A Cultural
Exploration:
Moscow
& St. Petersburg
August 3–13, 2017
Experience highlights of Russia’s grand cultural
capitals featuring artistic, historical and architectural
treasures of the country’s glorious imperial past.
Study Leaders
Pat Willerton
Professor of Political Science, School of Government and Public Policy
Affiliated Faculty, Department of Russian and Slavic Studies
Pat Willerton is a frequent visitor to Russia. He is excited to join you on this customized tour, which
includes so many of the glories of Russian society and culture. He is happy to share ideas about
Russia with you, not only in more formal presentations he will deliver, but in daily informal exchanges
during tours, meals, and over cocktails. This trip promises to permit all of us to touch “the Russian
soul.”
John Paul Jones III (JP)
Dean of the UA College of Social and Behavioral Sciences
Professor of Geography and Development
JP is a human geographer whose work is on the intersection of social and cultural theory and
theories of space, place, and scale in geography. He is delighted to be your co-host for this exciting
trip.
Margarita Kabakchy
Professor of English Language and Literature and an Art Historian, St. Petersburg University
A life-long St. Petersburg resident, Margarita Kabakchy has traveled extensively in the West,
including in the U.S. She has long enjoyed the company of Americans, both in Russia and the
United States, and she is especially enthused to share her passion for Russian culture, history, and
society with our intimate group of two dozen guests.
Photos: (cover) St. Basil, Red Square (Dennis Jarvis) and (below) “Amazing Mosaics,” Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood (Kevin Jones)
Custom Itinerary
This custom travel program has been created uniquely for the University of Arizona
Alumni Association and College of Social and Behavioral Sciences.
Thursday, August 3, 2017
Departures for Moscow
Depart Arizona on independent overnight flights to Moscow.
Friday August 4, 2017
Arrivals in Moscow
Upon arrival at the Moscow airport, meet your local guide and transfer
by private motor coach to the luxurious four-star Hotel Metropol. Enjoy a
welcome reception with drinks and hors d’oeuvres at the hotel until rooms
become available for check-in. The remainder of the day is at leisure to rest
and recuperate from the long journey.
Hotel Metropol, Moscow (Rec.)
Saturday, August 5, 2017
Orientation City Tour
& Tretyakov Gallery
After breakfast at the hotel, embark on an orientation bus tour of Moscow,
which will cover the many fascinating sides of this most quintessentially
Russian city—panoramic views, historic gates, onion domes, and massive
Communist apartment blocks. Stop for a welcome lunch at the unique
Turandot Restaurant serving Asian-inspired European dishes in an elaborate
baroque interior. This afternoon, visit the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, one
of Russia’s most important cathedrals, completely destroyed in Stalin’s time
and restored in 1990. Next, take in the highlights of the world’s best collection
of Russian icons and pre-Revolutionary Russian art at the Tretyakov Gallery.
During a private guided tour, admire the collection of more than 100,000
outstanding works of art, which were originally part of the private collection of
a wealthy Russian merchant, Pavel Tretyakov, and gifted to the Russian nation
in 1892.
Hotel Metropol, Moscow (B, L)
Sunday, August 6, 2017
Kremlin, Red Square & the Arbat
Our day begins with an in-depth exploration of the Kremlin, the former Mount
Olympus of World Communism, and still the epicenter of Russian politics
and government. Our walking tour includes a visit to the Diamond Fund and
Armory Chamber and its fantastical collection of regalia and ambassadorial
gifts. Among the many treasures to be seen are works of art by goldsmiths
and silversmiths of the 12th to 19th centuries, vestments of priceless silk,
thrones and crowns studded with jewels, and court carriages. After time for
an independent lunch, explore Red Square and the surrounding area with a
local guide. Admire its prominent landmark—St. Basil’s Cathedral, a colorful
multi-domed complex. Visit Moscow’s most famous street, the Arbat, with
its eclectic and historic art market. The remainder of the afternoon is free for
Photos (from top): Moscow/Kremlin (Pavel Kazachkov), Cathedral of Christ the Saviour at Dusk (Kishjar); Statue on Red
Square (Julie Barrier); and St. Basil’s Cathedral (Steve Jurvetson)
independent exploration. Gather in the evening for a relaxing dinner on board
a river cruise with picturesque views of the city.
Hotel Metropol, Moscow (B, D)
Monday, August 7, 2017
Arkhangelskoye Estate
Depart for a short drive to Oblast located 17 miles west of Moscow. Take
a guided tour through the Arkhangelskoye historical estate built by French
architect Chevalier de Huerne and owned by a series of wealthy princes from
the 17th to 20th centuries. It once housed one of Russia’s richest private
art collections and still bears testimony to the whims of its owners with its
frivolous pavilions, a Grecian-style mausoleum, Italian-style gardens, and a
Gothic bridge. Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant before returning to the hotel
in Moscow with the remainder of the day at leisure.
Hotel Metropol, Moscow (B, L)
Tuesday, August 8, 2017
St. Petersburg
Check out of the hotel and travel to St. Petersburg by Sapsan high-speed
train, enjoying lunch on board. Upon arrival in St. Petersburg, meet your
local guide and embark on an orientation tour of the city’s magnificent rivers,
canals, and bridge by bus and river cruise. St. Petersburg was founded by
Peter the Great, who wanted to open “a window onto Europe” when he moved
his capital from Moscow to this site on the Gulf of Finland. French and Italian
architects and craftsmen designed the palaces of the aristocracy. Visit the
Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Petersburg’s famous citadel located across the
Neva River from the Winter Palace. Its cathedral, a local landmark, contains
the tombs of Romanov czars and czarinas, including the remains of Nicholas
II and four other members of his family. Drive to the five-star Taleon Imperial
Hotel housed in a converted 18th-century palace just steps away from the
Hermitage Museum and Palace Square. Check in and spend the remainder of
the evening at leisure.
Taleon Imperial Hotel, Petersburg (B, L)
Wednesday, August 9, 2017
The Hermitage & Yusupov Palace
Much of the morning will be spent viewing the incomparable galleries of
the splendid Hermitage housed in the lavishly decorated Winter Palace.
This world famous treasure house of art, which has more than three million
pieces, including works by Leonardo da Vinci, Rembrandt, Raphael, Titian,
Michelangelo, the French Impressionists, and Picasso. A special feature of
our in-depth tour will be a viewing of the Impressionists Exhibition located in
a separate building. After an independent lunch, take a guided tour through
the Yusupov Palace on Moika River. The palace is perhaps most famous as
the scene of the assassination of Grigory Rasputin, and is one of the few
aristocratic homes in the city to have retained many of its original interiors.
Later this evening, gather at a popular local restaurant for a classic Russian
meal.
Taleon Imperial Hotel, St. Petersburg (B, D)
Photos (from top): Two Views of Arkhangelskoe (A. Savin); Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Petersburg, Russia (Ana Paula
Hirama); and The Hermitage Museum St. Petersburg (Larry Koester)
Thursday, August 10, 2017
Catherine Palace & Russian Museum
Enjoy a glimpse of the Russian countryside during a short drive south to
Tsarskoe Selo, “the Tsar’s village” more commonly known as Pushkin. Admire
the blue-and-gold-gilded rococo Catherine Palace, whose exterior and
interior richness still overwhelms visitors. Watch a folklore show over lunch at
nearby Pavlovsk in the Podvorye Terem Restaurant. Return to St. Petersburg
for a visit to the Russian Museum housed in the handsome Mikhailvovsky
Palace and containing the country’s biggest collection of Russian Art.
Taleon Imperial Hotel, St. Petersburg (B, L)
Friday, August 11, 2017
Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood
& Fabergé Museum
In the morning visit the Church of the Resurrection of Christ (more familiarly
known as the Church of the Saviour on Spilled Blood), a superb example of
Russian architecture and decorative art from the end of the 19th century. The
church was built on the spot where Alexander II was fatally wounded in 1881.
Marvel at its stunning interior and exterior, both richly adorned with mosaics,
precious stones, and enamel and colored tiles. After lunch, continue to the
Fabergé Museum located in the Shuvalovsky Palace. Founded by Russia’s
fourth richest businessman and billionaire Viktor Vekselberg, the Fabergé
Museum contains one of the world’s most valuable collections of Fabergé
objects valued at $850 million. The remainder of the afternoon is free for
independent exploration.
Taleon Imperial Hotel, St. Petersburg (B, L)
Saturday, August 12, 2017
Peterhof
Take a morning ride by hydrofoil (weather permitting) to the famous Peterhof,
the magnificent palace on the Gulf of Finland often referred to as “the Russian
Versailles.” The palace dates back to 1715 and is a former summer residence
of the Russian czars. During a guided tour of the palace grounds admire the
Grand Palace’s lavish rooms and galleries, Peter’s humble villa Monplaisir and
the Grand Cascade with more than 140 fountains. After lunch in the Summer
Palace Restaurant, drive back to St. Petersburg and enjoy the remainder of
the day at leisure. This evening gather at a one of St. Petersburg’s well-rated
luxury restaurants for a celebratory farewell dinner.
Taleon Imperial Hotel, St. Petersburg (B, L, D)
Sunday, August 13, 2017
Departures for the U.S.
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and take a group transfer to the airport
for independent return flights to the United States.
(B)
Photos (from top): Catherine Palace, St. Petersburg (Harvey Barrison); Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood (Ninara),
and Peterhof, St. Petersburg, Russia (Loris Silvio Zecchnato)
Trip Information
RUSSIA: MOSCOW & ST. PETERSBURG
DATES: August 3–13, 2017
TOUR COST:
Land Package...............................................................$5,945
Single Supplement........................................................$1,095
*Tour price is per person based on double occupancy, with a minimum
of 20 paying participants. Land prices are calculated as of February
2017 and are subject to change.
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Moderate, good walking ability
DEPOSIT & FINAL PAYMENT: A deposit of $1,000 per
paying participant will be required to guarantee participation
in the program. This may be paid by check, or by Visa or
MasterCard. Final payment will be invoiced and is due on
April 25, 2017. Final payment must be made by check payable
to International Seminar Design, Inc. Registrations will be
accepted beyond April 25, 2017 on a space-available basis
with payment in full by check.
FLIGHTS: Airfare is not included in the package cost.
TERMS & CONDITIONS: International Seminar Design, Inc.
(ISDI) acts only as an agent for the participant with respect
to transportation, accommodations, and all other services
relating to this tour. ISDI, the University of Arizona Alumni
Association, and/or their agents assume no responsibility
or liability for any act, error or omission, or for any injury,
loss, accident, delay or irregularity, which may be caused by
any defect in any aircraft, ship, train, bus, or other carrier,
or through neglect or default of any subcontractor or other
third party, which may be used wholly or in part in the
performance of their duty to the participants of the tour. ISDI
and the University of Arizona Alumni Association reserve
the right to cancel any tour prior to departure for any reason
including insufficient numbers of participants, as well as the
right to decline to accept or retain any person as a member
of the tour at any time. If bookings fall below the minimum
required, passengers will be advised of additional costs or
itinerary alterations before departure date.
CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: All cancellations must be
received in writing by ISDI, and charges are calculated as of
the day notification is received in writing by ISDI. If a tour
member cancels, the following scale of charges is incurred:
There is a non-refundable administrative fee of $500 per
person. The costs associated with any tickets purchased for
planned activities (as indicated in the itinerary) are nonrefundable. Written cancellation received by ISDI on or
before April 25, 2017: full refund minus $500 per person
administrative fee. Written cancellation received by ISDI
between April 26, 2017 and June 19, 2017: full refund of
any recoverable land costs, less fifty percent of tour cost
per person cancellation charge (includes administrative
fee). Cancellations on or received after June 20, 2017: no
refund. After the tour has commenced, it is not possible to
issue any refunds. No refunds for any unused portion of the
tour including, but not limited to, occasional missed meals
or any missed sightseeing tours. Costs for promotion, staff,
and other group expenses are not refundable. In the case of
cancellation, substitutions are not acceptable. The tour cost
is non-transferable, and no substitutions are allowed. If ISDI
or the University of Arizona Alumni Association cancels the
tour due to low registrations, active registrants will receive a
full refund of all tour payments. © 2016-2017 International
Seminar Design, Inc., CST 2072963-40, WST 603578109
TRAVEL INSURANCE: ISDI and the University of Arizona
Alumni Association strongly recommend the purchase of trip
cancellation insurance. ISDI will send you travel insurance
information upon tour registration. In the event that you must
cancel your participation in a travel program, trip cancellation
insurance may be the only source of reimbursement.
TOUR PRICE INCLUSIONS: Hotel accommodations as listed
in the itinerary, entrance fees to sites, and transportation
by deluxe private motor coach as outlined in itinerary;
breakfast daily, 6 lunches, 3 dinners, 1 reception, 2 glasses
of wine or beer at dinners; expert, local English-speaking
guides for planned sightseeing; services of an ISDI Tour
Manager; leadership of University of Arizona study leaders
Pat Willerton, John Paul Jones III, and Margarita Kabakchy,
handling of two pieces of luggage per person upon arrival and
departure at the hotel; one group airport transfer upon arrival
in Moscow and one upon departure from St. Petersburg; one
first-class, overnight one-way train ticket between Moscow
and St. Petersburg; one one-way ticket from St. Petersburg to
Petrhof by hydrofoil; gratuities for guides and motor coach
drivers; bottled water on private motor coach; taxes and
service fees.
TOUR PRICE EXCLUSIONS: Airfare, airline taxes, and fuel
surcharges; individual transfers to and from the airports
for those not using group transfers; excursions, activities,
or meals marked optional on the itinerary; personal items;
personal services; travel extensions; personal insurance for
health, baggage, and tour cancellation; any other items not
specifically included in the itinerary.
FOR QUESTIONS OR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
International Seminar Design, Inc.
Tour Director: Ms. Laurence Bézy
Tel: 202-244-1448
Above Background Photo: St. Petersburg, Russia (Nigel Swales)
RUSSIA: Moscow & St. Petersburg
August 3–13, 2017
Enclosed is my credit card information or deposit by check made payable to
International Seminar Design, Inc. in the amount of $1,000 per person.
Name (as listed on passport) – Participant 1
Name (as listed on passport) – Participant 2
Address (billing, if using credit card)
City
StateZip
Daytime Telephone Cell Phone
E-mail Address | ™ please send mailings to my email to receive information more quickly __________ # of persons __________ Amount Enclosed
LAND PACKAGE DEPOSIT ($1,000 PER PERSON):
™ Visa ™ MasterCard ™ Check Make check payable to International Seminar Design, Inc.
Card Number
Exp. (mm/yy)
Name as it appears on credit card
Billing Zip Code (if different from above)
ROOMING OPTIONS: (please select)
™ Double Occupancy; I will share a room with___________________________________________________________________
™ Single Supplement ($1,095)
™ I would like a roommate but will pay the price of the single supplement if one cannot be found.
EACH PARTICIPANT MUST SIGN (registration invalid without signature)
The undersigned has read the tour itinerary and recognizes and accepts any risks therein. The undersigned also understands and hereby agrees for
and on behalf of his/her dependents, heirs, executors, administrators and assigns to abide by the conditions set forth in the terms and conditions
listed in this brochure and to release and hold harmless the University of Arizona Alumni Association, International Seminar Design, Inc
(ISDI) and any of their officers, trustees, agents, licenses, or representatives from any and all liability for delays, injuries, or death or for the loss
of and/or damage to his/her property however occurring during any portion of, or in relation to, this tour.
Signature Participant 1 / Date
Signature Participant 2 / Date
COMPLETE AND RETURN BY MAIL OR FAX TO:
The University of Arizona Alumni Association
1111 N. Cherry Avenue | Tucson, AZ 85721
Fax: (520) 621-9030
For additional information please contact:
Lisa Valentine at (520) 621-5333 or International Seminar Design, Inc. at (202) 244-1448
Above Background Photo: Kremlin Iron Work (Craig Nagy)