Go For Baroque!
Prague, Dresden & Berlin Gay Pride
June 17 - 26, 2011

TOUR PREPARATION

Entry Requirements—For U.S. Citizens a valid passport is the only document required to enter the Czech Republic and Germany 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—No departure taxes required other than those already included in the cost of your airline ticket.

SUGGESTED VIEWING

Prague:  Amadeus (1984) Best Picture Oscar, with F. Murray Abraham, Tom Hulce.

Berlin:  Wings of Desire (1982), directed by Wim Wnders

WHAT TO BRING

In June, the weather is fairly moderate in Prague, Dresden and Berlin and surrounding areas, with average temperatures ranging between 54 and 72 degrees F (global warming notwithstanding). You won’t need a suit jacket or tie, as the tour is informal and dinner attire will be casual. Try to pack light and bring as little luggage as possible. 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 8 days.

____ Nice, casual wear for dinners and cultural events.

____ T-shirts (4– 5).

____ Long pants, such as jeans, chinos, khakis (2 pairs)

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

____ Long-sleeve shirts (3-4).

____ Light 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 digital memory or film.

____ A good book for the long flights.

MONEY MATTERS

The Czech currency is the Koruna (CZK), and the German currency is the Euro (EUR). On August 26, 2010, US$1 was worth about 19.50 CZK. On the same date it cost about US$1.27 to purchase one Euro. Click here to obtain the most current exchange rate for these currencies.
     We recommend that you obtain local currency after you arrive in the country, as doing so in advance carries high fees. After you clear customs and exit the secure area with your baggage, there will be ATM machines available at the airport in Prague. Use your ATM Debit Card as much as possible for withdrawing local currency at a bank machine, as you will always get the best exchange rate. Be sure to notify credit card companies of your travel plans before departure so you do not run the risk of having your cards shut off due to their automatic fraud protections. Major credit cards are accepted at most restaurants, hotels, shops and tourist attractions.

Tipping in Prague:  Tips are welcomed by staff working in the tourist industry in Prague, although generally tipping is relaxed and workers do not chase them. 5%-10% is appropriate. The one exception is the very touristy restaurants in the city center.

Tipping in Germany:  Unlike some other countries, service staff is always paid by the hour (albeit not always that well). A tip is therefore mainly a matter of politeness and shows your appreciation. If you didn't appreciate the service (e.g. slow, snippy or indifferent service) you may not tip at all. Since the introduction of the Euro, a tip (Trinkgeld, lit. "drink money") of about 5-10% is customary if you were satisfied with the service. Nonetheless, a service charge is already included in an item's unit price so what you see is what you pay. Tipping in Germany is usually done by mentioning the total while paying. So if eg. a waiter tells you the bill amounts to "€13.50", just state "15" and he will include a tip of €1.50.

We will provide suggested tipping guidelines prior to departure, and will present a collective tip to drivers and guides at appropriate points throughout the tour.

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 Europe. 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! Join us for all the fun and revelry in these marvelous destinations. 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.