Travel Documents:

• Passport: Your passport must be valid for 6 months after the tour return date.
• Visa: No visa is required for this trip if you are a U.S. Citizen. For citizens of other counties please check with the consulate in your area to verify the Visa entry requirements.
• Travel Insurance: While Travel Insurance is not required, we strongly encourage all travelers to obtain coverage before departure. Check out cost-effective Travel Protection, designed to meet the needs of EF travelers here.

Tour Preparation:

• Talk with your doctor: It is highly recommended that you talk with your doctor about your travel plans. If you are taking any medications, be certain to bring enough to last throughout your trip.

• Travelling with allergies? Let your Trip Consultant and Tour Director kno w of any dietary restrictions/allergies and we will do what we can to accommodate for any included meals.

• Get an international data plan: We recommend getting an international data plan for your mobile device so you can stay connected while on the road. Free Wi-Fi may be available, but it won’t be everywhere nor as strong as we are used to. Please talk with your phone provider for your best options.

• Get the EF Ultimate Break app: Your trip's group will be able to connect on the app before you meet IRL. Don't miss out! Meet other travelers, get updates from your Tour Director, see flights and accommodations, and more. If you're having trouble, give us a call at 617-619-1411.

• Complete you pre-tour checklist: this can be found in your account.

Staying Healthy while Traveling

There’s a difference between maximizing your time and spreading yourself too thin. Here are some tips to stay healthy and happy on tour:

• Sleep: Make sure you get the rest your body needs. If that means missing a night out for some well-earned rest, or having a little afternoon siesta, so be it. This is a marathon, not a sprint.
• Stay hydrated: It’s important to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially on days with physically demanding hikes!
• Be Prepared: We recommend bringing a small first aid kit including antacids, anti-diarrhea medication, motion sickness medication, and any prescription medications in your carry-on bag.
• Take time for yourself: Group travel is an amazing experience, and there’s nothing quite like exploring a foreign country with a group of like-minded people. That said, it’s okay to take time for yourself to relax and reflect on your experience. Here are a few mindfulness apps you can take with you on the road:
  • Insight Timer: Meditation apps are very in right now. This one is especially amazing because there are 80,000 free daily meditations to help with sleep, anxiety, and stress.
  • What’s Up: If you’re feeling anxious, depressed, or stressed, What’s Up can help you manage these feelings with interactive games, forums, and a thought tracking diary.
  • Talkspace: No need to make appointments or commute to a therapist’s office. Talkspace gives you 24/7 access to real, licensed therapists. You can talk, text, or video chat with them right from your phone.

Safety while Abroad

With a global presence of more than 46,000 people in over 115 countries and regions, we’re fully committed to your safety. From your first flight all the way through to your farewell dinner, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Tour Director or your Trip Consultant if you need a helping hand. Keep these extra tips in mind so you can #travelsmart:

• Keep your bag/purse in front of you and your phone zipped inside when you’re not using it. Leave your laptop at home, store valuables at the hotel in locked luggage or the safe deposit box. Refrain from carrying large sums of money or wearing valuable jewelry.
• Use the buddy system. Stay in groups and watch out for each other, especially at night—no one gets left behind!
• Be smart about alcohol consumption. Watch your drinks and don’t accept drinks from people you don’t know. Don’t leave the bar alone with someone you just met.
• Before you go out, grab a business card at your hotel so that you always have the address handy for getting back later.
• At the end of a night out, use trusted transportation like a licensed taxi and always have cash on hand.
• Save our 24/7 number in your phone: +1–617–619–1411.

For weight and size restrictions please refer to your airline’s website. Flight information will be available 30 days prior to departure in your online account. Below you'll find some critical packing information and suggestions.

• The most important piece of advice we can give you: Pack light! Your international airline ticket does include a checked bag, but years of customer feedback tells us a carry-on is the way to go. You may need to carry your suitcase where buses and elevators cannot, so make sure you are comfortable carrying everything you bring yourself.
  • You've probably heard the hacks about rolling clothes and using packing cubes a million times, but there's a reason for that! It really does help.
  • If you choose to pack all of your toiletries, don't bring your regular-sized bottles from home. Offload some of that into travel-sized containers.
  • Choose your luggage wisely. We recommend a roller carry-on bag and a backpack as your personal item.
  • Choose shoes carefully as well. They're some of the bulkiest items you can pack, so we recommend a good pair of walking shoes and a pair of climate-appropriate shoes (boots or sandals depending on the destination and time of year). We also recommend a pair of closed-toe water shoes if your itinerary has any water activities.
  • Make a packing list of must-haves and stick to it. If you have a little extra space in your bags once all your must-haves are packed, then consider adding in a few nice extras.
• Unfortunately, luggage can get lost. It’s a painful situation no matter what, but here are tips to ease some of the hassle:
  • DO NOT put important medications in a checked bag. If your luggage is lost, this could become a dangerous issue.
  • Even if you put most of your clothes in a checked bag, put a couple outfits in your carry-on along with your toiletries.
  • If you are forced to check you carry-on at the gate, be sure to remove essentials and valuables before handing it over.
• Carefully review TSA restrictions when packing. There are a number of items not allowed in your carry-on and liquids have certain restrictions.
• Check out the local weather; we haven't figured out how to control the weather yet so best to be prepared and plan accordingly.
• Don't forget: Outlets overseas can differ from the US, so be sure to pack the right power adapters/converters!

This is a physically demanding tour.

You should feel comfortable hiking uphill and across rugged terrain continuously for at least 3 hours, otherwise you risk missing out on hikes, not enjoying the tour as much as you’d like, and possibly your own safety. You can opt out of any hiking day, but we recommend making the most of each hiking opportunity! Also, though you can opt out of the hike for the day, it's very difficult to do so after it has already begun.

If you aren't an experienced hiker, it's critical to start training for this tour in advance.

Depending on local weather conditions, seasons and trail closures, the routes, trails and/or sequence of your included hikes may change.

• Lavaux Vineyard Hike: 6.5-7 miles / 710 feet ascent. Starting in Chexbres, you’ll make your way uphill and downhill through narrow alleys, winegrowers’ homes, cellars, and trails towards the lake in Lultry where you’ll end with more wine and treats. After your hike, you may have the chance to swim in Lake Geneva.
• Montreux: 5 miles / 2,910 feet descent. You'll begin the day with a cogwheel train ride to Rochers de Naye, where you'll have time to enjoy the summit and alpine garden before hiking down to Haut de Caux along the beautiful Dental ridge.
• Black Lake & Hornlihutt: 6 miles / 2,320 feet ascent & descent. A steep, consistent hike that starts with a train from Taesch to Zermatt, then gondola to Black Lake. Here, you’ll see the chapel of Maria zum Schnee, a popular chapel visited by Matterhorn climbers. From the chapel, you’ll continue to the Hornlihutt, one of Matterhorn’s famed basecamps. On the ascent, prepare for views of even more 4,000-meter peaks in the valley.
• Gran Paradiso (Aosta Valley): 7-7.5 miles / 2,330 feet ascent & descent. A difficult hike over ascending (and equally descending) and challenging terrain, this hike will be sure to test your limits, but reward you with incredible views and feeling of accomplishment!
• Aiguilles Rouges: 5.5-6 miles / 1,955 feet descent. After another gondola ride, you'll hike along the south balcony of the Chamonix valley, navigating uneven terrain up and down significant elevation gains and losses.
• L’Aiguille du Midi: 4-4.5 miles / 1,305 feet descent. Once you reach Aiguille du Midi by gondola you'll spend some time at the top before taking one last gondola to the middle station where you'll begin your final hike. You'll descend to the Mer de Glace glacier and end the day with a train back towards Chamonix.

You’ll typically stop for lunch during your hikes. Hiking protocol is that everyone in the group waits until the last person arrives at the lunch stop before eating. Think of it like waiting for your family members to all sit down at the dinner table before starting to eat!

Flight Preparation
Check your online account 30 days prior to departure for your flight itinerary and confirmation number. Using your 6-digit reservation code, you can reserve your seat (this is typically available 30 days to 24 hours before departure) and check in to your flight 24 hours prior to departure. If you prefer to check in at the airport, that’s okay, too. Regardless, plan to arrive 2.5 – 3 hours before departure.

All flight information is online (e-ticket) via your account and the airline’s website. You will not receive a physical paper ticket from us.

• If your flight is cancelled or delayed: Don’t worry! We design the first day of tour as an arrival day in case of flight delays or cancellations. Work with the airline to get rebooked on the next available flight, then let your Tour Director know your new arrival time.
• If you sleep in and miss your flight: You should still talk to the airline and see if they can get you on the next available option. Tears may help in this case.

Arriving in Switzerland
Welcome to Switzerland! Once you land, grab your luggage and pass through customs and immigration.

Your Tour Director will communicate through the EF Ultimate Break app, WhatsApp, or email about where to meet them at the airport. This is an important reason to make sure you have the EF Ultimate Break app!

If you have booked your own flight arrangements or have extended your travels before the tour dates, you will need to make your own way to the first hotel. Accommodation details will be available in your online account 30 days prior to departure.

Getting from A to B
Since teleportation hasn’t been invented yet, it takes time to get to each destination. All transfers between cities and islands are via private motor coach can take anywhere between 2-6 hours.

It’s a good idea to download a few movies or shows to watch sans Wi-Fi/ Cellular Data, bring a great book with you to read, or listen to music to pass the time.

While it may feel awkward at first, attempting the local language goes a long way when navigating a city and interacting with people. Practice these basic phrases in Italian, Swiss German, and French to get started:

• Hello = Ciao / Grüezi / Bonjour
• Goodbye = Ciao / Tschüss / Aurevoir
• Thank You = Grazie / Merci / Merci
• Yes = Sì / Ja / Oui
• No = No / Nein / Non
• Where is ___? = Dove si trova…? / Wo ist…? / Où est…?
• Cheers! = Saluti! / Prost! / à ta santé!

Read on for more tips to help you feel like a true local!

• Italians greet everyone with two kisses—one on each cheek
• When you cheers or toast, make eye contact—it brings good luck!
• Unlike the Swiss, Italians tend to be fashionably late
• Swiss people are more reserved; the less small talk, the better
• Public intoxication is frowned upon
• No jaywalking allowed, especially in Switzerland
• As majestic as they are, avoid approaching the swans in Switzerland
• Switzerland has an early bedtime, so make the most of your day
• Public restrooms in Europe sometimes require a small fee – hold on to your coins!
• Unlike the U.S., everything (hotels, meals, appliances) is smaller. After all, less is more
• Water is an added cost at restaurants, and you have to choose between still or sparkling
• People in France tend to speak at a low volume. Out of respect for the culture, be aware of your volume when in public.
• Feel free to seat yourself in restaurants and don’t be afraid to flag your waiter or waitress over for help
• French people are more reserved, so don’t be offended if someone doesn’t strike up conversation right away

You’ll sample a variety of local dishes on your trip, but read on for tips, tricks, and delicacies you just must try.

Italy

• For breakfast, try a sweet pastry and cappuccino instead of the savory continental breakfast you’re used to!
• Iced coffee begone, espresso is your new friend. You’ll never find a bad espresso in Italy, but order and pay for your espresso at the bar to avoid paying more than the usual 1-2€.
• Before dinner, try aperitivo—a light meal between lunch and dinner with snacks and wine, or a refreshing spritz like aperol or campari
• In Italy, dinner doesn’t often begin until after 8 or 9pm. More reason to enjoy aperitivo!
• Try an after-dinner digestive liquor like limoncello, sambuca, amari, or apertivi.

Switzerland

• Save your Swiss Francs for a block of frischschokolade—fresh chocolate, a praline, or a truffle for a chocolate foodie experience
• The Swiss recommend Gruyere, Appenzeller, Emmentaler; world-renowned cheese from all different regions of Switzerland
• Like Italy, the Swiss start their day with light pastries or cereal, followed by a mid-morning snack of bread or fruit
• Dinner, or Znacht, starts around 6-7pm and can consist of colder foods like cheese, meats, honey and jam

France:

• Baguettes: Now is your chance to walk around the streets of Paris with a baguette in hand. YOLO.
• Steak Frites: Grilled steak with various sauces and fries will hit the spot. Guaranteed!
• Crepes, Macarons, Chocolat, oh my!: Try a street stand crepe as an afternoon snack, a fun-flavored macaron, or any form of chocolate you can find. It’s all delicious!
• Champagne: It’s originated in France, after all…
• Escargot: A.k.a., snails doused in butter and garlic. When in Paris, right?

Free Time
As you prepare to spend time in a new culture, star to think about how you can make the most of your time, and live like a true Irish lad or lass! If you did not purchase an EF Ultimate Break optional excursion and like to plan something else during your free time, connect with your Tour Director before doing so; they sometimes arrange extra activities for the group during free time.

• If you did not purchase one of the optional excursions before the trip, log into your Online Account and you can purchase there, or, talk to your Tour Director on tour and they can enroll you.
• Note that prices for these optional excursions will increase on tour.