ACCOMMODATIONS
(Click hotel name to read description)
Santo Domingo: Sofitel Nicolas de Ovando
This very special property is a UNESCO World Heritage Site!
Jarabacoa: Rancho Baiguate (superior rooms)
Samana Bay: Viva Wyndham Resort
Puerto Plata: Gran Ventana Beach Resort
PREPARING FOR THE TOUR
Entry Requirements—For citizens of the United States and Canada, you will need a valid passport good for a minimum of 4 months beyond the time of this tour. No visas are necessary, but you will need to purchase a Tourist Card (for $10.00 U.S.) for your stay, which may be purchased upon arrival at the airport in Santo Domingo.
Immunizations—No immunizations are required, but it is wise to make sure your tetanus booster is up-to-date.
Exit Requirements—All tourists must pay a departure tax of $20 (for minimum 2 week stay) at the airport. You may pay in either dollars or pesos.
WHAT TO BRING
Daytime dress is generally casual but beachwear and shorts are only acceptable in resorts and at pools. It is considered offensive to enter a church wearing shorts and a t-shirt, so plan on wearing a pair of lightweight cotton chinos and collared shirt for touring days. Evenings tend to be smarter, though still casual. The weather will range between 70 and 82 degrees Farenheit, with slightly cooler temperature in Jarabacoa. Pack accordingly, but try to limit yourself to two small suitcases. Electric current is 110 volts, same as in the U.S., with standard plugs and outlets. Pack all medications in a carry-on bag and leave expensive jewelry home!
Suggested Packing List:
____ One comfy, casual outfit for Welcome Dinner (it is in a cave, but no Fred Flinstones please).
____ Short-sleeved shirts (4 - 5).
____ Shorts (2 - 3 pairs).
____ Underwear & socks for 8 days.
____ Sneakers and beach sandals (hiking boots not necessary).
____ Long-sleeved shirts (2 - 3) for evenings / sun protection.
____ Lightweight long pants (1 - 2 pair).
____ Lightweight poncho for rain.
____ Jacket or sweatshirt for cool nights.
____ Swimsuits / beach towel / sun hat.
____ Sunscreen / lip balm / sunglasses.
____ Moist towelettes.
____ Ziploc plastic bags. Small for documents & large for wet items.
____ Day-pack or fanny pack.
____ Anti-diarrhea medicine just in case.
____ Insect repellent / anti-itch ointment.
____ Personal toiletries.
____ Binoculars / Camera & film / memory cards.
____ Pocket calculator for money exchange.
____ A good book for the plane and the beach.
MONEY MATTERS
The monetary unit is the Dominican Republic Peso (DOP). Bills come in denominations of 2000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5 pesos. Coins are 1 peso, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 centavos. On May 5, 2007, the interbank exchange rate was 535 colones to the US dollar. Exchange money only at banks or at your hotel. It is easier at the hotel, but sometimes the cash drawer is low. Never exchange currency with someone on the street. You will get the best exchange rate by withdrawing money from ATMs, which will be available in all but the smallest villages. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country.
Taxes and Tipping—Hotel and restaurant bills automatically include a 10 per cent service charge (on top of a 12 per cent charge for tax purposes) but an additional tip may be given as an appreciation of good service. Taxi drivers on the fixed routes do not expect tips. We will present a collective tip to both during our Farewell Dinner.
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 October 31, 2007). Tour registration is not complete until we have received both the signed reservation form and your deposit check or credit card authorization.
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.
We strongly encourage you purchase Travel Insurance to cover all aspects of your travel in the Dominican Republic! 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. You can also book your travel insurance with a phone call to Toto Tours.
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.
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:
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fun-loving optimists who have a sense of humor and accentuate the positive;
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good natured realists who are willing to accept situations as they exist;
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undaunted by the unexpected, like occasional delays or bad weather;
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willing to forego some of the amenities we normally take for granted;
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eager to try new things & test limits;
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punctual;
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not whiners!
Join us for a winter escape to a tropical island paradise in the Dominican Republic! If you have any questions, please call toll-free: 800-565-1241.
THE BOTTOM LINE
(tour prices per person)
Price: $2,395 double occupancy
Private Room: $500 extra, if available. (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: $1,895 double / $2,395 single
(Assumes $500 deposit has already been made)
Remaining Balance Due: October 31, 2007
(Full payment required with reservation form if enrolling after this date.)
Included: All ground transfers within Dominican Republic; fully guided and escorted tour; all guided excursions except those listed as “optional”; meals and accommodations as listed in the itinerary.
Not Included: Round-trip air transportation from your home city into Santo Domingo (SDQ) and returning from Puerto Plata (POP); meals and other items not specifically covered in the itinerary; insurance; alcoholic beverages; soft drinks; bottled water; laundry; telephone calls; faxes; or any other expenses of a personal nature. Tips to drivers / guides are not included.
Airfare: We can arrange your international airfare for you if you wish. We have timed the above itinerary to the following flights on American Airlines, with a price just under $400 from Miami (as of May 10, 2007). This price is subject to change, so it is best to book early!
Departure: AA # 783 leaves Miami at 1:50pm / Arrives Santo Domingo at 5:00pm
Return: AA # 978 leaves Puerto Plata at 4:50pm / Arrives Miami at 6:10pm
With this itinerary you will probably need to arrange for an extra night in Miami on the return. If you indicate on the reservation form that you would like us to book this flight for you, we will put you into direct contact with our booking agent.
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.
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