Babes in Toyland
Bavaria and its Christmas Markets
December 3 – 12, 2010

’TIS THE SEASON . . .

“Chestnuts roasting on an open fire, Jack Frost nipping at your nose . . . .”  These opening lyrics to a popular Christmas carol perfectly set the scene for the pervading atmosphere of European Christmas Markets. Christmas Markets are feasts for the senses and an enduring and beloved tradition.
     Christmas Markets were usually held around the town’s principal church in order to attract churchgoers on their way to and from services. In the midst of a dark winter, the townspeople loved the bright panoply of the market and spent happy hours looking through the many wares, and buying many a gift or sweet. Over time, each Christmas Market developed its own distinctive character, not only reflecting local traditions but also unique historic backdrops. And because only local traders and merchants were allowed to sell products at the Christmas Market, each town became known for its distinct specialties.
     The Christmas season is one of the most picturesque times of the year in Germany, in towns small and large. Many regions are snow covered and lit brightly for the holidays. In Germany, the sweet aroma of “lebkuchen” (gingerbread) and “stollen” breads wafts through town squares. Hand-carved wooden ornaments and nativity scenes, festive wreaths, and aromatic candles line the booths. Heavenly scents of fresh-baked goods, gingerbread, cinnamon, Nuremberg sausages, and sweet roasted almonds, envelop you with a sense of warm homey comforts as you stroll by cradling a cup of hot, spiced wine. Winter festivals include horse and carriage racing, hot air ballooning, ice-skating and more.
     In recent years, the towns of Germany have vied with each other to distinguish their markets from all others, so that many of the traditional Christmas Markets today offer unique handicrafts and delicacies. Here one can recapture the innocence and wonder of Christmas past, taking in the rich, consciously traditional selection of Christmas decorations and gifts.
     The region of Bavaria in Germany’s southeastern corner is its most picturesque. With the Alps providing a stunning backdrop, it is home to lush green forests and plenty of charming, old towns nestled in every valley. It has the most famous of all the German scenic roads – the Romantic Road, and the towns along the way give visitors an excellent insight into the region’s history, art and culture.
     We visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Wurzburg, Bamberg and Regensburg, as well as the Old World charm of Rothenburg, Heidelberg, Nuremburg and Geiselwind. Mad King Ludwig II’s Neuschwanstein Castle sits on the ridge of a mountain valley surrounded by snow-capped peaks, completing this vision of fairyland. Finally, the Bavarian capital of Munich rounds out this festive tour with a three-night stay.
     Escape the American hysteria surrounding the Holidays—sappy TV Yuletide specials, department store gridlock, and overpriced high-tech gadgets and war toys. Feel like a kid again surrounding yourself with classic, old-world Christmas spirit. Be one of Toto’s “Babes in Toyland!”

ITINERARY

Friday, December 3, 2010
Depart for Frankfurt, Germany

This is a travel day, with tour services beginning tomorrow in Germany. Book a flight from your home city to Frankfurt, Germany (use the code FRA when searching for flights online). Try to schedule your flights to arrive in Frankfurt early tomorrow morning. We will be happy to arrange an additional night’s stay if you prefer to arrive today, one day before the tour begins.

Saturday, December 4, 2010
Arrival in Frankfurt / Transfer to Heidelberg

Most international flights arrive into Frankfurt early this morning. Since our group members will be coming from many different points of origin, we have not arranged a group airport pick-up and transfer to Heidelberg. It is a very simple matter to take the high-speed train directly from the Frankfurt Airport to Heidelberg, and the trip takes less than an hour. (We will send detailed information about how to catch the train and get to the hotel prior to departure.)
     Upon arrival in Heidelberg, check into your hotel room and enjoy some free time to rest up from the effects of jet-lag or do a little exploring on your own. Our group gathers this evening in the hotel’s bar for cocktails and introductions before walking to a nearby restaurant for our Welcome Dinner at a restaurant near our hotel. Overnight in Heidelberg.     (Dinner included)

Sunday, December 5, 2010
Sightseeing in Heidelberg

The very image of romantic Germany, Heidelberg is famous for the ruins of its red sandstone castle, high above the river Neckar. The town has quaint cobblestone streets, intricate Baroque architecture, market squares, countless outdoor cafes, and picturesque castle ruins (considered to be the most beautiful and romantic of all German ruins) overlooking the town. It is also home to Germany’s oldest university (founded in 1386), where the 30,000 students create a lively atmosphere, immortalized in Sigmund Romberg’s operetta The Student Prince. Tour the castle, seeing the Dicker Turm (fat tower), Elizabethentor (Elizabeth’s Gate, built for Elizabeth Stuart by Friedrich V in a single night) and the Grosses Fass, a wine cask with a capacity of over 50,000 gallons.
     Tonight, revel in the Heidelberg Christmas Market, which spreads out across five squares in the Old Town center. Attractions include a large variety of arts & crafts, light projections, nostalgic merry-go-rounds, and several other highlights, not to mention the original Heidelberg Christmas Market Glühwein (mulled wine) and regional food.     (Breakfast)

Monday, December 6, 2010
Rothenburg / Geiselwind

After breakfast, depart our hotel and travel to Rothenburg, probably the most famous medieval town in Germany. Situated on the Romantic Road, the town has a complete circuit of ramparts which can be walked in about an hour. Visit the Medieval Crime and Torture museum, where the collections includes not only torture devices used for nagging wives and drunken men, but also legal documents, passports and old prints, charting the development of crime and punishment for the last 500 years. Behind the central square, the church of St. Jacob is home to the amazing Holy Blood altarpiece by Germany’s most famous wood carver, Tilman Riemenschneider. Continue to Geiselwind, a typical village in Germany’s Franconia region, for three nights. Overnight in Geiselwind.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Nuremberg

Nuremberg was one of Germany’s most beautiful cities before World War II. Its association with the German Emperors saw the city chosen for the Nazi party rallies, and we will see the rally grounds and ‘Fuhrer Balcon’ where Hitler gave his crowd-agitating speeches. Bombed to rubble at the end of the war, Nuremberg has been rebuilt as a modern metropolis, but it still retains Old World charm in the medieval town center. The city has probably the most famous Christmas market in Germany, with a lovely setting in front of the Church of Our Lady and dating back to the early 1600s. The market is famous for its delicious ginger bread. Return to Geiselwind for dinner and overnight.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Wurzburg / Bamberg

Today we take a full-day tour to two of northern Bavaria’s hidden gems. Wurzburg, set on both banks of the river Main, was once the seat of one of the most powerful Prince-Bishops of Germany. Visit the New Residence, a baroque palace built in the 18th century by Balthasar Neumann, Germany’s most famous architect of the time, where the Venetian Gian Battista Tiepolo frescoed the ceiling of both the Grand Staircase and the Imperial Hall.
     After some time for the Christmas market, continue to Bamberg, part of UNESCO’s World Heritage since 1993, with over 2,000 listed buildings in the historic center. The symbol of the city is the Altes Rathaus (Old Town Hall), which stands on an island in the river Regnitz. Bamberg is also famous for having more breweries per capita than any city in the world. Return to Geiselwind for dinner and overnight.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Thursday, December 9, 2010
Regensburg / Munich

Drive into eastern Bavaria to visit one of Germany’s oldest cities, Regensburg. Built on the south bank of the river Danube, it was imperial Rome’s furthest expansion north. Part of the original Roman castrum, or fortified town, still stand, while the city was one of the largest to escape destruction during the war. Whole days could be spent wandering Regensburg’s warren of medieval streets, with their profound Italian influence. After our opportunity to enjoy traditional gluhwein and sausages, we continue to Munich, our home for the next three nights.     (Breakfast)

Friday, December 10, 2010
Munich Sightseeing

After breakfast enjoy a full day exploring Munich, the cultural and commercial center of Bavaria. Munich is known as the largest village in the world, thanks to the intimate and liberal atmosphere. There is something for everyone here, from museums, churches, historic markets and palaces to one of the country’s best gay scenes. We explore a little bit of everything from the base of our centrally located hotel.
     Along the way, we have the opportunity to stroll through the city’s expansive Christmas markets. Munich is an amazing place to experience this cultural phenomenon, with nearly every neighborhood hosting its own market with its own unique traditions. From exquisite handcrafted Christmas ornaments of wood, blown glass and ceramics (crafted from traditional and modern designs) to kitchen utensils, pottery and candles, it should be no problem to find something unique for that hard-to-shop-for relative. Later (if you haven’t eaten yourself into a coma), you may want to experience some of Munich’s gay nightlife.     (Breakfast)

Saturday, December 11, 2010
Neuschwanstein / Farewell Dinner

After breakfast, embark on a morning excursion to Neuschwanstein in the foothills of the Alps, one of the castles of Ludwig II of Bavaria. It was the model for Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle, and is one of the most photographed buildings in the world. The castle was never finished, and the enormous expenditure of state funds on this edifice was the main reason the king was overthrown by the worried Bavarian government. Enjoy a tour of the lavish and theatrical rooms before returning to Munich for a final visit to the Christmas markets. This evening Toto Tours hosts a festive Farewell Dinner where we “Babes in Toyland” say “auf wiedersehn” to Germany in style, followed by another chance to sample the city’s gay bars and dance clubs.     (Breakfast / Dinner)

Sunday, December 12, 2010
Departure

The tour ends officially after breakfast this morning. Arrange your return flight home for any convenient time today. Because members of our group will be departing at all hours of the day, we have not arranged a group transfer to the airport. Munich’s central train station is not far from our hotel and it takes just 40 minutes to ride the train to the Munich Airport. The tour manager will assist you with your travel plans, and can help to organize taxis or minivans for small groups that wish to travel together.     (Breakfast)

ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click property name to read description)

Heidelberg (2 nights):  Hotel Bayrischer Hof

Geiselwind (3 nights):  Landhotel Geiselwind

Munich (3 nights):  Hotel Mirabell

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements—U.S. and Canadian citizens do not need visas for entry into Germany, or any other country in the European Union. A valid passport is all that is required.

Immunizations—No immunizations are required, but we always recommend that your tetanus booster is current.

Exit Requirements—There is no departure tax currently required other than what is included with the cost of your airline ticket.

Suggested Viewing / Netflix:

• Heidelberg: The Odessa File (1974) w/ Jon Voight
• Rothenburg: Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (1968) w/ Dick Van Dyke
• Nuremberg: Judgment At Nuremberg (1961) w/ all star cast
• Wurzburg: Decision Before Dawn (1951) w/ Oskar Werner
• Bamberg: Town Without Pity (1961) w/ Kirk Douglas
• Munich: Veronika Voss (1982) German film by Rainer Werner Fassbinder
• Neuschwanstein: Ludwig (1973) w/ Helmut Berger

WHAT TO BRING

In December, average daily temperatures in the places we will visit range from a low of 27 degrees F to a high of 40 degrees F. You won’t need a suit jacket or tie, as the tour is informal and dinner attire will be casual, but remember to bring winter wear. Try to pack light and bring only two small pieces of luggage. You will probably want to bring an empty suitcase for your acquisitions! Create mix and match outfits, and think about layering—particularly during our time in the Bavarian Alps! Pack any medications you require in a carry-on bag and leave expensive jewelry at home!

Suggested Packing List:

____ Passport.

____ Nice casual wear for dinners.

____ T-shirts (2 – 3).

____ Long pants (3 – 4 pairs), belt.

____ Long-sleeve shirts (5 – 6).

____ Socks, underwear for 9 days.

____ Long underwear, tops and bottoms.

____ Sweater or fleece to layer for additional warmth.

____ Winter coat, hat, scarf, gloves.

____ Umbrella or other rain protection.

____ Comfortable hiking shoes / waterproof boots.

____ Daypack or fanny pack.

____ Sunscreen / lip balm / sunglasses.

____ Personal toiletries.

____ Camera, extra batteries & plenty of digital memory.

____ A good book for the long flights.

MONEY MATTERS

The German currency is the Euro, the common currency of many of the member countries of the European Union. Banks generally give the best exchange rates, but change bureaus are open longer hours. ATMs are relatively easy to find, and credit cards are widely accepted. As of January 30, 2010, 1 Euro was worth about US $1.39. We suggest that you exchange some currency upon arrival at the Munich airport. An ATM is available at the airport.
     At restaurants you will see “VAT and service” included in bills, but these are not the same thing as a tip for the waiter. Tipping is expected, and 5% to 10% is customary in restaurants. Germans are used to rounding up prices as tips. Taxi drivers, too, expect tips. In general, a tip of 10% is sufficient. We will present collective tips to guides and drivers throughout the tour. Bargaining almost never occurs in Germany, certainly not in shops or restaurants. Haggling is commonplace, however, at flea markets and you should be able to get at least 10% to 25% off the asking price.

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 $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 September 14, 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 6 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 Germany! 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!

You know in your heart of hearts that you have always wanted to be a “Babe in Toyland.” This is your perfect opportunity to fulfill a dream and make all your friends and relatives happy with the delightful gifts you bring home. If you have any questions, please call us at: 800-565-1241.

THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)

Price:  $2,995 per person in double occupancy hotel accommodations

Private Room:  $400 extra, if available, for a total price of $3,395. (Paying a single supplement is not required. Toto Tours will try to match you with a roommate if you are traveling alone and prefer to share a room. If this is not possible, a single supplement will be applied to your reservation before the final payment date.)

Twin Sole Use (TSU) Supplement:  $600 extra, if available, for a total price of $3,595. 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.

Deposit:  $600 (Due at time of registration for the tour. May be paid with a credit card.)

Remaining Balance: $2,395 double / $2,795 single / $2,995 TSU
(Assumes $600 deposit has already been made.)

Remaining Balance Due:  September 14, 2010
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)

Included:  Eight nights hotel accommodations; motorcoach transportation throughout the tour; 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 Frankfurt and departing from Munich; airport transfers; train ticket from Frankfurt to Heidelberg at tour start; train ticket from Munich to airport at tour end; 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 not included.

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.