Czech Road Trip Information Thread & Countdown

[Makefish]

YOU WILL NOT BE RECIEVING DRIVERS PACKS THIS YEAR - All information regarding this trip can be found in posts 1, 2 & 3 of this thread. Please copy and print off all information you need from these posts.

Arrival for ferry departure: 12:30am Wednesday 12th September
You will need to be at Dover ferry terminal by 12:30am. Go straight to Norfolk Line check in desk (I am hoping to have a line queue just for us so it may be worth mentioning that you are with the Skoda car club) The ferry leaves at 2:00am from Dover and arrives in Dunkerque at 5:00am local time. I'm hoping that we put at least 2 hours driving time in before our first scheduled stop for breakfast.

We are meeting up with two of our travellers from Belgium & Holland and will be picking up with them around 10am (details of this scheduled meeting point shown below)

We will do our best to keep together but there is every chance that the group will fragment due to traffic so if you have a pair of walkie talkies it's worth taking them and sharing with someone that you stick to like glue (I would like everyone to have contact with AT LEAST one other car)

There will be other regular stops and a further compulsory one at the Czech border to allow us to regroup and travel to Prague together (hopefully).

Journey driving time will take approximately 10-12 hours depending on stops, general traffic and whether we get lost or not .

Approximate Route Plan: Dunkerque to Prague
Driving in the Czech Republic: AA Touring Guide
Continental Driving Requirements: AA Compulsory Equipment Guide


We have a confirmed reservation for 40 people in the hotel along with secure reserved parking spaces for 20 cars (car parking will cost an extra 8.6 EUR per day day).

The return ferry is Monday 17th September at 8:01pm arriving in Dover at 9:00pm local time.

[Makefish]

GENERAL TRIP INFORMATION

Before & During the Drive
You are advised to take out adequate cover for both insurance and roadside assistance for European travel. If you do not have this cover and need assistance do NOT expect the group to wait for you as we have a tight schedule to meet.
We will try to keep together where possible but it will be inevitable that our group will get fragmented during our travels. There will be two compulsory stops, one as we enter Germany (this will be a regrouping point and also to pick up our Dutch & Belgian travelers). The second will be at the Czech border, again to regroup.
Keep in regular contact with cars around you. If you think there is something wrong with your vehicle or need to stop for an emergency please phone the lead car to let them know you are stopping. If you have Two Way Radios (Walkie Talkies) bring them along, they proved invaluable last year.
We will be taking regular breaks during the trip (at least one every two hours) but when we do please make sure you are topped up with fuel and can make it to the next stop, you will not be popular if we have to pull in to the next service area!. Would you also please make sure you have adequate fuel for BEFORE we board the ferry as once we dock in Dunkerque I do not anticipate stopping until breakfast at around 7:30am.
We are running a tight schedule and therefore times are important. If a time is mentioned for departure from a service area please be ready to go at the specified time, if you are not there we will go without you!.

Useful GPS Coordinates
First Compulsory Stop near Aachen
Latitude: 50°49'24.29"N Longitude: 6° 1'9.49"E
Czech Border:
Latitude: 49°38'41.48"N Longitude: 12°31'46.05"E
Hotel Mars in Prague 10
Latitude: 50° 4'17.82"N Longitude: 14°28'41.88"E
Skoda Factory Museum at Mlada Boleslav
Latitude: 50°25'18.32"N Longitude: 14°55'21.76"E
Mimon Airfield:
Latitude: 50°37'6.31"N Longitude: 14°44'6.35"E
Skoda Tuning Meet in Doksy:
Latitude: 50°34'21.22"N Longitude: 14°39'0.62"E

Useful Tip: Familiarise yourself with these coordinates by checking them out on Google Earth.

The Hotel
We are staying at the Hotel Mars in Prague, full address:-
Hotel Mars, Kubanske Square 6, Prague 10, Vrsovice
Tel: +420 226 201 910
Travel Agent: Athos Travel +420 244 003 203

Trying to refresh my memory about CZ plugs -came across this and ruthlessly copy/pasted it. Hope it's of use

Time zone

The Czech Republic lies in the GMT +1 time zone, usually referred to as Central European Time (CET). The clocks are changed by one hour creating winter time and summer time (GTM + 2).
Climate

Geographically speaking, the Czech Republic is situated in a temperate zone, and there are four seasons of approximately all the same length. Winters are relatively mild (the average January temperature is -2 °C, 28,4 °F) and summers are not too hot (the average July temperature is 20 °C, 68 °F), so you can travel to the Czech Republic at any time without being too concerned about the weather.
Electricity

Electricity AC in the Czech Republic is 230 volts. Neither current nor plug sizes are the same around the world. If you discover on arrival that an electrical device has a different plug to those used in this country, adapters are readily available.
Important telephone numbers

The most important emergency services have three-digit numbers which you should have with you at all times in case you should need them. These numbers can be called free of charge from mobiles even without a SIM card inserted.
Embassies and consulates

You can access assistance in difficult situations from your country’s embassy. Embassies are always located in the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, and a complete list can be found on the Ministry for Foreign Affairs website.
Arriving in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic became a member of the EU in 2004. There are different rules for citizens of other EU member countries than for tourists from other parts of the world. Everyone must carry ID at all times.
Travel with animals

In order to travel to the Czech Republic with an animal, all conditions set in the country from which the animal is being brought must be fulfilled, and further Czech rules must also be adhered to.
Customs quotas and regulations

When bringing goods into the Czech Republic there are limits set on certain commodities. If a certain amount is exceeded, duty must be paid, and the importer is required to inform customs of the amount of the commodity he or she is bringing in to the country.
Public holidays

Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays mean most banks and offices will be closed. Ordinary shops also close on Sundays and public holidays, while supermarkets and shopping centres often stay open. It’s no problem on these days to visit a concert, exhibition, restaurant or bar.
Business hours

In small towns most shops are open Mon – Fri, from 8 or 9am until 6pm, and only in the morning on Saturdays. In big cities shops may stay open until 9pm. Only a few small shops have a lunch break, usually between 12 and 1pm.
Language

The only official language in the Czech Republic is Czech, which is spoken by 96 % of the population. However, have no fear, as especially in larger cities you can make yourself understood in English relatively easily.
Telephones

The international dialling code for the Czech Republic is +420 (or 00 420). When calling from abroad this must be dialled first, followed by the 9-digit number.
Internet

The Czech Republic enjoys good internet connections, so you will have few problems getting online. In recent years slow dial-up modems have been replaced by quicker broadband lines and Wi-Fi networks.
Postal services

Postal services are officially provided by the Czech Post Office. It has exclusive right to operate the service for post up to 50 g in weight. Should you need to send anything heavier, you can choose from tens of Czech and international couriers operating in the Czech Republic.
Money

The official currency used in the Czech Republic is the Czech crown which has the international abbreviation CZK. The Czech Republic has been a member of the EU since May 1 2004, but will only enter the Euro Zone around 2010.
Tipping

Tips aren’t usually left by guests on the table. Should you wish to tip staff, add around 10% onto the bill or round it up. It’s up to you what sum you tell the waiter you wish to pay when he brings the bill.
Smoking

The Czech Republic has adopted a law limiting smoking. One of the main points is a ban on smoking in public places (on platforms, at stops, at the railway station, on public transport and in places of entertainment).
Healthcare

Private and state healthcare facilities operate in the Czech Republic. The majority of them have agreements with the State Health Insurance Company on the provision and payment of healthcare.
Health insurance

Since mid 2004 citizens from the individual EU member states, who travel temporarily to another EU member state and hold a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), are automatically insured.

[Makefish]

Schedule of planned events during trip:-

Wednesday 12th September 2007
12:30am—Meet at Dover Ferry Terminal
2:00am - Ferry departs to Dunkerque
5:30am—Shed load of driving
5:00pm—Arrive in Prague
7:00pm—Beer in bar!
Thursday 13th September 2007
Morning: Free to explore the sights of Prague
2:30pm—Starapromen Brewery Tour
Evening—Free to do whatever you want
Friday 14th September 2007
9:00 am—Leave for Factory Tour
10:30am—Start Factory Tour
2:30pm—Meet with Skodahome Czech forum
3:00pm—Travel to Mimon Airfield
Evening—Big meal out planned for everyone (see here)
Saturday 15th September 2007
8:30 am—Leave for National Meet
10:00am-Arrive in Doksy for Skoda Meet
2:00pm—National Meet Drive
Evening- Another meal & evening out planned (see here)
Sunday 16th September 2007
All day free to explore Prague or for those that wish to, an
excursion back to Mimon Airfield may be possible.
Monday 17th September
8:00am Leave for home

Useful Links:
Skodahome.cz
Starapomen Brewery

[Loz]

I'm scared what if we get lost?

[devonutopia]

Well, I'll have tomtom with CZ map on it.

In theory I should be able to use it whilst on foot around Prague, and direct us back to the hotel too.

[andy2407]

COUNTDOWN

[CHRIS ELLIS]

God i wish it was tommorow.

[smstext]

Can i suggest you all know who has a walkie talkie, the channel number you all on, that you can all access that channel number and you give each car a handle eg. red 1, red 2, etc as it be easier than trying to figure out who is who (maybe do a list on who is in which car too).

[GAFF]

FYI - Guys theres an Excellent Map here
Prague Map - Maps of Prague

Also check out this website for places to go and things to see
Prague Tourist Information and Travel Guide


I dunno what you've planned but I'd recommend
Nebozizek Restaurant, you'd have to pre-book and best get the funicular railway up Petrin hill to get to it.
Nebozizek Restaurant in Prague

This place also looked quite nice for a meal,
Cowboys Steak & Cocktails Restaurant
Cowboys Steak & Cocktails Restaurant in Prague

If your looking for some night spots,
Double Trouble Bar & Club
Double Trouble Bar & Club in Prague
and
Lucerna Music Bar & Club - its an 80's club, great music and crack, although very hot and no a/c
Lucerna Music Bar & Club in Prague

if your looking for something to do, Motokáry - Kart Centrum RadotÃ*n / Home is very reasonable, about CZK 190 for 10mins

And if I don't get a chance to mention if before you go .....have a good one

[devonutopia]

I might have to abuse the colour printer at work to get 2 x printouts of all the above.

[GAFF]

Originally Posted by devonutopia

I might have to abuse the colour printer at work to get 2 x printouts of all the above.

The maps were great for my recent Stag trip to Prague, and likewise I made use of the printing facilities

[VRStu]

I would suggest every car has a proper paper map of Europe in it. Sat Nav is good but it's always better to back it up.

Walkie Talkies - you can get ones with a 3KM range, they are the kiddies you want.

Pi$$ Breaks - Remember you'll need a half Euro to have a Slash in the service stations.

General car safety checks - You are going to be able to do speeds upwards of 120mph in Germany, it is imperitive that your car is safe to do so. Make sure your tyres are A1. Make sure you have oil in the boot, it's not always easy to get hold of VAG Spec oil.

[Makefish]

You should all by now have recieved a trip 'sticker'. This is just to let you know that these are a little tricky to apply but take your time and you'll be fine . If you hav'nt got one by the weekend please let me know (I may have forgotten you )

Just a quick reminder as to what they look like..............................

[andy2407]

Anyone looked into the Roadside assistance cover yet? I assume the Skoda cover we get for the first 3 years (is it still AA?) doesn't cover us in Europe.

Are there any good deals out there?

[postmanpat]

Cheers Steve stickers arrived this morning just need to wash car now

[devonutopia]

With regards to breakdown cover - I would not be too worried unless you have a really really serious issue. I'm bringing along two mechanics who are VERY familiar with the workings of my car , and I imagine can use this on other Skodas as well. My toolbag will be coming along as well, probably with other tools - you just never know.

Hoping to blag some free walkie talkies off freecycle. Offer came up just now but I've not had a reply to my instant reply back asking for them.

[Loz]

Originally Posted by VRStu

Pi$$ Breaks - Remember you'll need a half Euro to have a Slash in the service stations.

yeah, and rememebr that they give you a 50 cent voucher to use IN the service station for your dinner, the b*stards didnt tell me so I went for a wee after I'd easten!!

[JohnD]

Road side assistance cover

We have just come to an arrangement with RAC re discount for Freedom members on uk assistance and european assistance..

Hopefully Colin will post it up in Freedom section asap.

[ncarring]

I have a European atlas I will be bringing along Q. (and a paper map of Prague or two)

[VRStu]

If you read the documents in the drivers pack - if you have them then you have Europe cover if you are within your three years. If anyone needs a copy I can scan it when I get home. It's now administered by the RAC. The little booklet has the phone numbers on.

Jason - To travel without cover is suicidal. I seem to remember you did last time and got lucky, but even with two very able guys with you their talents will be limited and at the mercy of available tools and spares. Look into the costs, I reckon you'll be surprised.