Medieval Midsummer
Bright Nights in the Baltic Capitals
June 15 - 25, 2006
SUMMER SOLSTICE IN THE BALTICS
The Baltic states of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia sit in a crescent
on the east end of the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe. Bullied since
the early 13th Century by Germans, Swedes, Poles, and Russians, the
three countries have been in revival since their release from the 1940
– 1991 Soviet occupation, but they still remain far from the tourist
mainstream (which itself is a good reason to explore them).
Despite their shared past and geographic grouping,
the Baltic states each have a very different character. They are sparsely
populated countries featuring bucolic views of nature, vast stores of
amber, and well-preserved medieval cities. They are dynamic countries
with a young population and whose cities offer great cultural opportunities
and all the modern amenities. Although they are situated close to Scandinavia
and share a similar landscape to Sweden and Finland, they boast a lifestyle
that reminds visitors more of Spain, France or Italy. Rich in history
and culture, these venerable old capital cities are waiting to be discovered
all over again.
Lithuania is the southernmost
and biggest Baltic country. Its capital, Vilnius, was one of the largest
cities in Europe during the 16th Century—a crucial part of the
vast Polish empire that stretched between the Baltic and Black Seas.
Often called the “Baltic Jerusalem” the city enshrines remnants
of ancient Lithuanian, Jewish and Polish cultures which can yet be found
in the old town. Close to the capital is the famous castle of Trakai.
Latvia is the central Baltic
country. Its capital, Riga, is the largest city of the Baltics with
about 800,000 inhabitants. It was founded in 1158, and still retains
much old world charm despite having been heavily damaged by bombing
raids during World War II. The modern city is famous for its Art Nouveau
architecture, its broad boulevards and its cosmopolitan flair.
Estonia is the northernmost
country of the Baltics. It also is the smallest country with the smallest
population. The capital city Tallinn has a medieval Old Town that retains
the aura of the 14th and 15th centuries like no other place in Europe.
Toompea, the hill on which Tallinn is centered, is a treasure trove
for tourists.
The Old Quarters of these three historic capital
cities have all been restored and protected as UNESCO World Heritage
Sites, a distinction granted to only the most historically significant
places. After the tour, take advantage of an optional tour extension
to Helsinki, Finland, another great capital city just a short ferry
ride across the Baltic Sea.
Join Toto Tours as we observe the Summer Solstice
in a land where Midsummer's Eve is to this day celebrated with wild
abandon and ritual fire jumping harking back to the pagan era. These
fabulous medieval cities provide the perfect setting for our magical
bright nights in the Baltics!
ITINERARY
Thursday, June 15, 2006
Departure from U.S. / Travel Day
Take an international flight from your home city today bound for Vilnius,
Lithuania (airport code VNO), arriving as early as possible tomorrow.
Friday, June 16, 2006
Arrival in Vilnius, Lithuania
After arriving in Vilnius, proceed through customs and take a taxi
to our hotel. (Toto Tours will provide a hotel voucher that has a photo
and the address of our hotel to facilitate communication with non-English-speaking
cabbies.) The remainder of the day is free to rest up from jet lag and
do some exploring in Vilnius on your own. This evening Toto Tours hosts
a Welcome Dinner, with a brief tour orientation and introductions. (Dinner
included)
Saturday, June 17, 2006
Vilnius Sightseeing
After breakfast, take a half-day sightseeing tour of Vilnius that introduces
you to many of the city’s most important sights. Vilnius is situated
155 miles inland from the Baltic Sea on the banks of the Neris River.
The center of the city is on the southern side of the river, and its
heart is Cathedral Square, an open square with the cathedral on its
northern side and Gediminas Hill rising behind it.
The Old Town is the largest in Eastern Europe,
and stretches south from Cathedral Square. A church spire can be seen
from every one of its winding streets, which, coupled with its countless
hidden courtyards, make it intriguing to explore. Three Crosses Hill
overlooks the Old Town and is a long-standing landmark. Crosses are
said to have stood here since the 17th century in memory of three monks
who were martyred by crucifixion on this spot. Other landmarks include
Vilnius University, the President's palace, an observatory, the old
Jewish quarter and ghetto, and the ornate St. Peter and Paul Church.
Restaurants, pubs, nightclubs and cafés abound, and our hotel
is right in the heart of it all. The afternoon is free for independent
sightseeing. (Breakfast)
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Trakai Castle
After breakfast, board a motorcoach for the short (15 miles) drive
to tour Trakai Castle, located on the outskirts of town. Built in the
14th century, this castle once served as the capital of Lithuania. When
the capital moved to Vilnius, Trakai lost its leading role in the political
life of the country. However, it retained its importance as the residence
of the Dukes and as a significant administrative, political and economical
center of Lithuania. It remains an excellent example of Gothic architecture.
There will be time for exploring the shops along the shores of Lake
Galve—an excellent place to purchase amber jewelry. Returning
to Vilnius, the remainder of the day is free. (Breakfast)
Monday, June 19, 2006
Rundale Palace / Riga
After breakfast this morning, we board our motorcoach for the journey
to Latvia. Along the way we stop at one of Lithuania’s most awe-inspiring
sites, the indestructible Hill of the Crosses—a two-humped hillock
just north of the town of Siauliai covered in a forest of thousands
upon thousands of crosses. It is the thought that the tradition of planting
crosses here began in the 14th century, but it has become a memorial
to Stalin’s massacre of Lithuanians. After every attempt to destroy
it (the Soviets bulldozed it at least three times), people always start
adding crosses again.
After a stop for lunch, proceed to Rundale
Palace, an 18th Century architectural highlight of provincial Latvia.
Bartolomeo Rastrelli, the baroque genius from Italy who created many
of St. Petersburg’s finest buildings, built this stunning palace.
Following our castle tour, we complete the journey to Riga, arriving
in the capital of Latvia in the mid to late afternoon. After arriving
at our hotel and remainder of the day is free for personal exploration.
Your guide will lead a brief walking orientation tour to the heart of
the old city. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Riga Sightseeing
Riga straddles the Daugava River in the southeastern corner of the
Gulf of Riga. On its eastern bank you’ll find Old Riga, the city’s
historic heart and UNESCO World Heritage Site. After breakfast this
morning enjoy a half-day sightseeing tour of Riga, with emphasis on
the old quarter which contains Europe’s finest collection of stunning
Art Nouveau architecture. Featured will be a view of the Riga Castle
and a tour of St. Peters Church, where we climb the tower for spectacular
views. Following the tour the remainder of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast)
Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Sigulda
Today enjoy a full day excursion to the area known locally as the “Switzerland
of Latvia.” Just 33 miles east of Riga, Sigulda and its environs
boast a string of medieval castles and legend-laden caves scattered
in the beautiful Gauja National Park. Little remains of old Sigulda
Castle, which was originally built in 1214 but blown up in the 18th-century
when lightening hit its gunpowder storage room. It has since been restored
and the 19th-century New Sigulda Castle, former residence of the Knights
of the Sword, is now a sanatorium. After touring the area and visiting
the Gutman Cave we return to Riga and the remainder of the day is free. (Breakfast)
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Salaspil / Tallinn
After breakfast we commence our motorcoach transfer to Tallinn. Not
far outside Riga we stop briefly at Salaspils. This is the memorial
site of a former concentration camp where the Nazis murdered thousands
of Latvian Jews. On the concrete walls of the entryway are inscribed
the words “Beyond this gate the earth groans.” There are
half a dozen monumental statues, and the former barracks and gallows
are marked.
We continue our journey along the eastern
coast of the Gulf of Riga into Estonia. During our travels through the
Estonian countryside we stop for lunch in Parnu, the country’s
leading seaside resort (famous for its mud baths). After arriving in
Tallinn, capital of Estonia, the remainder of the day is free to explore
on your own. Your guide will lead an expedition to the historic town
square and provide a brief walking orientation. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Friday, June 23, 2006
Tallinn Sightseeing
Estonia is located on a bay of the Gulf of Finland (Helsinki is just
50 miles across the water). Today enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour
of Tallinn. Its major landmark is Toompea, the hill over which it has
sprawled since the Middle Ages. The aura of the 14th and 15th centuries
survives intact in central Tallinn’s jumble of medieval walls
and turrets, spires and winding cobbled streets. Have a look at the
Toompea Castle, Old Town, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and the Town Hall
Square. Following the tour, the remainder of the day is free at leisure. (Breakfast)
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Free Day / Farewell Dinner
Today is completely free at leisure in Tallinn for souvenir shopping,
independent sightseeing, enjoying the amenities of hotel, or whatever
you please. We will provide suggestions for optional day tours. This
evening Toto Tours hosts a Farewell Dinner. (Breakfast
/ Dinner)
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Departure
The tour ends officially after breakfast this morning. Arrange your
return flight home for any convenient time today. (Breakfast)
OPTIONAL TOUR EXTENSION TO HELSINKI, FINLAND
Sunday, June 25, 2006
On to Helsinki
After breakfast this morning, those continuing on to Helsinki for this
optional tour extension will depart our hotel and be transfered to the
port. We board a ferry crossing the Gulf of Finland to Helsinki, Finland.
Upon arrival we are met by our driver and guide who take us on a half-day
sightseeing tour of the city. The tour will feature the Eduskuntatalo
/ Parliament House, and entrance to the Museum of Finnish Art. The tour
concludes with check-in at our hotel, and the evening is at your leisure. (Breakfast)
Monday, June 26, 2006
Helsinki and Suomenlinna Island
Today enjoy a full day sightseeing tour beginning in Helsinki with
a guided tour of Finlandia Hall and also featuring a visit to Tempelliaukio
Church (Lutheran), which is also known as the “Rock Church.”
After free time for lunch, take a waterbus from Helsinki's Marketsquare
to the tight cluster of islands just south of the Helsinki fish market
that make up the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Suomenlinna sea fortress.
Founded in 1748, it was built to protect the
eastern part of the Swedish empire against Russian attack. It later
fell to the Russians and remained under their control until Finland
gained independence in 1917. Most attractions are on the two main islands
of Iso Mustasaari and Susisaari, connected by a small bridge. There
are several interesting military and maritime museums (complete with
old bunkers, cannons and model ships), a still-active shipyard dating
from the 1750’s. After visiting the fortress we return to Helsinki
and the evening is free. (Breakfast)
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Departure
The tour extension ends officially after breakfast this morning. Arrange
your return flight home for any convenient time today. Toto Tours will
provide one transfer from the hotel to the airport, timed to accommodate
the greatest number of departing tour members. (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATIONS
(click on the hotel name to visit its website)
Vilnius: Hotel
Europa Royale
Riga: Domina
Plaza Inn
Tallin: Radisson
SAS Hotel
Helsinki: Scandic
Grand Marina
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements—For U.S. Citizens a passport
which is valid for 3 months beyond intended stay is the only document
required to enter Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland for stays less
than 90 days. No visas are required.
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—There is currently no airport
departure tax required of visitors leaving Estonia. If participating
in the Helsinki optional extension, Finland charges a $12 departure
tax to be paid at the Helsinki Airport.
WHAT TO BRING
In June, average high temperatures range between 50 and 69 degrees
F in Vilnius, Riga, Tallinn, and Helsinki. You won’t need a suit
jacket or tie, as the tour is informal and dinner attire will be nice
casual. Try to pack light and bring only two small pieces of luggage.
Think “layers” and plan mix and match outfits! Pack any
medications you require in a carry-on bag and leave expensive jewelry
at home!
Suggested Packing List:
____ Passport.
____ Nice casual outfits for dinners.
____ Shorts (1 or 2 pairs)
____ T-shirts (2 – 3).
____ Long pants (3 – 4 pairs)
____ Jeans (1 pair) for daytime activities.
____ Long-sleeve shirts (5 – 6).
____ Socks, underwear for 9 days.
____ Light sweater for cool days.
____ Jacket for cool evenings.
____ Umbrella or other rain protection.
____ Comfortable walking shoes (2 pair in case one gets wet).
____ Ziploc bags: large for wet things, small for documents/toiletries.
____ Washcloth (optional). Most European hotels do not provide guests
with washcloths.
____ Daypack or fanny pack.
____ Sunscreen / lip balm / sunglasses.
____ Personal toiletries.
____ Camera, batteries & plenty of film (or digital memory cards).
____ A good book for the long flights.
____ Small supply of $1 bills. This greatly facilitates tipping porters,
waiters, maids, etc.
MONEY MATTERS
We visit four countries with four different currencies during this
tour. The interbank exchange rate for each was as follows on October
4, 2005:
Lithuania: 1 US Dollar = 2.897 Lithuanian Litas
Latvia: 1 US Dollar = 0.585 Latvian Lats
Estonia: 1 US Dollar = 13.129 Estonian Kroon
Finland: 1 US Dollar = 0.839 EUR
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. American Express, Visa & MasterCard work in most ATMs
for cash withdrawals. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants,
hotels, shops and tourist attractions.
While tipping isn't compulsory in Lithuania,
Latvia or Estonia, it is common to tip waiters 5% to 10% by rounding
up the bill. Some waiters try to give themselves a tip by telling you
that they don’t have change, so be alert and try to pay as close
to the exact amount of your restaurant bill as possible. There is some
bargaining at flea markets, but discounts are likely to be minimal.
To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations”
link above. Type in the information requested, tabbing between fields,
print the form, then 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 March 27, 2006). 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.
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 ten participants.
Toto Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation
or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air
tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed
departure. All prices are based on July 12, 2005 currency exchange rates
and are subject to change in the event of a significant decline in the
value of the dollar.
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!
We hope you will come to revel with us in the magic of Medieval Midsummer
in the extraordinarily beautiful capital cities of the Baltics. If you
have any questions, please call toll-free: 800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Price: $2,495 double occupancy
Private Room: $ 700 extra, if available. (Not required.
Toto Tours can match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone
and prefer to share a room.)
Deposit: $500
Remaining Balance: $1,995 double / $2,695 single
(Assumes $500 deposit has already been made)
Balance Due: March 27, 2006
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this
date.)
Included: Nine nights hotel accommodations; touring
and transportation by air-conditioned motorcoach; Welcome Dinner; Farewell
Dinner; meals, activities, and transportation as listed in the itinerary,
fully guided and escorted tour.
Not Included: Round-trip air transportation to Vilnius,
Lithuania, and returning from Tallinn, Riga (OR Helsinki, Finland for
those taking the Optional Tour Extension); meals and activities not
specifically included in the itinerary; insurance; alcoholic beverages;
soft drinks; bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; airport-hotel
at beginning and end of tour; any other expenses of a personal nature.
Tips to drivers and guides are not included. Tipping guidelines for
our group tips will be provided prior to departure.
Optional Helsinki Extension: $500 shared room / $650
private room
Included: Transportation from Tallinn to Helsinki
by ferry, two nights hotel accommodations; sightseeing by motorcoach;
meals, activities, and transportation as listed in the itinerary, fully
guided and escorted tour; one group transfer to the Helsinki airport
on June 30th.
Not Included: Meals and activities not specifically
included in the itinerary; insurance; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks;
bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; any other expenses of
a personal nature. Tips to drivers and guides are not included. Tipping
guidelines for our group tips will be provided prior to departure.
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