The Hills Are Alive
Austria’s Mountains & Lakes
May 26 - June 5, 2011

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements—For U.S and Canadian citizens, all you need to enter Austria is a passport that is valid for at least six months after arrival.

Immunizations—No immunizations are currently required for travel to Austria, but it is wise to have your tetanus inoculations up-to-date whenever traveling overseas. Please consult your personal physician about what immunizations are right for you.

Exit Requirements—No departure taxes are required other than those already included in the cost of your airline ticket.

Suggested Viewing

Salzburg—The Sound of Music (1965) w/ Julie Andrews

Berchtesgaden—Where Eagles Dare (1969) w/ Richard Burton

Tirol—Last Holiday (2008) w/ Queen Latifah

Innsbruck—Sissi (1955) w/ Romy Schneider

Just for Fun—YouTube Video of Sound of Music Locations

WHAT TO BRING

In May the average daily temperatures in Salzburg will range from a low of 50 to a high of 70 degrees F. The weather will be a few degrees cooler in Innsbruck. It will be much colder on the mountain tops, so remember to bring a jacket for high elevations. Try to pack light and bring only one piece of luggage plus your carry-on bag. We stay three nights at each hotel, so it will be easy to get laundry done. Create mix and match outfits, and think about layering—particularly during our time in the Tyrolean 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.

____ Long pants (2-3 pairs), belt.

____ Jeans (1 pair) for hiking.

____ Shorts (2 - 3) for warmer days.

____ T-shirts (2 – 3).

____ Long-sleeve shirts (3-4).

____ Socks, underwear for 9 days.

____ Sweater or fleece for additional warmth.

____ Coat for mountain excursions.

____ Head warmer (ear muffs), scarf, light gloves.

____ Umbrella or other rain protection.

____ Daypack or fanny pack.

____ Sunscreen / lip balm / sunglasses.

____ Personal toiletries.

____ Camera, extra batteries & plenty of digital memory or film.

____ A good book for the long flights.

MONEY MATTERS

The Austrian 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 June 29, 2010, the interbank exchange rate was 1.22 Euro to the U.S. $1. We suggest that you exchange some currency upon arrival at the Salzburg or Munich airport. An ATM is available at the airport.

Tipping is a part of everyday life in Austria; in restaurants, bars and cafés and in taxis it’s customary to give about 10%. Add the bill and the tip together and hand it over in one lump sum. It also doesn’t hurt to tip hairdressers, hotel porters, cloak-room attendants, and cleaning staff. We will provide suggested tipping guidelines prior to departure, and will present a collective tip to drivers and guides at appropriate points throughout the excursion.

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. 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 Austria. 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!

Toto Tours is known for attracting great groups of people who are outgoing, interesting, and fun. You wouldn’t want to do this tour with anybody else! Come with us to explore Austria’s mountains and lakes for one of the most memorable vacation experiences of your life! If you have any questions, please call toll-free: 800-565-1241.

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.