• Make sure you are wearing your name badge - this aids in identifying you with your group!  
• Go through customs and passport control then collect your luggage. 
• If you have missing or damaged luggage, fill out paperwork with the airline before leaving the baggage claim area.  
• Exit baggage claim area, watch for “EO” signs – guides will remain in the area to locate guests  
• Follow guide instructions for transferring to the bus and loading luggage. 
• Travel time to hotel varies – time permitting, some touring may take place prior to arrival at hotel

Our deluxe touring buses are air-conditioned/heated

• Buses have bathrooms

• Buses are locked while you are touring - You may leave items on the bus during the touring day – but never perishable items or items of value.  Take all personal items with you at the end of each touring day.
• Water is sold on the bus for a nominal fee.

• If you need to cancel, call our office immediately.
• Follow up the phone cancellation in writing.
• Refer to brochure regarding cancellation penalties.
• If applicable (you have accepted and paid separately for the travel protection premium), contact Travel Protection Company (Travel Insurance) to file a claim.

Staying connected while traveling is half the fun – sharing touring stories or just ‘checking in” with family and friends.  Cell phones are an excellent source for staying connected.  But there are a few things you must check on with your cell phone provider before you travel.  Here are some items you will want to check on

• Confirm that your cell phone can be used internationally
• Check on international rates (Note all countries being visited)
• Inquire about activating and deactivating process.

Keep in mind other technology and apps that may be available to you such as Skype, FaceTime, Viper, iMessage, WhatsApp

• Layer your clothing and keep it loose-fitting and casual.  No ‘dress up’ events are scheduled.
• Comfortable walking shoes are a must.
• Some religious/Holy sights require your knees & shoulders be covered (applies to both men & women.
• A sweater or light jacket is recommended.
• Suggested packing list.  PackingList1.pdf

**Passport Needed?      yes

**Visa Needed?             no

Shots & Vaccines:      CDC Website

Time Zone:  6 hrs. ahead of US Eastern Time Zone

Currency:    EURO:   (for Austria, Germany, Italy)

                   CZECH CROWN:  aka Czech Koruna (CZK)  (for Czech Republic) 

                    SWISS FRANC: (CHP)  (Switzerland)

Updated June 2023

All COVID-19 travel requirements have been lifted.

Updated June 21, 2022

Germany:

From June 1, 2022 to the end of August, people traveling to Germany or returning from abroad will no longer have to prove that they are vaccinated or recovered, or have been tested. 

• Masks will still be mandatory on planes leaving from or returning to Germany.  
• Mask rules are controlled by the German regions. Our travelers will fly into and travel within Bavaria.  
• Right now, FFP2 or KN95 masks are required on public transportation. 

• FFP2 or KN95 masks are required for some indoor locations. We recommend you bring at least 1 or 2 with you in case you need it. 

• Mask rules can change at any time in Germany, so we will follow those updates closely to determine what is needed for the play. 

Austria:

• As of May 16, there are no more entry rules to enter Austria.  

Updated June 24, 2022

All entry rules have been removed as of June 1, 2022. 

Your overseas destination has a different electrical current and outlets  Therefore, you will want to consider your electrical converter/adapter options in order to protect your devices.

• A converter is needed when you need to change the voltage in a foreign country (220V-240V) to match the voltage in your device (typically 110V). 
• An adapter simply ‘adapts’ the shape of your plug to fit the different-shaped wall sockets in foreign countries.  It does NOT change the electrical voltage!
• Many modern travel gadgets are already dual-voltage and require just an adapter.  Most smartphones and tablets fit into this category.  If your device is already dual-voltage, using a converter can damage your device.  Always verify the manufacturers recommendations for your device!
• Purchase your converter/adapter before you travel, otherwise, it may be difficult to find one that is designed to convert your voltage & plug to a foreign voltage & plug.
• Converters/adapters are easily found at stores, pharmacies or online.
• More information:  Electrical Devices

• Rooms have private showers or bathtubs, phone, wifi (check with hotel concerning access & possible fees) 

• Most hotels have blow dryers.  Check hotel website for details. 

• Double Rooms are made up of either two single beds or one double bed 

• Single rooms are smaller than double rooms and have only one single bed.

• Prepaid gratuities are covered for the hotel staff (porters, dining, housekeeping, front desk) 

• Additional tipping is appropriate for additional or special services requested from the hotel staff. 

• Tips are appropriate when eating out. 

• Voluntary Love Offerings for your guide and driver will be collected towards the end of your trip.  Suggested Amounts for Love Offerings – Guide-$6 per person, per day; Driver-$3 per person, per day.

We are pleased to honor your request to travel as a ground-only guest by providing your own airfare. Please review and complete the Ground-Only Agreement.

Some but not all hotels have hair dryers in the rooms. If you bring your own, remember the voltage is 220, so you will need your adapter and converter for all electrical appliances.

• Hotels are Deluxe First Class 3 & 4 Star properties offering exceptional amenities for your comfort & pleasure 

• Hotel Names and details are available upon final overseas verification and included with your final documents which are sent 3-4 weeks prior to departure. 

• Some hotels offer laundry services at an additional charge. 

• Electric current is 220 +; you will need a power converter to change current to 110 and an adapter to adapt the plug.

Due to airline regulations and limited space on the motor coach, only one checked piece of luggage (50 lb. or less) per person is allowed.  One  carry-on and one small personal item (purse, laptop, etc..) is also allowed.

• It is very important that you check with your specific airline's current luggage restrictions on their website.  Remember, there may also be weight restrictions on your carry-on luggage.
• Carry-ons & personal items must fit under your seat or in the overhead compartments of the plane.
• Overhead compartments on the bus is much smaller than on the plane.
• Attach the color-coded luggage tag provided in your final documents along with your own luggage ID tag.

• Breakfast – Hotel Buffet includes a variety of American, European breakfast foods including coffee, tea and juice.  (Eggs, deli meat, cheese, bread, cereal, yogurt and milk are offered).
• Lunch – unless otherwise noted in your itinerary, lunch is on your own.   Your guide will choose an area that will offer a variety of foods.
• Dinner – Either a set menu or hotel buffet will be offered.  Beverages, other than water, are not included but can be purchased at a supplemental charge.
• Food Allergies/Dietary restrictions – While your hotel will endeavor to provide all they can concerning dietary needs, please understand that they may not be able to address each allergy or dietary concern.  Always be prepared to supplement your meal as necessary.

• Medical devices that require electricity will likely need an international adapter/converter.  The adapter plugs simply allows you to plug your appliance in to the various wall plugs in foreign countries.  The converter is used to step up or down the voltage to properly support the electrical appliance.  This is very important as most countries voltage is 220 - 240  as opposed to US voltage which is 110. 

• Notify the airline of your intention to bring a medical device on board - and if you intend to use it in-flight. (This includes CPAP machines.) 

• Check with the TSA for allowances & restrictions:  TSA Medical Allowances

• Most medications (prescriptions or supplements) are permitted for international travel, however, always check with TSA for current allowances and restrictions:   TSA Medical Allowances
• Bring medication in its original container if possible. 
• A written prescription of your medication(s) in generic form from your physician will assist in getting an emergency re-fill if needed while out of the country. 
• Notify our office asap  if you have medication that requires refrigeration. 

• Guests registering for this tour accept the responsibility for being in good health and able to walk and travel on the tour.  Because many sites are not accessible to the physically challenged, those needing oxygen, wheelchairs, or other ambulatory assistance will find the tour extremely limiting in their experiences.
• Handicap accessible facilities cannot be guaranteed for this tour destination.  Non-US countries are not obligated to comply with our Handicap Accessible Regulations. 
• Buses are not handicap accessible and do not have space for storing wheelchairs, motorized wheelchairs/scooters or other ambulatory assistance items. 
• If you are needing ambulatory assistance you will likely find travel on this program quite difficult and many sites inaccessible. 
• If you are in need of assistance, we kindly request that you bring a travel partner to help.
• On average, you can expect to walk 1 – 3 miles a day; although this is typically not all at one time.
• Speak with your guide concerning the ambulatory difficulty at a touring site. You may either stay on the bus or sit nearby.

• Currency for Austria, Germany & Italy is the EURO.  In these countries you WILL need to have EUROs to make purchases.  Dollars are generally not accepted.  
• Currency for Switzerland is the Swiss Franc (CHP) - which is the only currency accepted everywhere within Switzerland.  (the Euro is a foreign currency in Switzerland.  If used in shops, it will result in the shop making the exchange rate for you and your change will be in francs.  The exchange rate through shops is typically not in your favor.)
• Currency for the Czech Republic (Prague) is the Czech Crown aka Czech Koruna (CZK).  It is best to use this crown when purchasing or paying.   Even though the Czech Republic is part of the European community, they still have retained their own currency and the euro is still not widely accepted.   Payments in euros (if offered by the store or restaurant) will result in a currency exchange charge which may not be in your favor. 
• Have at least a small amount of local currency with you on your overseas arrival (Euro).  Touring may occur upon arrival & lunch will be on your own.
• ATM’s are available, however, you will only receive the local currency.  **Notify your bank or credit card company if you plan to make purchases with your debit or credit card.** 
• ATM usage generally is subject to fees and daily withdrawal limits. 
• Visa and Mastercard credit cards are widely accepted in Europe.  American Express and Discover credit cards are not commonly accepted and to avoid issues please plan to not use these credit cards.
• The amount of cash you take on tour is a personal decision.  Keep in mind the following items are NOT included:  shopping, lunches love offering and Optional Tours (paid in cash directly to your guide).  We suggest a minimum of $500 in cash. 
•  Prepaid gratuities have been collected for hotel porters, waiters & housekeeping staff

• US & Canadian Citizens -  a valid passport is required for short-term visits.
• Passport copies need to be on file with our office prior to your departure. 
• Passports MUST be valid for 6 months after your return to the USA 
• Some countries may require your passport to also contain 2 blank pages. 
• To obtain a passport application, contact your nearest passport office, courthouse, post office, or on line at:  US Passport Website
• VISAS - Non-US or Canadian Citizens will need to check the appropriate Embassies for required visas or documents for entry into the countries you will be visiting. 
• TRANSIT VISAS – Non-US or Canadian  citizens must also check for required Transit Visas for any country that you may pass through (transit) even if it is just to change planes. 
• Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate location from your passport.  This will greatly assist you should you lose your passport. 

If you plan on taking pictures:

• Make sure you have plenty of memory or the ability to download your pictures.
• Bring extra batteries or battery backup.
• Be aware that certain sites do not allow photography and/or video- or may charge for the privilege.  Your guide will keep you informed of such restrictions.

• Tour pricing is per person, based on double occupancy. 

• If requested, we can try to match you with a roommate, however, we cannot guarantee one will be available. 

• Single room pricing can be found on your brochure. 

• If you request a single room or a roommate cannot be found, the single room supplement will be added to your account. 

• If your cancellation results in your roommate having a single room, your cancellation penalty will include coverage of their single room supplement charge. 

• Time is allowed for shopping during your touring day. 

• Purchases made are at your own risk.

• US Residents are allowed $800 in duty-free purchases.  Visit US Customs Web Site for further information and restrictions. 

• VAT (Value Added Tax) is a sales tax on most goods sold.  VAT is part of the price that is marked not added at the register.  It is possible for visitors to claim back most of the tax & may be worth the trouble if you have purchased a high-priced item.  Check with the retailer to see if they offer the voucher/paperwork needed to do this.  For more information, visit on-line sources for specific countries. 

• Headsets will be provided for your convenience in hearing the guide.   

• The amount of time touring and site sequence can vary according to the itinerary and local conditions.  Most touring will be full days (6-8 hrs.)  Your guide will announce the schedule daily.   

• Evenings are generally open or optional evening tours may be offered. 

• Optional Tours will be offered closer to your departure date or during the tour.  

• Suggested voluntary Love offering amount for guide -  $6 per person, per day; $3 per person per day.  The offering is taken towards the end of your trip.   

• Free Days, if applicable, are listed in your itinerary.    If you skip a tour day (itinerary permitting), please notify your Tour Guide.  Missed sightseeing is not refundable.

• Travel Protection purchased through our company offers coverage for trip interruption, lost/damaged baggage, cancellation & medical expenses etc.
• Compete detail concerning Policy coverage is available on our website.
•   **IMPORTANT NOTE** Services received must be paid for at time rendered.  Keep all receipts.  Request a claim form through the Travel Protection Company upon your return.
• Your final documents will include the Travel Protection phone numbers for both the US  and international situations as well as their website.  They are available to assist you 24/7.

• Beds – Typical room arrangement for Tyrolean hotels (Austria/Germany)
• Double room beds will have two twin mattresses surrounded by a wooden frame with a slight 1/2 inch space between the mattresses. 
• Beds cannot be moved apart as their frames are attached to the wall. 
• In most cases, instead of a top sheet you'll find a feather comforter.  It will be neatly rolled or folded on top of each bed.  Simply unroll it and sleep under it.  
• Beds are lower to the ground than we normally experience.

• While vaccinations are not required for most destinations, you must always verify current requirements for your destination.    For this information we suggest:        CDC Travel Info
• You may also wish to consult your physician for his/her personal advice for you. 

• Average temperatures for Oberammergau area:

• Month	Average High	Average Low
  May	57	43
  June	63	49
  July	67	52
  August	66	52
  September	61	48

• Remember, temperatures can vary widely.  Closer to your departure, check international forecasts for the area.  Weather Information