RUSSIA MAKS Airshow; Mil & Antonov Repair Plant, Chernoe; Monino & other museums

Transcription

1 RUSSIA MAKS Airshow; Mil & Antonov Repair Plant, Chernoe; Monino & other museums PROVISIONAL ITINERARY & GENERAL INFORMATION NEW DATES Thursday, 20 th Monday, 24 th July Held every 2 years, the Moscow Aerospace Exhibition and Airshow or MAKS is one of the most popular aviation events of the calendar, attracting enthusiasts from all over the world. The main attraction though is the Russian (indeed, ex-soviet) aircraft on the ground and in the air. We spend a full day on Zhukovsky at the show and a second day outside the airfield on a specially chartered boat see Day 3 anchored on the River Moscow by the air traffic control tower. During the flying programme this is air display centre and the perfect place for superb action photographs. Local Muscovites line the riverbank having picnics and BBQs! No tour to Moscow would be complete without a visit to Monino, home to one of the largest and best aviation collections in the world: the Russian Air Force s Central Air Force Museum. Other aviation visits are to the weird and wonderful Mil and Antonov aircraft repair factory on Chernoe airfield; the Orlyonok Caspian Sea Monster ; and the aircraft, weapons and classic cars in the Vadim Zadorzhny Museum. Following the recent date change of MAKS, (it was originally taking place back-to-back with ARMY 2017 in August), we are now offering 2 short tours so as to give as many of you as possible the opportunity to attend either or both events. You will require 1 Single Entry Tourist visa if you only go on one of the tours or 1 Double Entry Business Visa if you book on both: details are on page 4. We fly on the scheduled services of Aeroflot from London s Heathrow Airport; transfers are by deluxe, airconditioned coach (please see appropriate paragraph on page 4 of General Information); stay 4 nights at the Holiday Inn-Tagansky on a Full Board basis (bed, breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal; and in addition to an Ian Allan Tour Manager we are also accompanied by a local English-speaking guide. This 5-day long weekend tour represents excellent value for money. And staying the whole time in Moscow it is perfect for the non-aviation person in your life to accompany you, doing as little or no aviation at all! PROVISIONAL ITINERARY (all times local and approximate) DAY 1: THURSDAY, 20 th JULY Between 08:00 and 08:40 please check-in with Aeroflot in Terminal 4 at London s Heathrow Airport. Then meet your Ian Allan Tour Manager and fellow enthusiasts who will be gathering in the immediate area. Aircraft operating on this flight is either an A320 or A Recommended latest check-in time is 2 hours prior to departure, i.e. 08:40. Tour MAKS - Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 1 of 7

2 Heathrow Airport, Terminal 4 Flight: SU 2581 Departs: 10:40 Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport Arrives: 16:20 After Passport Control we collect our luggage from Baggage Reclaim, proceed through Customs and in the Arrivals Hall meet our local guide; we then transfer to the Holiday Inn-Tagansky in central Moscow, located a 10-minutes drive from Red Square. Each room has tea and coffee making facilities, iron and ironing board and mini-bar which can be used as a refrigerator. Meals are taken at the hotel s Sanctuary Restaurant ; there is a Lobby Bar; and complimentary high-speed wi-fi throughout the hotel. Website: _-RUS-_-MOWSM#scmisc=nav_hoteldetail_hi DAY 2: FRIDAY, 21 st JULY At 07:30 we set off for a full day at the 2017 Moscow Airshow MAKS on Zhukovsky airfield. Our VIP tickets ensure we can drive onto the airfield and park our coach not far from the static display, instead of having to park miles away in Bykovo and use the shuttle coach service. Today is a Trade Day. DAY 3: SATURDAY, 22 nd JULY Departing the hotel at 08:30 we visit one of the largest and best collections of aircraft in the world: the Central Air Force Museum better known simply as Monino : pictured left is just a quarter of the outside exhibits (there are also aircraft indoors). The museum opens at 10:00 and we plan to stay 4 hours (packed lunch provided can be eaten on the coach or in the grounds). As well as military aircraft associated with the Cold War of the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, there are also early examples of Russian aeroplanes, warbirds from WWI and WWII, and various classic Soviet airliners. For a list of aircraft and a gallery of photographs please go to the following website: Next stop is the repair and refurbishment facility on nearby Chernoe airfield: an incredible site of dozens of scrapped, stored and renovated as new Mi-2 helicopters and classic Antonov An-2 biplanes! DAY 4: SUNDAY, 23 rd JULY At 08:30 we leave the hotel and drive to an embarkation point close to Zhukovsky on the River Moscow. Here we board our specially chartered boat (pictured right), and cruise along the river to Zhukovsky airfield. We drop anchor near to the ATC Tower which is air show centre during the flying programme. The boat is equipped with a café, bar, toilets, and a rooftop deck. Lunch is taken onboard (included in the tour price). With aircraft above and around you, and with the sun behind, superb action photographs can be taken! DAY 5: MONDAY, 24 th JULY Having checked out we depart the hotel at 09:00 we start the day at a large reservoir/lake which is home to a derivative of the famous Caspian Sea Monster, an Orlyonok! Then to the privately-owned Vadim Zadorozhny Museum with its amazing collection of 68 beautiful classic automobiles and 115 motorcycles (many from WWII). Plus over 80 aircraft, most of which are on public display and not hidden away! Pictured left is the Russian Hurricane discovered north of the Arctic Circle and painstakingly restored over many years to its current immaculate condition. Tour MAKS - Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 2 of 7

3 Also on show is a beautiful Messerschmitt Bf-109G-6 Gustav and an example of the famous Ilyushin Il-2 Sturmovik tank-buster. Website: Time then to return to Sheremetyevo Airport and check-in with Aeroflot for our Airbus A flight back to London; we arrive at the terminal before the latest recommended check-in time of 16:00. Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport Flight: SU 263 Departs: 17:55 Heathrow Airport, Terminal 4 Arrives: 20:05 Whilst waiting for our luggage in Baggage Reclaim we take the opportunity to bid each other farewell until the next time our paths cross. TOUR PRICE PER PERSON TOUR: From: 1, From: On request Package price based on sharing a twin bedded room on a Full Board basis: breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal as stated Single room supplement Land-only (NO flights) PLEASE SPEAK WITH ONE OF OUR CONSULTANTS BEFORE BOOKING TOUR PRICE INCLUDES Flights on the scheduled services of Aeroflot from London s Heathrow Airport, as stated UK and Russian airport taxes, and UK Passenger Service Charge All coach transfers as stated Chartering of the boat on Day 4 4 nights hotel accommodation in rooms with en-suite facilities Full Board: breakfast, packed lunch and evening meal 1 day admission to MAKS Admission to all stated aircraft museums and collections Services of a local-english speaking guide throughout Services of an Ian Allan Tour Manager throughout NOT INCLUDED Travel insurance Visa see page 4 Personal expenditure, e.g. telephone calls, laundry, drinks, etc. Tips and gratuities Tour MAKS - Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 3 of 7

4 GENERAL INFORMATION Payment for A deposit of per person should accompany your Booking Form, with the balance due 10 weeks prior to the tour s departure. Please see your Booking Confirmation/Invoice for the exact date. Please note that a reminder of the payment date will not be sent. Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) Consular Advice The FCO's consular service is a major operation. Every hour of every day consular staff around the world are advising and helping British nationals. For up-to-date passport, visa and security information, we suggest you visit In addition, the Association of British Travel Agents (ABTA) provides both a web site and an Information Line, telephone: This line is open between the hours 10:00 16:00, Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays). Coach Travel only use coaches chartered from reputable companies, with a driver. Where we have had to cancel a tour, due to the small number of bookings, we have looked at the possibility of renting a seater minibus, with our tour manager driving. However, without exception, the hiring of such a vehicle is illegal if any of the occupants make any payment towards the rental price, fuel and/or other expenses - known as for hire or reward. Any such rental, made without these facts being known to the rental company at the time of booking, also invalidates all insurance covering the vehicle, contents and persons. The DVLA has also confirmed that any for hire or reward rental could breach the normal driving classification of a standard UK driver s license. Therefore, we do not undertake any tours using 9-18 seater minibuses from a rental company; either with our tour manager, or a member of the group, driving. Passports and Visas Citizens of the UK are required to be in possession of a Full UK Passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended departure date from Russia. Everyone requires a visa to enter Russia and your passport must have 2 clean, facing pages. As you will see on our website, the 2017 Tour Programme now offers 2 separate tours: one to MAKs and one to ARMY; if you book on ONE of them you will require a Tourist Single Entry Visa. This currently costs (price increased January 2017 from 88.40). If you wish to do your application through, and with the assistance of ASLA, they charge an additional fee of 20.00: a total of We strongly recommend you do this as they will make sure your submission is 100% correct. If you also book to go on the ARMY tour, then the cheapest option is to get a Double Entry Business Visa. This currently costs plus a Consular Fee of : a total of ; and if you submit your application through, and with the assistance of ASLA, they charge an additional fee of 20.00: making a grand total of Whether you apply yourself or via ASLA you will need to make a personal visit to the Visa Office in either London, Manchester or Edinburgh so that they can take your biometric data (your fingerprints). Every time you apply for a Russian visa you have to provide your fingerprints. So, if you book on both MAKS AND ARMY tours the advantage of a Double Entry Business Visa, valid for 3 months, is that you do not have to travel to London/Manchester/Edinburgh twice saving you the inconvenience of additional travel expenses, time spent travelling, etc. All prices quoted are correct as of 26 th January 2017 and are subject to change at the discretion of the Russian authorities. Tour MAKS - Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 4 of 7

5 Full details on how to complete and submit the application (6 pages) will be sent to you on receipt of your booking. However, if you wish to see the details before you book please contact us and we will forward a copy. Baggage Regulations Aeroflot Departing from London s Heathrow Airport Checked Baggage: Aeroflot will transport 1 piece of checked baggage per person free of charge, the total dimensions of which must not exceed 62ins (158cms) including the handle, pockets and wheels. Maximum weight is 23kg (50lb). Cabin Baggage: you can take into the cabin one piece of hand baggage which should be no larger than 45ins (115cms) and weigh no more than 22lbs (10kgs). Restrictions remain in place for the carriage of liquids, gels, and creams in hand baggage for all passengers departing from and transferring through all EU airports. Some other airports around the world operate their own restrictions. Customers are advised to check before they travel. Limited quantities of liquids (individual containers must not exceed 100ml or 3.5 fl oz), are allowed as hand baggage but must be carried separately through security in a clear plastic, zip-top or re-sealable bag that does not exceed 20cm x 20cm (8 inches x 8 inches), or quart size. Items must fit in the bag comfortably and the bag must be completely closed. The bag can only contain liquids such as shampoo, suntan lotions, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and hair spray, perfumes, cosmetics such as mascara and lip gloss, water and other drinks, soups and syrups and other items of a similar consistency. Cigarette lighters are NOT permitted in hold baggage or through the security search. These may be purchased airside. Hand baggage can also include electronic equipment such as mobile phones, digital cameras and MP3 players (such as i-pods). Laptops must be removed from the bag for x-ray. All equipment which contain batteries must be fully charged, e.g., mobile phone and cameras. Any that are not fully charged will be taken by airport security staff and returned to you when you next pass through the airport. Should you be detained for questioning and miss your flight, Ian Allan Travel cannot be held responsible. Prescription medicines in liquid form, e.g. diabetic kit can also be included. At security all remaining items should be placed in the tray provided for screening, e.g. car keys and fobs, cash, solid food, books, newspapers, cigarettes and tobacco, belts and shoes. Pushchairs and walking aids are permitted but must be x-ray screened. All wheelchairs will be subject to search. Please note: you may be subject to a hand search by the security team and required to remove footwear to be x-ray screened. Baggage Weight Restrictions UK Airports Since 1 st June 2004, any single piece of checked baggage weighing more than 70lbs (32kgs) has not been accepted at check-in by any airline operating from London s and many U.K. regional airports. Meals On this tour breakfast, a packed lunch and evening meals are included, as stated. Health Requirements There are no known mandatory or recommended precautions for visiting Russia; however, we recommend you consult your local doctor or health centre for the latest information. Climate The month of July should be warm and sunny with temperatures around 23 C (73 F), but during heat waves, which can occur anytime from May to September, daytime temperature highs often top 30 C (86 F), sometimes for one or two weeks. Local Currency The currency is the Russian Ruble. Tour MAKS - Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 5 of 7

6 For several years it has been illegal to charge for goods or services in any currency other than Rubles, and no longer will taxi drivers or café/bar staff take other currencies like US Dollars, Euros or Sterling. Recent legislation has dramatically cut the number of places you can exchange money, although there are still many more bureaux de change in Moscow than in most European cities, some open 24-hours. It is easier to change US Dollars and Euros; other currencies are normally only changeable at larger banks or central exchange offices. Commission is normally negligible. Buying rubles abroad is usually extremely difficult, and exchange rates, at least for Dollars and Euros, are much more competitive in Moscow. If you want to carry cash, then bring it in one of those currencies. An easy way to access funds is through ATM machines once you get to Moscow; there are many throughout the city and are also to be found in most hotels, in metro stations and outside banks. The flat-rate charges are small, and exchange rates are normally reasonable (although there's little way of checking beforehand). Credit and bank cards are now widely accepted in large shops, most restaurants (including fast-food outlets), and larger bars and nightclubs. It is always worth checking before you order, however, as some businesses don't consider it a major problem if their card terminals are out-of-order for a few days. Visa and MasterCard are accepted almost everywhere, while American Express and Diner's Club can rarely be used. You should also be aware that, due to high instances of card fraud emanating from Russia, some Western banks need to be notified of your travel plans, otherwise they may block your card automatically after the first time you use it in Russia, whether to make a payment or withdraw cash. Traveller's cheques are the safest option, and can now be exchanged in any branch of Sberbank, Russia's national savings bank, and several other large banks. However, our itinerary does not include any time for visiting banks as this would reduce the time spent on the aviation visits. Travel Insurance For citizens of the United Kingdom, are able to offer competitive and comprehensive insurance cover. However, if you do not wish to take out our insurance, you must ensure that comparable or greater cover is taken. The number of your Insurance Policy should be written, if known, on your Booking Form at the time of making the reservation, but no later than the date when final payment is due. A copy of the policy must be forwarded to. Individual insurance policies are arranged through CoverMore Insurance Services Limited; the premiums for which will vary according to your circumstances. Full details are available on request. These policies also include cover for non-scheduled flights, i.e. pleasure flights, where the aircraft is licensed and insured to undertake such flights, and where a payment is made. NOTE: You will be required to provide proof of travel insurance with your visa application. Wheelchair Assistance at Airports. Anyone requiring wheelchair assistance at airports must have this service requested and confirmed in advance. Airlines and/or airports can no longer provide this service without prior confirmation, therefore, please annotate your booking form accordingly. Flexible Itinerary We are very happy for enthusiasts to take time away from the printed itinerary to pursue their own interests so long as they inform the Tour Manager. It will be the individual s responsibility to ensure that they re-join the group in the hotel at the stated time on the day of departure. Land Only Price For enthusiasts who would prefer to join the tour in Moscow (instead of flying from London s Heathrow Airport with the main group), we will be very pleased to provide a Land Only price: NO FLIGHTS will be included. You are strongly advised to contact us before making your own flight arrangements in the event that there has been a change to the published itinerary. Tour MAKS - Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 6 of 7

7 Please note that the Land only price is based on you meeting up with the group at the hotel in Moscow and does not include the airport transfer on Day 1. However, should your arrival/departure at Moscow s Sheremetyevo Airport coincide with that of the group, a seat will be offered if available at a supplement of The airport transfer on Day 5 is included. Payment for all transfers will be taken with your final payment. For those who request coach transfers after final payment has been taken, payment will be collected by our Tour Manager on arrival in Moscow, either in Sterling ( 20.00) or Euros ( 25.00) in cash only. Flight Timings & Connecting Travel Arrangements to Departure Airport All flight departure and arrival times are correct at the time of preparing each itinerary; however, airlines may change these times with little or no prior warning. In practice such changes are only a few minutes either way and the final itinerary will show the actual times. Clients making their own arrangements to get to the departure airport by air, rail, coach etc., should bare the above in mind if purchasing nonrefundable or non-changeable tickets. cannot be held responsible for any changes to flight times and any privately arranged travel tickets to the airport becoming invalid. Pre-departure For connecting flights from UK regional airports - please call on for the latest special offers available. Airport Hotel and/or Car Parking: we can offer special rates for the above at most UK airports, please ask for details. Purple Meet & Greet Car Parking: from your home or overnight hotel, simply drive directly to Terminal 4, to the Drop Off/Pick Up parking lane in the adjacent Short Stay Car Park; here you will be met by a Purple Meet & Greet representative and your car will be taken to an off-airport, secure, car park while you walk the few yards into the terminal! On your return your car will be waiting for you at the Purple Reception. Simple and very convenient. Recommended by our Tour Managers please call for details: it may be cheaper than you think. Pleasure Flights Disclaimer Should you decide to undertake any pleasure/sightseeing flights which have not been offered or sanctioned by us, will not be held liable for any injuries or death resulting thereon. Tours Affected by World Events or Unforeseen/Unplanned Circumstances In an ever-changing world, events may occur immediately before or during a tour that result in cancellations or changes to the tour itinerary. For example, an increase in security may result in an approved visit being cancelled by the host, etc.. cannot be held responsible for any tour being cancelled, or itineraries affected, due to world events or circumstances beyond our control. * * * Tour MAKS - Provisional Itinerary Issue 3 Page 7 of 7