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.

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.