Smorgasbord
Scandinavian Sampler
August 5 - 15, 2010
UNSPOILED EUROPE
Scandinavia, true home of the Vikings, comprises the four northern
European kingdoms of Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark, as well
as Iceland, Greenland
and the Faroe Islands in the Atlantic Ocean. For centuries, kings and warriors
jockeyed for control of the region’s strategic position and resources
along the North and Baltic Seas. As a result these ancient civilizations
share
a
long, eventful
history of power struggles and intrigues almost as brutal as their unforgiving
winter climates.
If you have already visited continental Europe and enjoyed it, and are
now looking for something a little different, Norway and Sweden offer a
wonderful
change of pace. Nowhere else on the continent is the climate so different,
the landscape more diverse, and the history more dramatically lurid. Follow
in the footsteps of Leif Eriksson and the Vikings, learn about the day-to-day
life of farm families, drink coffee and share ideas with cosmopolitan types,
mingle with royalty and other “queens”—all is possible in
Scandinavia.
Norway is a ruggedly beautiful country of mountains,
fjords and glaciers. It offers incredible wilderness hiking, year-round skiing,
and some of the
most
scenic ferry, bus and train rides you could ever imagine. The country has
long summer days, pleasantly low-key cities, unspoiled villages and
rich historic
sites. Norway may have been home to the Vikings who raided, pillaged and
scared people to death, but it has also produced such world famous writers,
composers,
actors and artists as Henrik Ibsen, Edvard Grieg, Liv Ullmann and Edvard
Munch. Oslo, the capital city, is nestled between forest-clad hills along
the blue
waters of a fjord, and surprises many visitors with its intimacy. The surrounding
landscape is splendid for outdoor summer activities, from bicycling to hiking.
Sweden is the third largest country in western
Europe. Because of its long, narrow shape and northerly location, the landscape
is highly diversified.
There are countless lakes and waterways; vast forests of pine, spruce, oak,
and birch;
majestic mountains and glaciers as well as wide-open countryside interspersed
with idyllic villages and vibrant cities. One of the world’s most alluring
capital cities, Stockholm is a blend of sparkling beauty and royal splendor,
built on 14 islands at the edge of the Baltic Sea. It is a vibrant, modern
city with historic charm. Nearly everywhere you look there is a view of the
water. The magnificent buildings, centuries-old lanes and historic squares
stand amidst green parks, blue skies and blue seas., and the city pulsates
with cutting-edge culture.
Toto Tours invites you to experience the heart
of Scandanavia on the fjords of Norway and in Stockholm, Sweden. Join us
for the perfect summer vacation where the sun
shines nearly 20 hours a day, the temperature is always pleasantly cool and
the festive
atmosphere continues around the clock!
ITINERARY
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Leave U.S. / Travel Day
Today is a travel day. Flights from the U.S.
to Bergen, Norway typically depart in the late afternoon or early
evening, arriving the next
morning. If you wish to add a day in Bergen, please let us know
and we will be happy to extend your reservation at our group hotel.
The airport code for Bergen is BGO.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Arrival / Free Day / Welcome Dinner
Many flights from the U.S. arrive
in Bergen in the morning. Since our clients tend to arrive at different
times, and even on different days, it is not possible to organize a
group transfer from the airport to the hotel. Public transportation
at the Bergen airport is very organized and easy to use. We will provide
details about your transportation options prior to departure.
Once
you
check in at the hotel, the entire day is free to rest up from jet-lag
or do some exploring on your own. Founded almost 1,000
years
ago, Bergen may be the country’s most
picturesque city, nestled in a natural bowl surrounded by mountains
on three sides and facing the North Sea. Toto Tours hosts
a Welcome Dinner tonight. Overnight in Bergen. (Welcome
Dinner included)
Saturday, August 7, 2010
From Bergen to Balestrand
This morning we head over land and sea through
Norway’s majestic
fjord country. First, we drive over the mountains to Gudvangen, a harbor
nestled deep within Sognefjord, the longest and deepest fjord in the
world. After a 3-course lunch, board a ship for a half day cruise through
narrow fjord arms surrounded by snow-clad peaks and waterfalls cascading
down the cliffs to Kaupanger. At Kaupanger we take a motorcoach for
a short, scenic drive to Hella where we board another ship bound
for Dragsvik, located just a few kilometers from Balestrand. This
little village at the edge of a magnificent fjord is our final
destination
for the day. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Nordfjord / Briksdal / Geiranger
After an early breakfast at the hotel we transfer to the port to commence
our cruise to Fjærland.
Continue by coach along the scenic route passing under the Jostedal
Glacier, the largest in Europe to the village of Skei. Descend to the
beautiful Nord Fjord making a detour at Olden to visit the famous Briksdal
Glacier. The journey up to the glacier will be made in open cars to
give you the best view. After lunch our tour continues via Loen and
Stryn to the picturesque village of Hellesylt. Here we board a ship
for a cruise along the spectacular Geiranger Fjord,
possibly the
most
impressive
of all Norwegian fjords. During the cruise
you will pass close to some magificent waterfalls such as the Bridal
Veil and Seven Sisters. Overnight in Geiranger in a room with a view
of the fjord. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Monday, August 9, 2010
Travel to Lillehammer via Lom
Today we take a motorcoach to Lillehammer, about 155 miles from Geiranger.
We take in truly magnificent scenery today, as we first cross the Grotli
Mountains to Lom, then following Lake Vågå, descend to
the majestic Gudbrands Valley, renowned for its old farmsteads and
beautiful
river, to the world-famous town of Lillehammer, site of the Winter
Olympics in 1994. After lunch we visit the Olympia Park and enjoy
a scenic chairlift ride up
to the
Olympic
ski
jump tower. Overnight in Lillehammer. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Travel to Oslo
We continue by motorcoach about 100 miles today, departing Lillehammer
and driving by Gjovik, alongside Lake Mjøsa. We continue south,
arriving in Oslo in time for lunch. After check-in at our hotel, enjoy
a guided, three-hour panoramic walking tour of the sights in our hotel’s
immediate vicinity. Free evening and overnight in Oslo. (Breakfast
/ Lunch)
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Oslo Sightseeing
This morning enjoy a half day sightseeing tour of Oslo, which celebrated
its 1,000th anniversary in 2000. The tour includes a view of the
Royal Palace, a photo stop at Parliament and the Domkirken (cathedral),
and a drive up to the Holmenkollen Ski Jump for fantastic views
over the city and the Oslo Fjord. The afternoon and evening are at
leisure for shopping and your own personal explorations in this photogenic
city. Overnight in Oslo. (Breakfast)
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Train to Stockholm
After breakfast this morning, we check out of our
hotel and walk the short distance to the train station to catch a
train bound for Stockholm, Sweden. Our five-hour journey in first-class
seating will take us
through a rolling landscape of forests and sparkling lakes to reach
the Swedish
capital
in the
mid afternoon.
After checking into our city-center hotel,
we embark on a brief orientation walking tour of the city often
referred
to as “Venice of
the North.” Some of the highlights may include the cobblestone lanes
and medieval ambience of Old Town, and the Royal Palace. We will
also point out the location of areas with gay nightlife. The remainder of the
evening is free for independent adventures. (Breakfast)
Friday, August 13, 2010
Stockholm Sightseeing
After breakfast, enjoy a half-day guided sightseeing
tour of Stockholm, including the Stadshuset (Old Town Hall), Kungliga
Slottet (Royal Palace), and
the Millesgarden, a sculpture garden overlooking downtown Stockholm
and the piers. One of the day’s highlights is sure to be the
Vasamuseet (Vasa Museum) that houses an extraordinary real-life sailing
vessel retrieved from the bottom of the Baltic Sea after nearly 500
years. At the conclusion of the sightseeing tour, the remainder of
the day is yours to do with as you wish. (Breakfast)
Saturday, August 14, 2010
Free Day / Farewell Dinner
Today is entirely free to explore Stockholm
on your own or indulge in optional activities around town. Our
group will gather together
this evening to celebrate our many Nordic adventures at a festive
Farewell Dinner. Afterwards, enjoy one last chance to enjoy the exciting
gay scene in
Stockholm. (Breakfast / Dinner)
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Departure
The tour officially ends after breakfast this morning. You may arrange
your
flights
for
any convenient
time
today. The airport code for Stockholm is ARN. Because our clients
usually depart at different times, and even different days, we have
not included a group transfer to the airport today. There is an express
train which is very easy to book, and we will provide details about
how to utilize this option during our final days in Stockholm. If you
wish to stay on longer in Stockholm, we can easily extend your stay
at our
centrally
located
hotel. (Breakfast)
ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click hotel name to read description)
Bergen: Clarion Havnekontoret
Balestrand: Hotel Kvikne
Geiranger: Geiranger
Hotel (all rooms with fjord views)
Lillehammer: Radisson SAS
Oslo: Radisson SAS Plaza
Stockholm: Scandic Sergel Plaza
TOUR PREPARATION
Entry Requirements—For citizens of the United States and Canada,
all you need is a valid passport.
Immunizations—No immunizations
are required, but it is wise to have a current tetanus booster.
Exit
Requirements—Your airport departure tax will be included
in the cost of your international airline ticket.
WHAT TO BRING
Even summer weather can be quite cool in Scandinavia,
so light woollens, wind/rain-proof jacket and coat are essential. Wearing
several layers
is best, as items can be added or removed as need be when temperatures
change quickly. Dress is casual.
Suggested Packing List:
____ Proof of citizenship. All you need is
a valid passport. No visas required.
____ Nice casual clothes for group
dinners and evenings on the town.
____ Good walking shoes for tours
(2 pair).
____ Long pants (jeans / khakis / chinos) (3).
____ Long-sleeved shirts
(4 - 5).
____ T-shirts (6 - 7).
____ Shorts (2 pairs).
____ Socks and underwear (for 10 days, but laundry
service is available in hotels).
____ Sweater.
____ Wind/rain-proof jacket & pants.
____ Coat.
____ Umbrella.
____ Scarf, hat, gloves.
____ Sunglasses / sun hat / sunscreen / lip
balm.
____ Personal toiletries.
____ Swimsuit.
____ Camera, extra batteries & plenty of film or
digital memory cards.
____ A good book for the long flights.
MONEY MATTERS
We are traveling to two different countries with separate
currencies. In Norway the currency is the Kroner (NOK). On August
31, 2009, the interbank exchange rate was 6.05 Norwegian Kroner for
one US Dollar.
In Sweden the currency is the Krona (SEK). One US Dollar was worth
7.08 Swedish Krona on August 31, 2009. ATMs are widely available,
and will enable you to obtain the best exchange rate when taking
out local currency.
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 $600 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 May 27,
2010). 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 ($600 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 tour 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 10 participants. The published tour price is based on 15 people booking
the
trip. The price increases according to the following scale for booking levels
of 10 to 14 participants: +$120
if
14
register,
+$240
if
13
register,
+$360
if
12
register,
+$480 if 11 register, and +$600 if only 10 register. The tour will not go forward
with fewer than 10 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.
We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance
to cover all aspects of your travel in Europe! 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.
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!
Enjoy summer where the sun shines almost all day long,
and savor a heaping helping from a smorgasbord of Scandinavian delights
with Toto
Tours in Norway and Sweden. If you have any questions, please call:
800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Double Occupancy Prices: $3,995 per person
(with 15 participants); $4,115 (with 14); $4,235 (with 13); $4,355
(with
12);
$4,475 (with
11); $4,595 (with 10). Invoices will be adjusted according to the final
number of participants by the time the tour closes to new sales on
July 5, 2010 (one month prior
to departure). We will invoice for the lesser rate up until that date.
Private Room: $700 extra for a single
room, 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.)
Twin Sole Use (TSU) Supplement: $900 extra,
if available. Private rooms for single occupancy in Europe are often
much smaller than rooms intended for occupancy by two people. If you
wish to have a private room, and guarantee that you have a room that
is the same size as those occupied by two people, it is necessary to
pay the “Twin Sole Use” (TSU) supplement. This supplement
is added to the double occupancy rate, for a total tour price of $4,895
(with 15 passengers). Please indicate your desire to book TSU on your
reservation form.
Deposit: $600 (due at time
of registration for the tour)
Remaining Balance (assumes 15 participants): $3.395
double / $4,095 single / $4,295 TSU (twin for sole use)
Remaining Balance Due: May 27,
2010
Included: 9 nights hotel accommodations; fjord
cruises via scheduled ferries; air-conditioned motorcoach transfers
and sightseeing; first-class train travel from Oslo to Stockholm;
fully-guided and escorted
tour
with English-speaking guide; ground transportation
and meals as indicated; all activities listed except
those identified
as “optional.”
Not
Included: Round-trip air transportation to Bergen,
Norway and returning from Stockholm, Sweden; airport transfers at
the beginning and end of the tour (public transportation is easily
arranged); 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;
alcohol;
insurance; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses
of a personal nature.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
We recommend you purchase travel insurance with Travel Guard to
cover for unforseen events prior to and during your trip. Please follow
the link below or call us for more information.
|
