3303 South Semoran Blvd. Suite 300, Orlando, FL Toll-free

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1 Greetings from Maxim Tours! 3303 South Semoran Blvd. Suite 300, Orlando, FL Thank you for your interest in travelling with us on our Majestic Europe tour! It is important to familiarize yourself with a country before embarking on your travels. We have done our best to compile a comprehensive country guide for you to review. This document contains very important travel tips for The United Kingdom, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Italy, Vatican, Switzerland, and France: Tour Guide Hotels Time Difference Transportation Air Travel Meals Weather Customs / Immigration Emergency Numbers Electricity Currency Travel Documents Thank you again for choosing to travel with Maxim Tours! Our team wishes you a great holiday filled with lasting memories! Sincerely, Maxim Tours Team MAXIM TOUR GUIDE The Tour Manager is your professional guide. Extensive training and experience enables the Tour Manager to provide you with perfect guidance while on tour. In order to enjoy smooth functioning of the tour it is extremely important to cooperate, be punctual, and follow instructions given by the Tour Manager. Arrival: Your Tour Manager will be there to pick you up at the airport. The exact location will be sent to you via . Some of you are arriving individually, if you arrive before the group you may wait, though you must let us know. Or if you arrive after you should obtain transport to the hotel on your own. Departure: Transportation to the airport will be provided for group flights on the original final day of the tour. If you have not chosen to fly with the group, then you must obtain transport back to the airport on your own. However, if your flight departs near the same time of the group s flights we may be able to also take you your tour manager will coordinate with you. PLEASE NOTE: Those passengers arriving prior to or departing after the original dates of the group tour must arrange airport transportation on your own. No services will be provided for the extension with the exception of hotel stay and only if requested prior to departure). Travel Guide Page 1 of 8

2 TRANSPORTATION It is important to note that driver gratuity is 4 USD per person, per day You may pay tips for the entire tour to our tour manager on the first day, or pay separately each day. This is a gratuity tip and is mandatory as per the Maxim Tours brochure and travel tips. The order of activities and attractions may vary in order to comply with routing and driver rest requirements. Your Maxim Tours escort will brief you about daily activities. Since all sightseeing & a few intercity transfers are by coach, we have carefully chosen an air conditioned coach for a comfortable journey. We request you to keep your coach neat and clean enabling everyone to have a hassle free tour. Keep in mind all passenger requirements, smoking, drinking, and any items of intoxicant nature are not permitted on the coach. Seats may or may not be rotated, please follow tour manager s instructions. Due to any factor beyond our control like natural / manmade calamities, traffic, road works, bad weather etc., we may have to alter / amend / cancel some of the programs / sightseeing from as mentioned in the brochure / itinerary, without prior notice. INSURANCE: All US citizens and US legal residents travelling are insured. Your group number will be ed to you with your policy package. Remember to keep a copy on hand while on tour. WEATHER Clothing- During tourist season it is common to pack casual, light-weight clothing like, capris, skirts, khakis, etc. Pack comfortable closed-toe shoes to walk in. You may also want to carry sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, umbrella, etc. If you're planning a special occasion a more formal outfit may be required. Depending on when you are travelling it s important to bring a warm jacket, thermals, and scarves for winter travels. Review the weather charts prepared for the approximate temperature during your travel. Seasons- The seasons are the same to those in The United States. Average Weather by Country- The United Kingdom: July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 19 C (66 F) and the coldest is January at 7 C (45 F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 8 in July. The wettest month is October with an average of 71mm of rain. High Low Travel Guide Page 2 of 8

3 Netherlands: August is the hottest month with an average temperature of 17 C (63 F) and the coldest is January at 3 C (37 F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 11 in June. The wettest month is November with an average of 90mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in August when the average sea temperature is 18 C (65 F). High Low Belgium: July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 18 C (64 F) and the coldest is February at3 C (37 F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 6 in December. The wettest month is June with an average of 90mm of rain. High Low Germany: July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 18 C (64 F) and the coldest is January at-1 C (30 F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 11 in June. The wettest month is June with an average of 71mm of rain. High Low Austria: July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 19 C (66 F) and the coldest is January at-1 C (30 F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 11 in August. The wettest month is June with an average of 74mm of rain. High Low Italy: July is the hottest month in Rome with an average temperature of 26 C (78 F) and the coldest is January at8 C (46 F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 14 in July. The wettest month is December with an average of 96mm of rain. The best month to swim in the sea is in August when the average sea temperature is 26 C(79 F). High Low Vatican City: July is the hottest month in Vatican City with an average temperature of 25 C (77 F) and the coldest is January at 7 C (45 F) High Low Travel Guide Page 3 of 8

4 Switzerland: July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 19 C (65 F) and the coldest is January at0 C (32 F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 11 in May. The wettest month is August with an average of 120mm of rain. High Low France: July is the hottest month with an average temperature of 20 C (68 F) and the coldest is January at 5 C(41 F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 10 in July. The wettest month is May with an average of 26mm of rain. High Low AIR TRAVEL Airline- 01 piece of checked baggage is limited to 23 KG (50LBS) and total linear dimensions (length + width + height) of158cm (62IN). Bags that are heavier and/or larger than this allowance, you will incur extra charges. If exceeding 32kg (70lb), the piece of baggage must be checked as Cargo at specified cargo rates or baggage must be repacked. One (1) piece not exceeding 08 kg (18lbs), max dimensions 56cm(L) 36cm(W) 23cm(H), per person is permitted as cabin luggage. Though we suggest you check with your airline provider for more accurate weight allowance, as they may vary. One (1) Small personal item (Small purse, small laptop case) is also allowed. Due to security reasons, airlines do not permit items like blades, razors, knives, scissors, lighter, match box, liquids, gel aerosols etc. in your hand luggage. All passengers are requested to assemble at the airport at the check in counter at least 3.5 hrs prior to the departure of your flight. Flights booked are based in Economy class; passengers have the option to upgrade themselves to Business / First class, subject to availability, by paying the difference in airfare. Travel Documents- You should carry your valid Passport (valid for minimum for 6 months) with valid visas, air tickets, passport sized photographs, overseas travel insurance policy, emergency contact numbers, etc. with you. Please carry a photocopy of all the above documents & keep them separate from the originals. Visas- US Citizens do not need a visa to enter The United Kingdom or Europe (Schengen Visa). Indian citizens/green Card holders require visas to enter both the UK and Europe. Visit the following link for more information: Travel Guide Page 4 of 8

5 Prescription Medication- If you are traveling with prescription medication, please be sure to carry your prescription with you. Not having it at security could result in the entire group being held up for secondary inspection and/or additional screening/inspection of baggage. Follow this link for information for travelers with disabilities/medical conditions/medical devices. HOTELS & CALLS Good quality hotels are specifically chosen for you keeping in mind the location and space availability. We will try our best to provide adjacent rooms if requested at the time of booking. The room size is generally small and equipped with queen sized beds. Kindly note, any damages done to your hotel room during your stay would be charged to you directly by the hotel. In most cases check-in time in is 1400 hrs and check-out time is usually 1100 hrs. An early check-in and late check-out will not be permitted by the hotel. Hotels may have facilities such as a mini bar, pay-perview television channels, telephones, etc. These facilities are not complimentary and have to be paid for based on actual usage. Phone Calls- Please be advised that all calls are subject to international rates. The United Kingdom / Netherlands / Belgium / Germany / Austria / Italy / Vatican City / Switzerland / France to The United States: dial USA area code + phone number Emergency Phone Numbers- The common emergency number is 112. Additional numbers below The United Kingdom: police, ambulance & fire brigade dial: 112 or 999 Netherlands: police, ambulance & fire brigade dial: 112 Belgium: police dial: 101, ambulance & fire brigade dial: 100 Germany: police dial: 100, ambulance & fire brigade dial: 112 Austria: police dial: 100, ambulance dial: 144, fire brigade dial: 122 Italy & Vatican City: police dial: 113, ambulance dial: 118, fire brigade dial: 115 Switzerland: police dial: 117, ambulance dial: 144, fire brigade dial: 118 France: police dial: 17, ambulance & fire brigade dial: 112 MONEY Currency- Exchange facilities can be found at all international airports. Credits Cards are widely accepted in all major hotels and establishments, with the most recognized being Master Card, Visa, and American Express. Tipping Policy- It is mandatory to tip the coach driver/ tour guide and tour manager a nominal amount of USD 4 per person, per day for the duration of the tour. Travel Guide Page 5 of 8

6 ELECTRICITY Country Voltage / Frequency Image(s) THE UNITED KINGDOM 230v / 50Hz NETHERLANDS BELGIUM GERMANY AUSTRIA ITALY / VATICAN CITY SWITZERLAND FRANCE Travel Guide Page 6 of 8

7 MISCELLANEOUS Shopping- Try to pay with local cash: While credit cards get you a good exchange rate, many places offering Europe's best deals from craft shops to bed & breakfasts accept only cash. Bargaining, especially at flea markets, is part of the shopping experience. But always be aware of the exchange rate and pay appropriately you don't want to underpay, but you also don't want to be charged exorbitant "tourist" prices. Meals- Enjoy continental breakfast and other meals as mentioned in the itinerary. You have a choice of freshly cooked Vegetarian / Jain Vegetarian / Non-Vegetarian meals. Time Difference- The United Kingdom: is five (5) hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time (GMT) and eight (8) hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time Netherlands / Belgium / Germany / Austria / Italy / Vatican City / Switzerland / France: are all six (6) hours ahead of EST (GMT+1) and nine (9) hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time Customs - You are allowed to take home $800 worth of items per person duty-free, once every 30 days (family members can combine their individual $800 exemptions on a joint declaration). The next $1,000 is taxed at a flat 3 percent. After that, you pay the individual item's duty rate. You can also bring in dutyfree a liter of alcohol (slightly more than a standard-size bottle of wine; you must be at least 21), 200 cigarettes, and up to 100 non-cuban cigars. Because food items can carry devastating diseases or pests, they are strictly regulated. You may take home vacuum-packed cheeses; dried herbs, spices, or mushrooms; and canned fruits or vegetables, including jams and vegetable spreads. Baked goods, candy, chocolate, oil, vinegar, mustard, and honey are OK. Fresh fruits and vegetables (even that banana from your airplane breakfast) are not permitted. Meats are generally not allowed, though canned pâtés from some countries are usually permitted if made from geese, duck, or pork but not beef. Just because a duty-free shop in an airport sells a food product, it doesn't mean it will automatically pass US customs. Be prepared to lose your investment. Of course, you'll need to carefully pack any bottles of wine, jam, honey, oil, and other liquid-containing items in your checked luggage, thanks to limits on liquids in carry-ons. To check US customs rules and duty rates, visit Travel Guide Page 7 of 8

8 HELPFUL CHECK LIST OF THINGS TO PACK Credit / Debit cards / Cash First aid kit (travel size) Camera / Video camera / Charger Umbrella / Poncho Everyday bag (for carrying day items) Sunglasses Electrical converter(s) Travel alarm / Watch Laundry bag Cell phone / Charger Laptop / Charger Hand sanitizer Glasses / Contact lens supplies Personal hygiene supplies Sunscreen Nail clippers Tickets Itinerary Insurance Policy Passport Identification Address book Guidebooks Map Travel journal Lightweight book or magazine to read Travel Guide Page 8 of 8