Founder’s Trip Moscow &

St. Petersburg 2021

Featuring Extraordinary Experiences: Private Tour of the Kremlin’s Grand Faceted Palace and Terem Private Neva Canal Cruise After Hours Tour of the Hermitage VIP Entrance to the Catherine Palace Amber Room Workshops at Catherine Palace Itinerary at a glance:

Day 1 September 24 Arrival into Moscow Day 2 September 25 Moscow Day 3 September 26 Moscow Day 4 September 27 Moscow To St. Petersburg Day 5 September 28 St. Petersburg Day 6 September 29 St. Petersburg Day 7 September 30 St. Petersburg Day 8 October 1 Depart St. Petersburg

Please note that this trip is more physically demanding than many tours. There is a considerable amount of walking and standing involved throughout the program. You must be able to climb and descend stairs easily without assistance and walk over uneven and cobblestoned areas. Often, we will visit multiple museums a day, with one to two hours or more in each museum where we will be standing and walking through the collections. Unfortunately, if you use a wheelchair, we will not be able to accommodate you on this tour due to the limited access of ramps and elevators in museums, hotels, and other sights. If you use a cane or other assistance for walking, or are not able to walk long distances, our Founder's Tours may not be the best fit for you. We kindly ask that you consider your physical abilities with regards to the itinerary for this program, as the itinerary cannot be amended to accommodate any physical limitations.

Why Exeter International? Our Experience At Exeter International we have been creating memories and crafting custom-designed journeys for 27 years. We are a team of specialists committed to providing the best travel experiences in our destinations. Each of our experts has either travelled extensively on reconnaissance trips, or has lived in their area of expertise, giving us unparalleled first-hand knowledge. Because we focus on specific parts of the globe, we return to the same destinations many times, honing our experience over the years. Knowledgeable Up-to-the-Minute Local Information We are best placed to give you advice about traveling to Europe and beyond; from logistics and new protocols in museums, hotels and restaurants in each country. We are here to expertly guide you through the new normal in travel. Original Custom Programs, Meticulously Planned Our experts speak your language both literally and culturally. Our advice and recommendations are impartial, honest, and always have the individual in mind. We save valuable time in pre-trip research and focus on developing experiences that enrich and enhance your experience. Once on your journey you will have complete peace of mind with our local 24-hour contact person who is on hand to coordinate any changes in your program or help you in the case of any emergency. Hand-Selected Guides We know that guides are one of the most important components of any travel experience. That is why we only use local experts who have a history of working with our guests and whom we know personally. We are extremely particular in selecting our guides and are confident that they will be one of the most memorable aspects of any of our trips. Flexible Deposit We prepay deposits for services so we can access the top guides, the best drivers and maintain preferred partnerships with our partner hotels. Our deposit to confirm services is 25% of the total trip cost. We want you to feel confident to book but also know that we are sensitive to current circumstances. Therefore, 15% of this deposit is refundable up to 31 days prior to departure if you are unable to travel for any reason. 10% of the deposit will be retained as a future travel credit for up to 3 years. Future travel will be priced at prevailing rates. If it is determined that you are unable to travel within 31 days of the start of services, all deposits paid will be converted to a future travel credit, less nonrefundable funds committed on your behalf and tickets such as train or theater tickets. This credit may also be applied to our sister travel companies: Almaz Journeys and Exeter Safari Company. Financial Stability We are proud to be recognized by Allianz Insurance on their list of covered travel suppliers to give you additional peace of mind.

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Friday, September 24 | Arrival in Moscow Arrival into Moscow. This flight is not included in program cost. You will be met by your Exeter International driver who will be waiting for you just outside of Customs after you pick up your luggage. Please look for a sign with your name or Exeter International on it. You will be transferred to your hotel, the Metropol Hotel, the premier historic hotel in the city and the setting for Amor Towles bestselling novel “A Gentleman in Moscow”. Your final documents will include an author signed copy of the novel, the perfect read leading up to your stay. After some time to rest, our guide will meet us near the concierge desk in the lobby, for an overview walking tour of the neighborhood, including Red Square! Be sure not to miss the newly rebuilt church and Imperial Gates at the south end of Red Square- they were both destroyed under Stalin and only recently have been rebuilt in their original splendor. Our guide will also show you the stunning St. Basil’s Cathedral. This magnificent church-museum was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible and was completed in 1561.

Note: All services today are on foot. Please wear comfortable footwear. Tonight, we welcome you to Moscow with a dinner at one of Moscow’s leading restaurants. Exeter Services Arrival Transfer; Guide (4 Hours) Hotel Metropol Hotel Meals Welcome Dinner

DAY 1

Saturday, September 25 | Moscow

This morning we will meet our guide in the hotel lobby to depart for today’s touring.

Today our guide will take us on the short walk to Red Square before our visit to the Kremlin and its expansive grounds. Here we will see the largest bell in the world – as well as the largest canon. Neither was ever used due to their enormous size! We will also stop into one of the most historic churches in Russia, the Assumption Cathedral, where all Russian tsars were crowned.

Next, our guide will take us into the famed Armory Museum, including its vast collection of Imperial Russian artwork. Also in the Armory are many of the most important Imperial thrones and crowns, including the most historic, Cap of Monomachus. This is also where the famed Imperial Faberge Easter Eggs are kept. We have made special arrangements to see the Diamond Vaults inside the Kremlin. We will see Catherine the Great’s scepter with its famous Orlov Diamond and one of the largest collections of diamonds and gemstones in the world! We will lunch at a local restaurant.

Later we will have the opportunity to experience the fascinating interiors of the Moscow Metro stations, ornately decorated with beautiful paintings, carvings, and chandeliers! The Moscow Metro was created as complex of monumental structures featuring designs of the very best Soviet architects. This evening is at leisure. We highly recommend that you try one of the wonderful restaurants near the hotel. Our favorites right now are the Dr. Zhivago Grand Café in the Hotel National (reservation needed!) and Strana Kotoroi Net, which is located in the same building as the Four Seasons. Exeter Services Guide (6-8 Hours)

Hotel Metropol Hotel

Meals Breakfast; Lunch

DAY 2

Sunday, September 26 | Moscow

This morning we meet our guide in the hotel lobby to depart for today’s touring. This morning we will visit the vast Tretyakov Gallery. Located in one of Moscow’s most interesting neighborhoods, the Tretyakov Gallery occupies the former home of Pavel Tretyakov. Your guide will take you through the museum, which houses only Russian artists - from Andrei Rublev’s icons to famous 20th Century Russian painters. Here you can see a timeline progression of Russian icons starting from the 16th century through to the 20th century. Each century of icons is arranged in separate halls to convey a clear insight into the development of Russian Icon painting. This afternoon we return to the Kremlin as VIP guests! Exeter International Extraordinary Experience: Grand Kremlin Palace Later today we will be among the few ever allowed into the Grand Kremlin Palace to see the Grand Kremlin Palace proper, the Faceted Chamber, and the Terem. The ancient Terem was home to the very earliest tsars and was the official residence of the Romanovs. The Faceted Chamber, the oldest building in the complex, was constructed in the fifteenth century by the order of Ivan the Terrible. Today, these palaces have been completely renovated at the cost of over $300 million dollars in the 1990’s and are now used by the Russian President for entertaining and hosting State visits and meetings. Some of the rooms, including the Romanov’s Throne Hall and St. Alexander’s Room are unique in the world. Exeter Services Guide (8 Hours); Vehicle & Driver (4 Hours) Hotel Metropol Hotel Meals Breakfast; Lunch

DAY 3

Monday, September 27 Moscow - St. Petersburg This morning, we will transfer to the train station to catch the luxurious Sapsan high speed train, departing for St. Petersburg. A light meal is served onboard the Sapsan. First class train tickets are included and will be arranged 45 days prior. Your 4-hour journey will take you through the picturesque Russian countryside. Upon arrival into St. Petersburg we will transfer to the Hotel Astoria. You will have some time at leisure to rest, shop, or explore on your own. Meet at the lobby at 4PM, where we will make our way to the pier. Exeter International Extraordinary Experience: Private Neva Cruise This evening, weather permitting, we will have a private boat tour of the canals of St. Petersburg. This is one of the most enchanting ways to explore the city, as we take in the sights while gliding along the canals and rivers of the city, past the Winter Palace, the Mariinsky Theater, the Summer Gardens, and many other important sights. Champagne and soft drinks will be served on the boat. We will disembark near St. Petersburg’s first Fabergé Museum. The palace houses the celebrated Fabergé collection of the Link of Times Foundation owned by Russian Entrepreneur Viktor Vekselberg, which, with it’s over 1500 choice pieces, now easily outranks the comparatively small collection of the Kremlin Armoury Museum. Mr. Vekselberg has assembled the most formidable collection in the world of works by this great Russian master craftsman. Finally, we will have a visit to the ornate Church on Spilled Blood on Canal Griboyedova. The Church on Spilled Blood is so named because it stands on the spot where the Emperor Alexander II was assassinated on March 1, 1881. Its unique design was actually inspired by St. Basil’s Cathedral in Moscow. This is the only church in the world covered completely inside and out by mosaics of tiles and precious and semi-precious stones. This is one of the most extraordinary buildings in St. Petersburg and is well worth the visit. During the Bolshevik Revolution the church fell into a state of decline, and only recently has it been fully restored to its former glory.

DAY 4

Tonight, we welcome you to St. Petersburg with a dinner at one of St. Petersburg’s leading restaurants.

Exeter Services Departure Transfer (Moscow); Arrival Transfer (St. Petersburg); Vehicle, Driver & Guide (4 Hours)

Hotel Rocco Forte Hotel Astoria

Meals Breakfast; Light Meal (aboard the train); Dinner

Tuesday, September 28 |St. Petersburg This morning we will have a brief overview city tour. First, we will stop into the famous Yusupov Palace on the banks for the Moika Canal. We will have a private tour of the palace including its famous theater and Arabian Room. Our guide will recount the story of Rasputin’s murder. We will see the Peter Paul Fortress: the birthplace of St. Petersburg. As Peter’s original outpost against the Swedes, St. Petersburg was born from this fortress and its historical significance is felt to this day by the presence of every Romanov tomb from Peter the Great. Later today our guide will take us into the stately St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Its malachite and lapis lazuli columns are not to be missed! St. Isaac’s was built between 1818 and 1858, by the French-born architect Auguste Montferrand, to be one of the most impressive landmarks of the Russian Imperial capital. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure. We will meet in the lobby this evening and walk to the Hermitage. Exeter International Extraordinary Experience: After Hours at the Hermitage This evening the museum will be opened specially for us after the general public has left. Our visit to the Hermitage Museum will take us to another world; a time when Catherine the Great commissioned whole buildings to house her ever growing collection of the world’s finest art. This museum holds the largest collection of art in the world. Our guide will escort us through the highlights of the collection, from Rubens to da Vinci and beyond! After the tour, we will walk back to the hotel. Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide (4-5 Hours); Evening Guide (3 Hours)

Hotel Rocco Forte Hotel Astoria

Meals Breakfast

DAY 5

Wednesday, September 29 |St. Petersburg This morning, we will visit the famous Matilde Kshesinskaya’s mansion – the very first prima ballerina assoluta who was famously the lover of Nicholas II. The mansion became the Political History Museum after the Russian Revolution. Lenin gave one of his earliest and most famous speeches from the balcony of the second floor during the early days of revolution and thus, the political tie for this mansion was bound. The mansion actually became the Bolshevik headquarters for several years before turning into the Museum of the Revolution (and later the Political History Museum). We will find a large collection of personal items from leading 20th century leaders, including Nicholas II, Lenin and Gorbachev, as well as banners, flags and posters from the Communist era. The museum displays the political history of Russia from as far back as Catherine the Great to today's Russia, with an unsurpassed collection of Soviet-era exhibits. Afterwards, we will head back to Palace Square for a visit to the General Staff Building, the Eastern Wing of which is now a part of the Hermitage. Designed by Carlo Rossi, one of the central architects that conceived St Petersburg, the General staff building was the headquarters of the army in Imperial times. At just under 2,000 feet it is the longest building in Europe. This is now the home of the Hermitage’s contemporary art collection, including its collection of French Impressionists. The rest of your day is at leisure. We suggest taking in an evening theatre performance; please let us know if you would like help booking tickets (cost is not included and quoted separately). Theatre schedules will be sent to participants, once available. Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide (5-6 Hours) Hotel Rocco Forte Hotel Astoria Meals Breakfast

DAY 6

Thursday, September 30 |St. Petersburg

This morning, we meet our guide in the hotel lobby to head out into the Russian countryside to see one of the city’s most elegant and beautiful palaces- Catherine Palace (formerly Pushkin). Exeter International Extraordinary Experience: VIP Entrance to Catherine Palace VIP Entrance to the Catherine Palace has been arranged for us. We will enter through the main Golden Gates of the palace with our guide avoiding all the lines. We will then be met by a palace representative. Our guide will walk us to the main entrance from the gates and take us into the private reception area where we will be able to use the facilities and leave our coats. Our tour of the palace will then begin. Catherine Palace was originally designed in the 1750s in the Rococo style by the famous architect Rastrelli (who also designed many of St. Petersburg’s grandest buildings like the Winter Palace, parts of Peterhof, the Stroganoff Palace, and the Smolny Cathedral) for the Tsarina (Princess) Elizabeth, who named it after her mother Catherine I – Peter the Great’s second wife. Later, Catherine II (the Great) commissioned the Scottish architect Charles Cameron to re-design the palace’s interiors in the then-fashionable Neo-Classical style. After Catherine the Great’s death, the palace remained largely unchanged for centuries until the Second World War when the Nazi army, retreating after the unsuccessful siege of Leningrad, destroyed the palace almost completely. After the war, the magnificent palace and its interiors were thoroughly and painstakingly rebuilt. You will also visit the Palace Chapel. Designed by Bartolomeo Francesco Rastrelli Chapel was consecrated in 1746. It was looted during World War II and its frescoes and icons were almost completely lost. Restoration has been ongoing since 2015 and the chapel is now open to a limited number of visitors daily. Exeter International Extraordinary Experience: Amber Room Workshop While visiting Catherine Palace, we will be invited into the Amber Room workshops where craftsmen rebuilt the famous amber panels lost in World War II. After visiting Catherine Palace, we will have a farewell lunch in the village of Pavlovsk, then return to the city around 3:30PM.

DAY 7

The rest of the evening is at leisure to explore, take in a performance, or pack before tomorrow’s departure. When theatre schedules are announced we will send each participant a list of available performance. We are happy assist in purchasing tickets (cost not included and quoted separately). Exeter Services Vehicle, Driver & Guide (6-7 Hours)

Hotel Rocco Forte Hotel Astoria Meals Breakfast; Farewell Lunch

Friday, October 1 | Depart St. Petersburg Your driver and English-speaking assistant will meet you in the hotel lobby at transfer you privately for your onward flight. This flight is not included in program cost. Exeter Services Departure Transfer Meals Included Breakfast

DAY 8

Cost: $7,900 per person, based on double occupancy $1600 single supplement Accommodations Moscow Three (3) nights at the Metropol Hotel; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.

At this fabulous hotel, guests can truly step into the past. Located in the very heart of Moscow, the Metropol Hotel has been service guests since the reign of Nicholas II. The original Art Nouveau architecture has been preserved and restored, to offer guests an authentic Russian experience. The Metropol has several categories of rooms and suites, each providing guests with a unique blend of luxury, comfort, and history. Original paintings by renowned Russian artists line the walls of rooms, decorated beautifully with vintage furniture and antique items from the hotel’s own collection. Guests can enjoy views of the most famous places in Moscow, including the Bolshoi Theatre, Theatre Square, Revolution Square, and Teatral’naya. With a perfect location and a unique history, the Metropol Hotel truly offers guests an amazing experience. The hotel is in the process of renovating the hotel to align the interior decoration with its Art Nouveau history. Updated rooms offer modern luxury and a plush feel, while un-renovated rooms offer the best views. Rooms include a Smart Home System, iPad Air, air conditioning, Nespresso coffee machine, tea kettle, and Asprey London bathroom amenities. Executive Rooms (Renovated) These stylish rooms feature an Art Deco styled interior with soothing neutral shades. Guests can enjoy views of the heart of Moscow or the Metropol’s central courtyard. The rooms measure 323 square feet and can include a king size bed or two separate beds. St. Petersburg Four (4) nights at the Rocco Forte Hotel Astoria; Tax and Buffet Breakfast included daily.

Commissioned in 1910 the hotel was conceived as a celebration of the tercentenary of the Romanov dynasty and opened in December 1912. Built by one of St Petersburg’s most famous architects, Fyodor Lidval, who had his own style that some have termed ‘Northern Modern’ and is almost Art Nouveau.

What Is Included

The décor is light and airy and gives a sense of place that is more Chekhov’s Russia than opulent Oligarch, with oak parquet floors and pristine Russian Volga linen curtains and bedspreads. Splashes of color are added with sumptuous velvet cushions and we love quirky touches like the photo of Sean Connery and Daniela Bianchi in From Russia with Love in each of the bathrooms of the junior suites. Local touches throughout the hotel like the beautiful Imperial porcelain in clean white or intense cobalt blue give the hotel a classic but contemporary feel. The Litchfield Bar is a perfect place to enjoy a frozen vodka or two, and the Rotunda lounge, with its large windows overlooking St Isaac’s Square is a relaxing place to watch the world go by and enjoy afternoon tea from a traditional Russian Samovar. Café Astoria serves a very nice mix of international and Russian favorites. The hotel is wonderfully located in the heart of the city in St Isaacs Square and is in walking distance from the Hermitage and the banks of the Neva River, and many excellent restaurants. Junior Suite Cathedral View: These beautiful oversize rooms feature approximately 470 square feet of space and offer a choice of one king or two twin beds. Décor is contemporary in a traditional setting and suites feature a small sitting area and bedroom all in one space. Bathrooms feature a separate tub and shower. This Junior Suite feature views of St. Isaacs Square and Cathedral.

Meals Meals are included as noted above. Your final documents also will include our top recommendations. In general, included lunches include two courses with coffee, tea, and mineral water. Included dinners include three courses with coffee, tea, mineral water and two glasses of house wine or beer. Services Private vehicle, driver and guide at your service as described. A full day is generally eight hours in duration. A half-day is generally three hours in duration. The timing for each day is noted in your program. Exeter International’s local offices are available for your assistance 24 hours per day while you are traveling. Our local staff may also assist you with restaurant reservations and purchasing of additional theater and museum tickets at your request. Transfers All transfers to and from airports are included in the program. Guides Hand chosen for their knowledge on local history, art & architecture. Guides are at your disposal as noted in your itinerary. Tickets All entrance tickets, as described in the program, when you are accompanied by your Exeter guide. Business class train tickets from Moscow to St Petersburg are included. Sightseeing Every effort has been made to confirm that scheduled sightseeing venues will be open at the time we plan to visit them. However, individual estates, museums, gardens and other points of interest can change their hours of operation at short notice. In the event that a particular attraction is closed at the time of your visit, our guide will offer alternative arrangements or rearrange your sightseeing to accommodate these unexpected events.

International Flights Own arrangements. Russian Visa Exeter International will provide assistance and documentation to help obtain your Russian Visa. Optional Expenses Charges for extra drinks, meals, transport, sightseeing services, or other optional additions to your established itinerary are your responsibility and must be paid for locally in the local currency. Gratuities Our guides and drivers are our finest resources. They cannot wait to show you the cities they love and will truly enrich your travel experience. Gratuities are at your own discretion. We recommend $20–$30 per day for your guide. Suggested tipping for drivers is $10–$15 per day and $5–$10 for your airport transfer, based on service. Dollars, Euros and any local currency are all accepted.

All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary.

Exeter International www.Exeterinternational.com

111 South Dakota Avenue │ Tampa, Florida 33606 Phone: (813) 251-5355 │ (800) 633-1008 │ Fax: (813) 251-6685

Jody Ricottone jody@exeterinternational.com

What is not Included

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