Meet the Hapsburgs
Budapest, Vienna & Prague
September 18 - 28, 2008

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

Thursday, September 18, 2008
Departure from the U.S.

Today is a travel day. Arrange your international flight to leave your home city and arrive in Budapest, Hungary tomorrow morning. The airport code is BUD. Do a multi-city search, as you will be returning from Prague (airport code PRG). We highly recommend that you consider arriving one day early to rest from jet lag. We are happy to arrange an extra night for you at our hotel this evening.

Friday, September 19, 2008
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. It is important that you arrive in the morning so that you do not miss the afternoon sightseeing tour which will leave the hotel at 2pm. Please plan to arrive one day early if your connections do not allow you to arrive before noon.
     This afternoon the group gathers for a sightseeing tour of the Pest side of the city. View the Opera House, Hero’s Square and its Millennium Monument (where much of Evita was filmed), marvel at the architectural displays, and visit the Central Market. This evening, meet for a cocktail in our hotel’s bar, and then share a festive Welcome Dinner at the famous Gundel Restaurant. The evening is free for gay nightlife.     (Welcome Dinner included)

Saturday, September20, 2008
Sightseeing Tour of Buda

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! 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.
     Returning to the hotel at the conclusion of the tour, the remainder of the day is free at leisure. We highly recommend taking an optional cruise on the Danube River this evening to see the city’s monuments illuminated. We can organize a private boat if there is enough interest among the group members.     (Breakfast)

Sunday, September 21, 2008
Free Day in Budapest

After breakfast the entire day is free to explore on your own. You might consider visiting the gorgeous Jewish Synagogue and adjacent Holocaust Memorial. The Museum of Fine Arts is one of the most impressive art galleries in all of Europe. Take advantage of your final night in Budapest to enjoy one of the city’s fine musical events, if you so desire.     (Breakfast)

Monday, September 22, 2008
Budapest to Vienna / Schönbrunn Palace

After an early breakfast we transfer to Vienna, Austria, arriving in time to have a late lunch together at the KunstHaus Restaurant. Here we meet our local guide and commence a city sightseeing tour, starting with a photo stop at the nearby Hundertwasser Haus museum. Next we visit Schönbrunn Palace, one of the most important cultural monuments in Austria, a position it occupies by virtue of its long and colorful history. Protected by a preservation order, the whole complex (which includes the palace, the park with its fountains, statues and architectural features as well as the zoo, the oldest of its kind still in use in its original function) was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 1996
     We check in at our centrally located hotel after visiting the Palace, and the evening is free to explore gay nightlife, enjoy a classical music concert, or attend the opera.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Vienna Sightseeing

This morning enjoy a guided walking tour of the historic center of Vienna to become more familiar with our new (and opulent) surroundings. See the State Opera House and the exterior of the Belvedere Palace and Hofburg Palace. Visit St. Stephens Cathedral and also the Splendor Room at the National Library.
     We conclude the walking tour in the city center, which is a perfect place to select one of the restaurants we recommend for lunch. Or skip the lunch idea and go straight for the world-famous Sachertorte at the Hotel Sacher (next to the State Opera House)! 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.     (Breakfast)

Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Free Day in Vienna

After breakfast at our hotel, enjoy a full free day to sample the bountiful cultural possibilities in Vienna. There are world-class museums and exhibitions, not to mention the Lippazaner Stallions! Your tour manager will help you make the most of your day in one of the most beautiful cities in the world!     (Breakfast)

Thursday, September 25, 2008
Vienna to Prague

Depart Vienna after breakfast this morning, bound for the Czech Republic and magical Prague. We go directly to lunch on the Prague Castle Hill at the Strahov Monastery restaurant. After lunch we continue our exploration of Castle Hill, visiting the Prague Castle, the Old Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, the Golden Lane and Daliborka Tower, plus St. George’s Basilica.
     Following the tour, we check in at our centrally-located hotel. The remainder of the evening is free for cultural events and gay nightlife.     (Breakfast / Lunch)

Friday, September 26, 2008
Prague Sightseeing

After breakfast at the hotel we take a walking tour of the city starting at our hotel. The tour includes the Municipal House, the Old Town Square, Charles Bridge and many beautiful locations within walking distance from the hotel.
     After a break for lunch, we have organized an optional guided tour of the historic Jewish Quarter. The area is closed to the public on Saturday, so this afternoon is our only opportunity to visit. Our local guide is organizing the tour, and will base the price on the number of participants. Please indicate your interest in taking the tour in the appropriate place on the reservation form. Payments will be made directly to the guide in Prague. Those not taking the tour of the Jewish Quarter will have a free afternoon, and the evening is totally free.     (Breakfast)

Saturday, September 27, 2008
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 manager will be available to assist you with your plans.
     This evening Toto Tours hosts a festive Farewell Dinner at a local restaurant to bid goodbye to the Hapsburgs and each other.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Sunday, September 28, 2008
Departure

The tour ends officially after breakfast. Arrange your international flight to depart at any convenient time today. We provide one group transfer to the airport, timed to accommodate the greatest number of departing tour participants. If this transfer does not meet your needs, we will assist you in arranging your private transfer to the airport. We are also happy to assist with hotel arrangement if you wish to extend your stay in Prague.     (Breakfast)

ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click hotel name to read description)

Budapest:  Hotel Sofitel  (5 star)

Vienna:  The Levante Parliament Hotel  (4 star, new 2006)

Prague:  Grand Hotel Bohemia  (4 star)

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 September, average temperatures range between 48 and 72 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 smart casual. However, if you plan to attend opera, you might want to bring a sportcoat and tie, as operagoers in these cities tend to dress up for these events more than we do in the US. 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.

____ Nice, casual wear for dinners and cultural events.

____ T-shirts (2 – 3) for layering.

____ Long pants, jeans, chinos, khakis (3 – 4 pairs)

____ Shorts (1 or 2) in case of hot weather.

____ Long-sleeve shirts (5 – 6).

____ Warm sweater or Jacket.

____ Umbrella or other rain protection.

____ Comfortable, water-resistant walking shoes.

____ Dressier shoes for cultural events.

____ Swimsuit (optional).

____ Daypack or fanny pack.

____ Personal toiletries.

____ Camera, extra 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 small amounts of money into local currency upon arrival in each country. Otherwise, try to use your credit card/ATM Debit Cards as much as possible. ATMs always give the best exchange rate for local currency cash withdrawals. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants, hotels, shops and tourist attractions.

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. 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 June 30, 2008). 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 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.
     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 October 10, 2007 currency exchange rates and are subject to change in the event of a significant decline in the value of the dollar.

• 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 discriminating 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:  $3,595 double occupancy

Private Room:  $1,100 extra, if available. (Paying a single supplement is not required. Toto Tours can match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer to share a room.)

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

Remaining Balance:  $3,095 double / $4,195 single
(Assumes $500 deposit has already been made)

Remaining Balance Due:  June 30, 2008
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)

Included:  Nine nights hotel accommodations; motorcoach transportation; one group airport transfer at conclusion of tour; meals, activities, and sightseeing 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.

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.