Danube Explorer Cruise with Oktoberfest

For your reference, we send to you a detailed itinerary approximately 3-4 weeks prior to the scheduled tour departure. This has day-by-day times and events, hotel information where you can be reached in case of an emergency, and airline information.

The times listed on the itinerary are all approximate. We cannot be held responsible for schedule changes due to unforeseen circumstances with the weather, transportation agents, highway conditions, hotels or contracting agents.

You will be issued your boarding pass the morning of our departure, after your arrival at the Tucson International Airport. If you have a frequent flyer number, or a TSA number, please call our office at least 3 days prior to the tour to ensure we can note these in your reservation. If you are joining the tour from locations other than Tucson, we make other arrangements for you to join the tour. Please call our office for more details.

Do not forget to bring your government issued picture ID to show at the airport. A passport is required for travel to Europe. If you do not have the proper ID, the airline will turn you away.

We have arranged for handling for one piece of luggage per person regarding the skycaps (where available) and hotels. If you check through luggage note that the maximum weight for the checked piece of luggage is 50 pounds and maximum size is 62 inches (length + width + height). If your bag weighs over 50 pounds the airlines will levy an extra fee that you will be responsible to pay. If you feel the need to lock your checked through luggage and your bag is searched, your lock could be damaged in the process. You can purchase a TSA (Transportation Security Administration) accepted and recognized lock at any luggage store. Make sure you ask for a TSA approved lock. These locks are the kind that TSA screeners can open by using a special tool without breaking. Passengers can carry-on 1 bag (dimensions are limited to 10x16x24 inches), plus a personal type bag, like a purse. We advise that you pack your carry-on lightly. There are restrictions regarding your carryon baggage and contents due to enhanced security measures. If you have further concerns, please visit the TSA's Web-site at www.tsa.gov. There is room inside the motorcoach for your hand carried bag.

On our preferred airline for this tour, passengers are assessed a fee per checked in bag, by the Airlines, upon checking in for the flight.

It is always a good idea to carry on your person a list of medications that you are taking and an emergency contact phone number while you are traveling. And we suggest making a copy of the itinerary and provide it to a friend or family member.

The traditional end-of-tour gratuity is included on this tour. All hotel porterage and airport skycap (when available) fees are included. We also include the gratuities for the coach/livery drivers. Hotel housekeeping tips are not included. Tips for guides/services on optional excursions or individual on-ship services are not included.

For your convenience, we have a (round-tour) door-to-door pickup service with each multi-day tour. (This service is not available to all clients depending on your location.) Approximately 2 to 3 days prior to the departure date you will receive a call from our office and we will tell you your assigned pickup time. (These times can vary up to 15 minutes depending on traffic.)

If you would like to request special accommodations at the hotel(s) where we are lodging, please call us as soon as possible and we will forward these requests for you. The phone numbers of the hotel(s) where we are staying are listed on the itinerary.

Many hotels around the country have instituted a "reconditioning fee" of $300 or more that is levied upon a guest that smokes in a non-smoking room. If this occurs during our tour you will be responsible for paying this fee to the hotel prior to check-out.

We pay close attention to your requests but please realize that these are merely requests and cannot be guaranteed.

Pleasurebent Tours acts solely as an agent in arranging hotels, transportation, sightseeing, baggage-handling, and other services and does not assume any liability for injury, damage, loss or delay due to any act or default of any company or person. We, along with our subcontractors, reserve the right to make changes to an itinerary if it is necessary for the proper handling of a tour.

The weather in early October can vary significantly across the countries mentioned (Germany, Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary), as they all experience a transition from late summer to autumn during this period. Here's a general overview of the early October weather in these regions:

Germany
In early October, Germany typically experiences cool to mild temperatures, with averages ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). It's a period of transition, so weather can be quite variable, with sunny days but also an increased chance of rain and cooler evenings.

Czech Republic
The Czech Republic sees similar autumnal conditions with temperatures averaging between 8°C and 14°C (46°F to 57°F). The weather is generally cool, and there can be a mix of sunny and overcast days, with a possibility of rain.

Austria
Austria's weather in early October is also characterized by cool to mild temperatures, especially in the lowlands and cities like Vienna, where temperatures range from 8°C to 15°C (46°F to 59°F). In the Alpine regions, it can be significantly cooler, and higher altitudes may even see the first snowfall of the season.

Slovakia
Slovakia experiences autumn weather similar to the Czech Republic, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C (46°F to 57°F). The weather can be quite pleasant with sunny days, but cooler temperatures and rain are also possible, especially in mountainous areas.

Hungary
Hungary, particularly in the low-lying areas like Budapest, tends to have slightly milder conditions compared to its more northerly neighbors, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C to 18°C (50°F to 64°F). Early October can still offer relatively warm and sunny days, but the evenings are cooler, and there's an increasing chance of rain as the month progresses.

For all these countries, early October is a time of changing foliage, with leaves turning vibrant shades of yellow, orange, and red, especially in forested and mountainous areas, making it a beautiful time for outdoor activities, albeit with the need for layered clothing to adapt to variable temperatures and weather conditions.