U.S. citizens traveling to Croatia, Austria and Slovenia must have a current passport valid for six months beyond the conclusion of their trip. You can find information on how to apply for a passport here, and how to renew a passport here. No visa is required for U.S. citizens entering these countries.

The currency in Austria and Slovenia is the Euro (€) and in Croatia is the Kuna (kn). While it’s a good idea to bring some money for when you first arrive in Europe, you’ll usually find a better exchange rate in your destination.  The most convenient way to obtain cash is to use your ATM card at local banks in Croatia, Austria and Slovenia. We recommend you also bring a valid credit card for purchases while you are traveling.  It is important that you inform your financial institutions of your travel plans before you leave home so they don’t flag your purchases as potentially fraudulent charges.

Croatian cuisine is hearty, fresh, and flavorful, and is a mix of local traditions and neighboring influences. Meals often begin with bread, cured meats and cheese.  Along the Dalmatian coast you’ll find a variety of seafood dishes and Mediterranean flavors like rosemary, oregano, sage, lemon, and olive oil. For an authentic coastal meal try octopus peka and scampi na buzaru (scampi cooked in garlic, tomato and white wine). Further inland you might like to try the rich Štrukli (baked cheese in pastry dough). Pizza and pasta dishes are also ubiquitous. For dessert, try palačinka, a kind of crêpe served with jam, chocolate sauce, and other decadent fillings. Croatia also produces high quality lagers and a selection of good wine.

Austrian cuisine is hearty and satisfying and reflects regional influences from Italy, Hungary, Germany and the Balkans. Try a variety of sausages including the popular Wiener Schnitzel and Viennese specialties such as gulasch (goulash) and apfelstrudel (apple strudel).

Slovenian cuisine is greatly influenced by neighboring countries. You’ll find everything from Italian dishes such as pizza, pasta, gnocchi and risotto to Hungarian specialties like goulash and beef stew.

We suggest that you pack a variety of lightweight clothing items that can be layered to save space in your suitcase and give you more options for how to dress. It’s important to bring comfortable walking shoes and a waterproof jacket. Keep in mind that your shoulders and knees should be covered while visiting religious sites. For more helpful information please refer to our Packing Tips & Packing List.

Tipping is less common in Europe than in the U.S. When dining out, a service fee is sometimes included in the bill. It’s appropriate to leave up to 10 percent gratuity for good service.

At the end of your guided vacation, it’s customary to offer your motor coach driver and Travel Director a gratuity.  We recommend €3.00 per person/per day for your driver and €5.00 per person/per day for your Travel Director.  Recommended gratuity for a Local Host and Local Specialist is 1-2 euros per person, paid at the conclusion of each guided visit.  A convenient option is to prepay your tips before your departure.

Baggage on our trips is restricted to one large suitcase per person with dimensions not exceeding 30x19x10 inches and a maximum weight of 50 pounds. You are also permitted one piece of hand luggage, which should be small enough to fit under your coach seat or on the small overhead shelf compartment. Please note that luggage with an adjustable handle and wheels will not fit in the overhead compartment of the coach. Hotel porterage is included in your vacation.

You will need to be comfortable on your feet, walking and standing for up to three hours in various weather conditions.  All of our vacations involve walking, often on cobblestone and uneven surfaces in historic city centers.  In order to get the most out of your vacation you need to be able to comfortably walk 1-3 miles unassisted in one day, be in good condition and be able to keep pace with the group. 

If you need any medications, it is important that you bring enough to last you the whole trip and keep them in your carry-on bag while you travel.

We highly recommend our optional Travel Protection Plan, which allows you to cancel for any reason up to 24 hours before departure. The plan also includes trip interruption, baggage loss or delay, and medical and emergency assistance. Click here for a summary of coverage details, terms and conditions.