Meet the Hapsburgs
And See Their Eastern European Empire
in Budapest, Vienna and Prague
May 24 – June 3, 2006

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.
     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

Wednesday, May 24, 2006
Travel Day

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. For those who do arrive early, we can arrange an extra night at our hotel this evening.

Thursday, May 25, 2006
Arrival in Budapest / Sightseeing Tour of Pest / Welcome Dinner

Upon arrival in Budapest hail a taxi to transport you from the airport to our hotel. This afternoon the group gathers for a sightseeing tour of the Pest side of the city, 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 festive Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant. The evening is free for gay nightlife. Overnight in Budapest.     (Welcome Dinner included)

Friday, May 26, 2006
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. Overnight in Budapest.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Saturday, May 27, 2006
Parliament / Museum of Fine Arts

After breakfast at the hotel enjoy another half-day sightseeing tour in this fantastic city. Visit the magnificent Parliament Building, one of the largest buildings in the world and one of the best known sights and symbols of Budapest. It has 691 rooms! Later visit the Museum of Fine Arts that houses the National collection of non-Hungarian art with items dating back to the Egyptian era. Some count this as one of the most impressive galleries in Central Europe as it is home to works by famed artists such as El Greco, Goya, Rembrant and Rubens. Upon return to the hotel, the remainder of the day is free for independent sightseeing and perhaps other musical events.     (Breakfast)

Sunday, May 28, 2006
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 hotel and then enjoy an orientation tour of the historic center of Vienna to become more familiar with 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)

Monday, May 29, 2006
Vienna Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel enjoy a day of sightseeing in classical Vienna. We begin with the majesty of the Hofburg Imperial Palace and its surroundings. Stroll through the Palace grounds, feeling dwarfed by the majestic edifices and larger-than-life statuary. See the Hofburg Imperial Apartments, the imperial silver and porcelain collection and the “Sissi Museum.” Also included is a visit to the Albertina Museum, home of some of the greatest artworks of the old masters. There will also be an opportunity to view the stunning Belvedere Palace, and explore its grounds.
     Returning to the hotel, 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)

Tuesday, May 30, 2006
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 sightseeing excursion today if there is sufficient interest. Overnight in Vienna.     (Breakfast)

Wednesday, May 31, 2006
Vienna to Prague

Depart Vienna after breakfast this morning 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)

Thursday, June 1, 2006
Prague Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel take a city sightseeing tour. This busy day will include the Municipal House, the Old Town Square, the Jewish Quarter, Prague Castle, the Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Golden Lane and the Charles Bridge. The evening is free at leisure. Overnight in Prague.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Friday, June 2, 2006
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 to bid goodbye to the Hapsburgs and each other. Overnight in Prague.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Saturday, June 3, 2006
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. We will be happy to assist with hotel arrangement if you wish to extend your stay in Prague.     (Breakfast)

ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click hotel name to see its website)

Budapest:  Marriott Hotel

Vienna:  Hotel Renaissance

Prague:  Hotel Ambassador Zlata Husa

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 May, the weather should be springtime cool with average high temperatures ranging between 50 degrees F and 75 degrees F in Budapest, Vienna, and Prague. Last year there was an unexpected heat wave, however, so be prepared for hot if it should happen. You won’t need a suit jacket or tie, as the tour is informal and dinner attire will be dressy casual. Opera goers in Vienna can be somewhat stuffy, however, and will look askance at attire they consider inappropriate. 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.

____ Shorts (1 pair) in case it gets hot.

____ 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 and hotels).

____ 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 three countries with three different currencies. Exchange only enough money into local currency upon arrival in each country as you think you will use while there. 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 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 August 30, 2005 currency exchange rates and are subject to change in the event of a significant decline in the value of the dollar.

RESERVATIONS

To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations” link above. Type in the information requested, tabbing between fields, print the form, sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check. The balance of $2,195 (double) or $2,945 (single) is due 80 days prior to departure (by March 4, 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.

• 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!