Welcome to Europe! · Eastern Europe Tour Information Dossier . Welcome to Europe! We are so happy to welcome you along for your Bunnik tour. Each tour is planned with great care,

Eastern Europe Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Welcome to Europe! We are so happy to welcome you along for your Bunnik tour. Each tour is planned with great care, as if it were for our own family. For us it’s about sharing the joy of travel and discovery.

You’ll gain real insight into every destination you visit with the support of our expert local guides and have a load of fun travelling in the comfort of a small group.

In this Tour Information Dossier we’ve compiled some useful information on the countries you will visit on your upcoming tour. We hope this informs you, excites you and enhances your holiday time in Europe.

Happy travels! Marion, Dennis & Sacha Bunnik



Before you go… Europe

Passport & Visas We require that your passport is valid for travel for at least six months from the date you are planning to return to Australia. Your passport must be valid to travel internationally and must be machine-readable. You also need to carry a valid return ticket on you.

Whether travelling on an Australian passport or the passport of another country, all travellers require visas for a number of countries and it is your responsibility to secure what may be required before departing Australia. You can consult with your travel agent but it is also recommended that you check the foreign embassy website for your respective destination as it can also provide you with useful information.

Useful Websites Australian Government Advisory and Consular Service: www.smartraveller.gov.au Customs Australia: www.customs.gov.au Time: www.timeanddate.com/worldclock Climate: www.weatherbase.com Currency Conversion: www.xe.com Allergy website: http://allergictravelerapp.com/how/

Emergency Numbers – Australian Embassy Country Address Tel Fax

Germany Wallstrasse 76-79 10179 Berlin

+49 30 880088 0 +49 30 880088 238

Poland Ul. Nowogrodzka 11 Warsaw 00-513

+48 22 5213 444 +48 22 6273 500

Hungary Australian Embassy in Vienna, Austria looks after Hungary.

Austria Mattiellistraße 2-4 A1040 Vienna

+43 1 506 740 +43 1 513 1178

Czech Republic 6th Floor, Solitaire Building, Klimentska ul. 10, Prague 110 00-1

+420 2 2172 9260 +420 2 9657 8352

If an emergency occurs while you are en route to your destination or while you are on tour, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in your documentation wallet.

http://www.customs.gov.au/

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock

http://allergictravelerapp.com/how/



Health & Wellbeing

• For specific vaccination and health issues/alerts please contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 or online at www.traveldoctor.com.au.

• We recommend taking your usual cold and flu medication as well as diarrhoea and vomiting medication. It can be tricky finding the equivalent to what you’re used to taking when you’re overseas.

• If you have a food allergy which needs to be managed on tour, please advise your travel consultant as soon as possible, and your Tour Director upon arrival.

• If you do become ill while away please seek medical treatment as soon as possible so that you can get back to enjoying your holiday and to prevent the spread of infection amongst the group. We recommend using hand sanitising gel before meals and upon entering the bus.

• For general health and wellbeing on the tour please ensure you wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. Carry insect repellent and sunscreen and a supply of disinfecting wipes or cleansing gel which can be found at most chemists.

• Keep well hydrated by making sure you purchase enough water to drink and for brushing teeth etc.

Level of Fitness At Bunnik Tours, we don’t put specific age limits on our tours, but we also recognise some travellers may find our itineraries challenging. We have a duty of care to all tour participants and the tour guides, so we do have a firm policy on the level of fitness required by all our clients in an attempt to ensure your safety and the safety of other travellers on our tours.

To get the most from your Bunnik tour, you will need a good level of fitness and mobility and an open mind. Many of the best sights can only be accessed on foot. You should be able to walk at least 3.5 kilometres or 2-3 hours on uneven ground with no walking aids and climb several flights of stairs or short, steep hills. You should also be able to carry your own bags to and from your hotel room if required, plus get on and off various modes of transport unaided.

Staying Safe

• Always carry your passport and other travel documents in your hand luggage. Keep photocopies in a separate bag and leave a copy at home with family or friends in case of an emergency.

• Keep your passport safe at all times. We recommend using the safe in your hotel room – and always remember to clear the safe before checking out of the hotel.

• Write down a list of emergency numbers and email addresses eg. bank details, relatives/friends, doctor. This way if you lose your phone you’ll still be able to contact people if you need to.

• Take twice the amount of medication than you’ll need and divide it in two and store them in separate bags – one of those being your hand luggage.

• When exploring on your own please take a business card from the hotel so that you can always find your way back and only take the necessities with you – leave your valuables in your hotel room safe.

• It never hurts to tell your fellow travellers of your plans!

Power Points We recommend purchasing a universal plug adaptor which can be used to fit all electrical sockets. Universal plug adaptors that can fit all electrical sockets are readily available for purchase in Australia before you depart. If you intend to take your mobile phone and/or tablet, it is suggested you purchase a universal plug adaptor with built in USB ports.

As a guide, these plug types are mainly used throughout Europe:

Type C Type F Type E



Practical Considerations

� Advise your Travel Consultant of any dietary requirements and seat requests

� Have you had any required vaccinations? Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844

� Register your details with www.smartraveller.gov.au � Arrange for a spare copy of your itinerary to be left with a friend or relative � Check with your mobile phone network provider that your phone is compatible overseas � Exchange currency, arrange a cash passport/credit card or similar � Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it. Otherwise they may cancel your

credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.

� If you haven’t already, have a read through all your tour documents as they will provide you with lots of useful information

� Arrange for Australia Post to hold onto your mail for the time you’re away � Cancel your newspaper delivery / Foxtel, etc.

� Scan a copy of your passport and important documentation and email to yourself

Packing List Suggestions

� Travel documents e.g. passport(s), travel insurance certificate and e-tickets � Day-pack to carry your personal belongings while out and about � Money belt and luggage padlocks � Local language phrase book � Ear plugs, eye mask and travel pillow � Snacks such as muesli bars, nuts and crackers which you can snack on throughout the day � First aid kit and personal medications (a doctor’s letter may be needed if carrying large amounts) � Sun protection e.g. hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and insect repellent � Antibacterial wipes or hand gel � Electricity conversion plugs, spare batteries and memory card � Torch and alarm clock � Comfortable walking shoes and a pair of evening shoes � Clothing to suit weather conditions (refer to our website - www.bunniktours.com.au for weather charts).

Also a light jumper, a waterproof jacket/poncho/umbrella for cooler weather or wet conditions, thermal clothing is a good space saver and great for layering

� Swimwear � Trousers, shorts/skirt that reach below the knee � Scarf or shawl to carry in your day-pack for cool evenings (and can also be used for temple visits if

necessary) etc. Note: The packing list has been compiled from suggestions by previous passengers and local staff – it is only a guide and Bunnik Tours recommends that you check recent weather conditions before your departure.

We love getting feedback – Let us hear it! Upon your return home, please look out for an email from us containing a link to our online tour survey, which we encourage you to complete. We pride ourselves on the quality of our tours and it is your feedback that helps to ensure we are providing you with the best touring experience.



On Tour

Check-In for your flights It is important that you arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance for international flights. This will allow you plenty of time to check your baggage in, get your boarding passes and seat assignments, and make your way through security to the boarding area. Please ensure you arrive at the airport at the correct time. Early morning flights (flights departing shortly after midnight) may require you to check-in the day before. Airlines have little leniency if flights are missed.

Comfort on your flight

• Wear loose clothes and comfortable shoes during your flights.

• Try to hydrate yourself regularly with water (avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks).

• Alleviate the pressure on your ears by chewing gum, yawning, swallowing, or gently blowing your nose.

• Try to walk up and down the aisle to stretch out your limbs and get blood circulating. Also maybe do a few isometric exercises.

• If you arrive in the morning, try to sleep during your flight so you can stay awake through to the evening once you have arrived at your destination.

Delayed or missed flights In the unfortunate event that you miss a flight completely or that you are delayed substantially, please advise the airline representative that you are a group tour passenger bound for a specific start location, date and time. Always call Bunnik Tours on 1800 286 645 (or +61 8 8359 2295 if you are already overseas) to advise your new flight times or the local operator where your tour starts, whose phone number is in your tour documentation.

Arrival Information Upon arrival at the airport on the first day of your tour (or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation with Bunnik Tours), your airport transfer is included in your tour. Different types of transfers are booked depending on the destination, therefore check your travel documents on meeting points etc. Airport transfers cannot be re-routed to other pick-up points or destinations. Hotel check-in time is generally around 3.00pm local time, but where possible, the hotel will try and have your room available earlier. If your flight arrives in the morning, your luggage can be stored at the hotel until your room is ready.

Tour Guide When you’re travelling, your guide will be an invaluable resource to you as they will be able to explain all the different cultural norms and traditions as well as offering dining and sightseeing suggestions during your free time. All Bunnik Tours’ guides have a great love for their country and culture and will be happy to share this with you as well as answer any questions you may have.

Tour Etiquette Travelling in a small group is half the fun of touring and we regularly receive feedback from our clients remarking how well everyone got along on tour and lifelong friendships often develop.

However, sweeping statements and generalisations can be offensive to others. We would therefore like to remind you that other people’s religious beliefs, political and sexual orientations may differ from your own, and we respectfully ask you to be mindful of this while on tour.



What to Wear Due to global weather changes, temperatures may deviate from the norms. We recommend layered easy care, loose-fitting clothing, an item or two for rain or unseasonable temperatures and something warmer. Always pack extra layers regardless of the season you’re travelling in, as the weather can be unpredictable and it’s better to pack a few extra pieces just in case. Cool cotton clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a good pair of sunglasses and most importantly, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. When visiting mosques and temples, long sleeves, loose pants or long skirts are essential.

Currency The recommended currency to take to Germany, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic is the Euro. It is the official currency of Germany and Austria and once in Poland, Hungry and the Czech Republic you will be able to change some into the local currency. (Although in many places Euro notes are widely accepted). Ensure you change a small amount into small denominations.

Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it, otherwise they may cancel your credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.

Whenever possible use ATMs when the banks are open (Mon – Fri) so that if a machine ‘eats’ your card you can then deal with it straight away. It is always advisable to carry a supply of cash in addition to your credit card.

We advise you to exchange some money into the local currency at the airport even if the exchange rate is not the best, this way you’ll have money to get a drink, snack or give a tip during those first few hours of arrival. Your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to exchange money.

Small change is also useful for paying for toilets while on tour which is customary in many places outside of Australia.

Germany & Austria The Euro (EUR; symbol €). Notes come in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.

Poland Polish Currency: Zloty (PLN; symbol zł). Notes are in denominations of zł500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10.

Hungary Hungarian Currency: Forint (HUF; symbol Ft). Notes are in denominations of Ft20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 2,000, 1,000 and 500.

Czech Republic Czech Republic Currency: Koruna (CZK; symbol Kč) or Crown. Notes are in denominations of 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, and 100.



Countries we visit

Germany Few countries have had as much impact on the world as Germany, a land of innovation! It has given us the printing press, the automobile, aspirin and MP3 technology. This is the country where you can visit the birth places of Martin Luther, Albert Einstein, Karl Marx, Beethoven, the Brothers Grimm and other greats who, in some way, have forged the fate of humankind. Although it has plenty of fairy-tale sights and picturesque scenery that is reminiscent of medieval times, Germany is without a doubt a post-industrial, multicultural country with all the inherent advantages and conflicts. Reunification is a huge social and economic undertaking, and it comes on top of an already heavy and, at times, troubling history. Travellers to Germany will probably not be affected by much of this, but on the other hand, visitors shouldn't expect all parts of the country, at all times, to be an Oktoberfest.

Fast Facts Capital

Population

Language

Religion

Time Zone

Voltage

Dialling code

Berlin 82.67 million German Predominantly Christian

9 hours behind AEST *

230v +49

*Time differences depend on daylight savings.

• The first Green Party was organised in Germany. The pro-environment Greens have served in the governing coalitions of several bundeslander (states) and entered a national coalition for the first time in 1999. Germany is one of the leading European countries in terms of recycling and the generation of solar and wind-based power.

• The British royal family is actually an offshoot of the German House of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. In 1917, because of the passions of World War I, British King George V changed the dynastic name to Windsor (which, truth be told, is also a little less cumbersome).

• In the eastern town of Kampehl in Brandenburg there is a 13th century stone church whose vault contains (for public viewing) the mummy of a knight who died in 1703. Legend has it that he was a perjurer who swore in court that if he was lying, his corpse would never rot.

• In the 19th century, the Brothers Grimm collected fairy tales in many towns and regions in Germany and committed them to paper: Snow White and Rose Red took place in Muhldorf; Puss-in-Boots near Berlin; Snow



White and the Seven Dwarfs in Alfeld; Sleeping Beauty in Sababurg; Little Red Riding Hood in Hesse; Hansel and Gretel near Marburg and Cinderella in Budingen.

• There are about 40 castles on the Rhine River between Koblenz and Mainz.

• The biggest Beer Festival in the world is, of course, the Oktoberfest in Munich, Bavaria, where the size of the beer glass is not 500 mililitres but a whole litre!

• The Germans can be credited for the discovery of insulin, the invention of the clarinet, the pocket watch, the automated calculator, the light bulb, television (partly), paraffin, petrol/gasoline and diesel engines, the automobile (as well as the engine, differential gear and other important devices), the motorcycle, the jet engine, the LCD screen and the Walkman.

Local Etiquette and Helpful Tips

• If you are at a pub in Germany and there is a brass plaque on the table, it generally means that table is “stammtisch” or reserved, but feel free to join another table that is not reserved and order a beer!

Weather June – September is the best time to tour Germany, when the days are warm and nights are cool (definitely take a jacket). April, May and October can also be pleasant, if a little more rainy. It'll be about 5°C cooler than during the summer, but the countryside is even more beautiful (wildflowers in the spring, amazing colours in the autumn). During late autumn and early winter, the Föhn, a warm southern wind, can bring Bavaria and the Alps warmer temperatures than the lowlands. Take a thin jumper any time you visit. Winters are cold and often drizzly, but the skiing is best then.

Getting Around The public transport systems in Germany are some of Europe’s best. Trams, buses and trains are inexpensive and generally run on time. Taxis can be expensive and also slower than the trains or trams if you get stuck in traffic.

And, of course, walking is a must in Europe’s finest cities. Munich is a particularly wonderful city to walk around and most attractions are within walking distance of the old town centre.

When catching taxis, have small change on you and choose one with a meter, if it doesn’t have one then negotiate the price before getting in. Also, ask your guide or hotel staff the names of reputable taxi companies.

Dining Germans are world masters at the production of Würste and the variety of them is great. The most popular types are the ones you get, among other places, from the vendors at the festivals and other outdoor events: Bratwurst, Bockwurst and Rindswurst. The Bratwurst is mainly pork and served roasted. The Bockwurst is the one most similar to the American hot dog, though it is usually longer. The Rindswurst (sometimes called the knackwurst) is usually of coarsely ground beef and is fatter and stubbier than the other two. All three are eaten with the fingers and usually dipped in mustard. You often get a brötchen (roll) with them. Other meat dishes that retain their popularity include the Schnitzel. Roast pork (Schweinibraten) also remains very popular, and is eaten with gravy and those giant, almost chewy dumplings (Knödel) that have long been popular. Still another pork specialty is the Rippchen, a juicy cured pork chop. It goes nicely with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes (Kartoffelbrei).

Important: When dining at buffets (i.e. breakfast) please refrain from taking food away with you to ‘save’ for later! If you feel that you’ll need snacks between meals, pack some dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars etc.

Checkpoint Charlie, Berlin



Shopping & Souvenirs In Germany, special purchases include precision optical equipment such as binoculars and cameras, porcelain, handmade crystal, silver, steelware, Solingen knives, leatherwear, sports equipment, toys from Nuremberg and Bavarian Loden cloth. Special purchases in eastern Germany include musical instruments, wooden carved toys from the Erzgebirge Mountains, and Meissen china (the workshops in Meissen are open to the public). Those looking out for traditional gifts can do no better than seeking out the folkish dress found in Munich. While many may scoff at the idea of dirndl dresses and lederhosen, the intricate design and superb workmanship put into traditional dress is incredible. Nor are these clothes for tourists - they come at a high price and are popular with locals, especially during the Beer Festival. In December, Germany is full of delightful Christmas markets, known as Christkindlmarkt or Weinachtsmarkt, where you can buy handcrafted gifts and ornaments, sample mulled cider or wine and hear Christmas music.

Places We Visit in Germany

Berlin

Berlin is the capital city and one of the sixteen states of the Federal Republic of Germany. Berlin is the country's largest city, and the second most populous city in the European Union. Berlin is one of the most influential centres in European politics, culture and science. The city serves as an important hub of continental transportation and is home to some of the most prominent universities, sporting events, orchestras and museums. Its economy is based on the service sector, encompassing a diverse range of media and life science corporations, convention venues, research institutes, and creative industries. The rapidly evolving metropolis enjoys an international reputation for its festivals, contemporary architecture, nightlife and avant-garde arts. Being a major tourist centre and home to people from over 180 nations, Berlin is a focal point for individuals who are attracted by its liberal lifestyle, urban eclecticism and artistic freedom.

Berlin Cathedral



Poland Poland has had an extremely volatile history, as for centuries it has been overrun by marauding aggressors and foreign rulers. However, despite the conflict, you’ll find a country that has managed to overcome adversity and retain its own unique identity. To the north there are magnificent 14th century gothic castles, in the major cities you’ll be charmed by the old-world town squares, and more disturbingly, strewn all over the country you’ll find chilling reminders of the more recent horrors of World War II. Today’s Poland is a fascinating place to visit, it has a modern outlook, booming economy and positive vibe, yet you’ll find reminders of its turbulent history at every turn.

Fast Facts Capital Population Language Religion Time Zone Voltage Dialling code

Warsaw 38.1 million Polish Roman Catholic


220v +48


• Poland’s capitals have been Gniezno, Poznan, Krakow and Warsaw. Lublin has twice served as Poland’s

temporary capital, after both the First and Second World Wars.

• In Poland most Poles consider their name day (in Polish: “imieniny”) more important than their birthdays.

• The highest mountain in Australia, Mount Kosciuszko, was named after Polish general Tadeusz Kosciuszko.

Weather Poland has a moderate climate with warm summers, crisp, sunny autumns and cold winters. Snow covers the mountainous area in the south of Poland from mid-December to April. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year. The most pleasant times to visit Poland are May to June and September, when it’s still warm but unlikely to be too hot.

Getting Around Bikes are a fun and interesting way to see Polish cities. Both Warsaw and Krakow have dedicated bike lanes and hiring a bike is relatively easy.




Dining Food eaten in Poland has been influenced by the cuisine of neighbouring countries Austria, Germany, Hungary and Russia. Meat, especially pork, ham and sausage, is eaten with vegetables, dumplings, noodles, buckwheat and rye bread. Beetroot and cabbage are used in salads, soups and stews. Sour cream is often used in cooking. Pickled foods such as vegetables and fish are popular. Hunter’s stew, made with five or six types of wild game, is a national dish. Desserts include honey cake, strudel, pancakes and donuts.


Shopping & Souvenirs In Poland, special purchases include glass and enamelware, hand-woven rugs, silverware, handmade jewellery with amber and silver, dolls in regional costumes, woodcarvings and clay and metal sculptures.

Places We Visit in Poland Warsaw You’ll hear the phrase “it’s a ravaged beauty, destroyed and rebuilt,” everywhere in Warsaw. It’s applied to palaces and churches, to entire neighbourhoods, even to individual cobblestoned streets. In order to fully appreciate this one-time “Paris of the North,” remember that during World War II, most of it was razed to the ground and its people decimated. You’ll come across monuments documenting atrocities and memorialising acts of resistance. Warsaw has survived the stranglehold of Soviet terror and the upheaval of capitalism. It has moved rapidly into a new phase of economic restructuring within the European Union. As it continues to rebuild and reinvent itself, the city is becoming more beautiful. Its balance of preservation and renewal is a testament to its resilience.

Krakow Krakow is almost everybody’s favourite Polish city – this 1,000-year-old former capital is the only large urban area in the nation that escaped World War II without serious damage. The retreating Nazis wired the city so they could blow it up with dynamite, but the Polish resistance cut the wires. Coupled with Krakow’s physical beauty is its standing as the country’s cultural centre, making it a truly must-see destination. In the centre of Krakow is the largest medieval square in all of Europe, Old Market Square. It’s lined with historic buildings, and in the centre of the square are two important structures. The 13th century Cloth Hall, now home to souvenir and crafts stalls, and the Town Hall Tower, which hosts a summertime tavern in the cellar, a vast improvement over its original use as a torture chamber. To the west is Auschwitz, the grim Nazi concentration camp, commemorated by a museum and memorial. You’ll also find the Wieliczka Salt Mines, which run about 150 kilometres underground, founded between the 10th and 13th centuries, they’re claimed to be the oldest salt mines in the world. Here, you’ll find a chapel carved out of salt, complete with chandeliers made from salt crystals.

Krakow Town Square



Hungary Situated on a lovely stretch of the Danube River, Budapest, Hungary’s capital, is a city of outstanding beauty and visitors are drawn to its enchanting magnetism. Hungary’s location in the centre of Europe, along with its hospitable attitude, makes it one of the best places to include on any Eastern European journey. As a country, Hungary is both European and distinctly Hungarian, incorporating a mixture of history and the present-day. The country proudly upholds its Magyar traditions, culture and arts, but is attentive to what is new and fashionable in the outside world.


Budapest 9.69 million Hungarian Christian 8 hours behind AEST *

230v +36


• Budapest, the capital of Hungary, consists of the districts of Buda and Pest, separated by the River Danube. Nine bridges connect the two halves of the city.

• Although Houdini claimed to have been born on April 6, 1874 in Appleton, Wisconsin, he actually was born on March 24, 1874 in Budapest, Hungary.

• The Rubik’s cube, holography, ballpoint pen, theory of the hydrogen bomb, BASIC programming language and the krypton electric bulb were invented by Hungarians.

• Paprika is a Hungarian word for pepper.

• Hungary was one of the first communist-era countries to oppose the Soviet regime during the Cold War, notably with the Hungarian Revolution of 1956.

• Hungary is one of the oldest countries in Europe. It was founded in 896, before France and Germany became separate entities, and before the unification of Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

Local Etiquette & Helpful Tips

• In Hungary, tips are not included on the bill and are at your discretion (allow for 10% of the bill and always round up) - both the payment of the bill and tip should be handed to your server at the same time, do not leave money on the table.



Weather Hungary is best visited during June - September, when the weather is warmer and the attractions are all open. The weather in spring and autumn can be very pleasant, but temperatures drop to around 9°C. Over winter, temperatures approach freezing. Some rain can be expected throughout the year.

Getting Around Taxis in Hungary are inexpensive and readily available. Walking is also one of the best ways to explore one of Europe’s grand river cities.


Dining In Hungary, national specialties include: halászlé (fish soups), goulash gulyás soup (western goulash is called pörkölt or tokány), stuffed vegetables, sweet cakes, gundel palacsinta (pancake), goose liver, paprikás csirke (paprika chicken), kolbasz (spicy sausage) and samlói galuska (a sponge, chocolate, rum and cream dessert). The national drinks are; tokaji (strong dessert wine), Bull’s Blood (strong red wine) and pálinka or barack (apricot brandy).


Shopping & Souvenirs Unique souvenir ideas include embroideries, Herend and Zsolnay porcelain and national dolls.

Places We Visit in Hungary Budapest

Budapest, known as the ‘Queen of the Danube’, is a magnificent city exuding a cultural sophistication that entices and enchants. Gracing both sides of the legendary river with grand historic buildings, regal bridges and graceful tree-lined boulevards, it is the city’s elegant beauty and romantic atmosphere that has given Budapest a Parisian status among the Eastern European countries. Budapest offers the visitor the familiarity of European culture with a distinct Hungarian flavour. It is evident in the neo-Gothic Parliament buildings, sidewalk cafes and Magyar cuisine, classical concerts and Hungarian folk music, the cobbled streets of medieval neighbourhoods and shady parks, and everywhere the sounds of an unfamiliar language. Highlights for visitors include a river cruise on the Danube and a thermal bath in one of the Turkish-era bathhouses. Budapest was originally two cities built on either side of the Danube, namely Buda and Pest. The two districts are still distinct in their contrasting makeup, with the older and more charming Buda comprising atmospheric cobbled streets, little picturesque coloured houses and a medieval, neo-Classical mixture of architecture set among the gentle hills of the west bank. It is famous for its historic Castle Hill featuring the Royal Palace, museums and galleries, St Matthias Church and the ramparts of Fisherman’s Bastion. Pest lies on a flat plain and is the commercial core of the city. It bustles with fashionable shopping areas and has characteristically wide, leafy boulevards. A history of numerous wars and invasions, with repeated destruction and rebuilding, has created the Budapest of today, with an amalgamation of styles, created over time during periods of loving restoration by a proud and resilient nation of people, a city of charm and character, both European and singularly Hungarian.

Shopping for Hungarian lace



Austria Landlocked in the heart of Europe, Austria runs from the Alps in the west down to Vienna and the Danube in the east. For six centuries it was the heart of the mighty Habsburg Empire, which at its peak included what are now Poland, Hungary and the Czech Republic along with much of Romania, Bulgaria and the Balkans. The country's imperial inheritance is particularly striking in the grand buildings and cultural institutions of the Baroque-flavoured capital, Vienna, resplendent with palaces and captivating churches, cosy coffee houses and inns, and grand ballrooms where Strauss waltzes still draw dancers onto the floor. The charm of Austria may lie in its preservation of a romantic classical past, but this does not mean modern Austria has stood back from development. Behind the stunning scenery and antique architecture a vibrant industrial and commercial society goes about its business in the cities and towns. Austrians work hard, but they also know how to play hard. Austrian hospitality and cuisine are legendary. From a cruise on the magnificent Danube River to a cycle tour through the Alpine meadows or a breath-taking day's sightseeing in busy Vienna, visitors to Austria find it impossible to fit in a dull moment.


Vienna 8.75 million German Roman Catholic


230v +43


• Ferdinand Porsche, the founder of the Porsche company, was an Austrian.

• “The Sound of Music” is based on the true story of the Von Trapp family and their escape from Nazi Austria.

• The German name for Austria is Osterreich which means “Eastern Empire”. This refers to the time when Austria was part of the Holy Roman Empire.

• Croissants and Danish pastries aren’t French or Danish inventions. Both were originally Austrian specialties from Vienna.

• Austria shares a border with 8 countries: the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Germany.

• In Austria, check your restaurant and taxi bills, as a service charge is often included in the bill.



Weather Austria enjoys a temperate Central European climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are hot with cool nights. In Vienna and other low-lying cities, temperatures during the day are absolutely lovely during July and August. Winters are cold, below freezing in January and February. The ski season in the Alps runs from December to April but the mountains are also popular with hikers and climbers over the summer when the weather is usually warm and bright.

Getting Around The public transport system in Austria is one of Europe’s best. Trams, buses and trains are inexpensive and generally run on time. Taxis can be expensive and also slower than the trains or trams if you get stuck in traffic. And of course, walking is a must in Europe’s finest cities.


Dining Viennese cuisine is strongly influenced by southeast European cuisine, notably that of Hungary, Serbia, Romania and Dalmatia. Austrian desserts and cake are particularly renowned. National specialties include; Wiener Schnitzel, a traditional dish of bread crumbed and fried veal escalope, Tafelspitz is the most famous food, regarded as Austria’s ‘national dish’ and consists simply of boiled beef. Calf’s liver with herbs in butter (Geröstete Leber), Goulash, which is made of beef, pepper, paprika and onion. Various types of smoked and cured pork dumplings (Knödel) with sauce. Popular desserts include; Kaiserschmarrn (dessert of shredded pancake and stewed fruit), Palatschinken (Austrian pancakes), Powidl - a plum stew and Apfelstrudel. The classic pudding, Cheese Danish, which is sweet and stuffed with raisins. Mehlspeisen is the national term for cakes and puddings. There are around 60 varieties of Torte, which are often consumed with coffee.


Shopping & Souvenirs High-quality goods such as handbags, glassware, chinaware and winter sports equipment represent the cream of specialist items found in Austria. A value-added-tax of 20-32% (called MwSt) is included in the list price of items sold.

Places We Visit in Austria Vienna

It is difficult not to be moved to hum a Brahms lullaby or a Strauss waltz as you explore the sights of Austria’s beautiful Baroque capital, Vienna, which for centuries was the centre of the splendid Habsburg Empire. Vienna is a city of music, but it is also synonymous with gourmet fare, cream cakes, superb coffee, the angelic strains of the Vienna Boys’ Choir and the proud prancing of the Lippizaner stallions at the world-famous Spanish Riding School. Most of the city’s tourist attractions are within the inner city area which was once enclosed by the city walls. The walls have been replaced with the Ringstrasse, a wide ring road. Further out in the suburbs is the thrilling Prater amusement park with its massive ferris wheel and the opulent Schönbrunn summer palace. Visitors also should not miss a trip to the Vienna Woods, peppered with ancient ‘heuringen’ (wine taverns).

Schonbrunn Palace, Vienna



Czech Republic Over the past few decades the Czech Republic has slowly been emerging as a popular tourist destination, favoured particularly by the discerning traveller seeking culture and charm rather than pizzazz and parties. However, most visitors still tend to explore no farther than the capital, Prague. Fewer than 10 percent of tourists venture into the countryside, which means they are missing out on a treat. Prague, westernised and cosmopolitan, is a beautiful city of spires and a visual feast of medieval, baroque and art nouveau architecture. However, leave the city behind and you will find a magnificent undulating landscape of mountains and plains, forests and farmland.


Prague 10.63 million Czech Roman Catholic 8 hours behind AEST *

220v +420


• In 1993, the country of Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

• Sigmund Freud, the famous psychologist and psychoanalyst was a Czech. He was born in Freiberg, Moravia, in 1856.

• Czech people are the world’s highest consumers of beer.

• President Havel is the first president of the Czech Republic and previously Czechoslovakia to remain in the post for his full term of office. Some have died in office, some have resigned through ill health and some have been ‘encouraged’ to resign.

Weather Winters in the Czech Republic tend to be very cold with snow, while summers are often mild and wet. The best time to visit is from May to September when days are warm and nights cool. The European summer is the tourist high season.



Getting Around Prague in the Czech Republic is a wonderful city to walk around. It has an excellent public transport system with trams, buses and trains – all of which are inexpensive.


Dining

Main meals in the Czech Republic usually consist of beef or pork, and sometimes fish, served with potatoes or rice or dumplings. Sauerkraut is used in recipes including soup. Other soups are potato soup and liver dumpling soup. Dumplings are also served sweet. Desserts include strudel and pancakes. Gingerbread and pastries are popular. The Czech Republic is famous for Pilsner beer and Budweiser Budvar. Wine is also produced and stronger drinks include a herbal liqueur and plum brandy.


Shopping & Souvenirs

In the Czech Republic, souvenirs include Bohemian glass and crystal, porcelain, wooden folk carvings, hand-embroidered clothing, and food items. There are a number of excellent shops specialising in glass and crystal, while various associations of regional artists and craftspeople run their own retail outlets. Other special purchases include pottery (particularly from Kolovec and Straznice); china ornaments and geyser stone carvings from Karlovy Vary; delicate lace and needle embroidery from many Moravian towns; and blood-red garnets and semiprecious stones from Bohemia.

Places We Visit in the Czech Republic Cesky Krumlov

Located in the southern Bohemian region of Czech Republic, Cesky Krumlov is an incredibly picturesque medieval town which made the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. Lying in a valley with the Blansko Forest to the north and the hills of the Sumava to the south west, the town is most famous for its castle, built by the Lords of Krumlov around 1253. The castle complex itself features forty buildings, well-manicured gardens, the impressive Baroque Theatre, courtyards and a moat! The Old Town has over 300 heritage protected buildings including century’s old town houses, inns, shops and cafes. A stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town makes you feel like you’ve been transported back through time.

Prague Prague is a city of stunning scenic beauty. The capitals of many other European nations were flattened or heavily damaged during World War II, but Prague survived intact. Thanks to the city’s role as a focal point of culture and commerce for nearly a millennium, it retains evidence of the many nationalities that have influenced and sometimes dominated its course in history. Gothic and baroque spires, art-nouveau facades and even cubist structures reflect a crucible of German, Italian, Flemish and Bohemian artistic movements. At one time the seat of the Holy Roman Empire and at another the citadel of the Habsburgs, Prague sustains a reputation as a vital political, cultural and economic centre. This is especially true since the 1989 bloodless Velvet Revolution swept out communism. Tourists continue to descend on the City of a Hundred Spires to experience a place in the throes of transition, although those hoping to see evidence of its totalitarian past may be disappointed to learn that Prague has embraced a more Western perspective.

Gone are the days of standing in line for bananas in spartan, Communist-style grocery stores; instead, expect to see people standing in line for the dressing room at the clothing-store H&M. Even with its fast-food restaurants and cash machines, Prague’s old-world appeal has been steadfastly preserved. Thick river fogs, arched stone bridges, mysteriously lit alleyways and other charming scenes linger around almost every corner. If you slip away from the main tourist scene, you’ll likely stumble upon a bakery offering freshly baked brown loaves from 200-year-old recipes, or a lively political debate in a Habsburg-era hospoda (pub). For many, Prague carries on as it always has.

Cesky Krumlov



Useful Phrases

English German Hungarian Polish Czech

Hello Hallo Helló Cześć Ahoj

Good morning Guten morgen Jó reggelt Dzień dobry Dobre rano

Good evening Guten abend Jó estét Dobry wieczór Dobyr vecer

Goodbye Auf wiedersehen Búcsú Do widzenia Nashledanou

Please Bitte Kérem Proszę Prosim

Thank you Danke Köszönöm Dziękuję Dekuji

Yes Ja Igen Tak Ano

No Nein Nincs Nie Ne

Do you speak English? Sprechen sie

Englisch?

Beszél angolul? Czy mówi pan

pani/po angielsku?

Mluvite anglicky

I don’t understand Ich verstehe nicht Nem értem Nie rozumiem Nerozumim

Please write it down Bitte schreiben sie es

auf

Kérjük, írja le Proszę to napisać Prosim napiste

How much does it cost? Wie viel kostet es? Mennyibe kerül? Ile to kosztuje? Kolik to stoji?

Where is…? Wo ist...? Hol van ...? Gdzie jest...? Kde je ….?

Telephone Telefon Telefon Telefon Telefon

Toilet Toilette WC Toaleta Zachod

Tea Tee Tea Herbata Caj

Coffee Kaffee Kávé Kawa Kava

Bottled water In flaschen

abgefülltes wasser

Palackozott víz Woda butelkowana Voda v lahvi

I am allergic to… Ich bin allergisch

gegen...

Allergiás vagyok ... Mam uczulenie na Jsem alergicky na

Does this have … in it? Hat das ... drin? Vajon ez van ... van

benne?

Czy to zawiera ... Obsahuje ….

Peanuts Erdnüsse Földimogyoró Orzeszki ziemne Burske orisky

Nuts Nüsse Dió Orzechy Orisky

Seafood Meeresfrüchte Tenger gyümölcsei Owoce morza Morske plody

Shellfish Schaltier Rákfélék Małża Korys

Meat Fleisch Hús Mieso Maso

Gluten Gluten Sikér Gluten Gluten

Wheat Weizen Búza Mąka Psenic e

Eggs Eier Tojás Jajka Vajicka

Dairy Molkerei Tejüzem Produkty mleczne Mlekarna

Pork Schweinefleisch Sertéshús Wieprzowina Veprove maso

Lactose Laktose Laktóz Laktoza Laktoza

Soy Soja Szója Soja Soja

I am… Ich bin... Én ... Jestem Jsem

Vegetarian Vegetarier Vegetáriánus Wegetarianin Vegetarian

Vegan Vegan Vegán Wegan Vegan

Diabetic Diabetiker Cukorbeteg Diabetik Diabetik

Please note that this information is indicative only and subject to change. Bunnik Tours does not accept any liability for incorrect or incomplete information.

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Welcome to Europe! · Eastern Europe Tour Information Dossier . Welcome to Europe! We are so happy to welcome you along for your Bunnik tour. Each tour is planned with great care,