1 2 “Art-Travel” DMC successfully operates on a travel market from 2003. Our Company is a member of an Advisory Committee in the National Agency of tourism in Italy, club “Hungary”, organized by the Office of the Adviser for tourism of Hungary in Russia and “Malta” club. “Art-Travel” is a participant of the road show in India “Welcome to St. Petersburg” of Russian Committee for Tourism and Russian Travel Industry Union. Also we are active member of international exhi- bitions including WTM in London and ITB in Berlin.

Our staff understands the various mentality about and preferences of guests from different countries, and pro- vides in accordance with every need the wide range of services for any kind of trips, cruises and events: • Accommodation at hotels of all categories • High qualified guides and interpreter’s services, including a rare languages for Russia area (as Serbian, Dutch, Croatian, Estonian) • Transportation by coaches and minivans of standard/business/deluxe class: o For excursions o For transfers o Car with driver/for rent • Tours all over Russia: o Around Golden Ring, Baikal Lake and Siberia, Kazan, river cruises with stops in the most ancient Russian towns, Sochi, Karelia and other good-known places. o Full-days excursions from Moscow and St. Petersburg for Pskov, Novgorod, Sergiev Posad, etc. • Comfort services for VIP-tours and Business-class tours in St. Petersburg and Moscow • MICE: o Organizations of theme events, corporate training and team-building, corporate receptions, parties o Conference venues, facilities and equipment for workshops, conferences, seminars • Unique variety of tours and original excursions for groups and individual travelers • Rail and airway tickets services • Visa Support

We are the friendly team of professionals and like our work and people, so are pleased to offer the best decision for any kind of inquiries. Regardless of the number of guests or their financial capacity and age, we provide quality, punctually and especial service to every person requested to “Art-Travel” Travel Company.

Among our clients are a lot of travel companies, individual travellers and corporate customers all over the world as St. Andrew the First-Called Foundation for example.

Thanks for the choice of Art-Travel Company to our current and future client!

The contents:

ST.PETERSBURG GOLDEN RING St. Petersburg , general information ...... 4 Golden Ring, general information ...... 18 Tours to St. Petersburg...... 6 Tours around Golden Ring...... 20 Cruises...... 8 Visa Free tours ...... 9 TOURS ALL OVER RUSSIA Kazan, general information...... 22 VIP & MICE Tour to St. Petersburg & Moscow & Kazan ...... 23 VIP services ...... 11 River Cruises, general information ...... 24 Wedding & Honeymoons tours ...... 12 Trans-Siberian Railway, general information ...... 26 MICE...... 13 Tour along Trans-Siberian Railway ...... 27 Baikal Lake, general information ...... 30 MOSCOW Tour to Baikal by air...... 32 Moscow, general information ...... 14 Cruise around Baikal Lake...... 33 Tours to Moscow ...... 16 Tout to Sochi ...... 34 SPORT Tourism ...... 35

3 ST. PETERSBURG

Travelling to Russia St. Petersburg is a “must” place to visit. St. Petersburg is the second largest city of the Russian Feder- ation after Moscow. It counts over five million inhabitants and is an important port of the Baltic Sea. The city was founded in 1703 on the Neva River at the head of the Gulf of Finland by the tsar Peter the Great. In 1914 the name of the city was changed from St. Petersburg to Petrograd, then in 1924 to Leningrad, till 1991 when the city has got its original name of St. Petersburg. From the very beginning St. Petersburg was conceived to be the impe- rial capital of Russia, and it maintained its status till 1918, when after the Great Revolution the state government bodies moved to Moscow. Saint Petersburg is the most Westernized city of Russia, as well as its cultural capital. The Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments constitute a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Saint Petersburg is home to The Hermitage, one of the largest art museums in the world. A large number of foreign consulates, international corporations, banks, and businesses have offices in Saint Petersburg. Unlike in Moscow, Saint Petersburg has a linear layout, crossed by the River Neva and other smaller rivers and canals, and the historic architecture of the city centre, mostly consisting of Baroque and neoclassical buildings of the 18th and 19th cen- turies, has been largely preserved. Since 1991 the Historic Centre of Saint Petersburg and Related Groups of Monuments in Saint Petersburg and surrounding Leningrad Oblast have been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The dominant monument and one of the city symbols is the ensemble of Peter and Paul Fortress with the tall Peter and Paul Cathedral on Zayachy Island along the right bank of the River Neva. Every day at noon a cannon fires a blank shot from the for- tress wall. Nearby in the same district there is the Saint Petersburg Mosque, that used to be the largest mosque in Europe. Another characteristic place is the Spit of Vasilievsky Island, which splits the river into two largest armlets, the Bolshaya Neva and Malaya Neva, with the dominant building of the Former Saint Petersburg Stock Exchange (now hosting the Naval museum) and Rostral Columns, on tops of which on festive occasions there are flames lit. Across the bridge, on the left bank of the Neva there are the Admiralty building with a weathercock shaped like a small ship on top of its golden spire, the famous equestrian monument “the Bronze horseman” dedicated to Peter the Great. The vast Her- mitage museum complex is lined along the Palace Embankment, the most famous among the Hermitage buildings is the Winter Palace – former official residence of Russian tsars, which faces on the other side the huge Palace Square, the city’s main square with Alexander’s Column on it.

4 Walking along the main avenue of the city, called Nevsky prospect, also situated on the left bank of the Neva, it is possi- ble to admire marvellous historic palaces, churches and bridg- es, among them the Kazan Cathedral, styled in a similar way to St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome, and the colourful Church of the Savior on Blood. St. Petersburg is the city able to delight you at any time, in every corner of its central part and even at any season and weather conditions. Anyways, the most romantic and popular period to trav- el to St. Petersburg is summer, as it is time of the so-called “White nights” when it almost doesn’t get dark, even at night. Besides, every night during the navigation period (from April to November), many bridges across the Neva and main canals are drawn up to let ships pass in and out of the Baltic Sea. The bridges opening, although it causes some difficulties to get around the city at night, represents an important tourist attraction and it will surely make the most romantic people fall desperately in love with St. Petersburg, often called Venice of the North because its location on various smaller and big- ger islands among the numerous rivers and canals. During the navigation period when the rivers are free from ice it is possi- ble to set out on boat tours around St. Petersburg. Besides the city itself, its suburbs are also worth of being visited. Among them the most notable are the summer resi- dences of Russian emperors Petergof with majestic parks full of unique fountains, Tsarskoe Selo, with the baroque Cather- ine’s Palace and the neoclassical Alexander Palace, and Pavlov- sk, which contains a domed palace of Emperor Paul and one of the largest English-style parks in Europe. Some other resi- dences situated nearby and making part of the world heritage site, including a castle and park in Gatchina, actually belong to Leningrad Oblast rather than Saint Petersburg. Another nota- ble suburb is Kronstadt with its 19th-century fortifications and naval monuments, occupying the Kotlin Island in the Gulf of Finland. As for the cultural life, Saint Petersburg is home to more than two hundred museums. The largest one is the Hermitage Museum, featuring interiors of the former imperial residence and a vast collection of art. The Russian Museum is a large mu- seum devoted specifically to Russian fine art. The city features lots of theatres (among them the world-famous Mariinsky opera and ballet theatre), concert halls, a permanent circus, many sports and entertainment facilities. If you come once on tour to St. Petersburg, you’ll leave your heart among these granite embankments, iron cast rail- ings and magnificent palaces!

5 Tours to St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg invites friends! 7 days/6 nights October – April 1st day 4th day Arrival in St. Petersburg airport. Meeting with the assistant. Accommodation in Breakfast at the hotel. hotel . Free time for personal activities. Dinner at the restaurant. Tour of the museum Faberge. The Faberge Museum houses the world’s finest collection of the famous Easter Eggs and other valuable jewelry pieces of histor- 2nd day ic importance that were manufactured by the Faberge workshop and his con- Breakfast in the hotel. Meeting with the guide at the hotel. City tour by bus. temporaries in late 19th - early 20th centuries. The museum has some 4,000 ex- Within this City Tour you will drive along the most popular sights of our beau- hibits, displayed in 12 beautifully restored rooms according to type and history. . tiful city such as Point of Basil Island, Palace Square with famous Winter Palace, Time for lunch. Menshikov Palace, Academy of Fine Arts. We will drive along Nevskiy Prospekt Walk around the Arts Square. A small but elegant square in the center of the – the main street of our city. You will see such places as Arts Square, Cather- city, this single architectural ensemble was planned by the great Carlo Rossi. The ine’s Garden, Anichkov Bridge, St. Isaac’s Square, Bronze Horseman. At the most square fis faced by many cultural and artistic institutions - the Grand Hall of the beautiful places the guide will supply you with more information and will offer St. Petersburg Philharmonia, the Mikhailovsky Theater, the State Russian Muse- you to make a stop for taking photos. um, and others - resulted in it being called Ploshchad Iskusstv (Arts Square). In Visit Peter and Paul Fortress – «Russian Bastille». While this guided tour the center of the square, directly in front of the State Russian Museum, is located you will be shown around the first building of St. Petersburg - Peter-and-Paul the Mikhailovsky Square Garden, with a monument to the great Russian poet Fortress. Its corner-stone was laid by the emperor Peter the Great himself. That Alexander Pushkin. is why its image often appears as a symbol of the city. As to say the history of St. Tour to the Russian Museum. The Russian Museum is the perfect choice for Petersburg started from this place. those interested in Russia art from the 12th century to the mid-20th century. You will visit Peter and Paul’s Cathedral that is located on the territory of the The museum’s collection can only be rivaled by that of the famous Tretyakov fortress and is the final resting place of many tsars (the last of them was Nicholas Gallery in Moscow. II who was re-buried there together with his family). Extra: Tour with vodka tasting (duration 30 min). Any good tour of St Petersburg 5th day vodka will kick off from the Russian Vodka Room No. 1 and the Vodka Museum. Breakfast at the hotel. Optional excursion to Moscow. Transfer to the hotel. At 05:30 am you will take the Sapsan high speed train to Moscow. It takes only 4 hours to get to Moscow. 3rd day 09:30 am after your arrival in Moscow train station our guide will bring Breakfast in the hotel. Meeting with the guide. you to sea The Capital. Walk around the Palace Square. You will see the most significant buildings Sightseeing tour of Moscow. You will see the Three Station Square, Stalin on the square are: “The Winter Palace”, General Staff Building with its famous skyscrapers, Lubyanskaya Square and the building of FSB, the Novodevichy Con- arc, the “Alexander Column”. The “New Hermitage” with figures of Atlas at the vent, Avto-metro Bridge, Vorobyovy Gory and Mosfilm, Poklonnaya Gora and entrance and “The Hermitage Theatre” are located a little to north from Palace the Triumphal arch, the Business center “Moscow city” and a monument to the Square. founder of Moscow – Yury Dolgorukiy, Manezhnaya Square, the Bolshoi theater. Tour of the incredible Hermitage Museum in the Winter Palace. Visit of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, constructed in 1812 as a monument The Hermitage is among the world’s largest museums. The Hermitage boasts a to the Russian people for his courage and heroism (the temple was blown up vast collection of Egyptian, Greek, Ancient Roman, Oriental, Western European in Soviet period and it is restored in the XXI century according to historical Art, and Applied Arts. The museum has over 2.7 million exhibits and is visited by drawings). over 3.2 million every year. Time for lunch. Time for lunch. Excursion to the Moscow Kremlin – the biggest operating Kremlin of Eu- Tour to Tsarskoye Selo - the favorite place of the Catherine the Great. You will rope the residence of the Russian President, a symbol of the Russian statehood visit an open-air museum “Tsarskoe Selo”. It is an outstanding example of the and one of the largest architectural complexes of the world. Visit of the As- world’s architecture as well as park and garden art, with the Catherine Palace in sumption Cathedral (the main temple of the Russian state with XIV – XVIV. the center, which was created by Rastrelli in Russian Baroque style. The Great In it crowned on a kingdom of the Russian tsars), the Archangel’s Cathedral (a Hall of the palace and other staterooms, amongst which there is worldwide place of burial of the Moscow grand dukes and Russian tsars), the Annunciation known Amber Room, will carry you away with its magnificence. Cathedral (the house temple intended for family prayers of an imperial family), Transfer to the hotel. the Rizopolozhensky temple. You will see ensemble of the Grand Kremlin Pal- Folkshow “Feel Yourself Russian” at the Nikolaevsky Palace is a unique ace – the residence of the Russian emperors of the XIX century, and now it’s performance, which allows to feel the history and soul of Russia! You will vis- the residence of the Russian President. On the Red Square you will see St. Basil’s it the beautiful Nikolaevsky palace - real masterpiece of imperial architecture, Cathedral – a symbol of the Russian capital. built by architect Andrey Schtakenshneider for Grand Duke Nikolay, son of the At 19.30 pm the train to St. Petersburg departs and it arrives to St. Emperor Nikolay I. Petersburg at 23:30 pm The show program includes Russian folklore songs and Orthodox hymns, Cos- sack songs from Don, Kuban and other cossack regions of Russia, lyrical dances 6th day of the Russian North, humorous choreographic miniatures of the Urals and Si- Breakfast at the hotel Free time. You can choose the optional excursions. beria, and of course the amazing stunts and famous Cossack dance. For example, shopping with personal shopper in the Gostiny Dvor, DLT, Eli- The show consists of two parts (45 minutes each) and lasts for 1 hour 50 min- seevsky supermarket. utes including the break. During the intermission, the rich buffet table, with canapes, red caviar, ham, cheese, salami, vodka, wine, champagne, juices, water, 7th day and fruits, will be offered to the guests. Breakfast in the hotel, Free time. Transfer to the airport.

6 Tours to St. Petersburg St. Petersburg invites friends! 7 days/6 nights May - October

1st day 4th day Arrival in St. Petersburg airport. Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the assistant. Accommodation in hotel. Tour “The Russian Versailles” to see the most magnificent summer res- Free time for personal activities. idence of Russian tsars - Peterhof, or Petrodvorets. Peterhof is located on Dinner at the restaurant. the southern bank of the Gulf of Finland. Originally Peterhof was a maritime res- idence of the Russian Emperors. Tsar Peter the Great wanted to show that Russia 2nd day became one of the most powerful nations with a fleet. During the private tour Breakfast in the hotel. Meeting with the guide at the hotel. City tour by bus. to Peterhof you’ll see the largest, and the most beautiful fountains in the World. Within this City Tour you will drive along the most popular sights of our beau- All fountains of Peterhof work without any pumps, starting from the beginning tiful city such as Point of Basil Island, Palace Square with famous Winter Palace, of the 18th century. The Peterhof is the greatest of all the city’s suburban estates. Menshikov Palace, Academy of Fine Arts. We will drive along Nevskiy Prospekt We return to Saint-Petersburg by hydrofoil (30 min). You will enjoy a wonderful – the main street of our city. You will see such places as Arts Square, Cather- view of the city and the Gulf of Finland from the hydrofoil. Transfer to the hotel. ine’s Garden, Anichkov Bridge, St. Isaac’s Square, Bronze Horseman. At the most Drawbridges Night Tour. This tour is your unique chance to feel the magic beautiful places the guide will supply you with more information and will offer of Saint-Petersburg. You will take a wonderful 4 hour trip along the Neva river you to make a stop for taking photos. under the raised bridges: Dvortsoviy, Troitskiy, Liteyniy. The trip starts before the Visit Peter and Paul Fortress – «Russian Bastille». While this guided tour opening time of the bridges. You will see an amazing view of festively illuminated you will be shown around the first building of St. Petersburg - Peter-and-Paul palaces, embankments and the main waterway of the city, living it’s secret night Fortress. Its corner-stone was laid by the emperor Peter the Great himself. That life and the caravans of ships silently move on the dark water from Gulf of Fin- is why its image often appears as a symbol of the city. As to say the history of St. land to Ladoga lake. Petersburg started from this place. You will visit Peter and Paul’s Cathedral that is located on the territory of the 5th day fortress and is the final resting place of many tsars (the last of them was Nicholas Breakfast at the hotel. II who was re-buried there together with his family). Tour to Tsarskoye Selo - the favorite place of the Catherine the Great. You Transfer to the hotel. will visit an open-air museum “Tsarskoe Selo”. It is an outstanding example of the Extra: Tour with vodka tasting (duration 30 min). Any good tour of St Petersburg world’s architecture as well as park and garden art, with the Catherine Palace in vodka will kick off from the Russian Vodka Room No. 1 and the Vodka Museum. the center, which was created by Rastrelli in Russian Baroque style. The Great Hall of the palace and other staterooms, amongst which there is worldwide known 3rd day Amber Room, will carry you away with its magnificence. Breakfast in the hotel. Meeting with the guide. Transfer to the hotel. Walk around the Palace Square. You will see the most significant buildings Folkshow “Feel Yourself Russian” at the Nikolaevsky Palace is a unique on the square are: “The Winter Palace”, General Staff Building with its famous performance, which allows to feel the history and soul of Russia! You will visit the arc, the “Alexander Column”. The “New Hermitage” with figures of Atlas at the beautiful Nikolaevsky palace - real masterpiece of imperial architecture, built by entrance and “The Hermitage Theatre” are located a little to north from Palace architect Andrey Schtakenshneider for Grand Duke Nikolay, son of the Emperor Square. Nikolay I. Tour of the incredible Hermitage Museum in the Winter Palace. The show program includes Russian folklore songs and Orthodox hymns, Cos- The Hermitage is among the world’s largest museums. The Hermitage boasts a sack songs from Don, Kuban and other cossack regions of Russia, lyrical dances vast collection of Egyptian, Greek, Ancient Roman, Oriental, Western European of the Russian North, humorous choreographic miniatures of the Urals and Sibe- Art, and Applied Arts. The museum has over 2.7 million exhibits and is visited by ria, and of course the amazing stunts and famous Cossack dance. over 3.2 million every year. The show consists of two parts (45 minutes each) and lasts for 1 hour 50 minutes Time for lunch. including the break. During the intermission, the rich buffet table, with canapes, Private boat trip along rivers and canals. Saint Petersburg is often called red caviar, ham, cheese, salami, vodka, wine, champagne, juices, water, and fruits, the Venice of the North, and this is not by chance. In the city there are 86 rivers will be offered to the guests. and canals, which total length is 217 km. Once the summer comes (usually by the end of April), a boat trip is an essential part of any sightseeing holiday to St. 6th day Petersburg. Great views, bridges, wonderful architecture, incredible interlace- Breakfast at the hotel Free time. You can choose the optional excursions. ment of rivers and canals together with charming atmosphere of the city create For example, shopping with personal shopper in the Gostiny Dvor, DLT, Eli- very romantic environment. seevsky supermarket. Transfer to the hotel. 7th day Breakfast in the hotel. Free time. Transfer to the airport.

7 Visa Free tours Helsinki to St. Petersburg ferry. Visa-free tour to St. Petersburg.

In accordance to the legislation of Russian Federation (RF Government Resolution №397), foreign tourists and persons without citizenship or relevant visa and/or proper permission travelling on ferries may arrive to the Russian Federation without Russian visa for the period of 72 hours being part of organised excursion group.

If you want to visit St. Petersburg without a Russian visa, you should to remember a few basic rules:

According to the law a passenger must arrive at the port of St. Petersburg aboard a ferry and leave in the same manner and comply with the rule of no longer than 72-hour stay. 72 hours period begins for the moment of crossing border control.

All passengers travelling visa free have to reserve sightseeing program in St. Petersburg in advance.

Based on MOBY SPL 2017 schedule, passengers, arriving for 72 hours on Thursday and leaving on Sunday must follow below listed schedule: Arrival day THURSDAY – you have to disembark from the ship strictly from 14:00 – 15:00 (local time). Departure day SUNDAY – you have to embark on the ship strictly from 12:00 – 13:30 (local time). Important: The tour ticket is a substitute for the Russian visa. This paper is extremely important, without it you won’t be allowed to go ashore in visa free St. Petersburg!

There are just 4 steps to visa-free entry: 1. Purchase an airline ticket to Helsinki There are more than 10 airlines that provide direct flights from European cities to Helsinki. 2. Book a ferry cabin St. Peter Line ferries sail from Helsinki every week in Wednesday. Travel time is about 13–15 hours. 3. Book one of our tour programs or contact the manager to make a personal tour. And enjoy St. Petersburg for 72 hours!

On Board The information counter on board is open 24 hours a day. Cosy cabins, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, casinos and other entertain- ment will be at your service. For children, there is a specially equipped game room with a pool of plastic balls a maze, and a children’s cinema. Children under 12 years have free access to the Aqua Zone upon the condition that they are accompanied by their parents.

St. Petersburg - “Visa FREE - The TOP” 6 days/5 nights May-October

Day 1. Wednesday// Helsinki Arrival to Helsinki airport. Optional City-tour of Helsinki and transfer to the port. From 2 pm till 6 pm check in for St Peter Line cruise. At 7 pm departure from Helsinki. Overnight on board. Enjoy restaurants, bars, casino, cinema and Duty Free shops or Music Hall shows. Perhaps you would like to visit the Aquazone: soft warmth of the famous Finnish sauna and refreshing coolness of the swimming pool are at your choice.

Day 2. Thursday// St.Petersburg Breakfast on the board (extra payment). 2 pm – 3 pm Pick-up from the port. Our assistant will meet you at the border control point. 3 pm – 6 pm City tour by bus. Visit Peter and Paul Fortress – «Russian Bastille». You will visit Peter and Paul’s Cathedral that is located on the territory of the fortress and is the final resting place of many tsars (the last of them was Nicholas II who was re-buried there together with his family). Transfer to the hotel.

Day 3. Friday// St.Petersburg Breakfast at the hotel. 10 am – 2 pm Tour “The Russian Versailles” to see the most magnificent summer residence of Russian tsars - Peterhof, or Petrodvorets. We return to Saint-Petersburg by hydrofoil (30 min). You will enjoy a wonderful view of the city and the Gulf of Finland from the hydrofoil. Transfer to the hotel. Extra: 01 am – 02:30 am Drawbridges Night Tour. This tour is your unique chance to feel the magic of Saint-Petersburg. You will take a wonderful trip along the Neva river under the raised bridges: Dvortsoviy, Troitskiy, Liteyniy.

Day 4. Saturday St.Petersburg Breakfast at the hotel. 10 am – 12 am Boat trip along rivers and canals. 12 am – 2 pm Walk around the Palace Square. Tour of the incredible Hermitage Museum in the Winter Palace. Extra: 7 pm – 9.30 pm Folk Show “Feel Yourself Russian” at the Nikolaevsky Palace is a unique performance, which allows to feel the history and soul of Russia! The show consists of two parts (45 minutes each) and lasts for 1 hour 50 minutes including the break. During the intermission, the rich buffet table, with canapes, red caviar, ham, cheese, salami, vodka, wine, champagne, juices, water, and fruits, will be offered to the guests.

Day 5. Sunday Helsinki Breakfast at the hotel. Free time. Transfer to the port. From 12 am till 13:30 pm check in for St Peter Line cruise. At 6 pm departure from Helsinki.

Day 6. Monday Helsinki 07 am Ship arrives to Helsinki. Optional transfer to the airport or hotel in Helsinki.

8 Visa Free tours St. Petersburg - “Visa FREE - LIGHT” 6 days/5 nights

Day 1. Wednesday Helsinki Arrival to Helsinki airport. Optional City-tour of Helsinki and transfer to the port. From 2 pm till 6 pm check in for St Peter Line cruise. At 7 pm departure from Helsinki.

Day 2. Thursday St.Petersburg Breakfast on the board (extra payment). 2 pm – 3 pm Pick-up from the port. Our assistant will meet you at the border control point. Transfer to the hotel. Check in. Getting a 3 days Saint Petersburg Card (72 hours) and city guide. Saint-Petersburg Card includes free entrance to the best museums, a rechargeable transport pass, discounts on excursions and boat trips on the rivers and canals, discounts the menu of restaurants and souvenir shops.Transfer to the hotel.

Day 3. Friday St.Petersburg Breakfast at the hotel. Free time or optional excursions. Please use the guest card for free admission to the Hermitage, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and Saviour on the Spilled Blood, the Russian Museum, or any other of the 60 museums

Day 4. Saturday St.Petersburg Breakfast at the hotel. Free time or optional excursions.

Day 5. Sunday Helsinki Breakfast at the hotel. Free time. Transfer to the port. From 12 am till 13:30 pm check in for St Peter Line cruise. At 6 pm departure from Helsinki.

Day 6. Monday Helsinki 07 am Ship arrives to Helsinki. Optional transfer to the airport or hotel in Helsinki.

St. Petersburg + Moscow - “Visa FREE - two capitals” 6 days/5 nights

Day 1. Wednesday Helsinki Arrival to Helsinki airport. Optional City-tour of Helsinki and transfer to the port. From 2 pm till 6 pm check in for St Peter Line cruise. At 7 pm departure from Helsinki. Overnight on board. Enjoy restaurants, bars, casino, cinema and Duty Free shops or Music Hall shows. Perhaps you would like to visit the Aquazone: soft warmth of the famous Finnish sauna and refreshing coolness of the swimming pool are at your choice.

Day 2. Thursday St.Petersburg Breakfast on the board (extra payment). 2 pm – 3 pm Pick-up from the port. Our assistant will meet you at the border control point. 3 pm – 6 pm Tour “The Russian Versailles” to see the most magnificent summer residence of 5 pm – 6 pm Walk around Arbat Street - a pedestrian Russian tsars - Peterhof, or Petrodvorets. We return to Saint-Petersburg by hydrofoil (30 min). You will street about one kilometer long in the historical center of enjoy a wonderful view of the city and the Gulf of Finland from the hydrofoil. Moscow. Or Tour of the incredible Hermitage Museum in the Winter Palace. Transfer to the hotel. 6 pm – 9 pm City tour by bus. Visit Peter and Paul Fortress – «Russian Bastille». Day 4. Saturday St.Petersburg Transfer to the hotel. Breakfast at the hotel. Excursions to choose from: a tour to the Grand Theatre, the Day 3. Friday St.Petersburg Tretyakov Gallery, a boat trip along the Moskva River, Memo- Breakfast at the hotel ( launch Box) rial Museum of Space Exploration and other At 06:40 am you will take the Sapsan high speed train to Moscow. It takes only 4 hours to get to Transfer to the train station. Moscow. 3:45 pm High-speed train to St Petersburg (Sapsan, 2nd class). 10:44 am after your arrival in Moscow train station our guide wil bring you to sea The 7:40 pm Transfer to the hotel. Capital. Extra: 01 am – 02:30 am Drawbridges Night Tour. This 11 am – 2 pm Sightseeing tour of Moscow. You will see the Three Station Square, Stalin skyscrapers, tour is your unique chance to feel the magic of Saint-Peters- Lubyanskaya Square and the building of FSB, the Novodevichy Convent, Avto-metro Bridge, Vorobyovy burg. You will take a wonderful trip along the Neva river un- Gory and Mosfilm, Poklonnaya Gora and the Triumphal arch, the Business center “Moscow city” and a der the raised bridges: Dvortsoviy, Troitskiy, Liteyniy. monument to the founder of Moscow – Yury Dolgorukiy, Manezhnaya Square, the Bolshoi theater. Visit of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, constructed in 1812 as a monument to the Russian people for his Day 5. Sunday Helsinki courage and heroism (the temple was blown up in Soviet period and it is restored in the XXI century Breakfast at the hotel. Free time. Transfer to the port. according to historical drawings). From 12 am till 13:30 pm check in for St Peter Line 2 pm – 3 pm Time for lunch. cruise. At 6 pm departure from Helsinki. 3 pm – 5 pm Excursion to the Moscow Kremlin – the biggest operating Kremlin of Europe the residence of the Russian President, a symbol of the Russian statehood and one of the largest architec- Day 6. Monday Helsinki tural complexes of the world. On the Red Square you will see St. Basil’s Cathedral – a symbol of the 07 am Ship arrives to Helsinki. Optional transfer to the Russian capital. airport or hotel in Helsinki.

9 VIP services The proposed program fit to the discerning traveller have visited St. Pe- tersburg earlier, or for business-guests not having enough time for standard trips in a group. These tours and excursions will provide an opportunity during the break between business meetings with maximum comfort to get acquaint- ed with interesting facts from the life of the City and its environs, to see places that are not viewable in the usual way, or visit the interesting museum in a mode convenient to You personally. 1. Private tour to “Imperial Porcelain Factory”. One of the old- est European works, the Imperial Porcelain Manufactory is the world-famous trade mark, making of splendid porcelain statuettes, platters, tea-sets and din- ner-services. You will know the history of creation of masterpieces of fragile porcelain, learn of technology and painting the unique dinnerware and visit to the exhibition of porcelain. 2. Individual Boat trip by yacht along the Neva river or the rivers and channels will create a romantic mood. Give yourself a short holiday and enjoy a lunch or dinner on a board. Night individual Boat trip for opening bridges is a one of the “business card” of St. Petersburg. Bridges of light, which will slowly open, and magnificent palaces on the embankments will certainly be the one of the most striking paintings, remaining in your memory forever. (Trip is available during navigation in period from the end of April till the end of September). 3. Are you a fan of football? So then, excursion to the stadium “Petro- vsky” of Russian football club “Zenit” is for you especially! The stadium is situated in the one of numerous islands in the City, in the Petrovsky island. It was rebuilt several times before the Olympic games in 1980 and has been completely rebuilt after the war, grandstands were dismantled of citizens for firewood. One of a legend of Russian sport , “Zenit” club during the existence from 1925 has survived rises and downs. You will know a history of the Club and it’s famous players, learn the technology of preparation of the field for the game and maintenance, walk along the Avenue of Champions, visit VIP-zone and commentator boxes. 4. “Welcome to Red Leningrad” is the memory-story of life in USSR. Excursion around the City will includes an inspection of samples of Stalinist architecture and the places connected with reality and life in Soviet Union. You will see building of old shops, cinemas, clubs, cafes, discos, hotels, Palaces of Creativity and Youth, the traditional meeting place of “underground and illegal” people and rock-musicians in Leningrad and other typical places of city life until the mid 80-ies and Lenin monuments, too. 5. Tours “By the bird’s eye” are Sightseeing tours over the Center of Saint-Petersburg or flight in the direction to town Petershof by a helicop- ter. Stunning panorama of the city, boundless space of the Finnish Gulf and Neva river will open for you as on the hands! The domes and spires of Peter and Paul fortress, St. Isaac’s Cathedral and Church of the Savior on Blood and Troitse-Izmailovsky Church with a starry roof will appear under you. Be sure, during the flight over the Palace square you will be remembered your raised the head to look at the sculptures in the upper part of the Hermitage or at the angel on Aleksandrinsky column. The flights are organized on boards of MI-8 and MI-8-VIP models. 6. Politicians are the same people as we and have the right to relax a little bit after a fruitful work, too. We invite you to spend a time in the role of guests of the President in the excursion around Konstantinovsky Palace with a visit to the vine cellars. On this tour you will walk through the halls of the Palace for diplomatic meetings, inspection chambers of the 1st lady of Russia, a Welcome Hall of delegations and ceremonial rooms. After you will visit to the wine cellars with professional sommelier for tasting wines, vodka and champagne and story about them. The vault appeared in the time of Em- press Elizabeth, who loved Hungarian sweet dessert wine. You will also learn the preferences of Catherine the 2nd and Nicholas, of Medvedev and Putin about, too. Of course, you will be given the opportunity to try samples of wines and other best quality beverages.

10 VIP services 7. If you want to return to childhood or to know whether the ghosts roam in the Opera, the tour “Behind the scene” to the Mariinsky theatre is the best chance to do it! We invite you to walk along the areas of the scene and orchestra pit are traditionally inaccessible. You will learn about the inner workings of the theatre, visit to the audi- torium, Royal Lodge and the Foyer of the dress circle. You will pass the artists way the scene, visit the sham shop and decorative manufacture. The guide will tell interesting stories about the architectural complex of the theatre, about the famous artists who performed here and that found under the floor of the scene during the restoration. 8. For groups of guests who like to enjoy art and beauty in comfort, we offer special opening of the Grand Palace and the starting of the fountains in Low Park of Peterhof in the evening. Just for you will fling open the doors of the main rooms in the Palace and toss the water jets of the Grand Cascade fountain and other water complexes in the evening sky. You would be to get to town Peterhof not by bus only but also to sail through the Finnish Bay by high-speed ship “Meteor”. 9. Are you brave and like a good adventure? Then “Patriot tour” is for you! Let’s go to the range where you can feel yourselves like a soldier or paratrooper to riding on the armor of an APC or IFV. You will try to shoot a gun, to throw a grenade, to collect the “Kalashnikov” for time-limit. This event is for Real Men, of course, but… not for manly and strong only. Dear ladies! After shooting you can take the target home to your family members know, who they are dealing with now! By the way, women are more well-directed then a men... Our statistics show that.

If you never been a Scout but just want to try, you can participate in the game with the “hostages”, to read military maps or to protect important military construction. Explosions, mines, grenades, and “rescue” the wounded are included in the program. A hungry soldier is a bad soldier, so after the fight we’ll feed you real Russian soldier’s porridge with stewed meat and tea. (Also you can drink more hard liquor, of course, but after activity only).

10. “My house is my fortress”. Visit to one of the finest examples of urban pri- vate housing. Family houses of the best aristocracy and Russian merchants are differ- ent with interior refinement, comfort and prosperity. On the moment each residence is the state establishment as the house of creativity or club of science, or art mainly. So, often the interior is intact and well preserved. We invite you for the tour around the one of family private residence in St. Petersburg and learn the story of its owners. 11. For connoisseurs of arts we offer to visit to an Art Gallery with option to purchase any artworks. A real collector and hobbyist can find interesting and high qual- ity works of contemporary authors for your collection or as a gift. Abstraction, land- scape, portrait or graphics of talented modern painter will adorn your home fittingly. You can even order a making of portrait from your photograph! You will be able to get acquainted with traditions of Russian fine modern schools, but also to take a piece of the Russian soul, which the author had invested in a ordinary piece of canvas. 12. Collectors and connoisseurs of Antiques will find exclusive interior items, works of art or things for personal use, made by the hands of ancient masters. To this purpose we invite you to visit the beautiful Antique Shop. Here is certainly a thing you need as a watch, jewelry, figurine, Russian samovar or even an icon. You will be pro- vided with the necessary documents for transporting your purchase across the border.

In addition to any tour we can offer: • Journey to Petersburg (from Moscow, for example) or from Petersburg in an individual car Super-luxury class with all convenience and private service of a 5 star hotel with bedroom, living room, bathroom with heated floors, Internet, Butler service. • Travel for group tour from 10 person by car of 5-6 Luxury class compartment with all convenience. For every variant of a trip is possible to relocate by the private locomotive or take private trailer car to public train. • Standard excursions with Deluxe class services. You will have a transportation of business class and museum entrances without lines.

11 Wedding & Honeymoons tours

All people are equally happy, especially if they’re in love. Russian wedding traditions are full of romanticism and sentimental ceremonies. Some of places of the city are the traditional for stops of wedding processions for breaking of champagne glasses, setting free a pair of pigeons and bringing flowers. Some symbolic acts of touching the toes of certain statues, for example, are fun but if you be- lieve it, your life will be happy and full of prosperity, it will be so!

You will see in St. Petersburg the famous plac- es as Bronze Horseman, Vasilievsky Island, Pushkin monument and on summer time will walk along the most beautiful park of fountains in Peterhof. Also, in the summer, one of the most memorable moments will be the trip by yacht around the Neva river or show of open bridge.

Honeymoon involves the comfort, conve- nience and positive emotions only. We will provide you the opportunity to spend these happy days care- free and will try to fulfill your every wish. We will arrange for the most happy people ride in a carriage or car, accommodation in a hotel of a decent cate- gory, support of positive guide, and of course, pho- tos from professional. Be sure, we will not forget the champagne & fruits and the romantic dinner in a cozy restaurant about. If you travel not along but want to impart the happiness to your best friends or relatives we invite you to arrange a banquet in a restaurant or spend time in a Crazy-Party Bus.

We offer Standard and Luxury package with: Hotel accommodation Romantic breakfast in the room (at any time) Guide service Car of A-class/Limousine/Carriage A bottle of champagne & fruits Banquet or Romantic Dinner Transfers Professional photo session VIP-yacht trip (from May till September)

12 MICE

The reason of MICE tourism in Russia is the rich possibilities to combine of learning of cultural and natural aspects with team-building and training activ- ities. Basis directions of MAIC as exhibitions or events, meetings, conferences and incentive have committed all over Russian provide not to improve the profes- sional level and new experience only, but also to get acquainted with the traditions of the country.

Generally your company has warm friendly atmosphere and productive working environment, if work-time is organized efficiently and harmonizes with activities.

So, main job of “Art-Travel” is to select the venue and offer the special theme for your event, select the best options for different programs and services for your choice as well as provide effective management of the project to have the best and fruitful result to the end of it.

Preferring Russia for your conference or event you will surprise your staff with the most unique trip, professionalism or event organization and a hospita- ble soul.

Our mission and services to organize your event, conferences, business meetings, corporate training and team-building:

• Professional interpreters and guides • Transportation • Hotels booking • Rent of equipment and conference venues • Gala companion programs • Parties, cocktails • Corporate training and team-building; • Special arrangements such as Visa Support, security, police escort • Standard and luxury excursions for groups and individual guests

13 MOSCOW

Many tourists start their travel to Russia visit- ing Moscow – the political and financial capital of the Russian Federation.

Moscow is a major political, economic, cul- tural, and scientific center of Russia and Eastern Eu- rope, as well as the largest city on the European con- tinent. Its population counts more than 12 million residents within the city limits and over 16 million people within the urban area.

The city is well known for its architecture, particularly its historic buildings such as Saint Basil’s Cathedral with its brightly colored domes and the impressive medieval city-fortress Kremlin, which is the seat of the Russian government. The Moscow Kremlin and the famous Red Square are some of the city sites considered as the World Heritage.

The city is served by a transit network, which includes four international airports, nine railway ter- minals, numerous trams, a monorail system and one of the largest and busiest underground rapid transit systems in the world, the Moscow Metro, which is one of the tourist attractions as well due to the rich and impressive decoration of its numerous stations. Moscow is situated on the banks of the Moskva Riv- er, 49 bridges span the river and its canals within the city’s limits. Therefore, it is possible to take boat tours in order to admire the gorgeous city from a different view.

The first known reference to Moscow dates from 1147 as a meeting place of Prince Yuri Dol- goruky and his relative Svyatoslav Olegovich, when Moscow was a minor town in the midst of bound- less Russian forests. Thus in the 12th century the his- tory of the biggest political, economic, cultural and scientific hub of Russia started with the city turned into a fortress, that in the 13th century became a well-defined town. In the 15th century Moscow be- came the capital of Russia.

14 MOSCOW

Moscow’s architecture is world-renowned. Mos- cow is the site of Saint Basil’s Cathedral, with its ele- gant onion domes, as well as the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the Seven Sisters – seven really impres- sive skyscrapers built at the times of Stalin that are scattered throughout the city at about an equal dis- tance from the Kremlin. The Medieval Moscow’s de- sign had concentric shape with radial thoroughfares. This layout, as well as Moscow’s rivers, defined the shape of the city in subsequent centuries. In old times the city’s architectural appearance was dominated by Orthodox churches, each city block was constructed so that people could see the golden domes of at least one from their windows. The overall appearance of the city changed drastically during Soviet times, es- pecially as a result of Joseph Stalin’s large-scale effort to “modernize” Moscow. Nowadays Moscow is a huge city, where small historic churches, buildings, monu- ments, monasteries and big green parks neighbor with great skyscrapers, luxurious hotels and numerous modern constructions.

The vibrant city of Moscow gives various oppor- tunities for leisure. There are lots of theatres (among them the world-famous ballet theatre Bolshoi), two permanent circuses, numerous museums of all kinds, a zoo, cinemas, concert halls, various sports facilities.

Moscow has a humid continental climate with long cold winters (with temperatures ranging from -25 °C (-13 °F) to above 5 °C (41 °F)) usually lasting from mid-November through the end of March, and warm summers (temperatures from 10 to 35 °C (50 to 95 °F)).

When planning your tour to Russia, start with taking a tour to Moscow!

15 Tours to Moscow Must-see Tour 6 days / 5 nights all the year round

Day 1 Arrival in Moscow airport. Meeting with the assistant. Accommodation in hotel . Extra: “Evening lights of Moscow”. Tour of the Moscow evening with a tour of illumi- nation and towers Moscow-City. By bus.

Day 2 Breakfast in the hotel. Meeting with the guide. Sightseeing tour of Moscow. You will see the Three Sta- tion Square, Stalin skyscrapers, Lubyanskaya Square and the building of FSB, the Novodevichy Convent, Avto-metro Bridge, Vorobyovy Gory and Mosfilm, Poklonnaya Gora and the Triumphal arch, the Business center “Moscow city” and a monument to the founder of Moscow – Yury Dolgorukiy, Manezhnaya Square, the Bolshoi theater. Visit of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, constructed in 1812 as a monument to the Russian people for his courage and heroism (the temple was blown up in Soviet period and it is restored in the XXI century according to historical drawings). Extra: Excursion to the Bolshoi theater. The Bolshoi Theater is one of the most famous theaters in the world and certainly the most famous theater in Russia.

Day 3 Breakfast in hotel. Meeting with the guide. Excursion to Moscow Metro. Today the city has more than 150 stations and is consid- ered to be the most beautiful subway in the world. Tour around Arbat Street - is a pedestrian street about one kilometer long in the historical center of Moscow. Time for lunch. Excursion to the Moscow Kremlin – the biggest of the Kremlin of Europe the residence of the Russian President, a symbol of the Russian statehood and one of the largest archi- tectural complexes of the world. You will see demonstration of ceremonial of pedestrian and horse divorce of the Presidential regiment (on condition of good weather). Visit of the Assumption Cathedral (the main temple of the Russian state with XIV – XVIV. In it crowned on a kingdom of the Russian tsars), the Archangel’s Cathedral (a place of burial of the Moscow grand dukes and Russian tsars), the Annunciation Cathe- dral (the house temple intended for family prayers of an imperial family), the Rizo- polozhensky temple. You will see ensemble of the Grand Kremlin Palace – now it’s the residence of the Russian President. On the Red Square you will see St. Basil’s Cathedral – a symbol of the Russian capital. Free time in the City center. Extra: Excursion to Armoury room - a treasure-house that preserves ancient arms, the tsars’ crown jewels and many magnificent works of art.

Day 4 Breakfast in the hotel. Excursion to Sergiyev Posad (Trinity Lavra of San Sergius, monastery grounds and ca- thedrals) - “Russian Vatican”. The Sergiev Posad is one of the most important centers of Russian Orthodoxy. Its construction was begun by St. Sergius, who established a monas- tery-fortress there in 1340. It houses the tomb of Boris Godunov and his family as well as a copy of Andrei Roublev’s famous icon of the Trinity, the original of which is in the Tretiakov Gallery in Moscow. The main temple of the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius holds one of the most revered shrines of the Russian Orthodox world - the relics of Saint Sergei Radonezhsky. This is one of few cathedrals, where iconostasis painted by the greatest master painters - Andrei Rublev and Daniil Cherny is preserved. Sergiev Posad has been designated by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Day 5 Breakfast in the hotel. Excursion to the State Tretyakov Gallery There is the national treasure of Russia fine art and one of the greatest museums in the world. The Gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian paintings, sculptures, graphics and unique icons. Time for lunch. Visit to The Memorial Museum of Astronautics. The museum is located within the base of the soaring Monument to the Conquerors of Space. There are more than 3,500 unique space items in the museum. The exhibits are divided into sections and each of them depicts different stages of Rus- sian astronautics history. You will see the first artificial Earth satellite, which was placed into orbit on October 4, 1957, a module of the “Vostok” space ship and a space suite of Yuri Gagarin and other interesting exhibits

Day 6 Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the airport.

16 Moscow + St. Petersburg From the Grand Duchy to the Great Empire 8 days / 7 nights Arrivals on Friday all the year round

Day 1 (Friday)// Moscow. Arrival in Moscow airport. Meeting with the assistant. Accommodation in hotel. Extra: “Evening lights of Moscow”. Tour of the Moscow evening with a tour of illumination and towers Moscow-City/ By bus.

Day 2 (Saturday)// Moscow. Breakfast in the hotel. Meeting with the guide. Sightseeing tour of Moscow. You will see the Three Station Square, Stalin skyscrapers, Lubyanskaya Square and the building of FSB, the Novodevichy Convent, Avto-metro Bridge, Vorobyovy Gory and Mosfilm, Poklonnaya Gora and the Triumphal arch, the Business center “Moscow city” and a monument to the founder of Moscow – Yury Dolgorukiy, Manezhnaya Square, the Bolshoi theater. Visit of the Cathe- dral of Christ the Saviour, constructed in 1812 as a monument to the Russian people for his courage and heroism (the temple was blown up in Soviet period and it is restored in the XXI century according to historical drawings). Extra: Excursion to the Bolshoi theater. The Bolshoi Theater is one of the most famous theaters in the world and certainly the most famous theater in Russia.

Day 3 (Sunday)//Moscow. Breakfast in hotel. Meeting with the guide. Excursion to Moscow Metro. Today the city has more than 150 stations and is considered to be the most beautiful subway in the world. Tour around Arbat Street - is a pedestrian street about one kilometer long in the historical center of Moscow. Time for lunch. Excursion to the Moscow Kremlin – the biggest of the Kremlin of Europe the residence of the Russian President, a symbol of the Russian statehood and one of the largest architectural complexes of the world. You will see demonstration of ceremonial of pedestrian and horse divorce of the Presidential regiment (on con- dition of good weather). Visit of the Assumption Cathedral (the main temple of the Russian state with XIV – XVIV. In it crowned on a kingdom of the Russian tsars), the Archangel’s Cathedral (a place of burial of the Moscow grand dukes and Russian tsars), the Annunciation Cathedral (the house temple intended for family prayers of an imperial family), the Rizopolozhensky temple. You will see ensemble of the Grand Kremlin Palace – now it’s the residence of the Russian President. On the Red Square you will see St. Basil’s Cathedral – a symbol of the Russian capital. Free time in the City center. Day 6 (Wednesday)//St. Petersburg. Extra: Excursion to Armoury room - a treasure-house that preserves ancient Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the guide. arms, the tsars’ crown jewels and many magnificent works of art. From April to October: Tour “The Russian Versailles” to see the most magnificent summer residence of Russian tzars - Peterhof, or Petrodvorets. Day 4 (Monday)// Moscow – St.Petersburg. You will see the Big cascade. Breakfast in the hotel. Free time. Transfer to the railway station. From November to March: Tour to Tsarskoie Selo (Pushkin ). Excur- 09,10 you will take the Sapsan high speed train to St Petersburg, which takes sion with our guide to the Palace or Catherine the Great where the precious only 4 hours to get to St. Petersburg. Amber Room is situated 13,00 Meeting with the guide at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. Return to the City center. Free time. Extra from April to October: Night-time boat tours and trips. The best Extra: The folk show “Feel yourself russian!” The show consists of two way to enjoy a breathtaking view of opening bridges in St. Petersburg is to take a parts (45 minutes each) and lasts for 1 hour 50 minutes including the break, midnight trip on a comfortable double-decked boat. Admire the illuminated fa- when guests are offered some fruit, canapes with red caviar, ham, Russian style cades of the city’s top attractions as you travel along its charming canals and rivers. Salami, cheese, vodka, champagne, red wine, mineral water, juice, beverages.

Day 5 (Tuesday)// St. Petersburg. Day 7 (Thursday) // St. Petersburg. Breakfast in the hotel. Meeting with the guide. Breakfast at the hotel. Meeting with the guide. City tour accompanied by our guide. Within this City Tour you will drive along Walk around the Palace Square. You will see the most significant buildings the most popular sights of our beautiful city such as Point of Basil Island, Palace on the square are: “The Winter Palace”, General Staff Building with its famous Square with famous Winter Palace, Menshikov Palace, Academy of Fine arc, the “Alexander Column”. The “New Hermitage” with figures of Atlas at the Arts. We will drive along Nevskiy Prospekt – the main street of our city. You entrance and “The Hermitage Theatre” are located a little to north from Palace will see such places as Arts Square, Catherine’s Garden, Anichkov Bridge, St. Isaac’s Square. Square, Bronze Horseman. At the most beautiful places the guide will supply you Tour of the incredible Hermitage Museum in the Winter Palace. with more information and will offer you to make a stop for taking photos. The Hermitage is among the world’s largest museums. The Hermitage boasts a Time for lunch. vast collection of Egyptian, Greek, Ancient Roman, Oriental, Western European Visit Peter and Paul Fortress – «Russian Bastille». Art, and Applied Arts. The museum has over 2.7 million exhibits and is visited Excursion to St. Isaac’s Cathedral or Church of the Savior on the Spilled by over 3.2 million every year. Blood Time for lunch. Extra: Excursion at Kupetz Eliseev Food Holl with degustation of caviars and Extra from April to October: Cruise along rivers and canals by regular boat “Kupetz Eliseevs” vodka Excursion to the Museum of Russian Vodka + tasting vodka and traditional snacks Day 8 (Friday) // St. Petersburg. Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the Airport.

17 GOLDEN RING

After the capitals – Moscow and St. Petersburg – there is a great opportunity to enjoy the quiet and peaceful life in the heart of the Russian province, taking a so-called Golden Ring tour. The Golden Ring is a great tourist route, formed by a ring of several cities and towns Northeast of Moscow, the capital of Russia, characterized by extremely beautiful countryside views and architectural monuments. These ancient towns, which also played a significant role in the formation of the Russian Orthodox Church, preserve the memory of the most import- ant and significant events in the history of Russia. The towns are often called “open-air museums”, and they feature unique monuments of Russian architecture of the 12th–18th centu- ries, including kremlins, monasteries, cathedrals, and church- es. During a Golden Ring tour you’ll get a unique opportunity to admire the most scenic onion-shaped domes of Russian orthodox churches.

Traditionally Golden Ring Tours start from Moscow, go- ing on through Vladimir, Suzdal, Kostroma, Yaroslavl, Rostov Velikiy, Pereslavl-Zalesskiy, Sergiev Posad. All cities and towns are located relatively close to each other, and the circular Golden Ring route makes it possible to easily pass from one place to another, coming back to the starting point. Travelers have different possibilities for making a Golden Ring tour and moving among the sights: it is possible to take a bus tour, to make a car trip or else the towns can be reached by train.

There is no official list of which cities make up part of the Golden Ring, anyways, the entire route visiting all the main cities, that are Sergiev Posad - Rostov Velikiy - Pereslavl-Zaless- kiy - Yaroslavl - Kostroma - Ivanovo - Plyos - Suzdal - Vladimir is about 700km (beginning and ending in Moscow).

Accomodation. There are no luxury hotels on the Gold- en Ring route, the best you can expect is 4* hotels in Yaroslavl. In some small towns you can only find a Soviet-style hotel, but others, such as Suzdal, offer a wide range of guest house type accommodation

Eating. When travelling along the Golden Ring route, you’ll have the opportunity to taste mostly traditional Russian food, anyways, in some cities there are also Western brand fast- food outlets.

18 THE CITIES ALONG THE GOLDEN RING

VLADIMIR. This city, founded in 995, in the 12th century used to be the capital of Russia and its political, cultural and religious center. It is located 179 km to the east from Moscow, and it is the first stop along the Trans-Siberian railway route. Vladimir is an important reputation for its unique cathedrals, four of which are on the UNESCO World Heritage list..

SUZDAL. A calm ancient Russian town 38 kilometers north to Vladimir, Suzdal is often referred to as an open-air museum for the amount of old buildings that have been preserved and the lack of industrialization. Here you can walk around among green hills, enjoying beautiful views, old monasteries and church- es. Several sights are protected by UNESCO. Highlights include the Spaso-Yefimiev Monastery, which is now a museum, and the museums of the kremlin.

IVANOVO. It is quite a big city (450 thousand inhabitants), located between Suzdal (70 kilometers to the south) and Kostroma. It is both the youngest and the most industrial of all Golden Ring cities. Previously the city was known as Ivano- vo-Voznesensk after the two villages which merged to form the new city in 1871. It is forever connected with its once-booming textile trade which led to the city being known as Bride City and Russian Manchester.

KOSTROMA. A surprisingly calm and inviting town, located on Volga river, 120 kilometers north to Ivanovo. The city is most famous for its Ipatievsky Mon- astery which has links with the Romanov Dynasty as the first Romanov tsar – Tsar Michael – was here when he was made tsar. Kostroma is the Golden Ring city furthest from Moscow.

YAROSLAVL. Yaroslavl has got its name from the Prince Yaroslav the Wise, who founded the town in the beginning of 11th century, at the place where Volga river meets Kotorosl. Now it is a large industrial city, the biggest along the Gold- en Ring (630 inhabitants) and considered the unofficial capital of the Golden Ring, it is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city’s main attraction is the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, which is now a museum and among its many beautiful churches the most famous are St. Elijah the Prophet’s Church and the John the Baptist’s Church, both of which are beautifully decorated with frescos.

ROSTOV VELIKIY. Rostov Velikiy (Rostov the Great, named so to distin- guish it from the larger Rostov-on-Don) is one of the oldest cities in Russia, its history started 4 thousand years B.C. with the first tribes that stayed next to the Lake Nero. Its most impressive sight is the white-stone kremlin which stands on Lake Nero and is now a museum-reserve. The city also has three monasteries and museums dedicated to the art of painting on enamel for which the city is famed.

PERESLAVL-ZALESSKIY. An old Russian provincial town, famous for its monasteries, four of which are still active, old churches. This place is the birth- place of a celebrated Russian hero – prince Alexander Nevsky, proclaimed saint. Pereslavl-Zalesskiy also links with Peter the Great, who built his first toy flotilla here on Lake Plesheevo.

SERGIEV POSAD. Sergiev Posad’s main attraction is the UNESCO-protected Troitse-Sergieva Lavra – a monastery founded in the 14th century by St. Sergius of Radonezh, which is one of the most revered Russian saints. At present the Lavra is one of the most important religious sites in Russia.

Golden Ring Tours will give you a unique opportunity to experience the feeling of Old Russia.

19 Tours around Golden Ring This tour proposes to see by your own eyes the greatness of antique churches and cathedrals of Christian but not only. You will learn about a life in backwoods, about Russian old traditions and culture. During the program there will be the chance to join some unique buildings and the interior with hand-made icons and mosaic. «Golden roads of Russia» 4days / 3 nights round of the year Moscow – Vladimir – Suzdal - Kostroma – Yaroslavl – Moscow

Day 1(Moscow – Vladimir - Suzdal) You will be met by our guide at the airport in the morning and transferred to Vladimir. Town Vladimir has more than 200 historical monuments and buildings of XVIII-XIX centuries are protected by UNESCO. The Golden Gates is the main attraction in the town. It were built in 1164, during the reign of prince Alexander Bogolyubsky. The Golden Gates were a one of the seven entrance gates of the city and the only one sur- vived. Next you will learn a story about Vladimir Assumption Cathedral. This temple was supposed to surpass the grandeur of St. Sophia and unite the Russian people. The cathedral was built in a record: construction began in 1158, and the Cathedral was already completed in two years. Guiding transfer to Suzdal for overnight in a Hotel. Dinner.

Day 2 (Suzdal – Kostroma - Yaroslavl) Breakfast in a Hotel and check-out for Sightseeing tour. Suzdal is a major religious center in Russia with stunning medieval architecture and an array of churches and monasteries. Despite the host of impressive buildings and a population of over 12,000 people, Suzdal retains the feel of a small pastoral village with pretty meadows and livestock grazing. we take a walking tour around the center of Suzdal. The oldest part of the city is the Suzdal Kremlin, the heart and soul of the city. The Kremlin preserved the ramparts and moats of the ancient fortress, several churches and the ancient Cathedral of the Nativity. We’ll also explore the incredible Museum of Wooden Architecture which has a reconstruction of an ancient Russian village from Ivan the Terrible’s time. Transfer to Kostroma and Lunch. Kostroma was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky in the middle of the 12th century on the bank of great Volga river. The Ipatiev Monastery is the pearl of town. It was founded in the 14th century. Other places of interest are Troitsky Cathedral, The Church of Revival on the Debra. Free time and transfer to Yaroslavl. Dinner

Day 3 (Yaroslavl – Sergiev Posad - Moscow) Breakfast in a Hotel and check-out. Yaroslavl is one of the oldest cities in the Golden Ring of Russia and one of the most beautiful cities in the Volga region. Cards of the City are onion-shaped domes and imposing spires with churches hidden around every corner. The main attractions to your visit will be The Transfiguration Monastery of the cathedral that goes by the same name, the incredible beauty of the Church of Elijah the Prophet, the Volga embankment and Theatre square. Between Yaroslavl and Moscow you will have a Lunch and see a one more fabulous beauty town named Sergiev Posad. It is both the center of Russian Orthodoxy. The Trinity-Sergius monastery was founded here in 1337 by Sergius of Radonezh and was not only a place where the residents of the city went to worship. Russian rulers turned it into a real fortress that periodically withstood attacks from enemy armies. But now you can clearly see numerous buildings inside the strong walls. They enclose some 50 buildings including the Ecclesiastical Academy, the Seminary and the Friary. Arrival into Moscow and relax in a Hotel after a Dinner.

Day 4 (Moscow) Breakfast in a Hotel and check-out before 12.00pm. Transfer to the airport for departure.

20 Tour around the Golden Ring + Moscow

During this tour you will learn the most important facts about the life of the Russian capital from ancient structures to our days, will pass through the old Russian towns that preserves buildings of 1000 years and see typical nature and culture of Central Russia. «Treasures of Ancient Russia» 7 days / 6 nights round of the year Moscow (3 days) – Vladimir – Suzdal - Kostroma – Yaroslavl – Moscow

Day 1 (Moscow) Day 4 (Moscow – Vladimir - Suzdal) Arrival in Moscow airport. Meeting with the guide. Breakfast in the hotel. Check-out for country tour. Sightseeing tour of Moscow. You will see the Three Station Square, Stalin Meeting with our guide and transferred to Vladimir skyscrapers, Lubyanskaya Square and the building of FSB, the Novodev- Town Vladimir has more than 200 historical monuments and buildings of XVIII- ichy Convent, Avto-metro Bridge, Vorobyovy Gory and “Russian Holly- XIX centuries are protected by UNESCO. The Golden Gates is the main attrac- wood” - cinema studio “Mosfilm”, Poklonnaya Gora, Triumphal Arch, tion in the town. It were built in 1164, during the reign of prince Alexander the Business center “Moscow city” and a monument to the founder of Bogolyubsky. The Golden Gates were a one of the seven entrance gates of the Moscow – Yury Dolgorukiy, Manezhnaya Square, the Bolshoi theater. city and the only one survived. Next you will learn a story about Vladimir As- Visit of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, constructed in 1812 as a monu- sumption Cathedral. This temple was supposed to surpass the grandeur of St. ment to the Russian people for his courage and heroism (the temple was blown Sophia and unite the Russian people. The cathedral was built in a record: con- up in Soviet period and it is restored in the XXI century according to historical struction began in 1158, and the Cathedral was already completed in two years. drawings). Guiding transfer to Suzdal for overnight in a Hotel. Accommodation in hotel . Time for Lunch & Dinner is included. Extra: • Excursion to the Bolshoi theater. The Bolshoi Theater is one of the most Day 5 (Suzdal – Kostroma - Yaroslavl) famous theaters in the world and certainly the most famous theater in Russia. Breakfast in a Hotel and check-out for Sightseeing tour • “Evening lights of Moscow”. Tour of the Moscow evening with a tour of Suzdal is a major religious center in Russia with stunning medieval architecture illumination and towers Moscow-City. By bus. and an array of churches and monasteries. Despite the host of impressive build- ings and a population of over 12,000 people, Suzdal retains the feel of a small Day 2 (Moscow) pastoral village with pretty meadows and livestock grazing. Breakfast in hotel. Meeting with the guide. We take a walking tour around the center of Suzdal. The oldest part of the city Excursion to Moscow Metro. It is considered one of the most beautiful in the is the Suzdal Kremlin, the heart and soul of the city. The Kremlin preserved the world, decorated with color marble, crystal, mosaic and arches. Today the city ramparts and moats of the ancient fortress, several churches and the ancient has more than 150 stations and is considered to be the most beautiful subway in Cathedral of the Nativity. We’ll also explore the incredible Museum of Wooden the world. Tour around Arbat Street - is a pedestrian street about one kilometer Architecture which has a reconstruction of an ancient Russian village from Ivan long in the historical center of Moscow. the Terrible’s time. Time for lunch. Transfer to Kostroma Excursion to the Moscow Kremlin – the biggest of the Kremlin in Europe the Kostroma was founded by Prince Yuri Dolgoruky in the middle of the 12th cen- residence of the Russian President, a symbol of the Russian statehood and one tury on the bank of great Volga river. The Ipatiev Monastery is the pearl of town. of the largest architectural complexes of the world. You will see demonstration It was founded in the 14th century. Other places of interest are Troitsky Cathe- of ceremonial of pedestrian and horse divorce of the Presidential regiment (on dral, The Church of Revival on the Debra. condition of good weather). Visit of the Assumption Cathedral (the main Free time and transfer to Yaroslavl. temple of the Russian state with XIV – XVIV. In it crowned on a kingdom of the Time for Lunch & Dinner is included. Russian tsars), the Archangel’s Cathedral (a place of burial of the Moscow grand dukes and Russian tsars), the Annunciation Cathedral (the house tem- Day 6 (Yaroslavl – Sergiev Posad - Moscow) ple intended for family prayers of an imperial family), the Rizopolozhensky Breakfast in a Hotel and check-out. temple. You will see ensemble of the Grand Kremlin Palace. Now it’s the Yaroslavl is one of the oldest cities in the Golden Ring of Russia and one of the residence of the Russian President. On the Red Square you will see St. Basil’s most beautiful cities in the Volga region. Cards of the City are onion-shaped Cathedral – a symbol of the Russian capital. Free time in the City center. domes and imposing spires with churches hidden around every corner. The Extra: Excursion to Armory room - a treasure-house that preserves ancient main attractions to your visit will be The Transfiguration Monastery of the ca- arms, the tsars’ crown jewels and many magnificent works of art. thedral that goes by the same name, the incredible beauty of the Church of Elijah the Prophet, the Volga embankment and Theatre square. Day 3 (Moscow) Between Yaroslavl and Moscow you will have a Lunch and see a one more fab- Breakfast in the hotel. ulous beauty town named Sergiev Posad. It is both the center of Russian Or- Excursion to the State Tretyakov Gallery thodoxy. The Trinity-Sergius monastery was founded here in 1337 by Sergius There is the national treasure of Russia fine art and one of the greatest muse- of Radonezh and was not only a place where the residents of the city went to ums in the world. The Gallery’s collection consists entirely of Russian paintings, worship. Russian rulers turned it into a real fortress that periodically withstood sculptures, graphics and unique icons. attacks from enemy armies. But now you can clearly see numerous buildings in- Time for lunch. side the strong walls. They enclose some 50 buildings including the Ecclesiastical Visit to The Memorial Museum of Astronautics. The museum is located within Academy, the Seminary and the Friary. the base of the soaring Monument to the Conquerors of Space. There are more Arrival into Moscow and relax in a Hotel than 3,500 unique space items in the museum. Time for Lunch is included. The exhibits are divided into sections and each of them depicts different stag- es of Russian astronautics history. You will see the first artificial Earth satellite, Day 7 (Moscow) which was placed into orbit on October 4, 1957, a module of the “Vostok” space Breakfast in a Hotel and check-out before 12.00pm. ship and a space suite of Yuri Gagarin and other interesting exhibits Transfer to the airport for departure.

21 Kazan

Kazan is the capital city of the Republic of Tatarstan. It’s a glorious Russian city, often called the “third Capital of Russia”, incredibly beautiful and very hospitable. By many measures, Kazan has one of the highest standards of living in Russia, following after Moscow and St. Petersburg. Located between Europe and Asia, Kazan has both Russian and Tatar populations, and it peace- fully blends Muslim and Christian cultures. There are also many other religions represented in Kazan, and in the heart of the city you can find orthodox churches, mosques, a catholic church and a syn- agogue. This vibrant city with over 1000 years of history is an excellent travel destination, and the number of tourists visiting it increases rapidly every year. There are lots of things to see and to do in Kazan. Visitors can enjoy walking around the city, admiring colourful views and historic buildings. Kazan is one of the most important economic, politi- cal, scientific and cultural centers of Russia. One of the main attractions is the Kazan Kremlin. Built by Ivan the Terrible on the ruins of the destroyed palace of the Kazan Khanate, this white fortress is beautiful all the year round. The Kremlin of Kazan reflects not only the ethnic mix of Tatars and Russians, characterizing this important region of the Russian Federation, but also the combined strength of the region’s two great religions: Islam and Orthodox Christianity. The magnificent Kul Sharif Mosque, named for Kazan’s last great Imam before Ivan the Terrible invaded and seized the city, is the Kremlin’s main jewel. It is the largest Muslim place of worship in Europe, and serves as home to a rich collection of ancient books. As an equally important place of Orthodox worship, the Annunciation Cathedral within Kazan’s Kremlin is an architectural gem com- pleted in 1561, 9 years after the city was conquered. The cathedral is said to have been designed by Postnik Yakovlev, the same architect who was said to be blinded after completing St. Basil’s Cathedral on Moscow’s Red Square. Today’s Kazan appears to be equally strongly tied with its unique mixture of religious beliefs. Philanthropist Ildar Khanov began work on his Temple of All Religions in 1992 near the shores of the Volga River, and this unique building is still under construction. The Temple makes use of religious architecture from all over the world, and has an Orthodox church dome, a minaret, synagogue-like fixtures, and other items representing 16 of the world’s many faiths. In 2005 Kazan celebrated its millennium jubilee. Despite of such venerable age, the city is growing and dynamically developing in all respects. There are lots of museums, libraries, concert halls and theatres. There is even “Ermitazh-Kazan” Center - the only branch of the famous museum from Saint Petersburg. Kazan offers a lot of various events you can visit during your stay here - international opera and ballet festival, different types of music festivals, popular singers concerts and many other interest- ing things to do. Cirque du Soleil regurlary brings its shows to Kazan. And a must-see event in Tatarstan is a national holiday Sabantuy - tatar summer festival, which is celebrated in the beginning of June. If you decide to travel to Kazan, you can reach it by plane (Kazan International Airport is situated 30km to the southeast of the city centre), by train or by boat (Kazan has a riverboat terminal on the Volga River and can be reached by river cruise as well. There are river cruises down the Volga operated in summer (from May to September). Dozens of boats operated by different companies run from Moscow to Astrakhan. One way or return cruises may be reserved to/from practically any city along the Volga.) One of the most evident features of the city life is a peaceful, creative coexistence of differ- ent religions, cultures and nationalities. Due to its gorgeous architecture, breath-taking views, and open-hearted locals, Kazan is the perfect destination for travellers of all ages. Walking along the main avenue of the city, called Nevsky prospect, also situated on the left bank of the Neva, it is possible to admire marvellous historic palaces, churches and bridges, among them the Kazan Cathedral, styled in a similar way to St. Peter’s Cathedral in Rome, and the colourful Church of the Savior on Blood. St. Petersburg is the city able to delight you at any time, in every corner of its central part and even at any season and weather conditions. Anyways, the most romantic and popular period to travel to St. Petersburg is summer, as it is time of the so-called “White nights” when it almost doesn’t get dark, even at night. Besides, every night during the navigation period (from April to November), many bridges across the Neva and main canals are drawn up to let ships pass in and out of the Baltic Sea. The bridges opening, although it causes some difficulties to get around the city at night, represents an important tourist attraction and it will surely make the most romantic people fall desperately in love with St. Petersburg, often called Venice of the North because its location on various smaller and bigger islands among the numerous rivers and canals. During the navigation period when the rivers are free from ice it is possible to set out on boat tours around St. Petersburg. Besides the city itself, its suburbs are also worth of being visited. Among them the most notable are the summer residences of Russian emperors Petergof with majestic parks full of unique fountains, Tsarskoe Selo, with the baroque Catherine’s Palace and the neoclassical Alexander Palace, and Pav- lovsk, which contains a domed palace of Emperor Paul and one of the largest English-style parks in Europe. Some other residences situated nearby and making part of the world heritage site, including a castle and park in Gatchina, actually belong to Leningrad Oblast rather than Saint Petersburg. Another notable suburb is Kronstadt with its 19th-century fortifications and naval monuments, occupying the Kotlin Island in the Gulf of Finland. As for the cultural life, Saint Petersburg is home to more than two hundred museums. The largest one is the Hermitage Museum, featuring interiors of the former imperial residence and a vast collection of art. The Russian Museum is a large museum devoted specifically to Russian fine art. The city features lots of theatres (among them the world-famous Mariinsky opera and ballet theatre), concert halls, a permanent circus, many sports and entertainment facilities. If you come once on tour to St. Petersburg, you’ll leave your heart among these granite em- bankments, iron cast railings and magnificent palaces!

22 Tour to St. Petersburg + Moscow + Kazan «Three capitals of Russia» 8 days / 7 nights all the year round Day 1 St.Petersburg Day 5 Moscow. Arrival in St Petersburg airport. Meeting with the assistant. Accommodation Breakfast in hotel. Meeting with the guide. in hotel. Excursion to Moscow Metro. Today the city has more than 150 stations and Extra: The folk show “Feel yourself russian!” The show consists of two parts is considered to be the most beautiful subway in the world. Tour around Arbat (45 minutes each) and lasts for 1 hour 50 minutes including the break, when Street - is a pedestrian street about one kilometer long in the historical center guests are offered some fruit, canapes with red caviar, ham, Russian style Salami, of Moscow. cheese, vodka, champagne, red wine, mineral water, juice, beverages. Time for lunch. Excursion to the Moscow Kremlin – the biggest of the Kremlin of Europe the Day 2 St. Petersburg. residence of the Russian President, a symbol of the Russian statehood and one Breakfast in the hotel. Meeting with the guide. of the largest architectural complexes of the world. You will see demonstration City tour accompanied by our guide. Within this City Tour you will drive along the of ceremonial of pedestrian and horse divorce of the Presidential regiment (on most popular sights of our beautiful city such as Point of Basil Island, Palace condition of good weather). Visit of the Assumption Cathedral (the main Square with famous Winter Palace, Menshikov Palace, Academy of Fine temple of the Russian state with XIV – XVIV. In it crowned on a kingdom of the Arts. We will drive along Nevskiy Prospekt – the main street of our city. You Russian tsars), the Archangel’s Cathedral (a place of burial of the Moscow will see such places as Arts Square, Catherine’s Garden, Anichkov Bridge, grand dukes and Russian tsars), the Annunciation Cathedral (the house tem- St. Isaac’s Square, Bronze Horseman. At the most beautiful places the guide ple intended for family prayers of an imperial family), the Rizopolozhensky will supply you with more information and will offer you to make a stop for temple. You will see ensemble of the Grand Kremlin Palace – now it’s the taking photos. residence of the Russian President. On the Red Square you will see St. Basil’s Time for lunch. Cathedral – a symbol of the Russian capital. Free time in the City center. Visit Peter and Paul Fortress – «Russian Bastille». Extra: Excursion to Armoury room - a treasure-house that preserves an- Walk around the Palace Square. You will see the most significant buildings on cient arms, the tsars’ crown jewels and many magnificent works of art. the square are: “The Winter Palace”, General Staff Building with its famous arc, the “Alexander Column”. The “New Hermitage” with figures of Atlas at the en- Day 6 Moscow - Kazan. trance and “The Hermitage Theatre” are located a little to north from Palace Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the Airport. Square. 10 am Departure to Kazan Tour of the incredible Hermitage Museum in the Winter Palace. 11:30 am Arrival to Kazan. Meeting with the guide. The Hermitage is among the world’s largest museums. The Hermitage boasts a Lunch at the national restaurant Tatar. Panoramic bus city tour around the vast collection of Egyptian, Greek, Ancient Roman, Oriental, Western European most prominent attractions of Kazan, including the Old Tatar Quarter, the Art, and Applied Arts. The museum has over 2.7 million exhibits and is visited by scenic Kaban Lakes, the Marjani Mosque, the Millennium Park and a re- over 3.2 million every year. constructed traditional Tatar village Tugan Avalym. Extra from April to October: Cruise along rivers and canals by regular Visit to the historical ensemble of the Kazan Kremlin. During the tour you boat see the main treasures of the complex, including one of the largest mosques in Russia - the Qol Sharif Mosque, the leaning Soyembika Tower, the Annun- Day 3 St.Petersburg - Moscow ciation Cathedral and the Governor’s Palace. Breakfast in the hotel. Free time. Transfer to the hotel. From April to October: Tour “The Russian Versailles” to see the most mag- nificent summer residence of Russian tzars - Peterhof, or Petrodvorets. You will Day 7 Kazan. see the Big cascade. Breakfast in the hotel. Tour to the island of Sviyazhsk to enjoy its amazing From November to March: Tour to Tsarskoie Selo (Pushkin ). Excursion architectural heritage. Along the way stop at the famous Temple of All Reli- with our guide to the Palace or Catherine the Great where the precious Amber gions - the unique complex that consists of several cupolas, minarets and spires Room is situated representing the architecture of 12 major religions of the world. Return to the City center. Free time. Walk around the Sviyazhsk. You can see the Dormition Monastery, the Transfer to the railway station. Monastery of John the Baptist and the Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius. 5 pm you will take the Sapsan high speed train to Moscow Time for lunch. 9 pm Meeting with the guide at the railway station and transfer to the hotel. Tour to the Raifa Monastery to explore its outstanding architectural complex, take a walk along its picturesque lake and enjoy an amazing atmosphere of Day 4 Moscow. solitude and tranquility. Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the hotel. Meeting with the guide. Sightseeing tour of Moscow. You will see the Three Station Square, Stalin skyscrapers, Lubyanskaya Square and the build- Day 8 Kazan. ing of FSB, the Novodevichy Convent, Avto-metro Bridge, Vorobyovy Breakfast in the hotel. Transfer to the Airport. Gory and Mosfilm, Poklonnaya Gora and the Triumphal arch, the Busi- ness center “Moscow city” and a monument to the founder of Moscow – Yury Dolgorukiy, Manezhnaya Square, the Bolshoi theater. Visit of the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour, constructed in 1812 as a monument to the Russian people for his courage and heroism (the temple was blown up in Soviet period and it is restored in the XXI century according to historical drawings). Extra: Excursion to the Bolshoi theater. The Bolshoi Theater is one of the most famous theaters in the world and certainly the most famous theater in Russia.

23 RUSSIAN RIVER CRUISES A Russian river cruise is an unforgettable travel experience! Russian river cruises are one of the best opportunities to perform a full immersion into the beauty of Russian landscapes, to enjoy Russian hospitality, traditional Russian cuisine, folk music perfor- mances, and decorative arts, to deepen yourself in Russian history while visiting Russian cities and towns.

The most popular are cruises on the Volga. This is the most important waterway of the country and the longest river in Eu- rope. Russians call it “Mother Volga”.

Moscow is the main city where you can start your Volga cruises. The capital of Russia has two river stations the Northern and the Southern. From the Northern River station the most pop- ular Russian cruises Moscow — St. Petersburg start. The Southern station is the first gate in the lower Volga, from where cruises depart in Astrakhan. Rostov-on-don, Samara, Volgograd, Nizhniy Novgorod you can also visit these cities thanks to the Volga cruises starting from Moscow ports.

Journey between Moscow and St. Petersburg on a comfort- able river boat, relaxing on the sundeck or taking part in many of our activities and entertainments as the beautiful, tranquil Russian countryside glides by. Make stops in historically important towns and cities that still evoke times long gone by. The Volga cruises show a unique face of Russia: the largest cities of Central Russia, lit- tle provincial towns and villages with wide pastures and fields. Af- ter the confluence of the Kama, the Volga becomes affluent, pow- erful and wide river, and from here the Lower Volga region starts.

In the heart of Russia there is a necklace of ancient cities and towns known as “the Golden ring”. These are places of unique cultural and historical value.

“The Golden ring” cruises along the upper Volga start in Moscow and last for about 5-10 days.

The longest cruise lasts 13 days and includes such cities as Moscow – Uglich – Kostroma – Plyos – Nizhniy Novgorod – Ka- zan – Samara – Ulianovsk – Elabuga – Cheboksary – Gorodets – Yaroslavl – Kalyazin – Moscow

Cruises from Saint Petersburg to Valaam and Kizhi islands

This cruises give you a unique opportunity to see the most beautiful nature of Karelia, to visit the most interesting and wild corners of nature.

Cruises from Saint Petersburg to vast lakes Ladoga and One- ga attract thousands of travellers every year.

It is the best opportunity to enjoy the charm of “white nights” in summer, when the dawn follows the sunset almost at once, and to admire beautiful nature of Karelia (the region in the northwest of Russia).

A lot of tourist attractions are located in this area. And the true jewels are two islands – magnificent Valaam and world-fa- mous Kizhi.

24 CRUISE FROM ST. PETERSBURG TO MOSCOW St. Petersburg St. Petersburg is known as the cultural capital of Russia. The city is famous all over the world for its purely European architecture and straight connection with Russian histo- ry. During your stay in St. Petersburg you can visiting the Peter and Paul’s Fortress where the Romanov dynasty is buried, St.Isaak’s Cathedral, Smolny Cathedral, see other important monuments, and enjoy the richest art collection of the Hermitage Museum. You can also visit the suburban residences of Russian tsars, such as Tsarskoye Selo with a magnificent baroque-style Catherine’s Palace and the famous Amber Chamber in it, or Peterhof with its fabulous park that is the kingdom of fountains.

Mandrogui Mandrogui is a reconstructed village built on the Svir River to illustrate traditions and lifestyle of Russia’s past. Here you can experience the lifestyle of Russian province, watch tal- ented artisans and craftsmen making “matryoshkas” (Russian nesting dolls), carving wood, sewing, and visit the Vodka Museum, which boasts 250 varieties of this national drink.

Kizhi The island of Kizhi situated to the northeast of Lake Onega is home to an open-air museum of wooden architecture. On the island you can see old wooden churches, chapels, bell towers, peasant houses, granaries, barns, windmills, bathhouses brought here from vari- ous places of the Onega region to illustrate the traditional architecture of the Russian North. The focal point is the Kizhi Ensemble, which is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, consisting of the awe-inspiring 22-domed Transfiguration Cathedral (1714), the neighbour- ing Church of Intercession (1774) and the bell tower between the two. Another significant structure is the modest Chapel of the Resurrection of Lazarus. Built in 1391, it is the oldest remaining wooden church in Russia.

Goritsy The village of Goritsy, at the shore of the river is home to the Resurrection Convent. From Goritsy you can make a bus tour to Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery (the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake), which is the largest monastery in Northern Russia. Founded in the 14th century, the monastery has preserved its remarkable architecture and fascinates the visitors by its majestic churches enclosed within austere fortress walls. The monastery is also famous for its museum of Russian icons.

Yaroslavl Yaroslavl is a particularly precious jewel in the crown of old Russian cities. Yaroslavl has got its name from the Prince Yaroslav the Wise, who founded the town in the beginning of the 11th century. Now it is a large industrial city, and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Uglich Uglich in the 13th century used to be the seat of a princedom. In the 16th century the last member of the Ruirik dynasty, the young Tsarevich Dmitry was murdered in Uglich. That dreadful event started the period known as “the time of trouble” that lasted for 15 years ending with the Romanov’s dynasty’s upcoming to the throne. Today’s Uglich cherishes its history, and you can still see the relics of the past. That is the Church of St Dmitry on the spilt Blood. Built in 1690 on the spot where Dmitry had been murdered, it offers a beautiful view of its red walls and blue domes reflected on the water.

Moscow The river cruise concludes in the capital of Russia, Moscow. Moscow is the largest city of Russia, it is the center of political, economic, financial life of the country. During your stay in this heterogeneous metropolis you will get to know the history of the city and to visit the most prominent sights of Moscow- the famous Red Square with the beautiful ensemble of St.Basil’s cathedral and GUM, the Kremlin, Tverskaya street and the Bolshoi Theatre. The huge and vibrant city of Moscow offer countless opportunities for sightseeing and leisure.

Russian river cruise is the best way to immerse into Russia!

25 Trans-Siberian Railway Tours

If you have some time available and you would like to expe- rience an extraordinary journey crossing the whole Russia, you can take a Trans-Siberian train. The Trans-Siberian Express will give you the possibility to take the longest train journey in the world and to have one of the most exciting travel adventures in your life.

Forget about any hassle of packing and unpacking every day. Your cabin is your “home on wheels” during the entire rail cruise jour- ney. The train offers a choice of 4 accommodation categories from Economy to Deluxe as well as a restaurant, a bar and a conference area for lectures. Stops for land excursions at the most interesting places along the route are included every day. In selected cities like Ekaterin- burg in the Ural Mountains, Irkutsk near Lake Baikal and Ulaanbaatar, the capital of Mongolia, hotel nights in international managed **** ho- tels are included, allowing you more time to explore these places and enjoy a relaxed journey. The journey may be booked either eastbound, starting in Moscow, or westbound, starting in Beijing. Hotel nights in Moscow and in Beijing in ****/***** star hotels are included as well.

Grand Trans-Siberian Journey Highlights Moscow, most vibrant and fast developing metropolitan city of Europe Yekaterinburg, capital of Ural mountains Siberia, a huge land of extreme dimensions Boat cruise on Siberia’s mighty River Yenissei or Ob Private classical concert in a wooden palace in Irkutsk Lake Baikal, deepest lake and biggest freshwater reserve of the world Amazing Mongolian steppes, yurts and horses Cultural show of Mongolian artists Special Naadam show of Mongolian horse racing, wrestling, archery

Grand Trans-Siberian Private Train Advantages A choice of 4 different categories of sleeping accommodation from Economy to Deluxe Possibility of guaranteed double and single accommodation through- out the tour All sleeping cars are newly build or reconstructed after 2008, equipped with modern vacuum toilets Modern Deluxe Silver and Deluxe Gold sleeping cars with private lav- atory, toilet and shower en suite Beautifully decorated restaurant cars A cosy lounge with live piano music in the evening Conference area for lectures and on board entertainment Daily shower guaranteed for travellers of all categories Daily stopovers for sightseeing European management Travel in style, safety and comfort

26 Trans-Siberian Railway Tours Sightseeing Excursions Sightseeing tours with English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, German or Chinese speaking guides (other languages on request)

Hotels Moscow & Beijing 5* hotels Ekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk 4*hotels Ulaanbaatar 4* or 5* hotels Hotels brands we use (examples): Hilton, Marriott, Novotel, Radisson Blu or similar.

Restaurant Cars There are restaurant cars on the train which serve breakfast, lunch and dinner as part of the full board service to all passengers of the Grand Trans-Siberian Express. Local cuisine is part of the menu: Rus- sian cuisine in Russia and Mongolia, Chinese cuisine in China. During sightseeing tours in the cities local meals are served in the specially selected restaurants.

Lounge This is the most popular place of the train and open to all passengers until late. Come, sit down, enjoy the scenery passing by the window and relax while having a drink and listening to the piano entertain- ment after dinner.

Lecture Area In the lecture area, part of the lounge or a restaurant car, your tour escorts hold lectures about the history, geography, economy and daily life of the regions visited. On some evenings we show films about Rus- sia, Mongolia and China. Also your tour escorts offer a language course introducing the Russian language to you.

27 Trans-Siberian Grand Tour «Eastbound Moscow – Beijing» Moscow – Yekaterinburg – Novosibirsk – Krasnoyarsk – Irkutsk – Lake Baikal – Ulan Ude – Ulaanbaatar – Beijing 15 days/14 nights June – September once a month

Day 1 Arrival Moscow Arrival in Moscow. You will be met at Moscow airport and transferred to your hotel. Ac- commodation in Moscow.

Day 2 Moscow A full day sightseeing tour shows you the magnificent Red Square, the Kremlin grounds and other highlights of Moscow. You will forget old stories about Moscow being grey and dark. It has become a vibrant city, full of life, comparable to Paris or Rome. In the after- noon transfer to the railway station where your private train Grand Trans-Siberian Express is ready for you to board for the first leg of the almost 8000 km long journey to Beijing. Welcome dinner and accommodation on board the Grand Trans-Siberian Express.

Day 3 Full day on the train Today you enjoy a typical day on the Trans-Siberian Railway. Your private train passes through endless scenery of forests, lakes and small settlements, followed by the Ural Moun- tains. A day to relax, watch the landscape and listen to lectures about Russia and its people. In the evening you arrive in Yekaterinburg, the “Capital of the Ural Mountains”. Accommodation in Yekaterinburg.

Day 4 Yekaterinburg Yekaterinburg – “Capital of the Ural Mountains”. The city was founded in 1723 by Czar Peter I as the center of metallurgical industry. By the 20th century it had become one of the largest and the most important financial, industrial and cultural centers of Russia. Yekater- inburg is located at the geographical border defined by scientists between Europe and Asia. In the morning a sightseeing tour shows you the city center and you visit a place of re- markable importance for Russian history: the “Cathedral on The Blood” which was built at the place where Czar Nicholas II and his family were executed by the Bolsheviks in 1918. In the afternoon an excursion into the Ural forests takes you to Ganina Yama, which today is considered by Russians as a “holy place”. It is an assemble of small wooden chapels which were erected in the 1990’s to honor the last Czar’s family of the Romanov dynasty who were buried in Ganina Yama. Accommodation on board the Grand Trans-Siberian Express

.Day 5 Novosibirsk Again an almost full day of relaxation and lectures on the train, today you are passing through the plains of Western Siberia and reach Novosibirsk in the late afternoon. With 1,5 million inhabitants Russia’s third largest city and the biggest of Siberia, it is widely regarded as the centre of Siberia. It was founded in 1893 as the future site of the Trans-Siberian railway bridge crossing the Siberian River Ob. Accommodation in Novosibirsk.

Day 6 Novosibirsk In the morning a city sightseeing tour shows you some remarkable orthodox churches which have survived the Soviet period, and you see the famous Opera House which is the largest of Russia, situated in the centre of the city at Lenin Square. In the afternoon, an ex- cursion takes you out of the city into the Taiga, the “real Siberian forest”. About 30 km out of the city you have the opportunity of visiting the largest open air railway museum of Russia, a collection of more than 60 showpieces of steam, diesel and electric locomotives as well as several historical passenger cars – a perfect insight into the development of the trains on the Trans-Siberian Railway. On a boat tour on the River Ob you cruise under the mighty railway bridge of the Trans-Siberian railway. Accommodation on board the Grand Trans-Siberian Express.

Day 7 Krasnoyarsk Krasnoyarsk, like Yekaterinburg and Ulan-Ude used to be a “closed city” during Soviet times – closed to foreigners and also to most Soviet citizens at that time. It is located along the Yenissei River which is the greatest river system flowing to the Arctic Ocean. A sightseeing tour shows you several view points and the main shopping street which is fascinating as the local mayor decided to decorate it with palm trees in summer time – in the middle of Siberia! Accommodation on board the Grand Trans-Siberian Express.

Day 8 Irkutsk Irkutsk is famous for its trade with Mongolia and China and used to be called “Paris of Sibe- ria” because of its colourful life style during the time of the Tsars. You visit the old town with its large quarters still consisting of wooden houses only, before invited to the cultural highlight of the tour, a private classical concert in a palace of historical background. Accommodation in Irkutsk.

28 Day 9 Lake Baikal Day 13 & 14 Ulaanbaatar & Beijing Today one of the top highlights of the tour with the Grand Trans-Siberian Ex- On days 13 and 14 you have the choice between 2 options. press will amaze you for the rest of the day. Lake Baikal holds the biggest fresh Option 1 is designed for those looking for more comfort and sightsee- water reserves in the world. It stretches up to 26 miles from east to west and ing opportunities. more than 370 miles from north to south. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake of the You stay another day in Ulaanbaatar and take a 2 hour flight to Beijing, giving world, reaching 1.620 meters at its deepest part. The mountain ranges around you additional sightseeing time in both cities. Also, the flight option allows pass- Lake Baikal and the deep blue water of the lake, you will never forget. port holders of more than 40 countries to visit Beijing visa free up to 72 hours (up to 3 nights). In the morning a one hour bus drive takes you from the hotel to Lake Baikal. A walk through the village Listvyanka shows you to St Nicholas church, a Option 2 is designed for those who wish to travel by train throughout typical orthodox wooden build church beautifully renovated in the 1990’s. On a from Moscow to Beijing. Between Ulaanbaatar and Beijing you travel on a great Siberian lunch you can taste the famous Omul fish which lives only in Lake regular Mongolian train, build in China a few years ago. Only categories Standard Baikal. In the afternoon a boat takes you on a short cruise on Lake Baikal to the Economy and Standard Plus are available on this section. The train crosses Gobi small village of Port Baikal where the private train is waiting for you. Desert during day time and is air conditioned.

Today the private train is running at low speed along the scenic Circum Baikal Day 15 Beijing & Departure Railway line between Port Baikal and Sludyanka, which for many years has been Airport transfers are provided by our service team to connect with your flight used only by a few of local trains and tourist trains. A photo stop will be arranged departing Beijing. at a small village where you can get off the train, put your feet into the clear and cold water of Lake Baikal and also visit the typical wooden houses of local Services included in the tour price: people. A Baikal barbecue is also a part of the program. - 6 nights accommodation on board the Grand Trans-Siberian Express Moscow Accommodation on board the Grand Trans-Siberian Express. - Ulaanbaatar in the category booked - Flight Ulaanbaatar-Beijing by Mongolian Airlines MIAT in Economy Class, 20 Day 10 Ulan-Ude kg checked-in luggage Ulan-Ude is the capital of the so-called “Buryat Autonomous Republic” of the - 1 night accommodation at ***** hotel, Moscow Russian Federation. Buryats are an ethnic group close to Mongolians with an - 1 night accommodation at **** hotel, Yekaterinburg amazing mix of cultures and religions. Ulan-Ude is a meeting place between East - 1 night accommodation at **** hotel, Novosibirsk and West. Like Irkutsk, the city still has large areas with typical Siberian wooden - 1 night accommodation at **** hotel, Irkutsk houses. Your sightseeing excursion goes to one of the villages of Orthodox - 2 nights accommodation at **** hotel, Ulaanbaatar “Old Believers” still practising their live like people did it centuries ago. You - 2 nights accommodation at ***** hotel, Beijing will be hosted for a typical Russian homemade lunch. - Full board throughout the tour, starting with dinner on day 1 and terminating When leaving Ulan-Ude, the Grand Trans-Siberian Express switches from the with breakfast on day 15 Trans-Siberian mainline to the Trans Mongolian mainline on its way to Ulaan- - Shower facilities in hotel day rooms in Krasnoyarsk and Ulan-Ude for guests baatar. In the evening the train reaches the Russian border station Naushki and travelling in categories Standard Economy and Standard Plus the Mongolian border station Sukhbaatar. Russian and Mongolian immigra- - Transfer shuttle service airport – hotel v.v. in Moscow on day 1 (for flight ar- tion formalities will take place in the train. You may stay in your compartment rivals between 09:00 and 19:00) and in Beijing on day 15 (for flight departures and don’t have to leave the train. between 08:00 and 18:00) Accommodation on board the Grand Trans-Siberian Express. - Sightseeing tours in Moscow, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Krasnoyarsk, Irkutsk, Lake Baikal, Ulan-Ude, Ulaanbaatar, Beijing Day 11 Ulaanbaatar - Lectures on board, Introductory Russian language course, Russian Vodka Tasting In the morning the Grand Trans-Siberian Express arrives in Ulaanbaatar, the - Private classic concert in Irkutsk capital of Mongolia. During a sightseeing tour you will visit the famous Ghan- - Cultural events as mentioned in the programme dan Monastery, the central Sukhabaatar Square, the Bogd Khan Museum - English, Spanish, Portuguese speaking tour guides (other languages on request) which used to be formerly the winter and sometimes also the summer palace of - English Speaking Tour Director throughout the tour the Khans’, as well as the Zaisan monument at a viewpoint high above the city. From there you will have an excellent view of the city which is surrounded by Services Not Included large areas of nomadic yurt settlements. An amazing cultural music and dance - Flights to Moscow and from Beijing show will introduce Mongolian folk music and culture to you. In the evening you - Visa Russia, Mongolia, China experience a traditional Mongolian Hot Pot dinner. - Gratuities Accommodation in Ulaanbaatar. Date of arrival: June-September once a month Day 12 Ulaanbaatar Today an unforgettable excursion will take you to the Terelj National Park which is famous for its nature. A stone formation called the “turtle” and the beautiful mountainous scenery will fascinate you. In the park area you will have the chance to meet a herder family inside their yurt. A Naadam show specially arranged for the participants of the Grand Trans-Siberian Express demonstrates 3 disciplines of the Mongolian National Naadam festival: Wrestling, Archery and Horseracing. Accommodation in a **** hotel in Ulaanbaatar.

29 BAIKAL

Have you ever dreamt to travel to Siberia? Have you ever thought of visiting Baikal – the deepest Lake in the world? With our Russian tours you can see Baikal!

Lake Baikal is the oldest and the deepest freshwater lake in the world (more than 5,000 feet (1637 meters) deep in the most profound part). The bottom of the Baikal cavity is 1200 meters be- low the ocean level and it is the lowest place of the globe. The lake cavity contains almost the fifth part of all the fresh water on the Earth. Besides, Baikal is the purest on the Earth natural storehouse of fresh potable water. The water is so clean and transparent, that you could easily see the bottom contour through many meters of water depth.

Lake Baikal is situated in the Asian part of Russia, it curves for nearly 400 miles through the South-Eastern Siberia. Geologists say Baikal today shows what the seaboards of North America, Af- rica and Europe looked like as they started to split apart millions of years ago. According to estimations, Lake Baikal formed about 20-25 million years ago, during the Mesozoic period. The crystal- line clear waters of the lake, blue-colored in spring and emerald green in summer, are surrounded by high snowcapped mountains and breathtaking nature with the taiga forests that are home to thousands of species of plants and animals, many of which exist nowhere else in the world. In 1996 Baikal was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The small villages of the area are still outposts of tranquility and self-reliance.

30 BAIKAL Due to its remote location in Siberia, Lake Baikal is not the most frequent destination among tours to Russia, but anyways Baikal tours offer unique sightseeing and tourist opportunities. There are different ways to get here. Usually tourists reach Baikal from one of the closest big cities: Irkutsk, where an international airport is situated, Ulan-Ude or Severobaikalsk, that are on the way of the famous Trans-Siberian railway. The most popular destination of Baikal tours is the village Listvyanka, which is 65 km away from Irkutsk. This area has a number of good ho- tels and tourist attractions, making it a preferred point for visitors. More audacious travellers may reach other far-away Baikal destinations, such as the town Sludianka with its railway station completely built of marble, Baikalsk, where it is possible to ski along the mountain trail or observe the beautiful landscapes from the ski-lift. Following the Baikal coast it is possible to admire beautiful nature and relax near the thermal springs, or to visit one of the numerous islands, for example the big island Olk- hon with several villages on it and forests populated by deer, brown bears and various birds,or Ushkany, where the Baikal seals live. In winter time the Olkhon island can be reached from the village Kurkut on the mainland along a unique ice road that is built by specialists every year.

The climate around Lake Baikal is much milder than in the rest of the Southern Siberia. The lake freezes over from January until May or June, but its surface temperature in August is between 50 and 54°F (10–12°C). Only the most courageous and hard-tempered people get a swim in it. Lake Baikal’s water is very clear because it contains very few mineral salts. From the surface it is possible to see objects 130 feet (40 meters) below. This clarity is maintained by large numbers of planktonic animals eating floating debris. In spite of its great depth the water in the lake is well mixed, and oxygen is plentiful even in the bottom waters.

When travelling to Russia, get one of the Baikal tours 2016’2017, and come to see oldest and the deepest lake Baikal, also called “the Pearl of Siberia”!

31 Tours to Baikal by airplane Tours to Baikal + cruise «Baikal Pearls» 10 days / 9 nights summer

Day 1 Irkutsk - Listvyanka Arrival in Irkutsk airport. Meeting with the assistant. Departure to List- vyanka settlement (70 km from Irkutsk) with the stop at 47th km of Baikal tract in architectural-ethnographic museum “Taltsy”, in which the exposition of culture and everyday life of peoples of East Siberia is presented: Evenki summer and autumn camp, Cascade of three wa- ter mills, Ilimskaya Kazanskaya Church (chapel), Trinity Church and others. Arrival in Listvyanka settlement. Accomodation at hotel. Lanch. Free time. Dinner.

Day 2 Listvyanka Breakfast to the hotel. Boat trip on Lake Baikal and lakeside hike. If weather permits, we will cross the lake by boat, allowing us to appreciate its beauty and the sur- rounding landscapes. We will be able to stop near one of the beautiful sandy beaches and brave the cold, crystal Baikal waters for a swim. We will also take a short hike on its shores and discover some typical objects of the local culture. Lunch. Visiting of Limnological museum (the main kinds of Baikal fish and Nerpas are represented in its aquariums); Extra: Cable car to Mount Chersky. We will take a cable car up Mount Chersky (755 m) where a beautiful view looks out over the peaks of the Khamar-Daban Mountains. Dinner.

Day 5 Listvyanka - the Round Baikal Railway - Irkutsk Breakfast to the hotel. At 10-45 – departure by the motor ship from a pier in Listvyanka. Visit to the museum of the railway, boarding on the train, start of the excursion to the Round Baikal Railway The excursion lasts from 11.00 to 20.00. The route is supposed to be an excursion program with stops at the most interesting places, ac- companied by a guide: Slyudyanka, retaining wall “Italian”, Polovin- naya Fall, Complex Kirkireysky, Shabartuisky complex of artificial structures, Old Angasolka. Arrival to the Railway station of Irkutsk at 21.30-22.00. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner.

Day 6 Olkhon Breakfast to the hotel. Transfers to the ferry. The road goes through picturesque green hills of the Pribaikalsky mountain range covered with Siberian taiga and Mongolian-type landscapes of the Tazher- anskaya steppe (time en route to the ferry is 4 hours). The ferry will take you across the famous Olkhon Gate that separates Olkhon from the mainland (40 min). Transfer to the tourist lodge (1 hour). Dinner.

Day 7 Olkhon Breakfast to the hotel. Tour to the northern part of the Island by car. Visit to the highlights of the island, such as the Sandy Bay, “Three Brothers” cape and the mysterious Khoboi. You’ll be taken to the best view points of Olkhon Island where the guide will introduce you to all mysterious legends that this place holds. Enjoy lunch cooked by your guide on a camp fire. Return to the village. Dinner.

Day 8 Olkhon Breakfast to the hotel. Walking sightseeing tour of Khuzhir settlement and sacred Burkhan Cape (Shamanka Rock), one of the nine Asian shrines that were equal- ly worshipped by Shamanists, Buddhists and Lamaists. You will also visi the local Lore Museum to learn about everyday life and culture of the islanders. Return to the village. Dinner.

Day 9 Olkhon - Irkutsk Breakfast to the hotel. Departure from Olkhon. Transfer to the ferry station for the crossing to the mainland and the trip back to Irkutsk. Transfer to the hotel. Dinner

Day 10 Irkutsk Breakfast to the hotel. Transfer to the airport.

32 Tours to Baikal + cruise «Baikal Voyage» 10 days / 9 nights summer

Day 1 Irkutsk - Listvyanka Arrival in Irkutsk airport. Meeting with the assistant. Departure to Listvyanka settlement (70 km from Irkutsk) with the stop at 47th km of Baikal tract in architectural-ethnographic museum “Taltsy”, in which the exposition of culture and everyday life of peoples of East Siberia is presented: Evenki summer and autumn camp, Cas- cade of three water mills, Ilimskaya Kazanskaya Church (chapel), Trinity Church and others. Arrival in Listvyanka settlement. Accomodation at hotel. Lanch. Visiting of Limnological museum (the main kinds of Baikal fish and Nerpas are represented in its aquariums); Extra: Cable car to Mount Chersky. We will take a cable car up Mount Chersky (755 m) where a beautiful view looks out over the peaks of the Khamar-Daban Mountains. Dinner.

Day 2 Listvyanka - cruise Breakfast to the hotel. Accommodation on board the motor-ships. Acquaintance with a crew, safety instructions and briefing on general behavior on board the ship and on Baikal. A way to Circum-Baikal railway (travel time is about 2 hours). Circum-Baikal Railway is a unique historical and cultural complex, which includes monuments of history, technology, engineering, nature and absolutely unique landscapes. It’s considered to be the most beautiful railway among all the others in the world. Walk- ing guided tour through abandoned tunnels and galleries of the beginning of the 20th century after dinner. The route starts from Ulanovo station and takes place along the lake shore (about 1.5 km) among a most beautiful nature. Supper on board the motor ship Overnight stay on board the motor ship in one of the convenient bays of Circum-Baikal Railway.

Day 3 cruise Breakfast on board the motor ship. Start of voyage from lodging place to Peschanaya Bay at about 6 a.m. The bay is famous for its stilted trees, magnificent sea views from the cliffs surrounding the bay and a great sandy beach. Extra: two-hour walking tour to Sennaya bay, a cordon of Baikal National Park, along the scenic mountain path passing over the lake shore along the spur of the Primorsky Range. On the way you would visit Babushka Bay that is one of the most beautiful on Lake Baikal. Extra: Russian banya on the shore of Lake Baikal in the evening. After good warming up in banya one can take a dip in cold water of Baikal. Supper on board the motor ship. Overnight stop on board the ship.

Day 4 cruise - Irkutsk Start of voyage at about 6 a.m. from Sennaya bay along the western shore to the North to Olkhon Island, the largest island on Baikal and one of the sacred places of the Buryat people and shamanistic religion. Travel time is 8-10 hours. Lake Baikal is a blue heart of Siberia and Olkhon Island is a heart of Baikal. The island is a geographi-cal, historical and sacral center of the lake and the center of ancient legends and historical tales. Breakfast on board the motor ship. Passage the strait Malye Olkhonskye Vorota (Small Olkhon’s Gate) that is the narrow strait between Olkhon Island and mainland. Disembarkation of passengers at about 2 p.m. in Sakhyurta (MRS) Settlement on Maloe More (the Small Sea). As an option one can disembark in Olkhon Island near ferry line (it’s necessary to notify about it in advance). Transfer to the Irkutsk (270 km). Accomo- dation at hotel.

Day 5 Irkutsk Breakfast to the hotel. Transfer to the airport.

33 Tour to Sochi

Sochi is an unique place. Here you can visit several climatic zones and climb from the palm trees on the beach to the snowy mountains. If someone did not know about the existence of this city on the map even, all around the world became known about town Sochi in 2014. Invite you to see with your own eyes the Olympic venues and enjoy the nature of the subtropics in Russia.

«The way of Olympic Champions in Russia» 4days / 3 nights round of the year

Itinerary Day 1 (Sochi) Arrival to Sochi. Transfer to hotel from airport. Accommodation in a hotel (Check-in at 02.00pm). Relax after the trip.

Day 2 (Sochi) Breakfast in a Hotel on the program. Meeting with your guide for morning city tour around Sochi: you will see the main places of interest and Olympic objects and visit to the highest point of the city for panoramic view. Free time for Lunch (optional) Excursion to Stalin’s Dacha (country house). You will see the house painted in green and perfect preserved from the last century and in- terior with personal property of Stalin, including a bulletproof sofa.

Day 3 (Sochi) Breakfast in a Hotel on the program. Full day excursion to Krasnaya Polyana, to the center of the past Olympic events for learning about history of this place. It is here that is the living a heart of nature under a blue sky, surrounded by mineral water waterfalls and mountains.

Day 4 (Sochi) Breakfast in a Hotel on the program. Check out from hotel before 12.00pm. Transfer to the airport.

34 Sport tourism

In 2017 - 2018 the Russian Federation will host a unique events in its scale and significance the Confed- erations Cup and Cup FIFA.

The matches will be played in four different stadi- ums across four cities: Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Ka- zan and Sochi. It provides a perfect chance to combine games of the championship with a load of sightseeing.

The teams will compete for the cup in best newly built stadiums: the St Petersburg arena in St. Peters- burg, the Otkrytiye Arena in Moscow, the Kazan Arena in Kazan and the Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi.

We offer packages for fans: - tickets for the matches, - accommodation in 3-4 stars hotels and mini-ho- tels - sightseeing tours in the cities of Kazan, Saint-Pe- tersburg, Moscow, Sochi - transfers and the services of assistants - tickets for high-speed train Sapsan between Mos- cow and St. Petersburg, and the ferry between Hel- sinki and St. Petersburg

The distribution of the knockout stage matches are as follows FIFA Confederations Cup Russia 2017:

The Krestovsky Stadium in Saint Petersburg will host the final on 17 June. The Kazan Arena in Kazan will host the first semi-final on 28 June. The Fisht Olympic Stadium in Sochi will host the second semi-final on 29 June. The Otkrytiye Arena in Moscow will host the third place match on 2 July.

35 Bankovsky per., 3 of. 1.2 (office center) 191023 St. Petersburg, Russia +7 812 3600650 [email protected] www.art-travel.ru