Money

This program includes accommodations, transportation, group meals as noted on our website (including soft drinks and local beer or wine at group lunches and dinners), entrance fees, and gratuities for all group activities to guides, waiters, porters. You should need money only for personal expenses, meals on your own, beverages not provided at group meals and for individual purchases.

A few things to note about money while on this trip:

• • You will need to pay for everything in local currency using cash or credit cards.

  • Use fresh, new-style bills, as overly worn or outdated bills are often not accepted.

  • ATMs are readily available in all cities. You may have to split off from the group on excursions in order to seek out an ATM.

  • Major credit cards (VISA, MasterCard and American Express) are accepted in virtually all hotels, most restaurants and large shops.

The currency in Switzerland is the Swiss Franc and the currency in France and Italy is the Euro.  You can find up-to-date information and current exchange rates online, for example at Oanda. 

Gratuity Guidelines

• Restaurant meals that are not part of our program: It is not customary to tip wait staff in but all gratuities are appreciated.