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Dear Trekker
Thank you for Choosing EUROTREK EUROPEAN ADVENTURE CAMPING TOURS for your next European Vacation. In order to help you prepare for your Adventure, we at EUROTREK have put together this Essential Hints Dossier. Please take your Time to Fully Read and Understand the Information given. EUROTREK is a Private owned Australian Family company with over 25 Years of Worldwide Tour Leading Experience. Tours have been conducted in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Africa, Australia and of course EUROPE. The Experience gained has gone into our Design of the GRAND EUROPEAN TOUR. We will take you from London to Denmark, East to Asia Minor and Istanbul, South to the Beautiful Greek islands, then to cross the Mighty alps before visiting Portugal, Paris and a Whole lot more. From Colorful cities and Breathtaking Scenery to the hub of World History, you will Experience the trip of a Lifetime. You will meet up with and see Fascinating Characters along the way but an unexpected bonus is being with your fellow Passengers, an Adventurous lot, of different backgrounds and ages. They come from all over the Globe and all with different interests to share. Lifelong friendships will be formed as you Travel and Enjoy the Trek Together.
EUROTREK have produced this Dossier to help you better prepare and understand a little more of the Trek before setting out from Home. This dossier gives you more detailed information on Climate, Suggested Packing, The Roster System, Food Kitty, Suggested Reading and Atlas Browsing ETC. It also gives you all the Advanced Info needed Before you arrive in Europe. (LONDON) It also covers Passport, Visa, Health and Hygiene Essentials list, Luggage allowance and storage, Security, Mail collection, Spending Monies, Travelers Checks ETC..
PASSPORTS AND VISAS:
You will need to posses a PASSPORT with at least SIX months or more time before its Expiry date, as of the end of the Trek and your Trip home. It MUST have at least SIX or more blank pages for Possible? Entry/Departure Stamps. Obtain ALL of your Visas, where Possible in your Home Country Prior to your arrival in London. Please Consult your Travel Agent for Current Visa Requirements. N.B: Regardless of what you may of heard about Traveling in a Group, Visa WILL NOT BE ISSUED AT THE BORDERS And Treks WILL NOT be held up Waiting for Passengers to Be Issued with Visas. IMPORTANT NOTE: Visas can take up to Six Weeks to Obtain. So plan ahead. Check if your Travel agent has a Visa Service. EUROTREKS Final Word on Visas: PLEASE DO IT AT HOME.
MEDICAL, DENTAL AND VACCINATIONS:
ALL Passengers MUST Have Full Medical And Travel Insurance.(See Your Travel Agent). It is also a wise Decision to see your Local / Family G.P For a check up along with your Dentist.(Toothache Can Ruin A Great Holiday).Prior to Departure. N.B: The Trek Is Classed as Very Easy. Dont forget to bring Along Enough Supplies of Personal Medication Such as Antibiotics And Antihistamines ETC.(Local Drug Stores Can Supply any Medication you should need). If you wear Prescription Glasses, then bring your Prescription with you. This can be filled Almost anywhere in Europe. DONT FORGET: You MUST Inform your T / L Of Any Medical Problems you may have along with Any Special Diet. At Time of Print there is No Vaccinations Required for Europe unless you are coming from a Infected Country. You MUST Check with your Travel Agent Prior To Departure. They would be Most Happy To Assist You.
ARRIVAL IN LONDON, ENGLAND: (DEPARTURE/ARRIVAL CITY FOR ALL TREKS)
If you arrive At LONDONS HEATHROW AIRPORT, Then the First Choice For Getting into CENTRAL LONDON has to be The Underground Train or The Tube as its Known. Its Fairly Inexpensive and the Very Best way to move you and Your Luggage around the City. If you are Planning on being in London for a few days ? Prior to Your Trek Then Buy a Multi Rider / Multi Days Ticket, Excellent value. If you Arrive At GATWICK AIRPORT, About 25 Miles South of the City, then take the Train from the Airport Terminal direct to Londons Victoria Train Station, Located in the heart of London. From here you can pick up a Tube or Rail Connection to All over London and other parts of the U.K.(This Is Also Our Drop Off Point, Day 75). Your Travel Agent can assist you with London City / Underground Maps ETC or you could try the British High Commission or Consulate in Your Capital City. These Maps are also Available on Arrival at the Airports.
ACCOMODATIONS IN AND AROUND LONDON CITY:
If you require Accommodation in London Prior to your Trek or for that matter at the end, your Travel Agent can advise you and make a Booking should you so wish. If you Prefer to do it Yourself, Bookings and Enquiries can be done Via the Internet or on arrival in London. REMEMBER: High Season in London is Very Busy, So a Booking done at Home Is a Good Idea.(At Least For The First Night).The Hotel Areas of Victoria Station and Paddington offer Cheap, Clean Bed And Breakfast Type Lodgings.
LUGGAGE AND STORAGE (WHILST ON TREK):
Luggage (Travel Bags, Backpacks ETC) are carried in the Custom Built Trailer. Suitcases are Restricted to One Medium Size Case or Backpack Which should Weigh no more than 20KG or 44LBS. Baggage Length and Width should not Exceed 160CM or 63 INCHES. PLEASE NOTE: Metal Framed (Outside) Backpacks are not Allowed as their Bulky Shape Makes them Hard to Pack.( THE NO FRAME, SOFT SIDED BACKPACK ARE THE IDEAL TYPE OF LUGGAGE) A Small Camera / Day Pack may be carried in the Coach. PLEASE NOTE: Room in the Trailer is Limited, your T/ L ( Has The Right To refuse over size / Weight Suitcases And or Packs). May we suggest ? For Oversize Cases And other Gear NOT WANTED On Trek, Then store it At Londons Victoria Railway / Tube Stations long Term Storage Facility.(Open 24 Hours).Your Unwanted Gear can be left here in Total Security whilst you are in Europe. Very Reasonable Rates apply. Although every care is taken, Baggage is carried at your Own Risk. Check With your Travel Agent about Luggage Insurance. PLEASE NOTE: Stringent Weight Limits Apply to Coaches And Trailers on International Touring Throughout the European Community.
DEPARTURE AND RETURN POINTS: (LONDON ONLY)
Your Trek Departure is from Outside AUSTRALIA HOUSE, Located at the corner of ALDWYCH And the STRAND, LONDON WC2. The Trek Coach will be Parked On the STRAND. Check In Time Is from 0600 (6am). Departure is at 0700 (7am) SHARP!we have a Ferry to Catch and Cant be Late. PLEASE NOTE: All Tours Depart on SUNDAYS which is nice and quiet with no real traffic Problems but do check out how you intend to arrive at our Departure Point. The Underground / Tube has a Late start and The Bus service is Limited, so Unless you are being dropped by friends, May we Suggest that you Pre- Book a Black London Cab or Mini Cab the Night Before. Your Hotel / Bed and Breakfast Can assist you or you can do it yourself.
RETURN TO LONDON IS ON THURSDAY, (DAY 75) Expected arrival of the Trek Coach is around 2000 (8pm)- Ish!. This Will depend on the Traffic / Weather Into London City. The Drop off point is at LONDONS VICTORIA RAILWAY STATION, Which we have found to be the Most Convenient for Tube and Rail Connections ETC. PLEASE NOTE: Due to Insurance Conditions, The Trek Coach will Not Stop to drop off Passengers En-Route To London. Once We Depart Dover, The next Stop is Victoria Station. This is the Drop off Point For All Passengers.
DEPARTURE..IF YOU MISS THE TREK COACH ?.
Once again Departure is at 0700 (7am)..PLEASE Be On Time. Its early Sunday Morning, so getting across London is Normally Very easy but just in case do set your Watch 15 minutes ahead. Better to be early than Miss the Departure.
YOU HAVE MISSED THE DEPARTURE: !!!!!!! Now if you happen to miss the Departure, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE VERY EASY STEPS AND DO NOT DEVIATE:.. TREK #1, #2, #3. Take the Train From London To Paris, from here you need to take the Metro (Underground) to the Suburb of Tremblay / Joinville. The Address is CAMP DU T.C.F DE PARIS EST LE TREMBLAY, The camp is located at the S.E of the City just off the Paris To Nancy / Metz Motorway. (E11, E12).
PLEASE NOTE: Paris is a Three Night Stop. If by some chance you have not caught up with us, then follow these instructions to the Camps Listed and we will leave Further Details There. Any costs Involved are the Passengers Responsibility.
EUROTREK ITINERARY:
The Beauty of a Camping Tour Compared with a Hardtop (Accommodated) Tour, Apart from the cost is that the Itinerary is a Little Flexible. We do try However to Stick to the Advertised Itinerary 100% But Should we Find that a Road, Tunnel, Ferry, or for that Matter a Camp be Closed for What ever reason, Then we can Re-Route without too Much Inconvenience to anyone. Every Endeavor is made to follow the advertised Itinerary as set out in the Brochure/Web Site but there may be times when we have to vary a Route because of Bad Weather or Other Conditions Prevailing at the Time. (This Is Very rare, if ever). This Decision is left with the crew. You can be sure that they will strike the Right Balance for everyone.
CAMPSITE ACCOMMODATIONS IN EUROPE:
Is in Four Person Tents (Which Two Guests Share). Designed in the U.S.A. They Are Very easy to erect with No annoying Center pole. They come with a Sewn in Floor And Full Insect Proof Doors (Flaps) and windows. The Tents are carried In the Trailer and are ERECTED AND TAKEN DOWN BY THE PASSENGERS. Once Allotted with your Tent, its your For the Duration of the Trek. You and your Tent Mate are Responsible for its Cleanliness ETC. PLEASE NOTE: Report any Problems with your Tent To the T / L A.S.A.P. Also There Is NO SMOKING / HIGH,HARD HEELED SHOES In the Tent as the Ground Sheet (Floor) is made of Soft Vinyl.
EUROPEAN CAMPSITE FEATURES:
MOST Of the Campsites we use (And we Use The Best available) have Hot showers, (Some are coin / Token Operated), Toilet, Laundry Facilities and some Even Boast Swimming Pools, Disco, Dance Halls Along with Video Games and Supermarkets. Our Team of Product Managers tour Europe On a Regular Basis to upgrade our Camping Needs. They Hand pick the Best Caravan / Camping Sites Best Suited to our Tour. PLEASE NOTE: Camping is Very Popular in Europe, Compared to other Countries around the World. You will see vehicles with Registrations from all over Europe. Now sometimes we will arrive at a camp which is very busy and quite full and then another time be the only ones there. PLEASE LISTEN TO YOUR TOUR LEADER: They will give you Instructions on Where to Locate Your Tent, These Instructions Have Come from the Camp Office and MUST BE ADHERED TO. We have in the Past gone into Town, Leaving the Camp with Eurotrek as the Only Tenants, Only to Return to find A Couple of Dozen Tents and 50 Or More People Milling about. Had we of spread our tents out too far, then we would be in Trouble. Your Cooperation is greatly appreciated by your Crew. PLEASE NOTE: Some of the Campsites we use in the EASTERN BLOC May lack the Gloss and Glamour (Facilities) of their Western Cousins but the thrill of being there will soon make up for any Inconvenience.
AGE AND SUITABILITY:
On a Camping Tour it does not Matter What age you are, as long as you are Fairly fit.(Eurotrek, Suggested age Limit is from 18 To 60), In Good Health and realize that you are not going to be waited on Hand and Foot. Passengers are Required to Erect and Pull Down their Own Tent (Very easy), And assist with the daily running of the trek, Such as Assisting with the Preparation of the Meals, Loading and Unloading the Trailer(Baggage and Equipment),Setting up the Cooks Tent and Stoves ETC, Coach Cleaning (Daily Sweep Out and window Cleaning), Washing Dishes And General camp Duties. (All Very Easy With the assistance of your T/L And Super cook / Hostess).
PROFESSIONAL DRIVER / TOUR LEADER:
Our Coach Driver / Tour Leaders Are Carefully Selected for Their Courtesy, Friendly approach and Personality along with Great Driving Skills. They have all graduated from our Extensive Training Course, with a Commitment to ensure all aspects of touring meet with your Satisfaction. Our Tour Leader / Drivers come to Eurotrek from all walks of life, Hand Picked and trained to our Very High standards. All applicants do a Minimum 75 days Training Trip under the Guidance of a Senior T / L and are rated Daily. All tour drivers hold a Full British P.C.V Driving License, Perhaps the Worlds Toughest License to Obtain. They will also Provide A High Standard Of Commentary Throughout the Tour. With your Fully Trained Tour Driver/ Tour Leader behind the wheel, you know you are in Good Hands.
TOUR ESCORT/ HOSTESS/ SUPERCOOK:
Your Hostess is Chosen For her Warm and Friendly Nature, along with her Ability To look after you and above all , her expertise at preparing and serving well Balanced and Healthy Meals. She will also assist the Driver with some Commentary (When He Needs His eyes on the Road). Once again Your Hostess is also trained to our High Standards to give you the Best Europe has to offer.
CLIMATE IN EUROPE:
The Climate in Europe Will Vary, Sometimes Quite Dramatically. With The Regions and Altitudes we Travel Through. Temps will be Hot During June, August And Early Sept. The Rest of the Season will mainly be warm. For all treks we do Recommend a Warmth Rated Sleeping Bag as Temps can Fall At Night In the North And The Mountain Regions.
SEATING IN THE TREK COACH:
Passengers Change (rotate) seats Daily in the Coach so that everyone gets to Enjoy Window And Forward seating. PLEASE NOTE: There Are No Exceptions.
SMOKING ON TOUR:
Due to Strict E.U Regulations along with Eurotrek Management, SMOKING IS NOT PERMITTED IN THE TREK COACH. For Dedicated Smokers, we make Ample Stops Along the way. The No smoking ban also applies at The Food Preparation Area and the Dining Tables.
LAUNDRY FACILITIES IN EUROPE:
Not all Camps have Laundry Facilities, Your T / L Will advise you when they do. Most of the Cities and Towns Have Laundromats. Some camps offer a Service whilst you are Sightseeing. Make sure you add some Travel pegs and Tube Type washing soap to your list. Make sure you do not hang your gear on the camp Fences to dry , it may not be there when you get back. PLEASE NOTE: Do not hang your Wet Towels over your Tent, as a Large Wet Towel can weigh over 10KG. EUROTREK supplies the Clothesline and can be hung in a Suitable Place for all to use. PLEASE: No Wet Towels ETC to be Placed Over Coach Seating. Space is available in the Trailer. HANDY HINT: Drip Dry Clothing, Where Possible is the Most Easily Laundered.
TOWELS:
After taking a Wash or shower, May we Recommend that you use a Absorbent cloth such as Chux or similar to Wipe off Excess Water before Toweling Down. (You can Buy Body Chamois wipe Towels at sporting And Travel Shops, They are Great). In this way you can minimize your large Towel Getting too wet, If At All.
TREK VEHICLE, BREAKDOWNS:
To be Issued with a License to operate International travel, the British Government Lay down Very strict guidelines on vehicle Maintenance. We own our Own Fleet, meaning that Coaches Are Not hired in on a Tour By Tour Basis. This allows us to Maintain and get to know a Particular vehicle. Our company Policy of a Strict Maintenance Programme (Even More than Required By Law) With a full service at the half waypoint of each Trek. It is Inevitable because of the vast and extreme conditions along with the Distances we travel , that sometimes a Component May Fail But should this Happen the Company is Notified and repairs are carried out by the Driver or the Nearest Dealership. We at EUROTREK take pride in operating a Modern well Maintained Fleet of Coaches.
YOUR TREK ESSENTIALS (WHAT TO BRING LIST):
Return / Onward Airline Ticket, EUROTREK TICKET, Valid Passport With Appropriate Visas, Enough Funds To see you Through the Trek, FOOD KITTY CONTRIBUTION, Flashlight (A GOOD ONE),Spare Batteries To kick you off, Camera / Video, Film, Personal Toiletries, Medications, Prescription Glasses Copy, Sunglasses, Sunscreen, Sun Hat / Cap, Quality sleeping bag, Ground Mat (Self Inflating Mats are good), Wrist Watch (That Works), And a QUALITY ALARM CLOCK And other things you Deem as Essential. Now The MOST IMPORTANT Thing to Bring on TREK is your SENSE OF HUMOR, DO NOT LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YOUR TREK CLOTHING LIST (SUGGESTED):
Jeans, Shorts, Casual Smart Trousers / Skirt, Sweat Pants, Trainers / Joggers, Thongs / Sandals, Bathers / Swimming Costume, Sun Hat / Baseball cap, Quality Parka / Jacket, under wear, Socks ETC, ETC. Do not Forget that some Bits and Pieces you May Need can be Bought along The way, Many a Bargain Prices (Depending on your Exchange Rate at the Time).Getting back to Packing, DONT PANIC and Bring too much but then DO NOT LEAVE ESSENTIALS AT HOME. Common sense will prevail. Do not leave home without it
YOUR TREK MONEY MATTERS (YOUR TOURING FUNDS):
We at EUROTREK Strongly Recommend that you Carry your Tour Funds in TRAVELERS CHECKS ONLY (EXCEPT FOR YOUR FOOD FUND).We do as of this Print Recommend U.S Dollars But pounds sterling, Swiss Francs and the Deutschmark are Widely Excepted in Europe but Not Received very well in The Eastern Bloc. PLEASE CHECK WITH YOUR BANK OR YOUR TRAVELERS CHECK OFFICE: Whilst on Tour, EUROTREK works ONLY in U.S DOLLARS. PLEASE NOTE: Under NO CIRCUMSTANCES Bring Australian Or New Zealand Dollars into Europe. EUROTREK SUGGESTION: May We suggest that when you Purchase your Travelers Checks, You may wish to Buy a Starter Kit In cash. Some Pounds Sterling For that Tube ticket Into London And your B and B ETC. (PLEASE DONT FORGET YOUR FOOD KITTY CONTRIBUTION, IN U.S DOLLARS, CASH ONLY WHEN ORDERING YOUR TRAVELERS CHECKS. PLEASE SEE FOOD KITTY COST). PLEASE CONSULT YOUR TRAVEL AGENT / BANK / MONEY EXCHANGE OFFICE ON THE CURRENT SITUATION REGARDING EURO DOLLARS.
YOUR TREK BUDGET:
You Should Budget around $20 / $40 Per day for your Expenses (ROUGH ESTIMATE). Some days you may not spend anything, then on another you may Be Back on target. Dont forget with possible souvenir, Optionals and Countless things to do in Europe, Your Better to take Money Home Than To run out. PLEASE NOTE: If you have a Major Credit card, Bring it with You, Especially if you wish to hire a Motorcycle / Car Along The Way or for any other Emergency.
YOUR TREK FOOD FUND (FOOD KITTY) CONTRIBUTION:
PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT PAY FOR YOUR FOOD FUND, WHEN YOU BOOK AND PAY FOR YOUR AIR TICKET / TREK TICKET, IT CAN ONLY BE PAID DIRECTLY TO YOUR TOUR LEADER ON ARRIVAL IN EUROPE:
The Kitty is Only Payable in Cash, U.S Dollars.(Your Super cook And Tour Leader) will shop on a Almost Daily basis, one way or the other, while you are out enjoying yourself in a Exciting New City. If You Where to pay in Travelers Then you would have to accompany your Crew on each Food Shopping Trip to Countersign your Travelers Checks and Produce your Passport. A Giant Waste of Your Touring Time. Cash also gives us Greater Buying Power as Most Supermarkets Charge a fee On Travelers Checks.
FOOD KITTY (FUND) CURRENT COST:
Your Food Fund Contribution Is $485.00 U.S Dollars Per Person. The Whole amount is Collected by your T / L On Day One Of Each Trek. Please have your Ready In U.S. Dollars. CASH ONLY!!!
FOOD KITTY BUDGET:
Your T / L And Hostess / Cook will do their Very Best To Budget The Food Kitty and hold the shopping costs as low as possible (Within Reason). We Live Very well as a Group. Fresh Produce is bought on a Daily Basis, meats, Salads, Veggies ETC. Sometime we might Splurge Out on a Pizza and A couple Bottles of Wine (See Brindisi Ferry). The Kitty covers All Breakfasts (Except For Day 1, Day 75).Most Picnic Lunches and Evening Meals as listed. Coffee and Tea is always Available at our Camp Kitchen . Owing to our Picnic Style Lunch, there is No coffee, Tea At Lunch Time. PLEASE NOTE: Beer. Cool / Soft drinks, Bottled water, Lunches (other Than Those Listed Under Picnic Lunches On the road), Group Evening Restaurant Meals, Bars, discos ETC are paid for On A individual basis By you , THE FOOD KITTY COST IS BASED AROUND OUR DAYS WHEN WE BUY OUR OWN FOOD.
TREK HILITES:
Sometimes (Very Rare) Because of Circumstances outside of EUROTREKS Control, we may have to Alter a Hilite As listed in the Itinerary. This May Be Due to The UNSCHEDULED early closure of a Venue, Weather Conditions, Road, Tunnel, Ferry Or Building Maintenance ETC. Should This Happen then (Where Possible) your T / L will TRY to arrange a Suitable Alternative.
MAIL COLLECTION, LETTERS BEING SENT TO YOU FROM HOME:
Mail (Post Resante) should be sent to you in the Following Cities (Main Post Office). BRUGGE BELGIUM, VIENNA AUSTRIA, ATHENS GREECE, ROME ITALY, BARCELONA SPAIN, PARIS FRANCE.
PLEASE NOTE: Mail collection is Your Responsibility. Post Office Hours Are Generally 9 to 5 Weekdays. So Check the Itinerary to see the Best Place to have your Family / Friends Write to. NOTE: Have writers place your Last (Family) Name First on the Envelope and Underline it. Treks WILL NOT be held up waiting for and the Collection of Mail
YOUR TREK VEHICLE :
EUROTREK uses only Late / Current model Maxi Coaches, With a Max of 16 Passenger Seats. Designed for European Travel. They are Fully Heated and fitted with Comfortable seating. All coaches are fitted with a Cassette / C.D System, so bring a couple of your favorites along. A quality P.A system is also fitted to keep you well informed along the way.
THE TREK TRAILER:
We Tow a Special Custom Trailer, Designed by EUROTREK for our own Special needs and Purpose. It carries all of our Luggage and Camping equipment. It is fully waterproof, Dust proof and secure. All Vehicles and Trailers are fully approved and Licensed by the British government for International travel.
THE TREK ROSTER (DAILY PARTICIPATION):
An essential part of a Camping Tour with EUROTREK is to be INVOLVED, that is helping with the Loading and Unloading of the Trailer, Food Shopping and Preparation, sweeping out the coach, cleaning the Viewing windows, Washing and drying the Dishes ETC. with the expert assistance of your Hostess / Super cook and our Quality Camping Equipment, you will find that its a Breeze and after a Day or Two it comes Naturally. The Team spirit is what MAKES IT WORK, SURE BEATS 9 TO 5.
INJURY OR ILLNESS WHILST ON TREK:
To Cope with Minor Illness or Injury, There is a Fully Stocked First-Aid Kit on each Coach (All T / L Hold A Senior First aid Certificate).In the case of something a Little More Serious , Medical care can be Obtained at Main Cities and towns along with some of the Larger camps we stay in, theses often have a resident Nurse / Doctor. PLEASE INFORM YOUR CREW OF ANY MEDICAL CONDITION YOU MAY HAVE, NO MATTER HOW SMALL: If you Suffer from a Medical Condition, then see your Doctor as to your Suitability to Travel. (Tour Grade: NON STRENUOUS). In the Unlikely Event that you Have to Leave the Trek because of Illness, Reaching the Departure / Return Point (London) will be at your OWN EXPENSE AND TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS. It Is Important that you Purchase COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE, MEDICAL INSURANCE At Home Prior To Departure.
PHOTOGRAPHY ON TREK:
Europe, Both Western and Eastern is a Photographers / Videors Paradise. You have seen the Brochures, The Web and the T.V shows, now its your chance to see it for REAL. So Please be sure to bring your Camera / Video and Adequate Film / Batteries ETC. For Recharging you May Need a Voltage / Plug adapter. EUROTREK SUGGESTION: Visit a Reputable camera Shop and ask Their Advise On Europe. Technology Changes by the Day, Its so hard trying to Keep up with all the Changes. NOTE: Film and Tape is Available in Most Large Towns We pass through but be Aware that the U.K uses the PAL SYSTEM, Which is the same as Australia and New Zealand. Most of Europe uses the SEACAM SYSTEM, so do your Homework. May we suggest that you bring your Supply of tapes From Home or buy them Duty Free in London prior to your Trek. 35MM Film is available in most Western European Countries. You may find it harder to obtain in the Eastern bloc.
TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR YOUR TREK:
EUROTREK STRONGLY RECOMMENDS That All Passengers Purchase FULLY COMPREHENSIVE TRAVEL INSURANCE Covering them for any Unforeseen Circumstances which may arise While you are on Tour (INCLUDING CANCELLATION FEES, MEDICAL AND CURTAILMENT EXPENSES, LOSS OF LUGGAGE, EARLY DEPARTURE FROM TREK DUE TO ILLNESS ETC).Your Travel Agent Has All The Right Answers, So Get A QUOTE.
ALCOHOL ON TREK:
The Consumption of Alcohol on Board All Motor Coaches in Both Western and Eastern Europe is prohibited. Also Check with your T / L at the camp, as some are Alcohol Free!.
DISTANCES ON YOUR TREK (HOW FAR WE TRAVEL):
How far do we Travel each Day ?. Our Trek will Cover around 16000 KM Over 75 Days which divided out is around 213 KM per day, Pretty Easy. Some days will see us Travel around 350 KM, On others we may do as Little as 50 KM. Particularly if we are just City Sight seeing or Doing a Optional Activity. Please See the Itinerary for a more detailed Insight.
EURO TREK LIFE ON THE ROAD (OUR TYPICAL DAY ?):
As a Rule our Wake Up call is Around 0600 (6am), After a Wash and Dressing, (May we Strongly Suggest that you Shower the Night before and Also Pack your bags, Leaving out just your Clothes for the Day). You then pull down your Tent And Bag it with the Help of your Tent Mate. Next you take your Tent and Bag (Suitcase, Backpack) to the rear of the trailer, so the Loaders can make a start as soon as they have Finished Their Breakfast..PLEASE NOTE: On Trek Our Hard and Fast Rule Is .TRIPLE B: ..BAGS BEFORE BREAKFAST.This is a Strict Rule to Assist Everyone, Very Simple Really. For Example if you were to rise and hit the Breakfast table Leaving your tent Erected, the Loaders would have Wait for you to finish Breakfast or pull you away from the Table.Very Messy.(The Breakfast Gear, Storage Boxes ETC can be Loaded Last).Once we have the Tents and Baggage on Board we can relax a Bit. We Strive to Be Mobile by at Least 0745 (7.45am) Or 0800 (8am) At the latest for on the Road days. After the Trailer is Loaded and you have your Seating Allocations for the Day, its time to do our Daily map reading Session. Your T / L will give you a Full Run down on the Days Distance, Timing, Possible attractions and Options ETC. Our Picnic Lunch is , if Possible around 1300 (1pm)-Ish Along the Road side, we try to pick somewhere Scenic if at all Possible. The Super Cook and her Rostered Helpers will set up the Picnic Tables and after a SCRUB UP, HANDS WASHING (ALL FOOD HANDLERS, THAT IS THOSE INVOLVED WITH PREPARING OUR LUNCH, AS WELL AS THE REST OF US WILL WASH THEIR HANDS IN A PREPARED BUCKET OF DISINFECTANT BEFORE ANY OF US TOUCH ANY FOOD OR UTENSILS (THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS) THIS ALSO APPLIES TO BREAKFAST AND DINNER. We At EUROTREK are Not Trying To Be Hard but Over the Last 20 Years Plus of Leading Tours Around The world We Have Seen Tours (NOT OURS) Wiped Out or Very Near because someone did Not Wash his or her Hands. Camping Tours Operate a Little Different to Hotel Tours as we Carry All of our Food With Us. Arrival at Camp is around 1700 (5pm)- Ish but can vary. PLEASE NOTE: Dont forget that sometime During the Day ? (May be Every Second Day Or So) we Must Food Shop to Restock the Coach Pantry and ABOVE ALL, ENJOY OURSELVES, Dont Worry, With YOUR POSITIVE OUTLOOK AND APPROACH, IT IS NOT A PROBLEM. If ? We are going out on the Town Tonight, Then Your T / L Will have Those Involved In Dish washing to Shower Before Dinner, Then Whilst your in Full Swing the Cooks can Freshen up. (Saves a Lot of Time), Then its off to enjoy ourselves. Depending on the Next Day( Distance Etc) we would Return to Camp Around 2200 (10pm) / 2300 (11pm) -Ish, If you wish to stay on in a Particular Place, YOU MUST INFORM YOUR CREW PERSONALLY, PLEASE DONT ASSUME. Make Sure you have the Correct Camp Address to Hand to the Taxi driver.
MINIMUM / MAXIMUM NUMBERS OF PASSENGERS ON TREK:
Should there be too Few Passengers Booking on any one Trek (MIN 10),Then EUROTREK Reserves the right To Cancel the Tour or Perhaps Give you the Option of Another Departure Date. If you decline you Will Be given a Full refund. The Maximum Number of Passengers is (16).SMALL GROUPS ONLY:
SUGGESTED READING AND MAP BROWSING:
Apart from your own Autographed Copy of The Rise and Fall Of The Roman Empire, Then might we suggest a little Light Reading (Research) before you arrive, just to Whet the Appetite. A Couple of Excellent Books are LETS GO EUROPE and the LONELY PLANET Series are good Value Along with the BERLITZ POCKET BOOK ON EUROPEAN CITIES. Eastern European Guide books are also available. Now there is no need to race out and buy ANY of these but if you fancy a little reading, then check out last years edition at bookshop sales, Flea Markets, Friends ETC. We do suggest that if time Permits, Try to have a look at one of these Guides and perhaps mark your Favorite things you wish to see and do in Europe. You will (Where Possible) be able to visit the Visitor Information Centers but to save you time, your own Research will not only give you a Better start to a City but also give you a much better feel about the Trek.
MAPS OF EUROPE, YOUR TRAVELING FRIEND:
We at EUROTREK use the AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATIONS BIG MAP OF EUROPE, Available At Good Book stores And Most Auto Clubs. A Essential piece of Your Traveling Equipment to bring along on Trek. The Soft atlas is Very Easy to Read, Will Pack Flat in your Pack and possibly be the Best Souvenir you can bring home to put on your Coffee Table. Your T / L will be Most Happy to Trace in your Daily Route And Highlights for you.. The Atlas is 102 Pages of Terrific Maps and Information. Collins also do a EUROPEAN ATLAS MAP, Both excellent Value. Dont Bother with The Old Fold up Type, They wont see the First Week Out.
TOUR LEADER / DRIVER AND HOSTESS / SUPERCOOK GRATUITIES:
The Customary Gratuities To the Crew ARE NOT INCLUDED In your Tour Price and should be extended to your Crew on a Voluntary Basis And Not as a Group.
YOUR TREK COSTS:
Your (TREK) Costs are Based on Ground Transportation Costs, Camping Rates And Fuel / Running Costs at the Date Of Printing the Information. While we try NOT TO INCREASE our Prices, Sometimes its out of our Control. We, (EUROTREK) Reserve the Right to amend our Tour Prices Without Prior Notice, at any time, up to and Including Departure Day of Any Trek. In the Event of Exchange Rate Fluctuations, increases in Fuel Costs, Camping Costs ETC. PLEASE NOTE: We have not had Any Increases in over 10Years as the Company works in The U.S Dollar Only.
YOUR TREK PRICE GUARANTEE:
Once FULL PAYMENT has Been Received and Accepted by the Company (EUROTREK). We (EUROTREK) Guarantee NOT TO INCREASE Your Trek Ticket Price.
INCLUDED IN YOUR TREK PRICE:
*Ground Transportation (Trek Coach) As Described In the Brochure * Use of all camping Equipment * Use Of All Cooking Equipment * All Ferry Tolls * All Road Tolls * All Campsite Fees * Admission To All Attractions As Listed Under Trek Hilites * Services Of Your Fully Trained Tour Leader / Driver * Services Of Your Fully Trained Hostess / Super Cook * NO HIDDEN COSTS.
NOT INCLUDED IN YOUR TREK PRICE:
· Flights To and From London * Connecting Flight Of Any Kind * Transfers To And From The Airport * Hotel Accommodation * Hotel Transfers * Rail / Train / Tube Fares * Medical And Travel Insurance * Medical Expenses Of Any Kind * Attractions And Sight Seeing (Options) other than Those Listed Under Hilites * Accommodations Other Than Camping * Passport And Visa Fees * Laundry Fees * Phone Calls * Sleeping Bag * Ground Mat / Mattress * Spending Money.
GROUP SIZE:
This will vary From Tour To Tour, The Maximum Number is 16 Passengers.
LANGUAGE ON TREK :
The Tour Is Conducted Entirely in English.
YOUR TREK TICKET:
Will be sent to You About Three weeks before your Trek Departure or on Receiving Your Full Payment:
BOOKING CONDITIONS: FOR EUROTREK EUROPEAN ADVENTURE CAMPING TOURS (HEREAFTER REFERRED TO AS THE COMPANY).
RESERVATIONS, CANCELLATIONS, TRANSFERS TO ANOTHER TREK:
A reservation shall be considered as Accepted when we (EUROTREK HEAD OFFICE) receive a Completed Single reservation (BOOKING) form along with your Deposit of $250 Dollars (AUSTRALIAN) or Payment in FULL if the Booking is Made less than 56 Days Prior to Departure from London. If Final Payment is NOT Received by the Due date, we (EUROTREK AND OR APPOINTED AGENTS) will Regard the Booking as CANCELLED. Cancellations MUST be made in Writing and Are Considered Effective as of the Date that We (EUROTREK) Receive Notification. These Charges Expressed as Percentage of The Tour Price Are as Follows:
N.B: If you fail to Meet The Trek, Join it After the Departure Date or leave the Trek prior to its Completion for ANY REASON what so ever, NO TOUR REFUND will be given. Bookings May Only Be Transferred to Tours in the Same Year.
TOUR (TREK) MODIFICATIONS: THE COMPANY RESERVES THE RIGHT TO:
Modify Routes, Itineraries, Accommodations and Schedules As they feel Necessary. If Completion of a Tour in Progress is Considered to be IMPOSSIBLE to COMPLETE for ANY REASON NOT Arising From the Companys NEGLIGENCE, We RESERVE the Right to Cancel the Tour. Losses Or Expenses are the Tour Members Responsibilities and Should Be Covered by Cancellation Insurance. We reserve the Right to change the Number of persons carried in any Vehicle and to Substitute a Different Vehicle/s As described in the Tour Information.
COMPANY (EUROTREK) RESPONSIBILTY:
The Company will Act as a Agent ONLY. We are NOT Liable For Damage, Loss, Delay or Inconvenience Which May Occur Through Acts or Defaults of any Company Engaged in Providing Services, Provisions, Accommodation, Other Transportations or Facilities Connected with the Tour. The Company Owns and Operates the Vehicles used on Tour and All the Camping Equipment and Trailer and DOES NOT own any other service used whilst on Tour. We are NOT liable for ANY loss, Damage or Expense Incurred by Passengers as a Result of Sickness, Weather Conditions, Strikes, War or ANY other Cause.
TRAVEL INSURANCE (PLEASE READ CAREFULLY):
It is a Condition of Travel that ALL clients (PASSENGERS) are Insured against Sickness, Loss of Baggage and Cancellations or Curtailment. The Company Shall NOT be Responsible For ANY Cost or Expense. We are not Liable for any Refund of ANY tour Monies Paid. Clients MUST Inform The Company or Travel Agent / Tour Leader of ANY Pre-Existing Medical Conditions They may suffer from. The Company reserves the right to Refuse Carriage to any Person at ANY time, PRIOR to, Or DURING the Tour if in its Opinion the Passenger is NOT compatible with the General enjoyment and Well being of the other Members of the Tour. The FINAL decision on Itineraries, accommodations, and General Conduct of the Tour will be taken by the Tour Leader Appointed by the Company. Passengers will accept the Authority and Decisions of the Tour Leaders appointed by the Company. Passengers are Responsible for Complying with Formalities Required by the Police and Customs Authorities. Non-compliance MAY result in Exclusion from the Tour. Tour Members should approach the Tour Leader if they have a Problem or Complaint about the Tour. If a Passenger has a unresolved Complaint against the company, it must be received in WRITING within Three (3) Weeks of Tour Completion. We accept NO liability With respect to complaints received after this Period. The Company reserves the Right to Use ANY Photograph / Video or Film taken during the Tour by ANY of our Representatives for the Purpose of Company Advertising or Publicity. Consent by the Passenger is assumed unless we receive WRITTEN refusal prior to Departure.
TREK TOUR PRICES:
Once FULL Payment has been received and Accepted by EUROTREK, we Guarantee NOT to increase the Price. Prices Contained in the Brochure and the Net are correct at time of Print but are increased if Running costs Rise.
AGE RESTRICTIONS:
Bookings CANNOT be accepted from Persons under the age of 18 as of the date of Departure unless written prior consent is given by the Company.
GLOSSARY OF TERMS:
MEALS: Breakfast (Continental), Unless Noted Is From The Food Kitty (Food Fund).
Lunch: (Picnic Style, Normally Along The Roadside), Unless Noted Is From The Food Fund.
Dinner: At Camp, Unless Noted Is From The Food Fund.
Dinner: (National / Restaurant Meals Are At Your Cost).
HILITES: As Listed / Advertised In The Brochure And Trek Dossier Are Included In your Trek Price. Every Effort Will Be Made To Cover All Advertised HILITES. Where A HILITE Is Closed, Being Repaired Or Whatever And Is Out Of The Control Of EUROTREK EUROPEAN ADVENTURE CAMPING TOURS, Then If Possible a suitable Alternative Will Be Substituted.
OPTIONS: Are available To The Passengers. These OPTIONS Are Just That. OPTIONS Only. They Are Suggested By The Company (EUROTREK) and are Not Mandatory. If Chosen Then The Cost/s Of Any OPTION Is Paid For By The Passenger On A Individual Basis. Normally, Directly To The Private Operator.
CUSTOMS: Where Applicable And Depending On Your Passport, You May Require A Visa To Enter A Particular Country. Please Contact Your Travel agent For Current Requirements.
$EXCHANGE: Local Banks / Border Exchange Offices
MAIL COLLECTION: These Are The Preferred Cities For Mail collection (Post Resante, Mail From Home To You).
BROCHURE / WEB INFORMATION:
The Information Contained in the Company Brochure / Web pages are Correct to the BEST of the companies (EUROTREKS) Belief, But Accepts NO Liability for ANY inaccuracies Contained Herein. 
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