Rome.  Please meet your tour leader in the lobby of the Rome hotel on your tour voucher at 6.30pm.  Please don’t worry if the Kumuka coach is not there exactly at this time since the coach is travelling from Venice and may get delayed in traffic. 

You will be able to check into your twin share room (single available at a supplement at time of booking) from mid afternoon.  If you arrive at the hotel very early and your room is not yet ready, you will be able to leave your luggage with hotel reception.

This evening we will have a group meal to meet those group members already on the tour.

Rome to Florence/Prato. Depending on whether we are travelling during high or low season will determine our destination tonight. Your tour leader will confirm this when your tour commences. Some tours will be staying in the town of Prato, which is approximately 20km from Florence, other tours will be staying on the outskirts of Florence.

Today is an exciting, yet busy day as we will be driving up the leg of Italy. We start the day with a visit to the beautiful town of Orvieto, a charming medieval town perched on the hilltop. To visit the town you will need to take the funicular up from the coach park (cost approx 2 € return).  You have a chance to step back in time and wander through the old medieval town.

We will arrive at the hotel in Florence/Prato early evening, where you will have time to freshen up before meeting for a group dinner.

Florence/Prato to Nice.   We depart the hotel early for the drive to Pisa.  Here you can visit the Campo dei Miracoli (Miracle Square), including the famous leaning tower. After an hour at Pisa, we will drive along the coast of the Italian Riviera, through the seemingly endless tunnels, to the Italian/French border. We will arrive in Nice in the afternoon.

Tonight is the perfect opportunity to dress up and rub elbows with the rich and famous, and those who are pretending to be, as we are heading to the sovereign state of Monaco!  The coach will drive along the famous Moyenne Corniche, with its stunning cliff top views over the coastline.  Dinner will be in the prestigious capital of Monaco Ville.

Following dinner, we will drive on the Formula 1 Grand Prix racetrack before you are dropped off for free time to check out the various casinos and bars that Monte Carlo has to offer. You might want to visit the jaw dropping Grand Casino, designed by Charles Garnier in the 1800s. This is the same place James Bond ordered his first martini, shaken not stirred!  There is a 10 € admission fee, but it’s well worth it to visit the monument that offers both gambling and fine artwork.

The coach will then be returning to Nice, or if you’re winning at the casino you may wish to continue and catch a taxi back to Nice, costing approximately 60 - 70 €.

Alternatively, depending on scheduling, we might have to take the trip into Monaco on day 7, allowing you a free night in Nice on arrival.

Nice to Marseille.  Today we will stop for a short time at the famous Fragonard Perfumery of Grasse, where they make French perfume in the traditional manner. Stock up on your travel perfumes, aftershaves, creams, shampoos, lotions and potions, all at warehouse prices.

After this visit our destination is the oldest French city of Marseille. We will arrive at our hotel after an orientation tour.  Complex and intriguing, Marseille is a fascinating place to discover with over 23 beaches, many types of watersports on offer, sailing, night clubs and 21  museums you will not be bored in this cosmopolitan city.

Dinner this evening is  included.

Marseille to Barcelona.  Leaving all that France has shown us behind, we will cross the French/Spanish border and travel to Barcelona. One of the greatest cities in Europe and bursting with architectural wonders, great nightlife, superb beaches and a real summertime buzz.

Upon arrival we will meet our local guide for an in-depth city tour, (included in tour price). See the legacy that Barcelona’s famous architect, Gaudi, has left to the city; the famous Columbus monument, the busy pedestrian parts of Las Ramblas and the old town.

After our tour we will drive to the hotel and check in. This tour will give you an excellent understanding of the city layout and prepare you well for the next two days. We will then continue to our hotel, arriving late afternoon with time to rest before enjoying a group dinner and to try some traditional Spanish food.

Dinner this evening is included.

Barcelona - Coach Free Day.  Today is another day to make the most of this wonderful city. Most of the group will probably head to the pristine beaches and try a swim in the refreshing waters of the Mediterrean Sea. If this isn't for you then perhaps take an optional walking tour to the sights associated with the great painter Picasso.

Feeling energetic?  Then hop on an optional tour to the mountain of Montserrat, which rises majestically to 4,051 feet (1,235 meters). The choice is yours but however you spend your day we guarantee that'll you love Barcelona!. Your tour leader will be able to assist you in organising any extra excursions.

Dinner this evening is not included.

Madrid.   The tour finishes after breakfast.  If you are staying on in Madrid, or have time before your onward flight, then the day is completely free for you to explore Madrid. Perhaps revisit  some of the sights seen on yesterdays city tour. You may want to have a look around the area called 'Puerta del Sol' where the shops are located.  Or visit one of the many museums that Madrid has to offer, such as the Reina Sofia Museum, which houses Picasso’s famous painting 'Guernica’ or perhaps the Prado Museum. There are 3 world class museums all within walking distance of each other.

Perhaps spend the afternoon strolling around Madrid's famous flea market, El Rastro. The list is endless, don't forget to visit the Plaza Mayor (Main Square) or even the Royal Palace. Throughout most of the summer season Bull Fights are held each Sunday and sometimes during the week at Las Ventas Bull-ring. Your tour leader will be able to advise you on times and ticket prices, as well as explain more about the history of this ancient Spanish tradition!. There is also the famous Bernabeu Stadium, home to Real Madrid, a must for football fans!

There is a huge variety of restaurants to choose from, offering local tapas to international cuisine.

Dinner is not included this evening.

NO accommodation is included on Day 13.

Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this:

Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad.

Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use.

Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka

Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts

Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!

Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs smoothly.As you will have read there are coach free days written into the itinerary. The reason for this is that EU law dictates that coach drivers are restricted to the number of hours they can drive in any one day and that they must have at least one day off in seven. Due to this and also for your convenience we try to get hotels that are close to public transport and centrally located. Public transport in Europe is of a good standard.

Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment and repatriation. It is also very important that your insurance policy is relevant to the Kumuka style of travel. Kumuka offers a specially negotiated insurance policy specifically tailored to adventure travel. As well as providing substantial cover for medical emergency, cancellation and curtailment, personal luggage, money and valuables and legal expenses, this insurance will also provide cover for the adventure activities you may choose to undertake whilst on tour. Please call us on the Kumuka freephone number 0800 068 8855 (UK only), or on 1300 667 277 in Australia, for further information.

No client will be allowed on tours without suitable insurance. If you have already arranged insurance elsewhere, please be aware that many of the optional activities such as bungy jumping or water rafting may not be covered on your policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance.

At the start of your tour you will be asked to present your original policy document and complete an insurance information form. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original.

Please note: you will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.

It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Europe trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.kumuka.com provides you with visa information. Please consult your relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, please allow extra time to do this.

EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR.

Please note:  If you require a Schengen visa, please ensure that you obtain a double entry visa for Germany.

Kumuka does not accept responsibility for changes in regulations or requirements for visas. The information provided is given in good faith.

For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com.

Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!

You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.

Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.

How much should I take?

• Because of limited luggage space on coaches and Eurostar, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s.
• A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles.
• A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards Travellers Cheques etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes.

TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!

English will be widely spoken in the major tourist attractions of the main cities. Take the time before your trip to read up on the country you will be visiting and perhaps learn a few words of the language. Your effort will always be welcomed and will make your trip all the more enjoyable.

Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs.

We provide hearty meals, which are paid for through your Tour Fund. This will be indicated on your travel voucher, which must be presented to your tour leader at the pre-departure meeting on first day of the tour.

The variety of food will differ, as you will be visiting a number of different countries. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka Europe trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine.

All our tours begin with a pre-departure meeting when you meet your tour leader, driver and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. On the last day of the tour we usually arrive at our final destination in the late afternoon, when the tour ends. If you would like to book accommodation for that night or even stay additional nights, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).Please be aware that accommodation availability can fill very quickly especially during high season and recommend that you book this as soon as possible. It will NOT be possible to confirm any pre tour accommodation made 2 weeks or less prior to your arrival.

Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.

KUMUKA WORLDWIDE

UK OFFICE

40 Earls Court Road, London W8 6EJ
Tel: 020 7937 8855 Fax: 020 7937 6664
Email: sales@kumuka.com
www.kumuka.com

AUSTRALIAN OFFICE

Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000
Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492
Email: sales@kumuka.com.au
www.kumuka.com.au