Meet the Hapsburgs
And Their Eastern European Empire
September 30 – October 10, 2004
A CENTURIES OLD FAIRY TALE
Once upon a time, in a land known as Europe, there lived the royal
family of Hapsburg—one of the oldest and most prominent dynasties
from the 15th to the 20th centuries. The family took its name from
its castle of Habsburg (“Hawk's Castle”), built in 1020 in what is
now part of Switzerland. The Hapsburgs came into European prominence
with the elevation of Count Rudolf to the status of German king and
Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf I in 1273.
Rudolf greatly increased the power of his house
by taking possession of surrounding kingdoms, which included Austria. And so
began a very long reign of conspicuous consumption, which was greatly to shape
the look of the European continent. The Hapsburgs continued their policy of acquisition
through diplomacy and dynastic marriages with the houses of Bohemia and Hungary.
On the Danube River, the neighboring cities of
Buda and Pest in Hungary were utterly destroyed by Mongols in the 13th Century,
then sacked once again by conquering Turks in the 16th Century. Under the Hapsburg
rule, the two cities underwent a dramatic renaissance with the construction of
a spectacular royal palace and a university. Eventually uniting as one city in
1873, the lovely Budapest became world-renowned for its historical
edifices and cultural heritage.
With invading infidels coming from the south and
east, the Hapsburgs preferred the relative safety of Bratislava, or Pressburg
as it was then called, and chose it for the site of their permanent residence.
They stored their royal crown, other jewels and treasures here, and rebuilt and
remodeled and rehabbed the castle for a couple hundred years.
Under the Hapsburg influence, Vienna became
one of the fulcrums of European politics and cultural life. It displays all the
pomp of an imperial city, including their palatial Hofburg residential complex
of buildings, squares, courtyards and gardens. It is in Vienna that Hapsburg
opulence reached its zenith.
Prague achieved much of its present
glory in the 14th century, but the Hapsburgs brought about the city’s golden
age. Between 1576 and 1612, the culture-loving Emperor Rudolph II brought artists
to Prague and art to its galleries, making it one of the elite cultural capitals
of Europe.
Alas, not every fairy tale ends happily.
The prince doesn’t always get the girl, the glass slipper doesn’t
always fit, and sometimes the golden carriage turns out to be an overly
ripe pumpkin. In this sad tale of history, the final Hapsburg took
a bullet in the head, the picture-book castles became museums, and
wide-ranging borders got whittled down. Fortunately the Hapsburgs’
grandiose influence remains in the very foundations of the great cities
they helped to establish. Toto Tours invites you to step back in time
to Meet the Hapsburgs.
ITINERARY
Pre-Tour Day—Thursday, September 30, 2004
Leave U.S.
Arrange your international flight to leave your home city sometime
today, arriving in Budapest, Hungary tomorrow morning. We highly recommend
that you consider arriving one day early to rest from jet lag, and
to see the Jewish Synagogue, which is closed from Friday through Sunday.
We can arrange an extra night at our hotel this evening.
Friday, October 1, 2004
Arrival in Budapest / Sightseeing Tour of Pest / Welcome Dinner
Upon arrival in Budapest, take a taxi on your own to our hotel. This
afternoon, the group gathers for a sightseeing tour of the Pest side
of town, where our hotel is located. Visit the Opera House and have
a look inside, view Hero’s Square and its Millennium Monument
(where much of Evita was filmed), marvel at the architectural displays,
see the Central Market, the Holocaust Memorial and the exterior of
the Jewish Synagogue. Later, meet for a cocktail in our hotel’s
bar, and then share a Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. The evening
is free for gay nightlife. Overnight in Budapest. (Welcome
Dinner included)
Saturday, October 2, 2004
Sightseeing Tour of Buda / Gellert Spa
After breakfast at the hotel, cross the famous Chain Bridge from
Pest into Buda to view the monumental edifices on Castle Hill, including
the Buda Castle, the Fisherman’s Bastion, and Mathias Church.
Continue to Gellert Hill Citadel and the Statue of Liberty with magnificent
views of the city. After lunch enjoy a soak at the famous Gellert
Spa thermal baths and swimming pool. Return to the hotel and the remainder
of the day is free at leisure. We highly recommend attending a musical
performance this evening, and will help organize the event for those
who are interested. We visit these capitals at the height of the cultural
season, and encourage you to experience some of the most glorious
opera, orchestral, and dance performances in the world! Overnight
in Budapest. (Breakfast / Lunch)
Sunday, October 3, 2004
Knee of the Danube
Enjoy a full-day excursion to the region known as the “Knee
of the Danube,” where the river takes a large bend through the
Pilis and Börzsöny Hills. Here medieval kings once ruled
Hungary from majestic palaces overlooking the river at Esztergom and
Visegrád. Visit the charming village of Szentendre with its
historic old center and wonderful arts and crafts galleries. Tour
the well-preserved citadel of Visegrád high on a promontory
overlooking the river. See the Esztergom Basilica, the largest church
in Hungary, built on a hill high above the Danube. Return to Budapest
in late afternoon and the remainder of the day is free. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Monday, October 4, 2004
Budapest to Vienna
After an early breakfast we transfer to Vienna, Austria, arriving
in time for the group to have a late lunch together. Check in to our
city center hotel, then enjoy a walking tour of the historic center
of Vienna to become oriented to our new (and opulent) surroundings.
The evening is free to explore gay nightlife, enjoy a classical music
concert, or attend the opera. Overnight in Vienna. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Tuesday, October 5, 2004
Vienna Sightseeing
After breakfast at the hotel, enjoy a day of sightseeing in old Vienna,
focusing on the majesty of the Hofburg Imperial Palace and surroundings.
Begin with the Spanish Riding School, where we see the famous Lippizaner
horses being exercised to classical music. Stroll through the Palace
grounds, feeling dwarfed by the majestic edifices and larger-than-life
statuary. After lunch visit the Hofburg Silberkammer (Imperial silver
and porcelain collection) and the Hofburg Imperial Apartments. Finally,
marvel at the Prunksaal (Splendor Room) of the National Library. The
remainder of the day is free to explore on your own, to go shopping,
partake of coffee and pastries at a sidewalk café, enjoy cultural
events and gay nightlife. Overnight in Vienna. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Wednesday, October 6, 2004
Free Day in Vienna
After breakfast at our hotel, the entire day is free to explore Vienna
on your own, sleep in from a late night, or get tickets to a concert
or opera. Your guide will be happy to arrange an optional excursion
to the town of Melk to visit the extraordinary Benedictine Abbey and
cruise through the gorgeous Wachau valley. Overnight in Vienna. (Breakfast)
Thursday, October 7, 2004
Vienna to Prague
After breakfast, depart Vienna for the Czech Republic. We break up
the drive with a stop for lunch before arriving in Prague this afternoon.
After checking in at our hotel, we stretch our legs with an introductory
walking tour of the fairy-tale world that is central Prague. The evening
is free for cultural events and gay nightlife. Overnight in Prague. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Friday, October 8, 2004
Prague Sightseeing
After breakfast at the hotel, take a city sightseeing tour. Start
at Prague Castle, a 112-acre fortification dating back to 870 A.D,
overlooking the city from a perch above the Lesser Quarter. Highlights
of today’s tour include St. Vitus's Cathedral, the Old Royal
Palace, St. George’s Basilica, the Powder Tower, Old Town Square,
the 14th Century Town Hall, and the Golden Lane. After lunch you will
have the option of touring the historic old Jewish Quarter (not included).
The remainder of the day is free. Overnight in Prague. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Saturday, October 9, 2004
Free Day / Farewell Dinner
Today is completely free to continue sightseeing, shopping, or exploring
on your own. You may want to take an optional riverboat cruise or
perhaps join one of the many concerts presented in the various churches
and noble residences in the city. The tour guide will be available
to assist you with your plans. This evening Toto Tours hosts a festive
Farewell Dinner in a local restaurant. Overnight in Prague. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Sunday, October 10, 2004
Departure
The tour ends officially after breakfast. Arrange your international
flight to depart anytime today. We provide one group transfer to the
airport, timed to accommodate the greatest number of tour participants.
If this transfer does not meet your needs, we will assist you in arranging
your private transfer to the airport. (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATIONS
Budapest: Hotel
Sofitel Atrium.
Vienna: Hotel
President.
Prague: Andel's
Design Hotel.
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements—For U.S. Citizens a valid
passport is the only document required to enter Hungary, Austria,
and the Czech Republic for stays less than 90 days.
Immunizations—No immunizations are currently
required for travel to the countries visited on this tour, but it
is wise to have your inoculations up-to-date. Is your tetanus booster
current?
Exit Requirements—Departure taxes will be
included in the cost of your international airfare.
WHAT TO BRING
In October, the weather will be autumnally cool with average high
temperatures ranging between 40 degrees F and 60 degrees F in Budapest,
Vienna, and Prague. You won’t need a suit jacket or tie, as
the tour is informal and dinner attire will be dressy casual. Try
to pack light and bring only two small pieces of luggage. Mix and
match outfits! Pack any medications you require in a carry-on bag
and leave expensive jewelry at home!
Suggested Packing List:
____ Passport.
____ Socks, underwear for 9 days.
____ Dressy, casual wear for dinners and cultural events.
____ T-shirts (2 – 3) for layering.
____ Long pants (3 – 4 pairs)
____ Jeans (1 pair) for daytime activities.
____ Long-sleeve shirts (5 – 6).
____ Warm sweater.
____ Coat.
____ Hat, scarf, gloves.
____ Umbrella or other rain protection.
____ Comfortable, water-resistant walking shoes.
____ Dressier shoes for cultural events.
____ Swimsuit (for Gellert Spa).
____ Daypack or fanny pack.
____ Personal toiletries.
____ Camera, batteries & plenty of film (or digital memory cards).
____ A good book for the long flights.
MONEY MATTERS
We visit four countries with four different currencies. Exchange
only small amounts of money into local currency upon arrival in each
country. Otherwise, try to use your credit card/ATM as much as possible.
Credit and Debit Cards work in most ATMs for cash withdrawals. Major
credit cards are accepted at most restaurants, hotels, shops and
tourist attractions.
LIABILITIES / DISCLAIMERS
Making a reservation with a deposit shall be deemed to be consent
to these conditions: Toto Tours does not accept responsibility in
whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury,
sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault
of any person from whatever cause. All participants are required
to sign a standard liability form. The tour operators reserve the
right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at
any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without
notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of twelve participants.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations”
link above. Print the form, fill out the information requested,
sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. The
balance of $1,995 (double) or $2,695 (single) is due 80 days prior
to departure (by July 13, 2004). Tour registration is not complete
until we have received both the form and your deposit check.
Toto Tours does not accept credit
cards as a form of payment. An installment plan is possible. Our
mailing address is: Toto Tours, 1326 W. Albion Avenue,
Chicago, Illinois 60626-4753. Make checks payable to: Toto Tours,
Ltd.
THE TOTO SPIRIT
Toto Tours provides Adventure Travel Experiences as differentiated
from tours in the traditional sense. Adventure Travel allows (even
encourages) you to be an active participant. Adventurers can be
identified by certain traits. They are:
-
fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor
and accentuate the positive;
-
good natured realists who are willing to accept
situations as they exist;
-
undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional
delays or bad weather;
-
willing to forego some of the amenities we
normally take for granted;
-
eager to try new things & test limits;
-
punctual;
-
not whiners!
Who could have dared to proclaim that his life was truly complete
before he met the Hapsburgs? The true adventurer will refuse to
let this delicious slice of the lifestyles of the rich and famous
elude his grasp! If you have any questions, please call: 800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
PRICE: $2,495 double occupancy
DEPOSIT: $500
PRIVATE ROOM: $700 if available
FINAL PAYMENT: $1,995 double / $2,695 single
FINAL PAYMENT DUE: July 13, 2004
INCLUDED: Nine nights hotel accommodations;
motorcoach transfers; Welcome Dinner; Farewell Dinner; one group airport
transfer at conclusion of tour; meals, activities, and transportation
as listed in the itinerary, fully guided and escorted tour.
NOT INCLUDED: Round-trip air transportation
to Budapest, Hungary and returning from Prague, Czech Republic; meals
and activities not specifically included in the itinerary; insurance;
alcohol; soft drinks; bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes;
airport transportation at beginning of tour; any other expenses of
a personal nature. Tips to drivers and guides not included.
