Eastern Europe, Croatia & the Balkans Adventure Tour

This epic cross-European adventure offers an intriguing combination of Central Europe's castles and romantic squares with the Balkans' own historic towns and wondrous landscapes. But this trip isn't a cobweb-enshrouded history tour - you'll connect with village life, immerse yourself in urban centres, and get active with outdoor pursuits, including kayaking in Montenegro and hiking through diverse country. With 28 days devoted to this journey, this is your chance to discover what still feels like a well-kept secret.

Meals Included  

27 breakfasts

About our Transportation  

Intercity transport on this trip will be by local bus, and long-distance train and bus. The bus and train systems in Central Europe are generally good, but inevitably travelling by public transport can involve delays and frustrations, and we ask you to keep this in mind.

This tour includes some long travel days, but we believe those hours of travel are more than worth it for the reward of seeing so much of this breathtaking region in a short space of time, so unfold your map, pack in your mp3 player and your phrase-book and get ready to enjoy some beautiful landscapes with your Polish or Slovakian neighbour.

Between transport and hotels you may be required to carry your luggage short distances (up to 20 mins walk).

Meals  

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

What to Take  

We recommend using a backpack for your convenience, or a medium-sized suitcase if you prefer. A daypack is also essential for carrying everyday items. Space is limited on transportation, so there is a limit of one main piece of luggage per person. You will be responsible for carrying your own luggage. You must be prepared to carry your luggage up and down stairs, on and off transportation, and to hotels (max 15-20 mins.)

About Accommodation  

On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.

Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.

Our accommodation in Krakow is a comfortable and modern hostel with double, twin or triple rooms, bathroom facilities may be shared. In the Tatras mountains, we use a simple pension. Rooms may be triple-share and are not all ensuite. However, the location and the homely welcome are unbeatable!

Arrival Complications  

We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your CEO (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details.

Packing List  

Conservative Dress:
• Modest clothing that covers knees and shoulders (Long pants, long skirts, shirts that cover shoulders)
• Shawl or scarf (for temple visits)

Documents:
• Flight info (required) (Printouts of e-tickets may be required at the border)
• Insurance info (required) (With photocopies)
• Passport (required) (With photocopies)
• Vouchers and pre-departure information (required)
• Visas or vaccination certificates (With photocopies)

Essentials:
• Toiletries (required) (Shampoo, bodywash, soap, etc.)
• Binoculars (optional)
• Camera (With extra memory cards and batteries)
• Cash, credit and debit cards
• Day pack (Used for daily excursions or short overnights)
• Ear plugs
• First-aid kit (should contain lip balm with sunscreen, sunscreen, whistle, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, bandaids/plasters, tape, anti-histamines, antibacterial gel/wipes, antiseptic cream, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhea, rehydration powder, water purification tablets or drops, insect repellent, sewing kit, extra prescription drugs you may be taking)
• Flashlight/torch (Headlamps are ideal)
• Fleece top/sweater
• Footwear
• Hat
• Locks for bags
• Long pants/jeans
• Moneybelt
• Outlet adapter
• Personal entertainment (Reading and writing materials, cards, music player, etc.)
• Reusable water bottle
• Shirts/t-shirts
• Sleepwear
• Small travel towel
• Sunglasses
• Swimwear
• Watch and alarm clock
• Waterproof backpack cover
• Windproof rain jacket

Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)

Warm Weather:
• Sandals/flip-flops
• Shorts/skirts (Longer shorts/skirts are recommended)
• Sturdy water shoes/sandals
• Sun hat/bandana
• Swimwear

Laundry  

Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

My Own Room  

Please note that if you have booked the "My Own Room" option for this tour, you will receive your own single room for all night stops.

Please be aware that single room accommodations in European hotels are often smaller, and may not be to the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.

Transport  

Train, long-distance bus, local bus, ferry, walking, private vehicle.

Solo Travellers  

We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.

Max Pax  

16

Spending Money  

Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.

Tipping  

While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.

Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3-5 per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is expected and appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30-€40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.

Accommodation  

Hotels/pensions (27 nts).

Important Notes  

1. CLIMATE
Weather in all countries visited is similar in May - October period. Summer is warm but rainy with 8 - 9 hours of sunshine.

2. YOUR CEO
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places. Your CEO will be able to help you find a local guided tour in each location if you would like one.

3. LUGGAGE
In Europe it is very rare to find elevators in train stations, hotels or other public places. We use public transport on this trip, which means you will need to carry your luggage from platform to platform, in and out of trains and buses etc. and also possibly up several flights of stairs. You will also need to be able to stow your luggage safely on trains and buses. It is therefore essential that you pack light and bring luggage which is compact and lightweight, and which you can easily transport. The carrying of your luggage remains your responsibility at all times.

4. RAMADAN
Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan in Muslim areas, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time.

5. COMBO TRIP
Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes.

6. ACCOMMODATION NOTE:
Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

7. OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES NOTE:
During high season in Europe (May-October) we highly recommend booking reservations for any popular optional activities/museum tickets etc. in advance to avoid encountering sold-out activities on the ground while on tour.

Group Size Notes  

Max 16, avg 12.

Money Exchange  

Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances but you must remember to bring your PIN number (be aware that many ATM machines only accept 4-digit PINs). Both Cirrus and Plus system cards are the most widely accepted debit cards. Visa cards are the most widely accepted credit cards. While ATMs are commonly available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work - Check with your bank. You should be aware when purchasing products or services on a credit card, that a fee usually applies.

Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of Euros, traveller's cheques and cards is best. Avoid relying on traveller's cheques alone as these are less and less readily cashed as clients use them very little.

Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

Please note that in all countries visited except for Croatia, Germany, Austria and Slovakia (EURO), you will need local currency. Below are listed the currencies for each country with an approximate exchange rate.

Czech Republic - Czech Republic Koruny (CZK)- 1 EUR | 25 CZK
Hungary - Forint (HUF) - 1 EUR | 288 HUF
Poland - Zloty (PLN) - 1 EUR | 4 PLN

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com

Minimum Age  

You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.

Optional Activities  

Berlin
- East Side Gallery Visit Along Berlin Wall (Free)
- Judisches Museum Visit (8EUR per person)
- Television Tower (Fernsehturm) Visit (13-23EUR per person)
- Brandenburg Gate Visit (Free)
- The Berlin Wall Memorial (Free)
- Checkpoint Charlie Museum Visit (17.50EUR per person)
- Pergamon Museum (12EUR per person)
- Schloss Charlottenburg Palace (10EUR per person)

Krakow
- Rynek Underground Museum (19PLN per person)
- Old Jewish Quarter (Kazimierz)
- Wawel Royal Castle (3PLN per person)
- Bar Mleczny (Milk Bar) Meal
- Horse and Carriage Ride

Wieliczka
- Wieliczka Salt Mines Visit

Prague
- Mucha Museum (240CZK per person)
- Old Town Visit
- Prague Ghetto (Josefov/Jewish Quarter) Visit (10-20EUR per person)
- Petrín Hill Hike (Free-30CZK per person)
- Prague Castle (Hradcany) Visit (250-350CZK per person)
- Letná Beer Garden Visit (Free-3EUR per person)
- Kafka Museum (200CZK per person)
- Old Town Hall and Clock Tower (110-440CZK per person)
- Charles Bridge Visit (Free)
- Museum of Communism (150CZK per person)
- Malá Strana Visit

Ceský Krumlov
- Jewish Synagogue Ceský Krumlov Visit (Free)
- State Castle and Chateau Ceský Krumlov Tour (360CZK per person)
- Biking (5-10EUR per person)

Vienna
- Saint Stephen's Cathedral Visit (Free)
- Belvedere Gallery Visit (19EUR per person)
- Vienna State Opera House Visit (8EUR per person)
- View Lipizzaner Horses at Spanish Riding School of Vienna (14EUR per person)
- Hotel Sacher Visit and dessert (30-50EUR per person)
- Vienna Boys' Choir Visit (56-200EUR per person)
- Schönbrunn Palace Visit/Tour (11-15EUR per person)

Budapest
- Buda Castle Visit (1500HUF per person)
- Thermal Baths Visit (4200-5000HUF per person)
- Budapest Bike Tour (28EUR per person)
- Hungarian National Museum (1600HUF per person)
- Hungarian State Opera House (2900HUF per person)
- Great Market Hall Visit (Free)
- Chain Bridge (Free)
- Budapest History Walking Tour
- Parliament Building Visit (5200HUF per person)
- Danube River Cruise

Novi Sad
- Stari Grad Visit (Free)

Sarajevo
- Latin Bridge Visit (Free)
- National Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina (10-30BAM per person)
- Times of Misfortune Tour & Tunnel Museum (54BAM per person)
- Gallery 11/07/95 (12-15BAM per person)
- Svrzo's House (3BAM per person)

Mostar
- Koski Mehmed Pasa Mosque & Minaret
- Stari Most (Old Bridge) Visit (Free)
- War Photo Exhibition (6BAM per person)

Kotor
- Sea Kayaking (20EUR per person)
- Kotor City Exploration (Free)
- Kotor Maritime Museum (4EUR per person)

Perast
- Perast Visit

Risan
- Risan town and Roman Mosaics Visit (10EUR per person)

Dubrovnik
- Sea Kayaking (36EUR per person)
- Rector's Palace (70HRK per person)
- Museum of Croatian War of Independence (20HRK per person)
- War Photography Museum (10EUR per person)
- Dubrovnik City Wall Walk (35EUR per person)
- Franciscan Monastery & Museum (30HRK per person)
- Cable Car Ride (150HRK per person)

Lopud
- Lopud Island Visit

Hvar
- St. Stephen's Cathedral (10HRK per person)
- Hvar Fortress Visit (6EUR per person)

Split
- Bacvice Beach Visit (Free)
- Marjan's Peak Visit (30EUR per person)
- St Duje Cathedral Visit (15-40HRK per person)
- Mestrovic Gallery (30HRK per person)

Trogir
- Trogir Excursion (15-41EUR per person)

Health  

Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure.

You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group.

A Couple of Rules  

Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they utilize the services of paid sex workers, in any capacity.

Feedback  

After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Your tour evaluation will be e-mailed to you 24 hours after the conclusion of your trip. If you do not receive the tour evaluation link in the days after your tour has finished, please drop us a line at customersolutions@gadventures.com and we will send it on to you.

Emergency Fund  

Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!

Group Leader Description  

This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our CEOs (Chief Experience Officer). The aim of the CEO is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects.
We also use local guides in Auschwitz where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
It is important to note that in Europe, all guiding is based around local guides all of whom are licensed to work only in a particular city. As such, our leaders are able to provide orientation walks which will show you the layout of each town and city as well as the location of local services such as post offices and laundromats, but are unable to legally share historical facts and figures in public places. If you wish to take a guided city tour in any location our CEO will do their best to help you arrange this and pay locally.

Itinerary Disclaimer  

While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit, travel can be unpredictable. The Trip Details document is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances.

Local Flights  

If required all local flights are included in the cost of your tours unless otherwise noted. It is important that we have your passport information at the time of booking in order to process these tickets. Internal flight tickets are issued locally and will be given to you prior to the flight departure.

Travel Insurance  

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.

International Flights  

Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.

Group Leader  

CEO (Chief Experience Officer) throughout, local guide in Auschwitz.

What's Included  

Your G for Good Moment: Magdas Hotel, Vienna
Your G for Good Moment: Nem Adom Fel Café and Bar, Budapest
Your G for Good Moment: DES?A Women's Centre Visit, Dubrovnik
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Discover Moment: Berlin
Your Discover Moment: Budapest. Auschwitz entrance and guided tour (Krakow). Orientation walk of Prague. Vienna walking tour. Petrovaradin Fortress visit. Kalemegdan Fortress visit (Belgrade). "Tunnel of Life" tour (Sarajevo). Mostar stay. Sea kayaking trip (Bay of Kotor). Beach time in Hvar. Scenic boat ride around Pakleni islands. Diocletian's Palace guided tour (Split). All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.

Highlights  

Wander beautiful medieval cities, opt for a soak in a thermal bath in Budapest, kayak the Bay of Kotor, marvel at the ancient Roman palace of Diocletian in Split

Itinerary Notes  

Departures in April and October may run with with different transport times than noted on the itinerary due to seasonal ferry schedules.

Dossier Disclaimer  

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary.

VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.