Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Discovery on Foot
Classic Journeys
(
&
800/200-3887;
www.ClassicJourneys.com) is a specialty
tour operator that offers unique, upscale escorted vacations to a variety of
locations around the world. Their two Eastern Europe excursions run through
Croatia's Dalmatian Coast and the area from Prague to Budapest. Airfare
from your home country is on your own. The package price is for the in-
country experience, though Classic Journeys will help with flight details and
extra hotel nights if you ask. The basic fee covers a local guide, first-class
hotels, most meals, and all tips, admission fees, tours, and transfers. Tours
average 10 people per adventure and the itineraries emphasize culture, his-
tory, and walking. We've found that Classic Journeys carefully plans every
detail to spare guests unpleasant surprises, but the plan is also flexible in case
the group decides there is something they really want to see or do. Classic
Journeys can arrange family-oriented experiences or culinary trips, too.
14 Getting Around Eastern Europe
Note:
See the “Getting Around” sections
of the individual country chapters for
more detailed information.
BY CAR
Public transportation in Eastern Europe
is generally excellent and a good way to
cover a lot of territory inexpensively. How-
ever, access to a car is a must if you want
to see remote attractions or if you don't
have time to wait for train or bus connec-
tions. If you plan to rent a car, do it before
you leave home. Rates are lower and you
are likely to get a better choice of cars.
Look for a weekly rate with unlimited
mileage. Expect to pay from $50 per day
for an economy car with unlimited
mileage. Gas, parking, and insurance are
necessary.
Note:
Be sure you examine and docu-
ment any scratches, broken equipment,
or interior stains when taking possession
of your car. You could be charged for the
damage when you return the car if you
haven't pointed it out ahead of time and
noted it on your contract.
BY TRAIN
Train travel in Eastern Europe is comfy,
pleasant, and fairly efficient. Almost all
major population centers (with the excep-
tion of Dubrovnik, Croatia) are linked by
rail service. Overnight trains serve a dou-
ble purpose: They get you to your desti-
nation and save the cost of a night in a
hotel. If you use this option be sure to ask
if you have to make a separate reservation
for the bed in addition to the reservation
for your transport. The
Thomas Cook
European Timetable
(www.thomascook.
com) gives an inclusive listing of train
schedules and tells you when you have to
book in advance or pay extra for things
like a pillow. In general, train travel in
Eastern Europe is more expensive than
bus travel and sometimes fares are com-
parable with airfares within the country.
Not all countries in Eastern Europe
honor rail passes. Hungary is the only
country covered in this topic that accepts
Eurailpasses. However, Bulgaria, the
Czech Republic, Romania, and Hungary
sell single-country rail passes.
Note:
Inter-
country rail travel is becoming less of a
