City Extension prices are per person in U.S. dollars. The three night stay at Hilton Warsaw, the one night stay at Hotel Stary, motor coach transportation, the welcome cocktail reception, the orientation tour of modern Warsaw, the guided walking tour of the Old Warsaw, the piano recital at Szustra Palace, the round-trip train excursion to Cracow, the visit to Auschwitz, the guided tour of Cracow, luggage handling and the services of a local host and driver are included. A local host representative will meet you at Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport and provide transportation to the Hilton Warsaw Hotel and Convention Centre, provided you have furnished us with accurate air arrival information at least two weeks prior to your city extension departure date. Your local host will also provide you with transportation from the Hilton Warsaw to Warsaw Chopin Airport regardless of the day or time of your departure.

Meals ― Four breakfasts are included.

Gratuities Included ― All appropriate gratuities for the hotel and restaurant staff are included.

 

Options ― Your local host will assist you with information on free-time activities based on honest opinion and guidance. While it is not his or her responsibility to convince you to buy or sell you anything, he or she will be able to assist you with arrangements that may enhance the value of your free time, should you wish to do so.

 

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

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 the Tauck Protection Plan for more information.

Personal Expenses ― Phone calls, alcoholic and bar beverages not included with meals, laundry and dry cleaning, airline excess luggage charges, vaccinations, visa fees and services, airport and departure taxes, and other optional or incidental extras are not included and may be significant.

 
Local Host and Driver Gratuities – The customary gratuities for the Local Host and Driver are not included. We ask that when extending gratuities, you do so on a individual basis and not as a group.

 

Airline Security Measures ― In the U.S., you must provide identification in the form of a passport at the time of airport check-in for travel to international destinations. Your passport name must match the name on your extension reservation and airline ticket or you may be denied boarding.

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.

You may also wish to visit the Transportation Security Administration website by clicking here.

Air Services ― Airfare may be purchased through Tauck for travel originating in the United States. By using Tauck's air services, you agree that Tauck, in purchasing, selling or otherwise arranging air transportation, is acting only as your agent and is 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 Tauck. Your airline ticket constitutes a contract between yourself and the airline (and not Tauck), even if purchased through Tauck. Tauck is not liable for, and does 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). Tauck must handle ticketing for Tauck's special fares, which are subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed until reserved. Special fares cannot be combined with any other promotional offer. Tauck's air services can only be purchased in conjunction with a Tauck city extension. Tickets or e-ticket numbers will be mailed with final documents. If you cancel or change your air before or after departure, all airline cancellation and change fees will apply.

Holiday and Museum Closures ― Museum visits and personal shopping time may be disrupted due to unforeseen circumstances or the many religious, state and local holidays locally observed:

Itinerary Changes and Price Flexibility ― Tauck pledges to make every effort to operate your city extension as advertised. Tauck reserves 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 Tauck. Although not expected, prices on this website may be modified due to unexpected significant external factors not forecast at the time of publication.

City Extension Start and End Times are provided at the time of booking. The extension begins at 12:00 PM at Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport on the first day of the extension. You or your booking agent will be advised of any change to this schedule. When making flight arrangements, allow sufficient time to claim luggage and clear customs in order to join the extension on time. The extension ends with a transfer from Hilton Warsaw to Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport. When departing from Warsaw, we suggest you allow at least 2½ hours for flight check-in.

Membership will be granted to all persons. Your local host reserves the right to terminate the extension of any persons who are abusive of others or whose behavior disrupts the extension.

Photography on Extension ― Occasionally, we will use photographs taken by fellow guests or the local host for promotional purposes. If you prefer that your photo not be used in any marketing activities, please notify us at time of booking.

 

Air Conditioning ― The Hilton Warsaw, the Hotel Stary and the motor coaches are air conditioned for your comfort.

European air conditioning should be considered as a climate-control system; most have 3 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 is far less than what you may have in your living environment. 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 your journey 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 ― Dress for comfort and convenience with a wardrobe that is flexible and allows for layering. Casual, cotton clothing is always advisable. You may wish to pack some evening attire for the welcome reception or for dining in an exceptional restaurant of your choice.

Both hotels provide valet laundry and dry cleaning 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 stay in Poland:

Elevation ― The elevation of Warsaw is 330 ft (100 m) and the elevation of Cracow is 719 ft (219 m).

Health ― To enjoy fully all that Warsaw and Cracow have to offer, you should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, as some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do is mostly 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.

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 your city extension.

 

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

If you are a U.S. citizen, no vaccinations are currently required for travel to Warsaw and Cracow. 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. The Travelers' Health Section of the CDC operates a 24-hour, prerecorded "Travelers' Health Hotline" at 877-394-8747 (toll-free in the U.S.). You may also log on to the CDC Internet website by clicking here.

If you are a citizen of another country, please contact an embassy or consulate of Poland to determine what vaccination(s) may be required for you to visit.

 

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 city extension make it difficult to accommodate extra luggage. We ask that you limit your checked luggage to one average size suitcase per person.

In addition, airlines have adopted more strict policies in enforcing 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 checked luggage not exceed a weight of 50 lbs (22.7 kg) per piece. Airlines revise luggage policies frequently and often without notice; therefore, Tauck cannot be held liable to 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.

Tauck World Discovery 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. 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, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and only those items you need handy during the day such as purses, make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or in the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may not allow for access during daytime travel.

Travel Document Requirements ― You will need a valid passport or similar acceptable travel document to enter Poland.

If you are a U.S. citizen, you are not required to obtain a visa for the short duration of this city extension. 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 Poland to determine what travel documentation is required.

We strongly recommend that your passport be valid for six months beyond the completion of your extension. In addition, 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, date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as the front and back sides of your driver’s license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your guest room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents or cards 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 city extension. Based upon our experience with family travelers, for each itinerary we have a minimum recommended age 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 ― City extensions are designed for adults and children to share the wonder of discovery together. However, our guests have occasionally inquired about babysitting services. If you are interested, your local host will put you in contact with the appropriate hotel staff with whom you may make babysitting arrangements, to ensure your precise needs are met. There is usually an additional fee for these services. Many hotels do offer babysitting services that may be arranged on site; however, babysitting services are not guaranteed at all of our hotels. Please note that our local hosts 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 city extension, you have the sole responsibility for ensuring that that the child with whom you are traveling follows all rules of safety throughout the extension. By traveling with Tauck, 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

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 (deceased, sole custody, etc.) any other relevant paperwork, such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc., will be useful.

 

All children who are U.S. citizens should also have a certified copy of their birth certificate or baptism record for ID. Children over the age of 14 are also required to have a photo ID.

 

Many other countries also share this concern for children who travel without both parents. To ensure smooth travel, Tauck requires all guests to comply with the travel regulations of each country visited. This information is available from each country’s consulate.

 

 

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 authorizing emergency medical treatment for their child.

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

 

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 other guests who are enjoying their vacation. As a courtesy to others, we ask that you refrain from using your cell phone during motor coach travel or group functions. There are usually many opportunities to make or receive calls at times when it does not affect others.

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

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 sightseeing. If upon arrival you require local currency, you can visit one of the many currency exchange facilities at the airport or use an ATM. Currency can also be exchanged at the hotels.

In Warsaw and Cracow, where the official currency is the Polish Zloty, major credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are found in most tourist venues. The easiest and cheapest way to carry money is in the form of a debit card, with which you can withdraw cash either over the counter in a bank or from an ATM. Charges are minimal at major Polish banks (typically from zero to about 2%) and some home banks charge nothing at all for the use of their cards overseas. Check with your bank about transaction fees and withdrawal limits while you are in Poland.
 
To obtain the most current exchange rate, you may want to check your local newspaper or log on to the Internet 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 Poland’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

 

If you are a U.S resident who will be returning to the U.S. at the end of the tour, current regulations permit bringing back $800 worth of items duty-free, 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 United States. 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, please refer to your own country’s rules and regulations regarding customs and duty-free shopping to ensure compliance upon your return.

 Poland charges a value Added tax (VAT) calculated at three levels: zero (books, press, some basic food products); 7% (most food); and 22% (fine food, hotels, restaurants, petrol, luxury items). The tax is normally included in the advertised price of goods and services. As a rule, if you are not a resident of the country (or of the country’s intergovernmental economic community, e.g., the European Union) in which the purchase is made, you may be entitled to a VAT refund and should inquire about the refund policy where you shop.

 

Electrical Current – All hotel guest rooms are equipped with 220 V, 50 Hz, alternating electrical current, which accommodates standard European plugs with two round prongs. If you bring an electrical device that is not compatible, you should bring the appropriate adapters and converters.

Time Zones – Warsaw and Cracow are 1 hour ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (or Greenwich Mean Time). From late March through October, France switches to Daylight Savings Time and is 2 hours ahead.

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

Weather – Poland is situated in a moderate climatic zone. In the summer month of July, the average high temperature is 66 °F (19 °C). However, there are sultry days when the thermometer reaches as high as 86 °F (30 °C). The average high temperatures in the spring and fall range from 45 to 65 °F (7 to 18 °C).

 

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

 

Cancellation Fees – Regardless of reason, cancellations of confirmed bookings result in Tauck incurring costly penalties and cancellation fees from our travel and hotel providers. Therefore, if you have to cancel a confirmed booking, Tauck will charge you a cancellation fee according to when your cancellation notice is received in our Norwalk, CT office. To help limit your liability, Tauck offers the Tauck Protection Plan.

If you choose to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will have your cancellation penalties reduced. Click here for more details.

If you choose not to purchase Tauck’s Guest Protection or Cancellation Fee Waiver, you will incur cancellation penalties per person as follows:

 

60 days or more before departure
$350 per person

59-8 days before departure
$600 per person

7-1 days before departure
$900 per person