July 25-31, 2010

You might be surprised by the elegance of Russia. St. Basil’s Cathedral lords over Red Square like a glittering multi-colored confection. Gilded corridors of the Hermitage host breathtaking art. Even Moscow’s metro brims with the ornate. Join Hermes on our luxurious journey and we’ll unveil Churchill’s “riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma” as we sample cultural delicacies, explore fortresses once forbidden to visitors, and meet a people who eagerly look to the future.

• 2 Moscow Tours, including Tverskaya Street, Red Square, Kremlin, Tretyakov Gallery, Russian Metro, Statue Park, Communist Art Gallery
• St. Petersburg Tour, including Peter & Paul Fortress & St. Isaac’s Cathedral
• Petrodvorets
• Hermitage Museum Tour
• First-class overnight sleeper train travel between Moscow and St. Petersburg
• Accommodations for 5 nights in luxury 5-star hotels
• Services of a Hermes Tours escort
• Services of an expert, local guide in all cities
• Entrance fees to all sites visited
• $100 per person savings if you reserve 5 months before departure!

Included:
Please note that the above cost includes all accommodation in 5 star, gay friendly hotels, with private bath or shower, hotel taxes, porterage, tips and service charges. All activities as outlined in the itinerary; all meals as per itinerary; the services of a Hermes Tours Escort throughout the trip; a local guide with his associated expenses; all ground transportation as per itinerary; airport transfer on designated arrival and departure days; first class overnight train from Moscow to St-Petersburg; Entrance fees to all sites on itinerary;

Not Included:
International air to/from Moscow/St. Petersburg, visas if required, meals and activities not specifically included in itinerary. Any items of a personal nature such as telephone, laundry, alcohol as well as customary tips to your driver and tour guides and Hermes Tours escort.

Visas:
Canadian and American passport holders are required to have visas to enter Russia for tourism purposes.

Once you have reserved your space on your trip we will send you an official invitation letter. You must take/send this letter, along with a visa application form and 2 photos to a Russian Embassy or Consulate near you to get your visa.

US Residents: Russian Embassy in Washington Current charges are $100 USD for not less than 6 business days processing time.

Canadian Residents: Russian Embassy in Ottawa Current costs are $75 CAD for a 14 day processing time.

Don't worry we will help with all the formalities with regard to your visa. Call us at toll free: 1-877-486-4335 if you have any questions.


Shots and Immunizations:
There are no shots that are required for travel to Russia but Hermes Tours does recommend that your tetanus booster be up to date.

Currency and Money Issues:
It is very easy to withdraw money from ATMs located throughout the country as well as to use your Visa or MasterCard. The American Express card is less widely accepted. Travelers checks are also accepted however can carry a heavy commission fee. We recommend to travelers to bring only a small amount of cash and/or travelers checks and to rather use their ATM and credit cards while traveling.

Making a reservation with a deposit will be considered to be consent to the following conditions:
Hermes Tours reserve the right to accept or decline any person as a member of the tour at any time and to make whatever changes become necessary with or without notice. Guaranteed departure with a minimum of 10 participants.

Hermes Tours is not responsible for airline cancellation or change penalties incurred by individual tour participants for air tickets purchased prior to notification that the tour is a confirmed departure. Travel cancellation insurance would cover these costs should the tour be cancelled.

Hermes Tours does not accept responsibility in whole or in part for any delay, loss, accidents, personal injury, sickness, medical expenses, or property damage occasioned by fault of any person from whatever cause. All participants are required to sign a standard liability form.