St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Secondary School - - Berlin, Krakow, Prague, Salzburg & Munich: May 9-18, 2024

Stretching from the Alps to the Baltic and North Seas, Germany makes for inspiring, fascinating and invigorating travel. Spend one day exploring half-timbered medieval towns and spectacular baroque palaces in Bavaria, and the next immersing yourself in fast-paced cosmopolitan cities. Metropolises such as Berlin provide a world of variety, with renowned historic attractions Brandenburg Gate and the Berlin wall right next to the top techno clubs on earth. Art and design explode in continual evolution, with Weimar providing the mecca for fans of Goethe, Schiller, and the Bauhaus Movement, and forward-thinking galleries dotted all over the country. Nature lovers have a paradise to explore, including pristine Alpine pistes, huge glimmering lakes, and thousands of miles of dense forest dotted with curative thermal springs. Culinary enthusiasts will delight in Germany's world-famous beer, sausage, and 'stollen'.

Currency 

Local currency: Euro 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Lufthansa, Eurowings 
International Airports: Frankfurt Airport, Munich Airport 
Domestic Airports: Berlin Tegel Airport, Hamburg Airport, Düsseldorf Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

German cuisine is diverse and hearty, known for dishes like bratwurst, schnitzel, sauerkraut, and pretzels. Beer is a significant part of German culture, with a wide variety of styles brewed across the country. Notable local drinks include beer (especially wheat beer), Riesling wine, and schnapps. 
Tipping: 5-10% 

Annual rainfall: 700 - 1100 mm 
Average temperature: 9.6°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 20-25°C 
Average lows: 10-15°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 0-5°C 
Average lows: -5 to 0°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Germany is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and outdoor activities are plentiful. Christmas markets in December also offer a festive atmosphere. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Situated on the Baltic Sea, Poland is a living history museum showcasing a captivating past. This charming Eastern European country is renowned for its spectacular medieval architecture, cultural heritage and turbulent yet triumphant history. First and Second World War enthusiasts can explore the various Holocaust memorials, monuments, museums, and restored synagogues commemorating Poland’s remarkable survival. The country’s remote and unspoilt landscape features lush woodlands, broad rivers, glistening lakes and rolling hills. A visit to Poland will no doubt include the trendy medieval city of Krakow as well as the bustling city of Warsaw. Visitors can look forward to many activities including: hiking through scenic mountain terrain in the south of the country, sampling regional culinary specialities, discovering rural villages and wooden churches tucked away in the Carpathian hills and exploring the many ancient castles dotting the hills of Poland.

Currency 

Local currency: Polish Zloty 
Symbol: zł 
ISO code: PLN 
Subunit: Grosz 
Banknotes: zł10, zł20, zł50, zł100, zł200 
Coins: Grosz, zł1, zł2, zł5 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: LOT Polish Airlines 
International Airports: Warsaw Chopin Airport, Kraków John Paul II International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport, Wrocław Copernicus Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: Yes 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Polish cuisine is hearty and diverse, featuring dishes like pierogi (dumplings), bigos (hunter's stew), and żurek (sour rye soup). Traditional Polish meals often include meat, potatoes, and cabbage. Notable local drinks include Żubrówka (bison grass vodka), Polish beer, and kompot (fruit compote). 
Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: 9°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 24°C 
Average lows: 12°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 0°C 
Average lows: -6°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Poland is from May to September when the weather is mild and conducive to outdoor activities. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type E 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

During its brief 22 year history, Czechia has managed to become the darling of the European tourism industry. Visitors flock here year-round to explore the country's diverse landscape of magnificent mountains, glorious forested uplands, unique rock formations, and astonishing cave systems. However, many of this small landlocked republic’s greatest assets are man-made - its historic bounty includes an enviable assortment of cobbled-stoned medieval towns strewn with Baroque monasteries, Bohemian castles, and formidable fortresses. Throw in a phenomenal capital city brimming with quaint old breweries, bustling markets, scenic national parks, and lively jazz clubs and it is easy to see why Czechia is fast becoming Europe’s most popular tourist destination.

Currency 

Local currency: Czech Koruna 
Symbol: Kč 
ISO code: CZK 
Subunit: Haléř 
Banknotes: Kč100, Kč200, Kč500, Kč1000, Kč2000, Kč5000 
Coins: Haléř, Kč1, Kč2, Kč5, Kč10, Kč20, Kč50 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: Yes 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Czech Airlines 
International Airports: Václav Havel Airport Prague 
Domestic Airports: Brno-Tuřany Airport, Ostrava Leos Janáček Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: Yes 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: Yes 

Water: 

Ferries: No 
Water taxis: No 
Leisure cruises: No 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Czech cuisine is hearty and flavorful, with dishes like goulash, roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, and svíčková (marinated beef with cream sauce). Traditional snacks include trdelník (sweet pastry) and klobása (sausage). Notable local drinks include Czech beer (Pilsner, Budweiser), Becherovka (herbal liqueur), and Slivovice (plum brandy). 
Tipping: 10-15% 

Annual rainfall: 500 - 900 mm 
Average temperature: 9°C 

Summer: 

Average highs: 24°C 
Average lows: 12°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 0°C 
Average lows: -5°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Czechia is during the spring (April to June) and fall (September to October) when the weather is mild and there are fewer tourists. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type E 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances. 

Set in central Europe, Austria conjures up images of the picturesque Central Eastern Alps dotted with glamourous Alpine ski resorts surrounded by pristine pistes and aquamarine lakes. However, the country’s breathtaking nature only tells a small part of the story. With residents like Mozart, Freud, and other legendary figures playing an important role in developing the world we know today, the country is also blessed with a rich heritage. From the quaint, cobbled streets of timeless Innsbruck with its famous Golden Roof, to the enthralling Vienna Staatsoper, one of the most famous opera and ballet venues in the world, the historical choices are as diverse as they are seductive. The longstanding 'Kaffeehaus kultur' and the country’s delectable strudels, schnitzels and beer are enough reason to visit, alone. Chic, world-class cities are packed with spectacular modern and contemporary art galleries and a multitude of entertainment opportunities.

Currency 

Local currency: Euro 
Symbol: € 
ISO code: EUR 
Subunit: Cent 
Banknotes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500 
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2 

Banking 

Card Transactions: Yes 
ATMs: Yes 
Mastercard: Yes 
Visa: Yes 
American Express: Yes 
Diner’s club: Yes 

Banking Hours: 
Weekdays: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM 
Weekends: Closed 
Public Holidays: No 
Foreign exchange services: Yes 

Air: 

Main airlines: Austrian Airlines 
International Airports: Vienna International Airport 
Domestic Airports: Salzburg Airport, Innsbruck Airport, Graz Airport 

Road: 

Driving on the: Right 
Tar roads: Yes 
Gravel roads: No 
Valid International Driver's License needed: No 
Car hire available: Yes 
Taxis: Yes 
E-hailing services: Yes 

Bus: 

Inter-city bus services: Yes 
Local city bus networks: Yes 

Rail: 

Railway system: Yes 
Subway System: No 

Water: 

Ferries: Yes 
Water taxis: Yes 
Leisure cruises: Yes 

Food and water safety: 

Can you drink the tap water: Yes 
Fresh fruit and veg: Yes 
Ice: Yes 
Meat: Yes 
Street food: Yes 

Local cuisine: 

Austrian cuisine is diverse and hearty, influenced by its neighboring countries. It includes dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel (breaded veal cutlet), Apfelstrudel (apple strudel), and Sachertorte (chocolate cake). Notable local drinks include Austrian wine, particularly Grüner Veltliner and Riesling, and Stiegl beer. 
Tipping: Around 5-10% 

Annual rainfall: Varies by region 
Average temperature: Varies by season 

Summer: 

Average highs: 25°C 
Average lows: 15°C 

Winter: 

Average highs: 0°C 
Average lows: -5°C 

Best time to visit: 

The best time to visit Austria is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and ideal for outdoor activities. Winter is also popular for skiing and enjoying Christmas markets. 

Spring and Summer 

Cool, light, breathable and comfortable: Yes 
Lightweight warm clothes: No 

Winter and Autumn 

Jerseys, cardigans, sweaters, jackets: Recommended 
Heavyweight clothing and boots: Yes 

General 

Umbrella and raincoat: Yes 
Warm gloves, hat and scarf: Yes 
Swimming costume (bathing suit): Yes 
Hat, sunglasses and sunblock: Yes 
Walking shoes: Yes 
Casual: Yes 
Smart-casual attire: Yes 

Plug Type: Type C, Type F 
Voltage (V): 230V 
Frequency Hertz (Hz): 50Hz 

*Travel plug adapter and voltage converter might be necessary depending on your appliances.