Step back in time as you wander through the old fishing villages of Cinque Terra. Savour the wine and breathe in the enchanting smell of the vineyards of Asti. Lose yourself in the romance of Venice. These are only a few of the experiences waiting for you as you discover the Ultimate Italy. Ultimate Italy Original 2008 GPE 6 15 Max 15, Avg 10 Europe Italy Italy Culture/History 13 2 2 Arrive in Rome at any time. Siena is one of Italy's best preserved medieval towns. Wander the streets and enjoy the many treasures of its Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Explore the Tuscan capital that inspired the fathers of Italian Art - Cimabue and Giotto. It is the birthplace of the Italian language (Dante Aliguieri) and the Italian Renaissance. Spend the day in this beautiful little Tuscan town. Five little villages are built into the rocks between the beach and the hills. Hike, swim, drink wine, and watch amazing Mediterranean sunsets. Follow the centuries old footpaths and mule tracks that lead through olive groves, vineyards, orchards and chestnut woods. Asti is the capital of the province of the same name. Discover the wineries and have fun sampling the vintages, making sure to taste the sparkling Asti Spumante, the region's specialty. Explore Bellagio, a charming lake town that is often described as the "most beautiful in all of Europe." Venice is one of the few cities in the world that can be truly described as unique. Over an extra-ordinarily long period, the city was embellished with monuments of rare splendour that today make it a town like none other in the entire world. Depart at any time. Arrive at any time and enjoy the lively city of Roma. Enjoy the local architecture or get a taste of Italy by relaxing at one of its many typical bars or cafes.

Unquestionably Rome exudes history; from its Catacombs that entombed early Christians, to the Colosseum where gladiators battled to the death and on up to Palatine Hill, the traditional site of Rome’s founding. Located near the centre of the Italian peninsula on the Tiber River, it is both the capital of the Latium region and the country. Known as the Eternal City, it is the see of the pope, whose residence, Vatican City, is a sovereign state within the city of Rome.

The city is enthralling, with perhaps more to see than any other place in the world. Eating in Italy is deeply embedded in the country’s culture, and dining in Rome can seem to last forever and consist of many courses. The city offers a vibrant nightlife, and since Rome is devoid of liquor licensing laws, the night will last as long as you do. Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours

This morning we will be heading north by train to Siena.

One of Italy's best preserved medieval towns, located in the heart of Tuscany, Siena is built on three hills and surrounded by well preserved walls, filled with fine examples of Gothic architecture and has one of the world's most unique piazzas - il Campo . Of course, the world-famous horse race Il Palio is an important part of Sienese identity, history and culture.

Siena's cathedral, the Duomo, begun in the Twelfth Century, is one of the great examples of Italian romanesque architecture. Its main façade was completed in 1380. Its campanile and baptistry make a fine group.
Inside is the famous Gothic octagonal pulpit by Nicola Pisano supported on lions, and the labyrinth inlaid in the flooring, traversed by penitents on their knees. Within the Sacristy are some perfectly preserved renaissance frescos by Ghirlandaio Beneath the Duomo, in the baptistry is the marvelous baptismal font with bas-reliefs by Donatello, Ghiberti, Jacopo della Quercia and other 15th-century sculptors. The Museo dell'Opera del Duomo contains Duccio's famous Maestà and various other works by Siennese masters. More Siennese paintings are to be found in the Pinacoteca.

The shell-shaped Piazza del Campo, the town square, which houses the Palazzo Pubblico and the Torre del Mangia, is another architectural treasure, and is famous for hosting the Palio. The Palazzo Pubblico, itself a great work of architecture, houses yet another important art museum.
Estimated Travel Time: 1.5 hours

Hopping on a local bus we head to Florence.

Florence (Firenze in Italian), was founded in the first century B.C., and personifies all that is beautiful in Italian civilization. It is the capital of the Tuscany region with a population of approximately half a million people. The fathers of Italian painting, Cimabue and Giotto lived here, along with many other prominent artists. It is the birthplace of the Italian language (Dante Aliguieri) and Europe’s richest cultural period, The Italian Renaissance. Florence’s cultural and historical impact attracts thousands of international travellers each year.

In the summer, life in Florence can be found in the streets and squares. Outdoor cinemas, music, dance and theatre enliven most squares every evening. Your days can be filled with visiting the marvellous multicoloured Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, the medieval Ponte Vecchio or the Medici Chapels. Take a break at Piazza della Signoria with a gelato or a coffee before hitting the vivacious Piazza San Lorenzo to bargain for discounted woollen and leather goods. Florence has much to offer.
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour

Travel by train to the beautiful little Tuscan town of Lucca. Here the day is free to get to know the city and its history.

Lucca is a magical place surrounded by Renaissance walls and set above the surrounding countryside. This classic medieval city has been well preserved over the centuries, and contained within the 16th century walls you will find piazzas, towers, and copious white decorated churches. Today, Lucca is one of the wealthiest cities in Tuscany, a prosperity gained mostly through silk and olive oil production. This tranquil town is a brilliant place to stroll, promenade atop the tree-lined walls or enjoy the gastronomic delights distinguished by the use of local aromatic herbs.
Estimated Travel Time: 1 hour

Travel by train to Cinque Terre which represent one of the best preserved natural and semi-natural areas of the Mediterranean. Human activity and especially viticulture, have contributed to create a unique landscape, which, combined with the characteristics of a crystal clear sea, of architecturally interesting locations, of a varied and extensive network of paths, makes for fascinating exploration.

Walking the entire path (approximately 6 hours) gives you the best taste of the villages and countryside, terraced hills and vineyards sloping steeply down to the sea. Five little villages are built into the rocks between the beach and the hills. You can hike, swim, drink wine, and watch amazing Mediterranean sunsets. Centuries old footpaths and mule tracks, lead you through olive groves and vineyards, orchards and chestnut woods.

We will stop en route to Cinque Terre at the world famous Pisa Tower for a couple of hours.
Estimated Travel Time: 3 hours

We travel by train to Asti, a city and comune in the Piemonte region, in north-western Italy, about 80 kilometres east of Turin in the plain of the Tanaro River. A Medieval Town, it is the capital of the province of Asti.

Some of the most important Italian wines — including the renowned Barolo - are produced here. Monferrato, which includes the Province of Asti, is an important area for the production of fine wines. Perhaps the wine most famously associated with Asti worldwide is the sparkling Asti Spumante (DOCG). The name today is usually shortened to ‘Asti’ in order to avoid associations with the many wines of dubious quality which are labelled as Spumante. Asti is typically sweet and low in alcohol (often below 8%). It is made solely from the moscato bianco white muscat grape. Asti is also the best place to find 'white tartufo' (truffles), a unique and distinctive regional delicacy.

We will have an included visit to a local winery for a tour and of course a chance to sample their vintages.
Estimated Travel Time: 4 hours

Just half an hour from Milan, Como is a jewel-like oasis of tranquillity, a magical combination of lush Mediterranean foliage and snowy alpine peaks. One of the best vantage points for this breathtaking view is in Piazza Cavour, on the banks of the lake in the town of Como.

A full day trip by boat is planned to explore Lake Como and its many elegant villas and towns, like Bellagio with its shops, restaurants and fine residences. Bellagio is located in the heart of Lake Como. The town's location is often said to be one of the most beautiful of all Europe. Bellagio lies on the westward side of the triangle in the mid-lake area of Lake Como. Villa Serbelloni, owned by the New York's Rockefeller Foundation, sits above Bellagio, and is well worth visiting the formal gardens. Also slightly south of Bellagio's center, is the Villa Melzi d'Eryl, where you can visit the outstanding gardens.
Estimated Travel Time: 3.5 hours

A train journey brings us to Venice, one of the few cities in the world that can be truly described as unique. Over an extraordinarily long period, the city was embellished with monuments of rare splendour that today make it a tourist attraction like none other in the entire world.
Wonderful museums give us the opportunity to enjoy great painters of the renaissance like Jacoppo Tintoretto, Vittore Carpacio o Tiziano,
The "city of canals", the Grand Canal, the old-world shops of the Rialto Bridge, the Palace of the Doge (ruler of Venice), the Piazza and Basilica of San Marco and romantic Bridge of Sighs. There's also time for you to wander the narrow, cobblestone streets and spacious piazzas and cross the hundreds of tiny bridges or maybe have a ride in the the classical Venetian boat “the gondola”.
Depart at any time. 2035 1695 1275 885 2425 1695 1575 Local Payment 250 EUR 2035 1695 1275 885 2425 1695 1575 Local Payment 250 EUR 2035 1695 1275 885 2425 1695 1575 Local Payment 250 EUR 2035 1695 1275 885 2425 1695 1575 Local Payment 250 EUR 2035 1695 1275 885 2425 1695 1575 Local Payment 250 EUR Accommodation Local hotels (12 nts). Brief Highlights Rome, Siena, Florence, Venice, Italian rivera coast, wine region of Asti, Como lake in the Italian Alps. Brochure Notes Please note that the 2008 Ultimate Italy tour (EIUL) in the G.A.P Adventures printed brochure has listed this trip as a 14 day tour, starting and ending in Rome. We apologize for this discrepancy, and would like to assure all passengers that the 13 day itinerary on this web page, starting in Rome and ending in Venice is indeed accurate and up to date. Departure dates listed here are correct and reflect the 13 day itinerary. Departure Departs (Apr-Nov) DepEnd Sat-Fri Group Leader G.A.P Adventures leader throughout. Group Size Max 15, Avg 10 Included Highlights Wine tasting in Asti
Lake Como boat trip
Visit to Pisa
Cinque Terre hike Local Payment EUR250 Max Pax 15 Meal Budget Allow EUR450 for meals not included. For additional expenses, see trip details Meals Included No meals included. Min Pax 6 Recommendation Before taking on Ultimate Italy, why not explore the Amalfi Coast week before-hand? - trip code EIAC StartFinish Rome to Venice Testimonial "Lovely trip. Italy is so sumptuous. A real sensory experience, the food, the wine, the people and the panoramas all are really magical!" - Chelsea Macfarlane travelled on Ultimate Italy Transport Local bus, train, boat. A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro Step back in time as you wander through the old fishing villages of Cinque Terra. Savour the wine and breathe in the enchanting smell of the vineyards of Asti. Lose yourself in the romance of Venice. These are only a few of the experiences waiting for you as you discover the Ultimate Italy. Checklist - Passport (with photocopies)
- Travel insurance (with photocopies)
- Airline tickets (with photocopies)
- Euros and travellers cheques
- Credit or debit card (see personal spending money)
- G.A.P Adventures vouchers, pre-departure information and dossier
- Any entry visas or vaccination certificates required
- Camera and film
- Reading/writing material
- Cover or plastic bags for backpacks
- 4 shirts/t-shirts
- Small towel and swim wear
- 1 pair of long trousers
- 2 pair of shorts
- Sun hat
- Sunblock
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (biodegradable)
- Watch or alarm clock
- Water bottle
- First-aid kit(should contain lip salve, Aspirin, Band Aids, anti-histamine, Bug repellent with DEET, Imodium or similar tablets for mild cases of diarrhoea, re-hydration powder, extra prescription drugs you may be taking). Departure Tax Usually included in international air ticket Dossier Disclaimer The information in this dossier has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. The group leader will advise you of any changes at the initial group meeting. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to improve the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro Step back in time as you wander through the old fishing villages of Cinque Terra. Savour the wine and breathe in the enchanting smell of the vineyards of Asti. Lose yourself in the romance of Venice. These are only a few of the experiences waiting for you as you discover the Ultimate Italy. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call our local office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.

G.A.P Adventures local office
Local Emergency Cell Phone: +34 637 181 791 / +34 627 357 664

If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office. In the event that you cannot get through, you can reach a member of our Operations department at the mobile number below.

Toll-free, North America only: 1 800 465 5600.
Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144.
Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999.
Mobile: + 1 647 504 6467 Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster) necessitate a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
Finishing Point Hotel Hotel San Geremia
Campo San Geremia, Cannaregio 290/A
Venice, Italy
Tel: +39 041 716245
Email: sangeremia@yahoo.it Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description All G.A.P Adventures group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders, a G.A.P Adventures representative, or an expedition team. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting- we think it's the best of both worlds. Health You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that quite often we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our leaders are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings in this dossier for trip specific information. For travellers over 70 years a completed Medical Form is required. G.A.P Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group leader they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. Important Notes Please note that if you want to visit the Uffizi or Accademmia Gallieries in Florence, to avoid waiting in line for a long time (especially in high season May-September), it is advisable to reserve tickets in advance. Tickets can be reserved online at www.florenceart.it or www.virtualuffizi.com. Please make your reservations for Day 4 of your trip, when you will have a free day to enjoy Florence. Most Museums are closed on Mondays ( Day 4 ). Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The dossier is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard expedition trips visits to research stations depend on final permission.

Additionally, any travel times listed are approximations only and subject to vary due to local circumstances. Joining Hotel HOTEL STROMBOLI
VIA MARSALA, 34
00185 ROMA

Tel: +39 (0)644 556 64
www.hotelstromboli.com
Joining Instructions
BY TRAIN:
The easiest way to get to the starting point is by train, as our hotel is located some 100 m from the "Roma Termini" station in Rome

TRAINS FROM AIRPORT: The Leonardo Express is the name of the train that'll shuttle you from Rome's main international airport, Fiumicino, to central Rome's Termini station. A Leonardo Express train leaves every half hour in each direction.

Trains to Roma Termini Station start at 6:35 in the morning, with trains running at 5 and 35 minutes after the hour. The last train of the day departs at 11.35pm
The train station is open 4am to 1am.
The train covers 35 km in around 30 minutes. Cost: 9.50 Euros
Tickets for Leonardo Express are available at:
- rail ticket office (railway station atrium)
- newspaper seller-tobacconist's (railway station atrium)
- self-service tellers (railway station atrium)

NOTE:
You must always stamp tickets before starting your journey.

TAXI : fixed rate to/from airports
From 1st October 2006 taxi service to/from Rome airports to all destinations within Aurelian Walls costs a fixed rate. For regular Rome taxi drivers at Fiumicino airport, the rate is 40 EUR. The rate for designated Fiumicino taxi drivers is 60EUR, inclusive of luggage, for a maximum of four passengers.
Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a local payment. This amount is a portion of the price of the trip and the final payment for your tour. Paying locally facilitates the flow of funds into countries that we travel through and also helps to reduce the overall price of the tour. This helps G.A.P Adventures keep our prices competitive and in-turn, pass our costs savings on to you. Payment is to be made to your leader or G.A.P Adventures representative upon arrival in cash in the requested currency. Please see our website, brochure or your trip documents and invoice for local payment.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an 'average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers over the age of 70, or travellers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical and culture shock ratings in this dossier for more information.

Please note that all passengers, regardless of age traveling to Antarctica are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Credit cards and debit cards are very useful for cash advances. Visa cards are the most widely accepted cards. While ATMs are widely available, there are no guarantees that your credit or debit cards will actually work in Western Europe. Check with your bank. You should be aware that to purchase products or services on a credit card a fee of 5%-10% usually applies. Do not rely on credit or debit cards as your only source of money. A combination of euros, travellers cheques and cards is best. Always take more rather than less, as you don't want to spoil the trip by constantly feeling short of funds.

As currency exchange rates can fluctuate often we ask that you refer to the following website for daily exchange rates: www.xe.com
Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities Colosseum & Roman Forum (Rome) - EUR10
Vatican Museums (Rome) - EUR12
St Peter's dome climb (Rome) - EUR7
Palazzo Pubblico & Torre del Mangia (Siena) - EUR5.5, EUR6.5 & EUR9.5 for both.
Battistero or Baptistry (Siena) - EUR2.5
Uffizi Gallery (Florence) - EUR7
Duomo & Campanile climb (Florence) - EUR6 each
Accademia (Florence) - EUR8
Walking Tour (Florence) - EUR25
Tourist Bus (Florence)- EUR20
Puccini Concert (Lucca) - EUR15
Guinigi Tower climb (Lucca) - EUR4
Palazzo Pffaner (Lucca) - EUR4
Bike Rental (Lucca) - EUR 3/hr.
Leaning Tower climb (Pisa) - EUR15
Cathedral, Baptistry and Museum - EUR12
Sea Kayak Hire (Cinque Terre) - EUR5
Scuba Diving (Cinque Terre) - from EUR30
Horse Riding (Cinque Terre) - Lessons at riding school EUR15/hr., Excursions from EUR25
Mountain bike hire (Cinque Terre) - Half day EUR4, Full day EUR6, 1 hour EUR1.50
Venezia Concerto (Venice) - EUR30
Gondola ride (Venice) - EUR80 for up to 5 people
Accademia Gallery (Venice) - EUR7
Campanile (Venice) - EUR7
Doges Palace and Bridge of Sighs (Venice) - EUR11
St. Mark's Basilica Treasury (Venice) - EUR3
Ca' d'Oro (Venice) - EUR6
Guggenheim Museum (Venice) - EUR9
Confraternity of St. Roch (Venice) - EUR6
Torre Troyana (Asti) - EUR2
Tempio Voltiano (Como) - EUR3
Funiculare Como-Brunate (Como) - EUR4
Villas visit (Como) - EUR8 Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your GA.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveller and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Tipping It is customary in Europe to leave a small tip for service providers, such as waiters, if you are pleased with the service (€1-2). Tipping is an expected - though not compulsory - component of your tour program and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. Although it may not be customary to you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your Tour Leader will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from €5-20 per day depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your tour leader for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.

Also at the end of each trip if you felt your G.A.P Adventures Tour Leader or skipper did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline €20-25 per person, per week can be used. Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety Always keep an eye on your belongings especially in major cities, bus and train terminals. Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2008 - December 31st 2008. Visas All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy, or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO HAVE THE CORRECT TRAVEL DOCUMENTATION. We Want Your Photos Want to see your photos and/or stories in print or on the web? Then enter our "Great G.A.P Adventures Photo Story Contest". Simply go online to www.gapadventures.com/contests/photo-story-contest to upload your photo stories! There are travel and camera prizes worth more than $5000 available to be won! If you prefer to submit slide film or photos instead of digital entries online, just make sure they are clearly marked with your name and contact details on each and the place where it was taken. Unfortunately, we are unable to return any entries. Send mailed entries to "Photo Editor" at our head office.
What to Take We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whichever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.