DESTINATION INFORMATION FOR VENICE-SIMPLON- ORIENT-EXPRESS LONDON TO VENICE

Transcription

1 DESTINATION INFORMATION FOR VENICE-SIMPLON- ORIENT-EXPRESS LONDON TO VENICE ENGLAND, FRANCE & ITALY What You Need to Know Before You Go PASSPORT AND VISA INFORMATION The Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express travels to a host of European destinations and required travel documents vary depending on the countries visited on your specific train journey. The information included here is for the Classic Journey: London to Venice (or reverse). In order to enter England, France and Italy as a citizen of the United States, you will need: A signed passport valid for 6 months beyond the completion of this trip. Under the Schengen Borders Agreement, U.S. citizens are permitted to travel freely to 26 European countries within the Schengen area (France and Italy are Schengen member states). It is your responsibility to receive entry and exit stamps when entering or exiting the Schengen area in order to document the amount of time spent within the Schengen Zone (you may stay up to 90 days in any 180 day period). Make sure your passport has enough blank visa pages available for entry and exit stamps. Contact our partner, VisaCentral for easy, efficient passport and visa processing. Call and reference A&K s account number #73001 or visit our Travel Store at abercrombiekent.com/travel_store. If you are not a citizen of the United States, your entry requirements may vary. Please consult the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries you will be visiting. CONSULAR INFORMATION The US Department of State provides Country Specific Information Sheets for every country in the world, as well as Travel Advisories. Find this information by calling or or online at travel.state.gov. CURRENCY All pricing on board the Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express is in euros. It is recommended that travellers carry a small amount of euros on board for incidental purchases. However, most major currencies are accepted, as well as Eurocheques and major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Diners Club and JCB). Transactions made by credit card will be registered in euros. England s unit of currency is the pound sterling. In France and Italy the unit of currency is the euro. In general, major credit cards are widely accepted, and there is easy access to ATM outlets. Exchange currency only at authorized outlets such as exchange kiosks, banks and hotels and exchange only what you think you will need during your trip. Save all receipts from any currency

2 transaction. You may be asked to produce them when you exit the country, and they are required if you intend to reconvert local currency. We suggest travelling with some U.S. dollars to be exchanged for local currency and at least two major credit cards. If you have a Chip and PIN card, be careful to shield your number from view while entering it on a keypad; never disclose your PIN verbally. Unattended self-service payment kiosks such as those in parking garages, train stations or gas stations only accept a Chip and PIN card or cash. Notify your credit card company of your travel plans prior to your departure to avoid any fraud concerns. We do not recommend traveller s checks as they are not widely accepted. HEALTH It is important to familiarize yourself with any potential health issues or concerns related to your destination, and so we strongly recommend consulting the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for up-to-date information on required and recommended vaccines and medications. Visit them online at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel or call Plan to visit your doctor or local travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure to allow time for any vaccinations to take effect or to fill any prescriptions. WEATHER England has a temperate maritime climate influenced by the Gulf Stream. The country has four distinct seasons; however, being an island country the weather can be fairly unpredictable. The hottest and driest months are July and August with temperatures averaging in the 70s, rarely climbing above the 80s. Spring is sunny with sudden showers between March and May, while September and October are usually balmy and pleasant. France is a large country and experiences several different climate zones. The north and northwest tend to experience frequent showers year-round and in Paris, summers are pleasant with temperatures in the 70s. Italy is often considered to have sunny pleasant weather and while the country does have a Mediterranean climate, its mountainous zones affect much of the peninsula s temperatures. In the north and in the Alps, summers are warm with clear sunny skies. Coastal areas are warmed by high sea temperatures and balmy breezes. In the south of the peninsula, summers are hot and the sirocco winds from Africa raise the temperatures and impact Rome s high summer temperatures and Venice s water levels. However, Rome is balmy in spring and autumn. Venice s climate is more moderate than Rome s; but it s always humid. Use a website such as weather.com to find average temperatures and rainfall during your travel times. ELECTRICAL SERVICE The train and European hotels have outlets that run on 220 volts and 50 hertz. Outlets on the train are 2-pin style sockets. Train cabins have 230/115V electric razor sockets. Be sure to pack a universal travel adapter. You can purchase one through A&K s Travel Store at usa.thetraveloutfitter.com. WHAT TO PACK Daytime attire: Pack comfortable, casual clothing in natural, breathable fabrics that you can layer. European street wear tends to be somewhat more formal (especially in larger cities) than is usual

3 in the United States. Although jeans are acceptable daytime wear when touring on your own, jeans and T-shirts are not considered appropriate attire on the train. Cotton and other light fabrics are comfortable choices for summertime. Evening attire: On board Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express the historic décor of the train and its atmosphere encourages everyone to dress to suit the occasion. For dinner, it is suggested men wear a suit and tie and women dress in smart attire, but many guests like to don black tie or evening dress for the occasion. At lunch, for example, a jacket and tie is suitable for men. Passengers inappropriately dressed may be asked to take their drinks and meals to their own cabin. NOTE: Passengers travelling in Day Car accommodations cannot change for dinner; however, attire should meet minimum standards. Cathedrals, churches, mosques and other religious sites require conservative dress. Arms and shoulders should be covered. Wear or carry a pair of socks, since shoes must be removed when entering a mosque. Women must cover their heads with a scarf. Comfortable, walking shoes with low or no heels Sweater or lightweight jacket Lightweight raincoat and/or umbrella Swimming suit Sunglasses, sun block and a sunhat Simple first-aid kit Prescriptions and medications (We recommend you carry these in their original bottles and/or packaging.) Charging cables for electronics Voltage converter and adapter plugs Note: Laundry service is available at your pre/post-tour hotels. Laundry service or pressing services are not available on board the train. Luggage space on board the train is limited. Luggage stored in the luggage car cannot be accessed during the journey. Guests should bring all clothing required for the journey on board the train with them. Please ensure that your passport, ticket, camera, medication, jewelry and other personal items are not packed in checked luggage. Items not required for the journey should be packed in a sturdy bag which will be taken at check-in and stored in the baggage van and will not be accessible until you reach your destination. Guests travelling onto London must carry their hand luggage on and off the cross-channel transport as porters are not available at the Channel ports. Cabin Stewards assist passengers on and off the train with their hand and cabin luggage. Through luggage will be taken off the baggage van and taken to a reserved area for platform collection. Passengers should have their luggage receipts with them to facilitate identification. As a preventative measure, it is recommended that all luggage be secured with a TSA approved lock.

4 What You Need to Know When You Arrive TIME ZONES England operates on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). At 9:00 a.m. in England, it is: EST CST MST PST 4:00 a.m. the same day 3:00 a.m. the same day 2:00 a.m. the same day 1:00 a.m. the same day France and Italy operate on Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) +1 hour. At 9:00 a.m. in these countries, it is: EST CST MST PST 3:00 a.m. the same day 2:00 a.m. the same day 1:00 a.m. the same day 12:00 a.m. the same day LANGUAGE On board Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express staff members speak Italian, French and/or English. The official language in England and throughout the United Kingdom is English. The official language in France is French. There are 23 regional languages and dialects spoken in France; however not all of these are officially recognized. The official language in Italy is Italian. While proficiency in English is not widespread in country districts, major city centers have a larger percentage of fluent English speakers, especially among people whose work brings them into contact with visitors from abroad. Please consult with your guide on translations, if needed. AIRPORT INFORMATION At most international airports, passengers cannot be met inside secured areas. This includes Immigration, Customs halls and Baggage Claim. Your A&K representative will greet you as you exit these restricted areas; look for the person holding the distinctive yellow A&K signboard. Before departing, remember to tag your checked luggage with the A&K luggage tags provided. These brightly colored markers help identify you and your luggage quickly. PROTECTIONS AND PRECAUTIONS

5 Use the safes where available in your accommodations to secure your valuables, especially passports, medications, jewelry, money and electronics. If you must carry valuables, keep them on your person at all times. Be mindful of your surroundings and take extra caution in crowds. Security is present on board Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express and it may be necessary for passengers to make themselves and their luggage available for inspection. Cabins are fitted with a security chain and lock on the door. Some cabins have a safe and the Cabin Steward can provide a key should you wish to use the safe. Photocopy the personal information pages of your passport; leave one copy with a family member or friend and pack another separately from the passport itself. You may want to scan and a copy to yourself for easy, online access. This will help speed up the replacement process. ETIQUETTE AND PHOTOGRAPHY Unless you are shooting a crowded public scene, it is considered courteous to ask permission before taking pictures of local people, especially small children. Please be respectful of local people who do not wish to be photographed. Photography is not permitted at some locations, which may include government buildings, museums, art galleries, private houses, etc. These areas are usually clearly marked. If in doubt, please ask. Be sure to pack ample amounts of batteries and memory cards or film for your camera and video equipment, along with the appropriate charging cables. A dustproof case or sealable plastic bags and lens brush are also recommended. FOOD AND DRINK Bottled water is provided on board the train. Tap water throughout Europe is considered safe to drink however, bottled water is recommended for consumption. Regardless of precautions, changes in water and diet can result in mild abdominal upsets and nausea. To prevent serious illness, avoid suspect foods such as uncooked vegetables, peeled fruit, un-pasteurized milk and milk products. Beware of any food or drink sold by street vendors. Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express is unable to provide meals requiring strict religious observance in preparation. On board Venice-Simplon-Orient-Express there are two or three Restaurant Cars seating passengers each and one Bar Car which seats 34 passengers. (Number of restaurant cars varies by departure). Each Restaurant Car has tables for parties of two or four people. Passengers may be asked to join others to complete a table during busy periods. The Maitre D will endeavor to seat passengers in a different car for each meal. Cuisine on board is Cordon Bleu. Menus are in French with English translations. Continental breakfast and afternoon tea are served in your private cabins. Lunch and dinner are served table d hôte in the dining cars. Lunch consists of 3 courses and dinner of 5 courses. Dinner is served in two seatings with 2½ hours allowed for each sitting. Twenty-four hour cabin service is provided for light snacks and refreshments. Coffee, tea and water are included in the cost of the journey. Complimentary coffee is available in the Bar Car. Soft drinks, wine and alcoholic beverages are available at an additional cost. Drinks service in the Bar Cars may be temporarily suspended at frontiers for Customs formalities or at the Train Manager s discretion. SHOPPING

6 Many A&K guests enjoy the chance to purchase items that reflect their destination, and so as a courtesy, your guide may recommend a particular shop or arrange a shopping visit. Please note, however, that these recommendations should not be taken as A&K s endorsement of the shop, merchandise and/or pricing. You assume all responsibility for any transactions that take place, including shipping arrangements that are made. The decision to shop while travelling is a personal choice and shopping is never compulsory. If at any point during your journey you feel pressured to shop or make purchases, please immediately discuss the matter with your Abercrombie & Kent representative. To avoid disappointment, we suggest the following guidelines: Compute the exchange rate and thoroughly review credit card receipts before signing. Take your purchases home with you whenever possible. Airfreight can take many months and actual shipping charges can be excessive. Customs delays, fees and regulations can further complicate the issue. If you choose to ship purchases, we suggest taking a picture of the item(s) and/or marking them in some way to ensure you receive what was purchased. For example, you could write your name on the backside of a rug. Determine if your shipment will be delivered door-to-door or to the nearest customs facility, as is often the case. Most goods shipped from other countries to the United States are subject to Customs duty. Duty taxes, if applicable, are paid as you re-enter the United States. Regardless of assurances by merchants, these cannot be prepaid on your behalf. Currently, each person is entitled to an $800 duty-free exemption, however, may only bring one liter of alcoholic beverages, 200 cigarettes and 100 cigars. Keep all sales receipts for items purchased throughout your trip and try to pack all items that you will need to declare together. This will ease the Customs process upon re-entry into the U.S. Consult the U.S. Customs and Border Protection website for more details. COMMUNICATIONS Contact your cellular telephone provider to determine if your phone operates on the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) and what, if any, activation may be required. If your phone is not GSM-enabled, you may find that renting a phone specifically designed for use overseas is the most practical option. There are no phones on board VENICE-SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS. Passengers should restrict use of their mobile phones and pagers to their cabins. At all other times mobile phones and pagers should be turned off. There is not internet service on board. TIPPING GUIDELINES Tailor Made Journeys On a Tailor Made Journey, we suggest the following gratuities (noted in U.S. dollars): Local Guides Drivers Airport Transfer Drivers $25 per person, per day (full day) $15 per person, per day (full day) $5 per person, per transfer

7 Venice-Simplon-Orient- Express Hotel Porters Housekeepers Room Service Restaurants $10-$15 per person Gratuities accepted on board the train and shared among the staff. $2 per bag $2 per person, per night 10-15% unless already added 10-15% unless already added LIFE ON BOARD The dimensions and layout of the train are not suitable for guests using a wheelchair or for those with severe walking difficulties. Passengers with slight walking difficulties should travel with a companion, as local guides or staffs are not able to provide special care. Please advise Abercrombie & Kent if you have walking difficulties. For safety reasons, the Train Manager reserves the right to refuse boarding to any passenger who has failed to disclose the extent of their mobility restrictions. The train is comprised of carriages which are vintage cars dating back to the 1920s and 1930s. Air-conditioning wasn t around in the 1920s and passengers must make do with fresh air. Cabins have an individually-controlled fan and windows can be pulled down for ventilation. All cabins offer a wash basin with hot and cold running water, towels and toiletries, one pair of slippers and one woven cotton dressing gown for guest use, bottled water and Venice-Simplon- Orient-Express writing paper. There are no hair dryers on board. Restrooms are located at each end of the carriage and there are no showers on board. Cabins feature individually-controlled radiators for heating, luggage rack sufficient for 2 small suit cases (11 x 7 ), two coat hooks and two hangars and a 24-hour call button for the Cabin Steward. Beds are made up with white sheets and wool blanket. The bed is a small sofa seat which converts to a bed at night. The cabin also has a footstool and small table. Some cabins feature a small safe which can be locked. Beginning in March, 2018, the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express will offer three fully en-suite cabins. The three Grand Suites will be available on every departure and will feature a private bathroom with shower, washbasin, and toilet, living area with space for private dining, and a sofa which can be converted into an additional bed in the evening. Your Cabin Steward (responsible for one carriage) is available at all times and may be reached by the call button. Cabin Stewards will convert cabins from day to night configuration, serve continental breakfast and afternoon tea as well as any extra food/beverages ordered. He also looks after the passengers passports during the journey. The Maitre D visits each cabin to arrange lunch and dinner. The Train Manager is on hand throughout the journey and can assist with questions you may have. Smoking is not allowed on board the British Pullman or Continental train. You are requested to check in at least 60 minutes prior to departure. Boarding takes place minutes prior to departure. Passengers should check display boards for platform information. You are required to confirm the departure time with VENICE-SIMPLON-ORIENT-EXPRESS offices 48 hours prior to departure. Telephone numbers are provided on a contact list enclosed with your final pre-tour documents. Passport and customs formalities take place at all frontiers; however advance border arrangements are made ahead of the journey and travelers are not normally disturbed.

8 Passenger passports are collected at the beginning of your journey and held by the Cabin Steward. Your passport will be returned to you immediately prior to disembarking. Abercrombie & Kent USA, LLC, 2017