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Home , Domenico Trezzini, Kremlin Armoury, Shuvalov Palace, Winter Palace, Zaryadye

Essential with Golden Ring 2020

A Private Historical and Cultural Tour of , the Golden Ring & St. Petersburg

Featuring Extraordinary Experiences: VIP Visit to the dome of Christ the Holy Redeemer Cathedral Private Home Visit & Dinner with a Local Family in Suzdal VIP Entrance to Catherine Amber Room Workshops at the Private Canal Cruise

Itinerary at a Glance: Day 1 Arrive in Moscow Day 2 Moscow Day 3 Moscow Day 4 Moscow Day 5 Moscow - Golden Ring Day 6 Golden Ring Day 7 Golden Ring - St. Petersburg Day 8 St. Petersburg Day 9 St. Petersburg Day 10 St. Petersburg Day 11 St. Petersburg Day 12 Depart St. Petersburg

Why Exeter International?

Our Knowledge & Experience At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting custom-designed journeys for 27 years. We are a team of specialists committed to providing the best travel experiences in our destinations. Each of our experts has either travelled extensively on reconnaissance trips, or has lived in their area of expertise, giving us unparalleled first-hand knowledge. Because we focus on specific parts of the globe, we return to the same destinations many times, honing our experience over the years.

Hand-Selected Guides We know that guides are one of the most important components of any travel experience. That is why we only use local experts who have a history of working with our guests and whom we know personally. We are extremely particular in selecting our guides and are confident that they will be one of the most memorable aspects of any of our trips.

Authentic & Extraordinary Experiences Our Extraordinary Experiences are different, unusual, and not something easily googled. We also know how important it is to remain authentic. Going beyond the obvious is becoming increasingly important to our guests, and we focus on developing experiences that enrich and enhance both head and heart. We also recognize that the obvious sights are still popular, and we make every effort to skip lines whenever possible, therefore maximizing time in each destination.

Original Custom Programs, Meticulously Planned Our experts speak your language both literally and culturally. Our advice and recommendations are impartial, honest, and always have the individual in mind. We save valuable time in pre-trip research and offer smooth and effortless touring in each destination. Our planning is detailed, and we think of everything, including restaurant reservations. You will also have complete peace of mind on the ground with 24-hour local support.

Quality Vehicles We use late-model luxury vehicles, often Mercedes, Audi, BMW, or Volkswagen, depending on the size of the vehicle you need. The only exception to this is in some Central Asian countries that use vehicles predominantly from Japan. Day 1

Arrive in Moscow

Today arrive in Moscow. Please note this flight is not included in program cost. On arrival your private driver will be waiting for you outside of customs and baggage claim.

You will be transferred to your centrally located hotel, just steps from and the Kremlin and across the street from the Bolshoi Theater. The rest of the day and evening is at leisure.

Exeter Services Arrival Transfer with Assistance

Hotel Ararat Park Hyatt Day 2

Moscow

This morning you will meet your private driver and guide in your hotel lobby and enjoy a short drive to the grand Christ the Holy Redeemer Cathedral, which towers over historic Moscow. The cathedral was demolished under Stalin’s reign for a planned Lenin skyscraper, but eventually became an enormous outdoor swimming pool after construction failed repeatedly. After the fall of Communism, it was decided to reconstruct the cathedral and so Christ the Holy Redeemer was completely rebuilt by Mayor Luzhkov of Moscow in 2001- at the budget of over 350 million dollars! It is a beautiful cathedral and it now stands as it did at the turn of the 20th Century.

Exeter International Extraordinary Experience: VIP Visit to the Cathedral Dome After touring the cathedral, a very special guide from the cathedral will join you for a private visit to the dome of the church. After ascending to the top via , you will have the opportunity to view the city of Moscow at 360 degrees, from all four sides of the dome. Standing at 300 feet above the city, the dome provides a fantastic view of the city’s most significant sites including the Kremlin, St. Basil’s, , Red October Chocolate Factory and the Moskva River. Turn a corner and you are awarded with views of several of the buildings. You may even witness the ringing of the bells in the Bell towers located just above your head! It's the ultimate Moscow city tour from the top of the highest peak of central Moscow.

Next you will stroll across the bridge to the other side of the river where you will walk through the Graveyard of Fallen Monuments – a collection of some of the sculptures removed from Moscow after the fall of the Soviet era. Your guide will then take you to the New Tretyakov Gallery, an annex of the Tretyakov Gallery. This huge museum is dedicated to Russian art from the early 1900’s to the present. You will find that most paintings are of the Socialist Realism movement. You may also want to visit the Modernist paintings, which include pictures by many previously outlawed artists. To end your afternoon touring you will visit the famous Gorky Park where you will board the Radisson River Boat for a cruise down the Moskva River. This cruise offers a great opportunity to see and photograph the city from a different angle. Following your days touring you will be transferred back to your hotel where you have the remainder of your day at leisure.

Exeter Services Private Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours)

Hotel Ararat Park Hyatt Day 3

Moscow

This morning you will meet your guide in your hotel lobby and enjoy a short walk to the Kremlin and through its expansive grounds. Here you will see the largest bell in the world – as well as the largest cannon. Neither was ever used due to their enormous size! Also on the grounds of the Kremlin are three very important churches and your guide will take you through all that are of interest. We suggest you don’t miss the Assumption Cathedral, where all Russian were crowned.

While here your guide will take you to the famed Armory Museum, including its vast collection of Imperial Russian artwork. You will have the opportunity to see the Kremlin’s unique and intimate collection of Imperial Faberge Easter Eggs. Also in the Armory are many of the most important Imperial and crowns, including the most historic, Cap of Monomachus. Note: An appointment is required for visits to the Armory Museum. Once confirmed, these are not able to be changed.

Also included in your Kremlin visit today is entry into the Diamond Vaults. You will see ’s scepter with its famous Orlov Diamond and one of the largest collections of diamonds and gem stones in the world!

After a break for lunch, payable locally, you can explore some of the surrounding neighborhood with your guide. In Red Square, be sure not to miss the rebuilt church and Imperial Gates at the south end of the square; they were both destroyed under Stalin and are now rebuilt in their original splendor. Your guide will also show you the stunning St. Basil’s Cathedral, an iconic symbol of Moscow. This magnificent church-museum was commissioned by and was completed in 1561. Rumor has it that Ivan had the architect blinded so he would never be able to design anything as exquisite again!

To end your day you will want to experience the fascinating interiors of the Moscow Metro stations, ornately decorated with beautiful paintings, carvings, and chandeliers! The Moscow Metro was created as a complex of monumental structures featuring designs of the very best Soviet architects. The stations, most built between 1930 and 1960 are underground , featuring exquisite frescoes, statues, mosaics and stained glass. Each station has its own special theme- our favorite is Teatralnaya.

Today this massive public transportation system is one of the largest in the world, carrying over 9 million passengers per day (twice as many as London or Paris!). Your guide will be delighted to show you as many stations as you like before escorting you back to your hotel where you then have the remainder of your evening at leisure.

Special Note: All of today’s touring today is on foot and involves both walking and standing. Please wear comfortable footwear.

Exeter Services Guide (8 Hours)

Hotel Ararat Park Hyatt Day 4

Moscow

This morning you will meet your driver and guide for a visit to the Tretyakov Gallery, located in one of Moscow’s most interesting neighborhoods. This area, called Zamoskvoreche (“beyond the Moscow River”) was originally settled in the 13th century. The small winding streets give this area an almost old-fashioned atmosphere, with historic churches and the mansions of 19th century wealthy merchants. The Tretyakov Gallery is situated in the former home of the industrialist and great art collector, Pavel Tretyakov. Your guide will take you through the museum, which houses only Russian artists—from Andrei Rublev’s icons to famous 20th Century Russian painters (Repin and Aivazovsky). This is one of the world’s greatest collections of Russian art.

Next you will make your way to the south of the city where you will find several fortified monasteries, built to defend the city against the Mongols. The most spectacular of them is Novodevichy Convent, constructed in the 16th century. This serene sanctuary houses the lovely Cathedral of the Virgin of Smolensk. Located adjacent to the convent, you may like to visit Novodevichy Convent’s fascinating cemetery. Novodevichy is the most beautiful of the semicircle of fortified religious institutions to the south of Moscow. Its cemetery, located adjacent, houses the graves of many famous Russians, from cultural figures to political and military dignitaries. Each tombstone is wrought with symbolism and makes for a very interesting and worthwhile visit.

Finally, on your way back to the hotel you will visit the new boasting sweeping views of the Red Square and St. Basil Cathedral. With 32 acres of recreation space right in the very center of the city, the park is located steps from Red Square. Designed by Diller, Scofido & Renfro, architects who created the New York Highline, the concept is described as ‘wild urban’ – with the park merging historical streets with nature. For many years the area was the site of the largest hotel in the world (the Hotel Rossiya) however the area has since remained vacant for many years after hotel was demolished over a decade ago. Your guide will then walk with you back to your hotel where you have the remainder of your day at leisure.

Exeter Services Private Vehicle & Driver (6 Hours); Guide (8 Hours)

Hotel Ararat Park Hyatt Day 5

Moscow – Golden Ring

This morning you will meet your driver and guide in the hotel lobby. You will then be transferred to the train station to catch the high-speed train to Vladimir. Your guide will travel with you. Business Class or better train tickets are included in your program cost.

You will leave Moscow behind and depart to the magnificent cities of the “Golden Ring”- the “Mesopotamia” of Russian civilization. Upon arrival in Vladimir you will meet your driver for a tour of this charming city. Tucked into a green valley and surrounded by forests and lakes, Vladimir is said to be the father of Russian cities. Founded in 1108 by Vladimir Monomakh, Prince of Kiev, the city quickly became the capital of the principality. Vladimir reached its peak in the latter half of the 12th century under Prince Andrew Bogolubsky before the Mongol invasions quickly destroyed the city during the 13th century when it was pillaged twice by the hoard of invaders. After its destruction the capital of the principality was moved to a small settlement called Moscow some 180 km away. Vladimir is the perfect location to view early and has become a popular tourist destination along the Golden Ring. One of the most famous sites in the city is the Holy Assumption Cathedral, built in 1160 and remains one of the few churches that survived the fires of the Mongol invasion. Here you will notice a combination of gothic and neoclassical influences, this cathedral was ground breaking for its time and used as a model for many future cathedrals.

You will then continue to Suzdal where you will check in to your hotel and spend some time relaxing at leisure.

Exeter International Extraordinary Experience: Dinner in a Suzdal Private Family Home Tonight, a special dinner has been arranged in a private home in Suzdal- a simple, but traditional Russian meal of natural foods from the dacha garden. Following this charming experience, you will be returned to your hotel.

Exeter Services Train Station transfer; Private Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours)

Hotel Pushkarskaya Sloboda Day 6

Suzdal

Today you will explore the provincial life of Suzdal. You will begin with a visit to the Suzdal Kremlin where you will find the Church of St. Nicholas- a glorious example of Russian wooden architecture and the Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin. This white-stone cathedral dates from the beginning of the 13th century.

Next you will want to visit the Museum of Wooden and Peasant Architecture. Founded in 1960, this open-air museum features outstanding examples of Russian country architecture. You will find windmills, a church and several wooden houses – all from different villages in the surrounding region.

There were once fifteen monasteries and convents in Suzdal, but today only five survive. Today you may visit as many as you wish! The most interesting however is the Spaso-Yevfimieyev Monastery, whose buildings house a museum. Another interesting visit is the Convent of the Intercession, widely known as a place of lifetime exile for women of aristocratic birth.

If you are interested, end the day with a sampling of homemade Russian mead at the Suzdal Mead Factory. Sold across Russia in small brown bottles, this local factory makes a wide variety of this medieval drink. You may choose to sample as many as you like, all spiced with different flavors, including hops, juniper, pepper and even horseradish. You will then be returned to your hotel where you have the remainder of your day at leisure.

Exeter Services Private Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours)

Hotel Pushkarskaya Sloboda Day 7

Golden Ring - St. Petersburg

Today you will be met in the hotel lobby and transferred to Vladimir train station to catch your train to St. Petersburg. Business class or better tickets are included in program cost.

Upon arrival in St. Petersburg you will be met at the train station and transferred to your hotel. You then have the evening at leisure.

Exeter Services Train Station Transfers with Assistance

Hotel Hotel Astoria Day 8

St. Petersburg

This morning you will meet your guide in the hotel lobby for a short walk to . The focal point of this ensemble is the —an architectural masterpiece of the Russian and the royal residence of all the Russian Emperors (except Paul) until the 1917 Revolution. The existing Winter Palace is based on three earlier versions, the first two of which were rather modest and were erected under . After his death, the palace was repeatedly expanded and redesigned, most notably by the famous architects and Bartolomeo Rastrelli.

The art collection, started in 1764 by Catherine the Great, grew over a period of two decades as she acquired more pieces. Eventually she commissioned new buildings to house the ever-growing collection, the Hermitage. Now the complex of four buildings, including the Winter Palace, holds the largest collection of art in the world.

Afterwards, visit the General Staff Building, located just across Palace Square, which is now a part of the Hermitage. Designed by , one of the central architects that conceived St Petersburg, the General Staff Building was the headquarters of the army in Imperial times. At just under 2,000 feet it is the longest building in Europe.

Today the building has been transformed — its five courtyards glassed over, its various levels linked by concrete and glass staircases, which blend sympathetically with the original architecture and provides a stunning backdrop for the art: Monet, Cezanne, Renoir, Degas, Gaugin, Matisse, Picasso and Van Gogh, to name just a few. This is now the home of the Hermitage’s contemporary art collection, including its collection of French Impressionists and Post-Impressionist Art.

You will then visit the nearby St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Its malachite and lapis lazuli columns are not to be missed! St. Isaac’s was built between 1818 and 1858, by the French-born architect Auguste Montferrand, to be one of the most impressive landmarks of the Russian Imperial capital. During World War II, the golden dome was painted gray to avoid its being targeted by Nazi fire.

You then have the remainder of the afternoon to explore the city with your guide. You may enjoy a walk along the famous Nevsky Prospect – St. Petersburg’s main thoroughfare. Some of the main sights lining the Nevsky Prospekt include the Stroganoff Palace, the huge neoclassical Kazan Cathedral, the Art Nouveau Book House (Dom Knigi), some 18th-century churches, a monument to Catherine the Great, the Russian National Library, and the Anichkov Bridge with its horse statues.

You will then be escorted back to your hotel where you have the remainder of your evening at leisure.

Exeter Services Guide (8 Hours)

Hotel Hotel Astoria Day 9

St. Petersburg

This morning you will meet your private driver and guide in your hotel lobby and depart for the nearby Peter Paul Fortress: the birthplace of St. Petersburg. After walking through the many gates and across the bridges and moats, you can begin to feel the late 18th century era that required such fortification. As Peter’s original outpost against the Swedes, St. Petersburg was born from this fortress and its historical significance is felt to this day by the presence of every Romanov tomb from Peter the Great.

Following a break for lunch, payable locally in the small village of Pushkin, you will set off for an exploration of Catherine Palace and its fabled Amber Room. This palace was originally designed in the 1750s in the style by the famous architect Rastrelli (who also designed many of St. Petersburg’s grandest buildings like the Winter Palace, parts of Peterhof, the Stroganoff Palace, and the Smolny Cathedral) for the Tsarina (Princess) Elizabeth, who named it after her mother Catherine I—Peter the Great’s second wife. Later, Catherine II (the Great) commissioned the Scottish architect Charles Cameron to re-design the palace’s interiors in the then- fashionable Neo-Classical style. After Catherine the Great’s death, the palace remained largely unchanged for over a century until the Second World War when the Nazi army, retreating after the unsuccessful , destroyed the palace almost completely. After the war, the magnificent palace and its interiors were thoroughly and painstakingly rebuilt, but renovations at some parts continue.

Exeter International Extraordinary Experience: VIP Entrance to Catherine Palace During the busy summer months, we highly advise to arrange VIP entrance to Catherine Palace. Historically, our guides could skip the lines with groups of two or less, but we are finding this to be increasingly difficult. With the included VIP entrance, you will enter through the main Golden Gates of the palace with your guide avoiding lines that can have a wait time of well over 2 hours. You’ll be met by a palace representative and taken through the main gates to a private reception area before beginning your tour.

Exeter International Extraordinary Experience: Amber Room Workshops While visiting Catherine Palace, you will also be invited into the Amber Room workshops where craftsmen rebuilt the famous amber panels lost in World War II.

Exeter Services Private Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours)

Hotel Hotel Astoria Day 10

St. Petersburg

This morning you will meet your driver and guide who will take you to see one of the largest collections of purely Russian art at the (the former palace of Grand Duke Michael). We suggest you start at the ancient Russian icons (including a tremendous collection of Rublevs) and end with some of the most famous 20th Century Russians- including Kandinsky. Of particular note is the rarely-seen Repin collection- including Imperial portraits that were hidden during the Communist period. Repin paintings have the feel of French Impressionists but are uniquely Russian.

Next you will stop at St. Petersburg’s first Fabergé Museum, a must see, that has opened at the Palace on the Fontanka Canal. The palace houses the celebrated Fabergé collection of the Link of Times Foundation owned by Russian Entrepreneur Viktor Vekselberg, which, with its over 1500 choice pieces, now easily outranks the comparatively small collection of the Kremlin Armoury Museum. Mr. Vekselberg has assembled the most formidable collection in the world of works by this great Russian master craftsman, best known for his celebrated million-dollar Imperial Easter Eggs.

Following a break for lunch, payable locally, you will see the ornate Church on Spilled Blood on Canal Griboyedova. The Church on Spilled Blood is so named because it stands on the spot where the Emperor Alexander II was assassinated on March 1, 1881. Its unique design was inspired by St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. This is the only church in the world covered completely inside and out by mosaics of tiles and precious and semi-precious stones. This is one of the most extraordinary buildings in St. Petersburg and is well worth the visit. During the Bolshevik revolution, the church fell into a state of decline, and only recently has it been fully restored to its former glory.

Exeter International Extraordinary Experience: Private Canal Cruise Finally, weather permitting, you will enjoy a private boat tour of the canals of St. Petersburg. This is one of the most enchanting ways to explore the city, as you take in the sights while gliding along the canals and rivers of the city, past the Winter Palace, the Mariinsky Theater, the Summer Gardens, and many other important sights.

Exeter Services Private Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours)

Hotel Hotel Astoria Day 11

St. Petersburg

This morning you will meet your driver and guide in your hotel lobby and set off for Peterhof, to see first-hand the palace’s countless fountains and gardens. (or Petrodvorets in Russian) is often called the Russian Versailles due to the prominence of the gardens and fountains.

While walking through the gardens watch out for Peterhof’s most enchanting treat- the trick fountains that randomly squirt water and unsuspecting visitors! While strolling through the lower gardens of Peterhof, you will come to one of Peter the Great’s favorite buildings, including his very personal residence, Mon Plaisir (“my pleasure). This tiny palace has low ceilings (which Peter preferred) and sits directly on the banks of the sea. This was his summer palace and was often used on his way coming and going to Europe through the harbor at . Before leaving today you will want to visit the Grottos of Peterhof. The tremendous variety of fountains is one of the principal features of Peterhof, where their extravagance and playfulness indicate the atmosphere of early 18th century Russia. You will journey underneath the fountains and learn of their remarkable engineering and history. Please note: todays visit will focus on the palace grounds and fountains and does not include entrance into the palace. Should you wish to visit the palace, we recommend VIP entrance to avoid the long queues.

When the weather cooperates in the summertime, a special treat is to take the express hydrofoil either to or from Peterhof. The thirty-minute ride takes you out of the city traffic and into the ! Your guide will go with you on the hydrofoil and your driver will meet you at the palace. Cost of hydrofoil is included in your tour.

If you are interested on your way back to your hotel your guide will take you to the Kuznechny Market. This is the best of St. Petersburg’s local markets and is a hive of activity with aggressive vendors pressing you to taste every vegetable and fruit imaginable.

Exeter Services Private Vehicle, Driver & Guide (8 Hours)

Hotel Hotel Astoria Day 12

Depart St. Petersburg

Today meet your private driver and assistant for transfer to the airport for your onward flight. Please note this flight is not included in program cost.

Exeter Services Departure Transfer with Assistance What's Included

Prices: Per Person for Two (2) guests Low Season: From traveling together November 2020 – March 2021 $12,150

Shoulder Season: From April $12,525 August 2020 – October 2020

High Season: From May-July 2020 $13,125

Per Person for Four (4) guests Low Season: From traveling together November 2020 – March 2021 $8,875

Shoulder Season: From April $9,250 August 2020 – October 2020

High Season: From May-July 2020 $9,850

*All pricing is per person and based on double occupancy. Airfare is not included. *All rates assume arrival in Moscow on a Friday. If you arrive other days of the week the prices may be higher.

Accommodations Moscow 4 nights at the Park Hyatt Moscow; tax and breakfast included.

The Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow is located in the very heart of the Russian capital, Moscow, within the immediate vicinity of the Bolshoi Theatre. The hotel is only a few minutes’ walk from the Kremlin and Red Square. Ararat Park Hyatt Moscow is a modern and stylish hotel, featuring large expanses of glass and a crisp and clean feel. Rooms are spacious and soothing, in quiet earth tones. The Conservatory Lounge and Bar on the top floor of the hotel is the perfect place to relax and enjoy spectacular views of Moscow along with Moscow residents. The Park Hyatt also features one of the finest fitness centers in Moscow, as well as the very best pool in any Moscow hotel.

The hotel offers 208 Rooms & Suites, all of which have muted earth tone colors. All bathrooms are sleek and modern and feature a separate tub and rain shower (a rarity in Moscow), with heated floors. Most rooms at the Park Hyatt don’t offer any particular view, unless otherwise noted. All rooms feature complimentary wi-fi, Illy coffee machine and iPod docking station.

Park View Room: These rooms are each approximately 375-430 square feet and some feature a wall of glass on the outer wall, which gives guests a view of the neighborhood. The Park View Rooms overlook the Bolshoi Theater and surrounding area. These rooms feature either one king or two twin beds.

Golden Ring 2 nights at the Veliy Hotel Suzdal; tax and breakfast included.

The Veliy Hotel is located in one of the oldest cities of Russia - Suzdal, on the bank of the Kamenka river. The most famous attractions of Suzdal are situated not far from the hotel including the Museum of Wooden Architecture and the Kremlin.

St. Petersburg 5 nights at the Hotel Astoria; tax and breakfast included.

Commissioned in 1910 the hotel was conceived as a celebration of the tercentenary of the Romanov dynasty and opened in December 1912. Built by one of St Petersburg’s most famous architects, Fyodor Lidval, who had his own style that some have termed ‘Northern Modern’ and is almost Art Nouveau.

The décor is light and airy and gives a sense of place that is more Chekhov’s Russia than opulent Oligarch, with oak parquet floors and pristine Russian Volga linen curtains and bedspreads. Splashes of color are added with sumptuous velvet cushions and we love quirky touches like the photo of Sean Connery and Daniela Bianchi in From Russia with Love in each of the bathrooms of the junior suites. Local touches throughout the hotel like the beautiful Imperial porcelain in clean white or intense cobalt blue give the hotel a classic but contemporary feel.

The Litchfield Bar is a perfect place to enjoy a frozen vodka or two, and the Rotunda lounge, with its large windows overlooking St Isaac’s Square is a relaxing place to watch the world go by and enjoy afternoon tea from a traditional Russian Samovar. Café Astoria serves a very nice mix of international and Russian favorites. The hotel is wonderfully located in the heart of the city in St Isaacs Square and is in walking distance from the Hermitage and the banks of the Neva River, and many excellent restaurants.

Superior Deluxe Room: With two twin beds or one king bed, all Superior Deluxe rooms look onto St Isaac's Square and Cathedral. Even with this extraordinary view, the rooms tend to be quiet. Rooms feature approximately 270 square feet of space.

Meals No meals included, other than breakfast as described above. Your final documents will include our top recommendations. Your guides will recommend restaurants that fit your exact needs daily.

Services Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. The timing for each day is noted in your program.

Exeter International’s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling. Our local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional theater and museum tickets at your request.

Transportation Transportation is included as noted. Unless otherwise noted, all transfer service is with a driver only, not a guide. In general, drivers have limited English-speaking skills. Timing for each day is noted in your program.

Guides Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in your itinerary.

Tickets All entrance tickets as described in the program.

Exeter International Travel Information BAGGAGE The vehicles reserved for your itinerary can accommodate up to two medium-sized suitcases per person. If you intend to travel with additional luggage, please advise your travel consultant so appropriate arrangements may be made. In general, we schedule a sedan for parties of two, a minivan for parties of three to four and a minibus for parties of five or more.

SIGHTSEEING Sightseeing arrangements have been made with your special interests in mind. Your drivers and guides are at your disposal as indicated in the itinerary. Within those time and mileage guidelines, you are free to modify your program as you please. Should you require additional time or mileage, the costs will be quoted on request and may be paid for locally in the local currency or U.S. Dollars.

Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time you plan to visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens and other points of interest can change their hours of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed on the day or time of your visit, your guide will offer alternative arrangements or rearrange your sightseeing to accommodate these unexpected events.

OPTIONAL EXPENSES Charges for extra meals, transport, sightseeing services or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid locally in the local currency.

GRATUITIES Gratuities are not included in your tour price and are at your own discretion. Please see your final documents for tipping suggestions.

DINING WITH YOUR GUIDE On days when dinner and lunch costs have not been included in your itinerary (or in your tour cost), you may, at your discretion, choose to invite your guide to dine with your party. You are under no obligation to do so but, if you do extend such an invitation, the guide is your guest and you will be responsible for the cost of his/her meal.

Booking Conditions PAYMENTS Exeter International must receive a deposit of 25% of the total program cost before reservations for your independent travel program can be initiated. The balance of payment is due 60 days prior to departure. No reservations are made on your behalf until this deposit has been received. Availability and pricing is subject to change until this deposit is received. All deposits are nonrefundable.

CANCELLATION Written cancellations received fewer than 60 days prior to departure are subject to the following forfeit of tour cost • 60-15 days prior to departure, 50% of total tour cost • 14 or fewer days prior to departure, 100% of tour cost

REFUNDS We regret that refunds cannot be issued for arrangements confirmed on your itinerary but unused once your tour has begun.

INSURANCE Exeter International strongly recommends the purchase of travel insurance to protect your investment. You will find insurance costs noted on your invoice and insurance coverage information in your original booking packet.

PRICES AND ARRANGEMENTS Once an itinerary is finalized and final payment has been made, a $100 revision fee will be charged if the itinerary is changed.

The tour price includes planning, handling and operational charges. Rates are quoted in US Dollars on the current rate of exchange and tariff as of 2020. Exeter International reserves the right to increase tour prices to cover increased costs, tariffs and taxes, and to reflect fluctuations in foreign exchange markets. Devaluation of a foreign currency will be weighed against any tariff increases imposed. Exeter International does not breakdown costs involved in any Small Group or Individual Travel Program.

All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary. Prices are subject to change if necessary until paid in full.

Exeter International www.Exeterinternational.com 111 South Dakota Avenue │ Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: (813) 251-5355 │ (800) 633-1008 │ Fax: (813) 251-6685