PILGRIMAGE to RUSSIA: the Best of Russia July 9-22, 2017

PILGRIMAGE TO RUSSIA: The Best of Russia July 9-22, 2017

Day 1, Monday, July 10, 2017 visitors by its splendid interior. Arrival to St. Petersburg – Airport Pulkovo. Transfer Day 5, Thursday, July 13, 2017 to the hotel. Check in and time to rest. Dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Day 3, Tuesday, July 11, 2017 Smolenskoye Cemetery where famous Russian Meals: Breakfast and Lunch. Saint and heavenly patron of St. Petersburg, St. Xenia is buried. After our visit to Smolenskoye We will start our day with a visit to Alexander- Cemetery will visit splendidly decorated Cathedral Nevsky Lavra, a beautiful monastery that at one of St. Isaac, one of the world’s largest domed point was one of the biggest and famous in Imperial Cathedrals. Never a parish church, it was built as a Russia. We will tour the grounds of the Monastery, dedication to the Heavenly Patron of Peter the including the magnificent Cathedral of the Holy Great, St. Isaac of Dalmatia. The cathedral is very Trinity that houses relics of St. Alexander Nevsky. Western in style, but adorned with truly Eastern We will continue our day with the exploration of SS. lavishness. In the afternoon we will visit State Peter and Paul Fortress that is located in the very Historical Park "Tzarskoe Selo" (Tsar's village), one heart of St. Petersburg. The day when the ground of the summer residences of the Romanov dynasty was broken to build this first stronghold in the newly with the splendid Catherine's Summer Palace. Built regained Russian lands became the birthday of St. in the second half of the 18th century, it represents Petersburg. After Lunch we will visit the State the glory of Russia's "Golden Age". The interiors of Hermitage, once the Winter Palace of the Russian the palace are fully restored after they were Tsars, which houses one of the world’s largest savagely destroyed during WWII. The amber room collections of Fine Arts. Countless artifacts on that was recently restored once again conquers the exhibit cover the evolution of Art from the Neolithic imagination of visitors. time and Ancient Egypt up until the beginning of the 20th century. Day 6, Friday, July 14, 2017 Day 4, Wednesday, July 12, 2017 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Meals: Breakfast and Lunch First visit today will be to the Cathedral dedicated to the Icon of our Lady of Kazan, thus known as Our first visit of the day will be to a one of the Royal Kazan Cathedral. At times it is referred to as a suburbs of the city - Peterhof. We will tour Historical smaller Russian version of St. Peter’s in Vatican. It State Park "Peterhof" which includes world-famous is the Bishop’s see of the city of St. Petersburg and Golden Palace that is surrounded by a Park with the place where a miracle working copy of Icon of arcades of golden fountains. After Lunch we will our Lady of Kazan is housed. From there we will transfer to Kronstadt, a working suburb of St. continue with the exploration of the State Russian Petersbur where famous St. John Sergiev, nick- Museum, which houses the most comprehensive named “of Kronstadt” was laboring in Lord’ vineyard collection of Russian Art from its Byzantine Origins for many years. We will be able to visit his up to the present day. Practically adjacent to the apartment where he lived for decades and where Museum stands the famous "Savior of the Spilt he reposed in the Lord. From here, within a short Blood," or Holy Resurrection Cathedral, that was drive there is a colossal Navy Cathedral dedicated built to commemorate Russian Tsar Alexander II to St. Nicholas. Build largely after the plan of St. who was mortally wounded on that very place by Sophia Cathedral in Constantinople, it conquers terrorists. Magnificent by all means, it is nicely decorated on the outside with tablets on which Tsar Day 8. Sunday, July 16, 2017 Alexander’s laws and orders are inscribed, along Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. with the dates of the most important events that had taken place during his reign. The inside of the We will start our day by attending Divine Liturgy in Cathedral is completely covered with mosaics. the Cathedral of St. Sophia. After the service we will There are over 21 thousand square feet of mosaics travel to the outskirts of the city to visit St. George inside and outside the Cathedral. After lunch we will Monastery - arguably the oldest Russian Monastery visit to St. John of Rila Monastery on Karpovka with the Cathedral of St. George dating back to the River. It was founded by Saintly Priest John of 11th century. Then we will continue on to Kronstadt. Here, in the convent he found his resting Vitoslavitsi, the museum of Wooden Architecture place as well. Later in the afternoon we will transfer that has the finest collection of the wooden architec- to the city of Velikiy Novgorod. ture of the Russian North. There are a lot of wooden churches, houses, barns and wells. These wooden Day 7. Saturday, July 15, 2017 monuments have been brought from various Meals: Breakfast and Lunch. regions of Russia for preservation purposes as well as a display of a variety of wooden architectural Novgorod, is a quiet, clean, typical provincial city of styles. From there we will to another important Russia’s North-West. But its thousand-year history medieval center of Russia – city of Pskov. is it truly unique. After breakfast at the hotel, we will depart for a visit to the main attraction of Novgorod, Day 9, Monday, July 17, 2017 the Medieval Kremlin. The buildings of the Meals: Breakfast and Lunch. Novgorod Kremlin date back to the 11th -16th centuries. The most special of them all is the Today we will start with an exploration of the Holy Cathedral of St. Sophia, built in the 11th century, Trinity Cathedral situated in amidst picturesque and which has survived largely intact through its fortifications of the Pskovan Kremlin. From there we thousand-year history. In addition to the Cathedral, will proceed to the state historical museum with its we will visit several historic and art exhibits in the excellent Icon collection, and a special chamber museums of Kremlin. After Lunch we will visit the with various Medieval ecclesiastical artifacts. Then Market square, the central point of the Medieval we’ll continue to explore the treasures of Pskov – city’s commerce and interaction. A number of among them two splendid jewels – Mirozhsky churches in close proximity to each other serve as a monastery and Church of St. John the Baptist, both tribute to the piety of Novgorod’s tradesmen. From built and consecrated in the 12 century. the Market place, also known as Yaroslav’s court, Day 10, Tuesday, July 18, 2017 we will walk down Il’ina street for a visit of the near- by Transfiguration church (13th century) that still Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. contains some of the original frescoes painted by In the morning, after breakfast we will visit Ancient renown Medieval iconographer Theophanes the Monastery of Pechori (Pskov Cave Monastery) that Greek. Late in the afternoon we will visit monastery Lord spared from Communist desecration. of St. Varlaam of Hutyn’. It was founded by St. Monastery was wounded at the entrance to the Varlaam (+1192) in the 12th century and is one of system of the underground tunnels that at one time the oldest and most revered pilgrim destinations in were channeling the waters of an underground Novgorod. In the evening an optional boat ride on river. For past several hundred years these “God Volkhov River can be organized for you to enjoy the made caves” were used as the monastic cemetery splendid panoramas of the city. and partially as the hermit cells. After pilgrimage to the caves and venerating miracle working icons in Martyr Elizabeth. Just a short walk from here, there the monastery churches and chapels, we will visit is the Tretyakov gallery that houses a very fine ancient town of Izborsk for inspiring walk though the collection of Russian art from the 10th to the 20th ruins of medieval fortress to the icy-cold shower in centuries. In the attached museum church, we will the Holy Springs. Tonight we will embark on the see the miracle-working “patron” Icon of Russia, Our train for an overnight travel to Moscow. Lady of Vladimir. Day 11, Wednesday, July 19, 2017 Day 13, Friday, July 21, 2017 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Upon our arrival to Moscow, we will travel some Our first stop today will be at the Donskoy miles east to a small village of Semhoz to visit a Monastery – historically important place, the “jail” church built on the place where Fr. Alexander Men, and resting place of the Russian Patriarch Tikhon. famous Russian Missionary and religious writer was From the monastery we will procced to visit to assassinated. From here we will continue to a near Moscow Kremlin. Kremlin (kremlin is a general term by town of Sergiev Posad, to visit famous Holy used to describe strongly fortified central part of the Trinity Lavra (Monastery). The monastic settlement Medieval Russian City). Moscow Kremlin is a true here was established by St. Sergius in the 14th Pride of Russia. Among many other special century and became the single most important attractions here we will visit Uspenskiy (Dormition) spiritual center of all of Russia. We will have time to Cathedral, once the place of the installation of the explore the territory of the monastery, with a number Russian Patriarchs and Crowning of the Tsars. The of churches, and adjacent territory with a number of Patriarch's Palace contains some unique historical little shops. After Lunch we will visit the largest and ecclesiastic Artifacts. After Kremlin, we will visit functioning Orthodox Church in the World, the the Red Square – with its iconic "picture of Russia," Cathedral of Christ the Savior. This magnificent the famous Cathedral of St. Basil. building was demolished in the 1930s and has been Day 14, Saturday, July 22, 2017 rebuilt in recent years, becoming a symbol of changes in the country and the resurrection of the Meals: Breakfast. Transfer to the airport. Departure religious life in all of Russia. back home. Day 12, Thursday, July 20, 2017 Important – please note: our itinerary may be adjusted to satisfy the interests of the group to the Meals: Breakfast and Lunch. degree possible; i.e. services, meetings with local We will start our day with a visit to a very special clergy and faithful, extra rest, additional time spent place and holy place known as “Russian Golgotha” at a particular site of veneration, etc. Accessibility of Here, on the place of the NKVD-KGB killing field a some of the monuments is also subject to weather memorial complex was built to commemorated conditions and restoration works as ancient frescoes thousands of innocents who perished from the are very fragile and need special climate control. hands of the Godless Communist regime. From here we will proceed to one of the most beautiful new churches built in Moscow in recent years. Church of the Protection of the Mother of God in Butovo is justly known as a “miracle of liturgical art”. After lunch we will stop at SS. Martha and Mary Convent, established by Grand Duchess and Royal GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOUR: Financial arrangements: The current cost of the trip is: $2,900 per person, in double occupancy in a group of 25 participants Single supplement: 900 Price does include: • Accommodations in "****/*****" hotels in St. Petersburg, Novgorod, Pskov and Moscow • Breakfast, lunch daily and five dinners (total of 30 meals) • Private bus transportation whenever required • An overnight train between Pskov and Moscow (two persons per berth). • All admissions to the scheduled museums*. • Professional English speaking tour guides • Whisper Audio Guide System • English speaking guide/escort during the entire tour • Visa application documents Price does not include: • Personal health/accident insurance • International airfare tickets* • Transportation to and from the airport in Russia if traveling separately from the group • Fee for Russian visa** • Private transfers, additional (optional) tours and tickets to unscheduled show/concerts or museums. • Some newly introduced fees that may occur in certain places (monasteries or churches) • Tips to bus drivers and tour guides (Minimal suggested amount per person is $2 per day for bus drivers and $3 for local tour guides. Your generosity will be always greatly appreciated) • Anything that is not specifically mentioned in “Price includes” * We could offer a compatible round-trip group airfare (15+ people) rate out of New York or any other major US airport for your consideration ** All the necessary paperwork and instructions for Visa Process will be provided in due time. We also may be able to assist you with the Visa application process. For details, please contact Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky *** Tickets for evening folk shows, theater, opera and ballet performances will be offered according to the schedule and availability in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Please factor that the final price may fluctuate due to the actual number of participants or due to significant difference in exchange rate of ruble vs. the US dollar at the time of the final payment. Our hope is that the price of the tour will remain the same. In any case you'll be informed right away of any possible financial changes or adjustments. All payments should be made by check to: "Palomnik, LLC" and mailed to: 53 Baxter Street, Binghamton, NY 13905. Any returned checks are subject to $25 fee. For payment with a Credit Card and for domestic or international bank wires, please contact Fr. Ilya directly. A deposit of $800 is required when you sign up for the trip. The deposit is non-refundable, unless pilgrimage is cancelled by the organizers due to lack of participation or for some other valid or unforeseen circumstance. In order to avoid any money loss, emergency/travel cancellation insurance strongly recommended. The deadline for signing up for the trip is January 31, 2017. The entire amount is due 90 days prior to departure, April 9, 2017. Failure to pay in full by April 9, 2017 without written notice of explanation may lead to the cancellation of your participation, with no refund of any previously committed funds. If you decide to join the pilgrimage after the deadline, please contact tour coordinator regarding the availability. If you need to cancel after you signed up, please note the schedule of charges in addition to the amount of non-refundable deposit: • 25% of the tour cost, 90 to 61 days prior to the departure • 50% of the tour cost, 61 to 45 days prior to the departure • 100% of the tour cost 45 or fewer days prior to the departure All cancellations must be in writing and sent directly to coordinator of the tour - Fr. llya Gotlinsky and must be received for reimbursement by the dates shown in the cancellation schedule. If your visa is denied for any reason, the above cancellation fees still apply. Passport and Visa: A valid passport and Russian visa are necessary for travel to Russia. The passport must be issued at least three months prior to the departure and must be valid for at least six months upon your return. The visa may be obtained through the Russian Embassy in Washington D.C., your regional Russian Consulate General or at the Embassy of the Russian Federation in your country. You may apply for visa personally or via accredited agency. You must have an invitation from an agency in Russian to obtain Russian entry visa. To receive such invitation you must provide us with your full name, date and place of birth, number of your passport and your permanent address. Upon receiving the invitation, all the necessary forms for the visa (invitation form and hotel vouchers, visa application, instructions on how to file for the Russian visa and the list of the Russian official offices where you can obtain visa) will be mailed to you directly. We are willing to help you to apply for the Russian visa. If you apply for the Russian visa yourself, please make sure that the name and dates on your visa are accurate. All possible discrepancies must be corrected while still at home in the US, prior to the departure. Rules on the road: It is strongly suggested that you  Obtain insurance covering medical needs and coverage of personal property  Be aware that financial coverage for all emergency medical and other emergency needs will be your sole responsibility. We will provide all possible logistical and personal assistance, but the financial aspect is your responsibility.  Act in a manner consistent with the surrounding environment  Make arrangements to have access to sufficient funds to cover personal needs and unexpected events Be aware that the places that we will be visiting may not have the same amenities that you are accustomed to. Medical facilities in most areas are limited. Because of the difference in language and customs, it is expected that the traveler will follow the directions of the Tour Director at all times. The Director reserves the right to restrict a person’s participation in the group’s activities, including exclusion from the group, when, in the opinion of the Director, such action is appropriate. Please note: The Director of the tour, Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky, does not hold any legal responsibilities concerning any of the arrangements, but acts only as a coordinator.

SOME RUSSIAN TRAVEL TIPS BY AN EXPERIENCED AMERICAN TRAVELER: LUGGAGE — Take only as many pieces of luggage as you can manage yourself. There will be several times on the trip when luggage carts may not be available. Luggage pieces longer than 24" may create an inconvenience on trains because train compartments have limited storage space. MEDICATION — Bring any prescription medications you need, as well as over the counter treatments for common ailments such as colds, upset stomach, and the like. While most medicines are available in the larger cities in Russia, the quality or dosage may not be the same as in the US. In Russia, as in the US, you need a doctor's prescription for antibiotics. BE SURE TO BRING - comfortable shoes (do not start the trip with new shoes); electric outlet adapters, extra batteries, and memory cards for your camera, phone, and other gadgets; an alarm clock; Kleenex. Some travelers also recommend bringing hand sanitizer or wipes, a wash cloth (not typically provided in hotels), a small fan, and bug repellant. DRESS -- We are going to visit a lot of churches and monasteries. Women should wear head- coverings and skirts when visiting churches and monasteries. Men should wear regular shirts and trousers. Visitors in open shouldered outfits or shorts are usually not allowed in monasteries or churches. The weather in Russia in July will be much like weather in Vermont in the US, warm to hot during the day, with occasional cool rainy days, and cooler at night – and unpredictable day by day. RUSSIAN FOOD – is generally good. Sugar substitutes and powdered creamer are not provided, so bring your own if you use them. CHURCH SERVICES - Church services in Russia are absolutely magnificent. There are two services scheduled during the trip. They are open to all who want to attend, but are not mandatory. Those Orthodox travelers who would like to receive Holy Communion during the Divine Liturgy usually must come for confession on that day, prior to receiving the Holy Communion. At the very least, if you plan to Commune during the pilgrimage, please attaned Confession at your home parish prior to the pilgrimage. WATER – It is advisable to drink bottled water, which is not expensive and is widely available. SECURITY - Don't keep all of your cash in one place, and carry important documents (like your passport and visa) with you in a hidden pocket or secure bag. Expensive jewelry and electronic devices are best left at home. CURRENCY – There are more and more places in Russia that accept credit cards (mostly Visa or MasterCard, no Discover or American Express). The easiest way to obtain cash is to use the ATM machine. For ATMs use your debit card because you won’t be charged any interest on cash withdraw- als. You get the best exchange rate of the day if you use your debit card for cash withdrawals and your credit card for purchases. It is a good idea to let your bank or credit company know that you will be traveling overseas, since without such a notice some companies may freeze your account to prevent fraud. If you feel more comfortable with cash, there are numerous currency exchanges in hotels, banks, and stores, even in the smaller towns. If you will be exchanging cash for rubles, try to obtain clean, recently printed U.S. bills. Russian banks are VERY particular about the dollars they will accept and don't want dirty, torn or defaced bills. If you are exchanging cash money try to use larger bills, since it always take a while for the bank clerk to check the bills.

If you are interested in joining the tour, please contact Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky for more information at: 53 Baxter Street, Binghamton, NY 13905 (607)-797-1058 & [email protected] www.orthodoxtours.com

Copyright © 2001 - 2017 Palomnik, LLC dba OrthodoxTours. All Rights Reserved. www.orthodoxtours.com