
- All transfers
- 15 meals: 11 breakfasts, 4 dinners
- Sightseeing per itinerary in modern air-conditioned motor coach
- Services of an English-speaking tour manager throughout
- Services of local guides in all major cities
- Entrance fees per itinerary
Special Features
- Royal Route, Warsaw
- Wawel Castle, Krakow
- Fishermen's Bastion, Budapest
- Hofburg Courtyards, Vienna
- Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna
- Castle District, Prague
Also Available
|
|
Itinerary |
|
 DAY 1, Monday - Depart the USA
Depart the USA for Poland. Your flight includes meals, drinks and in-flight entertainment
DAY 2, Tuesday - Arrive in Warsaw
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Balance of the day at leisure. This evening, enjoy a welcome drink and orientation with your tour director, followed by dinner
Overnight: Warsaw
Meals: Dinner
DAY 3, Wednesday - Warsaw City Tour
This morning, a tour of Warsaw includes both banks of the Vistula River. Visit Lazienki Park to view Chopin's Monument, then travel along the Royal Route with its historic monuments and residences toward the Warsaw Ghetto and the Jewish Cemetery. Walk through the cobbled streets to the Market Square. View the Cathedral of St. John and the Royal Castle. Balance of the day at leisure
Overnight: Warsaw
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 4, Thursday - Jasna Gora Monastery
Travel south to Czestochowa to see the Paulite Monastery at Jasna Gora, a place of devout pilgrimage by Polish Catholics to view the Black Madonna, a portrait of Our Lady that is said to have miraculous powers. Drive to Krakow, former residence of the Polish kings
Optional: Wieliczka Salt Mine
Overnight: Krakow
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5, Friday - Krakow City Tour
This morning, enjoy a tour of medieval Krakow, including a visit to the 16th century Wawel Royal Castle District. Visit the Jewish Quarter and view Oskar Schindler's factory. Continue to the Old Town and Market Square to view St. Mary's Church and the Renaissance Cloth Hall
Optional: Auschwitz-Birkenau (PM)
Overnight: Krakow
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6, Saturday - Scenic Drive to Budapest
This morning, view Sister Faustine Convent. Continue through the scenic Tatra Mountains and the wooded countryside of Slovakia before reaching the Danube Valley and the twin cities of Buda and Pest
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 7, Sunday - Budapest City Tour
Your morning tour begins in Pest with a chance to view the Parliament, Royal Palace and Heroes' Square. Cross the Danube over the Elizabeth Bridge to the Buda Hills. Visit Mount Gellert, then continue to Castle Hill to see the 13th century Matthias Coronation Church. From Fishermen's Bastion, enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure
Optional: Budapest Jewish Interest Tour (PM)
Overnight: Budapest
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 8, Monday - Travel to Vienna
Morning at leisure in Budapest. Depart Hungary and travel through the Austrian countryside to Vienna, former center of the Hapsburg Empire. Enjoy the balance of the day at leisure
Optional: Parliament, St. Stephens & Great Market Hall (AM)
Optional: Mozart & Strauss Concert (PM)
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9, Tuesday - Vienna City Tour
Today, enjoy a sightseeing tour that begins with a view of Belvedere Palace and its gardens. Continue with a drive along the famous Ringstrasse and view the Empress Maria Theresia Monument, Votive Church, City Hall, Parliament and Prater amusement park. Next, walk through the Hofburg courtyards to the State Opera House. Conclude with a visit to the impressive Schonbrunn Palace, the former summer residence of the Hapsburg emperors
Optional: Austrian Country Dinner (PM)
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 10, Wednesday - Day at Leisure in Vienna
An entire day at leisure to follow the footsteps of your favorite composer. Visit one of countless museums or enjoy the gardens, cafes, and shopping that the elegant Austrian capital has to offer
Optional: Bratislava, Slovakia (AM)
Overnight: Vienna
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11, Thursday - Travel to Prague via Cesky Krumlov
This morning, depart Austria for the Czech Republic. Begin with a stop in Cesky Krumlov, a fairy-tale town with a maze of narrow cobbled streets. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, Cesky Krumlov has earned an international reputation as a time capsule of the past. Enjoy a short walk through the town and view its Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance houses. Later, continue through Southern Bohemia to the Czech capital, Prague – "The City of a Thousand Spires"
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast
DAY 12, Friday - Prague City Tour
This morning's sightseeing tour of Prague includes a visit to the Castle District, the former residence of the Bohemian kings. Enjoy magnificent views of the city and Charles Bridge below. Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, and view St. George's Basilica. Continue to the Jewish Quarter and the Old Town Square to view the famous Town Hall Astronomical Clock. This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant
Optional: Prague Jewish Interest Tour (PM)
Overnight: Prague
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 13, Saturday - Depart for the USA
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight
Meals: Breakfast
|
|
|
Optionals |
|
Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra 10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
|
| Wieliczka Salt Mine |
Day #4 |
01 Jan 2009 - 31 Dec 2010 $62
|
|
Legend has it that the salt mines in Wieliczka were part of a dowry from the Hungarian princess, Kinga, when she wed Boleslaw the Shy over 700 years ago, making the Wieliczka Salt Mine one of the oldest in Europe. The mine's historical importance, as well as the amazing works of art carved into the walls by miners, have earned the Wieliczka Salt Mine a place on the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. You will be guided with a group on a route through 3 levels of underground galleries and chambers.
Pick-up and drop-off at hotel. Times to be arranged locally.
This tour is not recommended for travelers that have difficulty walking on uneven and/or steep terrain.
|
| Auschwitz & Birkenau |
Day #5 |
01 Apr 2010 - 30 Nov 2010 $55
|
|
Drive to the town of Oswiecim where the Nazis built Auschwitz, their largest concentration and death camp. It has remained as a state museum to keep evidence of the Nazi terror. A local guide will give an introduction on the subject and show a movie with historic film material showing footage of the Red Army liberating the camp in 1945. The visit includes a guided tour of the Auschwitz Concentration Camp Museum and a stop at the former Birkenau Extermination Camp.
|
| Budapest Jewish Interest Tour |
Day #7 |
01 Apr 2010 - 30 Nov 2010 $58
|
|
This tour highlights the different aspects of Budapest's rich Jewish heritage. Begin with a visit to the Great Dohany Synagogue which ranks among one of the top sights of Budapest. This Moorish style building is Europe's largest and the world's second largest Synagogue. Travel to a different section of town to explore the chilling Hungarian Holocaust Museum. Additionally, view the Jewish Museum, the Tree of Life and the Raoul Wallenberg Memorial.
|
| Mozart & Strauss Concert |
Day #8 |
01 Apr 2009 - 31 Mar 2011 $65
|
|
What better way to spend an evening in the "City of Music" than enjoying a concert of Austria's greatest composers in one of the city's splendid palaces. With the musicians, singers and dancers wearing historic costumes, this performance takes us back in time to the days when Mozart and Strauss were alive. A glass of champagne is included during the intermission.
|
| Parliament, St. Stephen's & Great Market Hall |
Day #8 |
01 Apr 2009 - 31 Mar 2010 $57
01 Apr 2010 - 31 Dec 2010 $60
|
|
This comprehensive tour includes three splendid interiors and at the same time provides an insight on local politics, religion and products. The cost of building the Hungarian House of Parliament would have paid for the construction of an entire town for 40,000 people. A stunning interior and the Hungarian Crown Jewels await us there. Only a limited number of visitors are allowed to visit each day. Next we tour St. Stephen's Basilica, the largest and most impressive church of Budapest where a relic, the mummified hand of St. Stephen, can be seen. Finally our guide takes us to the historic Great Market Hall where, like a hundred years ago, the locals still do their everyday shopping. At your leisure, absorb the unique atmosphere with over 100 market stalls and an endless choice of regional products.
|
| Austrian Country Dinner |
Day #9 |
01 Apr 2010 - 31 Dec 2010 $75
|
|
This fun evening begins with a short drive through the legendary Vienna Woods to the top of Mount Kahlenberg with panoramic views of Vienna. Continue to one of the charming old wine villages in the vicinity for dinner. The characteristic Heurigen tavern dates back to the 18th century and has been family run for generations. Local musicians entertain with traditional melodies while hearty Austrian dishes are served. Wine and soft drinks are included.
|
| Half Day Bratislava |
Day #10 |
01 Nov 2008 - 31 Mar 2010 $59
01 Apr 2010 - 31 Mar 2011 $60
|
|
This morning enjoy a half-day excursion across the border to Bratislava, capital of Slovakia. For centuries, this city has been famous for its charm and beauty. It has undergone a major revitalization and now flourishes as one of Europe's newest capitals. The beautifully restored old town with its winding lanes and medieval courtyards is nestled between the steep Castle Hill and the Danube River. First, explore the historic center on a guided walking tour. Then, with time at leisure, stroll the lively pedestrian streets of this charming city where local street vendors offer regional gifts.
|
| Prague Jewish Interest Tour |
Day #12 |
01 Apr 2010 - 31 Dec 2010 $67
|
|
Prague boasts one of the best preserved old Jewish Quarters in Europe. This in-depth walking tour brings to life the past and present of the city's Jewish life, culture and traditions. The tour includes the Jewish Museum and several prominent synagogues, amongst them Europe's oldest active synagogue dating back to the 13th century. A highlight is the visit to the mystical Old Cemetery which has become one of the emblems of Prague. It was in use until the 18th century and contains 20,000 graves in twelve layers. Rabbi Loew, the purported originator of the Golem legend, and the poet Avigdor Kara are buried here.
|
|
|
Book your Optional Tours before you travel and see more, save time, save money, and protect your investment. Tours purchased while traveling may cost an extra 10% or even more! Tours often sell out - avoid disappointment! Save your cash - many countries do not accept credit cards. Travel insurance only covers services purchased prior to departure.
|
|
Rates & Hotels |
Step 1: Select Your Featured Hotels Step 2: Click a Date to Book Online
OR: Click here to create your own flexible vacation
|
*Not Included:
Airport taxes & fees, optional tours, and gratuities.
Additional Information:
Land only price does not include arrival/departure transfers.
May 17 departure will be accommodated at the Andels Hotel in Krakow.
Entry Requirements:
US citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond travel dates.
|
|
| Although most of the planning and preparation is taken care of for you, there are still a few things you should know and some details you should take care of to ensure your comfort, safety and peace of mind. Please review the following information before your departure to ensure that any surprises along the way will only be pleasant ones. | |
| Passports and Visas | It is each traveler's responsibility to have a passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of departure and a visa if required. Please check the information at www.gate1travel.com/visas.aspx for the specific country/region you are visiting for more details. Passengers who are not U.S. citizens must check with the respective consulate or a visa agency to determine what personal identification is required. Passport applications are available at most U.S. Post Offices, as well as at regional Passport Agencies.
| | Trip Preparation | A little pre-planning can make your trip go a lot smoother. Several weeks before your trip, make a list of what you will need to take with you. Make sure your personal documents (passports, visas) are in order and that you have enough prescription medications to last through the trip. We suggest that you make photocopies of passports, visas, and any other important travel documents and pack them separately from the originals. Pack a list of medications including dosage and generic names. If you lose the originals while traveling, you'll have copies for easier reporting and replacement. We recommend that you pack a portable alarm clock.
| | Health Information | Check with your personal physician for the latest overseas travel health information, or contact the Center for Disease Control’s travelers’ hotline at 404-332-4559, web site www.cdc.gov.
| Czech Republic: Health Insurance - There is a law requiring tourists traveling to the Czech Republic to have insurance with coverage of $35,000. However this law is not really enforced in practice. A health insurance card or an internationally recognized credit card with health insurance included will generally be accepted as proof of insurance to enter the Republic
| | Climate & Clothing | Czech Republic - Spring and Autumn: 25–70ºF; Summer: 50–85ºF; Winter: 10–35ºF. Temperatures vary significantly within the country, with Brno and Ostrava having substantially more extreme temperature ranges compared to Prague and Plzen. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Czech Republic Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#central-europe-weather.
| Austria - Spring and Autumn: 45–60ºF; Summer: 70–80ºF; Winter: 30–40ºF. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Austria Average Temperatures: www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#austria-germany-europe-weather
| Poland - Spring and Autumn: 40–65ºF; Summer: 55–75ºF; Winter: 20–35ºF. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops).
Poland Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#central-europe-weather
| Hungary - Spring and Autumn: 45–60ºF; Summer: 60–80ºF; Winter: 25–35ºF. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a sweater, clothes you can layer and an all-weather jacket. Some religious sites may require modest dress to enter (no shorts, short skirts, or sleeveless tops). In summer, bring a hat and sunscreen.
Hungary Average Temperatures: http://www.gate1travel.com/weather/europe/default.aspx#central-europe-weather
|
| E-Tickets & Check-In Procedures |
Please review the flight itinerary included in these documents. Print and carry a copy of the air itinerary which contains the record locator (airline reservation number) and e-ticket number(s). At check-in, be prepared to provide your government issued identification (valid passport) and your e-ticket itinerary/ ticket numbers to the agent in order to receive your boarding pass.
An e-ticket (electronic ticket) represents the purchase of an airline seat. This form of ticket has replaced almost all formerly provided paper tickets. The e-ticket exists only as a digital record in the airlines computers. In most cases your reservation will be confirmed solely on the basis of your government-issued identification. However it may still be necessary to present the e-ticket itinerary which contains your specific reservation code and ticket number(s). Once confirmed, your luggage will be checked-in and a boarding pass provided.
Advance online check-in is available on some airlines. If available, you may enter your airline confirmation number at the airline's website, and print the boarding pass on your home printer within twenty-four hours of departure. Airlines without advance online check-in require you to present your identification and e-ticket numbers at the airport self-service kiosk or check-in counter.
When e-tickets cannot be issued, you will receive paper tickets.
If your tour program includes foreign domestic flights, and those tickets are not included together with the e-ticket itinerary in these documents, a separate voucher(s) confirming those services will be included. You will receive those tickets at your destination from a Gate 1 representative.
| | Airline Flights | Please check in at least three hours prior to the scheduled departure time to allow for security steps. Passengers connecting from another point within the USA may check their luggage through to their final destination, and although problems with lost luggage have been minimal, it is a possibility. Certain carriers do not allow baggage “interlining,” and luggage must be checked separately for each flight. If you are connecting from a domestic flight which is delayed for any reason, causing you to miss your international flight, you must ask the airline for assistance in getting you to your destination. Since all airline tickets are issued on special fares which carry restrictions and penalties if changed, you must have the airlines responsible make alternate arrangements on your behalf as Gate 1 has no authority or control over airline activities and policies. Do not leave the airline check-in desk until an alternative itinerary has been confirmed for you.
Flight schedule changes are common and may occur anytime until departure. Therefore it is the responsibility of each passenger to reconfirm their flights 72 hours prior to departure for all flights.
| | Airline Luggage Restrictions | Most international airlines are consistent with regard to the number and weight of the pieces you may check and bring onboard. Domestic carriers however, typically on small aircraft, differ. Therefore, we suggest that you check in advance if you are concerned about size or weight restrictions. Many airlines have begun to apply charges for checked bags. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding your airline's checked baggage policies. Airline policies vary and may change at any time. Gate 1 Travel is not responsible for any excess luggage/ weight charges levied by an airline.
| | Airline Seats | Airline seats are confirmed whenever possible. Some airlines and/or fare types do not allow for pre-seating and require this be done at airport check-in only. Even when seats are pre-assigned however, we recommend that you contact the carrier one to two weeks prior to departure to reconfirm your seats. In many cases there are equipment changes after your initial booking which can cause airplane seating reconfiguration.
| | Airline Tickets | Most airline tickets are issued using special fares which cannot be changed or canceled without incurring additional cost. Should you lose or misplace your tickets while traveling, you should immediately notify the airline. In most cases they will have you complete a Lost Ticket Indemnity Form, and for a fee, issue replacement tickets.
| | Code-share Flights | Many airlines participate in alliances and special agreements with other airlines which permit passengers to travel from one point to another using more than one carrier. While your ticket may indicate that you are flying with one carrier (eg: Delta), you may find that you are actually seated in a plane belonging to another carrier (eg: Alitalia). Please review your airline itinerary carefully to determine which airline you should go to for check-in; if your flight is operated by a carrier other than the primary airline indicated on the itinerary, your itinerary will state "Flight Operated by (Airline)." If you have any concerns regarding which airline to check-in with, you may contact the airline directly or Gate 1 Travel for clarification.
| | Luggage | All Gate 1 tour packages allow one piece of luggage per person, plus carry-on bag. Additional baggage will be subject to airline handling charges of up to $100 per piece. As Gate 1 will not be responsible for loss or damage to luggage and personal belongings, you MUST report any loss or damage immediately at the time of the incident and obtain a written report from the local authority for submission to your insurance provider. If your luggage is lost or damaged by the airlines, a baggage claim form MUST be filed with the carrier before leaving the airport. See www.gate1travel.com/luggage.aspx for Important Baggage Information for U.S. Travelers.
|
| Arrival Procedures | Upon arrival, please complete immigration formalities and claim your luggage. If your program includes airport arrival transfers, check your voucher for specific instructions, as they vary with every destination. In most cases, you will be met after passing through Customs by the local representative who will be holding a Gate 1 Travel sign and/or a sign with your name on it. In some instances you will be instructed to walk a short distance to a transportation counter. The company's name and location will be printed on your voucher. If for any reason you do not connect with the Gate 1 transfer personnel, go to the Tourist Information Desk and ask them to page the Gate 1 Travel representative or phone the number on your voucher.
| | What To Do When Your Flight Is Delayed | Airlines do not share flight manifest information. Therefore, the only way we may learn of a delay or schedule change while you are traveling is from you, the traveler. The sooner you are able to contact one of our offices, overseas or in the USA, the better we can respond. Gate 1 Travel is only able to guarantee pre-reserved arrival transfers for up to one hour from the scheduled time, no matter the cause. In case you are delayed for any reason, and are unable to follow the instructions on your voucher, please make independent transfer arrangements and retain your receipts. Unused tour services, including transfers and hotel nights are not refundable. Upon your return home you will need to contact your airline and/or insurance carrier to investigate the possibility of reimbursement for any unused tour services.
| | Departure Procedures | If your program includes departure transfers, instructions will be stated on your voucher or provided locally.
| | Transfers | Due to local traffic and other extenuating circumstances, we ask that you allow 30 minutes from your scheduled transfer time for our representative to arrive. This includes hotel, airport and cruise transfers. Such possible delays are taken into consideration in scheduling transfers and you should therefore have no concerns about arriving late for your tour, flight or cruise. For transfers from a hotel, let the hotel reception desk or concierge know that you are waiting for a transfer. In the case of a missed transfer, reimbursement for your out-of-pocket expenses will be considered provided you obtain a written statement from the hotel's front desk verifying the length of time you waited, and the time you left the hotel, and a receipt for your transportation with time and date.
Escorted tour programs include transfers, providing you have purchased airfare from Gate 1 to arrive and depart on the scheduled tour dates. If you are traveling independently, you may purchase the transfers from Gate 1 or contract your own method of transportation to the hotel or cruise ship. The cost of a transfer will generally be more expensive than hiring a taxi as the pre-arranged transfer necessarily includes round trip service, or a 'dead-leg'. Additionally the driver may have to wait at the collection point for up to an hour.
|
| Hotels | Gate 1 Travel has carefully selected each hotel based on overall quality, location, price, food, service, and cleanliness. All rooms are standard rooms with two single beds and private facilities, unless you have specifically requested and paid for an upgrade. Room selection is strictly at the discretion of the hotel management. We reserve the right to make hotel substitutions with those of equal standard.
| | Hotel Check-in/ Check-out | Check-in time is usually 4pm or later. Check-out time is 12 noon. If you will be arriving early in the day or departing in the evening, hotels will usually allow you to store your luggage in their luggage room. Ask at the front desk if the hotel can check you in earlier, or let you stay later.
|
| Eco & Sustainable Tourism | We support global efforts to create a more eco-friendly world, intolerant of any forms of cruelty, abuse and intentional environmental destruction. To that end we ask that our clients maintain a watchful eye as they travel, and report any abuses they may encounter. One of the many benefits of tourism is the shared cultural knowledge and ultimate elimination of negative behavior through education. We rely on your good feedback to enable this element of symbiosis. As you travel to and learn about foreign cultures, we ask first and foremost that you practice tolerance and respect for local customs.
| | Land Only Passengers (Escorted Tours) | Your tour manager will contact you after your arrival at your hotel. Passengers who have not purchased arrival transfers from Gate 1 Travel should proceed directly to the hotel for checkin. The details of the hotel can be found in your documents.
| | Shopping | Shopping in a foreign country can be a wonderful experience. We do include a few stops at recommended popular shops on every escorted tour, intended to enhance your cultural experience. As you explore the country independently, you may find fantastic, one-of-a-kind merchandise. You may get terrific bargains. However, we advise you to exercise care and common sense when making any purchase. Always get a formal receipt. And remember that, just like in this country, if a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is!
| Czech Republic - Some favorite souvenirs include Bohemian glass or crystal, porcelain, pottery, exquisite Christmas ornaments, and fine lace and embroidery work. Craftsmen and artisans often form associations and run their own retail stores, where you can often find high quality workmanship. Jewelry incorporating semi-precious stones, especially garnets, is another Czech specialty.
| Austria - Austria is renowned for its high quality winter sports equipment, wine, as well as an assortment of top-of-the-line, handcrafted items, including crystal, wood carvings, textiles, and fine leather. If you are traveling during the Christmas season, the Christmas markets are a must-see, not only for the goods but also for the hot mulled wine and unforgettable atmosphere.
| Poland - Poland offers a variety of quality goods including fine enamel pieces, silver, genuine amber jewelry, woodcarvings, dolls, and sculptures in assorted media. Handwoven textiles are another Polish specialty.
| Hungary - Hungary is renowned for its food and beverage products, especially fine red paprika, brandies, and Unicum liqueur. Additionally, traditional items such as ceramics, embroidery work, painted eggs, crystal ware, and costumed dolls are highly popular.
| | Currency | We suggest getting a small amount of currency for the first country you're visiting before you leave the U.S. It is a good idea to carry a chart with you to help you convert U.S. dollars to the local currency. It's also a good idea not to carry too much money. Many countries have ATM machines that accept most U.S. ATM cards, but be sure you know your ATM password in numbers-the keypads on foreign ATMs don't always have letters. ATM machines will only dispense cash in local currency. Check with respective consulates to learn current currency allowances and requirements. Use your credit card whenever possible. Should you decide to carry cash or travelers checks, exchange them at banks where the rate is more favorable than at hotels or exchange bureaus. Please note that many banks and most vendors will not accept or exchange $100 bills. We suggest to carry $20 bills or smaller.
| Czech Republic - The Czech Koruna is the currency of the Czech Republic.
| Austria - The Euro is the currency of Austria.
| Poland - The Zloty is the currency of Poland.
| Hungary - The Hungarian Forint is the currency of Hungary.
| | Purchasing Tours Locally | On escorted tours, the guides will generally sell optional tours to passengers who have not pre-purchased them. Payment can be made by cash or credit card, unless otherwise noted below. This does not apply to Independent packages. Please see Gate 1 Terms & Conditions for more information. http://www.gate1travel.com/terms.aspx#optional
| | Credit Cards | While credit cards are accepted in most destinations, it is advisable to carry local currency. Inform your credit card company that you are traveling to avoid your card being blocked for security reasons.
| | Gratuities | This is a matter of personal discretion. You may use the following as a guideline:
- Tour escort (Coordinator; may or may not act as a guide):
$6 or $7 per person per day
- Driver (Provides chauffeur services and limited assistance with luggage):
$3 per person per day
- Local Guide (Offers in-depth information at specific locations. There may be one or many guides along a tour program):
$2 per person per half day of sightseeing (2-3 hours)
- River Cruises:
$6 or $7 per person per day as indicated by each cruise line (see details regarding European River Cruises)
- Hotel Porter:
$1 per bag per person
- Wait staff:
$1.50 per person (lunch or dinner)
Tipping is considered by many locals to be a part of their normal remuneration and some may approach you for additional "compensation." There is no need to be intimidated by the request, nor should you feel pressured to pay more than recommended. If you become uncomfortable by any behavior you encounter, please advise your tour escort or phone our local office. Numbers have been provided in your documents for your convenience.
| Czech Republic - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. Taxi drivers do not expect gratuities and rounding up the fare is usually sufficient.
| Austria - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge.
| Poland - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists. Restaurant bills often include a service charge. Taxi drivers do not expect gratuities and rounding up the fare is usually sufficient.
| Hungary - Gratuities are appreciated and expected for good service in restaurants and other places that cater to tourists.
| | Your Safety is Very Important | Every effort has been taken by Gate 1 Travel to ensure your safety. However, it is important that you do not allow your common sense to take a vacation while you're on your trip. Be aware of potentially dangerous places and situations as you would at home. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry and carry your valuables concealed in inside pockets or hidden pouches. Don't put all your valuables (money, credit cards, passports, etc.) in the same place. (In case that one wallet is stolen, you should have other valuables and identification in another safe place.) Don't leave valuables laying loose in your room-use the hotel safe. Keep copies of your passports, credit card numbers and travelers checks numbers in the hotel safe. If you've purchased an escorted tour program, your travel documents will include telephone numbers of local Gate 1 Travel representatives who will do their utmost to assist you in the event of an emergency. The numbers are printed on your Gate 1 Travel vouchers. Please copy the numbers. Once you relinquish the voucher, you will not have this information. Passengers traveling independently should employ the services of hotel concierges and local authorities.
| | Local Emergency Phone Numbers | Czech Republic
- Ambulance/Medical: 112 or 155
- Fire: 150
- Police: 158
| Austria
- General Emergency: 112 or 122
| Poland
- General Emergency: 112 or 999
- Fire: 998
- Police: 997
| Hungary
| | Languages | Czech Republic - Czech is the local language. German and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas.
| Austria - German is the local language. English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| Poland - Polish is the local language. German and limited English are generally spoken in tourist areas.
| Hungary - Hungarian is the local language. Limited English is generally spoken in tourist areas.
| | Electricity | Please note: The U.S. uses 120 volts and you can purchase a converter and transformer at most hardware stores for your 120V appliances.
| Czech Republic - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| Austria - The voltage used is 230 volts.
| Poland - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| Hungary - The voltage used is 220 volts.
| | Code of Conduct | Czech Republic - Dress should be conservatively casual. Normal courtesies should be observed. Please note that punctuality is important, and if you arrive late at the theater or opera, you may be denied entrance.
| Austria - Shaking hands is a customary greeting and normal courtesies should be observed. First names are not used when being introduced, but after a relationship exists, using first names is appropriate. Politeness is highly valued, and saying hello and goodbye is important even in shops and restaurants.
| Poland - There is a marked difference between city and rural life in Poland, with rural people maintaining a more traditional, conservative religious lifestyle. Jokes at the expense of the Roman Catholic church are considered to be in poor taste. Normal courtesies should be observed and conservative casual dress is appropriate.
| Hungary - Shaking hands is a standard form of greeting. Normal courtesies should be observed and when addressing a newly met acquaintance, both first and last name should be used. Conservative casual dress is appropriate. Smoking is prohibited on public transport and in public buildings.
| | Holidays - Czech Republic |
| Holidays 2010 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
Apr 2 |
Good Friday |
Apr 4 |
Easter |
Apr 5 |
Easter Monday |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
May 8 |
Liberation Day |
| May 24 |
Whit Monday |
| Jul 5 |
Saints Cyril and Methodius |
Jul 6 |
Jan Hus Day |
Sep 28 |
St. Wenceslas Day (Czech Statehood Day) |
Oct 28 |
Independent Czechoslovak Day |
Nov 17 |
Struggle for Freedom and Democracy Day |
Dec 24 |
Christmas Eve |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
St. Stephen's Day |
Dec 31 |
New Year's Eve |
| |
|
| | Holidays - Austria |
| Holidays 2010 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
Jan 6 |
Feast of the Epiphany |
Apr 2 |
Good Friday |
Apr 4 |
Easter |
Apr 5 |
Easter Monday |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
May 13 |
Ascension Day |
May 24 |
Whit Monday |
| Jun 3 |
Corpus Christi |
Aug 15 |
Feast of the Assumption |
| Oct 26 |
National Day |
Nov 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Dec 8 |
Immaculate Conception |
Dec 24 |
Christmas Eve |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
Boxing Day |
Dec 31 |
New Year's Eve |
| |
|
| | Holidays - Poland |
| Holidays 2010 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
Apr 4 |
Easter |
Apr 5 |
Easter Monday |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
May 3 |
Constitution Day |
May 13 |
Ascension Day |
Jun 3 |
Corpus Christi |
Aug 15 |
Feast of the Assumption |
Nov 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Nov 11 |
Independence Day |
Dec 24 |
Christmas Eve |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
St Stephen's Day |
Dec 31 |
New Year's Eve |
| |
|
| | Holidays - Hungary |
| Holidays 2010 |
| Jan 1 |
New Year's Day |
| Mar 15 |
National Day (1848 Revolution Memorial Day) |
Apr 4 |
Easter |
Apr 5 |
Easter Monday |
May 1 |
Labor Day |
May 24 |
Whit Monday |
Aug 20 |
St. Stephen's Day |
Oct 23 |
National Day (1956 Revolution Memorial Day) |
Nov 1 |
All Saints' Day |
Dec 24 |
Christmas Eve |
Dec 25 |
Christmas Day |
Dec 26 |
Boxing Day |
Dec 31 |
New Year's Eve |
| |
|
| | Food and Meals | As specified in each itinerary. Meals are based on the hotel's or restaurant's buffet or set menu. In general, beverages are not included, unless specifically stated. Although Gate 1 cannot make guarantees, every effort will be made to honor special dietary requests submitted in writing at least 72 hours prior to departure to info@gate1travel.com.
|
|
|
|