TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague 13 Days | Tallinn to Prague Discover the picturesque Baltic states of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania before exploring Warsaw and Krakow in Poland. Continue through the High Tatras of Slovakia and end in lively Prague for an overland adventure to remember. HIGHLIGHTS AND INCLUSIONS Trip Highlights • Tallinn - capital of Estonia. Beautiful formersoviet walled city. • Riga - capital of Latvia. The 'Paris of the North' Beautiful art-nouveau architecture and stately boulevards. • Vilnius - capital of Lithuania. Beautiful baroque city full of Orthodox and Catholic churches. • Warsaw - capital of Poland. Diverse architecture, restored Gothic buildings and a fascinating array of museums and neighbourhoods. • Krakow - Poland's most cultural city and former royal capital. Auschwitz Concentration Camp. • High Tatras Mountains - border with Poland and Slovakia. Highest range in the Carpathian Mountains. Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 • Prague - capital of the Czech Republic. Charles Bridge, Wenceslas Square, Old Town Square. Day 1 : Tallinn, Estonia What's Included • 11 breakfasts • 10 nights in hotels, 1 night in guesthouse and 1 night on an overnight train. • Airport arrival transfer on day 1 • Transportation by public bus, electric train and overnight train. • Escorted by a tour leader, English speaking local guide at included sites. • Entrance and guided tour of KGB Museum in Vilnius and the Auschwitz Concentration Camp near Krakow. Upon arrival at Tallinn airport you will be met and transferred to our hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to explore Tallinn. On arrival please ask at the reception for information on when the pre departure meeting will be held. What's Not Included • Items of a personal nature and additional meals • International flights to/from our tour start/ end points and visas DETAILED ITINERARY The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is a picturesque town located on the Gulf of Finland. It is famous for its enchanting historic centre, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Roam the cobbled streets and explore scenic ruins or climb the hill of Toompea, which is filled with medieval buildings, 14th century churches, turrets, spires and enticing alleyways. Tallinn also offers alluring boutique shopping similar to that found in Swiss cities. The city was the European Capital of Culture in 2011, and the city is full of artists and artisans so you may also find wonderfully made glass, weaving and pottery here. The café scene is thriving and you updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. -1- TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague can find everything from sunlit street cafés to Art Deco style bakeries. Within the walls of the Old Town there are lots of excellent restaurants to enjoy and a thriving nightlife, with clubs open until the wee hours. Estonians are true beer lovers so you might like to try an authentic local brew. Overnight - Tallinn, Estonia Days 4-5 : Vilnius, Lithuania Days 6-7 : Warsaw, Poland Riga - Vilnius. Today we depart Latvia and head for our third country of the tour - Lithuania. The capital Vilnius boasts an attractive baroque Old Town that is the largest in Eastern Europe and is praised as the 'New Prague'. Located on the edge of the Neris River, with its pine covered hills, friendly people, and blend of old and new, this is a picturesque city well worth exploring. You will have time to explore the main sights of the city including Gediminas Castle on the top of Gediminas Hill and Cathedral Square at the base of the hill, which is dominated by Vilnius Cathedral and its 57 metre-tall belfry. Vilnius - Warsaw. Departing Lithuania we travel across to neighbouring Poland. Warsaw, Poland's capital, has been revitalised as a tourist destination. The city was almost entirely destroyed in World War II but a lot of effort has gone into its rebuilding. Since the fall of communism many old buildings have given way to modern sky scrapers, the dilapidated old town has been brightened up, and entertainment and services transformed to match that of other western capitals. Days 2-3 : Riga, Latvia Tallinn - Riga. This morning we travel by bus to Riga. Riga is more than 800 years old and its clever blend of medieval centre and modern city infrastructure will enchant you. The UNESCO World Heritage listed Old Town has its own particular charm, while the city is also famous for its fascinating Art Nouveau architectural heritage which you can discover as you wander the streets of this ‘Paris of the East'. A must-do is a visit to Riga's most famous Gothic church, St Peter's, thought to be about 800 years old. Its famous spire has been rebuilt three times in the same form since 1667, with its latest rebuild completed in 1973. Climb the spire and enjoy spectacular views over the city. Optional Excursions St Peter’s Tower – €7 • City tour bus – €15 • Latvian Ethnographic OpenAir Museum – €1.50 • Wander the Art Nouveau District – free • Central Market, housed in old WW2 hangars – free • Museum of Ethnic Hats – €4 • The House of Blackheads – €3 • The Dome Cathedral – €3 • Latvian War Museum – €1.50 • Riga Castle- €4 • Riga Academy of Sciences Observation Deck - €4 Overnight - Riga, Latvia (B:2) On day 5 we visit the KGB Museum in the city centre. Later on while you’re exploring the square between the cathedral and the tower you should hunt for the secret stebuklas (miracle) tile. The tile marks the southern end of the 2 million person, 650 kilometre long human chain between Tallinn and Vilnius, which was formed in protest against Soviet occupation in 1989. Local legend has it that if you find the pretty mosaic-covered tile you should stand on it and turn around three times clockwise while making a wish, which shall then be granted. Included Excursions KGB Museum Optional Excursions Hot air ballooning – €100 per person • Wander the Jewish Quarter – free • Go to Uzupis, the breakaway “republic” east of the Old Town – free • Take an alternative walking tour (3 hours) – 'free for tips' • Grutas Park- €6.50 •Trakai Castle-€5.50 Overnight - Vilnius, Lithuania (B:2) Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 Home to various palaces, castles and citadels, Warsaw is noted for the Soviet-era Palace of Culture and Science, as well as the marketplace at the 10th Anniversary Stadium, a converted festival site where you can buy all sorts of interesting items. Also recommended is a visit to the Old Town, which was rebuilt between 1949 and 1963 after being destroyed in World War II in the Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque styles of architecture from the 17th and 18th centuries. You can visit the Historical Museum of Warsaw and Royal Castle at nearby Old Town Square. We arrive in the evening in time to enjoy some of the city's buzzing nightlife. However, in order to fully explore the city and any of the optional excursions listed in the Trip Notes, you may wish to book post-tour accommodation. Optional Excursions Explore the Old Town – free • Warsaw Rising Museum – PLN 18 • Palace of Culture and Science – free (viewing tower PLN 20) • Wander the Jewish district – free • Lazienki Park and Palace – PLN 30 • Wilanow Palace – PLN 20 •Museum of the History of Polish Jews – PLN 30 Overnight - Warsaw, Poland (B:2) updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. -2- TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague Days 8-9 : Krakow, Poland Warsaw - Krakow. Departing the capital we head to Poland’s more famous and cultural city Kraków by train. Krakow has managed to preserve centuries of amazing architecture and artistic traditions as most of the historic buildings and monuments emerged unscathed from World War II. Kraków was the royal capital for 500 years so a must-see is the royal Wawel Castle, a beautiful renaissance palace which now houses a museum. During the evening the cosmopolitan city offers a wild nightlife, with plenty of restaurants, music clubs and bars to explore. Kraków is our base to visit the UNESCO listed Auschwitz-Birkenau German Nazi Concentration and Extermination Camp on day 9, a sobering tribute to the people that perished there during the Holocaust. Situated close to the Polish town of Oświęcim, the camp was originally designed for Polish political prisoners but became the most notorious camp of World War II because an estimated 1.6 million people of 27 nationalities, including 1.1 million Jews, 150,000 Poles and 23,000 Roma were killed by the Nazis. Day 10 : High Tatras, Slovakia Krakow - High Tatras. Leaving Krakow we head by bus and private transfer in Slovakia and the High Tatras. Constituting of a large mountain range which forms a natural border between Slovakia and Poland and is the highest mountain range of the Carpathians. The tallest mountain is Gerlach at 2,655 metres, located in Slovakia just north of Poprad. After making our way to Starý Smokovec (Nový Smokovec) we have time to relax and unwind. For the energetic there is an opportunity to go to the nearby mountains for some hiking. There are various paths ranging from gentle to highly demanding, winding among spectacular peaks and rock walls. Alternatively, there are many attractions to amuse you for the next two days such as the glacial lake of Strebske Pleso, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed ruins of Spissky Hrad and the Renaissance buildings of fortified Levoca. Optional Excursions: Various hiking options – free Overnight - Novy Smokovec, Slovakia (B) Day 11 : Prague, Czech Republic Included Excursions: Auschwitz Concentration Camp Optional Excursions: Wander around Kazimierz Jewish area – free • Explore Wawel Hill and Castle complex – free • Entrance to Wawel Castle state rooms – PLN 17 • Royal private apartments – PLN 24 • Crown treasury and armoury – PLN 17 • Entrance to cathedral – PLN 10 • Visit Wieliczka Salt Mine – PLN 65 Overnight - Krakow, Poland (B:2) Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 High Tatras - Prague. Today we enjoy the last of the crisp mountain air before we take the short ride by electric train from Novy Smokovec to Poprad where we transfer to the 4 berth overnight train to the Czech capital of Prague. The overnight train to Prague is made up of 4 berth mixed sex cabins. Basic bedding is provided however you may wish to bring your own sleep sheet. We do try and keep the group in the same cabins however sometimes this may not be possible. Overnight - Overnight train (B) Day 12 : Prague, Czech Republic We arrive into Prague in the morning. Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and you will have plenty of free time to visit the stunning City of 1,000 Spires, including the bustling Old Town Square where you can find a beautiful astronomical clock, the enchanting Charles Bridge where you can watch artists and buskers at work and Wenceslas Square. There is also time to wander the lofty heights of Hradčany Castle and St Vitus Cathedral for magical views over the city. <br><br> Prague is a town that loves to party so you may also want to experience the nightlife as there are many great bars and restaurants and plenty of pulsating night clubs to enjoy. Czechs have been brewing beer since the 9th century and invented the world’s first Pilsner, so Prague offers a great opportunity to sample some of the world’s finest beers. Optional Excursions: Explore Hradcany, a lovely neighbourhood behind the Prague Castle – free • Tour the Hradcany Castle complex – CZK 350 • Climb the mini Eiffel tower – CZK 50 • Wander the Jewish/Kafka Quarter – free • Take a boat cruise on the Vltava River – around CZK 250 • Go to Kutna Hora, an hour’s train ride from Prague – CZK 120 return and visit the famous Bone Church (CZK 50) and beautiful St Barbara Cathedral (CZK 50) • Karlstejn Castle – CZK 270 plus transport • Prague City Museum – CZK 120 • updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. -3- TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague Mucha Museum – CZK 240 Overnight - Prague, Czech Republic Day 13 : Prague, Czech Republic Your adventure of a lifetime comes to an end today. If you have a late flight or have lengthened your stay by adding post tour accommodation you will have more time to explore the sights.(B) Single Supplement If you paid our single supplement for this tour, a single room will be provided for your comfort on night's 1 - 9 and 12 Arriving into Tallinn When arriving at Tallinn Airport we recommend that you obtain local currency, the Euro, as soon as you arrive. There are international ATMs inside the airport, as well as money exchange offices offering a good rate. The rate will always vary slightly depending on where you go, it may be worth changing a small amount of money at the airport for your transport and then finding a bank or money exchange within the city centre. Airport transfer An arrival transfer from Tallinn Airport to your hotel is included on day 1. If you are going to be delayed more than two hours, you must advise us of the delay at least six hours before arrival. If we are advised in time, we will make every effort to reschedule your transfer and your driver will be asked to wait for two hours after your new expected arrival time. However, if we are not made aware of any change, the driver will only wait for two hours after the original scheduled arrival time and after this point it will be up to you to arrange transport to your hotel at your own expense. Please contact us on the emergency contact person as detailed on your voucher. Making your own way To make your own way to and from your hotel, Tallinn Airport is located about four kilometres from the city centre and an estimated cost of a taxi ride to the city centre is approximately €10. By bus: the airport’s bus stop is located in front of the terminal of arrivals. Bus No. 2 travels on Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 the route Mõigu - Passenger Port. In the city centre the bus stops next to Viru Keskus at A. Laikmaa St. The bus fare is approximately €1.60 and tickets are sold by the bus driver. Tickets are also available from the R-Kiosk in the Passenger Terminal. Your joining hotel is: Hotel Tatari 53 Tatari 53, 10134 Tallinn, Estonia Tel: (+372) 6 405 150 info@tatari53.ee There are safe deposit boxes for your use (you will get an itemised receipt). Please leave all of your important documents, money and travellers cheques here when you go out but remember to carry some form of ID and a photocopy of your passport with you. It is not advisable to wear chains or expensive looking watches or jewellery while in major cities. You should also keep your camera concealed when not in use and carry daypacks on your front for extra safety KNOW BEFORE YOU GO Our partners Tucan Travel Please note that our Eastern Europe group tours are operated by Tucan Travel. Travellers on your trip will have made their reservation with either On The Go Tours or Tucan Travel. Travel Style This is an Adventure Tour, we see a destination from the locals' perspective using a variety of transport and staying in small locally owned accommodation. There is a maximum of 16 travellers with an average group size of 8-12. All our Adventure Tours are priced per person on a shared room basis meaning there is no compulsory extra payment for those travelling on their own. Keeping in Touch Your tour leader will point out internet cafes in all major cities and towns and Wi-Fi may be available in some hotels. Hotel details, apart from the joining hotel, are not given in advance and are subject to change, so if someone needs to contact you urgently during your tour, the best method is to contact our office who can pass a message on to the tour leader. If you intend to take your mobile phone you should find out in advance from your network provider if your phone is set up for international roaming and if there is coverage in your destination. You may also find it considerably more expensive to send texts and receive calls if you are on a non European or British Network. A much cheaper option would be to purchase a telephone card and use local pay phones. Pre-Departure Meeting When you arrive on day one of your trip, you should find some local information at the hotel lobby. Your tour leader will be staying in the hotel and should have put up a welcome note to let you know what room they are in. A pre-departure meeting is usually held in the afternoon or early evening of day one. You will need to bring the following important items to the meeting with your tour leader: • Your passport, including any necessary visas and at least one photocopy to give to your tour leader • Vaccination certificates if relevant to any destinations on your tour • Travel insurance policy and a photocopy to give to your tour leader • Your travel voucher Missing the tour departure If you miss the start of your tour, please ask at the reception of the hotel for a message from your tour leader which will give you instructions on how to catch up with the group. Any associated costs will be at your own expense (although, depending on the reason, you may be able to claim these from your travel insurance so ensure you keep all receipts). If you know in advance that you are unlikely to arrive on time, please contact us immediately so we can inform the tour leader. On The Go Tours cannot be held responsible should your airline/ boat/coach be delayed and we are unable to refund any unused portion of your tour. updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. -4- TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague Time Keeping Punctuality is very important and throughout the tour your tour leader will give you the time to meet in reception. Tour leaders will often post notes at reception with meeting times, so remember to always look out for these. if you feel that their service was up to standard and is completely at your own discretion. Packing List The best advice when packing is to travel light and leave space for souvenirs in your bag. Good, comfortable walking shoes are essential. These do not need to be expensive boots, but they should have good ankle support and grip, be worn in and ideally waterproof. Essential items: Luggage Although rare, delays can occur and we therefore advise you not to arrange your onward travel too close to the end of the tour. We take no responsibility for any missed flights or additional expenses If the group arrives late into the departure city at the end of the tour. Money For personal spending money you should bring Euros alongside the local currency (where applicable). Generally the most convenient way of carrying your spending money is by having at least a couple of credit or debit cards. The majority of cards (Visa, Diners Club, MasterCard, American Express and Maestro, Plus and Cirrus for debit cards) are accepted in most large cities and tourist areas. ATMs (cash machines) are widespread. It is always best to carry a mix of cards and cash with you, including notes in small denominations. Your spending money should cover some meals, optional excursions, souvenirs, drinks, laundry, border and airport taxes and any visas obtained locally. We provide guideline prices for optional excursions in the itinerary to help you budget, but ultimately the amount you will need to budget for your trip very much depends on your individual requirements. We recommend bringing extra money to cover emergencies or unexpected situations. Tipping Tipping is a part of the life in Europe, but you should not feel obliged or pressured to tip if you have not received good service. A gratuity of 10% of the total bill is recommended in restaurants. Gratuities are usually expected for local guides on included and optional excursions. Tips are also appreciated by Tucan Travel tour leaders at the end of your tour and we recommend an average of $2-$4 per person per day for the duration of your tour. This is only Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 On our tours in Europe your luggage must be strictly limited to one reasonably-sized bag or backpack with a recommended maximum weight of no more than 20 kilograms/44 pounds plus one small day pack. You will have to carry your own luggage, sometimes down cobbled streets and up flights of stairs and cannot expect your tour leader to carry your bags. We recommend a frameless backpack or a sports type shoulder bag which fits comfortably on your shoulders, as they are less bulky and easier to handle than rigid suitcases or framed backpacks. Suitcases are not suitable for our tours and are not recommended. On The Go T ours takes no responsibility for damage to your luggage while on tour. In addition to your main bag, you will need a small daypack for your everyday excursions. Try to keep this bag as light as possible and make sure that all main sections of your bags can be padlocked. This daypack should have enough room to carry food and snacks, camera and personal items Sleeping Sheet Sleeping bags are not required on this tour, but a sleeping bag liner/sleep sheet is optional if you wish to bring one along. Some passengers like to use them on long bus journeys and overnight trains. Clothing and Footwear All clothes should be lightweight, durable and easily washable. Please do not bring any military or camouflage-style clothing as it can be dangerous to wear and occasionally illegal. Nights can be cold so it is a good idea to bring at least one pair of warm trousers or jeans plus several thinner sweaters / fleeces which you can layer. • A lightweight water/windproof jacket with hood • Easy to pack wide-brimmed hat or cap • Swimwear • Sandals or thongs/jandals/flip flops Suggested items: • Money belt • Sunglasses • Small calculator • Universal washbasin plug • Travel alarm clock • Lip balm, sun block with high UV factor • Wet wipes • Cheap plastic watch • Plenty of spare memory cards for your camera • Spare rechargeable batteries for camera • Writing materials, address book and diary • Travel games, cards and a couple of paperbacks • Small medical kit with diarrhoea remedy, rehydration salts, antiseptic cream, sterile dressings, plasters, bandages, pain-killers, safety pins etc. • Small collapsible umbrella • Plastic bags for waterproofing • Inflatable pillow • Towel • Travel plug adaptor with a USB port • Small sewing kit • Insect repellent (DEET 35% min) and bite cream • Antibactarial hand clensing gel • Ear plugs and sleep mask • Travel sickness tablets • Spare pair of spectacles or contact lenses and solution • Hard drive or USB stick to back up your photos • Pocket size phrasebook • Pegless washing line & travel laundry detergent (bio-degradable preferable) Laundry There are usually laundromats or laundry services in or near most of our hotels. Hotel services can be pretty costly however your updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. -5- TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague tour leader will be able to recommend cheaper options. If you wash clothes yourself take care not to be too obvious where you hang them as most hotels do not like guests washing and drying their clothes in the hotel rooms. Electricity Supply If bringing electrical equipment, make sure that you bring a two-pin/pronged, round-pin adapter/plug adapter. Health, Fitness & Safety Pack a Medical Kit A medical kit is handy for minor wounds and ailments. In areas with limited or dubious medical facilities, an emergency medical kit containing sterile syringes is also advisable. By law our staff are not allowed to administer first aid or give drugs to travellers, so please be prepared with your own supplies. If you are taking medication, please ensure you bring an adequate supply and a letter from your doctor to avoid potential issues at border crossings. Fitness & Suitability This is a public transport-based tour so it is essential that you be able to carry your bags over distances between bus and train stations and hotels, generally for up to 20 minutes. Disruptions happen and while your tour leader will make every effort to ensure your trip runs smoothly, patience, a sense of humour and willingness to get involved and help your tour leader are essential ingredients for a successful and happy group. If you have any pre-existing medical conditions please let us know at the time you book or as early before departure as possible. Depending on the severity of the condition, you may be asked to produce a medical certificate from your doctor approving your participation in this tour. While this would only happen in very exceptional circumstances, if we consider you incapable completing this tour or you have concealed an existing medical condition which is affecting your ability to participate in the tour of On The Go Tours reserve the right to turn you away without reimbursement. Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 Safety & Security our website for the latest version just prior to the start of your tour. Europe is generally very safe, even more so in a group. Reasonable precaution is advised; do not bring valuable jewellery or watches (even fakes can catch the eye of a thief), do not bring your camera equipment in a flashy camera bag, be prudent and keep your valuables in a safe secure place whenever possible, wear a money belt and distribute your valuables throughout your luggage, heed your tour leader’s advice and always keep an eye and a hand on your camera and bags in public places. On The Go Tours cannot accept responsibility for any valuables left in safe deposits in hotels or on public transport. Final Balance Age Restrictions Please let us know if you are travelling with another person on the tour but have made separate bookings and we will endeavour to make suitable rooming arrangements. We have a minimum age on all our group tours of 12 years old. Children aged between 12 and 18 must each be accompanied by a legal guardian or parent and we recommend that children have a companion of a similar age to them so that they have company along the way. While we do not have an upper age limit, the nature of our group tours can be very fast paced and travellers might be required to walk long distances, often in the heat. Documents Passport Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months after you have finished your tour with sufficient blank pages for visas and immigration stamps. Photocopy your passport, leaving one copy at home and taking one with you on tour. If you lose your passport while on tour, you will be responsible for any expenses incurred such as extra accommodation and transport while replacing your passport and will not be entitled to a refund of any unused portion of your tour. The balance for your tour is due no later than 60 days prior to the start of your tour and no tour vouchers will be issued until this is received. In addition please send the following details at least 60 days before you depart: • Passport number, date of issue, date of expiry, nationality and place of issue • Your full name and date of birth • Flight arrival details in your starting city • Special requirements, e.g. special dietary requirements or allergies Visas All countries have visa requirements that are subject to change at short notice. Please check with your local embassy or consulate for the very latest visa requirement information based on your nationality. It is your responsibility to ensure that you have all necessary visas for your tour. If you would like help applying for visas, we have recommended visa agencies. Important things to check when applying for visas: • Does the validity of the visa cover the duration of your time spent in the country? • Do you require a single or multiple entry visa(s) for your tour? • Are you required to show additional documentation when you arrive in a country? (Examples include proof of onward travel and travel itinerary) Tour Documents Before you depart you will be issued with a voucher for your tour any extra services such as airport transfers and pre/post tour accommodation. Please print these out and bring them with you. These Trip Notes are updated regularly, so we recommend checking Some visas are only valid for entry within three months of the date of issue which means on some of our longer tours the visa would expire before you are scheduled to enter the country. In these cases you must obtain the relevant visa during your tour. If it is necessary for you to obtain any visas en-route, please contact On The updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. -6- TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague Go Tours or your travel consultant and inform your tour leader at the start of the tour. If you do not have the appropriate visas, On The Go Tours will not reimburse any expenses incurred in acquiring visas or any unused portion of the tour. It is best to apply for visas in your home country if possible. If applying for visas by post, please allow plenty of time before departure and send your application by registered mail. Postal applications tend to be given a lower priority than in person applications and can take longer to process. Special Note: If you have dual nationality it is advised not to obtain different visas in different passports. Although this may sometimes be cheaper, you may encounter problems at border crossings if your exit stamps from one country are not the same as your visa for the next. Travel Insurance Policy Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. You must be adequately insured for medical, hospital, baggage and personal expenses, any necessary extra travel (rejoining tour or repatriation) as well as curtailment and cancellation. We strongly recommend that all clients carry a copy of their full policy document with them at all times, together with any certificate showing the policy number and emergency contact details. Your tour leader will also ask for a photocopy of your insurance document, so please take this to the pre-departure meeting at the start of your tour. You will not be able to commence your tour unless you can provide proof of insurance to your tour leader. Document Checklist • Passport (with photocopies of information pages and visas) • Trip Notes • Cash & credit/debit cards (best to take a mixture and more than one card in case one does not work) • Travel Insurance Certificate and photocopy for tour leader Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 • Travel consultant's phone number and email address • Proof of onward travel, ie airline ticket Optional Excursions Optional excursions are not operated by On The Go Tours and while every effort is made prices may not be up-to-date and are intended as a general guide to help you budget for your trip. Prices for vehicle-based excursions such as game drives are approximate based on the optimum number of participants and the actual price may vary depending on group size. Sufficient safety equipment such as helmets and life jackets are sometimes not available and On The Go Tours is unable to provide this equipment. If you intend to participate in an optional excursion you may like to consider bringing your own safety gear. Excursions are run by a local operator or third party with both On The Go Tours and the Tour Leader acting as a booking agent only. Optional activities are not part of the tour and Tucan Travel’s booking conditions do not apply to them. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct travel insurance for the excursions you intend to take part in and On The Go Tours is not liable for any injuries incurred. Extras On many of our Group Tours, we spend one night in our arrival and departure cities. If you want to explore these cities more we can book pre and post tour accommodation and airport transfers for you. Price information can be found on the price page of each tour. Illegal Drugs The possession or use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our tours. When overseas you are subject to local laws and the penalties for breaking these laws can be harsh. In order to safeguard the interests of the group as a whole, our tour leaders have been instructed to insist that any person found with illegal drugs leave the tour immediately – without refund. The tour leader’s decision on this matter is final. If you need to carry certain drugs with you for purposes of medication, please inform your tour leader and ensure that you carry a copy of your prescription or letter from your doctor. Czech Republic Country Guide Czech Republic: Fact File Capital: Prague Population: 10 million Total Area: 78,866 square kilometres Official Language: Czech Religions: Roman Catholics 40%, Protestant 45%, Orthodox 3%, Other 13%, unaffiliated 40%. Voltage: 230 volts Sockets differ to the rest of Europe - grounding is accomplished with a round male pin permanently mounted in the socket and therefore although the plugs are two pronged they must have the corresponding female contact to accept the grounding. Dialling Code: +420 Time Difference: GMT/UTC + 1. For other time differences please visit www.timeanddate.com Czech Republic: Brief history Following the First World War, the closely related Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, the new country's leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the demands of other ethnic minorities within the republic, most notably the Sudeten Germans and the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). After World War II, a truncated Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country's leaders to liberalize Communist party rule and create "socialism with a human face." Anti-Soviet demonstrations the following year ushered in a period of harsh repression. With the collapse of Soviet authority in 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its freedom through a peaceful "Velvet Revolution." On 1 January 1993, the country underwent a "velvet divorce" into its two national components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Czech Republic: Geography and weather The Czech Republic is situated approximately in the geographical centre of Europe. It is a landlocked country 326 km from the Baltic and 322 km from the Adriatic. It shares borders with Germany, Poland, Austria and Slovakia. The updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. -7- TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague highest point of elevation is the peak of Mt. Snezka (1,602 metres above sea level) and the lowest point of elevation is near Hrensko where the River Labe leaves Czech territory (117 metres above sea level). The climate is temperate with cool sunny summers and cold, cloudy, humid winters. Generally speaking most entrance fees will be covered by the recommended spending money. There are, however, other sites and museums that are not part of the tour programme which you may wish to visit in your free time. If you have an International Student Card you will often be entitled to reduced entrance fees. Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea of what the weather will be like on your trip. Tipping Czech Republic: Visas Most nationalities (including citizens of the EU, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the US) do not need a visa to enter the Czech Republic. If your nationality is not listed please consult your nearest Czech embassy or consulate before you travel Czech Republic: Money ALL prices stated are given as a guide only and are subject to change. Prices quoted in this country dossier are in euro, unless otherwise specified. Local currency The monetary unit in the Czech Republic is the Czech crown or koruna (Kc). For up to date exchange rates with your own currency visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com. Changing money, credit cards & ATMs The best place to change money in the Czech Republic is at banks and they are normally open Monday – Friday 8am – 5pm. There are many ATM’s where you can obtain Czech crowns cash using credit and debit cards. A service charge is rarely added to restaurant bills. Give a tip for good service directly to the waiter when you pay your bill. As a rule of thumb, round up to the next multiple of 10Kc. Czech Republic: Optional excursions A full list of the main excursions available on each tour can be found on daily itinerary on these trip notes. All prices given are approximate and are subject to change due to local inflation or exchange rates. Czech Republic: Local transport In Prague many of the sights are within walking distance of each other and the best way to get to know the city is on foot. However, if you plan to visit several different areas in one day the efficient and extensive Metro and bus system is inexpensive and easy to use. Czech Republic: Security Most people find the Czech Republic very friendly and safe and feel quite comfortable wandering around alone during the day. However, as with any area you are not familiar with it is recommended that you exercise more caution at night especially if you are a lone female. Working out your budget Czech Republic: Local food and drink Our Europe pre departure information includes a general list of all the things you should take into consideration when budgeting and an estimate of what you should allow per day for spending money. Below are some specific notes relevant to our trips in Czech Republic. Most meals are included when camping (please see your tour dossier for a complete breakdown of meals included). Breakfasts can be basic so if you tend to get hungry it may be a good idea to buy some fruit or snacks to eat during the day. All other meals, extra snacks and drinks on the tour are at your own expense. Entrance fees Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 Ask your tour leader if they can recommend any restaurants in the area to suit your taste or budget or have fun exploring independently. Food Food in the Czech Republic tends to revolve around pork, gravy, dumplings and pickled cabbage. Popular street snacks include bramborak, a potato pancake with flecks of bacon and smazeny syr – a slab of melted cheese fried in breadcrumbs and served in a toll with tartar sauce. Most pubs serve a menu of basic hot dishes. Most lunch time menus start with soup, one of the country’s culinary strong points. Main course are generally based on pork (veprovy) or beef (hovezi), you could also sample wild boar (kanci maso) or duck (kachna) which are usually delicious. Main course are served with different varieties of dumpling (knedilky) or vegetables. Drink The Czech Republic tops the world in the beer consumption league tables, and there are many delicious brands to try at cheap prices. Vegetarians Vegetarians will find no shortage of fresh salads on offer. Czech Republic: National holidays January 1st - New Year’s Day Variable - Easter Monday May 1st - Labour Day May 8th - Victory Day 1945 Jul 5th - Day of the Apostles St Cyril and St Methodius. July 6th - Jan Hus Day September 28th - Czech Statehood Day October 28th - National Day November 17th - Struggle for Liberty and Democracy Day December 24th - Christmas Eve December 25th - Christmas Day December 26th - St Stephens Day Estonia Country Guide Estonia: Fact File Official Name: Republic of Estonia Capital: Tallinn Population: 1.4 million updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. -8- TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague Total Area: 45,748 square kilometres Official Language: Estonian, Russian Religions: Evangelical Lutheran 13.6%, Orthodox 12.8%, other Christian (including Methodist, Seventh-Day Adventist, Roman Catholic, Pentecostal) 1.4%, unaffiliated 34.1%, other and unspecified 32%, none 6.1% Voltage: 220 volts / 50 Hz Dialling Code: +372 Time Difference: GMT/UTC + 2. For other time differences please visit www.timeanddate.com Estonia: Brief history Originally a pagan territory followed by a spell under servitude to German nobility. Estonia’s history along with the other Baltic States has been a continuous struggle to maintain independence and national integrity against its larger neighbours. Russia in particular saw the benefits of acquiring Estonia’s territory for both economic and strategic reasons and took Estonia from Sweden, at the Treaty of Nystadt, in 1721. Proceeding the German invasion of the Soviet Union during WWII, Estonia became one of the 15 Soviet Socialist Republics until Mikhail Gorbachev then Communist Party General Secretary, offered the prospect of change for the Baltic States. In 1990, the Estonian Communist Party voted in favour of full independence from the Soviet Union but allowed for a six-month transitional period before making the decision final. Rapid international recognition of Estonia as a sovereign state, followed by admission to the United Nations, completed the transition to full nationhood. Estonia joined the European Union in 2004. Estonia: Geography and weather Estonia is a low lying country with almost half of its land mass forested and over 1,400 lakes Our tours only operate from late spring (April/ May) to early Autumn (in Eastern Europe) when the weather is generally at its best. Temperatures will vary but will still be cool in April/May and again in October. The warmest months tend to be July/August. The further south you are the higher the average temperatures. You can expect snow from December to late March. Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea of what the weather will be like on your trip. Estonia: Visas Make sure your passport is valid for at least two months after your trip.Visa regulations change frequently so it is important you consult with the embassy prior to travelling to ensure you have the correct visas. In some cases you will be crossing the borders on overnight trains and without the correct visa for your nationality you will not be allowed to enter the country and will be asked to leave the train. It is the responsibility of the traveller to obtain all correct visas needed prior to departure. Nationals of EU and EEA member states are free to enter Estonia. The required travel document for entry is a national ID card or passport. Estonia: Money ALL prices stated in this dossier are given as a guide only and are subject to change. Local currency Generally speaking most entrance fees will be covered by the recommended spending money. There are, however, other sites and museums that are not part of the tour programme which you may wish to visit in your free time. If you have an International Student Card you will often be entitled to reduced entrance fees. Tipping In restaurants 15% is usually added to restaurant bills and you are obliged to pay this. It is also customary to give the waiter 5%-10% on top of this if you are happy with the service. You do not need to tip taxi drivers, etc but you should tip people who assist you with your luggage at hotels (don’t over-tip; your tour leader will advise a suitable amount). Tipping guides at the end of excursions and treks etc is always appreciated and your tour leader will advise you on the amount for this. Estonia: Optional excursions The monetary unit in Estonia is the euro. For up to date exchange rates with your own currency visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com. A full list of the main excursions available on each tour can be found on daily itinerary on these trip notes. All prices given are approximate and are subject to change due to local inflation or exchange rates. Changing money, credit cards & ATMs Estonia: Local transport All major currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. Credit cards are widely Estonia’s cities have good bus and tram networks running from approximately 6am to Midnight. Tickets are sold from Kiosks in the accepted. Most banks will give cash advances on credit cards with a passport. There are ATMs in most towns. Traveller's cheques can be changed in banks in most larger towns. The main banks in Estonia who serve tourists are Hansapank, Sampo Pank and Ühispank. Working out your budget Our Europe pre departure information includes a general list of all the things you should take into consideration when budgeting and an estimate of what you should allow per day for spending money. Below are some specific notes relevant to our trips in Estonia. Entrance fees street or from the driver they must be validated once on board the vehicle on the spot fines can be issued if not. One of the most popular and reliable ways of getting around on your own in large cities in is by taxi. Try to find out what the going rate for journeys is before you hop into a taxi to ensure you are not being overcharged. Your tour leader will be able to provide advice on this when you stop in major cities. Estonia: Security Generally people find Eastern Europe to be safe and feel confident wandering alone during the day. However if you are unfamiliar with an area it is recommended that you exercise more caution at night and taxi taxis rather than walk, especially if you are a lone female traveller. In some cities bag snatching can occur so always keep a firm hand/eye on your personal items. updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. -9- TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague Petty theft, especially in Tallinn Old Town, is becoming increasingly common. If there is a safe available in your hotel it is recommended you use it. Estonia: Local food and drink Some breakfasts are included in your tour. Breakfasts can be basic so if you tend to get hungry it may be a good idea to buy some fruit or snacks to eat during the day. All other meals, extra snacks and drinks on the tour are at your own expense. Ask your tour leader if they can recommend any restaurants in the area to suit your taste or budget or have fun exploring independently. Hors d'oeuvres are very good in Estonia and often considered the best part of the meal. Food 23 June - Võidupüha (Victory Day - anniversary of the Battle of Võnnu). 24 June - Midsummer's Day/Jaanipäev (St John's Day). 20 August - Restoration of Independence Day. 25-26 December- Jõulud (Christmas) and Boxing Day. Lithuania Country Guide Lithuania: Fact File Official Name: Republic of Lithuania Capital: Vilnius Population: 3.7 million Total Area: 65,300 square kilometres Official Language: Lithuanian, Lithuania has a large number of dialects for such a small territory, including High Lithuanian (Aukstaiciai) and Low Lithuanian (Zemaiciai). Religions: Roman Catholic (79%) with Russian Orthodox and Protestant, including Evangelical You may want to try national specialities such as: Sült (jellied veal), Täidetud vasikarind (roast stuffed shoulder of veal), Rosolje (vinaigrette with herring and beets), Braised goose stuffed with apples and plums and Estonian wild mushroom soup. Lutheran and Evangelical Reformist. Voltage: 220 volts / 50 Hz. European-style twopin plugs are in use. Dialling Code: +370 Time Difference: GMT/UTC + 2. For other time differences please visit www.timeanddate.com Drink Lithuania: Brief history National drinks include: Saare beer (dark and heavy yet tasty), Mulled wine and Vana Tallinn (a local liqueur that's probably best left to the locals to sip! All drinks such as bottled water or soft drinks are at your own expense at all times and are fairly inexpensive. Alcoholic drinks vary in price, with wine and beer generally being the cheapest options. Vegetarians Vegetarians will find no shortage of fresh salads on offer. Estonia: National holidays 1 January - New Year's Day. 24 February - Independence Day. 10 April - Good Friday. 1 May - May Day. 31 May - Whit Sunday (Pentecost). Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 Lithuanians, along with Latvians and ancient Prussians, are descendants of the Balts, an IndoEuropean ethnic group that settled on the Baltic coast 4,000 years ago. The name Lithuania dates back to 1009 AD. Grand Duke Mindaugas is recognised as the founder of Lithuania, a territory which included Minsk and later stretched as far as the Black Sea. Lithuania was able to withstand the advance of the Teutonic Knights, merging with Poland in 1569 to create the Joint Republic of the Polish Kingdom and Lithuanian Grand Duchy. Russia then took possession of part of Lithuania in 1795 (the western region was claimed by Prussia). The Russians were driven out by the German army during World War I. The Lithuanian Council then declared independence in February 1918. In 1921, Lithuania joined the League of Nations. Poland continued to occupy Vilnius, the Lithuanian capital. Lithuania was occupied by the German Army in 1941 until its reannexation by the Soviets three years later. Despite occupying radio, TV and other key installations, the Soviet forces were forced to back down. This period in Lithuanian history concluded with the effective end to Soviet Government followed immediately by Lithuanian independence. The country was recognised and rapidly gained admission to the United Nations, the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, the Council of Europe and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. Present-day Lithuania joined the European Union on 1 May, 2004 and today has one of the fastest growing economies in the bloc. Lithuania: Geography and weather Lithuania is the largest of the Baltics and mainly flat with forest covering around a third of its mass. Our tours mostly operate from late spring (April/May) to early autumn (in Eastern Europe) when the weather is generally at its best. Temperatures will vary but will still be cool in April/May and again in October. The warmest months tend to be July/August. The further south you are the higher the average temperatures. You can expect snow from December to late March. Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea of what the weather will be like on your tour. Lithuania: Visas Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months after your tour. Visas are not required by British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and US citizens for a stay of up to 90 days. Lithuania joined the Schengen Agreement on 21 December 2007 for overland entry points and seaports, and on 29 March 2008 for airports. Lithuania: Money ALL prices stated in this dossier are given as a guide only and are subject to change. Local currency updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. - 10 - TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague As of 1st Jan 2015, Lithuania is in the euro zone. For up to date exchange rates with your own currency visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com. approximate and are subject to change due to local inflation or exchange rates. Lithuanian spirit is midus, a mild alcoholic beverage made from honey. Lithuania: Local transport Lithuania: National holidays Prices quoted in this country dossier are in euros or litas. Public transport includes buses and trolley buses, which usually run from 5am-11pm, tickets can be bought either at news kiosks before boarding or from the driver. 1 January - New Year's Day 16 February - Restoration of the State Day (1918) 11 March - Restoration of Independence Day (1990) 10-13 April - Easter 1 May - International Labour Day 3 May - Mothers' Day 24 June - Jonines (St John's Day/Midsummer's Day) 6 July - Anniversary of the Coronation of King Mindaugas 15 August - Assumption Day 1 November - All Saints' Day 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Boxing Day Changing money, credit cards & ATMs Major credit cards are accepted in the main hotels, restaurants, shops and in some petrol stations. ATMs are available in most cities. Traveller's cheques are not accepted by retailers and can only be exchanged at a few outlets. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US dollars. Working out your budget Our Europe pre departure information includes a general list of all the things you should take into consideration when budgeting and an estimate of what you should allow per day for spending money. Below are some specific notes relevant to our tours in Lithuania. Entrance fees Generally speaking most entrance fees will be covered by the recommended spending money. There are, however, other sites and museums that are not part of the tour programme which you may wish to visit in your free time. If you have an International Student Card you will often be entitled to reduced entrance fees. Tipping Restaurant bills usually include a tip. It is customary to give a little extra for good service. You do not need to tip taxi drivers, etc but you should tip people who assist you with your luggage at hotels (don’t over-tip, your tour leader will advise a suitable amount). Tipping guides at the end of excursions and treks etc is always appreciated and your tour leader will advise you on the amount for this. Lithuania: Optional excursions A full list of the main excursions available on each tour can be found on daily itinerary on these trip notes. All prices given are Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 One of the most popular and reliable ways of getting around on your own in large cities in is by taxi. Try to find out what the going rate for journeys is before you hop into a taxi to ensure you are not being overcharged. Your tour leader will be able to provide advice on this when you stop in major cities. Lithuania: Security Generally people find Eastern Europe to be safe and feel confident wandering alone during the day. However if you are unfamiliar with an area it is recommended that you exercise more caution at night and taxi taxis rather than walk, especially if you are a lone female traveller. In some cities bag snatching can occur so always keep a firm hand/eye on your personal items. Latvia Country Guide Latvia: Fact File Ask your tour leader if they can recommend any restaurants in the area to suit your taste or budget or have fun exploring independently. Official Name: Republic of Latvia Capital: Riga Population: 2.4 million Total Area: 64,589 square kilometres Official Language: Latvian is the official language. Russian, English and German are widely spoken. Religions: Non-religious 35%, Lutheran 24%, Catholic 18%, Orthodox 15%, others 8%. Voltage:</b> 220 volts / 50 Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are in use. Dialling Code: +371 Time Difference: GMT/UTC + 2. For other time differences please visit www.timeanddate.com Food Latvia: Brief history Lithuania: Local food and drink Some breakfasts are included in your tour. Breakfasts can be basic so if you tend to get hungry it may be a good idea to buy some fruit or snacks to eat during the day. All other meals, extra snacks and drinks on the tour are at your own expense. National specialities to keep a look out for are skilandis (smoked meat), salti barsciai (cold soup), vedarai (potato sausage) and bulviniai blynai (potato pancakes), smoked eel is a famous Baltic delicacy, and you may enjoy trying mild white curd cheese, best served with honey. Drink National drinks include local brands of beer and imported drinks are popular. A famous Latvia has long been an important trading centre and strategic territory in the Baltic region. The various Latvian tribes were self-governing, hailing back to around 2000 BC. By the end of the 13th century the territory was the conquered by the German Teutonic Knights, who founded Riga in 1202 AD and went on to control the seaboard from Poland to Estonia and inland into Latvia. The territory was then controlled by Poland from 1561 (during the reign of Ivan the Terrible) followed by Sweden. updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. - 11 - TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague By 1795, the entire Latvian territory was under Russian control, ruled by Peter the Great. This continued until the Bolshevik revolution of 1917 which resulted in the 1918 Treaty of BrestLitovsk under which Russia was obliged to give up its Baltic territories. Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea of what the weather will be like on your tour. The Treaty of Versailles then enabled the Latvians to assert their independence briefly for the first time in more than 600 years. Russian forces took over power once more just before World War II but were driven out by the Nazi invasion of the Soviet Union in 1941. Troops returned to Latvia three years later, to incorporate the country into the Soviet Union along with Estonia and Lithuania as one of the 15 Soviet republics. Visa regulations change frequently so it is important you consult with the embassy prior to travelling to ensure you have the correct visas. In some cases you will be crossing the borders on overnight trains. Visas are not required by British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and US citizens for a stay of up to 90 days within any six-month period. For stays over 90 days these nationals should apply for a residence permit from the Latvian offices of citizenship and migration affairs. Latvia's present independence began with the accession of Mikhail Gorbachev as Soviet leader in 1985. The country gained full independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. The new state was quickly recognised internationally and readmitted to the UN. A new currency, the Lat, was introduced in 1993 followed by the first postindependence elections Latvia joined the EU in May 2004, along with its Baltic neighbours. Latvia: Geography and weather Latvia is situated on the Baltic coast and borders Estonia to the north, Lithuania to the south, the Russian Federation to the east and Belarus to the southeast. The coastal plain is mostly flat but, towards the east, the land is hilly with forests and lakes. There are about 12,000 rivers in Latvia, the biggest being the River Daugava. The ports of Riga and Ventspils often freeze over during the winter. Our tours mostly operate from late spring (April/May) to early Autumn (in Eastern Europe) when the weather is generally at its best. Temperatures will vary but will still be cool in April/May and again in October. The warmest months tend to be July/August. The further south you are the higher the average temperatures. You can expect snow from December to late March. Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 Latvia: Visas Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months after your tour begins. Latvia: Money ALL prices stated in this dossier are given as a guide only and are subject to change. Local currency Latvia is in the euro zone. For up to date exchange rates with your own currency visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com. Changing money, credit cards & ATMs Bureaux de Change are found all over main towns, including inside shops, hotels, post offices and train stations. These tend to close at 7pm. The most convenient currencies to exchange are the euro and the US dollar. American Express, Diners Club, JCB, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by most hotels, restaurants and shops. ATMs are available in towns and cities. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US dollars or pounds sterling. Working out your budget Our Europe pre departure information includes a general list of all the things you should take into consideration when budgeting and an estimate of what you should allow per day for spending money. Below are some specific notes relevant to our tours in Latvia. Entrance fees Generally speaking most entrance fees will be covered by the recommended spending money. There are, however, other sites and museums that are not part of the tour programme which you may wish to visit in your free time. If you have an International Student Card you will often be entitled to reduced entrance fees. Tipping In restaurants 15% is usually added to restaurant bills and you are obliged to pay this. It is also customary to give the waiter 5%-10% on top of this if you are happy with the service. You do not need to tip taxi drivers, etc but you should tip people who assist you with your luggage at hotels (don’t over-tip; your tour leader will advise a suitable amount). Tipping guides at the end of excursions and treks etc is always appreciated and your tour leader will advise you on the amount for this. Latvia: Optional excursions A full list of the main excursions available on each tour can be found on daily itinerary on these trip notes. All prices given are approximate and are subject to change due to local inflation or exchange rates. Latvia: Local transport Latvia’s cities have good bus and tram networks running from approximately 5am to midnight. Tickets are sold from kiosks in the street or from the driver they must be validated once on board the vehicle on the spot fines can be issued if not. Latvia: Security Generally people find Eastern Europe to be safe and feel confident wandering alone during the day. However if you are unfamiliar with an area it is recommended that you exercise more caution at night and taxi taxis rather than walk, especially if you are a lone female traveller. In some cities bag snatching can occur so always keep a firm hand/eye on your personal items. updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. - 12 - TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague Petty theft, especially in Riga, is becoming increasingly common. If there is a safe available in your hotel it is recommended you use it. Latvia: Local food and drink Some breakfasts are included in your tour. Breakfasts can be basic so if you tend to get hungry it may be a good idea to buy some fruit or snacks to eat during the day. All other meals, extra snacks and drinks on the tour are at your own expense. Ask your tour leader if they can recommend any restaurants in the area to suit your taste or budget or have fun exploring independently. Food Hors d’oeuvres are considered very good and often the best part of the meal. Overall, cuisine can be heavy but almost always tasty and nourishing. Look out for the astounding variety of cakes, breads and pastries. You may want to try national specialities such as, kotletes (meat patties), skabu kapostu zupa (cabbage soup), Alexander torte (raspberry- or cranberry-filled pastry stours), sweetbread soup with dried fruit, piragi (pastry filled with bacon and onions). Drink National drinks include, Riga’s Black Balsam, a thick, black alcoholic liquid which has been produced since 1700. The exact recipe is a closely guarded secret, but some of the ingredients include ginger, oak bark, bitter orange peel and cognac. It is drunk either with coffee or mixed with vodka. There are several good local beers, including the dark beer Bauskas Tumsais and the pale Gaisais. Kvass is a refreshing summer drink. All drinks such as bottled water or soft drinks are at your own expense at all times and are fairly inexpensive. Alcoholic drinks vary in price, with wine and beer generally being the cheapest options. The legal drinking age is 18. Latvia: National holidays 1 January - New Year's Day. 10 April - Good Friday. Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 13 April - Easter Monday. 1 May - Labour Day. 4 May - Declaration of Independence Day. 23 June- Ligo (Midsummer's Eve). 24 June - Jani (Midsummer's Day/St John's Day). 18 November - Latvian National Day. 25 December - Christmas Day. 26 December - Boxing Day. 31 December - New Year's Eve. Poland Country Guide Poland: Fact File Official Name: Republic of Poland Capital: Warsaw Population: 39 million Total Area: 312,677 square kilometres Official Language: Polish. German and English are spoken in some places. Religions: 95% Roman Catholic; other religions include Polish Autocephalous Orthodox, Russian and Greek Orthodox, Protestant, Jewish and Muslim. Voltage: 220 volts / 50 Hz. European-style twopin plugs are in use. Dialling Code: +48 Time Difference: GMT/UTC +2. For other time differences please visit www.timeanddate.com Poland: Brief history Poland was one of the largest states in Europe throughout much of its history. By the 18th century, Poland was reduced to a territory which was argued over by Austria, Prussia and Russia. The country was eventually divided between the three leaving a small area around Warsaw to remain independent. Poland did not regain its independence until 1918 but by 1926 it was again divided by its powerful neighbours, Germany and the Soviet Union, followed by occupation during both world wars. In 1948, the Polish Workers' Party merged with the Polish Socialist Party to form Polska Zjednoczona Partia Robotnicza (Polish United Workers' Party, PZPR). Opposition to the regime was led by elements of the industrial work force, Solidarnosc. During this period there were also movements elsewhere in Eastern Europe which were led by intellectuals, such as Charter 77 – and supported by the Catholic Church, a major political force in Poland that the communists had never been able to fully suppress. In 1981 Solidarnosc was banned and its senior figures detained, including its leader, shipyard electrician Lech Walesa. In 1988, following collapse of the economy, the PZPR government resigned and opened negotiations with Solidarnosc. Elections were held in favour of Solidarnosc. Tadeusz Mazowiecki became the first non-communist prime minister. This signified a change in the tide and over the following years the whole of Eastern Europe shed its communist governments, directly resulting in the collapse of the Soviet Union. Throughout the 1990s Poland was politically stable, securing entry into both NATO and the European Union. As the largest of the former Eastern European states, Poland's position is crucial. Poland joined NATO in July 1997 and the European Union in May 2004. Poland: Geography and weather Our tours mostly operate from late spring (April/May) to early Autumn (in Eastern Europe) when the weather is generally at its best. Temperatures will vary but will still be cool in April/May and again in October. The warmest months tend to be July/August. The further south you are the higher the average temperatures. You can expect snow from December to late March. Poland: Visas Make sure your passport is valid for at least three months after your tour begins. Visa regulations change frequently so it is important you consult with the embassy prior to travelling to ensure you have the correct visas. In some cases you will be crossing the borders on overnight trains. Visas are not required by British, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and US citizens for a stay of up to 90 days. IMPORTANT: All visitors entering Poland must possess travel or medical insurance to cover possible medical expenses for at least €30,000 and Zl100 per day for accommodation and sustenance. updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. - 13 - TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague Poland: Money guide only and are subject to change. guides at the end of excursions and treks etc is always appreciated and your tour leader will advise you on the amount for this. Local currency Poland: Optional excursions ALL prices stated in this dossier are given as a The monetary unit in Poland is the zloty, zł. Notes are in denominations of zł 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. The new coins are in denominations of zł 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 and 1 groszyis. For up to date exchange rates with your own currency visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com. Changing money, credit cards & ATMs ATMs are widely available. American Express, Diners Club, MasterCard and Visa are accepted in larger establishments. Cash can be obtained from Visa credit cards at banks. Travellers cheques can be readily exchanged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in pounds sterling. Working out your budget Our Europe pre-departure information includes a general list of all the things you should take into consideration when budgeting and an estimate of what you should allow per day for spending money. Below are some specific notes relevant to our tours in Poland. Entrance fees Generally speaking most entrance fees will be covered by the recommended spending money. There are, however, other sites and museums that are not part of the tour programme which you may wish to visit in your free time. If you have an International Student Card you will often be entitled to reduced entrance fees. Tipping Restaurant bills usually include a tip. It is customary to give a little extra for good service. You do not need to tip taxi drivers, etc but you should tip people who assist you with your luggage at hotels (don’t over-tip, your tour leader will advise a suitable amount). Tipping Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 A full list of the main excursions available on each tour can be found on daily itinerary on these trip notes. All prices given are approximate and are subject to change due to local inflation or exchange rates. Poland: Local transport In Warsaw, the Municipal Transport Board (ZTM) is responsible for the bus, metro and tram services. ZTM tickets are valid for all services and can be purchased as a single ride or as a day pass. Some buses allow the purchase of tickets on board, but it is best to buy them before you use any transport. In Kracow: The MPK is the transport board responsible for public buses and trams however there is no metro system. Public transport tickets are available in all towns at green Ruch kiosks, hotels and post offices. Most public transport operates from 5.30am to 11pm; night buses, in the major cities, run from 11pm to 5am. One of the most popular and reliable ways of getting around on your own in large cities in is by taxi. Try to find out what the going rate for journeys is before you hop into a taxi to ensure you are not being overcharged. Your tour leader will be able to provide advice on this when you stop in major cities. Poland: Security Generally people find Eastern Europe to be safe and feel confident wandering alone during the day. However if you are unfamiliar with an area it is recommended that you exercise more caution at night and taxi taxis rather than walk, especially if you are a lone female traveller. In some cities bag snatching can occur so always keep a firm hand/eye on your personal items. If there is a safe available in your hotel it is recommended you use it. Poland: Local food and drink Some breakfasts are included in your tour. Breakfasts can be basic so if you tend to get hungry it may be a good idea to buy some fruit or snacks to eat during the day. All other meals, extra snacks and drinks on the tour are at your own expense. Ask your tour leader if they can recommend any restaurants in the area to suit your taste or budget or have fun exploring independently. Food Poland has a distinctive cuisine, with typical ingredients being dill, marjoram, caraway seeds, wild mushrooms and sour cream, which is frequently added to soups, sauces and braised meats. Soups play an important part at mealtimes and are usually rich and very thick. Barszcz (beetroot soup), however, runs thin and clear and is often served in cups with small hot pasties stuffed with meat or cabbage. There are several salt- and fresh-water fish dishes using trout, carp and herring. Pastries, such as szarlotka (apple cake), packi (jelly doughnuts) and makowiec (poppy seed cake) can be bought at a cukiernia. Note that big cities offer a selection of other world cuisines. Keep a look out for national specialities such as salted and rolled herring fillets with pickles and onions, Kabanos (long, thick sausages), Kasza (buckwheat). Bigos – sauerkraut with a variety of meats, Pierogi – dumplings stuffed with cottage cheese, minced meat, cabbage or wild mushrooms. You can also expect dumpling and potatoes, potato pancakes are in abundance. Drink Of course being Poland’s national drink you can expect to find vodka in a multitude of varieties and strengths. Beer is also popular and widely served. All drinks such as bottled water or soft drinks are at your own expense at all times and are fairly inexpensive. Alcoholic drinks vary in price, with updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. - 14 - TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague wine and beer generally being the cheapest options. The legal drinking age is 18. Slovenia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004. Poland: National holidays Slovenia: Geography and weather 1 January - New Year's Day. 13 April - Easter Monday. 30 April - Queen's Day. 1 May - Labour Day. 5 May - Liberation Day. 21 May - Ascension. 11 June - Corpus Christi. 15 August - Assumption. 1 November - All Saints' Day. 11 November - Independence Day. 25-26 December - Christmas Day. Slovenia Country Guide Slovenia: Fact File Official Name: Republic of Slovenia Capital: Ljubljana Population: 2 million Total Area: 20,273 square kilometres Official Language: Slovenian (others SerboCroatian). English is widely spoken in the main cities, If you tour also spends time in smaller towns and villages you may wish to bring along a phrasebook to help you pick up a few words of the local language. Religions: Roman Catholic 88%, Orthodox 4.4%, Muslim 1.3% / Roman Catholic 71%, Lutheran 1%, Muslim 1% Voltage: 220-240 volts. European-style two-pin plugs are in use. Dialling Code: +386 Time Difference:GMT/UTC +1. For other time differences please visit www.timeanddate.com Slovenia: Brief history Slovenia was part of the Holy Roman Empire and then the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918, when the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in forming a new multinational state, renamed Yugoslavia. After World War II, Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia, and although Communist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. The Slovenes succeeded in establishing their independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 after a short 10-day war. Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and a stable democracy have assisted in Slovenia's transformation to a modern state. Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 Slovenia is wedged between Austria and Croatia. Often refered to as a microcosim of European geography as a whole, the geography varies from a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region adjacent to Italy and Austria and mixed mountains and valleys with numerous rivers to the east. Slovenia experiences a Mediterranean climate on the coast and a continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east. Our tours mostly operate from late spring (April/May) to early Autumn (in Eastern Europe) when the weather is generally at its best. Temperatures will vary but will still be cool in April/May and again in October. The warmest months tend to be July/August. The further south you are the higher the average temperatures. You can expect snow from December to late March. Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea of what the weather will be like on your tour. Slovenia: Visas Many nationalities (including citizens of the UK, Australia, Canada, the US and most of continental Europe) do not need a visa to enter Slovenia. However, visitors must hold an onward ticket, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds. If your nationality is not listed please consult your nearest Slovenian embassy or consulate before you travel. Slovenia: Money ALL prices stated in this dossier are given as a guide only and are subject to change. Local currency Slovenia is in the euro zone. For up to date exchange rates with your own currency visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com. The easiest way to obtain money in Slovenia is to draw it out of an ATM (cash machine) on a credit or debit card (e.g. visa or cirrus). ATMs are widely available throughout Eastern Europe and credit cards are accepted in many restaurants and shops. Another option is to bring cash in euros but we advise against bringing all your money in this form, in case of theft. Working out your budget Our Europe pre departure information includes a general list of all the things you should take into consideration when budgeting and an estimate of what you should allow per day for spending money. Below are some specific notes relevant to our tours in Slovenia. Entrance fees Generally speaking most entrance fees will be covered by the recommended spending money. There are, however, other sites and museums that are not part of the tour programme which you may wish to visit in your free time. If you have an International Student Card you will often be entitled to reduced entrance fees. Tipping In a restaurant, round up the bill unless a service charge has already been added or the service was not up to standard. You should also round up bar bills and taxi fares. In Slovenia tipping is not compulsory, but a 10% gratuity in restaurants will always be appreciated. Slovenia: Optional excursions A full list of the main excursions available on each tour can be found on daily itinerary on these trip notes. All prices given are approximate and are subject to change due to local inflation or exchange rates. Slovenia: Security Generally people find Eastern Europe to be safe and feel confident wandering alone during the day. However if you are unfamiliar with an area it is recommended that you exercise more caution at night and taxi taxis rather than walk, especially if you are a lone female traveller. In Changing money, credit cards & ATMs updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. - 15 - TRIP NOTES Estonia to Prague some cities bag snatching can occur so always keep a firm hand/eye on your personal items. Slovenia: Local food and drink Most meals are included when camping (please see your trip notes for a complete breakdown of meals included). Breakfasts can be basic so if you tend to get hungry it may be a good idea to buy some fruit or snacks to eat during the day. All other meals, extra snacks and drinks on the tour are at your own expense. Ask your tour leader if they can recommend any restaurants in the area to suit your taste or budget or have fun exploring independently. Food In Slovenia food is heavily based on fish, venison and the dumpling although popular everyday dishes also include cabbage, beans and potatoes. Every Slovenian region has its own various types of bread. Traditional dishes are best tried at an inn (gostilna). Drink Slovenia has been making wine since the time of the Romans, and it now produces many high quality varieties. All drinks such as bottled water or soft drinks are at your own expense at all times and are fairly inexpensive. Alcoholic drinks vary in price, with wine and beer generally being the cheapest options. The legal drinking age is 18. Slovenia: National holidays 1-2 January - New Year 8 February - Preseren Day (Slovenian Cultural Holiday) 28 March - Easter Monday 27 April - Resistance Day 1-2 May - Labour Day Holiday 15 May - Pentecost 25 June - National Day 15 August - Assumption 31 October - Reformation Day 1 November - All Saints’ Day 25 December - Christmas Day 26 December - Independence Day Estonia to Prague - 13 Days www.onthegotours.com UK 020 7371 1113 info@onthegotours.com AUS 1300 855 684 aus-info@onthegotours.com NZ 0800 44 77 69 CAN 1 866 890 7038 USA 1 866 377 6147 SA 0800 982 686 updated on 01-10-2016 This information has been compiled with care and good faith. They give an accurate illustration of the proposed arrangements for this holiday. Circumstances beyond our control such as changes in local conditions, inclement weather or other reasons could force us to make changes to this itinerary. Any costs shown are subject to change, though are an accurate reflection of costs at time of writing. Please also note that visa requirements are subject to change and are the responsibility of the traveller and not that of On The Go Tours. - 16 -