Welcome to OUT Adventures
Gay owned OUT Adventures and Intrepid Travel have partnered together to provide a comfortable travel environment for not only for gay and lesbian travellers,
but also their friends and family who want to experience the world at the grassroots level with like-minded people. Go on, Get OUT and experience the real world.
Savour the many flavours of northern Italy as we travel from the aquatic splendours of Venice to the cobblestone streets of the Eternal City. Explore natural wonders, historic sites and picturesque villages on this special food-lovers journey. There is plenty of time to indulge in everything from traditional fare and local produce to gourmet meals and wines, and thus to truly experience the unique tastes of this epicurean country.
Style
Trip Map
Itinerary
Culture Shock Rating
Physical Rating
Gay Rating
Included Activities
Optional Activities
Spending Money
Tipping
Important Notes
Group Size
Accommodation
Dive into the real world, with a softer landing. Comfort class trips are all about variety: the places, the people, the activities. It's your style of travel if you want a few little extras, but don't want to compromise on a true grassroots travel experience. You're as likely to find yourself paddling a kayak as relaxing on a cruise along the Yangtze River!
You can arrive at any time on day 1 as there are no activities planned until the important welcome meeting at 6:00pm. If your flight arrives too late we recommend that you consider booking a night's accommodation prior to the trip so you can ensure you are able to attend this meeting. We will collect your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting so please ensure you have all details on hand to provide to your leader. Your group leader will leave a note at reception telling you where this important meeting will take place. If you are going to be late please inform the hotel reception. Your leader will leave details for your arrival on where and when to meet.
Check-in time at our joining point hotel is after 2:00pm. Early check-in is not guaranteed, however if you arrive early, luggage storage is available. Speak to the hotel reception on arrival.
On day 2 we embark on a ride on the vaporetto over to the island of San Giorgio to climb the bell tower for the best view of Venice.
There only two ways to explore Venice: by boat or on foot. Some of the more popular sights include the Grand Canal, the shops of the Rialto Bridge, the Palace of the Doge (ruler of Venice), the Piazza and Basilica di San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs. Take the time to wander the narrow, cobblestone streets and spacious piazzas and cross the hundreds of tiny bridges, where shops, markets, galleries, churches and stunning buildings lie around every corner.
You can't leave Venice without going on a classical Venetian boat - the gondola. It is a common way for tourists to see the major canal routes from a fascinating perspective.
Be sure not to miss trying the popular dessert tiramisu - sponge cakes soaked in coffee and arranged in layers with mascarpone cheese - which is the speciality of this region.
Our accommodation in Venice:
For nights 1 and 2 we stay at a conveniently located small hotel. All rooms have en-suite.
We travel to Modena (approx. 4 hours), home to Luciano Pavarotti and many luxury car manufacturers.
While in Modena, we visit an acetaia, a house where the family produce fine aged Modena balsamic vinegar in the attic. Owing to the time it takes to produce, and the fact that it needs the extremes of temperatures best found under the eaves of a domestic house, 'real' balsamic vinegar has never been produced in factories or commercial units. It is a traditional art practised by a few Modenese families in their own homes and the quality control laws imposed on the producers are extremely strict. The vinegar is aged in barrels made from different woods, and is never less than 12 years old and often well over 25. The end product bears no relation to the mass-produced balsamic vinegar most people are familiar with. Once you have tasted it, you will understand why top chefs rave about it!
Possibly the best thing about Modena is the rich selection of cuisine on offer. In addition to balsamic vinegar, specialities of Modena include prosciutto, tortellini and, for the adventurous, zampone (stuffed pig's trotter). Wash down these gourmet selections with Lambrusco, the famed Italian sparkling red wine.
Modena has a lovely covered market selling fruit and vegetables, local specialities such as meats, cheese and balsamic vinegar (real and fake!) and fresh flowers. It also has an excellent local speciality panini shop in the market which is great for lunch.
Our accommodation in Modena:
For night 3 we stay at a small centrally located hotel. All rooms have en-suite.
On the morning of day 4 we travel by train (approx. 6 hours) to La Spezia, our base for exploring the stunning stretch of coast known as the Cinque Terre ('five lands').
On day 5 you have the option to walk along the famous coast path of the Cinque Terre. Olive groves and vineyards cover the mountains that plunge into the sea - the vistas here are dramatic and breathtaking.
If you're feeling energetic, walking the entire path (12 kms and approx. 5 hours walking time) will give you the best taste of the villages and countryside. However, you can jump on a train between any of the villages, or to get back to our base whenever you want. Please note that some sections of the Cinque Terre path can be quite difficult with challenging up hill stretches, narrow paths, steep cliffs and foot bridges.
~ Riomaggiore to Manarola is easy and takes 25 minutes on a paved path.
~ Manarola to Corniglia is easy and takes approximately 50 minutes on a partly paved and partly rocky path.
~ Corniglia to Vernazza is medium level difficulty and takes approximately 1.5 hours on a rocky path.
~ Vernazza to Monterosso is more challenging, takes approximately 2 hours on a rocky path.
After working up an appetite, you will appreciate indulging in the foods of the Liguria region, which take advantage of the products of the Mediterranean. Pesto is a speciality, and is often served with pasta, green beans and potato, or dolloped into a classic minestrone soup. Focaccia is also a specialty, and makes a great start to lunch - team it up with some cheese and ham and you have a simple yet delicious picnic.
Our accommodation in La Spezia:
For nights 4 and 5 we stay at a conveniently located small hotel. All rooms have en-suite.
On day 6 we travel to the city of Pisa (approx. 2 hours). There's ample time for you to visit the world-famous Duomo, Baptistry and Leaning Tower.
After our visit we continue to Florence (approx. 1.5 hours). Your afternoon here is free to take in the sights of the city, or shop in the markets and chic boutiques.
There's plenty of opportunity to explore the romance of Florence and then enjoy a variety of excellent restaurants, pavement cafes, bars and other nightlife. We discover the principal sights of this beautiful 'outdoor museum' - the Pitti palace, the Ponte Vecchio, the Arno River front, the many statues and monuments of the Piazza della Signoria, the Palazzo Vecchio, the 13th Century Duomo, Baptistry and Belltower and the Santa Croce Church. In the early evening we walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, which is set on a hill on the south bank of the Arno River, just east of Florence, and offers a magnificent view of the city.
Florence is also home to many fine museums and art treasures such as the Medici Chapels, the Uffizi gallery and the Galleria dell' Accademia. These, and other Florentine State Museums, can be booked in advance for a fee (and is recommended to avoid waiting, especially at the Uffizi and the Accademia, where queues can last up to 5 hours). Reserve tickets by phone on (+39) 055 294883 from Monday to Friday 8:30am-6:30pm, Saturday 8:30am-12:30pm. We suggest you book at least 2 months in advance at www.weekendafirenze.com. The individual museums have slightly different opening times and closing days between them but the website - www.firenzemusei.it - has everything you need to know about all of them. Make your reservations for these museums for anytime on day 7 of this itinerary.
While in Pisa and Florence you will be able to sample foods from the much-loved Tuscany region. Regional specialties are noted for their simplicity and fine flavour, and the use of high-quality olive oil, cannellini beans and fresh herbs. Meat-lovers should try the bistecca alla fiorentina, a huge T-bone steak that is usually shared between two people, or minestrone alla fiorentina, a soup flavoured with pork or chicken giblets. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy panforte, a rich fruitcake.
Our accommodation in Florence:
For nights 6 and 7 we stay at a centrally located hotel. All rooms have en-suite.
On day 8 we travel by train to Perugia (approx. 3 hrs). Perugia sits atop a rocky hill with views over the Umbria region. It was a Roman settlement in ancient times and a thriving trade centre in the Middle Ages, but now it is a university town with one of Italy's largest schools. The student population ensures a lively nightlife.
The afternoon of day 8 is free to see the sights of the town including the National Gallery which is one of Italy's top museums and the Benedictine monastery of Saint Peter.
On day 9 we travel to Spello (approx. 30 mins) to sample exclusive local wine and regional food specialties at an enoteca in this medieval town. Spello is perched on the side of Subasio Mountain and has many ancient Roman monuments such as the town walls and city gates.
In Umbria fresh mushrooms - especially porcini and tartufo - are the base for many dishes, including pasta and risotto. In keeping with the medieval feel of many of its towns, whole roast pig stuffed with rosemary is found on many menus. Cakes and pastries are worth indulging in here, and the wine is superb.
Our accommodation in Perugia:
For nights 8 and 9 we stay at a conveniently located hotel. All rooms have en-suite.
On the morning of day 10 we travel by train to Naples (approx. 5.5 hours). Naples was carved out by many empires of the past and by many nationalities of merchants and pirates - Romans, Phoenician, Carthaginian, Venetians, Spaniards, Normans and Africans.
During your free afternoon here, why not visit the Archeological Museum - one of the best in Europe, wander the city's historic old quarter, seek out a busy street market, or try some limoncello, a popular lemon liqueur.
Of course, you won't want to miss trying pizza, to judge for yourself whether it really is the world's best. Toppings are created from a simple buffalo-milk cheese (mozzarella di bufala) and tomato sauce (conserva di pomodoro) base, and these fresh ingredients feature in other dishes from the region as well.
Later in the day we continue to our home for the next three nights, Sorrento (approx. 1.5 hours) on the Amalfi peninsula, a land of rocky coasts, clifftop vistas, azure seas and bright blue skies.
On day 11 we we explore the ruins of ancient Pompeii, which was destroyed by the eruption of Mt Vesuvius two thousand years ago. Pompeii is a time capsule quite unlike any other 'ruined' city in the world.
If you have the inclnation there is time today to walk up Mt Vesuvius - the sleeping giant that dominates the Bay of Naples. When you see this awesome work of nature close up you'll appreciate the true horror that faced the residents of Pompei all those years ago.
Day 12 is a free day for you to enjoy the many attractions of this beautiful area. Why not take a day trip to Capri, or to the Amalfi Coast? Or you could relax and enjoy the local amenities of Sorrento
Our accommodation in Sorrento:
For nights 10, 11 and 12 we stay at a conveniently located hotel in Sorrento. All rooms have en-suite.
On day 13 we head north by train to Rome (approx. 4 hours), a historic city with much to see and do - and eat!
Your group leader will take you on an orientation/sightseeing walk around the city, where you see sights including the Colosseum and Arch of Constantine, the Forum (centre of ancient Rome), the Victor Emmanuel Monument, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, Spanish Steps, Via Dei Condotti and Piazza Venezia. The rest of the time is free for you to explore further. Visit an espresso bar if you need a hit of energy or try some of the excellent gelati on offer throughout the city.
Consider a visit to the Vatican City for a day to see St Peter's Square, or step back in time at the Colosseum. Whatever you do, be sure to toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain if you want to return to the city! The Piazza Navona, Castel Sant'Angelo or the Pantheon as other options to explore too.
Rome is a gastronomers delight, with many restaurants and trattorias catering to any taste and budget. Local specialties tend to be quite heavy, and include pastas carbonara (egg, cheese and bacon) and alla matriciana (tomato, bacon and chilli). Antipasto dishes are also very popular in Rome. Eating in trattorias will give you a chance to sample some Italian wines - house wines are usually very good and affordable. After dinner, a grappa, amaretto or sambucca is a great digestif.
Day 15 is departure day. There are no activities planned for today and you are able to depart the hotel at any time. Check out time from the hotel is 10:00am. If you are departing later, you can arrange luggage storage at the hotel reception. There may be a small service fee.
We recommend you consider bookings a few night's accommodation after this trip to see all the sights of Rome.
The Vatican Museum:
The Vatican Museum is closed on some days including Sunday unless it is the last Sunday of the month. Check the Vatican website for these dates. www.vatican.va
Tickets can be booked in advance at this website: http://en.roma.waf.it/museo_dett/29-other-museums/1063-vatican-museums.html
Our accommodation in Rome:
For nights 13 and 14 we stay at a centrally located hotel. All rooms have en-suite.
The itinerary attached is correct at time of printing. Please note: occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travelers' comments and our own research. Our brochure is usually released in November each year. As such the information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It is VERY IMPORTANT that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.out-adventures.com
The trip includes a range of accommodation, such as basic hotels with western facilities or overnight trains. Days of being on the move are well interspersed, communication with the outside world is ever-present and a wide variety of food is commonly available.
You are required to carry your pack on and off trains and buses, up hotel steps, etc. Your itinerary may include easy paced walks or bike rides, but these are on mainly flat ground.
This trip travels to a relatively liberal, accepting area. We encourage you to experience the destination and culture with the following in mind:
Accommodation - We do not foresee any areas of concern on this trip.
Public Display of affection - These are not frowned upon, however we ask that you respect the local customs in the areas which you visit. Your group leader can provide further information on this matter.
Gay Activities - This trip will likely include a gay hosted event, meal or day tour. These are often small, locally owned businesses or not for profit projects that benefit the local community.
Please read the important notes & local dress section of the Trip Notes for more detailed information
This is a list of included activities on this trip. All other activities are optional and at your own expense.
For a list of optional activities and sightseeing available on this trip, see the optional activities section below.
If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
Welcome dinner
San Giorgio Bell Tower in Venice
Venice vaporetto
Traghetto across the Grand Canal
Visit to an acetaia in Modena
Cinque Terre hike including villages of Riomaggiore, Manarola, Corniglia, Vernazza and Monterosso
Pisa half-day trip
Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence
Enoteca wine tasting in Spello
Pizza in Naples
Pompeii ruins
Farewell dinner
All optional activities are entirely your choice and are not included in price of this trip. The following is not an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only.
Colosseum and Roman Forum (Rome) - EUR10
Vatican Museums (Rome) - EUR13
St Peter's Dome climb (Rome) - EUR5
Duomo and Campanile climb (Florence) - EUR6 each
Accademia (Florence) - EUR6.5
National Gallery (Perugia) - EUR7
Every traveler is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travelers may drink more than others while other travelers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping, participating in optional activities and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many OUT Adventures destinations. Please note we recommend that any tips are given directly to the intended recipient by a member of your group as our group leaders are prohibited from collecting cash for tips.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:
Restaurants: Local markets and basic restaurants - leave the loose change. More up-market restaurants we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill.
Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest 1-2EURO per person per day for local guides.
Your Group Leader: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline 2EURO per person, per day can be used. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Crossing borders:
While border security in Europe is becoming a thing of the past there are still occasions where there can be delays at the borders therefore you can expect some delays. As a general rule, passport stamps are no longer issued at border crossings.
Early check-in throughout the trip:
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, however this is not always possible which means we will not be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
Alterations to itinerary:
Please note that while we operate successful trips in Europe throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables.
Arrival transfers:
Please note that arrival transfers are not included in this trip.
Booking museums and attractions in advance:
To avoid disappointment we have outlined (where applicable) in the day to day itinerary some important information on some of the major museums and attractions in Europe. Some of our groups have experienced lines of up to 5 hours to visit some of the major sites, while some sights are so popular they are booked out completely months in advance, making it impossible for you or your leader to arrange a visit while you are on the trip. Please note that many museums and attractions in Europe are closed on Mondays or Tuesdays. We recommend you carefully consider which sites and museums you are going to want to visit and that you make your reservations in advance where possible. If applicable we have given you information in this itinerary which outlines which day of the trip is a suitable time to make your reservations, as well as any other information that may help with planning your visit.
Additional accommodation:
If you have purchased pre or post trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Summer temperatures in southern Europe:
In the south of Europe, summer temperatures can reach over 40 degrees Celsius, which means that it can be quite uncomfortable for those not used to extreme heat.
Travelling in Europe:
Europe is a region which may be very different to anything you have experienced before. Expense, crowds, differing cultures can result in initial culture shock but should be seen as an exciting new challenge. During our time here we have come to love this region but we know that we should always expect to encounter some difficulties along the way. In some parts of Europe there are very different attitudes to time keeping and service. Buses and trains will sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental and waiters may not seem as keen to serve you as you may be used to. If you are able to travel with a lot of patience and a sense of humour, then we know that you - like all of us - will be captivated by every part of Europe.
Accommodation:
The style of accommodation described in the day to day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions alternative arrangements may need to be arranged due to availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
Single supplement:
A 'single supplement' is available on this trip however it is on a request basis and cannot be guaranteed at the time of booking. We will attempt to arrange single rooms at our accommodation on this trip and advise if the single supplement is available. Hotels in Europe have a limited number of single rooms. We apologise if this option is not available to you.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group
Hotels (14 nts)
While travelling with us you will experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialties so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule 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. Please check the 'meal inclusions' section of these notes for details of meals included.
Allow EUR €525 for meals not included.
14 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners
Train, vaporetto, local bus, metro, walking
All OUT group trips are accompanied by one of our gay or gay friendly group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. We endeavor to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.
Your leader will provide information on the places you are traveling 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 places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. OUT leaders aim to support local guides who have specialized knowledge of the regions we visit - and who better to hear it from than the locals themselves? If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
If you are happy with the level of service provided by your group leader, we recommend that you reward them with a $2 to $4 USD tip per day.
Hotel Ariel Silva
Cannaregio, 1391/a
Venice
30121
Italy
Phone: +39 041 714773
Unfortunately we are unable to book pre accommodation for nights prior to your trip beginning at this hotel. We recommend you check regular hotel search engines for availability or book directly through the hotel website http://arielsilva.hotelinvenice.com/
If you arrive at the train station: Walk out of the train station Venezia Santa Lucia, turn left and walk straight along the Lista Di Spagna, which runs parallel with the north side of the canal.
Stay on this road for approximately 400m until you come to the bridge
Ponte delle Guglie. Cross the bridge and after another 200m you will find
Calle della Masena on your left. Total walking time about 15 minutes.
If you arrive at Venice Marco Polo airport: the best way to the city
is the ATVO (blue) bus which costs around EUR4 and will take 20 minutes
to Piazzale Roma. From Piazzale Roma you cross the small bridge across the
canal, turn left onto the Fondamenta Papodopoli, and then turn right where
this meets the Grand Canal, now walking along Fondamenta della Crosa.
You will see the big bridge (Ponte degli Scalzi) which crosses the Grand Canal.
Cross over this bridge and you are standing in front of the train station Santa Lucia. Follow instructions as above.
If you arrive at Venice Treviso (Canova) airport: you can also catch an ATVO (blue) bus. Cost is around EUR6 and it takes around 75 minutes to reach Piazzale Roma.
From there follow the instructions as above.
See www.atvo.it/eng/orari_en.php for ATVO timetables.
A 'single supplement' is available on this trip however it is on a request basis and can not be guaranteed at the time of booking. We will attempt to arrange single rooms at our accommodation on this trip and advise if the single supplement is available. Hotels in Europe have a limited number of single rooms. We apologize if this option is not available to you. Please note that there are no single rooms available in Venice therefore a single supplement, if available in all other locations will still not be possible in Venice.
The hotel is situated in the historical heart of Venice close to Santa Lucia railway station and Piazzale Roma (Bus and car terminal) and near the casino. The hotel has been recently renovated, has ten rooms all with private bathroom. All the rooms are furnished in Venetian style with safe deposit box and hair dryer. The hotel offers 24h reception and English speaking staff. http://arielsilva.hotelinvenice.com/
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you!) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your group trip as scheduled, please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) 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 in the Trip Notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
Hotel Castelfidardo
Via Castelfidardo 31
Rome
00185
Italy
Phone: +39064464638
Hotel Castelfidardo is a small, family run hotel that has recently been refurbished. it is only a five minute walk away from Termini train station.
It is close to metro and bus stations to get around the city. The hotel is close to the Trevi fountain and the Spanish Steps, also Piazza della Republica- all within walking distance.
In the case of a genuine crisis or emergency, Intrepid's Melbourne Office can be reached on Tel: +61 3 9473 2650. For further contact details please use the following page: http://www.intrepidtravel.com/ourtrips/contact/.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional USD$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Please note that visas are the responsibility of the individual traveler. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change.
It is important that you check for yourself.
Europe:
Most western visitors do not require visas to visit Europe as a tourist, and are stamped in on arrival for 3 months. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.
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What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you will not be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes) we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg/22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You will also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for daytrips.
The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion end up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Please avoid the purchase of bottled water by refilling from the tap or from drinking water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation.
The following checklist is to be used as a guide only and is not intended to be a complete packing list. Any other items that you wish to pack are at your own discretion however you should attempt to comply with the suggested luggage weight limit.
Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher
Money: travellers cheques/cash/ credit card, money pouch
First Aid kit and personal medication
Alarm clock and torch/flashlight
Ear plugs
Refillable water bottle
Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
Swimming costume and towel
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Comfortable daypack (see above)
Travel sickness tablets (for long bus and ferry journeys- optional),
Waterproof bags for rain protection while walking
Waterproof jacket
Warm clothes particularly if travelling outside of the summer months
Smarter clothes for nights out
Local language phrase book
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.
The most convenient and cheapest way to acquire money is via an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) or Bancomat as they are often referred to. Check with your bank in advance concerning the suitability of your account/card overseas and any international fees that will be applied.
You can obtain local currencies easily at airport's and major train station's, but be sure to bring some extra emergency cash that can be exchanged if the ATMs are not functioning.
When leaving home don't forget your PIN and make sure you know the telephone number for cancelling your card if it is stolen. Keep this in a safe place.
Credit cards are not always accepted in stores and restaurants. While travelling we recommend you carry some cash to pay for restaurant bills and other services. Change can be difficult to obtain so throughout the day, try to gain as many small denominations as you can.
You might be advised to take some of your money as travellers' cheques from a major financial institute. Travellers' cheques have security advantages, however please be aware that the exchange rates may not be favourable and that it is difficult to change Travellers' cheques in most countries. Be particularly aware that after hours money exchanges and hotel receptions carry high commissions- sometimes up to 20%.
The Euro (EUR) is the official currency only in the following of our destinations: Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain. All other destinations still do have their national currencies.
For more information on exchange rates refer to www.oanda.com prior to travel.
For money safety we recommend that you carry your cash and credit cards in a secure money belt or pouch concealed under your clothes.
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend email. Email cafes are generally available throughout the regions we visit, although it is possible you may be without email contact for several days on some itineraries. 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 details. We don't recommend that family and friends try to contact you through hotels, as they are subject to change and the reception staff may not speak English.
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local partner straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case please ask the leader if you may speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip but we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
All OUT Adventures travelers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully in the group travel experience.
If, in the opinion of our group leader, any traveler is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or
the rest of the group, OUT Adventures reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund. We therefore
ask that you read the itinerary in these Trip Notes thoroughly and then realistically self-assess your physical ability to complete
the trip as described. Please consult with your doctor if you have any doubts.
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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.
Please refer to our website's Safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues
affecting our trips: www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport,
air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewelry at home - you won't need it while travelling.
Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables.
A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities however
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 the available options in a given location, please note that any optional
activities you undertake are not part of your OUT Adventures itinerary, and OUT Adventures makes no representations
about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgment when
selecting an activity in your free time. Please also 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. For more details on the type of conditions
and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to OUT Adventures' operational safety policy at
www.out-adventures.com/safety.
We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any
feedback on how well it is being implemented in the field.
Please be aware that while travelling in Europe there is the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on the metro and other public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
There are some common scams operating in Europe as well. Please ensure that you always travel with a validated ticket on transport systems (this often means stamping your ticket) and that if you are encouraged to enter the metro system without a ticket be warned that this is a ploy to get you fined. Another common scam is used by children who distract you with a map or a newspaper and while you are attending to them, your valuables are stolen.
Be aware, walk in pairs, stay in well-lit places after dark and keep your valuables safe at all times.
On an OUT trip you will be travelling with other gay or gay-friendly passengers. We encourage open minded friends and family to join our trips. 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 travelers will probably come from all corners of the world and likely a range of age groups too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travelers 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.
Please note that due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travelers booked on your trip prior to departure.
With the exception of our Comfort and In Style trips, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same sex for the duration of the trip, in accommodation ranging from twin to multi-share. Please note some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis - where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On our Comfort & In Style trips you have the choice of sharing or paying a single supplement. Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour. Pre- and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
We believe strongly in low impact, or rather, positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimize the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please refer to our website at www.out-adventures.com/responsibletravel for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveler.
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our 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 OUT Adventures travelers. OUT Adventures' philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make our destinations such special places. 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 if they use prostitutes.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 4 weeks of finishing your trip. Go to: www.out-adventures.com/feedback
Thanks
Do you want to see your travel photos published? To celebrate all that is travel photography,
OUT Adventures holds an annual photography competition. For more information, prize details, entry form and competition conditions,
please visit www.out-adventures.com/photocomp.
Send entries to The Editor,
OUT Adventures,
PO Box 98026, 970 Queen St E
Toronto, ON
Canada, M4M 3L9
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