Detailed Trip Notes
Suitability
Suitability
We've given each of our tours a comfort rating and a tour pace, walking or cycling grade to give you a general idea about the level of activity on each tour and the standard of accommodation you will be staying in at the end of your day's adventure.
Often you'll stay in different styles of accommodation during your tour; so we make an average rating across the entire tour. For more information on where you'll stay each night, please refer to the day by day tour itinerary.
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Tour Itinerary
While our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day route printed below, a degree of informality and flexibility is built into the itinerary.
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Please note: Participation in canoeing, kayaking, or rafting (including white-water) requires that you are able to swim 25 metres unaided.
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Swimming Opportunities
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Whether in swimming pools, rivers, lakes, the sea or the ocean, this icon indicates on which days you will have an opportunity to swim.
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Our base in Szczawnica has a swimming pool. In Krakow you can visit the city’s aqua park which is a fun attraction for families with ample facilities for a nice time.
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Budgeting for your Tour
Other Sightseeing & Activites
The following excursions and/or activities are usually available and may be arranged locally. Estimated costs are provided below for guidance only, are on a per person basis unless shown otherwise, and may depend on the number of participants. Prices quoted are correct as of the date these trip notes were originally issued but may change at any time due to currency fluctuations.
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Excursion Prices
Szazawnica - Toboggan ride £1
Krakow - Train to Auschwitz £5.00; Jewish Galicia Museum £2.00; bike hire £3.00 per hour; Aqua park £4 per hour.
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Tipping
Local Staff: Accordingly you should allow approximately £10 for gratuities for local staff.
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Tour Leader: At your discretion you might also consider tipping your Tour Leader in appreciation of the efficiency and service you receive.
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Foreign Exchange
Local Currency: Zloty.
Recommended Currency for Exchange: Carry your money in GBP, Euros or US$ Dollars cash and Travellers Cheques. Where to Exchange: Most major towns - your Tour Leader will advise you on arrival.
ATM Availability: ATMs are available in Krakow and Szczawnica. You might find it difficult to obtain money from some ATM machines using Maestro and Visa cards due to difficulties in reading the card. Polish banks are trying to sort out the issue but it has yet to be resolved.
Credit Card Acceptance: Restaurants and shops in major towns.
Travellers Cheques: Can be exchanged in Krakow.
Additional Information: Scottish notes are not accepted.
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Up-to-date information on global exchange rates can be obtained at www.oanda.com
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Local Costs
| |
UK |
Poland |
Slovakia |
| Tea/Coffee |
£1.50 |
£0.60 |
€1.00 |
| Soft Drink |
£1.50 |
£0.60 |
€1.00 |
| Bottled Water |
£1.50 |
£0.50 |
€0.80 |
| Bottle of Beer |
£3.50 |
£1.50 |
€2.00 |
| 2 Course Meal* |
£15.00 |
£10.00 |
€10.00 |
| 3 Course Meal** |
£20.00 |
£15.00 |
€15.00 |
| Bottle of Wine |
£14.50 |
£7.00 |
€9.50 |
| Breakfast |
£5.00 |
£4.00 |
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*Cheap local fare in a small cafe or restaurant.
**Typical food in a simple, reasonably comfortable mid-range restaurant.
Important Information
Travel Insurance
It is a condition of joining any of our tours that you must have valid travel insurance. It must indicate that you have cover for (at least) medical expenses and emergency repatriation in the event of illness or injury. We also strongly recommend your policy includes cancellation protection as all deposit paid are non-refundable.
If you require travel insurance for your tour, Explore Worldwide is an appointed representative of Campbell Irvine Limited, who is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services authority. Our travel insurance policy is specially tailored to the needs of the adventure traveller and will cover you for any included activity on any Explore trip. You can either purchase this at the time of booking or call us 0844 499 0901 after you have booked.
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Visa Requirements
An entry visa is NOT required by citizens of Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and USA. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate.
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All visa information is subject to change. You should confirm all visa related issues with the relevant Embassy prior to departure.
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Vaccinations & Protection
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against tetanus, polio, typhoid, hepatitis B and hepatitis A. Tick-borne encephalitis is recommended by some medical sources if travelling in certain areas of Eastern Europe, at specific times of the year. Check latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure.
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The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at http://www.explore.co.uk/Travelhealth/ and from your local healthcare provider.
Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed before departure.
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Lone Parents
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentation confirming that the individual has authority to travel with the minor. It is crucial that you contact the relevant country embassy for further information on exactly what may be required. These details can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Website under the appropriate country www.fco.gov.uk/travel
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Know before you go
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs, including advice re: the legality of and local attitudes towards same-sex relationships. For UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office Advice follow the link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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Preparing for your tour
Climate
Poland has a temperate, changeable climate. Spring lasts from around March until May or June. Summer temperatures can range from 20 – 30 degrees C and July is usually the hottest month. September and October are cooler and gradually become damper until late November when temperatures fall below freezing with snowfall.
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Seasonal weather patterns can be unpredictable. For up-to-date information on the weather worldwide please visit www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
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Luggage
Unfortunately it does occasionally happen that luggage does not always reach its destination on the same flight as its owner, or possibly it may be damaged in transit. If you are unlucky enough for this to occur, it is important that you file a PIR (Property Irregularity Report) with the airline before leaving the airport. This is essential when you come to make a claim either against the airline or from your travel insurance company
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General Information
Trip Summary
The spectacular landscapes of southern Poland present us with a comprehensive array of activities during this short, twocentre break. Stunning rural vistas, plenty of fresh air and the magnificent medieval charm of Krakow await us as we journey into this still relatively unspoilt corner of central Europe. Beginning in the mountains that border the beautiful Pieniny National Park we enjoy life amongst the historic setting of Szczawnica, one of Poland’s oldest spa resorts. Here we relish the great outdoors, with opportunities to raft through the majestic Dunajec Gorge, cycle along the limestone trails of the famous ‘Pieniny Way’ and travel to the lofty heights of Palenica and Sokolica by cable car and on foot. For those feeling brave there will be the opportunity to try tobogganing, before settling down for an evening of traditional food and music around the campfire. From here we head towards the engaging delights of Krakow, once Poland’s capital and the final resting place of many of its kings. Travelling via the remarkable salt mines at Wieliczka we journey deep into the earth, wandering a maze of tunnels and marvelling at the incredible statues of salt at this unique UNESCO Heritage Site. In Krakow we discover something of the rich history and beautiful architecture of this medieval gem, visiting the magnificent castle that dominates the city from Wawel Hill and the ancient lair of the dragon that once terrorized the city! There will also be an opportunity whilst we are in the city to cycle along the quiet trails that run beside the Vistula River, or perhaps splash around at the Aquapark. Those looking for more cultural diversions could visit the old Jewish ghetto, or maybe take a ride out to the infamous and deeply moving site of Auschwitz. This is a spectacular adventure that will appeal to all the family, whether you want to do everything or nothing. All of the activities are designed to be opted out of should you wish and the advantage of our two centres means that you are free to do as much or as little as you want.
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Electric Supply & Plugs
For comprehensive information regarding voltages and plug types in use in the countries visited, follow the relevant link at http://www.explore.co.uk/Traveladvice/
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