Viking Paradox
Full Circle Iceland (Greenland option)
August 4 - 12, 2008

CLEVER MARKETING

Iceland is a rather unfortunate name for this land of exquisite beauty and sharp contrasts. The reason the Norsemen who first came here gave such a bleak name to such a green country is a mystery. In the Viking Sagas, though, there is a legend that the first explorer to discover the island wanted to keep it all to himself, so he named a green country “Iceland” and a frozen wasteland “Greenland,” hoping that future immigrants would chart their course further north. Who knew Vikings were such practical jokers?
     Iceland is a large island in the North Atlantic Ocean, just skirting the southern boundaries of the Arctic Circle. Borne from spewing volcanoes still shaping the island, it has a wild landscape full of jagged coasts, raging rivers, bubbling mudpots, erupting geysers, and wind-swept hills.
     Even hardier than the scenery, the native Icelanders have a no-nonsense approach to life, which is probably necessary in a place that is cold and dark for more than half the year. As a result, they are efficient, courteous, and they get the job done. Yet life is not so serious that they can’t enjoy themselves as well, which they do whole-heartedly—especially when the wintry weather releases its grip on the island. Summer offers the Icelanders bounteous pleasures, from delightful temperatures to nearly 24 hours of daylight. They are more than happy (even eager) to share it with us.
     Once you experience Iceland, you’ll understand what early settlers were eager to protect. Iceland holds an aura not found elsewhere in the world. Majestic landscapes, twisting coastlines, deep fjords, intricately carved mountains, belching mud pools, steaming hot springs, blinding glaciers, heavenly waterfalls and hellish volcanoes all contribute to the sense that the land has just emerged from Mother Nature’s forge.
     Seven years ago, Toto Tours offered an introduction to some of the most exciting adventures Iceland offers, and the tour sold out quickly. In 2008 we return to some of our favorite places in Iceland, but expand the adventure far beyond the southwestern quadrant of the island and the capital city of Reykjavik. This tour makes a full circuit of Iceland, taking in many gorgeous locations not included during our first visit..
     Iceland is one of Europe’s most expensive destinations. Iceland’s geographic isolation and harsh climate make it virtually 100 percent dependent on imports for everything except meat, potatoes, fish and dairy products. While you can find everything available here, import tariffs inflate retail prices considerably. We are also visiting in high season where everything from hotels to meals to tour activities is at a premium. Nevertheless, Iceland is one of the most beautiful destinations on earth, and it is without a doubt absolutely worth the expense!
     This magnificent country is perfect for a summer fling! The sun will be shining almost around the clock. Everyone speaks English, so you won’t have translation problems when you plunge into the gay social scene. Revel in an electric green landscape, full of wide-open spaces, and discover Europe’s best kept secret—Iceland.
     To make this special tour even more unique, we have paired Iceland with an optional two-day excursion to Greenland. Take a two-hour flight from Reykjavik to the eastern edge of Greenland. Here we see glaciers, icebergs and abundant arctic marine wildlife during jeep and helicopter safaris. And don’t forget the bragging rights! How many of your friends have actually set foot on Greenland? Let Toto Tours take you on an epic journey of Viking proportions to see the green of Iceland and the ice of Greenland!

ITINERARY

Monday, August 4, 2008
Leave Home / Travel Day

Today is a travel day. You will want to book your airfare using Icelandair. All Icelandair flights depart this evening from five cities in the US: Boston (BOS), New York (JFK), Baltimore (BWI), Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP), and Orlando (ORL). You will need to arrange a flight from your home city this morning to arrive in one of Icelandair’s gateway cities by late afternoon.

Tuesday, August 5, 2008
Arrival in Reykjavik

Arrive at Keflavik International Airport early this morning. All inbound Icelandair flights from the U.S. arrive at roughly the same time, close to 6:30 am. Once all participants have gathered, we board a motorcoach for a 45-minute transfer to Reykjavik across the extensive lava fields just south of the city.
     Since hotel rooms are not ready at this early hour, we take a leisurely morning sightseeing tour of the city by motorcoach, making several photo stops and visits to important sites. Old Reykjavik has narrow cobblestone streets, a Parliament building, historic churches (including the country’s largest) and a beautiful harbor. Our panoramic tour gets us oriented to the city, and also highlights the location of its gay venues.
     Our touring time includes a break for lunch (on our own) in an area of the city that offers several dining options. At the conclusion of the tour we check in at our hotel and the afternoon is free for napping or personal exploration. This evening Toto Tours hosts a festive Welcome Dinner at a local restaurant.     (Welcome Dinner included)

Wednesday, August 6, 2008
South Iceland

Today we begin our discovery of the scenic natural wonders for which Iceland is justly renowned. Leaving Rejkjavik, we head to the south coast of Iceland, driving past the Nesjavellir geothermal area, Lake Thingvallavatn (Iceland’s largest) and the point where North America meets Europe across the Continental Rift. We visit Seljalandsfoss waterfall before stopping for lunch. In the afternoon, we visit another magnificent waterfall, Skogarfoss, and tour the Skogar Folk Musuem with its 6,000 piece collection of native art, history, and architecture. The curator of this museum is himself a national treasure!
     We continue on to Dyrholaey, a protected nature area with sheer cliffs and a natural rock arch out to sea with a large population of sea puffins. Our final stop for the day is the little village of Vik, set along a dramatic stretch of coastline, where we spend the night. Dinner is included tonight at our hotel in Vik.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Thursday, August 7, 2008
Southeast Coast

After breakfast we depart for the South East Coast, stopping at the Dyrholaey Bird Cliffs to snap photos of the adorable puffins, and the Reynisfjall Cave, from where we catch a glimpse of the towering fingers of black rock jutting out of the sea. Our drive today takes us along the southeast coast through a luxuriantly green landscape dotted with tiny farms and historic settlements, among them Kirkjubaejarklastur, a green oasis in the volcanic desert of this region, where we stop for lunch (on your own).
     In the afternoon, visit Skaftafell National Park, marked by three large glaciers wedged between the rugged mountains. At our next stop, we will experience what is sure to be one of the trip’s highlights—a short boat cruise on the iceberg-filled Lake Jokulsarion. A short drive further brings us to our final stop for the day, the harbor town of Hofn located on the picturesque Hornafjordur fjord. Dinner is included at our hotel.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Friday, August 8, 2008
The East Fjords

After breakfast, we depart Hofn to an area often overlooked by most tourists and organized tours. Iceland’s Route 1 takes us from Hofn along the curvy east coastline. Crossing over the Almannaskaro pass, the majestic mountains come into view as they plunge dramatically into the sea, forming the magnificent East Fjords. Our route cuts back inland over the rolling landscape to the town of Egilstaddir, situated on the northern tip of the pencil-thin Logurinn Lake. Dinner is again included at our hotel this evening.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Saturday, August 9, 2008
Lake Myvatn / Akureyri

After breakfast we proceed tot he northwest through the empty vastness of the highland desert plateau, Moorudalsoaerfi, and on to beautiful Lake Myvatn. Our drive takes us within view of the powerful waterfall, Godafoss, the vast 2,000-year-old lava fields of Dimmuborgir with its towering pinnacles, arches, caves and tunnels, a geothermal area, and the forested promontory of Hofdi. We enjoy lunch together at a hotel in Myvatn.
     Our day of amazing outdoor adventures concludes upon arrive at our hotel in Akureyri, located at the southern tip of the Eyjafjord. Dinner is included at the hotel.     (All Meals)

Sunday, August 10, 2008
Northern Traverse / Return to Reykjavik

After breakfast, depart Akureyri for a full day of cross-country touring with plenty of stops along the way to take photos and get out to stretch our legs. We traverse the northern reaches of the country, across the Holtavorouheioi Plateau, passing Hraunfossar, a multitude of tiny cascades forming a continuous waterfall into the Hvita River. Our journey continues through the verdant green countryside past tiny hamlets, another geothermal field, plus countless streams and lakes.
     Arriving back at our original hotel in Reykjavik, we enjoy a free evening for rest, relaxation and perhaps a healthy sampling of the local nightlife!     (Breakfast)

Monday, August 11, 2008
Golden Circle / Langjokull

After breakfast, enjoy a full day excursion which includes the famous Golden Circle Tour and the Langjokull Glacier. We visit the 10th century open-air Viking parliament, the powerful Gullfoss (golden waterfall), which falls nearly 150 feet into the White River canyon, and Geysir Park. The Icelandic word Geysir is used internationally for “spouting hot springs,” and there is one here that is just a regular as Old Faithful in Yellowstone.
     We make a stop for lunch (on your own) before arriving at Langjokull Glacier. Enjoy a trip onto the Glacier by 8-wheel glacier truck, followed by an hour of snowmobiling (2 persons per snowmobile, valid driver’s license required). Returning to Reykjavik, enjoy some free time before the group meets for our Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant.     (Breakfast / Farewell Dinner)

Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Blue Lagoon / Departure

The morning is free to relax or sleep in after a night of revelry. We leave the hotel at noon and head to the amazing Blue Lagoon, to luxuriate in the volcanically-heated, mineral-rich waters. After a shower and time for a snack, we transfer to the Keflavik Airport in time to check in for our return flights to the United States.     (Breakfast)

OPTIONAL EXTENSION TO GREENLAND

Please click on the link above to read the full details about our exciting tour extension to Greenland.

ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click hotel name to read description)

Reykjavik:  Hotel Grand (3 nights).

Vik:  Hotel Edda (1 night). Confirmation pending.

Hofn:  Hotel Foss Vatnajokull (1 night).

Egilstadir:  Hotel Herad (1 night). Confirmation pending.

Akureyri:  Hotel Edda (1 night). Confirmation pending.

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements—For citizens of the United States and Canada, no visas are necessary. All you need is a valid passport.

Immunizations—No immunizations are required, but it is wise to have your inoculations up to date. Is your tetanus booster current?

Exit Requirements—Your airport departure tax will be included in the cost of your Icelandair ticket.

WHAT TO BRING

Iceland’s name and northern location influence the packing list. Even summer weather can be quite cool, so light woollens, wind/rain proof jacket and coat are essential. Wearing a number of layers is best, as items can be added or removed as needed if the temperature changes quickly. Dress is fairly casual, though Icelanders tend to be very image conscious. All the restaurants we use for our group dinners will be casual.

Suggested Packing List:

____ Proof of citizenship. Passport needed.

____ Nice, casual outfits for Reykjavik dinners and nightlife.

____ Sturdy hiking shoes for out in nature.

____ Good walking shoes for urban touring.

____ Pants & long-sleeved shirts (6 - 7).

____ T-shirts (6 - 7).

____ Shorts (2 pairs).

____ Jeans (2 pairs) for hiking.

____ Wind/rain proof jacket & pants. The spray from a huge waterfall can soak you if the wind is blowing your way, and you will want to get close to these amazing forces of nature!

____ Coat & thick sweater.

____ Scarf, wool or fleece hat, gloves.

____ A piece of netting (or sheer see-through scarf) to cover your face at Lake Myvatn. Gnats abound at some lakes. They don’t bite, but get in every orifice unless you cover your face

____ Sunglasses / sunscreen / lip balm.

____ Eye mask for sleeping. Remember, the sun doesn’t set for long during the Icelandic summers!

____ Personal toiletries.

____ Swimsuit(s) for hot springs, public pools and Blue Lagoon.

____ Camera, batteries & plenty of film. These are very expensive in Iceland.

____ Iceland is an expensive country. Be sure you have plenty of available balance on your credit cards, and let each card’s issuing bank know you are traveling so security safeguards don’t get triggered and shut them down. Credit cards are accepted everywhere!

____ A good book and writing materials for journaling.

MONEY MATTERS

The monetary unit is the Icelandic “krona” (ISK). Bills come in denominations of ISK 5000, 2000, 1000 and 500. Coins are ISK 100, 50, 10, 5 and 1. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted; American Express is less common. You will be able to use your ATM card to withdraw local currency at the best bank rates. On August 27, 2007, the interbank exchange rate was 86 ISK to the US dollar.

Tipping
Tipping at a restaurant in Iceland is considered an insult. We will make a collective tip to our driver and guide at the Farewell Dinner.

RESERVATIONS

To reserve a place on this tour, click on the “Reservations” link above. Type in the information requested in each field, print the form, then sign and mail it to Toto Tours with your $500 deposit check ($700 if also booking the Greenland Extension). You also have the option to pay for your tour deposit with a Visa or MasterCard. The remaining balance is due 80 days prior to departure (by May 26, 2008). Tour registration is not complete until we have received both the signed reservation form and your deposit check or credit card authorization.
     Toto Tours does not accept credit cards as a form of payment except for the amount of the tour deposit ($500 maximum can be charged per tour). 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.
     We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in Iceland (and Greenland)! We will provide the necessary forms upon receipt of your deposit, or you can apply online by following the link at the bottom of this page. You can also book your travel insurance with a phone call to Toto Tours.
     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.

THE TOTO SPIRIT

• 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!

Join us as Toto Tours makes its highly anticipated return to Iceland. You’ll love this land of beautiful Viking men, gorgeous landscapes and exciting adventures. If you have any questions, please call us toll-free at:  800-565-1241.

THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)

Price:  $4,295 double occupancy

Private Room:  $600 extra. Like most European hotels, “single” rooms tend to be smaller than rooms occupied by two people (twin rooms). If you would like to book a Twin Room for Sole Use (TSU), the supplemental charge is $900 in addition to the double occupancy rate.

Deposit:  $500  (Due at time of registration for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)

Remaining Balance:  $3,795 (double) / $4,395 (single) / $4,695 (TSU)
(Assumes $500 deposit has already been made)

Remaining Balance Due:  May 26, 2008
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)

Included:  Seven nights accommodations; all ground transportation within Iceland; fully-guided and escorted tour with services of private coach and English-speaking guide for duration of itinerary, meals as indicated, all activities listed except those identified as “optional.”

Not Included:  Round-trip air transportation to/from Iceland; meals and optional activities not specifically listed in the itinerary; ground transportation for sightseeing on your own (taxis, local guides, etc.); tips to our drivers and guides; alcoholic beverages; insurance; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a personal nature.

TRAVEL INSURANCE

We recommend you purchase travel insurance with AIG Travel Guard to cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow the link below or call us for more information.