GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE TOUR:

Financial arrangements:
The current cost of the trip is about 3100 USD/2300 EUR (based on the Ruble exchange rate as of June 30, 2006) per person, based on double occupancy in a group of 26 people. The additional fee for single accommodations is about 1000 USD/750 EUR. The price might change a little based on the actual exchange rate or number of participants, but our hope is that it will remain essentially the same. In any case you'll be informed right away of any possible financial changes or adjustments. The tour will operate with at least 20 participants. 

 Price includes:
•    Accommodation in Tourist-Class Hotels (three stars)* with breakfasts daily
•    Two meals daily (L= Lunch and D=dinner) on most of the days
•    Air-conditioned motorcoach for the transfers all along the tour, according to the program
•    Tours and presentations as per presented itinerary
•    Entrance tickets to the museums and donations for the entrance at the churches and monasteries as per itinerary
* The hotels that we offer for this tour are local equivalent of 3*** and in many places outside Moscow and St. Petersburg are the best available. However, the level of accommodations and services may be slightly different from the expectations of similarly rated hotels in Western Europe or North America.  

Price does NOT include:
•    Russian Entry Visa fee
•    Insurance*
•    Beverages during meals
•    Entrance fees other than specified
•    Porterage, gratuities and personal services (phone calls, room services, laundry, etc.)
•    Payment for extra (optional) tours
•    Anything not specifically mentioned in “Price includes”
*Health/Emergency insurance is mandatory for all participants

Sign up and Payment:
We would request $500.00 deposit at the time of signing up for the trip. Deposit is non-refundable. The deadline for signing up and for final payment is February 14, 2008.  All payments should be made by check, US dollar draft or US dollar wire transfer (Bank information will be provided on the request. Bank wire fees are responsibility of the traveler) to the "Palomnik, LLC". Any returned checks are subject to $20 fee.

Special requests:
All special requests, concerns and suggestions must be submitted in writing to Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky no later than the date of the final payment (February 14, 2008).

Cancellation:
In the unlikely event of cancellation, the charges, in addition to the full amount of the deposit are*:
•    No penalties, except air ticket (if issued) over 91 days to departure 
•    50% of the tour cost, 90 to 31 days prior to the departure
•    100% of the tour cost 30 days prior to the departure
    All the cancellations must be in writing and sent directly to agent/coordinator - Fr. llya Gotlinsky, and must be received for reimbursement by the dates shown in the cancellation schedule.

Passport and Visa:
A valid passport and Russian visa are necessary for travel to Russia. The passport must be issued at least three months prior to the departure and must be valid until your return.
The visa may be obtained through the Russian Embassy in the capital of your country or at your regional Russian Consulate General. You may apply for visa personally or via mail. You must have an invitation from the tourist agency to obtain a Russian visa. To receive the invitation you must provide us with your full name, date and place of birth, number of your passport and your permanent address. Upon receiving the invitation all the necessary forms for the visa (invitation, visa application, instructions on how to file for the Russian visa and the list of the Russian official offices where you can obtain visa) will be mailed to you directly. When you apply for the Russian visa, please make sure that the data (name and dates) on your visa is accurate. All possible discrepancies must be corrected while still at home, prior to the departure.

Rules on the road:
•        be aware that all medical needs and coverage regarding personal property will be sole responsibility of the traveler;
•        act in a manner consistent with the surrounding environment;
•        make arrangement to have sufficient funds to cover personal needs and unexpected happenings.

The places that we will be visiting may not have the same amenities that one is accustomed to. Medical facilities in most areas are limited. Because of the difference in language and customs, it is expected that the traveler will follow the directions of the Tour Director at all times.    

Our tour will operate based on a high pace itinerary.  Please be aware that we will have long days, fair amount of walking and standing, will have several hotel changes and o/n train ride. At time when we will try to make you trip as pleasant and relaxing as possible, it still will be quite physically demanding.

The Director reserves the right to restrict a person’s participation in the group’s activities, including exclusion from the group, when, in the opinion of the Director, such action is appropriate.

Please note:     The Director of the trip (Fr. Ilya Gotlinsky) does not hold any legal responsibilities concerning any of the arrangements. He plays only the role of an agent/coordinator.