CIE Tours - Travel Tips
Travel Documents
A couple of weeks prior to your vacation you will receive CIE tour operator wallet with your travel documents and literature. These documents are valuable and contain a wealth of advice and essential information to make your vacation as enjoyable as possible. Please read them carefully before your departure.
Passport and Visas
You will require a passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of your trip, with appropriate visas. Some itineraries may require multiple-entry visas for certain countries. You must contact your applicable government authorities to get the necessary documentation. It is the sole responsibility of each guest to have a valid passport and necessary visas, as well as to comply with entry, health or other requirements of the countries visited.
Luggage Allowance(1 large and 1 hand)
This is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10” (76x45x25 cm) and a maximum weight of 50 lb (23 kg). Hotel porterage of this luggage is included in your vacation price. Hand luggage should be one piece per person and small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. This is your responsibility and should be carried on/off the coach with you. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach and cannot be accepted as carry-on luggage.
Essential Travel documents
Passport (& Visas), Travel insurance policy, Traveler’s Checks/Cash Credit cards, Travel documents from CIE Tours, Airline tickets(if not e-tickets) Do not pack your passport or money in your suitcase.
Clothing & Footwear
For information on suitable clothing and footwear, please refer to the listings under each country. However, a general tip would be to make sure you bring comfortable walking shoes as a number of cities in Europe are developing as havens for pedestrians.
Vaccinations
Please contact your doctor or healthcare provider before traveling to determine which vaccinations are recommended.
General Items that might help along the way
Spare batteries/charger, Camera & film/memory cards, Medications, Power plug adapters/converter and prescriptions, Toiletries, Collapsible umbrella, Insect repellent, Sunscreen, Travel sewing kit, Pocket calculator, Plastic bags, Travel alarm clock, Water bottle Sunglasses(screw top lid), Money belt or holster, Wash Clothes
Meals
Lunches are usually not included and individual requirements vary, but CIE suggests you allow €10/£9 per day. Where evening meals are not included, the cost will depend on the type and locations of restaurants used. As a guide, allow €25-€30/£22- £30 per day. You should budget for drinks with meals and refreshment stops during the day. Non-alcoholic drinks cost approximately €2-€3/£1.50-£2.50 each.
Optionals
Experience has shown us that most guests participate in these excursions and you should therefore budget for them in advance. Optional excursions are operated by third party suppliers, but have been approved and endorsed by CIE Tours. These may be purchased direct from your Travel Director who will accept payment in cash in most major currencies, such as US Dollars or Australian Dollars as well as major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express). Full details and prices are shown in your itinerary leaflet or on the guided vacation itinerary pages on the tour operator CIE or TouringForLess.com website.
Weather
The climate in Europe is moderately continental and humid in the summer. For weather conditions pertinent to your travel schedule, visit these websites:
CIE Tour Manager and Driver
Throughout your CIE Tour guided vacation you will be accompanied by a professional Travel Director and experienced Coach Driver. A CIE Tour Travel Director is more than just a guide. They are seasoned and experienced travelers, specially selected for their in-depth knowledge of the regions you will visit. They will enrich your experience with informative commentary on the history, culture and natural landscape of the region and reveal the hidden places that only an insider would know. They will also introduce you to your traveling companions and make you feel welcome. CIE’s Coach Drivers are fully licensed, qualified and experienced professionals who are selected for their impeccable driving skills and record.
Phoning Home
Phoning home from hotels can be expensive. All hotels will add a service charge to the cost of any phone calls you make from your room. This charge can be very high. It is always cheaper for you to use public telephones (pay phones). Your CIE Travel Director will advise you how to use the telephone if you are unsure. Alternatively, you could use a local phone card.