BOTANICA TOUR HINTS EUROPEAN TOURS ************************************************

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1 BOTANICA TOUR HINTS EUROPEAN TOURS We look forward to welcoming aboard your Botanica tour in Europe. This information has been put together to assist you in planning for your holiday. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact one of our friendly team. Botanica Travel Centres (ABN Lic. No ) Level 4, 1230 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham, VIC Enquiries and Reservations Phone: Visit our website ************************************************ This booklet is designed as a guide to assist you when preparing for your tour. Much of the information within is subject to change and, while all care has been taken to ensure all information is correct at time of printing, we cannot take responsibility for any subsequent changes. YOUR TOUR MANAGER Your tour manager is there to guide you and give you a commentary on the general sights you pass and visit. They will organise your arrival at hotels, departure times, meal times (where included) and generally manage the smooth operation of the tour. Please listen carefully to any instructions or advice they give you. It is important that you adhere to the times they give you for departure from a hotel or venue. They know the local customs, culture and will ensure you have a safe and memorable trip. YOUR BOTANICAL GUIDE Your Botanical guide is there to walk around the included gardens with you and to pass on their botanical knowledge of plants, garden design, soil types, garden history and generally enhance your visit to each garden. You are free to walk with them in the gardens or wander off at your leisure. GARDEN INFORMATION Garden Information as well as the knowledge that your botanical guide will pass on, we have included detailed information on gardens you visit in your documentation. Please enjoy reading this prior to your garden visits. On board the coach, your Botanical Guide will also have a folder with extra information on these gardens for you to enjoy if you wish. COACHES Throughout your tour, you will be using a specially contracted local coach. Whenever possible they are fitted with seat belts and when fitted we ask you to use these whenever we are travelling for your own personal safety. Please note that due to European safety regulations you will notice a change in driver for the day, after every 7 days of touring.

2 LUGGAGE SPACES Luggage space is naturally limited and so we need to insist that you keep your luggage to one suitcase per person and less than 20 kilos in weight. Please note that hotel porterage is included for one suitcase per person. See "what to pack" later. There are few parameters regarding your use of the coaches we wish you to hold to. Please bear in mind... No smoking on board Seat Rotation... Every day you board the coach please choose a different seat. Move around and utilise all parts of the coach. Some seats have slightly better aspects than others do so it is only fair we all get to share. Besides, it s a great way to get to know a wider range of fellow travellers. We encourage seat rotation where you move 2 seats back or forward each day. As a common courtesy to your fellow passengers we ask you to dispose of rubbish and waste paper thoughtfully. Take it with you rather than dispose carelessly. NAME BADGES Will be issued with your travel documentation. Please ensure you bring them with you. We recommend you wear them particularly during the day to ensure smooth access to venues and gardens. HEALTH FORMS To ensure we can assist you in an emergency, if you have a health condition that it would be useful for a doctor to know about in an emergency, you can fill in a health form at the beginning of the trip, return it to the Tour Manager or Botanical Guide in the sealed envelope and we will keep it safe and only open for a medical emergency. This will be returned to you or destroyed at the end of the trip. LAUNDRY During your tour you will naturally want to wash some clothes. It is very easy to wash small garments by hand and they should dry overnight. Not all Hotels offer a laundry service. If they do Please check the rates before you present them with a huge bag of clothes. All hotel laundry rates throughout the world can be expensive... so check first with reception. SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS Please be assured that any special requirements that may have been requested at the time of reservation have been noted, and passed on to the parties concerned. Botanica World Discoveries however can not take responsibility for any supplier delivering the said request. If a problem arises whilst on tour, please contact your Tour Manager so that we can endeavour to rectify it immediately. HOTELS We have made every effort to ensure that the hotels will be comfortable, clean and of a reasonable standard. Sometimes English standards are slightly different to ours, so we encourage you to make some allowances. Rooms are generally much smaller than those in Australia. However if you have any complaints please speak to your Tour Manager and notify us on the comment sheet we provide. YOUR ENJOYMENT A lot of planning and thought has gone into making this trip a very special experience for you. Please relax and enjoy it taking into account that things in England can be slightly different to Australia. GRATUITIES ON TOURS On your Botanica tour, gratuities to your Tour Manager & Botanical Guide are included in the tour price. This also applies to restaurant visits, porterage etc. PASSPORTS & VISAS A valid passport is required for international travel. It is the responsibility of the traveller to secure the required visas before leaving home. Most countries insist that your passport be valid for at least six months after your date of travel, so please make sure your passport is valid for this six month period. The visas required for each country can

3 be determined by contacting the relevant embassy. This is your responsibility also and it is worth noting that without the correct travel documents your holiday can be significantly interrupted or altered. Your passport may be required at border crossings and when you check-in to hotels. We recommend that you make two sets of photocopies of your airline tickets (including e-tickets) and the first page of your passport. Leave one set at home with a friend or relative and bring the other set with you, keeping it separate from the original documents. Spare passport photos can also be useful. In some locations hotels may ask to take a copy of your passport or hold your passport overnight. This is often a requirement of the Country, not just the policy of the hotel. If you do not wish to hand over your passport, in some instances you may be able to provide them with a photocopy instead. You may like to take some additional copies of your passport information with you. DISRUPTION TO ITINERARY ARRANGEMENTS Under normal operating conditions itineraries will be delivered as per the brochure, however, sometimes for reasons beyond our control it may be necessary to make alterations to your itinerary. We recommend you take out comprehensive travel insurance that includes coverage of events such as these as we will not be liable for any direct or indirect costs that you incur as a result of such an event or other factor beyond our control happening. Additionally, you are not entitled to any refund for any alterations to your itinerary that are caused or contributed to by any flood events or such other events which are beyond our control. The traffic conditions around the world are generally deteriorating with an increasing number of vehicles on the road. Every care has been taken to ensure that we have enough time to get from one location to another in your itinerary, however unforeseen traffic issues may mean delays to your days touring which is beyond our control. TRAVEL INSURANCE It is a prerequisite of travel that you have travel insurance, so please ask Botanica or your travel agent to assist you with this. Foreign hospitalisation and treatment often require payment in cash prior to providing services and medical evacuation can be expensive. Travel protection and luggage insurance are highly recommended. We suggest you purchase a travel protection plan that covers trip cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, accidental death, lost luggage, medical evacuation and airline cancellation charges under a variety of circumstances. THINGS TO DO AT HOME Remember to coordinate a plan with family or friends regarding the care for the following: pet(s), plants, garden, mail, newspaper deliveries and your bills while you re away. Secure all windows and doors. Disconnect all appliances that will not be in use. Leave Botanica s telephone number and a copy of your itinerary with family or friends so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. VALUABLES & SECURITY Do not take anything with you that will create emotional or financial hardship if lost or stolen. Carry all documents, money, passport, tickets etc. with you. Do not carry these important items in your suitcase. You may find a money belt (worn inside clothing) useful while travelling. For your convenience Botanica provides a backpack. Never leave hand-luggage unattended or out of sight in hotel lobbies or dining rooms. Avoid exploration on your own of unfamiliar streets or areas. Also avoid excessive displays of jewellery or cash. When sightseeing, keep all valuables locked in the safe in your room. LAST MINUTE CHECKLIST Below is a last minute suggested checklist: Ensure your passport, visa (where applicable) and travel documents (including a copy of your travel insurance policy) are in order. Leave copies of your passport, airline tickets, itinerary, travel insurance policy and credit cards along with Botanica s phone number with a trusted family member or friend. Advise Botanica of your pre-tour contact details & mobile number. Have someone collect your mail and newspaper deliveries. Organise a shelter or someone to care for your pet(s).

4 Ensure your medications, prescriptions and medical history (where applicable) are prepared. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO GENERAL PHYSICAL FITNESS Our tours are not physically demanding, however, because of the nature of many of the sites you will be visiting, some tours may not be appropriate for guests with certain medical conditions and physical restrictions. Walking tours are often on uneven ground or cobblestones and may include stairs as well as steep inclines. You should be able to stand on your feet for an extended period of time to visit museums and other sites. In the lead-up to your tour we recommend you try to walk for an hour at a time at least three times a week. This will ensure you have the stamina and energy to see and appreciate the sights we will take you to on tour. You should also ensure your walking shoes fit well and have been broken-in prior to departure. ADAPTERS/ELECTRICITY Electricity is 220-volt. A plug adaptor is necessary if you plan to bring appliances from home. LEARN ABOUT YOUR DESTINATION It may be helpful to do a little research on the locations that you will be visiting. Familiarise yourself with the area, cities, the language spoken and transport information. Refer to your itinerary when researching and try to prepare yourself for anything that may eventuate. The more you know about your destination, the more you ll appreciate all that you see when you arrive. During your travels, you will encounter new customs and different lifestyles. Appreciate and enjoy the differences as this process of discovery and understanding is one of the many benefits of travelling. Despite language barriers, a smile is universal. Friendliness and tolerance towards others, including your fellow travelers and crew, is essential for everyone s enjoyment of the tour. QUIET VOX SYSTEMS On selected journeys with a larger group size you may like to use a headset and earpiece to use when visiting a garden or other attractions. This will assist you in being able to hear the commentary wherever you may be in the garden. This will give you freedom and flexibility to walk around the gardens on your own and not miss out on any information. You will be given the handset, earpiece and spare batteries at the start of the tour by the Botanical Guide which you should keep with you until the final day. At this time the Botanical Guide will explain to you how this works. If you require additional batteries or if the handset does not work please contact the Botanical Guide. CULTURE & TRADITIONS Europe is a region that may be very different to anything you have experienced before. Expense, crowds and differing cultures can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new adventure. Over the years of touring in Europe we have come to love this region but we know that we may encounter some challenges along the way. In some parts of Europe there are very different attitudes to time-keeping and service. Buses and trains will sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental and waiters may not seem as keen to serve you as you may be used to. If you are able to travel with patience and a sense of humour, then we know that you will be captivated by every part of Europe. BATHROOMS Expect to pay between EUR 0.30 and EUR 1 to use a public toilet. Almost all accommodation has western-style toilets and bidets. If in need, go to a bar and order a drink. That allows you to use the bar s toilets, although in some instances a fee may still apply. MUSEUMS If you are interested in visiting some museums on your tour keep in mind that many are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. To avoid disappointment we recommend passengers prepare themselves. Some museums have long entrance lines. Bookings usually can t be made while travelling as they are needed well in advance.

5 GRATUITIES WHEN TOURING INDEPENDENTLY Most restaurants include tax and a 15% service charge (service compris) in their prices. If a meal or service has been particularly good, leaving another EUR1.50 (or 2-3%) is customary, as is leaving the waiter the small change from your bill if you pay in cash. If service is not included (service non-compris) a 15% tip is appropriate. Taxi drivers should be tipped 10-15% of the metered fare. Small tips of around EUR0.50 are reasonable for cloakroom and washroom attendants, ushers and museum tour guides. CURRENCY & SPENDING MONEY We advise that you carry minimal cash with you to Europe. On arrival, the most convenient way to acquire money is via an ATM or Bancomat, as they are sometimes referred. Most ATMs offer a cash advance on your debit/credit card, but check with your bank at home about the fee for this service as some can be quite high. Before you depart, ensure your credit cards are valid for at least 30 days after your proposed date of return and that they are activated. It s a good idea to verify with your bank that your card will work overseas. Most European ATM pin pads only have numbers, so if your PIN contains letters, make note of the corresponding numbers. You can obtain local currency at the airport or train station where ATMs are available, but we advise to always carry EUR50 or US$50 emergency cash. This should be enough to get you into town to withdraw more money. Carrying cash also covers restaurant bills and other services. Note that hotel receptions and after hours money exchanges carry high commissions and some stores do have a minimum spend amount before accepting credit cards. The Euro is the official currency in western European countries. Other currencies include Hungary: forint (HUF), Poland: zloty (PLN), Croatia: kuna (HRK), and Czech: koruna (CZK). For the most up-to-date exchange rate, please check with your bank, a newspaper or (universal currency converter). TOILETRIES & MEDICATIONS Please bring travel-size toiletries to reduce luggage weight and place them in plastic bags, to avoid leaks. Although in many hotels you will be provided with the basic toiletry items (conditioning shampoo, soap, lotion) in your hotel rooms, you may want to bring your own brands or additional items to suit your personal needs: Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, lotion, comb or hair brush, razor, feminine products and cosmetics. Sunscreen and hat. Travel alarm clock, ear plugs and a water bottle. A personal first-aid kit including medications for an upset stomach, prescriptions, cold and flu tablets, vitamins, band-aids and tissues. Prescription glasses and sunglasses. LUGGAGE WHAT TO PACK It is recommended to travel light. The best advice is if in doubt, leave it out. Bring enough underwear and socks so that frequent laundering is not needed. Wrinkle-resistant, easy-care clothing is preferable. Bring some smart casual outfits for evenings. Perhaps pack a dressier if you are planning a special night out or an evening at the theatre. You ll be travelling through different climates and altitudes, so layering is advisable. Pack a warm jumper for the evenings and a raincoat in spring and autumn. Bring comfortable walking shoes, a pair of dress shoes and possibly sandals that double as slippers. ESSENTIAL CLOTHING Breathable windproof and waterproof rain gear (jacket); fleece jacket/vest or warm jumper; warm hat; hat with brim; walking trousers/shorts; t-shirts; non-cotton base layers of varying weights choose a fabric such as polypropylene, Capilene or Coolmax (especially for cooler months); clothing and shoes for downtime and restaurants; underwear and socks.

6 OTHER NECESSITIES Passport; wallet (cash, credit cards, bank cards); money belt; airline tickets/e-ticket confirmation; Botanica daypack (for extra layers, water, snacks, sunglasses etc.); one litre zip-top clear plastic bag for all liquids, gels and aerosols in carry-on luggage; medications and copies of prescriptions; sunscreen and lip balm; sunglasses; toiletries. MEDICAL HISTORY A copy of your prescriptions is vital in case of any health problems. Prepare a list of your medications, including the name, dosage, prescribing doctor and their phone number. If you have health problems, ask your doctor to prepare your medical history for a foreign doctor. It should include your name, address, emergency contact, blood type, medical history, current medications and dosages, drug allergies, reasons for prior hospitalisations and a list of immunisations and dates. Pack enough medication sufficient for the duration of the cruise/tour. Your medication should be kept close at hand in your purse or carry-on bag rather than in your checked luggage. It is always a good idea to carry a list of your medications in case they are lost and remember to leave everything in its original container. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of your prescription for eyeglasses or contacts. AT THE AIRPORTCHECK-IN It is important that you arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours in advance for international flights. This will allow you time to check in your baggage and present your passport and ticket, get seat assignments and boarding passes and make your way through security procedures to the boarding area. All sharp objects and liquids should be transported inside your checked-in luggage. Australia s Department of Transport and Regional Services has created new rules for taking liquids, aerosols and gels onto international flights. These rules, introduced in March 2007, were designed to protect you from the threat of liquid explosives. The following is based on a leaflet entitled Your Guide new rules for taking liquids, aerosols and gels through security onto international flights (see for further information). These rules concern flights coming into and departing Australia. We advise you to check with your airline for clarification of regulations before you leave. Otherwise, they are likely to be confiscated if they are kept in your hand luggage. Each container of liquids, aerosols or gels in your carry-on luggage must be 100 ml or less. All must be sealed in a transparent, 1 litre (or less) resealable plastic bag. You may still carry through the screening point prescription medicines, baby products and nonprescription medicines that you need for the flight. Proof of need may be required. You will have to surrender any liquids, aerosols or gels greater than 100 ml that you are carrying at the screening point. This includes duty free items (at many airports, you are able to purchase duty free items after you have passed through the screening point for your international flight). WHAT ARE LIQUIDS, AEROSOLS & GELS? Items allowed include empty containers such as mugs or flasks; cosmetics and toiletries such as tampons, talcum powder, contact lenses and lens solution; solid foods; baby products like empty beakers or flasks, baby milk or juice; medicines including prescribed medication (e.g. insulin) and essential non-prescribed medication. Items over 100 ml not allowed include drinks in cans, bottles and so on; liquid cosmetics and toiletries that are in liquid or gel form, such as perfumes, creams and products in pressurised containers such as hairspray, shaving foam or gel and aerosol deodorants; liquid-based food products in packets, tubes, plastic or tin. BAGGAGE GUIDELINES CHECKED BAGGAGE Porterage for one suitcase on tour is included in the tour price. This bag should not exceed dimensions of approximately 76 x 61 x 27 cm and should weigh no more than 20 kg (44 pounds). International air carriers may also impose fees or require you to remove articles if weight or size limits are exceeded. We advise you to contact your air carrier or travel agent for specific information prior to departure, as size and weight limitations may vary and may also be different from the limitations we have stated. Test the weight of your packed suitcase. You should be able to lift and comfortably transport it for short distances. Drivers and porters will be lifting your luggage during the tour, so we urge you to keep the size and the weight within the above limits.

7 HAND BAGGAGE For your comfort please limit hand luggage to one bag that fits under your aircraft seat or in the overhead compartment. You will receive a handy Botanica backpack with your travel documents. Please note that for your convenience, the front compartment zips off from the backpack and can be carried on your shoulder or across your body to hold documents securely. LUGGAGE TAGS We supply luggage tags for you to fill out and attach to your suitcase and hand luggage. It is also a very good idea to put a label with your name, address, and telephone number on the inside of your suitcases and hand luggage. For security reasons keep all unchecked luggage in your immediate possession. Luggage left unattended can be confiscated by airport personnel. LOST OR DELAYED LUGGAGE Sometimes luggage is delayed during air transport. It is advisable to take a change of clothing and any essential medication in your hand luggage, or pack some clothing in your travel companion s bag. Place a copy of the hotel contacts inside each piece of luggage. If your luggage is lost, this will help the airline find you. Should your luggage be delayed, please note it is the responsibility of the airline to deliver it to you. Claims for reimbursement should be submitted directly to the airline a claim form should be filled out at the appropriate airline desk upon arrival. If you need assistance in contacting the airlines for information regarding your delayed luggage, please ask your Cruise Director or local host. FLY IN COMFORT & AVOID JETLAG Wear loose-fitting clothes and comfortable shoes during the flight. Try to hydrate yourself constantly with water (avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks and eat lightly). Alleviate pressure in your ears by chewing gum, yawning, swallowing or gently blowing your nose. If possible, try to walk up and down the aisle to stretch out your limbs and get blood circulating. You could also do a few isometric exercises while seated. If you arrive in Europe in the morning, try to sleep during your flight so you can stay up until the evening. Avoid wearing contact lenses during your flight because aircraft cabin air tends to dry them out. CUSTOMS WHEN ARRIVING IN AUSTRALIA OR NEW ZEALAND To prevent the introduction of exotic pests and diseases on your return home, arriving travellers are screened and luggage is often inspected or x-rayed by Customs or Quarantine officers. All food needs to be declared, as well as items of plant (including wood) and animal origin. Travellers should also declare items on which duty or tax might be payable (check with customs about the duty free concession). For more information, please visit the customs website, referred to on the Useful Websites list on page 4. LANGUAGE The official language used by Botanica staff worldwide is English. All staff, crew and local guides speak fluent English throughout Europe. All announcements will be presented in English. DISABLED FACILITIES Participants requiring special assistance must be accompanied by a person responsible for, and physically able to provide, all such assistance. We regret that we cannot provide individual assistance to a tour member for walking, getting on/off tour buses and other transportation vehicles, or other personal needs. A good level of mobility is required for walking on uneven surfaces and terrain in gardens. MOTORCOACH SAFETY Passengers must remain seated and wear their seatbelts at all times while the coach is in motion to avoid serious injury. Passengers using the emergency bathroom do so at their own risk. Hand luggage and other personal items should be safely stored in the overhead luggage racks or under your seat to keep the aisles clear. Heavy items, bottles etc. should not be stored overhead. No passengers are permitted to remain on the motorcoach during stops. Do not leave any valuable items on the coach. Please watch the stairs and overhead entrances when ascending into

8 the motorcoach, and check for traffic when exiting the coach. Please follow these safety precautions and take the time to note all emergency exits. TRAFFIC IN EUROPE Often there is considerable traffic congestion in Europe. Where possible we will try to avoid this, however we ask for your patience and understanding. HOURS OF WORSHIP If you would like to attend service and it fits in with your itinerary, ask your Tour Manager for local places and times of worship. SIGHTSEEING Sightseeing generally involves walking. So, we suggest taking brief walks to ensure you re in good physical condition before departing. TRAVELLER FEEDBACK We are sincerely interested in your detailed comments about your experience and holiday. We strive to further improve our tours in response to these comments. On board, you will receive a Botanica Traveller Feedback form. Please take a few minutes to complete it and return it to your Tour Manager or Cruise Director. Your comments are then sent directly to Botanica in both Europe and Australia. By advising us of your travel preferences and interests, you can help us develop tours and customer programs that meet your needs. HOTEL ACCOUNTS It is your responsibility to pay for any hotel items of a personal nature that have been charged to your room, prior to leaving the hotel. ARRIVAL The official check-in time at hotels in Europe is 3 pm local time but, where possible, the hotel will try and have your room available earlier. If your flight arrives in the morning, luggage can be dropped off at the hotel before check-in and delivered to your room later. DEPARTURE Normal check-out times vary, but are usually at 11am or noon. If you have a late afternoon or evening flight, most hotels have a luggage room where you can store your luggage until you depart for the airport. AIRPORT ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE TRANSFERS Transfers must be pre-arranged at the time of booking and flight details need to be provided to confirm this service. You will be welcomed on arrival by a Botanica Representative, who will be holding a Botanica sign. If you cannot locate your transfer representative, refer to your itinerary for an emergency contact number to call. AIRLINE DELAYS If your flight is delayed, or if you miss a connecting flight, please call the Botanica/APT Europe office on with your new flight details as they will make every effort to meet you when you arrive. If you are not met due to a delayed or missed flight, please follow the instructions for Transfers Not Arranged by Botanica/APT. Retain any receipts, in case you need to make a claim with the Airline or Travel Insurance Company. Please see your itinerary for applicable phone numbers. TRANSFERS NOT ARRANGED BY BOTANICA If you have independent travel arrangements prior to your Botanica cruise and do not have a transfer, the Tourist Information Office at your arrival city will be able to offer assistance with directions to the hotel. If you require any assistance please contact the Botanica Europe Office on the numbers provided in your personal itinerary.

9 IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION With your final documents, we provide you with important phone numbers and other information that you may need during your holiday. If for any reason you require assistance, the following offices, in addition to the Botanica/APT contact numbers, are at your service. Our representatives are available to offer assistance with needs that may arise while you are on holiday. TELEPHONE DIALLING INSTRUCTIONS When calling from Australia to Europe, replace the + symbol with When calling from one European country to another, replace the + symbol with 00. For calls made within the country dial 0 followed by the number shown. For all other international calls please replace the + symbol with the international access number for the country you are in. HELPFUL METRIC CONVERSIONS 1 kilometre (km)= 0.62 mile (mi) 1 mile = km 1 centimetre (cm)= 0.39 inches (in) 1 inch = 2.54 cm 1 metre (m)= 3.28 feet (ft) 1 foot = 0.30 m 1 kilogram (kg) = 2.20 lb (lb) 1 pound= kilogram TEMPERATURES CONVERSIONS 35 Celsius = 95 Fahrenheit 30 Celsius = 86 Fahrenheit 25 Celsius = 77 Fahrenheit 20 Celsius = 68 Fahrenheit 15 Celsius = 59 Fahrenheit 10 Celsius = 50 Fahrenheit 5 Celsius = 41 Fahrenheit 0 Celsius = 32 Fahrenheit USEFUL WEBSITES Climate: Time: Currency Conversion: Customs Australia: New Zealand: European Magazine of Arts & Culture: International Telephone Calling: Australian Government Advisory: Airports (Australian):