Escorted Tours and Coach Holidays to Eastern Europe

Eastern Europe’s diverse cluster of countries includes Russia, Poland, Hungary, Croatia and the Czech Republic. Packed full of local traditions, culture and folklore, these destinations are just waiting to be explored, including some incredible Eastern European cities. Experience Moscow, Russia’s vibrant capital, and visit St. Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square and the Kremlin. Discover the fascinating history of Warsaw in Poland, which was destroyed during WWII and rebuilt in only 13 years. Explore Budapest, the Hungarian capital, and see the Fisherman’s Bastion, Royal Palace, Parliament Building, plus, cross the famous Chain Bridge. Or, spend time in Prague and join the crowds in front of Czech capital’s Old Town Hall to watch the Astronomical Clock. We have a great selection of escorted tours by coach and air available…

Italian cuisine you're sure to love...

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Key Information

Culture: Italians are known for their love for family, food and socialising. Social life tends to focus around the piazzas where the locals will arrange to meet, eat and watch life go by!
Tipping: In Italy it is common for the service charge to be included on most bills, therefore tipping is not compulsory or necessarily expected. If, however, the service you receive is particularly good, it is fine to leave a small additional amount. If the service charge is not included a tip of between 10% and 15% is sufficient.
Language: Knowing a few keys phrases can make a great first impression. Why not try out the below on your next visit?
- Hello/Goodbye – Ciao! (chow)
- Please – Per favore (pehr fah-voh-reh)
- Thank you – Grazie (grah-tsee-eh)
- You're welcome – Prego! (preh-goh)
- Excuse me – Mi scusi. (mee skooh-zee)
- Yes – Sì (see)
- No – No (noh)
- Do you speak English? – Parla inglese? (pahr-lah een-gleh-zeh)

Useful information for your trip to Italy

Money: The national currency is the euro (€). 1 euro = 100 cents.
Time zone: Italy is one hour ahead of British time.
Electricity: Italy works on the standard European 220 volts. A variety of plugs are used, including the European-style two-pin plug/ adapter.
Climate: With a diverse geography and a varied climate, Italy offers a complete range of holiday experiences for everyone. The extreme mountainous north offers spectacular Alpine scenery during the winter months, whereas the northern lake region with its mild micro-climate offers a spectacular display of spring flowers between April and June. In central Italy, it is much milder, however this can lead to humid conditions throughout the summer, especially in the cities. In the south it is a much more Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters.
Smoking: Smoking in Italy is prohibited in all public buildings (including restaurants and bars), however smoking is still very common in Italy and in general Italians are very tolerant of smoke and smokers.

Hints & Tips

A few hints and tips

Many churches and places of worship in Italy require visitors to be modestly dressed. Please make sure you cover your shoulders and knees.
In Italy bathroom towels tend to be on the smaller side, and are not necessarily replaced every day. Some hotels may replace towels if they have been left on the floor, but not those that are hanging to dry, however this is not a given rule.
Italy is proud of its public drinking fountains which bring fresh spring water direct from the natural springs and mountains via ancient aqueducts into towns and cities. When water is not safe at fountains it will say so, otherwise, take advantage of the delicious, clean, and free water. (Please note, even though Italian water is safe to drink, some people may be affected by the difference in mineral content).