Welcome to Europe!...Moscow to Prague Tour Information Dossier Welcome to Europe! We are so happy to welcome you along for your Bunnik tour. Each tour is planned with great care, as

Moscow to Prague Tour Information Dossier

www.bunniktours.com.au

Welcome to Europe! We are so happy to welcome you along for your Bunnik tour. Each tour is planned with great care, as if it were for our own family. For us it’s about sharing the joy of travel and discovery.

You’ll gain real insight into every destination you visit with the support of our expert local guides and have a load of fun travelling in the comfort of a small group.

In this Tour Information Dossier we’ve compiled some useful information on the countries you will visit on your upcoming tour. We hope this informs you, excites you and enhances your holiday time in Europe.

Happy travels! Marion, Dennis & Sacha Bunnik



Before you go… Europe Passport & Visas We require that your passport is valid for travel for at least six months from the date you are planning to return to Australia. Your passport must be valid to travel internationally and must be machine-readable. You also need to carry a valid return ticket on you. Whether travelling on an Australian passport or the passport of another country, all travellers require visas for a number of countries and it is your responsibility to secure what may be required before departing Australia. You can consult with your travel agent but it is also recommended that you check the foreign embassy website for your respective destination as it can also provide you with useful information.

Useful Websites Australian Government Advisory and Consular Service: www.smartraveller.gov.au Customs Australia: www.customs.gov.au Time: www.timeanddate.com/worldclock Climate: www.weatherbase.com Currency Conversion: www.xe.com Allergy website: http://allergictravelerapp.com/how/

Emergency Numbers – Australian Embassy Country Address Tel Fax

Russia 10A/2 Podkolokolny Pereulok Moscow 109028

+7495 956 6070 +7495 956 6170

Estonia C/- Standard Ltd Marja 9, Tallinn EE-10617

+372 6 509 308 +372 6 678 444

Latvia Klarabergsviadukten 63, 8th Floor 111 64 Stockholm, Sweeden

+468 613 29 00 +468 613 29 82

Lithuania Vilniaus St 23 LT-01402, Vilnius, Lithuania

+370 5 212 33 69 +370 5 212 33 69

Poland Ul. Nowogrodzka 11 Warsaw 00-513

+48 22 5213 444 +48 22 6273 500

Czech Republic 6th Floor, Solitaire Building, Klimentska ul. 10 Prague 110 00-1

+420 2 2172 9260 +420 2 9657 8352

If an emergency occurs while you are en route to your destination or while you are on tour, please refer to the emergency contact details provided in your documentation wallet.

http://www.customs.gov.au/

http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock

http://allergictravelerapp.com/how/



Health & Wellbeing

• For specific vaccination and health issues/alerts please contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844 or online at www.traveldoctor.com.au.

• We recommend taking your usual cold and flu medication as well as diarrhoea and vomiting medication. It can be tricky finding the equivalent to what you’re used to taking when you’re overseas.

• If you have a food allergy which needs to be managed on tour, please advise your travel consultant as soon as possible, and your Tour Director upon arrival.

• If you do become ill while away please seek medical treatment as soon as possible so that you can get back to enjoying your holiday and to prevent the spread of infection amongst the group. We recommend using hand sanitising gel before meals and upon entering the bus.

• For general health and wellbeing on the tour please ensure you wash your hands frequently, especially before eating. Carry insect repellent and sunscreen and a supply of disinfecting wipes or cleansing gel which can be found at most chemists.

• Keep well hydrated by making sure you purchase enough water to drink and for brushing teeth etc.

Let’s Talk Fitness At Bunnik Tours, we don’t put specific age limits on our tours, but we also recognise some travellers may find our itineraries challenging. We have a duty of care to all tour participants and the tour guides, so we do have a firm policy on the level of fitness required by all our clients in an attempt to ensure your safety and the safety of other travellers on our tours.

To get the most from your Bunnik tour, you will need a good level of fitness and mobility and an open mind. Many of the best sights can only be accessed on foot. You should be able to walk at least 3.5 kilometres or 2-3 hours on uneven ground with no walking aids and climb several flights of stairs or short, steep hills. You should also be able to carry your own bags to and from your hotel room if required, plus get on and off various modes of transport unaided.

Staying Safe

• Always carry your passport and other travel documents in your hand luggage. Keep photocopies in a separate bag and leave a copy at home with family or friends in case of an emergency.

• Keep your passport safe at all times. We recommend using the safe in your hotel room – and always remember to clear the safe before checking out of the hotel.

• Write down a list of emergency numbers and email addresses eg. bank details, relatives/friends, doctor. This way if you lose your phone you’ll still be able to contact people if you need to.

• Take twice the amount of medication than you’ll need and divide it in two and store them in separate bags – one of those being your hand luggage.

• When exploring on your own please take a business card from the hotel so that you can always find your way back and only take the necessities with you – leave your valuables in your hotel room safe.

• It never hurts to tell your fellow travellers of your plans!

Power Points We recommend purchasing a universal plug adaptor which can be used to fit all electrical sockets. Universal plug adaptors that can fit all electrical sockets are readily available for purchase in Australia before you depart. If you intend to take your mobile phone and/or tablet, it is suggested you purchase a universal plug adaptor with built in USB ports. As a guide, these plug types are mainly used throughout Europe:

Type C Type F Type E



Practical Considerations

� Advise your Travel Consultant of any dietary requirements and seat requests

� Have you had any required vaccinations? Contact your local GP or the Travel Doctor (Travellers Medical & Vaccination Centre) on 1300 658 844

� Register your details with www.smartraveller.gov.au � Arrange for a spare copy of your itinerary to be left with a friend or relative � Check with your mobile phone network provider that your phone is compatible overseas � Exchange currency, arrange a cash passport/credit card or similar � Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it. Otherwise they may cancel your

credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.

� If you haven’t already, have a read through all your tour documents as they will provide you with lots of useful information

� Arrange for Australia Post to hold onto your mail for the time you’re away � Cancel your newspaper delivery / Foxtel, etc.

� Scan a copy of your passport and important documentation and email to yourself

Packing List Suggestions

� Travel documents e.g. passport(s), travel insurance certificate and e-tickets � Day-pack to carry your personal belongings while out and about � Money belt and luggage padlocks � Local language phrase book � Ear plugs, eye mask and travel pillow � Snacks such as muesli bars, nuts and crackers which you can snack on throughout the day � First aid kit and personal medications (a doctor’s letter may be needed if carrying large amounts) � Sun protection e.g. hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and insect repellent � Antibacterial wipes or hand gel � Electricity conversion plugs, spare batteries and memory card � Torch and alarm clock � Comfortable walking shoes and a pair of evening shoes � Clothing to suit weather conditions (refer to our website - www.bunniktours.com.au for weather charts).

Also a light jumper, a waterproof jacket/poncho/umbrella for cooler weather or wet conditions, thermal clothing is a good space saver and great for layering

� Swimwear � Trousers, shorts/skirt that reach below the knee � Scarf or shawl to carry in your day-pack for cool evenings (and can also be used for temple visits if

necessary) etc.

Note: The packing list has been compiled from suggestions by previous passengers and local staff – it is only a guide and Bunnik Tours recommends that you check recent weather conditions before your departure.



We love getting feedback – Let us hear it! Upon your return home, please look out for an email from us containing a link to our online tour survey, which we encourage you to complete.

We pride ourselves on the quality of our tours and it is your feedback that helps to ensure we are providing you with the best touring experience.



On Tour Check-In for your flights It is important that you arrive at the airport at least three hours in advance for international flights. This will allow you plenty of time to check your baggage in, get your boarding passes and seat assignments, and make your way through security to the boarding area. Please ensure you arrive at the airport at the correct time. Early morning flights (flights departing shortly after midnight) may require you to check-in the day before. Airlines have little leniency if flights are missed.

Comfort on your flight

• Wear loose clothes and comfortable shoes during your flights.

• Try to hydrate yourself regularly with water (avoid caffeine, alcohol and carbonated drinks).

• Alleviate the pressure on your ears by chewing gum, yawning, swallowing, or gently blowing your nose.

• Try to walk up and down the aisle to stretch out your limbs and get blood circulating. Also maybe do a few isometric exercises.

• If you arrive in the morning, try to sleep during your flight so you can stay awake through to the evening once you have arrived at your destination.

Delayed or missed flights In the unfortunate event that you miss a flight or you are delayed substantially, please advise the airline representative that you are a group tour passenger bound for a specific start location, date and time. Call Bunnik Tours on 1800 286 645 (or +61 8 8359 2295 if you are already overseas) to advise your new flight times or the local operator where your tour starts, whose phone number is in your tour documentation.

Arrival Information Upon arrival at the airport on the first day of your tour (or if you have booked pre-tour accommodation with Bunnik Tours), your airport transfer is included in your tour. Different types of transfers are booked depending on the destination, therefore check your travel documents on meeting points etc. Airport transfers cannot be re-routed to other pick-up points or destinations. Hotel check-in time is generally around 3.00pm local time, but where possible, the hotel will try and have your room available earlier. If your flight arrives in the morning, your luggage can be stored at the hotel until your room is ready.

Tour Guide When you’re travelling, your guide will be an invaluable resource to you as they will be able to explain all the different cultural norms and traditions as well as offering dining and sightseeing suggestions during your free time. All Bunnik Tours’ guides have a great love for their country and culture and will be happy to share this with you as well as answer any questions you may have.

Tour Etiquette Travelling in a small group is half the fun of touring and we regularly receive feedback from our clients remarking how well everyone got along on tour and lifelong friendships often develop.

However, sweeping statements and generalisations can be offensive to others. We would therefore like to remind you that other people’s religious beliefs, political and sexual orientations may differ from your own, and we respectfully ask you to be mindful of this while on tour.



What to Wear Due to global weather changes, temperatures may deviate from the norms. We recommend layered easy care, loose-fitting clothing, an item or two for rain or unseasonable temperatures and something warmer. Always pack extra layers regardless of the season you’re travelling in, as the weather can be unpredictable and it’s better to pack a few extra pieces just in case. Cool cotton clothing, a hat, sunscreen, a good pair of sunglasses and most importantly, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. When visiting mosques and temples, long sleeves, loose pants or long skirts are essential.

Currency The recommended currency to take to Europe is the EUR. It is the official currency of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania and once in Russia, Poland and the Czech Republic you will be able to change some into the local currency. (Although in many places EUR notes are widely accepted). Ensure you change a small amount into small denominations.

Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it, otherwise they may cancel your credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.

Whenever possible use ATMs when the banks are open (Mon – Fri) so that if a machine ‘eats’ your card you can then deal with it straight away. It is always advisable to carry a supply of cash in addition to your credit card.

We advise you to exchange some money into the local currency at the airport even if the exchange rate is not the best, this way you’ll have money to get a drink, snack or give a tip during those first few hours of arrival. Your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to exchange money.

Russia Russian Currency: Ruble (RUB; symbol руб). Notes are in denominations of руб5,000, 1,000, 500, 100, 50, 10 and 5.

Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania Estonian, Latvian & Lithuanian Currency: Euro (EUR; symbol €). Notes are in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.

Poland Polish Currency: Zloty (PLN; symbol zł). Notes are in denominations of zł200, 100, 50, 20 and 10.

Czech Republic Czech Republic Currency: Koruna (CZK; symbol Kč) or Crown. Notes are in denominations of 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500, 200 and 100.



Countries we visit

Russia Russia, the world’s largest and perhaps least understood country, has a lot to offer the adventurous traveller. In the famous cities of Moscow and St Petersburg you’ll discover many beautiful grand old buildings and cultural treasures. However, there is so much more to this fascinating country including the mountains of the Caucasus; the beaches of the Black Sea; the vast Volga River; the endless tracts of Taiga in Siberia; the magical Lake Baikal and the volcanoes of Kamchatka. While people often refer to the country simply as Russia, it’s actually very much the Russian Federation - as it includes over 100 different nationalities and languages, including Muslim, Jewish and Buddhist populations.

Fast Facts Capital

Population

Language

Religion

Time Zone

Voltage

Dialling code

Moscow 144 million Russian Russian Orthodox

6 hours behind AEST *

220v +7

*Time differences depend on daylight savings.

• The closest point between Russia and America is only 4 kilometres.

• Russia’s official name, the Russian Federation, came into effect in 1991 when the Soviet Union split into 15 geo-political parts.

• Russia is famous for vodka, 10% of the government’s income comes from the sale of vodka.

• Russia shares a border with 14 countries: China, North Korea, Finland, Poland, Norway, Estonia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Mongolia, Latvia, Lithuania and Ukraine.



Local Etiquette and Helpful Tips

• Don’t be surprised at the amount of pushing, shoving and elbowing in subway stations and in other crowded places - just go with the flow.

• Carry moist wipes for cleaning your hands after using public transportation and being out and about. They can be invaluable on sticky summer days. Also, carry some toilet paper or tissues in case you’re faced with using a public restroom.

• Get in the front seat of taxi cabs if you are travelling alone. Even if you travel with one other person, traditionally one gets in front, the other party in back.

• Don’t try to take art or antiques back home without obtaining the proper paperwork. Most shops will provide you with a receipt and paperwork, but if buying directly from an artist, you must obtain the documents through the Ministry of Culture. The artist should be savvy to this.

• In Russia, don’t forget to declare all electronic equipment on your customs form when entering the country. Simple consumer electronics, such as laptop computers, are usually allowed in without problems, but more sophisticated equipment (such as radio and GPS) may be subject to restrictions or more detailed documentation. Inspectors may seize equipment if all the appropriate paperwork is not in order. Contact a Russian embassy for more information.

Weather Throughout Russia, the warm summer months of June, July and August are the best times to visit. Northern and Central Russia have the most varied climate and the mildest areas are along the Baltic coast. Summer sunshine may be nine hours a day, but winters can be very cold. Between the seasons there are considerable temperature variations. In Southern Russia, winter is shorter than in the north. The steppes (in the southeast) have hot, dry summers and very cold winters. The north and north eastern Black Sea has mild winters, but heavy rainfall all year round.

Getting Around Generally speaking, Russia has quite a thorough public train system which is very inexpensive. The stations themselves are often spectacularly grand, palatial old buildings that are well worth a look. If you are going to catch a taxi it is safer to use the official yellow taxis, even though it may be slightly more expensive than any of the rogue taxis on the street.

When catching taxis, have small change on you and choose one with a meter, if it doesn’t have one then negotiate the price before getting in. Also, ask your guide or hotel staff the names of reputable taxi companies.

Dining Russia has long-lasting cold winters therefore the food needs to provide energy and warmth to survive during the winter time. So, the essential components of Russian cuisine are the ones which provide more carbohydrates and fat rather than proteins. Fresh fruits and vegetables are rarely used in food. The top five components of a Russian meal are potatoes, bread, eggs, meat and butter. Beetroot is a popular food staple in Russia and is the main ingredient in the well-known soup, Borscht. Note: When dining at buffets (i.e. breakfast) please refrain from taking food away with you to ‘save’ for later! If you feel that you’ll need snacks between meals, pack some dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars etc.

Souvenir Merchant



Shopping & Souvenirs Visitors to Russia will find plenty of ways to spend their money, particularly in Moscow and St Petersburg where shops catering for tourists are everywhere. Here you’ll find art and antique stores, souvenir shops, department stores and outdoor flea markets. Russia’s shops, stalls and department stores sell many items to travellers, including crystal bowls, leather bags, and woollen jumpers, as well as fine amber jewellery, paintings and sculptures. The Matryoshka doll (wooden dolls stacked one inside another) is a popular souvenir item along with vodka, fur hats and Fabergé eggs.

Places We Visit in Russia

Moscow Moscow is the largest city in Russia and also the capital city. It is located on the Moscow River and is home to the Kremlin which serves as the residence of the Russian President. It possesses a complex transport system that includes 3 international airports, 9 railroad terminals, and the world’s second busiest metro system, which is famous for its architecture and artwork. The most popular tourist sites in Moscow include the Red Square, the Kremlin and St Basil’s Cathedral. Moscow is also well known for its museums, galleries, classical music and ballets at the Bolshoi Theatre.

St Petersburg St Petersburg was the former capital of Russia and was built by Peter the Great to keep out the Swedes. It was with skillful planning, along with vast amounts of cash and a diligent workforce, that the Tsar realised his dream of building a state-of-the-art metropolis to outdo anything in Europe. Modestly he named it after himself, moving his capital here from Moscow in 1712. In 1918, after the Russian revolution, Moscow was renamed the capital. St Petersburg has been described as the “Venice of the North” for its winding canals and grand Italianate architecture, yet the city narrowly escaped destruction during WWII. St Petersburg has since been restored and now reflects its original glory.



The Baltic States Estonia Estonia, the most scenic of the three Baltic States, is a nation famed for its enormous forests, beautiful wetlands and remote offshore islands as well as for being one of Europe’s most friendly and forward-thinking nations. With its gorgeous medieval capital, Tallinn attracts city breakers looking for a combination of grandiose architecture and happening nightlife, while its primeval forests and lakelands appeal to nature lovers. With all this in mind Estonia is fast becoming one of Eastern Europe’s hottest new destinations.

Latvia Latvia, sandwiched between outgoing Lithuania and more reserved Estonia, has been forging its own distinctive style in recent years. There is a sense of buoyant energy in the country but also a certain coarseness. These qualities are exemplified in the capital, Riga. The city’s elegant and whimsical Jugendstil buildings are surrounded by blocks of Soviet-era concrete structures and a sprawling industrial area. Although no longer the “Paris of the North” (as it was once called), Riga is the cosmopolitan hub of the Baltics. You’ll find good food and nightlife, with a growing international flair.

Lithuania The Republic of Lithuania, on the east coast of the Baltic Sea, bravely became the first of the Soviet Republics to declare its independence in 1990. With a restructured economy it joined the EU in the spring of 2004 and from then on, the gates of this fascinating country have been wide open for western tourists and pleasure-seekers alike. Relatively small, with only 100 kilometres of Baltic coastline and hemmed in by Latvia, Belarus, Poland and part of the Russian Federation, Lithuania has a lot to offer visitors. There are around 2,500 lakes, 18 sizeable meandering rivers and plentiful forests, which cover a third of its territory. The country also boasts of being the official Centre of Europe, as back in 1989 the National Geographic Institute of France proclaimed a point in Lithuania as the geographic centre of Europe. This point is located 24 kilometres northwest of the capital, Vilnius and is now a popular tourist attraction.



Fast Facts Capital Population Language Religion Time Zone Voltage Dialling code

Tallinn 1.3 million Estonian & Russian

Evangelical Lutheranism


220v +372

Riga 1.9 million Latvian & Russian

Lutheran 7 hours behind AEST *

220v +371

Vilnius 2.8 million Lithuanian Catholic 7 hours behind AEST *

220v +370


• While in the Baltic States, speak in English before attempting Russian as there can be some animosity aimed at Russian speakers. Many still have a strong bias against Russians – a result of the decades of Soviet rule in the country.

• Have a look at the Baltics’ English-language newspaper, the Baltic Times. Also, City Paper, published in Estonia, is excellent.

• Lake Peipsi is Estonia’s largest lake and Europe’s fourth largest freshwater lake.

• Estonia is the smallest of all the Baltic States, being only slightly bigger than Switzerland or Denmark.

• Bring an eye mask if you like to sleep late in the summer: Sunrise during the short Estonian summer is about 3am; sunset is about midnight.

• Skype and Hotmail were created in Estonia.

• The longest summer day in Latvia lasts 17½ hours.

• The first decorated Christmas tree originated in Latvia.

• Ballet star Mikhail Baryshnikov and film director Sergei Eisenstein were born in Riga.

• Lithuania was the last country in Europe to be converted to Christianity.

• After a meal on Christmas Eve, everyone leaves the table and the remaining food is left to stand overnight for the spirits of dead relatives.

Local Etiquette and Helpful Tips

• Carry moist wipes for cleaning your hands after using public transportation and being out and about. They can be invaluable on sticky summer days. And carry some toilet paper or tissues in case you’re faced with using a public restroom.

Weather The Baltic States generally have a moderate climate but can sometimes be slightly cool and damp. Summer is warm, while spring and autumn can be mild. Winter, which lasts from November to mid-March, can be very cold and heavy snowfall is common. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year.

Getting Around In Estonia, jumping in a taxi is the easiest way to get around - all taxis should have their company name displayed and a sign on the roof.

In Riga, Latvia and Vilnius, Lithuania, walking is a great way to see the city sites. Otherwise, taxis are privately owned and all of them should have a meter box. At night, it is safer to grab a taxi, but there may be a night surcharge.


Hill of Crosses, Lithuania



Dining Estonia The traditional cuisine of Estonia has a heavy German influence and potatoes are a staple part of most meals. The most typical foods in Estonia are black bread, pork, potatoes and dairy products. Estonian food preferences have historically depended heavily on the seasons as well as their natural resources. Fish is also a very popular dish with herring being the most common.

Latvia Traditional Latvian food is plain and hearty. Latvians are proud of their fine breads and dairy products, and no Latvian meal is complete without whole-grain or rye sourdough breads and yoghurt or cheese. Fish, sausage, pork and beef provide most of the protein – flavouring comes from caraway, cream, dill and onions. Laima chocolates are a Latvian specialty. The Laima factory has been producing chocolates and other sweets for more than 125 years – it’s the country’s oldest factory.

Lithuania Lithuanian cuisine includes soups (beef, sauerkraut and sorrel), stews, sausages, smoked meat and rye bread. Main meals consist of meat (pork, chicken and duck) or fish (eel, pike and herring) served with potatoes and vegetables such as beans, beets, cabbage, carrots, cucumber, mushrooms, onions, radishes and turnips. Lithuania has a variety of potato dishes including pancakes and stuffed potato dumplings called cepelinai. Dairy products, especially cottage cheese and curd cheese, are used in Lithuanian recipes. Eggs are used to make a variety of omelettes. Cakes, pastries, fruit dumplings and ice cream are popular desserts as are cold sweet soups, such as cherry soup, made with berries and fruit.

Note: When dining at buffets (i.e. breakfast) please refrain from taking food away with you to ‘save’ for later! If you feel that you’ll need snacks between meals, pack some dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars etc.

Shopping & Souvenirs Estonia In Estonia the most popular souvenir is amber. The fossilised resin is commonly set into silver for jewellery or woven into crocheted works. Most amber sold on the streets is a plastic imitation so make sure you buy from a qualified dealer. You will also find hand knitted woollen jumpers, socks and caps for sale all over the country. One of the country’s largest selections is found at the atmospheric outdoor market set in the city wall on Tallinn’s Müürivahe Street. Dozens of stalls piled high with knitwear line the street here selling wool sweaters, bold jester-style caps, long socks with leather slipper bottoms and scarves with intricate geometric patterns.

Latvia Much like its Baltic neighbours, Latvia is known for its amber jewellery. You can buy pieces which come with certificates of authenticity from most jewellers; these are generally set in gold, silver or bronze. You can also find small pieces strung onto leather or used to decorate photo frames or other home decorations. Hand-knitted woolen items are also common throughout Latvia and tend to have Nordic patterns. Linen is also widely found and you can buy it by the metre or in the form of tablecloths, bedding and napkins.

Lithuania Amber, linen goods and local crafts are good buys in Lithuania. National artists sell their works in specialised art galleries in major towns.

Livu Square, Riga

Tallinn, Estonia



Places We Visit in the Baltic States ESTONIA Tallinn With one of the most completely preserved medieval cities in Europe; Tallinn is a precious city on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Once a medieval Hanseatic town and for long periods in history dominated by the Germans, Swedes and Russians, Tallinn today contains many influences from those days but still manages to retain an Estonian soul and identity. Tallinn has a very rich cultural past and a pleasant atmosphere, and with its many interesting sights it’s a wonderful city to explore.

LATVIA Riga Latvia’s capital, Riga, celebrated its 800th anniversary in 2001. For its anniversary, many of its buildings were restored. Interestingly, one of the most important architects who contributed to the heavy Jugendstil or modern cityscape of Riga in the early 20th century was Mikhail Eisenstein, the father of a famous Soviet film director, Sergei Eisenstein. Latvia’s capital and main port is a beautiful city with an almost German ambience and the bustle of a true metropolis. The oldest buildings are influenced by German and Swedish architectural styles and Soviet-epoch concrete buildings also dot the cityscape.

LITHUANIA Vilnius Founded in the 10th century, Vilnius the capital of Lithuania, exudes a warm, Northern European charm. One of the most haunting sights to see in Vilnius is the Hill of Three Crosses. The crosses, which can be seen for many kilometres around, were erected in the 1600s to commemorate three Franciscan martyrs (so the story goes) but were torn down by the Soviets. The crosses were triumphantly re-erected in 1989. The view from the hill gives a lovely panorama of the streets of Vilnius. To the west of town is Vingio Park, a large grassy area where mass meetings took place to protest the Soviet occupation. During the Dairu Svente (Festival of Songs), a choir of up to 20,000 voices performs at the open-air theatre in the park.

Rundale Palace, Riga



Poland Poland has had an extremely volatile history, as for centuries it has been overrun by marauding aggressors and foreign rulers. However, despite the conflict, you’ll find a country that has managed to overcome adversity and retain its own unique identity. To the north are magnificent 14th century gothic castles, in the major cities you’ll be charmed by the old-world town squares, however, more disturbingly, strewn all over the country you’ll find chilling reminders of the more recent horrors of World War II. Today’s Poland is a fascinating place to visit, it has a modern outlook, booming economy and positive vibe, yet you’ll find reminders of its turbulent history at every turn.


Warsaw 38 million Polish Roman Catholic


220v +48


• Poland’s capitals have been Gniezno, Poznan, Krakow and Warsaw. Lublin has twice served as Poland’s

temporary capital, after both the First and Second World Wars.

• In Poland most Poles consider their name day (in Polish: “imieniny”) more important than their birthdays.

• The highest mountain in Australia, Mount Kosciuszko, was named after Polish general Tadeusz Kosciuszko.

Weather Poland has a moderate climate with warm summers, crisp, sunny autumns and cold winters. Snow covers the mountainous area in the south of Poland from mid-December to April. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year. The most pleasant times to visit Poland are May to June and September, when it’s still warm but unlikely to be too hot.



Getting Around Bikes are a fun and interesting way to see Polish cities. Both Warsaw and Krakow have dedicated bike lanes and hiring a bike is relatively easy.


Dining Food eaten in Poland has been influenced by the cuisine of neighbouring countries, Austria, Germany, Hungary and Russia. Meat, especially pork, ham and sausage, is eaten with vegetables, dumplings, noodles, buckwheat and rye bread. Beetroot and cabbage are used in salads, soups and stews. Sour cream is often used in cooking. Pickled foods such as vegetables and fish are popular. Hunter’s stew, made with five or six types of wild game, is a national dish. Desserts include honey cake, strudel, pancakes and doughnuts.

Important: When dining at buffets (i.e. breakfast) please refrain from taking food away with you to ‘save’ for later! If you feel that you’ll need snacks between meals, pack some dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars etc.

Shopping & Souvenirs In Poland, special purchases include glass and enamelware, hand-woven rugs, silverware, handmade jewellery with amber and silver, dolls in regional costumes, woodcarvings and clay and metal sculptures.

Places We Visit in Poland Gizycko Located in the Masurian Lakes District, Gizycko is a picturesque town just inside Poland’s northern border. It’s position on the northern shores of Lake Niegocin means the lake and its water activities are a big part of the regions attractions and Gizycko is known as the ‘summer capital of Poland’. There are over 100 lakes in the area, all offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into northern Poland.

Warsaw You’ll hear the phrase “it’s a ravaged beauty, destroyed and rebuilt,” everywhere in Warsaw. It’s applied to palaces and churches, to entire neighbourhoods, even to individual cobblestoned streets. In order to fully appreciate this one-time “Paris of the North,” remember that during World War II, most of it was razed to the ground and its people decimated. You’ll come across monuments documenting atrocities and memorialising acts of resistance. Warsaw has survived the stranglehold of Soviet terror and the upheaval of capitalism. It has moved rapidly into a new phase of economic restructuring within the European Union. As it continues to rebuild and reinvent itself, the city is becoming more beautiful. Its balance of preservation and renewal is a testament to its resilience.

Krakow Krakow is almost everybody’s favourite Polish city – this 1,000-year-old former capital is the only large urban area in the nation that escaped World War II without serious damage. The retreating Nazis wired the city so they could blow it up with dynamite, but the Polish resistance cut the wires. Coupled with Krakow’s physical beauty is its standing as the country’s cultural centre, making it a truly must-see destination. In the centre of Krakow is the largest medieval square in all of Europe, Old Market Square. It’s lined with historic buildings, and in the centre of the square there are two important structures. The 13th century Cloth Hall, now home to souvenir and crafts stalls, and the Town Hall Tower, which hosts a summertime tavern in the cellar, a vast improvement over its original use as a torture chamber. To the west is Auschwitz, the grim Nazi concentration camp, commemorated by a museum and memorial. You’ll also find the Wieliczka Salt Mines, which run about 150 kilometres underground, founded between the 10th and 13th centuries, they’re claimed to be the oldest salt mines in the world. Here you’ll find a chapel carved out of salt, complete with chandeliers made from salt crystals.

Krakow Town Square



Czech Republic Over the past few decades the Czech Republic has slowly been emerging as a popular tourist destination, favoured particularly by the discerning traveller seeking culture and charm rather than pizzazz and parties. However, most visitors still tend to explore no farther than the capital, Prague. Fewer than 10 percent of tourists venture into the countryside, which means they are missing out on a treat. Prague, westernised and cosmopolitan, is a beautiful city of spires and a visual feast of medieval, baroque and art nouveau architecture. However, leave the city behind and you will find a magnificent undulating landscape of mountains and plains, forests and farmland.


Prague 10.6 million Czech Roman Catholic 8 hours behind AEST *

220v +420


• In 1993, the country of Czechoslovakia split into the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

• Sigmund Freud, the famous psychologist and psychoanalyst was a Czech. He was born in Freiberg, Moravia, in 1856.

• Czech people are the world’s highest consumers of beer!

• President Havel is the first president of the Czech Republic and previously Czechoslovakia to remain in the post for his full term of office. Some have died in office, some have resigned through ill health and some have been made to resign.

Weather Winters in the Czech Republic tend to be very cold with snow, while summers are often mild and wet. The best time to visit is from May to September when days are warm and nights cool. The European summer is the tourist high season.



Getting Around Prague in the Czech Republic is a wonderful city to walk around. It has an excellent public transport system with trams, buses and trains – all of which are inexpensive.


Dining Main meals in the Czech Republic usually consist of beef or pork, and sometimes fish, served with potatoes or rice or dumplings. Sauerkraut is used in recipes including soup. Other soups are potato soup and liver dumpling soup. Dumplings are also served sweet. Desserts include strudel and pancakes. Gingerbread and pastries are popular. The Czech Republic is famous for Pilsner beer and Budweiser Budvar. Wine is also produced and stronger drinks include a herbal liqueur and plum brandy.

Important: When dining at buffets (i.e. breakfast) please refrain from taking food away with you to ‘save’ for later! If you feel that you’ll need snacks between meals, pack some dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars etc.

Shopping & Souvenirs In the Czech Republic, souvenirs include Bohemian glass and crystal, porcelain, wooden folk carvings, hand-embroidered clothing, and food items. There are a number of excellent shops specialising in glass and crystal, while various associations of regional artists and craftspeople run their own retail outlets (pay in local currency). Other special purchases include pottery (particularly from Kolovec and Straznice); china ornaments and geyser stone carvings from Karlovy Vary; delicate lace and needle embroidery from many Moravian towns; and blood-red garnets and semiprecious stones from Bohemia.

Places We Visit in Czech Republic Cesky Krumlov

Located in the southern Bohemian region of Czech Republic, Cesky Krumlov is an incredibly picturesque medieval town which made the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992. Lying in a valley with the Blansko Forest to the north and the hills of the Sumava to the south west, the town is most famous for its castle, built by the Lords of Krumlov around 1253. The castle complex itself features forty buildings, well-manicured gardens, the impressive Baroque Theatre, courtyards and a moat! The Old Town has over 300 heritage protected buildings including century’s old town houses, inns, shops and cafes. A stroll along the narrow cobblestone streets of the Old Town makes you feel like you’ve been transported back through time.

Prague Prague is a city of stunning physical beauty. The capitals of many other European nations were flattened or heavily damaged during World War II, but Prague survived intact. Thanks to the city’s role as a focal point of culture and commerce for nearly a millennium, it retains evidence of the many nationalities that have influenced and sometimes dominated its course in history. Gothic and baroque spires, art-nouveau facades and even cubist structures reflect a crucible of German, Italian, Flemish and Bohemian artistic movements. At one time the seat of the Holy Roman Empire and at another the citadel of the Habsburgs, Prague sustains a reputation as a vital political, cultural and economic centre. This is especially true since the 1989 bloodless Velvet Revolution swept out communism. Tourists continue to descend on the City of a Hundred Spires to experience a place in the throes of transition, although those hoping to see evidence of its totalitarian past may be disappointed to learn that Prague has embraced a more Western perspective.

Gone are the days of standing in line for bananas in spartan, Communist-style grocery stores; instead, expect to see people standing in line for the dressing room at the clothing-store H&M. Even with its fast-food restaurants and cash machines, Prague’s old-world appeal has been steadfastly preserved. Thick river fogs, arched stone bridges, mysteriously lit alleyways and other charming scenes linger around almost every corner. If you slip away from the main tourist scene, you’ll likely stumble upon a bakery offering freshly baked brown loaves from 200-year-old recipes, or a lively political debate in a Habsburg-era hospoda (pub). For many, Prague carries on as it always has.

Cesky Krumlov



Useful Phrases

English Russian Polish Czech

Hello Zdravstvuyte Cześć Ahoj

Good morning Dobroe utro. Dzień dobry Dobre rano

Good evening Dobryy vecher Dobry wieczór Dobyr vecer

Goodbye Vsego dobrogo Do widzenia Nashledanou

Please Pozhaluista Proszę Prosim

Thank you Spasibo Dziękuję Dekuji

Yes Da Tak Ano

No Net Nie Ne

Do you speak English? Vy gavareeteh pa anglisky? Czy mówisz po angielsku Mluvite anglicky

I don’t understand Ya ne paneemau Nie rozumiem Nerozumim

Please write it down Napishite, pozhalujsta Proszę to napisać Prosim napiste

How much does it cost? Skol’ko stoit eto? Ile to kosztuje? Kolik to stoji?

Where is…? Gde nakhoditsya ...? Gdzie jest...? Kde je ….?

Telephone Telefon Telefon Telefon

Toilet Tualet Toaleta Zachod

Tea Chaya Herbata Caj

Coffee Kofee Kawa Kava

Bottled water Meeneeral'nooyoo vodoo Woda butelkowana Voda v lahvi

Cheers! ´Vashe zdo´rovie! Na zdrowie! Na zdravi

I am allergic to… U meńia aler´giya na. Mam uczulenie na Jsem alergicky na

Does this have … in it? Est li v étom ´bliude Czy to zawiera ... Obsahuje ….

Peanuts A´rahis Orzeszki ziemne Burske orisky

Nuts O´rehi Orzechy Orisky

Seafood Morepro´dukti Owoce morza Morske plody

Shellfish ´Rakee Małża Korys

Meat ´Miaso Mieso Maso

Gluten Glu´ten Gluten Gluten

Wheat Psheńitsa Mąka Psenic e

Eggs Ýaitsa Jajka Vajicka

Dairy Molo´ko Produkty mleczne Mlekarna

Pork Svińina Wieprzowina Veprove maso

Lactose Lac´toza Laktoza Laktoza

Soy ´Soya Soja Soja

I am… U meńia Jestem Jsem

Vegetarian Vegetareánets Wegetarianin Vegetarian

Vegan Ve´gan Wegan Vegan

Celiac ´Bolen tselia´kiey Mam celiakię Bez lepku (bez mouky)

Diabetic ´Bolen dia´betom Diabetik Diabetik

Please note that this information is indicative only and subject to change. Bunnik Tours does not accept any liability for incorrect or incomplete information.

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Welcome to Europe!...Moscow to Prague Tour Information Dossier Welcome to Europe! We are so happy to welcome you along for your Bunnik tour. Each tour is planned with great care, as