Russia

Thompsons Holidays Russian River Cruises

2008

www.thompsons.co.za

Russian Cruising

with Thompsons Holidays

Russia - Land of the Tsars

i OFFICIAL NAME: Russian Federation CAPITAL CITY: Moscow

Things To Know Before You Go:

LANGUAGE: Russian

CREDIT CARDS: Master card and Visa cards are accepted at almost all restaurants and shops. The market vendors will accept cash only in either Roubles, Euros or US dollars.

CURRENCY: Roubles

Russian Cruising

Home to Ivan the Terrible, the Bolshoi Ballet, Red Square, the Kremlin and some of the best vodka you’ll ever taste, Russia is vibrant and mysterious. Travelling to Russia may seem daunting to some but with a Thompsons cruise package along the Russian Waterways it could not be easier. Russia is blessed with abundant rivers and vast lakes which have served as the country’s natural highways for centuries. The most popular cruise routes are between Moscow and St Petersburg which provide an abundance of breathtaking sights en route. Among the Waterways travelled along this route are Europe’s largest lake, its longest river and the world’s longest man-made canal.

VISA: All visitors require visas, which must be obtained in advance. POPULATION: 15O Million TIME DIFFERENCE: SA time + 2 hours RELIGION: Russian Orthodox CLIMATE: Average temperatures during Spring +10C; Summer +24C; Autumn +5C, Winter -10C ELECTRICITY: Electricity throughout Russia is 220 volt/50hz. The plug is two-pin thin European standard. TAXIS: Like elsewhere in Western Europe, avoid gypsy cabs by phoning ahead for a taxi or asking reception to arrange one for you. IMMIGRATION & CUSTOMS: Expect delays

what things cost FROM THE BAR ON BOARD: Glass of wine Bottle of water 1.5lt Coldrinks Local beer FROM THE SHOP ON BOARD: Faberge egg ladies pendant Russian ladies scarf Matroyshka doll set Amber necklace & earrings Lacquer boxes Military watch

€2 €3 €1.50 €3

CHANGING MONEY: It is recommended to take US Dollars or Euros which can be exchanged at banks, hotels and kiosks. It is not recommended to take traveller’s cheques with you to Russia. CELL PHONES: Cell phones work in most areas, but remember to get your provider to activate your International roaming or SMS facility before you depart. WATER: It is not recommended to drink tap water anywhere in Russia. Bottled water is widely available for purchase throughout your journey. Boiling water is provided for tea & coffee on board.

CABINS: The compact cabins are well designed, consisting of two single beds in the style of a railway compartment, (one bed can be folded back to make more space when not in use). There is sufficient cupboard space and suitcases can be stored under the beds. There is a small en suite shower, toilet and basin. All cabins have a small refrigerator. SHORE EXCURSIONS: Once you set sail, daily shore excursions are included at each port of call. These are conducted by local guides, well versed in the fascinating history and mystique of each area. Certain excursions are included in Moscow and St Petersburg and can be supplemented by a range of optional excursions available (extra charge). SAFTEY: As in any large city, please be alert at all times and do not carry all your valuables and cash. Thompsons representative: A Thompsons representative will accompany each departure to oversee that everything runs smoothly. GUIDE: A Russian guide/interpreter will co-ordinate all the daily activities and can answer any questions you may have regarding this unique country.

What To Pack:

What To Expect: FOOD: The cuisine on board is in traditional Eastern European style, consisting of a variety of tasty meat and vegetable dishes. ROOM SERVICE: There is no room service, but please advise reception if you are not feeling well as they will bring your meals through to your cabin.

€30-100 €10-75 €18 €12 each €40-300 €30-150

• Casual clothes and 1 semi-formal outfit • Comfortable non-slip walking shoes • Prescribed medication in your hand luggage • Washcloths and shower caps • Mosquito repellent • Suntan lotion and sunglasses • Raincoat or umbrella • Reading books and a pack of cards Note: You may only carry liquids, aerosols and gels (LAGs) in your hand luggage in containers that have a maximum capacity of 100ml each, all packed in one re-sealable, transparent plastic bag. Capacity of the bag must not exceed one litre.

The dining room on board MS Ivan Bunin

Thompsons traveltips 2

Standard twin cabin

On the cover: Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood - St Petersburg

• Please check that your visa entry and exit dates match your air ticket dates or you could be denied entry into Russia.

• Boiling water is provided on board so you can bring your own tea or coffee and mug and help yourself.

Dream the destination... Live the journey.

Land of the Tsars Ports of Call UGLICH Founded in 1148, Uglich is one of old Russia’s most beloved towns. A definitive moment in Uglich’s history was the sinister death of Ivan the Terrible’s only living heir, Dmitry in 1591. Visit the Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, erected in his honour within Uglich’s Kremlin, as well as other fascinating highlights of this charming town. Tip: Uglich is an excellent shopping stop for curios, handcrafts and Chaika watches.

MS Ivan Bunin

The Ship

St Basil Cathedral (left)

Kremlin (right)

Ports of Call MOSCOW Moscow is the heart of Russia, and is the largest city in the country. The included city tour will give you a general overview of this impressive capital as you pass by numerous points of interest and get your bearings. Visit the Kremlin; a triangular walled citadel on the banks of the Moscow River and explore the State Armoury Museum which houses a mind-boggling collection of artifacts, jewels and Fabergé eggs. Red Square boarders the Kremlin and is watched over by the multi coloured onion domed Cathedral of St Basil’s. Recommended optional tours: Moscow by Night, Tretyakov Gallery and Bolshoi Ballet (if available) • Items such as bottled water, beer and vodka can be purchased at the local supermarkets where they are cheaper.

YAROSLAVL Stretching for 18 miles along the banks of the Volga, Yaroslavl was founded by Prince Yaroslavl the Wise in the 11th century. Explore the majestic 13th Century Spassky Monastery as well as the Church of Elijah the Prophet, where original illustrative paintings still blanket the interior walls. GORITSY The domed spires of Resurrection Convent greet the boat as it sails towards the tiny settlement of Goritsy. Just 8km from the dock by bus, stroll through one of Russia’s most famous monasteries, 14th Century Monastery of St Kirill of the White Lake, which houses many intriguing structures within its fortress walls. KIZHI ISLAND Via the Volga/Baltic Canal, you are transported to the beautiful island of Kizhi at Lake Onega’s northern end. Kizhi is a feast for the eyes with its open-air Museum of Architecture, lovingly restored to provide visitors with a glimpse of the past. The 22 domed wooden Transfiguration Church is the ultimate in Russian fairytale church architecture and was constructed in 1714 without the use of a single nail. SVIRSTROY Svirstroy is a small village of about 1000 residents located on the Svir River about 150 miles east of St Petersburg. Svirstroy connects the two largest lakes in Europe - Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega. The residents of this small village have built wooden kiosk-sized shops and sell all sorts of Russian handicrafts and artwork. As with Uglich, the shoppingin Svirstroy is much cheaper than in Moscow and St Petersburg.

ST PETERSBURG St Petersburg, founded as the new capital of the Russian Empire some 300 years ago, was the vision and creation of Tsar Peter the Great and is located on the Finish Bay of the Baltic Sea. Described as the ‘Venice of the North’, this beautiful city is spread across 42 islands, interlaced with 66 canals and spanned by some 300 ornate bridges. Peter the Great created the world’s most magical city by employing the skill and inspiration of Europe’s greatest 18th Century architects and craftsmen. During your stay, enjoy an included bus tour of this impressive city with periodic stops at major sights. Take in the wonders of the Hermitage Museum, previously the Winter Palace of Peter the Great, which boasts the largest collection of artwork and antiques in the world. Recommended optional tours: Peterhoff Parks & Fountains (the jaw dropping Summer Palace of Peter the Great), Catherine’s Palace and a boat ride through the canals of St Petersburg.

Russian Cruising

MS IVAN BUNIN The MS Ivan Bunin transports a maximum of 285 passengers who are accommodated in comfortably furnished outside cabins. Each cabin features a large window offering majestic views of the passing countryside. The rooms are temperature controlled and are fitted with a refrigerator and an en suite bathroom with hand basin, shower and toilet. Facilities on board include restaurant, three bars, music salon, souvenir shop, hairdressing salon, doctors room and a sun deck. A laundry service is also available. Please note that there is no elevator on board.

The Hermitage

The Red Arrow Train - NEW Selected Thompsons packages include a one way overnight journey from St Petersburg to Moscow on the luxury Red Arrow train. In Soviet times, this opulent train carried the Communist Party elite between Moscow and what was then Leningrad. Travel in a first class compartment for 2 consisting of 2 beds with bed linen and a hot breakfast served in your cabin.

The Red Arrow first class cabin • Marked or damaged money notes will not be accepted.

www.thompsons.co.za

• No safety deposit boxes are provided in your cabins, but are available at reception.

3

RUSSIAN RIVER CRUISES SET DEPARTURES CRUISE & RAIL - NEW

CRUISE Sail from Moscow to St Petersburg PackageS Include: • Return flights from Johannesburg to Russia via Paris on Air France • All taxes • 11 Night cruise on board the MS Ivan Bunin on the main deck from Moscow to St Petersburg • 3 Meals a day • Selected daily excursions including: MOSCOW: City tour incl. Kremlin and State Armoury Museum. Half day Tours at: UGLICH, YAROSLAVL, GORITSY and KIZHI ISLAND. ST PETERSBURG: City tour and Hermitage Museum. • Tipping (except on optional tours) • Transfers in Moscow and St Petersburg • Russia by River booklet • Thompsons cruising bag

Set Departures: 12 - 24 May 2008 Ex Johannesburg R22 700 02 - 14 June 2008 Ex Johannesburg R23 185 14 - 26 July 2008 Ex Johannesburg R24 655

Kizhi Island

Relaxing on the deck

Why not try something totally different..? Sail from Moscow to St Petersburg, then travel in a luxury train from St Petersburg back to Moscow. PackageS Include: • Return flights from Johannesburg to Russia via Dubai on Emirates • All taxes • 10 Night cruise on board the Ms Ivan Bunin on the main deck • 3 Meals a day • Selected daily excursions including: MOSCOW: City tour incl. Kremlin FREE RUSSIA BY RIVER BOOKLET and State Armoury Museum. Make sure you have received your Half day tours at: UGLICH, booklet and read through it YAROSLAVL, GORITSY and before and during your cruise. KIZHI ISLAND. The booklet will provide detailed ST PETERSBURG: City tour and descriptions of all the stops along the way. Hermitage Museum. • 1 Night post cruise on board a luxury train to Moscow OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS: • 1 Night Holiday Inn Lesnaya in The optional excursions must be pre-booked Moscow. while on board and paid for in cash. Prices are based on 2007 rates and are subject to increase. • Tipping (except on optional tours) Moscow Excursions • Transfers in Moscow and Moscow Circus €45 St Petersburg Moscow by night - underground stations €30 • Russia by River booklet Moscow boat ride €40 • Thompsons cruising bag Zagorsk Tretyakov Gallery Bolshoi Ballet

€45 €35 €140

St Petersburg Excursions Yusupov Palace Folklore Show Pushkin Tsarkoye Selo (Catherine’s Palace) Pavlovsk St Petersburg Ballet Peterhoff Parks & Fountains St Petersburg boat ride

€45 €50 €45 €38 €55 €35 €35

Peterhoff Parks and Fountains

Set Departures: 23 June - 06 July 2008 Ex Johannesburg R25 615 04 - 17 August 2008 Ex Johannesburg R25 615 15 - 28 September 2008 Ex Johannesburg R25 615

The Red Arrow train

NB: Please note there are Upper deck cabins available which are slightly larger in size at an additional surcharge. Suites are available on request but only subject to availability. Prices are from a starting price and per person sharing, subject to change due to airfare increases, currency fluctuations and availability. Valid for dates specified. Please note airport taxes, fuel levies & surcharges are approximate and are subject to change - the exact amount will be confirmed at time of booking. Thompsons Standard Terms & Conditions apply. E & OE. Prices correct at time of going to print.

Your approved Thompsons agent is:

JOHANNESBURG: Travel House, 6 Hood Ave, Rosebank, South Africa. P.O. Box 41032, Craighall, 2024, South Africa. Docex 270, Randburg. Tel: (27) (11) 770-7511; Fax: (27) (11) 325-2840. DURBAN: 20 The Boulevard, West End Office Park, Spine Road, Westville, South Africa. P.O. Box 51041, Musgrave Road, 4062, Durban, South Africa. Docex 238, Durban. Tel: (27) (31) 275-3500; Fax: (27) (31) 275-3990.

Just a phone call away from a remarkable holiday.

CAPE TOWN: 15th Floor, Main Tower, Standard Bank Centre, Hertzog Boulevard, Foreshore, South Africa. P.O. Box 382, Cape Town, 8000, South Africa. Docex 145, Cape Town. Tel: (27) (21) 408-9500; Fax: (27) (21) 408-9596.

www.thompsons.co.za Thompsons Holidays: A division of Cullinan Holdings LTD (Reg No 1902/001808/06)