travellers guide - europe winter 2008-2009 - contiki holidays

This booklet contains important information

about your tour and the places you will visit

WELCOME TO CONTIKI

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We at Contiki recognise that this may be your first trip toEurope so we have put this booklet together to provide youwith as much background detail and information as we canabout Europe and importantly, your Contiki holiday.

We have included our suggestions and ideas on manyquestions that you may have as well as providing generalinformation on many of the countries you may be visiting onyour trip. We hope this will help you in preparing for andenjoying your holiday. We have found from past experiencethat our clients enjoy their trip that much more having takenthe time to carefully read this booklet before leaving home.

Most holidays are as good - or bad - as people make themand ours are no exception. Over forty five years experienceand hard work have gone into planning and organising yourholiday, and throughout the trip we’ll be doing our best tomake it the ‘holiday of a lifetime’. Nevertheless, in the end,the success of your holiday will depend on you, for you willonly get out of it what you yourself put into it.

Finally, we want to thank you for choosing Contiki - togetherwe’ll prove that your choice for enjoyment, quality and valuefor money was the right one.

Ben HallManaging DirectorContiki Europe

Hopfgarten

PERSONAL DETAILS4 co

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About me:

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Home Address: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

email: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Mobile Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Home Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Blood Group: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Allergies: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Driver’s Licence (Home): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Driver’s Licence (International): . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Contiki ekit Number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . PIN: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Emergency contact:

Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Relationship: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Phone: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Passport details:

Number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Expiry Date: . . . . . . . . . . . .

Date passport issued: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Where passport issued: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Holiday insurance:

Company Name: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Policy Number: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

CONTENTS

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Before you go 7-14• What to Pack • Baggage Allowance

• Checklist for touring & ski holidays • Insurance

• Passports and Visas • Vaccinations

• Currency/Credit cards • Leaving Home

• Making Phone Calls • Flying Hints

The London scene 15-23• Getting into London • London Underground Map

• Contiki’s London Hotels • Map of Hotels

• Contiki London ‘The Basement’ • Useful information

Tour & ski departure details 24-26• Departure Points • Ski holidays by air

• Pre-departure Briefings • If you miss the coach

Touring the facts 28-31• The Contiki Team • Accommodation • Meals

Skiing the facts 32-35• The resort of Hopfgarten • Meals

• Ski piste map • Ski Extras • Budgeting

• Optional Ski Excursions • Ski Jargon

General touring information 36-48• Winter departures • Weekend & Public Holidays

• Transport • Smoking • Music • Budgeting

• Optional Meals & Excursions • Shopping

• Photography • Health & Hygiene • Local Customs

• Tipping • VAT • Calling Home • Clothing sizes

• Temperature Chart • Calender • Useful Words

• Currency Table • Mailing Address

• Contiki approved Shops & Factories

Europe 49-78• Map • Austria • Czech Republic • Egypt • France

• Germany • Great Britain • Italy • Liechtenstein • Monaco

• Netherlands • Spain • Switzerland

Contiki notes 79-80

Stay in touch 81

Contiki’s offices 82

BEFORE YOU GO

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What and how much to bringOne of the most stressful decisions to make on any holiday iswhat to pack. To alleviate your concerns, we have set out thefollowing checklist of useful articles to bring and ourguidelines of how much is allowed. When packing, thegolden rule of seasoned travellers worldwide is: Decide howmany clothes you want to take - halve the amount and that’show much you’ll need!

Baggage allowanceBaggage is restricted to one reasonably sized suitcase.Please ensure your suitcase is NO LARGER than 73cm x50cm x 25cm (29” x 20” x 10”) and maximum weightof 20kgs (44lbs) (non expanding) for all TimeOut/Superior tours. On all tours the suitcase size andweight is very strictly enforced. External metal framedbackpacks or vanity cases are not permitted as they make itdifficult to pack the coach. Only 1 small piece of handluggage will be allowed on the coach (maximum weight of5kg/11lbs). These requirements are for your own comfort andsafety. Please ensure that your suitcase is the correct sizebefore departure. If not you will be asked to change yoursuitcase on the morning of departure thus incurring extracosts of a new suitcase and storage of excess luggage.

ChecklistPlease read the checklist and suggested clothing list below.In Europe in winter warm clothing is required.

Touring Holidays• Warm rainproof jacket • Jeans

• Thermals • Thick Sweater

• Shirts • Socks

• Underwear • Towel (must have for Schoneck

• Comfortable walking shoes ski tour)

• ‘Going Out’ shoes • Sunglasses

• Sun screen • Travel Alarm Clock

• Aspirin - medicines etc • Flashlight

• Writing material • Handkerchiefs - tissues

• Extra eyeglasses or contact lenses (if applicable)

• Adaptor if you bring hair dryer or electric shaver (this should bepurchased prior to leaving home). European voltage is different tothat of North America.

Have you remembered your Rechargeable Phonecard?(You will find your Contiki Phonecard, powered by ekit, inyour document wallet. Your phonecard is already chargedwith enough credit to make a 5-minute call home, plus youget BONUS call time when you recharge it - check it out!!)

Discover the secret of perfume in our factories of Grasse, Eze-Village and in our museums of Paris. You will see howperfumes, soaps and cosmetics are made, from the best naturalraw materials, and learn about perfume history. A large rangeof exclusive products are sold at factory prices.

Parfumerie Fragonard - 20, bd Fragonard - 06130 Grasse Tel: (33) 4 93 36 44 65 - Fax: (33) 4 93 36 57 32

Internet: http://www.fragonard.com E-mail: [email protected]

06360 Eze-Village - Tel: (33) 4 93 41 05 05

39, bd des Capucines - 75009 Paris - Tel: (33) 1 42 60 37 14 (Next to métro Opéra)

Ask for your catalogue. Mail order department in Grasse.

Free guided tours daily - Open every day all year long

BEFORE YOU GO

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His and HersHis: • Casual Shirts • Smart trousers • Tie • Blazer - JacketHers: • Skirts • Dresses • Smart dress (for evenings out)

Hand luggage - overnight bagOn many tours, it is beneficial and useful to carry and packovernight bags for overnight stops. We suggest that yourpiece of hand luggage serves as an overnight bag as well.

Clothing for ski & snowboard holidaysFor skiing, warmth is essential, but do try to avoid the bulk thatis usually associated with keeping the cold out. It is far better tohave a few layers of thin, but warm, clothing rather than onethick, restricting pullover. This means that you can peel off alayer at a time as you get hot from skiing (or falling over!). Before you go, you should be sure to have the following:

• Ski Jacket: Should be snow and wind proof, warm, yetlightweight with enough room for two thin sweaters.

• Salopettes/Ski Pants/Overpants: Should be of a warm,water resistant material.

• Gloves or Mittens: It is essential to have a good pair ofgloves or mittens. The best protection is provided by fleece-lined, waterproof, leather or gore-tex gloves/mittens.

• Sunglasses or Goggles: Sunglasses or goggles are adefinite 'must'. If you choose sunglasses, it is essential thatthey are shatterproof.

• Socks: A thin pair worn underneath a thicker pair or doublelayer of socks are usually the most comfortable.

• Sweaters: Two thin sweaters are warmer than one thick one.Cotton polo necks are good to wear under wool sweaters asthey provide protection for your neck.

• Après-Ski Boots: Take rubber soled boots, preferably warmand waterproof.

• Hats: A hat is essential for warmth as you lose a lot of bodyheat through your head. It is a good idea to buy one thatprotects your cheeks.

• Sun Screen: A waterproof, high protection factor sun screenwill protect skin both from the strong rays of the sun and thedrying effect of the wind.

• Lip Screen: To provide protection from chapped lips.

Please Note: Ski clothing can also be hired in Hopfgarten.See p.34 for details.

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SafeguardsPre-planning is essential before any trip; especially planning forthe unexpected. On the next few pages we list common areaswhere mishaps can occur. By following the advice given you cansave your trip of a lifetime from becoming your worst nightmare!

Travel InsuranceAll clients should have an insurance policy which covers the following:• Cancellation and curtailment • Loss of/or damage to baggage • Loss of money (cash), travellers cheques or personal belongings• Medical insuranceIf you are bringing along expensive articles such as jewellery, orphotographic equipment, check the value per item covered by yourtravel insurance. If it is minimal you may wish to take out extracover on these items - which also covers winter sports. Travelinsurance can be obtained from your travel agent or from theContiki Basement located at the Royal National Hotel in London.Please Note: Insurance for your ski holiday cannot bearranged at the ski resort.

SecurityRegrettably, there are professional gangs of thieves operating inmany areas of Europe. Your most important possessions suchas passport, money and camera, should be carefully guarded atall times. The best way to do this is to carry some form ofmoney belt or shoulder holster, rather than a wallet or a purse.Always keep a copy of your passport details and extrapassport photos, your insurance policy, used and unusedtravellers cheque numbers and credit card numbers separatefrom the originals. You can also store important details in yourContiki ekit Travel Vault. You can then access them over theweb or the phone if you ever need them. Under nocircumstances can Contiki be held responsible for the safe-keeping of your money and valuables.

Visas (please read carefully)Depending on your nationality, you may require visas to entercertain countries included in your tour. You are responsiblefor obtaining all necessary visas prior to the departureof your tour. Consult your travel agent well in advance todetermine which visas you will require and how to obtain them.Please check the dates of entry carefully. We are prohibited bylaw, from knowingly carrying clients without correct visas.

Multiple entry visasOn many occasions our tours will enter the same country twiceor more. If you require a visa for such a country, you need tostipulate when you are applying for a visa that it needs to bevalid for more than one entry. Check your tour below to seewhich countries are visited more than once:

BEFORE YOU GO

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Multiple entry visas (cont.)Touring holidays Countries Entered Twice or MoreEur. Magic FranceEur. Discovery FranceEur. Encounter FranceEur. Inspiration FranceEur. Vista France (3 times), Italy, Austria, GermanyWinter Wanderer France (4 times), Austria, GermanyBerlin to Budapest AustriaSpanish Spree SpainSki Holidays Countries Entered Twice or MoreSki Austria by coach Germany, France

N.B. European Magic - If you require a visa for Austria, you willneed a Transit Visa.

HealthIf you suffer from any form of illness, be sure to have an adequatesupply of medicines or necessary prescriptions (this includeseyeglasses) before departing on tour. You must advise us throughyour travel agent of any important medical condition you mayhave, before departure.

VaccinationsNo innoculations are compulsory at present for entry intoEuropean countries. However, regulations may change, so it iswise to consult your travel agent or doctor before travelling. InLondon, vaccinations are obtainable from:British Airways Travel Clinic, 213 Piccadilly, London W1J 9HQ. Tel: 0845-600-2236 (from the U.K). Open: Mon-Fri 9.30 - 17.30 Sat 10.00 - 16.00.NB: We do suggest that you are up to date with tetanus andpolio vaccinations prior to commencing your holiday.

Money mattersWith all our modern day technology, there are so many differentforms of money to tempt us. Nothing is more frustrating thanfinding that perfect souvenir only to find that you don’t have theright type of currency to purchase it. From cash to credit cards,what is best in Europe? The following advice should help alleviatemany of your worries.NB: See page 36-38 for advice on how much money to bring.

Currency / Credit CardsAccess to money whilst on your tour is very important. We highlyrecommend that you carry your currency in a number of differentways so that you have access to money at all times.It is always advisable to start your tour with some cash in localcurrencies such as Euro, Swiss Franc or Great British Pounds.Beyond that cash there are a number of options:• Access cash from your own bank account via a debit card –having a card with either the Visa or Maestro logos on it will meanyou have access at a large number of cash machines.• Purchase a pre-paid debit card via a company such asTravelex which allows you to load money onto the card which

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Currency / Credit Cards (cont.)can be withdrawn while you are overseas. You may even be ableto buy your card in Euro which means you know exactly howmuch you’re spending in advance. • Credit cards – use your credit cards from home to reduce theamount of cash you need to carry. Most restaurant, shops,museums, sights, etc. in Europe will accept payment by credit card.• Almost all cash machines in Europe require a pin number to beentered when using them – ensure your debit cards, pre-paidcards and credit cards have a pin number connected to them.Note: Contiki optional excursions can NOT be paid for by credit card.

Making phone callsWe’ve spent some time researching the market and spoken toour clients to find out exactly what your communication needsare while you’re on a Contiki tour. As a result we think we’vecome up with a fantastic service to meet your requirements, theContiki Global Phonecard, powered by ekit.

How do you get a Contiki Global Phonecard?1. In your Contiki travel documentation2. At your pre-departure meeting (London only)3. At www.contiki.ekit.com - you can join and charge your cardeasily over the web4. Via 24-hour Customer Service - call the access number of thecountry you are in (these are listed on your card or go towww.contiki.ekit.com) and press 0 #. For example, in the UK freephone 0800 032 6297, then press 0#.Your Contiki Global Phonecard is more than just aphonecard. It has heaps of great value features:• A Free 5 minute call home pre loaded and ready to go!• Low Cost International and Long Distance Calls: Save upto 70% when using payphones and hotel phones calling fromover 150 countries.• Messaging: Friends and family can leave you voicemailmessages for FREE - no matter where you are. You can thenretrieve your messages over the phone or on the web. SendSMS (text messages) from the web to any mobile phoneworldwide - check it out at www.contiki.ekit.com.• Email: a free email address, where you can pick up your voicemessages and emails.• 24 x 7 Customer Service: Our multilingual team provideFREE assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days ayear. Call the free phone Access Number for the country you arein and press 0 # to speak with a Consultant.One of the best things about the Contiki Global Phonecard isthat it is RECHARGEABLE!No more buying phonecards in every country you visit or usingcards that have instructions in languages you can’t read! Alwaysgo to www.contiki.ekit.com for all the latest Access Numbersand calling tips. Remember if you dial an ekit Access Numberand get a recorded message you can still make your call - it’sjust telling you that there is a new number with even better rates- so use it next time you call.

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The Contiki MobileDo you want the convenience of a mobile (cell) phone? The Contiki mobile, powered by ekit, allows you to save 70% on international roaming rates. If you have a tri-band (GSM 900/1800/1900 MHz) handset, you can buy a Contiki SIMcard for only US$9. All SIM's come with $10 call credit alreadyloaded. If you do not have an unlocked handset, you can buy ahandset and SIM package for only US$39! Check outwww.contiki.ekit.com for more information. The Contiki mobile hassome great features including• Saving you 70% on international roaming rates• Free to receive calls in the France, Italy, Spain and the UK• Send text messages from only US$0.49• Free 24/7 customer service in over 50 countries• Frequent users receive 50% bonus calling timeCheck out www.contiki.ekit.com for more information.

Flying HintsEnsure you carry all your travel documentation in your handluggage, plus your camera, toiletries, paperbacks, etc. Make sureyou take advantage of Duty-Free shopping but check the currentDuty-Free limits that apply in the country of your destination.Don’t carry items packed by others and never accept packages orarticles to carry from people not known to you. The longer flightsto Europe can be made a little more enjoyable by wearing looseclothing and comfortable shoes, as well as walking the aislesregularly, eating sensibly and drinking plenty of fluids (preferablynot alcoholic). Try to get some sleep and, upon arrival, adjustimmediately into local time by waiting until evening beforesleeping - this should relieve the effects of jet-lag.

Checklist• Have you labelled your suitcase inside and out?• Have you all the necessary medication you will need?• Do you have your airline tickets, passport, travellers cheques,

insurance policy, credit cards, visas, cash, Contiki’s ‘Ticket toRide’ in your hand luggage? You can also store these importantdetails in your Contiki ekit Travel Vault. You can then accessthem over the web or the phone if you ever need them.

• Have you made a photocopy of your passport?• Do you have your driving licence and vaccination certificate

with you?• Do you have your camera, and spare memory cards?• Have you remembered your Rechargeable Phone Card? (Contiki

ekit card is supplied in your tour documents or can be obtainedfrom the Contiki ‘Basement’ in London).

NB: You’ll need your Contiki ‘Ticket to Ride’ to board theContiki coach on the morning of departure. Keep yourpassport on your person.

CONTIKI LONDON SCENE

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Getting Into LondonFrom London Heathrow AirportBy Underground: Catch the Piccadilly Line from LondonHeathrow Airport directly to Russell Square Station, a fewminutes walk from the Royal National Hotel & Imperial Hotel. Cost£4.00 single. Prices are guideline only and are subject to change.Heathrow Express Train: This express train runs from LondonHeathrow Airport to Paddington Station and departs every 15minutes from 05:10 to 23:30, 7 days a week. A taxi from there tothe Contiki Basement, the Royal National Hotel and ImperialHotel will be about £10. Cost £14.50 single. Prices are guidelineonly and are subject to change.From London Gatwick AirportBy train: Catch the train from Gatwick Airport to Victoria Stationfrom 01:05 to 23:48, 7 days a week and takes approximately 45minutes. Timetable available at the station in the airport. Single:£9.00. Prices are guideline only and are subject to change.Gatwick Express Train: This express train runs from LondonGatwick Airport to Victoria Station from 05:20 to 01:35, 7 days aweek and takes approximately 30 minutes. Timetable available atthe station at the airport. Single: £14. Prices are guideline onlyand are subject to change.A taxi from Victoria station to the Contiki Basement, the RoyalNational Hotel and the Imperial Hotel will be about £15.Alternatively, take the London Underground Victoria Line fromVictoria station to Green Park, change to the Piccadilly Line andgo straight to Russell Square, which is a few minutes walk fromthe Contiki Basement, Royal National Hotel and the Imperial Hotel.

Contiki’s London Hotels (see map)Royal National Hotel (2 Stars), Bedford Way (enter from WoburnPlace), London WC1H 0DG Reception Telephone: 020 7637 2488We offer discounted rates for Contiki clients and theaccommodation is based on twin and triple share only.This is also the departure point for all Contiki tours that start inLondon (except the London & Paris tours), and the ContikiBasement is located on the lower ground floor of the South Wingof the Hotel.

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Imperial Hotel (3 stars), Russell Square, London WC1B 5BBTelephone Reception: 020 7837 3655We offer discounted rates for Contiki clients andaccommodation is based on single and twin share only.

Both hotels are within a few minutes from Russell SquareUnderground Station. All rooms have colour TV with tea &coffee making facilities. There is a wide range of restaurants,cafes, bars, pubs and coffee shops either in the hotels or inthe area. The Royal National Hotel and the Imperial Hotel arelocated near London’s West End, close to the British Museum,Oxford Street for shopping and Covent Garden and LeicesterSquare for nightlife.

NB: CHECK-IN AT THESE HOTELS (AS WITH THEMAJORITY OF HOTELS IN LONDON), IS 14:00 ANDCHECK-OUT IS 11:00.

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The Contiki Basement in LondonRoyal National Hotel, Bedford WayLondon, WC1H 0DGTel: 020-7637-0802 Fax: 020-7637-2121email:[email protected]

The Contiki Basement is located at the Royal National Hotelalong Bedford Way, with access to the Basement from thestreet only, and not from the hotel.

The Basement is open 7 days a week as follows: 01 October – 30 April 11:00 – 19:0001 May – 30 September 09:00 – 20:00Meet your fellow tour members here, chill out and catch upwith new and old friends, and seek advice and a friendly smilefrom our helpful, knowledgeable Contiki Representatives. Theywill also give you information on your pre-departure meetings,departure times, tour arrival times, travel tips and generalLondon information to make your stay in this exciting city more enjoyable.On arrival, collect your "Welcome to London Pack", and takeadvantage of our wide range of facilities available at the Contiki Basement:Hotel check-in: If you are staying at the Royal National Hotel,come directly to the Contiki Basement to check-in to the hotel.If you are staying at the Imperial Hotel, you can go directly tothe Imperial Hotel to check-in.Internet café: Use our internet café (at cost) to let yourfriends and family know you have arrived safely in London, oremail after your tour with all your adventure stories.Chill out area: Our wide-screen TV is tuned into MTV andappropriate international sports games, for you to relax to.Luggage storage: If you want to head out and discover theenergy of London, store your luggage with us until you want tocheck into your hotel after 2pm, for £1 per bag for the day. Ifyou have done a lot of shopping, or have luggage over 20kg(44pounds), you can store your things at the Basement for theduration of your tour for £5 per bag per week.Shipping: Bought lots of fantastic souvenirs on your Contikitour and need to get them home or simply have too muchluggage and need to get it home? We can arrange to have itshipped home for you.Mail pickup point: You can have letters and parcels sent tothe Contiki Basement, which you can pick up when you arrive.Our address is: Contiki Basement, Royal National Hotel,Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG EnglandPlease be sure to have your name clearly on the mail, with thedate you are due to arrive, and if possible a booking referencenumber, to avoid confusion.


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Discounted sightseeing tickets: You can purchase ticketsfor London’s famous attractions: • Madam Tussauds • London Eye • London Dungeons • Tower of London • Original Bus Tour & many more.Day sightseeing trips out of London: Through Evan andEvans, we can offer you day trips to Bath, Stonehenge,Windsor, Hampton Court, Salisbury, the Cotswolds, Althorp,Warwick Castle, Canterbury, Leeds Castle and many more.Please ask for more information.Tour bookings: If you are interested in making the most oftour discounts, or are curious about which tour you want todo next, please see us for all the information, and we canbook your tour for you on the spot!Contiki merchandise: We sell sleeping bags and Contikitowels at the Basement, so no need to bring them from home.You can also pick up an inflatable neck pillow to take on tour.Postcard sales: Write all your postcards on your arrival toensure the postcard arrives home before you do.Luggage scales: Come in any time during opening hours tocheck that your luggage is no heavier than 20 kg (44 pounds),as this rule is strictly adhered to.London Pre-Departure Meetings: It is stronglyrecommended that you attend these meetings. You can meetyour Tour Manager, Tour Driver and your fellow travellers, aswell as complete the necessary paperwork. Bring yourpassport, travel insurance details & ‘Tickets to Ride’ voucherbooklet with you. The Contiki Basement will not be openbefore the coaches depart in the morning, so please see theReps for all your requirements the day or evening beforeduring opening hours.

Tower Bridge- London

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01 October – 31 March: All pre departure meetings will beheld in the Contiki Basement at 18:00.

Morning of Departure: All tours (except the London & Paristours) depart from the courtyard of the Royal National Hotel.Please meet in the London Coffee, which is situated in thecourtyard, to have your luggage weighed and be directed toyour Tour Manager by the Contiki Representative. If you missyour tour, please report to the Contiki Basement so we can helpyou to catch up with your tour.

01 October to 31 March: All winter tours meet at 06:45 for a07:30 departure.

Arrival of Tours in London: Most tours arrive in London anytime between 16:00 and 20:00, depending on weather, traffic,and other external factors out of our control.

Useful InformationOpening & Closing Hours:

Shops: Monday-Sunday 9.00am-5.30pm. Times may vary locally.

Banks: Monday-Friday 9.30am-4.30pm. Several banks are alsoopen on Saturday mornings.

Main Post Offices: Monday-Friday 9.00am-5.30pm. Saturday 9.00am-1.00pm

London


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Useful Information (cont.)Telephones:

ekit UK access number: 0800 032 6297or 020 7943 2772*

ekit hints on calling in the UK:• When dialling on a pulse phone, after you dial the accessnumber hold down the star key (*) key for two seconds torevert the phone from pulse to touch-tone.

• When calling an economy Access Number * (e.g. London0207 943 2772) you will be charged a per-minute rate formaking the local call by the UK telephone company. TheContiki Global Phonecard per-minute rate will be cheaper wheneconomy numbers are dialled.

Phone boxes are usually red, green or black in colour. Mosttake a variety of coins or telephone cards which may bebought from the Client Information Centre, Post Offices andmost newsagents displaying the green ‘Phonecard’ sign.

Tipping: 10% is usual in restaurants, unless a 12.5% servicecharge has been added.

Late Night Money Exchange: Thomas Cook, VictoriaStation: Mon-Sat: 7am - 11pm, Sunday: 7am - 8pm

Travelex, Royal National Hotel, Ground Floor. Open 7 days8.00am-8.30pm. (closed Christmas Day to New Years Day).

Post Office - International Telephone Exchange:

Telephone Exchange, Global Talk, 68 Marchmont Street,London, WC1 1AB

Pubs: The pub is a British way of life and there are manydifferent types in London. Opening hours: 11.00am-11.00pm inthe central London area.

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Travellers’ Tips:• It is better to cash travellers cheques in a bank. Hotels &

Bureaux de Change rates are poor and commission feeshigh.

• Be careful about local guides wanting to show you thesights of London and ensure that they are recommendedby an agency or the Tourist Board.

• Check the price of telephone calls from hotels beforemaking them - use your Contiki ekit Phonecard.

• Beware of people offering to take your photo or asking formoney no matter what the reason.

• Never leave your baggage unattended.

Useful London Addresses & TelephoneNumbersTourist Information:

Dial Leisureline for the day’s events: 0891-505-440

Tourist Boards:

British Tourist Authority and London Tourist BoardVictoria Station, London SW1. Tel: 020-8846-9000

Wales Tourist Board34 Piccadilly, London W1V 9PB. Tel: 020-7808 3838

Scottish Tourist Board17-19 Cockspur Street, London SW1. Tel: 020-7930-8661

Irish Tourist BoardIreland House, 150 New Bond Street, London W1. Tel: 020-7493-3201

Consulates and EmbassiesNew Zealand AustraliaOffice of the High Office of the High Commissioner CommissionerNew Zealand House Australia House80 Haymarket StrandLondon SW1 4QT London WC2 4LATel: 020-7930-8422 Tel: 020-7379-4334

Canada United StatesOffice of the High Commissioner Grosvenor Square38 Grosvenor Square London W1A 1AELondon W1X 0AA Tel: 020-7499-9000Tel: 020-7258 6600

South Africa High CommissionTrafalgar SquareLondon WC2N 5DPTel: 020-7451-7299


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Useful Telephone NumbersAirlines Confirmation Numbers

Air Canada 0871 220 111

Air New Zealand 0800 028 4149

British Airways 08708 509 850

British Midlands 08706 070 555

Cathay Pacific 0208 834 8888

Malaysian Airlines 08706 079 090

Qantas 08705 726 827

Saudi Arabian Airlines 0207 798 9868

Singapore Airlines 0844 800 2380

United Airlines 08458 444 777

Virgin Atlantic 0870 80 2007

London Transport InformationLondon Underground 0207 222 1234

National Rail Enquiries 08457 48 49 50

National Express Coaches 08705 808 080

London Area AirportsHeathrow 0870 000 0123

Gatwick 0870 000 2468

Stansted 0870 000 0303

Luton 0158 240 5100

London City 0207 646 0088

Getting AroundIf you are staying in London for more than a few days it isadvisable to buy an ‘A-Z of London’ which gives detailedmaps of all London’s streets, etc.

Underground: By far the quickest and easiest way to getaround the capital is by Underground. There are over 250stations, easily recognisable by an illuminated symbol.Underground trains run every few minutes between 5.30amand midnight every weekday and Saturday and between7.00am and 11.30pm on Sundays. Single and/or returntickets are available from the ticket machines. Keep yourticket safe - you must surrender it at your destination. TravelCards may be bought after 9.30am weekdays or at any timeon weekends. These give you unlimited travel on buses andtubes for one day and save you money. For moreinformation, ask for a leaflet at Underground Stations ortelephone 020-7222-1234.

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Tour departuresLondon Departures from:

The Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way, London WC1 ODGTelephone: 020-7637-2488

Contiki’s Reception: 020-7637-0802 Fax: 020-7637-2121

Tour departure times:Great Britain:Report: 6.45am Depart: 7.30am.

European Tours - Time Out (Superior):Report: 6.45am Depart: 7.30am

Please ensure you allow enough time to reach the RoyalNational Hotel as all bags will be weighed before beingloaded on to the coach. Be very wary of early Sundaydepartures as the underground does not start until 7.00am.

Clients staying at the Imperial Hotel must wait outside thehotel on Southampton Row at 6.30am to be collected andtransferred to the Royal National Hotel.

Rome, Berlin, Vienna, Madrid & Cairo Departures:Please refer to your voucher and/or itinerary for your tourmeeting time and location.

Ski HolidaysDeparture/Return Times

The coach departs on Friday from the Royal National Hotel,Bedford Way, London WC1. Tel: 020-7637-2488 at 7.00pm.It arrives into Hopfgarten approximately 3.00pm the followingday and returns on Saturday at around 11.00pm.Please note the last tubes from Russell Square:Southbound is at approximately 00.15amNorthbound is at approximately 00.43am

En-route to Hopfgarten

In order to give you the most time for you to ski, we drivestraight to the resort. The drive is mostly on motorways withample restaurants and coffee bar facilities en route. In view of the fact that part of the journey is in the early hours of themorning, you might like to bring a small inflatable pillow withyou. In addition, we suggest you bring along a snack for the journey.

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Ski Holidays by airMunich Airport (Munchen flughaven) to Hopfgarten Berglift.• When you have landed make your way to: Zentrum Bereich- Central Area.• Purchase your ticket at the Train Counter direct toHopfgarten Berglift.• Catch the S-Bahn (Subway) to Munchen Ost – journey takesapproximately 15mins.• At Munchen Ost change platforms (usually to the platformdirectly opposite).• Wait for the fast train which comes approximately every 40minutes.• Catch train from Munchen Ost direct to Wörgl -approximately 1hr20min journey.• Change at Wörgl and catch a train from Wörgl to HopfgartenBerglift - approximately 12 min journey.• These trains go every hour, however it is difficult to get atrain after 10pm at night.• Please be aware that the station to disembark at isHopfgarten Berglift and not Hopfgarten (there are two stops inHopfgarten).• From Hopfgarten Berglift you can phone Haus Schöneck toarrange for someone to come and collect you.• An alternative is a taxi from Wörgl straight to HausSchöneck - approximately 25 Euro for the taxi.Innsbruck Airport (flughaven) to Hopfgarten Berglift• Innsbruck is the easiest and quickest place to fly in to.• From airport take Shuttle Bus to central Train Station (Bahnhof).• Shuttle buses depart every 15 minutes.• Catch train from Innsbruck to Wörgl train station –approximately 40mins journey.• Trains leave every 45 minutes. Make sure you catch the fasttrain and not the regional train that stops at every stop.• Change at Wörgl and catch train from Wörgl to HopfgartenBerglift - approximately 12 min journey.• These trains go every hour, however it is difficult to get atrain after 10pm at night.• Please be aware that the station to disembark at isHopfgarten Berglift and not Hopfgarten (there are two stops in Hopfgarten).• From Hopfgarten Berglift you can phone Haus Schöneck toarrange for someone to come and collect you.• An alternative is a taxi from Wörgl straight to HausSchöneck - approximately 25 Euro for the taxi.

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Salzburg Airport (flughaven) to Hopfgarten Berglift.• From airport take shuttle bus to central train station (Bahnhof).• Shuttle buses depart every 15 minutes.• Catch train from Salzburg train station to Wörgl train station– approximately 1.5 hour journey.• Trains leave every hour – make sure you catch the fast trainand not the one that stops at every station.• Change at Wörgl and catch train from Wörgl to HopfgartenBerglift - approximately 12 min journey.• These trains go every hour, however it is difficult to get atrain after 10pm at night.• Please be aware that the station to disembark at isHopfgarten Berglift and not Hopfgarten (there are two stops in Hopfgarten).• From Hopfgarten Berglift you can phone Haus Schöneck toarrange for someone to come and collect you.• An alternative is a taxi from Wörgl straight to Haus Schöneck- approximately 25 Euro for the taxi.

If you miss the coachTours Starting in London

Should you miss the coach, please contact the ContikiRepresentative immediately at the Contiki Basement at theRoyal National Hotel on 0207 637 0802. They will give youspecific details on how to join your tour.

Tours Starting in Rome, Berlin, Vienna, Madrid, or CairoPlease contact the Contiki Agents on the telephone numberslisted in your itinerary.

Hopfgarten

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The Contiki TeamTour Managers: He or she has been thoroughly trained byContiki throughout Europe and/or Great Britain. The role ofyour Tour Manager is to ensure that you have the trip of alifetime. They organise everything on tour, fromaccommodation and sightseeing to optional excursions. Theyalso complete all the ‘behind the scenes’ work of pre-booking, border and customs procedures to make your tourhassle-free.

In some circumstances, it may be necessary for your TourManager to make decisions on behalf of the group as awhole. In such cases, we ask for your co-operation, bearing inmind the variety of personalities and expectations on boardthe coach. We try to get the right balance of sightseeing andfree time. Whatever you want from your holiday, your TourManager aims to provide it for you.

Drivers: With their experience you are in good hands. TheDriver is responsible for the coach and we ask you toremember that they have to keep it clean for everyone’scomfort. Please adhere to the suggestions made to you at thebeginning of your tour regarding waste paper, eating anddrinking whilst on board the coach. The Driver and TourManager work as a team. You may often see them togetherplanning your days, to offer you great variety and choice.

AccommodationWhere You Stay: We have chosen a wide range ofaccommodation in order for you to best appreciate whatEurope has to offer. From a magnificent 4-star Plus Resort inVienna to Europe’s highest hotel on Mt Pilatus above Lucerne.Our special Resort Hotels have been chosen for theirparticular character, charm, location and style. Hotels on otherevenings are great too - they’re tourist class and haveexcellent facilities.

Please bear in mind that the diversity and cultural differencesseen almost every day in Europe can also be seen where youstay. While some clients prefer the older style hotels, othersenjoy a more modern design and our accommodation listoffers a good balance of each style to suit everyone’s tastes.

It is always difficult not to compare European hotels with thesimilar category of hotel at home or on another continentwhere you have travelled. Generally speaking, European hotelsare of a slightly lower standard than their equivalent categoryin North America, Australasia or South Africa and they tend notto have the modern amenities such as air-conditioning, tea andcoffee-making facilities, etc.

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Accommodation (cont’d)Please Note: All contracts for your accommodation arenegotiated by Contiki many months in advance. There maybe times when hotels will provide alternative accommodationto that advertised in the brochure. Such situations arebeyond Contiki’s control and we will do our utmost tominimise any inconvenience.

Your Room: Rooms are booked on a triple-share, twin-shareor single basis with private facilities consisting of either abath or shower, with a few exceptions. It is worth pointingout that room sizes in European hotels are often muchsmaller than in non-European countries.

Twin-bedded or double rooms: If you prefer a double bed,please speak to your Tour Manager however these cannotbe guaranteed.

Triple rooms: Rooms with three beds are normally slightly larger.

Single rooms: They are often small, but give the privacy ofsingle occupancy.

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Accommodation (cont’d)Reception: Most hotels have English-speaking staff atreception. Any needs you have should be directed throughthem, for example if the towels need changing or a lightrequires fixing. Generally, you will find the staff helpful andfriendly, especially in the more traditional older style hotels.However, staff tend to be as pleasant with you as you are withthem.

Hotel Notice Board: Your Tour Manager will place aninformation sheet or ‘Day Sheet’ at each hotel confirmingdetails of the programme. Please check the notice boardregularly.

Porterage: We find that young people on holiday can easilycarry their own reasonably-sized suitcases which means thereis no endless waiting, in your room, for the porters to arrivewith the luggage. Hence porterage is not included in hotels.

Telephones: Most hotels have direct-dial facilities and shouldyou telephone home, will ask you to settle your bill the nightbefore departure at reception. Remember that hotel phonebills can be very expensive, we recommend you use yourContiki ekit Phonecard to make your phone calls home usingthe toll-free access numbers, which will be cheaper. Checkwith your Tour Manager to find out if the hotel allows 0800numbers to be dialled. Remember - even if the hotel does notallow access to 0800 numbers, you can still dial one of thelocal rate numbers listed at www.contiki.ekit.com.Alternatively, most cities have international telephoneexchanges, which your Tour Manager will gladly point out foryou.

Laundry: Laundry facilities are available at some hotels.However, the service normally takes one full day and is notnormally available during weekends. It is, therefore, onlypossible to arrange laundry on two-night stops. Please note itcan be expensive and in some cities your Tour Manager maybe able to suggest alternatives.

Security: We strongly recommend you use the hotel securityboxes where available. Please remember that you will need tokeep your passport with you if you intend to cash travellerscheques during the day. And don’t forget to collect all itemsfrom your security box before you leave the hotel!

Remember to keep your valuables and passport withyou at all times.

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Accommodation (cont’d)Room Service: The hotels we use do not provide room

service; this is normally only available in 5-star hotels.

Check-in and Departure: Check-in varies from hotel to

hotel and your Tour Manager will advise you of the procedure

at each hotel. Hotel departures are very straightforward but

once again please follow your Tour Manager’s lead and

always remember to: Check your room carefully before you

leave, return your key to reception and pay all your incidental

charges

Meals: Breakfast is always continental style; rolls, butter,

jams, tea or coffee. Sometimes in northern European

countries an egg or possibly some cheese is added. This will

certainly seem different to home and somewhat repetitive if

you are used to a cooked breakfast. However, this is normal in

Europe, especially in the more southern, hotter countries.

Dinner is Table d’Hôte style. Generally this is a three-course

meal with the main dish of meat or fish. Should you have any

special diet requests, e.g. vegetarian, your Tour Manager will

try to organise an alternative menu. Remember that drinks are

not included, but the waiters can help you choose soft drinks,

local wines or tea and coffee. A reasonable standard of dress

is expected at all restaurants and we therefore request that no

sports shorts or singlets be worn at evening meals.

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Hopfgarten informationContiki’s Accommodation in Hopfgarten:

Gasthof Schöneck, A-6361 Hopfgarten, Nord Tyrol

Austria. Telephone: +43-5335-2563

Gasthof Schöneck facilities: Gasthof Schöneck offers

internet facilities, laundry service, sauna and a

lively bar.

NB. Please remember to bring a towel if you are staying at

Gasthof Schöneck.

Haus Lukas, A-6361 Hopfgarten, Nord Tyrol

Austria. Telephone: +43-5335-2094

MealsSki holidays in Hopfgarten are on a bed and breakfast basis.

For real value for money consider taking the half board option

which entitles you to 5 three-course evening meals at a

fraction of the cost of equivalent meals in town. You will still

have 2 free nights per week stay to sample the many

Gasthofs in the village.

If you choose to stay on a bed and breakfast basis you should

allow g15 for a meal and drink in town. Lunches are not

provided by Contiki. You should allow approximately g10 per

day for lunch in addition to your aprés ski costs and other

spending money.

Please Note: The half board option cannot be booked in

Hopfgarten. Ensure you have made your booking with Contiki

or your travel agent before you leave home.

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Hopfgarten informationSki Village Facilities

Hopfgarten has all the necessary facilities to make your stay

as entertaining and enjoyable as possible. The village has a

post office, banks, supermarkets, doctors and a pharmacy.

There are many restaurants and bars.

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Ski extrasIf you have not taken advantage of the Contiki ski and snowboardequipment offers available at the time of booking, you will be able topurchase a lift pass, hire equipment and book ski lessons to suit yourneeds when you arrive in Hopfgarten through the Contiki team, at thefollowing approximate costs:

Please Note: Please bring your own gloves &sunglasses/goggles as they cannot be hired in Hopfgarten. Itis not possible to pay for ski extras by credit card.

Please Note: i) Prices shown are approximate and may besubject to change. ii) Bigfoot, Carving and cross country skismay also be hired. Please speak to the Manager.

The Ski Welt ski pass provides access to over 250 km (155miles) of marked pistes, served by 90 lifts.

No of Cost Per Persondays in Euro

Ski Welt Pass 6 days 17513 days 290

Equipment hire 6 days 47(Skis, Boots, Poles,Board, Boots) 13 days 95

Lessons Cost Per Personski & snowboard in Euro

Ski Lessons:5 days x 4 hours per day (including certificate) 1163 days x 4 hours per day 109

Snowboard Lessons:5 days x 2 hours per day 1163 days x 2 hours per day 95

Combined Lessons:3 days x 4 hours Skiing & 1783 days x 2 hours boarding

Ski Clothing Hire Cost Per Person per week in Euro

Hopfgarten

Jacket/Pants - Ski Suit 50

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Other ActivitiesHopfgarten not only offers downhill skiing, but a whole range ofwinter sports activities e.g. toboganning, cross-country skiing(langlauf) and walks for those who prefer the contrast of a day’srambling. There’s also the chance to take a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh by moonlight. (See “Optional ski activities andexcurions”, this page.)If you are an intermediate or advanced skier/snowboarder andwould prefer not to take group lessons, you can take advantageof private lessons or half day guided tours designed tofamiliarise you with the area. Please speak to the Site Manager.

The Contiki TeamThe Site Manager and Contiki team will always be on hand tohelp you enjoy your holiday. On arrival in Hopfgarten, they willbe able to provide you with full details of après-ski activities andexcursions.

Budgeting on your ski holidayWe recommend you take approximately g30 in cash if travellingto Hopfgarten to cover refreshment stops on the coach journey.We would also suggest carrying some Sterling to meet yourrequirements for the cross-Channel ferry. Also remember if youare staying in Hopfgarten on a bed and breakfast basis youmust allow money for lunch and dinners. See page 32.Please Note: Cash advances are only available in the skivillage at an ATM. You will need a pin number. Credit Cardscannot be used in the village.

Optional ski activities and excursionsYou’ll find a whole range of optional activities and excursionsavailable. We call them ‘optional’ because it is up to youwhether you join in or not. To help you budget your holiday, wehave listed some of the optional activities and excursionsavailable below.Sleigh Ride: Cost approximately g20: A romantic eveningaboard a ‘two horse open sleigh’. Through mountainous forests,we stop in a cosy Gasthof to warm up to the tunes of a localmusician before our return journey to Hopfgarten.Tandem Paragliding: Cost approximately g110: Experiencethe thrill and beauty of paragliding through the crisp mountainair from the top of the Hohe Solve mountain to the Hopfgartenvalley below. You’ll be accompanied by a qualified pilot whoknows ‘the ropes’. An experience you’ll never forget.Ice-skating & dinner: Cost approximately g20: Why not tryiceskating on a frozen alpine lake? Finish the evening with atypical Tirolean meal. Please Note: It is not possible to pay for optional excursionsby credit card.

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Winter departuresOn winter departures, please bear in mind the inconsistency ofEuropean weather and the shorter daylight hours. For thesereasons it may be necessary to make earlier starts and it maynot be possible to offer all our Optional Excursions. Also thewinter months can be used by some public works departmentsto decorate, renovate or renew exhibitions and therefore somepublic buildings could be closed. You will, however, have theadvantage of much less crowded museums, buildings andrestaurants, etc.

Weekends & public holidaysIt is unavoidable to have a touring programme that is not incertain cities on weekends, public holidays or days of closure forpublic buildings, shops & museums. We regret you may misscertain opportunities but these are kept to a minimum.

Please see the country info in the back of this bookletfor further information.

TransportYour Coach: Throughout Europe we use a fleet of modern, air-conditioned European and British coaches, the ultimate incomfort, safety and reliability with contoured seats, panoramictinted windows and built-in stereo sound system.For the duration of your tour the coach is like a home. Careshould be taken to maintain its cleanliness. We do not regimentour clients and no system for seat rotation is arranged. However,out of consideration to others, window seats should not bemonopolised. This also permits everybody to mix rather thanstay in isolated groups. To make the most of your days wesometimes make an early start.There are times when your driver has the day or evening off dueto laws established by the European Union (EU). There will be afew occasions, therefore, when transportation will be at yourown expense.A number of our coaches are fitted with toilets. Please be awarethat due to the very limited disposal facilities in Europe, these arefor emergency use only. Frequent comfort stops are provided.Smoking: Smoking is not permitted on the coach, but frequentstops are made when travelling.Music: All our coaches are fitted with CD players. However, oursupply of CDs is not inexhaustible and passengers are invited tobring along their favourites.

BudgetingHow Much Money Should I Bring?: This is a difficult subjectto give advice on because the amount varies from person toperson and a lot depends on how much you spend on shopping(there’s plenty to tempt you in Europe!), entertainment, drinks,optional excursions and entry fees to museums, etc.

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Budgeting (cont’d)If possible, bring more money than you intend to spend, andthen if you see something you really can’t resist you won’t bedisappointed - don’t forget your credit card.

On the following pages, we’ve tried to give you some idea of theexpenses you’re likely to incur.

Entrance Fees/Free Time: In every city you visit there will bea good mix of organised sightseeing plus time to explore the cityon your own. Everyone has a different idea of what they want tosee and do in their free time - visiting museums and galleries,shopping, coffee in an outdoor café or just walking the streets tofeel the atmosphere of the city.

In our experience we have found that you should budgetapproximately £30/m45 per day for incidental expenses. Thisdoes not include major shopping items.

Your Meals: Your tour cost includes breakfast and dinner mostdays, as specified on your itinerary. When dinner is not included,you’ll have the opportunity to sample the local cuisine and befree to do your own thing or choose one of the optional mealsorganised by your Tour Manager. Lunch is not included exceptwhere specified on our itinerary, as most people have their ownidea of how much and what they eat in the middle of the day. Asa general guide, allow approximately £7/m10 per day for lunches.

Optional Meals & Excursions: A Contiki holiday is all aboutexciting ‘once in a lifetime’ experiences. Your holiday costincludes many visits and meals as listed in the brochure for yourspecific tour. In addition, as everyone has their own idea of howthey want to spend their free time, we also have a range ofoptional visits, activities and local meals available throughoutyour tour. We call them ‘optional’ because it is entirely up to youwhether you join in or not - there is no pressure on you to do so.

The style of eating varies from country to country and part of thefun of travelling abroad is to be able to sample a whole range ofculinary specialities. From experience, we have not plannedmeals in restaurants in some cities as we feel it is better for youto explore and find your own venue by yourself or with a fewfriends. Yet, in other places, and particularly in peak season, itcan be difficult to find a good meal at a fair price and we haveorganised to eat as a group and sample the local cuisine at areasonable cost. Our Optional Meals and Excursions give youthe chance to get the most from your trip with plenty ofopportunities to see typical shows, sample the local food or justwander at your leisure.

All excursions can be booked through your Tour Manager and tohelp you plan your budget, our list of Optional Excursions andMeals available is shown in your tour itinerary sent to you withyour travel documents. For any optional trips that you


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Budgeting (cont’d)choose, your Tour Manager will make firm bookings inadvance and you will be liable for the cost of all excursionsyou have booked, a minimum of 48hrs cancellation notice isrequired - please allow approximately £10/m15 per day forOptional Excursions and £20-£25/m30-40 per Optional Meal.These optionals are available via third party suppliers. Contikidoes not own nor operate any of these excursions but ratherhas used its buying power to negotiate favourable rates onyour behalf with local suppliers and excursion operators.NB: Credit cards cannot be accepted as a form ofpayment for Optional Excursions/Meals.

Summary of Approximate CostsHere’s a summary of the various expenses you’re likely toincur during your tour.Expenses Approximate CostsLunches £7/m10 per mealOptional Meals £15-£20/m30 per mealFerry Crossings £7/m10 per mealOptional Excursions £10/m15 per dayIncidental Expenses £30/m45 per day

ShoppingCertain cities and countries in Europe are well known for theirlocal crafts, e.g. leatherware from Florence, cuckoo-clocksand watches from Switzerland, clogs from Holland, glassfrom Venice; the list and variety is endless. As part of your tour, you will be given the opportunity to seedemonstrations of local craftsmen at work. Contiki selects afactory or shop for their standard of demonstration and thequality of service and product guarantee. We feel they offergood value for money and are highly responsible andestablished traders. However, we stress that you are underno obligation to purchase anything. You may find anothershop with cheaper products, others may be more expensive.Ultimately, it is your choice.Some shops may provide a mail service, but please be awarethat it can take up to six months and sometimes longer forthe goods to arrive home and, on arrival, perhaps be liable tocustoms and excise duty. We strongly recommend you obtaina copy of customs regulations before you leave home as theyvary in almost every country.

Health & HygieneLife on a Contiki tour can get quite hectic with early morningsand late nights which makes it easy for you to catch acommon cold, the flu or aggravate an existing medicalcondition. Ensure you look after yourself and eat healthy foodas much as possible.


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Health & Hygiene (cont’d)Water in some areas is undrinkable, so please take care - yourTour Manager will advise you. Bottled water is cheap andeasily found throughout Europe.

If at any time you feel unwell, your Tour Manager will assistyou in contacting a doctor for consultation. Please rememberthe quality of medical services varies considerably fromcountry to country in Europe and that medications availableover the counter at home may only be obtainable onprescription in Europe.

If you are on a regular course of medicine/contraception youmust bring a supply sufficient for the whole time you are awayfrom home. We also suggest you bring a small supply ofantiseptic cream, Band Aids, Aspirin, insect repellent, coughmixture and perhaps a supply of antibiotics. These are notcarried on the coach and are your responsibility.

All Contiki coaches carry a sealed comprehensive First Aid Kitfor use in a coach emergency only.

Lost PropertyContiki cannot accept responsibility for property left by clientsin hotels, coaches, restaurants, etc. We will, however, do ourbest to recover anything you might have forgotten. Pleaseadvise your Tour Manager as soon as possible. Contiki alsorecommend that you enter your important documentinformation into your Contiki ekit Travel Vault. This ultra-securefacility allows you to keep a record of all your importantinformation, eg: passport and visa details, credit card andtravellers cheques numbers and loads more, plus you’ll haveaccess to this 24-hours a day.

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Local CustomsWhile touring Europe you are a guest in each country you visitand traditions and customs vary greatly from country tocountry. Your Tour Manager will inform you of local customsas you enter each country but here are a few examples:

In Italy you are not allowed to enter a church unless yourupper arms and legs (for both men and women) are covered.This means that shorts, mini-skirts and sleeveless tops are not allowed.

It is customary in most countries and compulsory in others topay a token amount or tip the attendant for the use of publictoilets in railway stations, motorway rest-stops, etc.

Generally, if the local people see you respecting their customsthey are complimented and you are likely to be well receivedby them. Remember, as an adult you will be held liable foryour actions according to the individual laws of each country.Meeting the people of the countries you visit will enhanceyour enjoyment and increase the value of the memories youtake back with you. Always remember, ‘When in Rome...’

NB: On our Egypt tours, please see your final itineraryfor further details on useful hints.

TippingThis is becoming an increasingly accepted practice in allareas of the service industry, but particularly in restaurants,bars, and taxis worldwide. Likewise on your Contiki tour, ifyou feel that your Tour Manager and Driver have done anexcellent job, then as a guide we would recommend tippingup to the equivalent of m2 per passenger per day. However,this is not compulsory. It's up to you!

Egypt Tours: As we use local guides, drivers and boat crewon these tours, we would ask you to consider tipping (perperson) the following amounts (or local equivalent), subject tothe service provided being of a sufficiently high standard:

Local Tour Guide $3 per dayLocal Driver $3 per dayTrain staff $2 per journeyHotel staff/barman $1Boat Crew $3 per day (Egypt total crew)

Value Added TaxOn larger purchases, VAT can be reclaimed upon completionof the necessary forms and showing your purchases as youleave the country. VAT paid in European Union (EU) countriescan only be reclaimed upon your final departure from the EU.Please speak to your Tour Manager for further details.


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Calling HomeGenerally speaking, the Western European countries have anefficient system, the operators speak a reasonable level ofEnglish and telephone booths and offices are easily found.

Your Contiki Global Phonecard will save you up to 70% offhotel and payphones for international and long distancecalling - which means more money for souvenirs and bignights out.

Check your travel documents for your Contiki Phonecard orgo to www.contiki.ekit.com.

To make a call dial the Access Number from the country youare in, enter your Account Number and press #, your PIN andpress # and then 2. You then dial the country code, area code(without the 0), and the phone number.

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Calling Home (cont’d)All access numbers are listed on your card, or ask CustomerService; or refer to the individual destination pages of thisguidebook.

Sometimes the ekit Access Number may change, to provideyou with better call rates. If you hear a recorded message,Stay On The Line To Complete Your Call or use the newnumber given. Always go to www.contiki.ekit.com for thelatest access numbers.

International Telephone Country CodesAustralia 61 Canada 1Great Britain 44 Hong Kong 852Indonesia 6 Israel 972New Zealand 64 Singapore 65South Africa 27 USA 1

Your Tour Manager will gladly recommend the most efficientand convenient places to call home.

EmailThe fastest way of communicating with your family andfriends. Internet cafés are plentiful in Europe and your TourManager will be able to point you in the right direction startingoff with the Internet café at Contiki’s London Basement.

Clothing SizesSizes vary from country to country around the world. Nodoubt while in Europe you will want to buy clothes, so as aguide we have listed the approximate comparative sizes.However, we do recommend before making the purchase, youmake sure you are happy that the size of the article you arepurchasing is correct.

Munich


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Clothing Sizes (continued)Men Suits and CoatsAmerican/English 36 38 40 42 44 46 48Continental 46 48 50 52 54 56 58ShirtsAmerican - English 15 151⁄2 153⁄4 16 161⁄2 17Continental 38 39 40 41 42 43Sweaters S M L XLAmerican/English 34 36-38 40-42 44Continental 44 46-48 50-52 54ShoesAmerican 71⁄2 8 81⁄2 91⁄2 10 11Continental 40 41 42 43 44 45Women Dresses, Coats and SuitsAmerican 32 34 36 38 40English 10 12 14 16 18Continental 38 40 42 44 46Blouses and SweatersAmerican 32 34 36 38 40 42 44English 34 36 38 40 42 44 46Continental 40 42 44 46 48 50 52ShoesAmerican 5 51⁄2 61⁄2 71⁄2 81⁄2 9 91⁄2

English 31⁄2 4 5 6 7 71⁄2 8Continental 36 37 38 39 40 41 42Children’s WearAmerican 1 4 6 8 10 13 15English 1 2 5 7 9 10 12Continental 1 2 5 7 9 10 12

Temperature ChartBelow you will find the average temperatures of 11 major cities in theearly afternoon. Use this information to help you choose the type ofclothes to bring with you on your Contiki tour. All temperatures areshown in centigrade.

J F M A M J J A S O N DAmsterdam 4 5 8 11 16 18 21 20 18 13 8 5Barcelona 13 14 16 18 22 25 27 28 26 22 17 14Cairo 24 26 28 31 33 34 35 35 33 31 29 25Edinburgh 6 6 8 10 13 17 18 18 16 12 8 7London 6 7 9 13 17 20 22 21 18 13 9 7Lucerne 0 3 7 12 16 20 22 21 17 11 6 2Paris 6 7 11 16 19 23 24 24 21 15 9 6Rome 12 13 17 20 23 28 31 31 28 23 17 13Vienna 1 3 8 14 19 22 24 23 19 13 7 3


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CALENDAR 2008March

S M T W T F S

30 31 12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 29

FebruaryS M T W T F S

1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29

JanuaryS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31

AprilS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30

MayS M T W T F S

1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31

JuneS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30

SeptemberS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30

AugustS M T W T F S

31 1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 30

JulyS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31

OctoberS M T W T F S

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31

NovemberS M T W T F S

30 12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 29

DecemberS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30 31

CALENDAR 2009March

S M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30 31

FebruaryS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 28

JanuaryS M T W T F S

1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31

AprilS M T W T F S

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30

MayS M T W T F S

31 1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910 11 12 13 14 15 1617 18 19 20 21 22 2324 25 26 27 28 29 30

JuneS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 10 11 12 1314 15 16 17 18 19 2021 22 23 24 25 26 2728 29 30

SeptemberS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30

AugustS M T W T F S

30 31 12 3 4 5 6 7 89 10 11 12 13 14 1516 17 18 19 20 21 2223 24 25 26 27 28 29

JulyS M T W T F S

1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 10 1112 13 14 15 16 17 1819 20 21 22 23 24 2526 27 28 29 30 31

OctoberS M T W T F S

1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1011 12 13 14 15 16 1718 19 20 21 22 23 2425 26 27 28 29 30 31

NovemberS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 10 11 12 13 1415 16 17 18 19 20 2122 23 24 25 26 27 2829 30

DecemberS M T W T F S

1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 10 11 1213 14 15 16 17 18 1920 21 22 23 24 25 2627 28 29 30 31

MUSICAL EVENINGSAND FLORENTINE FOLKLORE

The true tradition of the most genuine Tuscan cookingSPIT - GRILL - GAME - BUFFET

Via Cassia No 1 - 50124 Galluzzo (Firenze)Tel. (055) 2048876 - 2047109 - Telex 571350 CERTOS I


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Currency Conversion TableTo assist you when converting the excursion costs into your owncurrency, the table below gives details of approximate exchangerates (as of 20th June 2008). As exchange rates vary, this informationshould be used as a guide only:

US$ C$ A$ NZ$ R GBPGBP 0.51 0.50 0.48 0.38 0.06 1.00SFr 1.04 1.02 0.98 0.79 0.13 2.03Egy P 5.33 5.23 5.02 4.02 0.66 10.41EURO 0.64 0.63 0.60 0.49 0.08 1.26

Useful Words‘When in Rome...’ language is no barrier to foreign travel, but it helpsto know a few of the more common phrases. It’s fun to try and thefact that you have made the effort is appreciated by the people ofthe country.

English French German Spanish ItalianGood morning Bonjour Guten Morgen Buenos dias Buongiorno

Goodbye Au revoir Auf Wiedersehen Adios Arrivederci

Please S’il vous plait Bitte Por favor Perfavore

Thank you Merci Danke Schon Gracias Grazie

Yes Oui Ja Si Si

No Non Nein No No

Where is? Où est? Wo ist? Dónde ésta? Dové

The toilet les toilettes die toilette el lavabo il gabinetto

The bank la banque Die Bank Banco Banca

Post Office la Poste Die Post Correos Ufficio Postale

How much? Combien? Wieviel? Cuanto? Quanto?

The bill l’addition Die Rechnung La cuenta Il Conto

Ladies Dames Damen Enoras Donne

Gents Messieurs Herren Senores Uomini

Stamp Timbre Briefmarke Sello Francobollo

One/Two Un/Deux Eins/Zwei Uno/Due Uno/Due

Three/Four Trois/Quatre Drei/Vier Tres/Cuatro Tre/Quattro

Five/Six Cinq/Six Funf/Sechs Cinco/Seis Cinque/Sei

Seven/Eight Sept/Huit Sieben/Acht Siete/Ocho Sette/Otto

Nine/Ten Neuf/Dix Neun/Zehn Nueve/Diez Nove/Dieci

Open Ouvert Geoffnet Abierto Aperto

Closed Fermé Geschlossen Cerrado Chiuso

Hot Chaud Heiss Caliente Caldo

Cold Froid Kalt Frio Freddo

Water Eau Wasser Agua Acqua

Tea Thé Tee Té Té

Coffee Café Kaffee Café Caffé

Beer Bière Bier Cerveza Birra

Wine Vin Wein Vino Vino

Excuse me Excusez-moi Entschuldigung sie Perdón Scusi

(Sorry)


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Mailing AddressesContact addresses during your tour are listed in your itinerary.Please remember that mail can be very slow in parts ofEurope. Airmail letters should be posted at least 15 daysbefore arrival date of the tour and addressed as follows: ‘Toawait arrival’, Client’s Name, Contiki Tour Name andDeparture Date, c/o Address as shown.We do not recommend sending mail to countries outsidecentral Europe as the mail service is very unreliable.

Contiki-Approved European Shops & FactoriesName of Company Main Products City

Fragonard French Perfume Paris/Grasse/Eze

Leonardo’s Italian Leather Fashion FlorenceLeather Works Ware & Handbags

Walter’s SilverSilver & Gold Jewellery Florence

& Gold

Galleria San Marco Venetian Glass VeniceTableware & Ornaments

Swarovski Crystal Austrian Crystal InnsbruckMuseum

Harry’s Swiss Swiss Watches & Cuckoo LucerneWatch Centre Clocks (German & Swiss)

Beer Steins, German

Montag’s Souvenirs Knives & Souvenirs St Goar

Steiff Bears and Cuckoo Clocks

Irene Hoeve Dutch Clogs, Cheese Amsterdam

NB: At certain times of the year, i.e. Bank Holidays, it may notalways be possible to visit some of the shops and factorieslisted above. Your Tour Manager will keep you informed.

Hopfgarten

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The following pages aim to give you a taste of thecountries visited by Contiki. We hope you will findthis section interesting and useful, though of course it only skimsthe surface of what each particular country has to offer - as you’llsoon find out!

AUSTRIACapital: ViennaCurrency: EuroPopulation: 8,175,000Area: 83,850 sq. km (32,375 sq. miles)People: Language: German is the first language but

most educated Austrians speak English,French and Italian to varying degrees.Ethnological Mix: in Tyrol areas people arealmost pure German stock; in the DanubeValley, however, they are a mixture ofGermanic, Slav & Magyar.

Climate: Warm pleasant summers with cool nights,sunny winters with snow levels high enoughfor widespread winter sports.

Time Difference: GMT + 1 hr.

Loire

Seine

Rhine

Elbe

Rhone

Po

Danube

Danube

GERMANY

NETHERLANDS

BELGIUM

ENGLANDWALES

SCOTLAND

S.IRELAND

N.IRELAND

FRANCE

SPAIN

PORTUGAL ITALY

CZECH REP.

HUNGARY

SLOVENIA

AUSTRIA

SWITZ

SLOVAKIA

Mediterranean Sea

English Channel

Dover

Calais

Seville

GibraltarCosta del Sol

Granada

Cordoba

Valencia

Madrid

Barcelona

Paris

AvignonMonaco

FrenchRiviera

MilanVerona

Venice

PisaFlorence

Rome

PompeiiSorrento

Isle ofCapri

Berlin

DresdenRhine Valley

Heidelberg Prague

ViennaBratislava

Budapest

Amsterdam

Munich

TyrolLiechtenstein

Lucerne

Lyon

VaticanCity

Oxford

Liverpool

York

EdinburghGlasgow

Loch Ness

GalwayDublin

Ring ofKerry

Blarney

London

Baltic Sea

POLAND

CinqueTerre

Lake Nassar

The NileEGYPT

CairoGiza

Luxor

Aswan

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AUSTRIA (cont.) GeographyAustria is a small country enclosed in the heart of Europe, atsome points only 40km (24 miles) across and only 560km (335miles) long. Nevertheless Austria offers more variety than almostany other country in Europe - moody plains with rockyoutcroppings are crowned by castles and dense green forestsreminding one of medieval legends and fairy tales. The beautifulDanube flows for miles through the country, acres of vineyardscover the land and of course there are the Alps - some of themost breathtaking and dramatic peaks in the world.

Places of interest in ViennaCity of Music: See statues of famous composers such asStrauss and Mozart in the Stadtspark and the Hofburg Gardens.See inside the historic Stadtsopera house, rebuilt since bombingin WWIIHorse and Buggy Tour: Go on a horse and buggy ride aroundthe city centre. It is the best place in Europe to take advantage ofthis mode of transport with liveried drivers, shining coaches andimmaculate gleaming horses.Vienna Coffee: Try an array of coffee blends available andperhaps splurge on a traditional Austrian apple strudel or a sliceof the Viennese cake; Sacher Torte

Old Vienna Schnapsmuseum

An attractive and rewarding short stop.

Since 1875 the Fischer-Family has been producing Schnapsand Liquer including their famous “Schönbrunner-Goldlikör”containing 23 carat gold leaf. Since that time nothing haschanged, neither the interior of the house, nor the way ofproduction. Come and see the Fischer-Family, experience awarm welcome and enjoy a sampling of their products.

Internet: www.schnapsmuseum.come-mail: [email protected]

4 generationsunder one roof!

Near Schönbrunn Castle


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AUSTRIA (cont.)Kartnerstrasse: Shop for high quality items in the city’smajor pedestrian shopping street. Mozart ball chocolates area must!Hofburg Palace: Explorethe former apartments of theHapsburg family in their Winter Palace; stately in design andopulent in decoration.Shwartzkammer (Palace Treasury): Visit the home of thecrown jewels of the Hapsburg Dynasty, and see royal robesand artifacts formerly belonging to the Royal Family. Closed Tuesdays.

Manners and CustomsAustrians tend to be fairly formal in both their social andbusiness dealings. One should shake hands when greeting orsaying goodbye. It is considered impolite to leave arestaurant or shop without saying ‘Auf Wiedersehen’ -Goodbye. Food specialities include Wiener Schnitzel andKnodel (dumplings). Tipping is not high, but widespread. Onrestaurant bills, 10-15% is added and it is usual to leave onlythe small change.

Best BuysLocal handicrafts, Dirndls, embroidered blouses and lederhosen (leather pants), woodcarvings, dried flowerpictures, Viennese petit point, winter sports equipment,crystal glassware and schnapps.ekit access number: 0800 677 664ekit hints on calling in Austria: To get a dial tone or makecalls you might need to deposit some coins, a localphonecard or swipe your credit card.

Vienna

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CZECH REPUBLICCapital: PragueCurrency: Czech Crown (Kcs)Population: 10,250,000Area: 78,860 sq.km (30,500 sq. miles)People: Language: Czech is the official language,

English & German are both widely spoken.Population is majority Czech with a largeamount of Slovaks. Minorities includeHungarians, Polish & Germans.

Climate: The average yearly temperature over thecountry is 10.7°C (51°F) and in Prague 9.7°C(50°F) - with temperatures droppingaccording to height above sea level.


GeographyCzech Republic lies in the geographical centre of Europe, coveringa distance of 767 km (477 miles) west to east and 276 km (171miles) north to south. It borders Germany and Poland in the north,Slovakia in the east, Hungary and Austria to the south and againGermany to the west. The country has many large mountainranges and approximately one-third of the territory is covered withforests. A considerable part of the Czech Republic’s natural wealthconsists of mineral springs - there are some 3,000 of them.

Manners and CustomsA very friendly welcome is the norm here from the locals. They enjoymany sports especially skiing, ski touring and mountain walking.

This builds a healthy appetite for some of their favourite foods likesauerkraut, dumplings, goulash, ‘bramborake’ a kind of potatopancake and many flavoured cream cakes etc. Beer is their mostpopular drink. Their culture includes considerable folklore, filmand music festivals and trade fairs.

Best BuysBohemia crystal/glass, china, fashion jewellery, works of art,products of folk art and Pilsner Urquell beer.

ekit Toll Free access number: 800 142 069

EGYPTCapital: CairoCurrency: Egyptian Pound (LE)Population: 59,600,000Area: 1000,000 sq.kmPeople: Language: Arabic, although there are various

dialects of Bedouin Siwan and Nubian.English and French is also spoken, though nottoo widely. The ethnic population includes theChristian Cops (direct descendants of AncientEgyptians) 14%, Nubian and Bedouin tribesadding a traditional African culture and 85%Egyptians following the Sunni Muslim religion.


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EGYPT (cont.)Climate: Egypt is hot and dry most of the year, but its

low humidity makes the heat bearable. In thesummer, temperatures range between 30°c(86F°) and 50°c (122F°) in the south, while atnight it can be very cold. The change intemperature in 24 hours can be as much as37°c (99F°).

Time Difference: GMT + 2 hrs.

GeographyEgypt is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea (north), Sudan(south) and Libya (west). The Sinai is the eastern front of Egyptwhich borders Israel to the north-east. The Red Sea and Gulf ofSuez surround its other broader territories. Egypt mostly consistsof flat desert regions apart from the fertile Nile valley and thecoastal areas. It also has many oases and some rockymountainous regions. The Nile river extends some 1200 km (745miles) from the south to the north of Egypt.

Manners and CustomsThe people are very religious, warm and hospitable. It is a greathonour for them to act as host to foreign visitors. They also havea good sense of humour.Ramadan is the most important Islamic festival where devoutMuslims fast from dawn till dusk for a month. Learn to relax andslow down in Egypt - time is not a priority there. ‘Baksheesh’ is atip for service and sometimes used wrongly as a bribe or to begfrom tourists.

Best BuysPapyrus paintings, jewellery, beaten copperware, stone carvingsand perfume.

Making calls from EgyptTo make calls from Egypt use our Callback Service.1. Using any touch-tone phone, dial 0044 207 984 2142 (please note International call charges apply).2. When prompted, enter the country code, area code (withoutthe leading 0) and phone number you wish to be called back on,then press # and hang up.3. After 20 seconds, your phone will call back. Answer the phoneas normal. * You will be connected to the ekit phone service.4. When prompted, enter your ekit account number and PIN.5. Press 2 at the main menu to make a call.6. Enter the country code (e.g. 1 for US), area code (without theleading 0) and phone number of the person you wish to call, thenpress # to be connected.Tips on using Callback from Egypt:To use Callback from a hotel that uses a switchboard, ask thehotel operator to transfer the Callback call to your room. Refer tothe Calling Tips or print a Country User Guide.

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FRANCECapital: ParisCurrency: EuroPopulation: 60,424,000Area: 543,965 sq.km (210,025 sq. miles)People: Language: French, Breton and Basque are

also spoken as well as many other dialects.Ethnological Mix: the majority of people areFrench. Germans, Britons, Italians,Spaniards, Algerians and Portuguese makeup 7 per cent of the population.

Climate: Summers hot especially in the South.Fairly cold winters.


Places of interest in ParisEiffel Tower: Travel to the top of this remarkable feat ofengineering and design, brainchild of Frenchman; GustavEiffel. Long-recognised as a symbol of the city, it is stunningby night and the view is breathtaking by day.Louvre: Visit the home of one of the world’s most importantart collections and see the two most popular exhibits,Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo of theHellenistic Age. (Closed Tuesday).Shops and Markets: Browse through the stores of the Ruede Rivoli and Blvde Hausman, or perhaps buy in one of thecity’s many fashion houses in this, the home of haute couture.Arc De Triomphe: Visit the world’s most famous triumphalarch and photograph the amazing view of twelve avenuesradiating from the arch at the centre. Magic!Musée d’ Orsay: Explore the world’s largest and mostcomprehensive Impressionist Collection featuring work by thelikes of Pierre-August Renoir, Edgar Degas and Vincent VanGogh. (Closed Monday).Pompidou Centre: Visit this “building turned inside out”, aclever example of modern architecture and design and hometo the Modern Art Museum. (Closed Tuesday).

Places of interest in NicePromenade des Anglais: Wander along this 19th centurybeach-front street in the footsteps of Queen Victoria andsoak in the atmosphere of “the life of the rich and famous”. Le Cours Saleya Markets: Explore the many stallsfeaturing a variety of goods for sale and also a vast array offruit, vegetables and fragrant flowers.Old Town: Enjoy the relaxed nightlife atmosphere of themany bars and restaurants which inhabit this district of town.Le Fort-Chateau: Appreciate the fine view of the coastlineand beaches from the top of these 12th century castle ruins.

Dinner & Show at 7 pm - Show at 9 pm & 11 pmMontmartre - 82, boulevard de Clichy - 75018 Paris

www.moulin-rouge.com

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FRANCE (cont.)Places of interest in CannesPalais du Festivale: Visit the home of the famous annualCannes Film Festival and follow in the footsteps (or trace thehandprints) of stars the likes of Mel Gibson, Jean-Claude VanDamme, Sharon Stone and Whoopi Goldberg!

Manners and CustomsHandshaking is performed on meeting and parting. TheFrench are often seen by outsiders as brusque as they willgreet a foreigner as they would a fellow citizen. A few wordsof French will receive a more friendly reply than a request asto whether English is spoken. At some restaurants the samecutlery will be used for all courses.

Best BuysPerfume, sunglasses, china and glass, silk scarves, gloves,coffee, cheese and wine.

eKit access number: 0805 113 721 or 0800 902 292eKit hints on calling in France:• To get a dial tone or make a call you may need to enter

some coins, a local phonecard or swipe your credit card.• ekit economy number (Paris 01 73 04 56 78) provides lower

ekit rates but may incur local call charges.

GERMANYCapital: BerlinCurrency: EuroPopulation: 83,030,000Area: 357,849 sq.km (138,167 sq. miles)People: Language: German. Most Germans speak

some English. Russian and French arealso spoken in some areas. EthnologicalMix: various teutonic tribes. Importantregional differences between Prussian,Swabians and Bavarians - difference indialect, cuisine and local customs.

Climate: Climate is temperate, with warm summersand fairly cold winters. Prolonged periodsof frost or snow are rare.


GeographyThe Federal Republic is divided into sixteen regions(Bunderslander). It borders the Netherlands, Belgium,Luxembourg, France, Denmark, Switzerland, Austria, Polandand the Czech Republic. The range of scenery is vast, fromthe Baltic Coast and Islands and the Harz Mountains in theNorth, the national wine region of the Rhineland in the centre,to the southern area of the Black Forest, and the Alps.

You are interested in 100%German products? Then visitour shop’s we only carry the

best German products!!!

• Beersteinsmade since 1600• Cuckoo Clocksmade since 1740• Birkenstocks

Made since 1774• Wuesthof knifesmade since 1814• Steiff Teddy’smade since 1880

• Hummel Figurinesmade since 1935

So, come in and take a lookaround, you will be amazed,

with the selection that wehave to offer!!!

We are looking forward tomeeting you in one of our

stores!!!

Worlds largestfreehanging Cuckoo

Clock! Over 300different clocks!!!

Montag Steins & Clocks GmbhHeerstrasse 12856329 St Goar

Tel: 06741-934120 and 2488Fax: 06741-2086 w

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.bee

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ince

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MC

lock

@ao

l.co

mBiggest Beerstein

Selection in

Germany! Over

3,000 Steins in

stock!!!

BIRKENSTOCK

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GERMANY (cont.)Places of interest in MunichFrauenkirche: Explore this symbol of the city, restored afterWWII, and perhaps travel to the top of the dome for animpressive view of this city almost totally rebuilt after thedevastating bombings it suffered.

Viktualien Markets: Wander through the area long-established as the food markets of Munich and sample someof the local culinary treats such as various kinds of Germansausage, pretzels, pastries or, for health-minded people; thebest black cherries in the world!

Hofbrauhaus: Visit the oldest and most historic beerhall in this,the city of beer and sample some of its fine brews. Non-drinkers and drinkers alike can appreciate the history andatmosphere in this building where Hitler used to rally his troops.

Deutches Museum: Tour through one of the finest scienceand technology collections in the world. Although it wouldtake days to see it all, those of you with a scientific interestmay want to spend your time visiting this amazing museum inyour free time.

Places of interest in BerlinShoot: photographs of the bird’s-eye-view from the top of thecity’s television tower 207m (680 ft) which rises aboveAlexanderplatz. You can see for 40km (25 miles)!

Travel: back in time at the internationally renownedPergamon Museum, home of the Pergamon Altar (dating back to 180-159BC) and also to Egyptian andByzantine Collections.

Visit: Haus Checkpoint Charlie museum, dedicated to adisplay of “life behind the wall”, courage, bravery andingenious escape plans. A “must-see”!

Wander: up the “Unter Den Linden” into the former “EastBerlin” and past the site where Hitler’s infamous book burningsused to take place and the impressive University Buildings.

Explore: the Zoo Station area, lively, interesting and full offantastic shopping opportunities - a great place to get a tasteof Berlin.

Manners and CustomsBoth married and older women are addressed as ‘Frau’.Tipping is not expected. Customs for formal dress arecomparable to Britain. Germany is famous for Rhine wines,Munich Beerhalls, carnivals such as Fasching and Oktoberfest- both in Munich - and the world-famous ballet in Stuttgart.

Berlin

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GERMANY (cont.)Best BuysCameras, binoculars, beer steins, kitchen knives.

ekit access number: 0800 100 6492 or 0800 182 2261ekit hints on calling in Germany:• Some phones do not have a # key. You can still access the

phone service without using the # keys. Wait a few extraseconds for a voice prompt.

• To get a dial tone or make calls you might need to entersome coins, a local phonecard or swipe your credit card.

• Some phones need to be put into tone mode. Do this bypressing a series of buttons on the phone. There is a buttonto the right of the ‘6’ button. It looks like a diamond with adot in the middle and a line going out to the right. To put aphone in tone mode, press that diamond button, then ‘*’,then the diamond button again.

GREAT BRITAINEngland, Scotland, Wales, Northern IrelandCapital: London

Currency: Pounds & Pence

Population: 60,000,000

Area: 242,000 sq.km (93,440 sq. miles)

People: Language: English - with varying dialectsthroughout the country, Welsh in parts ofWales and Gaelic in parts of WesternScotland and Southern Ireland.

Climate: Very mixed and unpredictable - warmer inthe South. Summer extends from June toSeptember, Winter - November to February.

GeographyGreat Britain is situated off the North-West coast of Europe.Although a comparatively small country, it has a great varietyof scenery in its towns and countryside. England is hills androlling downs, low plains and river valleys. Scotland offerswild mountainous scenery in the scarcely populatedhighlands and islands, while Wales is a country of ancienthills cut by numerous rivers and valleys. Northern Irelandcovers only about one-sixth of the total area of Ireland and isa land of unspoiled coastline and countryside, with beautifulinland lakes, mountains and hundreds of rivers and streams.

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GREAT BRITAIN (cont.)Places of interest in LondonBuckingham Palace: Definitely at the top of the list. See the Changing of the Guards (which is on every other dayat 11.00am). You’ll have to be there early to get a goodviewing point.

Tower of London: Take a tour with a Beefeater and also see the Crown Jewels. You’ll find out who lost their head and where.

Madame Tussaud’s: This is the original and the best.Mingle with all your favourite stars, royalty and politicians,then ride in a black cab through London’s history. Don’tforget the Chamber of Horrors to give you a good scare.

British Museum: You could easily spend all day here - theplace is huge. It’s just around the corner from the RoyalNational Hotel and there are plenty of different sections tochoose from.

Open-Top Bus Tour: Some are all day jump on and off andsome are just a tour. It’s a great way to see London.

For The Shoppers: Definitely no shortages, Oxford Street, Covent Garden, Harrods, Chelsea, High Street Kensington &Camden Market.

Eating PlacesCovent Garden, Leicester Square, Hard Rock Cafe (GreenPark tube station), Planet Hollywood (Leicester Square orPiccadilly tube stations)

Must Do’sTwo more things for the list - a ride in a black cab and theUnderground (tube).

Places of interest in EdinburghEdinburgh Castle: The most famous and you certainly can’tmiss it - just look up the hill! A guided tour of the castle isavailable with the Scottish Crown Jewels on view.

Gladstone’s Land: This is a great place to see exactly what a17th century Tenement building looked like. It sets a picture ofhow the people of Edinburgh lived.

Writers Museum: Three famous writers all from Scotlandhave their treasure on show - Robert Burns, Robert LouisStevenson and Sir Walter Scott.

For The Shoppers: Princes Street, Waverley Centre, King James Centre.

Places To Eat: Waverley Centre, streets running off PrincesStreet, Grassmarket.


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GREAT BRITAIN (cont.)Places of interest in YorkYork Minster: This is the largest medieval Gothic cathedralin Northern Europe, Definitely make the effort to go and havea look and then if you’re really keen climb the 275 stonesteps to the top of the Tower for unbelievable city views.For The Shoppers: Parliament Street, Stonegate,Shambles, High and Low PetergatePlaces To Eat: There is no shortage of restaurants andcafes in York.

Manners and CustomsThe English are said to be traditional and conservative butthey’re also a nation of eccentrics and are known for theirmarvellous sense of humour. Scotland is noted for itsbagpipes, kilts, haggis and whisky. The Welsh have a passionfor rugby and music and you’ll also find many indecipherableroad signs in Wales!

Best BuysReady-made clothes, cashmere, tweed, electrical goods.ekit access number: 0800 032 6297 or 020 7943 2772*ekit hints on calling in Great Britain:• When dialling on a pulse phone, after you dial the access

number hold down the ‘*’ key for 2 seconds to revert thephone from pulse to touch-tone. In Scotland the BTContour 100 payphones are pulse phones.

• When calling an economy access number * (e.g London0207 943 2772) you will be charged a per minute rate formaking the local call by the UK telephone company. TheContiki ekit per minute rate will be cheaper when economynumbers are dialled.

ITALYCapital: RomeCurrency: EuroPopulation: 58,057,000Area: 301,225 sq.km (116,300 sq. miles)People: Language: Italian with regional dialects,

English is widely spoken. EthnologicalMix: Italian and Central European.

Climate: Italy has a Mediterranean climate; dry hotsummers in the coastal areas of theSouth; warm summers with cool nights inthe North - average temperature 24°C(75°F) in summer.


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ITALY (cont.)GeographyWith Mediterranean and Adriatic coastlines, Italy borders onFrance, Switzerland, Austria and Yugoslavia in the North. Italyis a boot-shaped peninsula, the second longest in the world(after Baja California) and stretches from the Alps and theDolomite mountain range in the North to the volcanic island ofSicily in the South.

Places of interest in FlorencePonte Vecchio: Cross Florence’s oldest bridge and indulge ina spot of “window shopping” as you pass by the exclusiveshops and take in the scenery either side of the River Arno.

Accademia: Explore some of the works of Michelangelo andBotticelli displayed in this, the home of the statue of Davidwhich is one of the masterpieces of the Renaissance period.(Closed Monday).

Gold and Leather: Shop for some of the finest quality 18ctItalian gold jewellry you’ll ever see - so much variety and plentyof styles to choose from. Shop for highly fashionable leatherjackets, bags, belts and shoes. You can just see the quality andthe superior workmanship.

Uffizi Gallery: Follow the evolution of Italian art from it’sbeginnings right through to the 17th century and housed in theformer administrative offices of the Medici family. Works byGiotti, Veronese, Tintoretto and Caravaggio. (Closed Monday).

Places of interest in RomePantheon: Marvel at the “best preserved” ancient building inRome, with it’s 43.3m (142 ft) open-topped dome and take inthe peaceful atmosphere of this final resting place of the Kingsof modern Italy and the artist, Raphael.

Vatican: Visit the wealthy and opulent Vatican museum whichis overflowing with Classical and Renaissance art as well asGreek and Roman antiques. Also visit the Sistine Chapel; withit’s ceiling that was enriched by Michelangelo between 1508and 1512. See St. Peter’s Basilica which took a century to buildon the site of St. Peter’s martyrdom. (Closed every Sunday -except last Sunday of the month open till 1.30pm).

Spanish Steps: Enjoy this meeting place near the via Condotti(exclusive shopping street) and watch the passers-by. TheSpanish Embassy was by this site in the 17th century, henceit’s name, and the area is now a popular meeting place.

Forum: Explore the former centre of political, commercial andjudicial life in ancient Rome, at ground level and examine theruins of pagan temples, markets and arches. (Closed early on Sundays).


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ITALY (cont.)Fontana Di Trevi (Trevi Fountain): Experience the magicand romance of the city’s most famous fountain, completed in1762. ‘Three Coins In A Fountain’ & ‘Roman Holiday’ sceneswere filmed here.

Places of interest in VeniceAppreciate: the majesty of “the finest drawing room inEurope” in the words of Napoleon, with covered galleries andfine cafe’s. Experience the view from the top of the campanile(Bell Tower) - the finest bird’s-eye look at the city! See theByzantine influence in architecture of the magnificent St.Mark’s Basilica. (Closed Sunday).

Rialto Bridge: Explore this unusual hump-backed bridgewhich was designed to allow an armed gallery to pass underit. Visit the shops and stalls which line it and catch a greatview of the Grand Canal.

Guggenheim Museum: Visit the exceptional collection of20th century modern pieces, put together by PeggyGuggenheim, a fan of the Surrealists. Works by Salvador Daliand Joan Miro. (Closed Tuesday).

Grand Canal: Ride along the Grand Canal and wonder at thesumptuous palaces in various styles that line it. Rest your feetand take advantage of the city’s water buses to see it as itwas always meant to be seen - from the water!

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ITALY (cont.)Doges’ Palace and Bridge of Sighs: Look at the opulence andgrandeur of the former residence of the Dukes of Venice, rich inart works and military displays alike. Go inside if you’d like towalk across the “bridge of sighs”, which connected the palace tothe Pozzi Prison where Casanova was once incarcerated.

Manners and CustomsIt is considered courteous to shake hands warmly on both arrivingand leaving. Italians eat their main meal in the afternoon, around1.00pm. The opening course is generally ‘antipasto’ - a mixedplate of cold hors d’oeuvres. Italian cuisine is not only pasta; eachof the 18 different regions of the country has its own distinctcuisine. The family is an important Italian institution and amarriage is not really considered a marriage until a child is born. NB. When visiting places of a religious significance inItaly, it is necessary to dress appropriately. Your TourManager will advise you further.

Best BuysLeather shoes, belts, gloves, silk scarves, ties, jewellery,Florentine tooled leather, Venetian glass and art books.ekit access number: 800 985 675 or 800 783 882ekit hints on calling in Italy:• To get a dial tone or make calls you might need to deposit some

coins, a local phonecard or swipe your credit card. Coins thatyou use should be returned at the end of the call.

• You must include the ‘0’ of the area code when dialling Italianphone numbers, for example, dial 390 followed by the Italianaccess number.

• Some hotel phones have a switch to change the phone from MFto DC - this should switch from pulse phone to tone so you canuse the ekit service.

LIECHTENSTEINCapital: VaduzCurrency: Uses Swiss CurrencyPopulation: 28,800Area: 157 sq.km (61 sq. miles)People: Language: German. Ethnological Mix:

Germans and Celts.Climate: Summer, moderate, changeable, cooler on

the mountains.Time Difference: GMT + 1 hr

GeographyThe principality of Liechtenstein extends from the right bank of theRhine to the Vararlberg Mountains. Almost three times the size ofBermuda, Liechtenstein is a fairy-tale land of medieval castles, lushRhine meadows, ivy-clad chalets, vineyards and quaint villages.


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LIECHTENSTEIN (cont.)Places of interest in VaduzCastle: View the royal castle of the Liechtenstein ruling family,which is situated high above the town of Vaduz.

Manners and CustomsTipping is 10-15% as well as service charges.

Best BuysStamps - among the most decorative and valuable in the world,leather and wooden handicrafts.

eKit access number: There is currently no access number forLeichtenstein. eKit constantly add new countries to the accessnumber list, for an updated version, visit www.contiki.ekit.com.

MONACOCapital: MonacoCurrency: EuroPopulation: 32,000Area: 1.5 sq.km. (0.6 sq. mile)People: Language; French, Monegasque (a mixture

of French and Italian). Ethnological Mix:Monegasques, French, Italian and Russian.

Climate: Mild in winter, warm in summer with little rain.Time Difference: GMT + 1 hr standard time, +2 hr

daylight saving.

GeographyOne of the smallest states in Europe, Monaco is divided intofour parts - Monaco (the old city), Monte Carlo (the new city), LaCondamine (the port) and Fontvielle (the industrial district whereMonaco brews its own beer). Sleek modern architecture standsnext to traditional French Mediterranean buildings. The climateresembles that of Southern California, and orange and lemontrees and palms are in abundance.

Places of interest in MonacoGrand Casino: View this beautiful building by the designer ofthe original Paris Opera, Charles Garnier. An admission fee isrequired to enter the casino but the decoration inside is ornateand decadent.Grand Prix Circuit: See the route the Formula 1 cars followaround Monaco and Monte Carlo in this famous annual motor race!Boat Harbour: Look at how the “other half” live judging by theamazing array of boats and luxury yachts in the marina.Perhaps catch a glimpse of the Royal yacht, “Deo Juvanté”(god-willing).eKit access number: 0800 913 588eKit hints on calling in Monaco:• To get a dial tone or make calls you might need to enter some

coins, a local phonecard or swipe your credit card.

14 Rue Comte Félix GastaldiMonaco-Ville

(+377) 97 98 20 40

Fax: (+377) 97 98 20 45e.mail: [email protected]


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THE NETHERLANDSPolitical Capital: DenHaag (The Hague)Official Capital: AmsterdamCurrency: EuroPopulation: 15,220,000Area: 41,160 sq.kmPeople: Language: Dutch, English, French, German,

Belgian. Ethnological Mix: Dutch, Belgians,Frisians, Germanic stock with French mixture.

Climate: Fairly cool summers, moderate winters -fairly wet throughout the year.

Time Difference: GMT + 1 hr

GeographyThere’s an old saying that ‘God made the world, but the Dutchmade Holland,’ which you can almost believe when you realisethat nearly half the country has been reclaimed from the sea.Miles upon miles of unbroken flower fields, farmland and villagescan all be found in this flat country which has rolling hills andforests in the South along its border with Belgium. Amsterdam,the largest city, has more canals than Venice, featuring 95km (60miles) of waterways, spanned by 1000 bridges.

Places of interest in AmsterdamRijksmuseum: Explore an extensive collection of paintings byDutch masters in the Netherlands’ largest National Museum whichopened in 1885. Features “The Night Watch” by Rembrandt.Albert Cuypmarket: Shop for a variety of goods fromdelicious Dutch licorice and stroop waffels to clothes, shoesand all kinds of food, at this, the city’s best known market.Closed Sundays.Anne Frank Huis: Marvel at how two Jewish families hid fromthe Nazis for two years in WWII by occupying the second floorof what was then an office building and moving around only atnight instead of the day-time to avoid discovery. Anne Frankkept a diary of her experience now a best-seller in dozens oflanguages. Closed January 1st, Yom Kippur, December 25th.Van Gogh Museum: Experience the work of a tormentedgenius in the best collection of Van Gogh’s work in the worldtoday. Popular pieces include “The Potato Eaters” and “VaseWith Sunflowers”. Closed January 1st.Bloemenmarket (Flower Market): Wander along the SingélCanal at the last of the city’s floating markets and enjoy thedisplays of fragrant seasonal flowers. Closed Sunday.

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THE NETHERLANDS (cont).Manners and CustomsThe Dutch people are polite and courteous and prefer formalgreetings on first meetings. The Dutch are a nation of cyclistsand in Amsterdam 540,000 people have bicycles - notsurprising when you consider how flat the land is. Amsterdamis famous for its restaurants - particularly those offeringIndonesian cuisine. The rijstafel (rice table) is a large dish ofrice surrounded by up to 20 smaller dishes of meat andchicken with a huge variety of sauces.

Best BuysDiamonds, Delftware - blue and white pottery, Edam andGouda cheese, white porcelain, clogs and tulip bulbs. eKit access number: 0800 020 3235 or 0800 023 3971eKit hints on calling in The Netherlands:• To get a dial tone or make a call you may need to enter

some coins, a local phonecard or swipe your credit card.• ekit economy number (Amsterdam 0207 084 130) provides

lower ekit rates but may incur local call charges

Evening Canal Cruise - Amsterdam

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SPAINCapital: MadridCurrency: EuroPopulation: 39,250,000Area: 504,782 sq.km (195,000 sq. miles)People: Language: Spanish (Castillian), Catalan,

Galician, Basque. Ethnological Mix: 90 percent Spanish with minority of Basque.

Climate: The north is temperate, whilst the south isdry. The extreme South of Spain is thehottest in summer with temperatures risingto 38°c (100F°)in some places.


GeographySpain, together with Portugal, occupies the Iberian Peninsulaand offers every type of climate and geographical feature. ThePyrenees physically separate Spain from France and the rest ofEurope, while the Straits of Gibraltar separate Spain fromAfrica. Spain is more mountainous than any other Europeancountry, except Switzerland. It also has 4,964 km (3085 miles)of coastline and it is possible to ski in the Sierra Nevada, lessthan 80 km (50 miles) from the Costa del Sol.

Places of interest in BarcelonaPicasso Museum: Visit the home of much of the work of PabloPicasso to see his beginnings in very “traditional andacceptable” styles before adopting a modern style all of his own.Be amazed at the evolution he underwent as a great painter.Port Vell: Experience the newest shopping sensation in town!Built on the water-front at the base of the Ramblas, Port Vell isa modern European Complex featuring a food hall, bars,fashion outlets and even a theme restaurant designed bySteven Spielberg!

Sagrada Familia - Barcelona

[email protected]

INFORMATION AND BOOKINGS

Phone: (34) 93 325 68 95AND BOOKTIONINFORMAAT

Phone: (34) 93 325 68 95

[email protected]

KINGS men.commen.com

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SPAIN (cont.)Gothic Quarter: Explore this old section of the city whichhouses it’s amazing cathedral, with Roman ruins and narrow,winding streets; it was here that Christopher Columbus broughthis findings from the “new world” to offer the King and Queenof Spain.Columbus Column: Climb this column situated at the base ofthe main street of Barcelona features a statue of ChristopherColumbus supposedly pointing towards the “new world”. Takethe lift and take a look for yourself.Ramblas: Walk along the promenade of the main street ofBarcelona and take in the sights and sounds of the city’s flowerstalls, bird markets and also visit the fruit, vegetable and fishmarkets located just off the main street.

Places of interest in MadridVisit: The Prado Museum. Designed in 1785 for Charles III.Contains 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th century art concentratingon El Greco, Valaquez and Goya. The Prado Museumrepresents Spain’s greatest contribution to world culture. Themuseum benefited greatly from a law passed in 1836 whichforced monastries, convents and churches to hand over theirworks of art to allow them to be enjoyed by the public.See: The Reina Sofia Museum. It opened in 1990 and has acontemporary art collection. The focus is on Picasso, Dali andMiro and is home to Picasso’s “Guernica”.Enjoy: Plaza MayorExperience: The Royal Palace built by Phillip the 5th from1734 on the site of the old Alcazar that was destroyed onChristmas Day of the same year. It is perhaps the most wellpreserved Royal Palace in Europe, with 2800 rooms that aredecorated with Flemish tapestries, paintings by the royal artistGoya and numerous artifacts.

Manners and CustomsThe custom of Siesta is gradually disappearing and departmentstores now stay open through the traditional 3-hour Siesta.Many of the specialities of Spanish cuisine are based onseafood - eels, bream and squid. The area of Andalusia is notedfor its cooking, especially featuring Gazpacho, a cold vegetablesoup. Spain is also famous for bullfights and flamenco dancing.

Best BuysLeatherware - shoes, sandals, Toledo wrought swords, peasantpottery and baskets, jewellery, Lladro figurines.eKit access number: 800 099 665 or from a hotel 900 991 722eKit hints on calling in the Spain: Make international calls fromany phone box marked ‘telefono internacional’ or at Telefonicaoffices in cities and towns.


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Botoneras 5, 28012 MadridPhone: 34 91 366 30 28

The best Spanish cuisine since 1894. Located in the Plaza Mayor of Madrid.

Enjoy our food and ambience in a place you’ll never forget.www.losgalayos.net

SWITZERLANDCapital: BernCurrency: Francs and CentimesPopulation: 7,000,000Area: 41,288 sq.km. (15,940 sq.miles)People: Language: German, French, Italian,

Romanish (English spoken by most).Ethnological Mix: 58 per cent SwissGerman, 17 per cent Swiss French, 8 percent Swiss Italian, 17 per cent Austrian andSpanish minority.

Climate: Varies with altitude. In the South mild andMediterranean. North of the Alps - hotsummers, cold winters.

Time Difference: GMT + 1 hr

GeographySwitzerland is known as the crest of Europe with mountainpeaks as high as 4500 metres (15,000 ft) above sea level. WithItaly to the South, France to the West, Germany to the Northand Liechtenstein and Austria to the East, Switzerland iscompletely surrounded by land. It is divided naturally into three

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SWITZERLAND (cont.)Geography (cont)regions: the Jura Mountains in the North-West, the Alps in theSouth and the Central Swiss Plateau (Mittelland), with its fertileplains and rolling hills. Switzerland is scattered with severallarge lakes, the largest of which are Lake Geneva in the Westand Lake Constance in the North-East. The mountains arecriss-crossed with rivers and over 100 glaciers. Covered by themost intensive electric railway in Europe, over 5,472 km (3400miles) long, Switzerland is the principle skiing centre of Europe.

Places of interest in LucerneWatches: Check out the enormous variety of Swiss precision-made watches available in this market town dating back to themiddle ages when traders from Italy would bring their goodsnorth via the mountain passes.

Lake Lucerne: Walk along the banks of this stunning“translucent blue” lake and take advantage of the photographicopportunities with flocks of swans of snowy white and Mounts’Rigi and Pilatus in the background.

Chocolate: Shop for Swiss chocolate - the closest thing toperfection when it comes to sweet treats. You’ll be astoundedat the variety of flavours and fillings available.

Wooden Chapel Bridge - Lucerne


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SWITZERLAND (cont.)Manners and CustomsEtiquette and social customs are very formal. Swiss Germanstend to be extremely hygienic and hard-working. Smokingduring a meal is not polite. Tipping 12.5-15%. Stores are openfrom 8.00am to 12.15pm and 1.30pm to 6.30pm on weekdaysexcept for Monday mornings when they are closed. Storesclose at 4.00pm on Saturdays and all day on Sunday.

Best BuysWatches, Lindt chocolate, music boxes, Swiss army knives.

eKit access number: 0800 834 578 or 0800 562 733

eKit hints on calling in the Switzerland:• Some phones do not have a # key. You can still access the

phone service without using the # keys. Wait a few extraseconds for a voice prompt.

• To get a dial tone or make calls you might need to entersome coins, a local phonecard or swipe your credit card.

YOUR NOTES

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YOUR NOTES80 co

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STAY IN TOUCH

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NAME EMAIL OR HOME ADDRESS

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ENGLANDWells House, 15 Elmfield Road

Bromley, Kent, BR1 1LSTelephone: +44 (0) 20 8225 4200

[email protected]

AMERICA801 East Katella Avenue, 3rd Floor

Anaheim, CA 92805Telephone: +1 (714) 935 0808

[email protected]

NEW ZEALAND1st Floor, 15-17 Day Street

Newton, AucklandTelephone: +64 (0) 9 300 1601

[email protected]

AUSTRALIATravel House, Level 3,

35 Grafton Street,Bondi Junction, NSW 2022

Telephone: +61 (0) 2 9511 [email protected]

CANADA33 Kern Road,

Toronto, ON M3B 1S9,Telephone: +1 (416) 932 9377

[email protected]

SOUTH AFRICA6 Hood Avenue, Third Floor

Rosebank, 2196Johannesburg

Telephone: (+27) 11 280 8400Sharecall: 0860 100 230

[email protected]

ASIA3 Pickering Street,

#02-28/29 China Square Central (Nankin Row)Singapore 048660 (SINGAPORE)

Telephone: +65 6337 [email protected]

www.contiki.comIf you choose to write to Contiki via the Internet, please provide

your home address so we are able to reply to you in writing.The information in this booklet was, to the best of our knowledge,

correct at the time of going to print but we cannot be heldresponsible for any subsequent changes to the contents of it.

Edition 2008/2009© Contiki Europe

All rights reserved.

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