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poland tour, travel austria, europe tours, prague travel, tauck
2010 – 14 Days from $4,990
Become immersed in culture among the palaces, castles, art, architecture, and music of Old World Europe on this 2-week Eastern Europe and Poland tour. Enjoy Strauss and Mozart at a private palace concert in Vienna... a piano recital of Chopin's music in Warsaw... a private lunch with Gypsy music and a private dinner cruise on the Danube in Budapest... a strudel-making demonstration in Vienna... a special private farewell evening at Lobkowicz Palace in Prague Castle and much more.

2010 Itinerary


Day 1 - Welcome to Warsaw
Your Poland tour begins at 6 PM at Le Méridien Bristol, Warsaw.  A transfer is included from Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport to your historic hotel on Warsaw's fashionable "Royal Route." Meet your travel companions and your Tauck Director at tonight's welcome reception and dinner in the hotel, a Warsaw landmark for over a century.
Meals: Dinner
Lodging: Le Méridien Bristol, Warsaw, Poland

Day 2 - Explore Warsaw, a city reborn
On your first full day in Poland tour the sights of Warsaw, including the Palace of Culture, Radziwill Palace and the Jewish Ghetto Memorial. Visit the city's 13th- and 14th-century Old Town, meticulously re-constructed after WWII, on a walking tour. Enjoy a free afternoon to pursue your own interests. In the evening, attend a private piano recital in a palace that features the music of Warsaw native Frédéric Chopin.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Le Méridien Bristol, Warsaw, Poland

Day 3 - Cracow, Wawel Castle and Wieliczka's salt mines
Head across the Polish countryside to ancient Cracow, considered one of the finest medieval cities in Europe, for a two-night stay. After lunch, see Wawel Castle, the seat of Polish kings from the 11th to 17th centuries, and visit Wawel Cathedral. Then join us if you wish for an excursion to the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a subterranean labyrinth of passages, caverns, chapels, and statues carved into crystalline salt. Worked for 800 years, the mine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating experience on your Poland tour. Dinner is à la carte at your hotel tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Krakow Hotel, Cracow, Poland

Day 4 - Medieval Cracow and poignant Auschwitz
You'll have a choice of sightseeing this morning, choosing to explore the former Jewish Quarter, known as the Kazimierz (holidays permitting), or embarking on a walking tour with a local guide through Cracow's 13th-century Old Town, including Jagiellonian University. In the afternoon, you're free to explore Cracow on your own or join an excursion to the poignant memorial and museum at Auschwitz, 40 miles from the city.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Sheraton Krakow Hotel, Cracow, Poland

Day 5 - Through the Tatra Mountains, bound for Hungary
Travel from Poland through the scenic Tatra Mountains, stopping for lunch in Slovakia en route to Hungary. Arrive in Budapest; your hotel towers over the city center. In the evening, enjoy an à la carte dinner at your hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, Hungary

Day 6 - Stunning architecture in Pest
Today, take a close-up look at fascinating Budapest as your Eastern Europe and Poland tour reveals landmarks in the city's Pest section, on the eastern side of the Danube. See the embassy district, City Park, and Heroes' Square; visit the opulent State Opera House, St. Stephen's Basilica, and Dohány Synagogue (holidays permitting). Choose among Budapest's many sights and museums to explore in your free afternoon; this evening, a private dinner cruise on the Danube River (with wine included) offers a stunning viewpoint from which to admire the city's illuminated architecture.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, Hungary

Day 7 - Parliament, beautiful Buda and more
Start today's sightseeing with a morning visit to Hungary's Parliament building in Pest, a neo-Gothic masterpiece. Then head over to Buda to admire the frescoes and stained glass windows inside the Gothic Matthias Church, where the final two Hungarian kings were crowned; see Fishermen's Bastion overlooking the Danube, with its neo-Romanesque design; and explore the cobblestone streets of Castle Hill, offering more splendid views of the city. Following lunch accompanied by gypsy music at a local restaurant, peruse the offerings of Central Market Hall with a local guide; you may enjoy complimentary use of the hotel's spa if you wish, as the rest of your day is free in Budapest.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Kempinski Hotel Corvinus Budapest, Hungary

Day 8 - Check out Bratislava en route to Vienna
Your Eastern Europe and Poland tour winds its way from Hungary through Slovakia en route to Austria. Stop in Slovakia's capital city of Bratislava to explore some 17 centuries worth of history on a walking tour with a local guide, have lunch, and attend a lecture on the Slovak Republic. Then continue on to glorious Vienna, the Austrian capital and former center of the Habsburg empire, for a three-night stay the Hotel Bristol, Vienna - one of Europe's most celebrated hotels - where you'll enjoy dinner à la carte tonight.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Bristol, Vienna, Austria

Day 9 - Vienna's fine arts, Schönbrunn Palace and strüdel-making
Drive along Vienna's famous Ringstrasse and the Danube River, and view the vast Habsburg art collections on a guided visit to the Museum of Fine Arts (Kunsthistoriches). Then enjoy a gourmet cooking demonstration on how to make the city's famed strüdel - with a tasting, of course - at Schönbrunn Palace, built by Empress Maria Theresa to rival Versailles; boasting 1,400 rooms, including a Hall of Mirrors, it served as the summer residence for Austria's Habsburg emperors. Have lunch at the palace, and take a guided tour of its opulent State Apartments.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch
Lodging: Hotel Bristol, Vienna, Austria

Day 10 - A day of treasures and a music-filled night in Vienna
Take a walking tour through medieval Vienna, its historic Jewish quarter, and the courtyard of the Hofburg - also known as the Imperial Palace - today Austria's presidential residence. Among the many museums housed in this grand landmark is the Imperial Treasury (Schatzkammer); if you wish, see its crowns, religious relics and other Imperial treasures at your leisure, or spend the rest of the day as you please. This evening after dinner, attend a private concert featuring the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Johann Strauss, held in a historic Viennese palace.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Hotel Bristol, Vienna, Austria

Day 11 - Goodbye, Vienna and on to Prague
Depart Vienna and travel to Prague, the ancient capital of today's Czech Republic, where you'll spend three nights at the Kempinski Hybernská Prague, a former 15th-century Baroque palace in the heart of the city. Go on a walking tour of Old Town, linked to the castle district by the ornate Charles Bridge, lined with statues from centuries past; take in the astronomical clock, Jan Palach Square and other landmarks of this, one of Europe's best-preserved historic cities.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Lodging: Kempinski Hybernská Prague, Czech Republic

Day 12 - Prague's magnificent Castle District
Explore Prague's Hradcany (castle) district today on a city tour; explore the remarkable complex of Prague Castle, one of the largest castles in the world. Built in the 9th century, it is the country's traditional seat of power, and incorporates palaces, museums, monasteries, and halls for knighthood ceremonies. Visit the Cathedral of St. Vitus, the coronation site for Czech kings and queens, and enjoy an exclusive-to-Tauck, privately guided tour of the opulent Baroque libraries of Strahov Monastery before spending the afternoon and evening just as you please.
Meals: Breakfast
Lodging: Kempinski Hybernská Prague, Czech Republic

Day 13 - Art & pageantry in Prague
Today's Prague sightseeing includes a walking tour of Wenceslas Square and a visit to the historic Estates Theatre, followed by a choice - an architectural tour of Prague highlighting its grand blend of styles from the medieval Town Hall to the Art-Nouveau Municipal House; or an exploration of the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), including the Old-New Synagogue, founded in the 13th century, and the Pinkus and Maisel synagogues (holidays permitting). This evening, join us for our exclusive farewell event at Lobkowicz Palace in Prague Castle, including a private tour of the palace's Princely Collections, a reception and a gala farewell dinner. Get an in-depth, behind-the-scenes look at the Lobkowicz family in this recent Vanity Fair article.
Meals: Breakfast, dinner
Lodging: Kempinski Hybernská Prague, Czech Republic

Day 14 - Journey home
Tour ends in Prague, Czech Republic. A transfer is included from the Kempinski Hybernská Prague to Prague's Ruzyne International Airport.
Meals: Breakfast

Hear Strauss waltzes performed in a palace and much more - book Tauck's Czech Republic, Austria, Hungary and Poland tour today!



Inclusive Prices

Tour prices are per person in U.S. dollars. All hotel accommodations, motor coach transportation, entertainment, special dinners, sightseeing, porterage, and the services of local guides, drivers and the Tauck Director are included.  Transportation from  Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport  to the Le Méridien Bristol is included, regardless of the date or time of your arrival, provided we have received your accurate flight information at least two weeks prior to the start of the tour. Transportation from the Kempinski Hybernská Prague to Prague's Ruzyne International Airport is also included whenever you choose to depart.  Transportation to and from airports and train stations may be shared with other Tauck guests.

Hotel Accommodations – The tour price includes all hotel accommodations with private baths. Our standard is to provide the best available accommodations without sacrificing value. Although the quality of accommodations may differ slightly from one hotel to another, our commitment to your comfort is unwavering. Two-bedded rooms are reserved in most hotels. Triples are usually two-bedded rooms plus a rollaway cot and are not recommended for comfort.

Meals – Most meals are included as specified in the itinerary.

Tauck Director – Warsaw, Budapest, Vienna & Prague is conducted by a Tauck Director who remains with the group throughout the tour. Your Tauck Director is a professional, fully trained employee of Tauck.

Gratuities Included – All customary gratuities for hotel and restaurant staff and local guides are included.

No Options Sold – Your Tauck Director will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance but will not sell you anything. This means better value and a more relaxed and pleasant experience for you.
 

Not Included


Airfare to the tour departure point and from the tour ending point is not included. Airfare may be purchased from us for travel originating in the United States.

Hotel Rooms Before and After Tours – To avoid jet lag and possible flight delays, you may wish to make hotel arrangements for the nights preceding or following your tour. As a service, we will book additional nights for you on a space-available basis using special rates only available through us. Hotel room charges will be added to the tour cost. Airport transfers are included for these bookings. If you wish to spend additional nights, please consult the Extend This Journey section on this webpage and discuss it with our your reservations sales consultant or travel agent when you book your tour.

Luggage Responsibility – Although every effort is made to handle your luggage carefully, we cannot be responsible, assume liability or accept claims for loss or damage to luggage and personal effects due to breakage, theft, or fair wear and tear through hotel, airline and group carrier handling. It is important for your own self-interest and protection that you make certain you have adequate insurance to cover these eventualities. Please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.
Lost luggage is an unfortunate possibility in today's world of airline travel. We suggest that you:
  • Pack at least one change of clothing in your carry-on bag
  • Split your items between your suitcase and a traveling companion's suitcase
  • Do not pack any vital medications or valuables in your checked luggage
  • Confirm that your luggage is checked and tagged to your final destination at airport check-in
  • Place your luggage claim tags in a secure place for your flight
  • File a claim for any missing luggage immediately before leaving the baggage claim area
  • Secure a case number and contact information for follow-up communications
  • Make certain that the airline has your onward itinerary
Your Tauck Director will assist you with airline and other carrier communications, but has no inside contacts to guarantee or expedite recovery of lost luggage. All recovery costs, including the communication costs, are your responsibility. Check your travel protection details for covered expenses.

Personal Expenses such as phone calls, room service, alcoholic and other beverages not specifically included, laundry, dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport arrival and departure taxes, individual train and airport transfers (when applicable), and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

Tauck Director Gratuities - The customary gratuities for the Tauck Director and local drivers are not included. We ask that gratuities be extended on a voluntary, individual basis and not as a group.
 

Additional Information


Airline Security Measures –

If you are traveling from the U.S., the U.S. Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Secure Flight program requires that your name, as it appears on your domestic or international airline ticket, must precisely match your name as it appears on the government-issued photo ID (i.e., passport or driver’s license) that you present during security screening. The ID name must also match any additional airline data, such as frequent-flyer information. For example, if you present your driver's license to security and it says John T. Smith, your ticket must also say John T. Smith, not John Thomas Smith, Jack Smith, or any other variant. Your date-of-birth and gender information provided to the airline must also match your passport.

If you make your air travel arrangements through us, please ensure that the name you provide us precisely matches your name as shown on the identification you will use while traveling. If you make your own airline reservations, please ensure that the airline has the correct information.

For more information on the Secure Flight program, please visit the TSA web site by clicking here.

If you are traveling from an airport outside the jurisdiction of the U.S, you will need to determine what travel documentation and identification is required for that particular airport.

Due to heightened security regulations, certain items such as a metal nail file, pocketknife, cigarette lighter, or tweezers, and some liquid, gel, or aerosol items may not be permitted in your carry-on luggage. Please call your airline prior to departure to obtain current information on non-permissible carry-on items and recommended airport check-in times.

Air Services – Airfare may be purchased through us for travel originating in the United States. By using our air services, you agree that we, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, are acting only as your agent and are not liable or responsible for any accident, death, personal injury, illness, property damage, delay or other loss or expense of any nature whatsoever arising directly or indirectly out of any act of God, or any actions or omissions (including any failure to provide services) or default of, any carrier. All carriers are independent contractors and are not owned, managed, controlled or operated by us. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline only, even if purchased through us. We are not liable for, and do not assume responsibility or accept claims with regard to seat assignments, schedule changes, flight changes, cancellations, claims for a refund or reimbursement of airline ticket fees, or any other loss incurred by you for any reason whatsoever (including, without limitation to, bankruptcy, insolvency, reorganization or similar relief from creditors). We must handle ticketing for our special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Our air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a one of our tours. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air booking before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.

Holidays and Museum Closures – Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many state, religous and civic holidays locally observed.You may wish to log on to Wikipedia to view a list of holidays by country by clicking here.

Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility – We pledge to make every effort to operate all tours as advertised. We reserve the right to alter or curtail the itinerary, or substitute sightseeing, hotels, and/or conveyances as deemed necessary. Any savings realized by these changes will be refunded to you. Any resultant added expense will be covered by us. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.

Journey Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The tour begins at 6:00 PM on the first day of the tour at Le Méridien Bristol in Warsaw. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. Please allow sufficient time to claim your luggage and clear customs in order to join the tour on time. The tour ends with your transfer from the Kempinski Hybernská Prague to Ruzyně International Airport on the last day of the tour. Each carrier and each airport has different rules regarding how early you must arrive for flight check in. Please contact your individual carrier for this information.

Membership will be granted to all persons. We reserve the right to terminate the tour of any person who is abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the tour.

Photography on Tour – Occasionally, we will use photographs and/or video taken by fellow guests or your Tauck Director on your tour for print, Internet and other media promotional purposes. If you prefer that your image not be used in any marketing activities, please notify your Tauck Director at the start of your tour.
 

Preparing To Go

Travel Document Requirements –

If you are a U.S. citizen, you will need a passport  for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey to enter each of the countries visited; however, you do not need a visa for the short duration of this tour. Please note that longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

If you are a citizen of another country, you should contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries visited to determine what travel documentation is required.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

Travel with Children-
Age Recommendations ― Children 5 years of age or older at the time of travel are welcome on this Tauck journey. Based upon our experience with family travelers, we have a minimum recommended age for each journey to encourage comfort and enjoyment for all of our guests. All children must be accompanied on activities by a parent or guardian. At least one guest in the traveling party must be 21 years of age or older in order to make a reservation.

Babysitting ― Our journeys are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. If you require babysitting services, your Tauck Director will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer on-site babysitting services; however, babysitting services may not be available at all of our hotels. Please note that our Tauck Directors are not responsible for providing babysitting services.

Safety and Welfare Responsibility
― We welcome the participation of child travelers on our exciting excursions. If you are traveling with a child on a Tauck journey, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the tour. By traveling with us, you release Tauck, Inc. and our partners of all liability for any risks and/or injuries to the child with whom you are traveling.

Special Travel Documentation for Children
Authorization for Travel

If you travel into or out of the U.S. with children under the age of 18, you should be aware of the following: because of increasing incidents of child abductions in disputed custody cases and because children are at risk as possible victims of child pornography, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) strongly recommends that unless the child is accompanied by both parents, you should have a note from the child's other parent (or, in the case of a child traveling with grandparents, uncles or aunts, sisters or brothers, or friends, a note signed by both parents) stating that the parent(s) not traveling acknowledge that the parent(s), family members, etc. who are traveling into or out of the U.S. with the child have permission to do so. CBP also suggests that this note be notarized. While CBP may not ask to see this documentation, if they do ask, and you do not have it, you may be detained until the circumstances of the child traveling without both parents can be fully assessed.

If there is no second parent with legal claims to the child (parent deceased, sole custody, etc.), other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, or a death certificate, will be useful.

Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, we require you to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information may be obtained from a country’s consulate or embassy.

Authorization for Emergency Medical Treatment

In the unlikely event of a medical emergency, a medical facility will require permission from the child’s parents to provide treatment. Therefore, we strongly suggest that you bring along a letter from both parents (including other pertinent documents as cited above) authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.
 
Children who are U.S. citizens must have a passport valid for at least six months beyond the completion of the journey.

We are not responsible for the disruption of travel caused by the improper documentation of any guest, including children traveling without both parents. While there is no definitive format or standard, click here to view a sample letter for guardians or one parent traveling with a child.


Air Conditioning – All the hotels and motor coaches used on this tour are air-conditioned for your comfort. European air conditioning in hotels should be considered as a climate-control system; most have three settings for the fan, plus a "cool" setting. Very few of the European systems actually have a temperature setting. In general, the amount of cool air that is produced from a European air-conditioning system may be less than what you may have in your own home. Some hotels in Europe do not operate their air-conditioning systems on a year round basis, but only during certain months of the year.

ATM and Credit Cards - We recommend that you contact your bank in advance of departing on this tour to determine whether you will be able to use your ATM and credit cards while traveling. When contacting your bank, notify them of your travel dates so that they will anticipate charges being made outside of your hometown and do not suspend your cards for what may appear to them to be "suspicious" charges. We also recommend that you make a photocopy of the front and back sides of your ATM and credit cards to leave behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your cards are misplaced, lost or stolen.

Clothing and Packing – The weather in this region of Eastern Europe is temperate and unpredictable. Your journey is designed with leisure in mind. Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is adaptable and allows for layering. Generally, during the day, casual, comfortable, cotton clothing is recommended. Cool weather at higher elevations or at night will require warmer, layered clothing.

In Europe, especially in finer restaurants, it is generally customary to dress somewhat formally. Slacks or a dress for women and a jacket for men are acceptable dining attire. It is advisable to avoid wearing jeans, sneakers or shorts for dinner. You may also wish to dress up a bit for the welcome reception and the farewell dinner, but by all means be comfortable.

You will find a hair dryer located in your guest room. Irons and ironing boards are available on request. Valet laundry and dry cleaning services are also available for a fee.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor’s prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack for your trip to Eastern Europe:
  • Casual daytime wear – shorts, slacks, long and short-sleeved shirts
  • An optional jacket and tie for men
  • Casually elegant evening wear for ladies
  • Sunglasses, sunscreen, hat
  • Swimwear
  • Gym wear
  • A light sweater or jacket for higher elevations or a breezy night
  • Binoculars (7x50 preferably)
  • Insect repellent
  • Camera, lenses, batteries, memory cards and/or plenty of film
  • Lightweight, comfortable, sturdy walking shoes that have already been broken-in
  • Battery-operated travel alarm clock
  • Rain poncho and collapsible umbrella
  • Zipper-lock bags
  • Daypack for camera equipment
  • Sundries and toiletries that may be difficult to find en route
  • Copies of your travel documents that should be secured in the safe in your hotel room while traveling

Elevation - The maximum elevation on this tour may be up to 3,000 feet (914 meters).

Health – To enjoy this tour, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.

We regret that we cannot provide you with individual assistance for walking, dining or other personal needs. If you need such assistance, you must be accompanied by an able companion who will help you. All hotels have handicap accessible rooms, but they often do not have views and may be located on smoking floors. The motor coaches do not have wheelchair lifts.

While drinking water is generally safe at all our hotels, bottled water will be available wherever the local water is not fit to drink. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

Please check with your health insurance provider to determine whether you are covered while traveling. If you will not be covered under your current policy, we strongly suggest that you arrange for adequate coverage while on tour.

If you have a medical condition that might limit your participation in activities, please consult your physician for pre-departure health advice and notify us as soon as possible, if you have not already done so. We will advise your Tauck Director accordingly.

If you are a resident of the U.S., no vaccinations are currently required for travel to any of the countries visited. For complete vaccination and inoculation information, contact your physician, the public health service in your area, or the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 800-232-4636 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC website by clicking here.

If you are a resident of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of each of the countries visited to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for your travel.

Luggage Restrictions -

Checked Luggage – General

While it is common for airlines to allow passengers to check more than one piece of luggage per person, space constraints during your Tauck journey make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.

Recently, airlines have adopted policies enforcing strict number, size and weight limits. Luggage exceeding maximum restrictions may require expensive overage fees, frustrating and hurried re-packing at the ticket counter, or even risk being left behind.

Many carriers require that checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, we cannot be held liable for the accuracy of the weight limit listed above. We urge you to check with your airline before traveling to determine current number, weight and size restrictions. It is also important to note that restrictions for luggage number, weight and size may vary with the same airline based on the class of service you select. First and Business Class ticket holders may have different restrictions than Coach Class travelers. You may wish to consult the website, luggagelimits.com, by clicking here,

We cannot be held liable for additional fees or inconveniences imposed by the airline due to luggage number, weight and size policies.

Please be sure to attach your Tauck luggage tag to your suitcase before leaving home!

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

 

Destination Information


Cell Phones - We understand and appreciate the value of instant communication when we travel; it keeps us in touch with friends and family, and it's a reassurance in the event of an emergency. However, the use of cell phones can be disruptive to a tour and to other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone while on the motor coach, during group functions, when sightseeing and when your Tauck Director is addressing the group as a whole. There will be many opportunities to make and receive calls at times when it does not affect others.

Please contact your cell phone carrier to determine whether your service extends to Eastern Europe.

Currency and Exchange Rates - Although it is not necessary for you to exchange money prior to your trip, it may be useful to have a small amount of local currency with you when you arrive. If upon arrival you require local currency, you can visit one of the many currency exchange facilities at the airport, use an ATM, or exchange currency at any of the hotels on the itinerary.

In Austria, where the official currency is the Euro, major credit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are found at most tourist venues.  In those countries which do not use the Euro- Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland- credit cards are also widely accepted, and ATMs are found at most tourist venues.  Sometimes, Euros are accepted at various venues in Hungary and the Czech Republic.  In addition, there are always smaller venues and marketplaces in Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, and Poland where local cash currency is only accepted.  It is always advisable to inquire before making any purchase.

The official currency of each country is:
  • Poland – Polish Zloty (PLN)
  • Slovak Republic – Euro (EUR) 
  • Hungary – Hungarian Forint (HUF)
  • Austria – Euro (EUR)
  • Czech Republic – Czech Koruna (CZK)
To obtain the most current exchange rates for all national currencies, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the website, oanda.com, by clicking here.

Customs and Tax-Free Shopping – Each country visited has its own Customs clearing process. You should familiarize yourself with each country’s specific required declarations before you travel. In general, you are not permitted to bring live plants, fresh fruits and other produce items into most countries.
 
Poland – Poland.com
Czech Republic – VisaHQ.com
Slovakia –   VisaHQ.com
Hungary – VisaHQ.com
Austria – VisaHQ.com
 
If you are a U.S resident traveling internationally who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, you are entitled to a duty-free exemption based on the total value of merchandise purchase abroad, as long as you physically bring them with you. There are limits to the amount of alcohol that can be a part of this exemption. Certain restrictions apply to unaccompanied goods mailed from abroad to the U.S. Please call your local customs office or consult the U.S. government's customs regulations as contained in their publication entitled Know Before You Go.

If you are a resident of another country traveling internationally, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.

Currently, countries visited levy the following Value Added Taxes (VAT) on most consumer goods and services. (The tax may be higher on luxury items and lower on basic goods.)
  • Poland 22%
  • Slovak Republic 19%
  • Hungary 25%
  • Austria 20%
  • Czech Republic 19%
As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country in which the purchase is made (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union), you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.

Electrical Current – The electrical current in the countries visited is 230 V, 50 Hz, AC. If your electrical devices do not conform to this standard, you will need to bring the appropriate converters and adapters. These items can be purchased in a  store that specializes in travel products.
 
Internet Access is available in the guest rooms at each hotel for a fee. 
 
Time Zones – The countries visited on this tour are all located in the same time zone and are 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From late March through October, these locations switch to Daylight Savings Time and are 2 hours ahead.

To determine current time in major cities around the world, we suggest you log on to the website, timeanddate.com, by clicking here.

Weather - The weather in this region of Eastern Europe is temperate and unpredictable. Generally, average high temperatures range from 54 to 75°F (12 to 24°C) from April through June and 60 to 85°F (16 to 29°C) from July through September. Rain falls fairly evenly throughout the year, with the heaviest amounts arriving during the summer. Prague averages 50% more rainfall per year than any of the other cities visited.
 
Average Temperature
 
Warsaw, Poland
Budapest, Hungary
Month
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
January
30 / 21
-1 / -6
34 / 24
1 / -4
February
33 / 23
1 / -5
40 / 28
4 / -2
March
42 / 29
6 / -2
50 / 35
10 / 2
April
55 / 37
13 / 3
61 / 43
16 / 6
May
65 / 46
18 / 8
70 / 51
21 / 11
June
71 / 52
22 / 11
75 / 57
24 / 14
July
73 / 54
23 / 12
79 / 59
26 / 15
August
73 / 53
23 / 12
78 / 58
26 / 14
September
64 / 47
18 / 8
71 / 52
22 / 11
October
54 / 40
12 / 4
61 / 44
16 / 7
November
42 / 33
6 / 1
46 / 35
8 / 2
December
34 / 25
1 / -4
37 / 28
3 / -2
 
 
 
Vienna, Austria
Prague, Czech Republic
Month
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
Hi/Lo ºF
Hi/Lo ºC
January
36 / 27
2 / -3
34 / 24
1 / -4
February
39 / 28
4 / -2
36 / 25
2 / -4
March
49 / 35
9 / 2
46 / 32
8 / 0
April
57 / 41
14 / 5
54 / 36
12 / 2
May
67 / 49
19 / 9
64 / 45
18 / 7
June
72 / 55
22 / 13
69 / 51
21 / 11
July
77 / 59
25 / 15
72 / 54
22 / 12
August
77 / 59
25 / 15
73 / 53
23 / 12
September
69 / 53
21 / 12
65 / 48
18 / 9
October
57 / 43
14 / 6
54 / 39
12 / 4
November
44 / 35
7 / 2
41 / 32
5 / 0
December
39 / 30
4 / -1
36 / 28
2 / -2
 
 
Average Rainfall
 
Warsaw, Poland
Budapest, Hungary
Month
Inches
Millimeters
Inches
Millimeters
January
0.9
23
1.3
33
February
0.8
20
1.2
30
March
1.0
25
1.1
28
April
1.3
33
1.5
38
May
2.3
58
2.2
56
June
2.8
71
2.5
64
July
2.7
69
2.1
53
August
2.4
61
2.0
51
September
1.7
43
1.6
41
October
1.5
38
1.3
33
November
1.6
41
2.1
53
December
1.3
33
1.6
41
 
 
 
Vienna, Austria
Prague, Czech Republic
Month
Inches
Millimeters
Inches
Millimeters
January
1.5
38
2.7
69
February
1.7
43
1.9
48
March
1.6
41
2.6
66
April
2.0
51
2.1
53
May
2.4
61
2.4
61
June
2.9
74
2.8
71
July
2.5
64
3.0
76
August
2.3
58
2.8
71
September
1.8
46
2.6
66
October
1.6
41
2.9
74
November
2.0
51
3.2
81
December
1.7
43
3.3
84

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to the Internet website, noaa.gov, by clicking here.
 

If You Have to Cancel


Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in our incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, we will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, please refer to Tauck Travel Protection on this webpage for more information.

If you choose not to purchase Tauck Travel Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:
 
60 days or more before departure
$600 per person (the amount of the deposit)

59-8 days before departure
$900 per person

7-1 days before departure
$1,500 per person
 

Did you know that you can link-up Tauck itineraries to create longer journeys? Many of these trips are in the same region, and depending upon availability you might connect with them before or after your trip. Alternatively, you might find one of these options better suited for your interests and preferences or for when you are available to travel.

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