Holiday Essentials – Europe

Your Holiday Essentials

If you’ve booked a holiday with us, or you are trying to decide where in the world to visit next, we’ve put together some essential information to help you before you travel, tips to help your journey run smoothly and some notes, so you know what to expect from your holiday. Our experienced team of experts have put together all the practical information you need to make your holiday as relaxing and enjoyable as possible. If you have any further questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch and we’ll be happy to help.

Essential Information for customers travelling within Europe Before you go

Passports & Visas

You will need a full 10-Year British Passport with at least six months validity outstanding and have been issued less than 9 years and 6-months ago on the day of departing for your holiday. This applies to all European holidays including air or sea travel. This is for all travel to the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein. Towards the end of 2022, it is likely that non EU citizens will be required to apply online for an authorisation to visit most European countries. The current details suggest there will be a charge of €7 per person and the authorisation will be valid for all trips made to the EU in a three year period from issue. We will advise you of confirmed details prior to your tour’s departure. This excludes Ireland where current conditions apply and your passport is valid for its full term. Children require their own passport. The Passport Office may be contacted on 0300 222 0000. British Citizens do not require visas to enter Europe (except the countries listed below). Citizens of other countries should contact the embassy of the country they are travelling to for clarification. Newmarket cannot accept responsibility for entry or travel being refused due to the failure on the part of any customer to produce correct documentation. Russia

A visa is required for entry into Russia and you must appear in person at the Russian Embassy in either Edinburgh, Manchester or London as part of the process. The cost is approximately £110 if obtained directly and more information can be found online at: https://russia-visacentre.com Turkey

British Citizens require a visa for entry into Turkey. You must obtain an e-Visa online prior to travel. The cost is $20 – please visit www.evisa.gov.tr to apply for an e-Visa (this can be done up to 3 months in advance). Please note you can no longer obtain a visa upon arrival - you must apply for an e-Visa before you travel. For further details please visit www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/ turkey/entry-requirements

Health & holiday insurance

Following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union the current European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) remains valid although when this expires you will need to apply for a UK Global Heath Insurance Card (GHIC) which lets you get urgent state healthcare in Europe at a reduced cost or sometimes for free. Note both EHIC and GHIC are only valid in EU countries and not in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. If you have any concerns, or if you have suffered from a serious medical condition recently, it is suggested that you consult your GP about your fitness to travel about 12 weeks prior to your holiday departure date. We strive to give all our customers full care and attention, but we do need to know at the time of booking if there are any special needs or requirements. It is particularly important that we are advised of any disabilities and also if you intend to bring any specialist equipment such as a wheelchair with you.

Health matters

When travelling to Georgia, Israel, Jordan, Russia and Turkey, consult your doctor who will advise you on appropriate precautions and any recommended vaccinations. It is suggested that you consult your GP about 12 weeks prior to travel. Sensible prevention measures, such as high-factor sun protection, insect-repellent sprays and drinking bottled mineral water are also advised.

Money matters

Credit cards and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, but don’t forget to inform your bank if you intend to use ‘cash-point’ machines while away. Take some cash for use on arrival – we normally find the best rates are available at the Post Office, supermarkets and online. We also recommend a Pre-paid Money Travel Card - a cheap and safe way to spend money abroad.

Your journey Your holiday

Your flight & airline Service with a smile

UK & Irish Holidays

Your airline requires valid photo identification which must be either a valid passport or a valid European Economic Area (EEA) driving licence with photo presented by an EEA national. Children under 16 require their own passport unless they are included on the passport of the parent with whom they are travelling. Flights with Ryanair

Please note that some of the holidays offered in this brochure use the services of Ryanair, who only accept a valid UK passport as ID for use when checking in. They will not accept a driving licence as ID on any of their flights, including UK domestic flights. For more information please visit www.ryanair.com Newmarket cannot be held responsible if you fail to meet the airline’s ID requirements. You will be notified of your airline at the time of booking.

Flight & Rail Seats

We always endeavour to book seats located together on flights and rail journeys but this cannot be guaranteed.

Luggage

You are permitted to check into the aircraft hold one suitcase per person. Weight and dimension limits will apply, and vary between airlines. We will send you up to date information about your hold and hand baggage allowance just prior to your departure. Keep your passport, important documents and medication in your hand luggage. Our friendly, experienced tour managers are on hand to ensure you make the very most of your time away. They will meet you in the arrivals area of the airport and show you to your transport. They will usually accompany you to your hotel. All our tour managers have a passion for the country you are visiting and will have good knowledge of the local language and be able to assist with any questions you may have.

Hotels

We’re proud of the hotels used throughout our tours, all of which are carefully selected. You will find a description on each holiday page. All our hotels will either have their own restaurant or be near to a choice of places to eat out. If you are travelling on one of our resort-based holidays, our hotels are handpicked to offer you a choice of budget and taste – whether you prefer to be in the heart of the action or enjoy some ‘R & R’ in a quieter part of town. On occasions, for operational reasons we have to use alternative properties, which will always be of at least the same standard and in similar locations.

Please let us know of any special requests, such as adjoining rooms, high or low floor, at the time of booking; we’ll do our best to oblige but no guarantee can be made. Note too that some facilities advertised at the hotels may not be available at certain times. Outdoor swimming pools and air-conditioning are subject to weather conditions and it will be the decision of each individual hotelier as to when these facilities are available.

Meals

Unless otherwise stated, breakfast is provided on all our European escorted tours. Usually this is a continental buffet-style breakfast to get you ready to start a busy day of touring and exploration. On tours where other meals are not included, you can always rely on your tour manager to point you in the direction of a suitable restaurant. If you are on an included or optional excursion over lunch time, we will always try to make an appropriate stop.

Tipping

A gratuity is an accepted form of appreciation and works differently from country to country. At the end of the day, do use your own discretion to tip for good service and do rely on the tour manager for advice. It’s also customary to tip your tour manager if you’re happy with their service!

Smoking

As is the case at home, smoking in public spaces is pretty much outlawed across Europe. Regular stops will be made for your comfort en route. The vast majority of hotels now have no or very few smoking rooms. In general, smoking outside is acceptable.