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RUSSIA

Treasures of Russian Arts and Literature

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Road Scholar
Program #3318RJ
13 Days | 12 Nights
ACTIVITY LEVEL: Active
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Itinerary for Sep 11 — Sep 23, 2013

Expand all
Day One: Wednesday, September 11 -  
In Transit: International Flight

Type: Three-Star Hotel

Description: The Hotel Peking is situated in the heart of Moscow, next to the famous Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and less than 2 miles from Red Square, the Kremlin, and the Bolshoi Theater. It is a 3-star, Russian-managed hotel and a famous Moscow architectural landmark. It is housed in one of the city's unique 'wedding-cake' buildings, constructed in 1956, a typical example of Soviet neogothic-style skyscrapers.

Contact info:
Bolshaya Sadovaya Street 5
Moscow, RF 123001 Russia
phone: +7 (495) 650 2215
web: www.intourist-hotels.ru

Room amenities: Guest rooms may differ in decor and configuration but they have been renovated, and are decorated in a traditional style. All are rather spacious, have high ceilings, large windows, and smart reproduction furniture. However, depending on room location one must be prepared to hear street noise if the windows are opened. Rooms are air-conditioned, have safes, a small refrigerator, telephone and traditional television with satellite and local channels. All have updated bathrooms with basic amenities and a hairdryer. No Internet commection is available in standard guestrooms.

Facility amenities: The Hotel Peking represents the architectural grandeur of the Soviet era and has elegant, renovated but somewhat old-fashioned rooms (a total of 122 rooms and suites). There are 2 restaurants (independently managed), a bar, a small gym, and a small business center with Internet access (a fee applies). Free Internet connection is available in the hotel lobby. The hotel is air conditioned, has elevators, and a newly renovated lobby with an ATM machine. Services at the hotel are limited, with no laundry service. The friendly hotel staff speaks English and there is 24-hour security.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: approx. $250 twin room
Additional hotel nights can be requested by contacting Road Scholar Travel Services. RSTS will confirm the reservation and rate and you will pay the hotel directly by Credit card or by cash for the additional nights. Do note the reservation will be separate from the program reservation and it is likely that you will need to check out of the room and check back in to a different room with the group. Additional hotel nights can also be booked independently via Internet

Check in time: 3:00 PM


Day Two: Thursday, September 12 - Orientation meeting 
Afternoon: Transfer from airport to hotel. Upon arrival at Domodedovo Airport (DME) and after collecting your luggage, passengers who have purchased their air tickets through Road Scholar should go through the passport and customs controls and proceed to the arrival hall, located just outside the customs area. Look for our representative with a Road Scholar sign in the arrival hall. Participants holding airline tickets from Road Scholar and arriving at Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) will be met by our representative in the SVO arrival hall. Participants traveling independently must arrive at the hotel by 6 pm and are welcome to join the group transfer busses for participants arriving at Domodedovo Airport at 12.30 pm and at 4:25 pm. All participants meet in the hotel lobby at 6 pm. An orientation meeting is scheduled after dinner.

Dinner: Dinner at hotel

Evening: Orientation meeting after dinner

Lodging: Peking Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner
Type: Three-Star Hotel

Description: The Hotel Peking is situated in the heart of Moscow, next to the famous Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and less than 2 miles from Red Square, the Kremlin, and the Bolshoi Theater. It is a 3-star, Russian-managed hotel and a famous Moscow architectural landmark. It is housed in one of the city's unique 'wedding-cake' buildings, constructed in 1956, a typical example of Soviet neogothic-style skyscrapers.

Contact info:
Bolshaya Sadovaya Street 5
Moscow, RF 123001 Russia
phone: +7 (495) 650 2215
web: www.intourist-hotels.ru

Room amenities: Guest rooms may differ in decor and configuration but they have been renovated, and are decorated in a traditional style. All are rather spacious, have high ceilings, large windows, and smart reproduction furniture. However, depending on room location one must be prepared to hear street noise if the windows are opened. Rooms are air-conditioned, have safes, a small refrigerator, telephone and traditional television with satellite and local channels. All have updated bathrooms with basic amenities and a hairdryer. No Internet commection is available in standard guestrooms.

Facility amenities: The Hotel Peking represents the architectural grandeur of the Soviet era and has elegant, renovated but somewhat old-fashioned rooms (a total of 122 rooms and suites). There are 2 restaurants (independently managed), a bar, a small gym, and a small business center with Internet access (a fee applies). Free Internet connection is available in the hotel lobby. The hotel is air conditioned, has elevators, and a newly renovated lobby with an ATM machine. Services at the hotel are limited, with no laundry service. The friendly hotel staff speaks English and there is 24-hour security.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: approx. $250 twin room
Additional hotel nights can be requested by contacting Road Scholar Travel Services. RSTS will confirm the reservation and rate and you will pay the hotel directly by Credit card or by cash for the additional nights. Do note the reservation will be separate from the program reservation and it is likely that you will need to check out of the room and check back in to a different room with the group. Additional hotel nights can also be booked independently via Internet

Check in time: 3:00 PM


Day Three: Friday, September 13 - Moscow citizens and cultural traditions / Evening performance 
Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Start your exloration of Moscow with an expert-led drive through the city center. Learn about Moscow's heroic past reflected in the city's history and architectural treasures. Learn about Napoleon's invasion of 1812. Pass by the UNESCO-listed Red Square, where all rulers of Russia left traces of their reign; see the ancient Kremlin wall, the striking Kremlin Clock Tower, the GUM building, and admire the exterior of St. Basil's Cathedral -- a multi-colored architectural wonder of the 26th century commemorating Russia's victory over the Tatars.

Lunch: Time for lunch on your own in city

Afternoon: Moscow cultural life. Stop at Theater Square, where the legendary Bolshoi Theater and several major drama and musical theaters are located. Hear a presentation on Russia's theatrical traditons, Moscow theaters and current theatrical scene.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel or a city restaurant.

Evening: Evening performance

Lodging: Peking Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Type: Three-Star Hotel

Description: The Hotel Peking is situated in the heart of Moscow, next to the famous Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and less than 2 miles from Red Square, the Kremlin, and the Bolshoi Theater. It is a 3-star, Russian-managed hotel and a famous Moscow architectural landmark. It is housed in one of the city's unique 'wedding-cake' buildings, constructed in 1956, a typical example of Soviet neogothic-style skyscrapers.

Contact info:
Bolshaya Sadovaya Street 5
Moscow, RF 123001 Russia
phone: +7 (495) 650 2215
web: www.intourist-hotels.ru

Room amenities: Guest rooms may differ in decor and configuration but they have been renovated, and are decorated in a traditional style. All are rather spacious, have high ceilings, large windows, and smart reproduction furniture. However, depending on room location one must be prepared to hear street noise if the windows are opened. Rooms are air-conditioned, have safes, a small refrigerator, telephone and traditional television with satellite and local channels. All have updated bathrooms with basic amenities and a hairdryer. No Internet commection is available in standard guestrooms.

Facility amenities: The Hotel Peking represents the architectural grandeur of the Soviet era and has elegant, renovated but somewhat old-fashioned rooms (a total of 122 rooms and suites). There are 2 restaurants (independently managed), a bar, a small gym, and a small business center with Internet access (a fee applies). Free Internet connection is available in the hotel lobby. The hotel is air conditioned, has elevators, and a newly renovated lobby with an ATM machine. Services at the hotel are limited, with no laundry service. The friendly hotel staff speaks English and there is 24-hour security.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: approx. $250 twin room
Additional hotel nights can be requested by contacting Road Scholar Travel Services. RSTS will confirm the reservation and rate and you will pay the hotel directly by Credit card or by cash for the additional nights. Do note the reservation will be separate from the program reservation and it is likely that you will need to check out of the room and check back in to a different room with the group. Additional hotel nights can also be booked independently via Internet

Check in time: 3:00 PM


Day Four: Saturday, September 14 - Russian music/Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts/evening performance 
Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: A field trip to the Glinka Museum of Russian Musical Traditions. Hear a presentation by the museum curator on Russian classical music, composers and musical instruments.

Lunch: Time for lunch on your own.

Afternoon: An expert-led field trip to the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts to explore the museum's collection. Opened in 1912, the Pushkin Fine Arts Museum possesses a collection of European art second in Russia only to St. Petersburg's Hermitage. Much of the strength of the collection is in Impressionist and Post-Impressionist paintings. A special attraction is the collection of Schliemann’s Gold (the gold of Troy), which is also exhibited here.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel or a city restaurant

Evening: Free evening

Lodging: Peking Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Type: Three-Star Hotel

Description: The Hotel Peking is situated in the heart of Moscow, next to the famous Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and less than 2 miles from Red Square, the Kremlin, and the Bolshoi Theater. It is a 3-star, Russian-managed hotel and a famous Moscow architectural landmark. It is housed in one of the city's unique 'wedding-cake' buildings, constructed in 1956, a typical example of Soviet neogothic-style skyscrapers.

Contact info:
Bolshaya Sadovaya Street 5
Moscow, RF 123001 Russia
phone: +7 (495) 650 2215
web: www.intourist-hotels.ru

Room amenities: Guest rooms may differ in decor and configuration but they have been renovated, and are decorated in a traditional style. All are rather spacious, have high ceilings, large windows, and smart reproduction furniture. However, depending on room location one must be prepared to hear street noise if the windows are opened. Rooms are air-conditioned, have safes, a small refrigerator, telephone and traditional television with satellite and local channels. All have updated bathrooms with basic amenities and a hairdryer. No Internet commection is available in standard guestrooms.

Facility amenities: The Hotel Peking represents the architectural grandeur of the Soviet era and has elegant, renovated but somewhat old-fashioned rooms (a total of 122 rooms and suites). There are 2 restaurants (independently managed), a bar, a small gym, and a small business center with Internet access (a fee applies). Free Internet connection is available in the hotel lobby. The hotel is air conditioned, has elevators, and a newly renovated lobby with an ATM machine. Services at the hotel are limited, with no laundry service. The friendly hotel staff speaks English and there is 24-hour security.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: approx. $250 twin room
Additional hotel nights can be requested by contacting Road Scholar Travel Services. RSTS will confirm the reservation and rate and you will pay the hotel directly by Credit card or by cash for the additional nights. Do note the reservation will be separate from the program reservation and it is likely that you will need to check out of the room and check back in to a different room with the group. Additional hotel nights can also be booked independently via Internet

Check in time: 3:00 PM


Day Five: Sunday, September 15 - Moscow architectural treasures/Overview of Russia's national... 
Moscow architectural treasures/Overview of Russia's national character in Russian literature/ Introduction to Russia's national crafts and applied art/evening free.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Moscow city highlights continue with an expert-led city drive covering major architectural and historical landmarks. Stops are made at Moscow University, the New Maiden (Novodevichy) Convent where famous Russian are buried (view the exterior only), the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Manezh square, Russia's White House, Gorky Park, and many other sites. Take a ride (only if desired) on the Moscow metro led by our representative to admire the magnificent underground stations decorated with colorful mosaics, beautiful crystal chandeliers and bronze statues.

Lunch: Group lunch at the restaurant of the arts center (see below)

Afternoon: Visit the Moscow Center for National Arts & Crafts. Participate in an informal talk on Russian applied art, the art of lacquer boxes and other national crafts. Learn about arts and crafts from all corners of the multi-ethnic and multi-cultural Russian state. Lecture on Russian national psyche depicted in Russian classical literature. Q&A.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel or a city restaurant

Evening: Evening performance

Lodging: Peking Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Type: Three-Star Hotel

Description: The Hotel Peking is situated in the heart of Moscow, next to the famous Tchaikovsky Concert Hall and less than 2 miles from Red Square, the Kremlin, and the Bolshoi Theater. It is a 3-star, Russian-managed hotel and a famous Moscow architectural landmark. It is housed in one of the city's unique 'wedding-cake' buildings, constructed in 1956, a typical example of Soviet neogothic-style skyscrapers.

Contact info:
Bolshaya Sadovaya Street 5
Moscow, RF 123001 Russia
phone: +7 (495) 650 2215
web: www.intourist-hotels.ru

Room amenities: Guest rooms may differ in decor and configuration but they have been renovated, and are decorated in a traditional style. All are rather spacious, have high ceilings, large windows, and smart reproduction furniture. However, depending on room location one must be prepared to hear street noise if the windows are opened. Rooms are air-conditioned, have safes, a small refrigerator, telephone and traditional television with satellite and local channels. All have updated bathrooms with basic amenities and a hairdryer. No Internet commection is available in standard guestrooms.

Facility amenities: The Hotel Peking represents the architectural grandeur of the Soviet era and has elegant, renovated but somewhat old-fashioned rooms (a total of 122 rooms and suites). There are 2 restaurants (independently managed), a bar, a small gym, and a small business center with Internet access (a fee applies). Free Internet connection is available in the hotel lobby. The hotel is air conditioned, has elevators, and a newly renovated lobby with an ATM machine. Services at the hotel are limited, with no laundry service. The friendly hotel staff speaks English and there is 24-hour security.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: approx. $250 twin room
Additional hotel nights can be requested by contacting Road Scholar Travel Services. RSTS will confirm the reservation and rate and you will pay the hotel directly by Credit card or by cash for the additional nights. Do note the reservation will be separate from the program reservation and it is likely that you will need to check out of the room and check back in to a different room with the group. Additional hotel nights can also be booked independently via Internet

Check in time: 3:00 PM


Day Six: Monday, September 16 - Talk on Medieval Russia/The Kremlin compound and the Armory Chamber/... 
Talk on Medieval Russia/The Kremlin compound and the Armory Chamber/ Free time.

Note: extensive walking (up to 2 miles)

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Today is dedicated to medieval Russian history. Enjoy a presentaton on medieval Russia during your visit to the legendary Kremlin compound, which for hundreds of years was the symbol of the powerful Russian state. It is a self-contained walled city (fortress), with an armory, cathedrals, and palace. You will see the exterior of the Kremlin palace, the legendary Tsar Bell and Tsar Cannon, the spectacular golden-domed Cathedral of the Annunciation and the majestic Cathedral of the Archangel, representing a harmonious image of Italian Renaissance and traditional Russian architecture. A walk through the Kremlin grounds is led by a licensed expert.

Lunch: Time for lunch on your own

Afternoon: Visit the Armory Chamber in the Kremlin compound housing a unique collection of Faberge eggs and Russia's royal jewels of all eras. Spend free time in Red Square.

Dinner: Dinner at a hotel restaurant

Evening: Evening free for independent discoveries.

Lodging: Peking Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Type: Three-Star Hotel

Description: The Park Inn is a recently opened 3-4-star hotel (270 rooms) in the heart of St Petersburg. It is housed in an impressive modern building occupying an entire city block and facing the fashionable Nevsky Prospekt and a side street. The hotel offers all modern amenities and it is conveniently located in walking or short driving distance to many tourist attractions and theaters and it is also next to a Metro stop and the Moskva train station. 24-hour security and English-speaking staff.

Contact info:
4 Lit. A, Goncharnaya Street/ 91 Lit A Nevsky Prospekt
St. Petersburg, 193106 Russia
phone: +7 812-406-7310
web: www.rezidorparkinn.com

Room amenities: Newly furnished, comfortable air conditioned rooms have private showers (no bathtubs), telephones, and satellite TV. The rooms are tastefully furnished, although rather small, all have safes and hairdryers. There is a charge for Internet connection in the guestrooms.

Facility amenities: The Park Inn Hotel has a pleasant modern lobby, elevators, a nice restaurant, several bars, concierge service for theater tickets, a small fitness center, a well-equipped business center with Internet access, and conference facilities. The hotel offers various services including laundry, dry cleaning, room service, etc. Free Internet connection is available to guests in the hotel lobby.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: USD 320 /Twin (approx.).
Additional hotel nights can be requested by contacting Road Scholar Travel Services. RSTS will confirm the reservation and rate and you will pay the hotel directly by credit card or by cash for the additional nights. Do note the reservation will be separate from the program reservation and it is likely that you will need to check out of the room and check back in to a different room with the group. Additional nights can also be booked independently via the Internet.

Check out time: 12:00 PM

Day Seven: Tuesday, September 17 - Russian art of painting: the Tretyakov Picture Gallery/travel to St.... 
Russian art of painting: the Tretyakov Picture Gallery/travel to St. Petersburg

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: A presentation on Russian painting followed by a field trip to the Tretyakov Picture Gallery, housing the world's finest and most extensive collection of Russian art. Learn about Russian spirituality and national values as represented in Russian paintings of all periods. Discover the art of Russian paysage painting by Isaac Levitan and other outstanding artists. Admire the ornate, Byzantine-influenced medieval icons and paintings by the famous Peredvizhniki, a group of artists of the 19th century, including Surikov, Kramskoi, Repin and others. (A presentation on the museum collection is led by a licensed expert).

Lunch: Group lunch in town.

Afternoon: Board an evening high-speed train for St. Petersburg, departing Moscow at 4:45 pm and arriving in St. Petersburg at 8.15 pm

Dinner: Dinner box and water are provided on board the train

Evening: Evening arrival in St. Petersburg. Hotel check in.

Lodging: Park Inn Nevsky Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Type: Three-Star Hotel

Description: The Park Inn is a recently opened 3-4-star hotel (270 rooms) in the heart of St Petersburg. It is housed in an impressive modern building occupying an entire city block and facing the fashionable Nevsky Prospekt and a side street. The hotel offers all modern amenities and it is conveniently located in walking or short driving distance to many tourist attractions and theaters and it is also next to a Metro stop and the Moskva train station. 24-hour security and English-speaking staff.

Contact info:
4 Lit. A, Goncharnaya Street/ 91 Lit A Nevsky Prospekt
St. Petersburg, 193106 Russia
phone: +7 812-406-7310
web: www.rezidorparkinn.com

Room amenities: Newly furnished, comfortable air conditioned rooms have private showers (no bathtubs), telephones, and satellite TV. The rooms are tastefully furnished, although rather small, all have safes and hairdryers. There is a charge for Internet connection in the guestrooms.

Facility amenities: The Park Inn Hotel has a pleasant modern lobby, elevators, a nice restaurant, several bars, concierge service for theater tickets, a small fitness center, a well-equipped business center with Internet access, and conference facilities. The hotel offers various services including laundry, dry cleaning, room service, etc. Free Internet connection is available to guests in the hotel lobby.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: USD 320 /Twin (approx.).
Additional hotel nights can be requested by contacting Road Scholar Travel Services. RSTS will confirm the reservation and rate and you will pay the hotel directly by credit card or by cash for the additional nights. Do note the reservation will be separate from the program reservation and it is likely that you will need to check out of the room and check back in to a different room with the group. Additional nights can also be booked independently via the Internet.

Check out time: 12:00 PM

Day Eight: Wednesday, September 18 - History and architecture of St. Petersburg/Peter and Paul... 
History and architecture of St. Petersburg/Peter and Paul Fortress/Evening performance

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Theme of the day: “History and Architecture of St. Petersburg.” A city exploration by motorcoach, with stops at major architectural and historical landmarks. Have a stop to see (exterior only) the golden domed St. Isaac’s cathedral, pass by the Bronze Horseman, a tribute to Peter the Great, the founder of the city; then drive through fashionable Nevsky Prospekt, the main thoroughfare of the city, and see numerous palaces, gardens, canals and graceful bridges for which St Petersburg is named the ‘Venice of the North”.

Lunch: Time for lunch on your own.

Afternoon: A field trip to Peter and Paul's Fortress -- have an inside visit to the fortress and its cathedral -- the birthplace of the city and the burial place of the Romanov tsars.

Dinner: Early dinner

Evening: A musical evening (an opera or ballet or other musical performance)

Lodging: Park Inn Nevsky Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Type: Three-Star Hotel

Description: The Park Inn is a recently opened 3-4-star hotel (270 rooms) in the heart of St Petersburg. It is housed in an impressive modern building occupying an entire city block and facing the fashionable Nevsky Prospekt and a side street. The hotel offers all modern amenities and it is conveniently located in walking or short driving distance to many tourist attractions and theaters and it is also next to a Metro stop and the Moskva train station. 24-hour security and English-speaking staff.

Contact info:
4 Lit. A, Goncharnaya Street/ 91 Lit A Nevsky Prospekt
St. Petersburg, 193106 Russia
phone: +7 812-406-7310
web: www.rezidorparkinn.com

Room amenities: Newly furnished, comfortable air conditioned rooms have private showers (no bathtubs), telephones, and satellite TV. The rooms are tastefully furnished, although rather small, all have safes and hairdryers. There is a charge for Internet connection in the guestrooms.

Facility amenities: The Park Inn Hotel has a pleasant modern lobby, elevators, a nice restaurant, several bars, concierge service for theater tickets, a small fitness center, a well-equipped business center with Internet access, and conference facilities. The hotel offers various services including laundry, dry cleaning, room service, etc. Free Internet connection is available to guests in the hotel lobby.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: USD 320 /Twin (approx.).
Additional hotel nights can be requested by contacting Road Scholar Travel Services. RSTS will confirm the reservation and rate and you will pay the hotel directly by credit card or by cash for the additional nights. Do note the reservation will be separate from the program reservation and it is likely that you will need to check out of the room and check back in to a different room with the group. Additional nights can also be booked independently via the Internet.

Check out time: 12:00 PM

Day Nine: Thursday, September 19 - The Hermitage Museum/Evening performance 
Note: extensive walking in the museum (up to 2 miles). Rest areas are available.

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel.

Morning: An expert-led visit to the Hermitage Museum, one of world's greatest art galleries. Enjoy the dazzling collection of Old Masters and French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, as well as numerous items of all eras (3 hours with a licensed expert)

Lunch: Time for lunch on your own at the Hermitage Cafe or in town

Afternoon: Afternoon at the Hermitage on your own or spend free time in the city

Dinner: Dinner at a restaurant in the city.

Evening: Evening performance

Lodging: Park Inn Nevsky Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Type: Three-Star Hotel

Description: The Park Inn is a recently opened 3-4-star hotel (270 rooms) in the heart of St Petersburg. It is housed in an impressive modern building occupying an entire city block and facing the fashionable Nevsky Prospekt and a side street. The hotel offers all modern amenities and it is conveniently located in walking or short driving distance to many tourist attractions and theaters and it is also next to a Metro stop and the Moskva train station. 24-hour security and English-speaking staff.

Contact info:
4 Lit. A, Goncharnaya Street/ 91 Lit A Nevsky Prospekt
St. Petersburg, 193106 Russia
phone: +7 812-406-7310
web: www.rezidorparkinn.com

Room amenities: Newly furnished, comfortable air conditioned rooms have private showers (no bathtubs), telephones, and satellite TV. The rooms are tastefully furnished, although rather small, all have safes and hairdryers. There is a charge for Internet connection in the guestrooms.

Facility amenities: The Park Inn Hotel has a pleasant modern lobby, elevators, a nice restaurant, several bars, concierge service for theater tickets, a small fitness center, a well-equipped business center with Internet access, and conference facilities. The hotel offers various services including laundry, dry cleaning, room service, etc. Free Internet connection is available to guests in the hotel lobby.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: USD 320 /Twin (approx.).
Additional hotel nights can be requested by contacting Road Scholar Travel Services. RSTS will confirm the reservation and rate and you will pay the hotel directly by credit card or by cash for the additional nights. Do note the reservation will be separate from the program reservation and it is likely that you will need to check out of the room and check back in to a different room with the group. Additional nights can also be booked independently via the Internet.

Check out time: 12:00 PM

Day Ten: Friday, September 20 - Dostoyevsky memorial museum/ A lecture on Russian Ballet and... 
Dostoyevsky memorial museum/ A lecture on Russian Ballet and Mariinsky theater

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Today we learn about treasures of Russian literature and ballet. Drive through the distict of St Petersburg depicted in Dostoyevsky's novels and visit the memorial apartment museum of Dostoyevsky. Learn about the life and literary works of Fedor Dostoyevsky from the museum curator.

Lunch: Lunch

Afternoon: A presentation on the History of Russian Ballet and the Mariinsky (Kirov) Opera and Ballet Theater. Visit the Rimsky-Korsakov Memorial Museum, presented by a curator.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel or a city restaurant

Evening: Evening free for independent activities

Lodging: Park Inn Nevsky Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Type: Three-Star Hotel

Description: The Park Inn is a recently opened 3-4-star hotel (270 rooms) in the heart of St Petersburg. It is housed in an impressive modern building occupying an entire city block and facing the fashionable Nevsky Prospekt and a side street. The hotel offers all modern amenities and it is conveniently located in walking or short driving distance to many tourist attractions and theaters and it is also next to a Metro stop and the Moskva train station. 24-hour security and English-speaking staff.

Contact info:
4 Lit. A, Goncharnaya Street/ 91 Lit A Nevsky Prospekt
St. Petersburg, 193106 Russia
phone: +7 812-406-7310
web: www.rezidorparkinn.com

Room amenities: Newly furnished, comfortable air conditioned rooms have private showers (no bathtubs), telephones, and satellite TV. The rooms are tastefully furnished, although rather small, all have safes and hairdryers. There is a charge for Internet connection in the guestrooms.

Facility amenities: The Park Inn Hotel has a pleasant modern lobby, elevators, a nice restaurant, several bars, concierge service for theater tickets, a small fitness center, a well-equipped business center with Internet access, and conference facilities. The hotel offers various services including laundry, dry cleaning, room service, etc. Free Internet connection is available to guests in the hotel lobby.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: USD 320 /Twin (approx.).
Additional hotel nights can be requested by contacting Road Scholar Travel Services. RSTS will confirm the reservation and rate and you will pay the hotel directly by credit card or by cash for the additional nights. Do note the reservation will be separate from the program reservation and it is likely that you will need to check out of the room and check back in to a different room with the group. Additional nights can also be booked independently via the Internet.

Check out time: 12:00 PM

Day Eleven: Saturday, September 21 - The Romanov Dynasty: Catherine's Palace in Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin)... 
The Romanov Dynasty: Catherine's Palace in Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin) and the Peterhof park and fountains

Note: extensive walking in museums and parks ( up to 2 miles). Rest areas are available

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: A full day is dedicated to visits to the summer residencies of the Russian tsars. Hear the story of the Romanovs and their ties with St. Petersburg. Take an inside visit to Catherine's Palace in Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin) -- an elaborate baroque residence built in 1752 for Czarina Elizabeth to honor the memory of her mother Katarina. See the eighth wonder of the world -- the extraordinary Amber Room -- decorated with six tons of solid amber carved and framed in gold leaf. The original room was lost or confiscated by the Nazis during WWII, never found, and finally, meticulously reconstructed in 2003. All is presented by a licensed expert.

Lunch: Group lunch

Afternoon: Continue on to Peterhof -- a summer residence of Peter the Great. Walk alongside an expert to admire the famous, stunning golden fountains, the palace grounds and other constructions in the park: see (exterior only) the Grand Palace, (the Russian Versailles), now a museum, the Mon Plaisir palace, Peter's more humble villa, the Grand Cascade of fountains which is the center piece of the palace grounds, other pavilions, and the spectacular Lower Park itself along the Gulf of Finland, featuring over 140 fountains (inside visits to palaces and other museums on site are not part of the visit).

Dinner: Early dinner at a city restaurant

Evening: Free evening.

Lodging: Park Inn Nevsky Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Type: Three-Star Hotel

Description: The Park Inn is a recently opened 3-4-star hotel (270 rooms) in the heart of St Petersburg. It is housed in an impressive modern building occupying an entire city block and facing the fashionable Nevsky Prospekt and a side street. The hotel offers all modern amenities and it is conveniently located in walking or short driving distance to many tourist attractions and theaters and it is also next to a Metro stop and the Moskva train station. 24-hour security and English-speaking staff.

Contact info:
4 Lit. A, Goncharnaya Street/ 91 Lit A Nevsky Prospekt
St. Petersburg, 193106 Russia
phone: +7 812-406-7310
web: www.rezidorparkinn.com

Room amenities: Newly furnished, comfortable air conditioned rooms have private showers (no bathtubs), telephones, and satellite TV. The rooms are tastefully furnished, although rather small, all have safes and hairdryers. There is a charge for Internet connection in the guestrooms.

Facility amenities: The Park Inn Hotel has a pleasant modern lobby, elevators, a nice restaurant, several bars, concierge service for theater tickets, a small fitness center, a well-equipped business center with Internet access, and conference facilities. The hotel offers various services including laundry, dry cleaning, room service, etc. Free Internet connection is available to guests in the hotel lobby.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights after: USD 320 /Twin (approx.).
Additional hotel nights can be requested by contacting Road Scholar Travel Services. RSTS will confirm the reservation and rate and you will pay the hotel directly by credit card or by cash for the additional nights. Do note the reservation will be separate from the program reservation and it is likely that you will need to check out of the room and check back in to a different room with the group. Additional nights can also be booked independently via the Internet.

Check out time: 12:00 PM

Day Twelve: Sunday, September 22 - Full day for independent discoveries: Nevsky Prospekt, the Cathedral... 
Full day for independent discoveries: Nevsky Prospekt, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan/Farewell Dinner

Note: Independent visits, free time. On-site assistance is provided

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: Free time in Nevsky Prospect. We suggest an independent visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan during the morning service to hear the church choir (a head cover is mandatory for women).

Lunch: Time for lunch on your own (we suggest having tea at the House of Books Cafe, just across from the cathedral, which has a splendid view of the city)

Afternoon: Free time in Nevsky Prospekt. We suggest a visit to the 'House of Books', a magnificent Art Nouveau building, or consider an independent visit to a nearby museum of your choice, such as St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Yousopov Palace [where Rasputin was killed], the State Russian Museum, or others).

Dinner: Farewell dinner

Lodging: Park Inn Nevsky Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Day Thirteen: Monday, September 23 - Departure 
Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

In Transit: Departure transfers

Meals Included: Breakfast


Free Time Opportunities


Moscow
Bolshoi theaterOut of 4 included performances one performance (opera or ballet) is planned at the Bolshoi theater (in Moscow) OR Mariinsky theater (in St. Petersburg). Additional tickets for these or other theaters may be purchased at the hotel theater desk or via the Internet.
St. Petersburg
Mariinsky theaterOut of 4 included performances one performance (opera or ballet) is planned at the Bolshoi theater (in Moscow) OR Mariinsky theater (in St. Petersburg). Additional tickets for these or other theaters may be purchased at the hotel theater desk or via the Internet.

Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.

Our Value Promise To You

You won't find a better value.

Included
at no additional cost on this date ...
11 nights of accommodations
26 meals: 11 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 11 dinners
5 Expert-led lectures
15 Field trips
4 Performances

Ratings

4.5
Ratings are determined by participant evaluations.

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