13-Day Europe Tour: Gran Teatro de Burdeos, Place des Quinconces, Loire Valley, Chambord Castle, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Bridge of Sighs, Vatican City，Reunification Memorial Hall

Travel Tips for Europe
Hotels
* European cities are relatively small, and hotels are limited in number and size, often with older facilities that may not match the standards of similar hotels in China. They do not provide toothbrushes, toothpaste, or slippers, and most do not offer free Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi charges depend on the hotel's policy. European hotels do not provide hot drinking water. If you bring a travel kettle, ensure it is not placed on carpets or tables while hot to avoid damage.
* Hotel dining in Europe differs from China. Breakfast is usually simple (German breakfasts are richer, while Italian breakfasts are very basic, typically just bread and coffee). Lunch and dinner are also not as abundant, both in quantity and quality, compared to Chinese standards.
* Please keep your valuables secure and do not leave them in your hotel room. Carry copies of your travel documents and credit cards for easy replacement in case of loss.
Dining
* Tap water in Europe is generally safe to drink, except in Italy where it must be boiled. Bottled mineral water is available everywhere, in cafes, supermarkets, and highway restaurants. Do not bring your own drinks into restaurants, especially Western ones. Restaurant staff are keen to sell drinks because tea and water are not included in group meals, and service staff earn extra tips from drink sales.
* Chinese restaurants in Europe vary in cooking quality and service. Western restaurants typically offer a three-course meal: a starter (soup or salad), a main course (pasta or meat), and a dessert. Drinks are not included.
Buses
* To avoid crowding at attractions, bus parking is often some distance from the sites, especially in historic cities like Rome, where tourist buses are not allowed to park in the city center. There may be a walk from the drop-off point to the attraction. Please understand this situation.
* For safety on the bus: no smoking or consuming strong-smelling foods. Do not carry prohibited items. When disembarking for sightseeing, meals, or shopping, ensure windows are closed and take your valuables with you. The company is not responsible for loss or theft.
Service Charges
* Due to the high cost of living in Europe, service workers such as hotel staff, restaurant waiters, taxi drivers, and long-distance drivers rely on tips for additional income.
* If you dine alone in a restaurant, leave a tip of about 10% of your total bill. When leaving a hotel, place a coin on the pillow for the cleaning staff. Your European driver and tour leader work hard to ensure your safety and itinerary, and tipping is appreciated. [This is not included in your tour fee.]
Electrical Adapters
* The voltage in the UK and Europe is 220V. UK plugs have three square pins, while other European countries use two round pins. Italian plugs are more convenient than European standard ones, so please take note.
Phones
* If you bring a mobile phone, it will work throughout Europe, saving you time and money. Public phones are also widely available. Prepare local phone cards in advance to avoid using coins, and do not buy high-value phone cards to avoid wastage.
Currency
* The euro is used in all EU countries (except the UK and Switzerland, which use the pound and Swiss franc, respectively). It's convenient to have euros ready to avoid high exchange fees at foreign banks. Have some coins for small expenses like tips. Credit cards are widely accepted.
Other Important Notes
* Many European attractions offer student discounts. Students should carry their student ID cards.
* European weather is unpredictable. Always carry rain gear and a warm jacket.
*To prevent discomfort from different water and food, bring your usual medications. Patients with chronic conditions should carry their medical records. Do not take medicines offered by others.
* Smoking is banned in public places in Italy and Spain. Violators face fines of €3,000-€6,000. Do not buy counterfeit goods, as fines for possession are €3,000.
* Do not bring drinks into museums, large bags, or take photos or videos in galleries. Leave phones, cameras, and bags outside.
* European churches enforce security and dress codes. You may be denied entry for wearing sleeveless clothes, shorts, flip-flops, hats, eating, bringing pets, smoking, or carrying sharp objects like knives and nail clippers.
* Beware of pickpockets. With open borders, many nomads from former Western European or Albanian countries frequent cities. Keep your valuables like wallets, cameras, and passports secure. Couples should split their money as a precaution.
 
Depending on your arrival time, your hotel room may not be available until the afternoon. Most hotels allow check-in between 1:00pm-3:00pm, however some charge a fee for early check-in. Please check at the hotel desk to see if you may store your luggage at the hotel if you wish to explore the city on your own before check-in.
Please Note:
1. Guests are not allowed to use a CITY PASS, NATIONAL PARK PASS and admission ticket purchased by themselves to join the sightseeing attractions included in this tour.
2. Guests who do use a CITY PASS, NATIONAL PARK PASS or admission ticket purchased by themselves, will not be offered the transportation service for that day, and will possible need to pay a penalty fee. Please consult your tour guide for details.
The time we mentioned in the itinerary is for reference only. Please refer to your guide on tour for the actual arrangement. The visiting order and duration might be changed according to actual and practical situation for better service.
This tour/activity is overseen by a select local operator in the region. Upon booking your tour or activity and after receiving confirmation, you will be issued an e-ticket detailing the local operator's name and contact information. If you require assistance finding a specific tour, please contact us for more information.

Yellow Fever Vaccination Requirement: If you have traveled to or transited through yellow fever-endemic regions including East African countries (excluding Tanzania) or South American countries, either before or after your trip, you may be required to present a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate. This requirement can apply not only for joining tours but also for certain flights or entry into specific countries. For more details, please refer to the official site: : Yellow Fever Risk Areas - Fit for Travel