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DAY-BY-DAY
ITINERARY
THU 25 SEP Depart U.S. Our Russian adventure begins today! Meet at the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport for a group check-in. Board our flight to Chicago and connect with the transatlantic overnight flight via SAS. (Meals in-flight) FRI 26 SEP Arrive Moscow Connect in Copenhagen this
afternoon with the continuing flight to Moscow. Upon arrival at
Sheremetyevo Airport, we will be met by our professional Russian
escort who will travel with the group throughout. Welcome to Russia! Our next days will be filled with discovery of a land that must be experienced to be understood. Check in at our hotel for dinner and overnight. Katerina City Hotel (Meals in-flight,D) SAT 27 SEP Moscow Touring today and tomorrow will give us a look at Moscow both from the tourist's viewpoint and from that of a local. Start with a bus tour for a leisurely orientation of the city, stopping atop Sparrow Hills for a panoramic view. Learn of Moscow's turbulent history - it was Russia's capital until Peter the Great crowned St. Petersburg with that honor in 1712. Not until the Bolshevik Revolution some two hundred years later did Moscow return to its former status. See some of the landmark buildings, streets and parks before leaving the bus behind. The Metro is the easiest way to get around and is also a window on 20th century Russian art and design one of Stalin's better legacies. Each station is splendidly decorated and tells the stories of Russia in bas-relief, mosaic, stained-glass, porcelain and bronze. Stop for a stroll through a historic neighborhood and visit a local Saturday market. Return to the hotel and this evening gather for a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Katerina City Hotel (B,D) |
SUN 28 SEP
Moscow/Tver After breakfast and hotel check out, proceed to the very heart of Moscow-the Kremlin. The word "kremlin" refers to a city fortress and kremlins abound through- out Russia. But this Kremlin is the one that symbolizes Russia's power and its political convulsions. In this country of contradictions it will come as no surprise that some of the Kremlin's most glorious treasures are its cathedrals - the Kremlin was once the center of the Russian church. Step through the gates of the triangular, walled fortress and walk the grounds that have been wit- ness to many tragic and famous events in Russian history. Today the Kremlin is one of the largest museums in the world with state regalia, invaluable icons, and riches of the Tsars stored in the chambers and cathedrals. This afternoon depart on the drive to Tver northwest of Moscow. En route visit Tchaikovky's museum home where he lived from 1885 until his death in 1893; the home is much as it was when he composed the "Nutcracker" here. Arrive later this afternoon in Tver, which was once the stopping point for Catherine the Great as she traveled between Moscow and St. Petersburg. We will be spending several nights in Tver and enjoying the robust Russian hospitality of my good friend Victor Kulikov. Park Hotel (B,D) MON 29 SEP Tver The Volga River flows through the center of Tver and is a focal point for relaxation and entertainment, the city park on the south bank often hosts concerts. Embark on a catamaran for a pleasurable sail on the river (cost of the cruise and picnic lunch will be extra). Hear Victor's stories of life in Tver |
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his experiences as a Russian journalist. Perhaps this evening gather for lively balalaika entertainment and, after a vodka or two (if you choose), we'll feel like dancing. Park Hotel (B,D) TUE 30 SEP Tver Today we'll experience Russian life outside of the big city. Travel into some of the towns and villages surrounding Tver to see and learn about rural living. Discover some of the "old ways" that still thrive in the quiet countryside: wooden houses with carved eaves and window frames, dacha gardens waiting for harvest and the babushkas in town markets carrying their dark and crusty sour rye breads. Russians typically eat their big meal beginning in the early to mid-afternoon and today we'll be dining like a local. Ameal begins with zakuski (an appetizer such as caviar or a salad of chopped meat and vegetables in sour cream) followed by one of the char- acteristic Slavic soups (borscht!), then a main course such as stroganoff or chicken Kiev. Park Hotel (B,D) WED 01 OCT Tver/Yaroslavl We're traveling today into the region known as The Golden Ring. This is a loop of very old towns, which date to the 12th century. This region was the political and cultural heart of Russia until Moscow arose in the 14th century. Today's destination is Yaroslavl, the largest of the Golden Ring cities. Yaroslavl lies at the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers, with a rich history of commerce that left a legacy of some of the finest church architecture in Russia. Check in at our hotel for dinner and overnight. Hotel Yubileinaya (B,D) |
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THU
02 OCT
Yaroslavl/St. Petersburg
After breakfast and hotel check-out embark on a tour of historic Yaroslavl. Visit the 17th century Church of Elijah the Prophet - it's the town's focal point at the center and features some of the best preserved reli- gious frescos in Russia. Also tour the monastery refuge of Ivan the Terrible when the Mongols were at Moscow's doorstep. Be sure to climb the belfry for a panoramic view of the city. There will be time at leisure this afternoon for a stroll along the city's ramparts - a favorite activity for the locals. Dinner will be at a local restaurant prior to boarding the overnight train to St. Petersburg. First class, two-berth cabins (B,D) We arrive in St. Petersburg this morning and transfer to the hotel for time to freshen up before beginning our touring. Peter the Great envisioned Russia as a grand European, seafaring power and built St. Petersburg in 1701-03, to take advantage of its location on the Gulf of Finland and the Baltic Sea. Enjoy time for lunch on our own and to explore along lovely Nevsky Prospekt, then embark on a walking tour that begins at the heart of the city: Palace Square with the magnificent Winter Palace housing the State Hermitage Museum. View St. Isaac's, one of the three largest domed cathedrals in the world; its huge golden dome dominates the entire city. Cross the Neva River to Strelka - the view- point that offers a dazzling panorama including the imposing Peter and Paul's Fortress, with the Cathedral where many Russian Tsars are buried. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. Hotel Asteria. (B,D) |
SAT 04 OCT
St. Petersburg Today's excursion takes us south to the town of Pushkin, named after the great Russian poet who studied here; it was origi- nally known as Tsarskoye Selo, the Tsar's Village. The town was the Imperial family's summer residence from the days of Peter the Great until the end of the Romanov dynasty. In the 18th century Catherine the Great built her splendid Baroque palace and park, which we'll tour in breathless wonder. On the return drive to St. Petersburg stop for a sobering visit at the Monument to the Heroic Defenders of Leningrad. This monument- exhibition commemorates the 900-day blockade of the city by the Germans in WWII - a million people died during the siege. Arrive back at the hotel for a free evening, perhaps to attend a ballet or opera performance at the Marinsky Theatre. Hotel Asteria (B) SUN 05 OCT St. Petersburg This morning is dedicated to one of the world's richest art museums, the Hermitage. The collection, begun by Catherine the Great, was enriched by all the Russian Royalties and embraces the his- tory of the world of art. We'll have an introductory tour followed by time at leisure for our own pursuits. Continue in the museum or wander in the city. If you haven't yet bought your nesting Matrushka dolls or gifts for friends and family, visit the Souvenir Fair where goodies abound and bartering is expected. The balance of the day is free until this evening's farewell dinner and folklore show. Hotel Asteria (B,D) |
MON 06 OCT
Return to U.S. This morning transfer to the airport for flight departure at about 2:30PM. Connect in Copenhagen with the transatlantic flight to Chicago to arrive home this evening enriched with our many discoveries of Russian life, history and culture. (B, Meals in-flight) Code: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Itinerary subject to change. COST SUMMARY
$4589 Group flights from Minneapolis Visa ($146)......................Included Airport/Foreign Departure Taxes ($335)...............................Included Tour gratuities ($82)...In addition to base tour cost. Optional Individual Supplements Single
Room*............................$440
*In addition to base tour costs Very limited availability on request basis. GTD can assist in finding roommates; however, this cannot be guaranteed Costs: The tour cost is per person based on current airfare from Minneapolis/St. Paul (other cities available), double occupancy, tariffs and currency valuations as of March 2008, a minimum of 15 travelers, and subject to confirmation. While we will do everything possible to maintain the listed price and/or itinerary, they are subject to change due to circumstances beyond our control. Single room supplements may have limited availability and are on a request basis only. |
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TOUR INCLUSIONS
• Round-trip economy class airfare from Minneapolis/St. Paul via SAS
Scandinavian Airlines or other ARC/IATAapproved scheduled carrier. Note
that a minimum of ten people must travel on the group flights in order to maintain the group price. We will take requests for land only tours and deviations on a first-come, first serve basis and advise you of the possibilities for individual arrangements once the tour has been filled. • Nine nights accommodation in superi- or tourist and first class hotels, double occupancy, with private facilities. Hotels as listed or similar. • One night overnight train accommoda- tion in first class, two-berth cabins. • Breakfast daily and eight dinners as out- lined in the itinerary. •Transfers and transportation by deluxe motorcoach. • Extensive sightseeing throughout; entrance fees included. •Luggage handling of one piece per person. • An experienced English speaking tour guide from arrival in Moscow through departure from St. Petersburg. • Airport/foreign departure taxes (current- ly $335 per person). • Russian visa (fee currently $146 per person) is required for U.S. citizens; GTD will assist with processing. • Comprehensive documentation includ- ing travel accessory, bag tags, name tags, flight and land itineraries, destina- tion literature, customs information, travel tips and more. Items Not Included • Gratuities to drivers and guides (for our convenience, $82 per person will be collected at the time of final invoice). • Fuel surcharges and/or tax increases levied since the pricing of this tour. • Beverages other than coffee/tea at breakfast. • Any meal or sightseeing item not listed in the itinerary. • Items of a personal nature. • Optional insurance for health, baggage, and trip cancellation/interruption is not included and highly recommended. Please refer to the Travel Insurance section. • Passport fees. Apassport valid six months beyond date of re-entry to the U.S. is required. TOUR
CONDITIONS
PAYMENT SCHEDULE: Your reservation and deposit of $400 per person are
requested as soon as possible and no later than April 23 to fulfill the
group deadline requirements.
Note that space is limited and reservations are taken on a first come,
first served basis. Asecond pay- ment of $1000 is due May 23,
2008. Final payment is due July 22, 2008. For credit card
payment Group Travel Directors accepts Visa, MasterCard, Discover or
American Express. |
REFUND
POLICY: All cancellations must be in writing. There is no refund for partial or unused land arrangements. Note: Airline tickets will be issued well in advance prior to departure and may be nonrefundable. The following penalties will apply: Up to May 22, 2008- $100 per person handling fee plus any unrecover- able deposits; May 23 - September 17, 2008 - Deposit plus any unrecoverable payments to hotels, tour operators or airlines; September 18, 2008 or after No refund. CHANGES TO GROUPFLIGHTS: The group airfare contract for this tour may not allow travelers to make anydate or itinerary changes. If you are considering other dates or cities, please submit your request in writing well in advance to secure the best rates and schedule, but no later than 120 days prior to departure. A minimum fee of $175 per person will apply for changes to group flights in addition to a possible airfare increase. LATE BOOKINGS: Passengers registering within thirty days of tour departure will be charged a $50 per person fee. Tour payment in full is required before we can request and confirm space. This fee does not cover any additional airline or ground service charges. GTD
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel insurance is included as an option with the initial tour deposit and is highly recommended. GTD offers a competitive policy from an independent company. By purchasing insurance at the time the tour deposit is made, you can be covered for events that may cause you to cancel or interrupt our trip, i.e., pre-existing medical conditions (certain restrictions apply). If you decline travel insurance at the time of reservation, you may purchase it within 14 days with the pre-existing conditions waiver or you may purchase it later without the pre-existing conditions waiver. You may contact Travel Insured International for further information before making your decision: 800-243-3174. GTD Travel Insurance Inclusions Trip Cancellation.......up to Tour Cost* Trip Interruption...up to 150% of Tour Cost** Travel Delay.............................$750 Missed Connection....................$300 Baggage..................................$1,000 Baggage Delay.........................................$200 Medical Expense...................$50,000 Evacuation/Repatriation.......$500,000 Accidental Death....................$10,000 Assistance Service................Included • a maximum of $5000 per person ** a maximum of $750 per person Cost of this optional GTD Travel Insurance is $204 per person. Additional coverage provided as needed; the full cost of your tour must be covered. |
CONDITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITY
Group Travel Directors (GTD) provides customized travel planning
throughout the world for group travelers who have a variety of reasons
and goals for travel. The goals and/or opinions of these groups
do not reflect or imply the position of GTD in any matter.
Brochure contents may not be duplicated without permission from
GTD. In offering these travel arrangements, Group Travel
Directors, Inc. (GTD) acts solely as an agent for the sale of air
transportation and other travel related services. GTD maintains
no control over the personnel, equipment or operations of any entity
fur- nishing services, products or accommodations. GTD assumes no
responsibility or liability for, and shall not be expected, asked or
required to pay for any injury, damage, expense, personal injury,
property damage, inconvenience or any other loss experienced by reason
of: (1) any intentional, wrongful, negligent or unauthorized act
or omission on the part of any supplier, its agents or employees; (2)
any defect, breakdown or other failure of any vehicle, equipment,
service, product or other instrumentality which is owned, oper- ated or
otherwise used by a supplier; (3) any intentional, wrongful, negligent,
or unauthorized act or omission on the part of any other party not
under the direct control of GTD; (4) financial problems causing nonperformance by any sup- plier; or (5) any other cause, condition or event whatsoever beyond the direct control of GTD. GTD cannot guarantee any rates, bookings or reservations of any supplier. Your retention of tickets, reservations or bookings after issuance shall constitute a consent to the foregoing provisions. All prices quoted are subject to change if airlines or ground operators increase their prices, the U.S. dollar is devalued significantly against foreign currencies, the group falls below minimum numbers, or a fuel surcharge, government tax or user's fee is imposed. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. GTD reserves the right to withdraw from any tour any tour mem- ber whose conduct is incompatible with the interests of the group as a whole. The above Conditions and Responsibility also includes Jim Klobuchar. NOTE
TO OUR
Please be assured that GTD continually monitors industry events, such
as airline strikes and bankruptcies, etc. If any such events
affect our tour, we will be notified. At the time this tour was
developed there was not a U.S. State Department Travel Warning in
effect for this des- TRAVELERS tination; please refer to the following website for current information or call: Group Travel Directors. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis _pa_tw/tw/tw_176 4.html For more information, contact: Jim Klobuchar
Jim Klobuchar Adventures P.O. Box 47063 Minneapolis, MN 55447 tel: 763-258-1371 fax: 763-258-1372 email: jim@jimklobuchar.com Or Group Travel Directors 2000 West 98th Street Bloomington, MN 55431-2593 tel: 952-881-7811 or 800-747-2255 fax: 952-881-6276 e-mail: groups@gtd.org |