LIMITED TO 40 DELEGATES & PARTNERS Golden Bear Tour The Baltics and Trans-Siberian Railway FULL TOUR 14 August to 8 September 013 Baltic Tour: Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania (10 nights) Moscow, Trans-Siberian Railway and Vladivostok (14 nights) TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY & VLADIVOSTOK ONLY 6 August 8 September 013 Moscow, Trans-Siberian Railway and Vladivostok (14 nights) GOLDEN BEAR TOUR Tour Leaders: Mike & Yvonne Lazarow
The Baltics and Trans-Siberian Railway Over the history of our Pharmacy Small Group Tours we have always sourced destinations that would be challenging for the individual to attempt on their own. For this reason we provide a peace of mind and a hassle-free experience when travelling with us, which has made our tours extremely popular in the past with all travellers alike. At the same time, with the locations that we travel to, we have enabled many to tick off a number of their personal bucket list destinations. Our Golden Bear Tour is no different and will undoubtedly allow you to tick off a few more of these boxes. Combining an overland Baltic journey followed by a Trans-Siberian Rail tour, this is sure to be a dream experience for many of our regular travellers as well as newcomers to Pharmacy Small Group Tours. We hope that you can join us on this once in a lifetime experience. For those who may be time-poor, we are also happy to offer the Trans-Siberian rail experience on its own as an option. See the back page of this flyer for more information. Small Group Tours Sharing your encounters with a small group allows us to bring another dimension to your overall travel experience. There is nothing like arriving back at your hotel after a day of touring and re-live it with others over your evening meal and a glass of wine. With Pharmacy Small Group Tours we have uncovered the perfect balance between intimacy and freedom with a maximum group size of 40 people per tour. Keeping our group small means that you will benefit from a deeper connection with the people in each destination and will allow you to immerse yourself into the culture without standing out from the crowd. With Pharmacy Small Group Tours our journeys allow you to go at your own pace, with a focus on intimate experiences rather than travelling en masse. THE GOLDEN EAGLE The Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express is a fully en-suite private train that brings unprecedented luxury to the world s greatest railway journey. There are three categories of sleeping cars which feature state-of-the-art amenities and all offer en-suite facilities. All accommodation has been cleverly designed to maximise the available space as cabins convert from a sitting area by day to a sleeping area by night. Imperial Suites are 11. sq m and have a luxurious fixed King Size bed and dedicated lounge area. Other amenities include underfloor heating, large picture windows, dedicated butler service and laundry service. Gold Class cabins are 7 sq m and have a double lower bed. Includes power showers and underfloor heating as well as a DVD/ CD player and LCD screen, wardrobe and large picture window. Complimentary drinks from the Standard Bar list are available from the Bar Car. Silver Class cabins are more compact at 5.5 sq m but have similar facilities to Gold Class. These cabins boast their own en-suite wet room with a wash basin, toilet and shower in one space. HOTELS & RESTAURANTS Only 4-5 star hotels have been selected throughout our tour Hotel Kämp Helsinki ( nights) Swisshotel Tallinn ( nights) Radisson BLU Ridzene Riga ( nights) Radisson BLU Klaipeda ( nights) Radisson BLU Astorija Vilnius ( nights) Hotel Marriott Royal Aurora Moscow (1 night) Hyatt Regency Vladivostok (1 night) A feature of all Pharmacy Small Group Tours is the exposure to fine dining and traditional cuisine experiences. All restaurants have been carefully selected and will be a feature of the Baltic part of our tour. Dining onboard the Golden Eagle will be a true treat. Chefs produce carefully prepared meals using wherever possible local ingredients. Whether it be the world-renowned borscht or Omul a fish unique to Lake Baikal they offer a culinary experience representing the very essence of Russia. Drinks are complimentary on the train.
Moscow 1 Kazan Yekaterinburg Novosibirsk RUSSIA Air Rail No. of nights stay FINLAND Tallinn ESTONIA Helsinki 1 Golden Eagle Sigulda Lake Baikal Irkutsk Riga LATVIA Klaipeda LITHUANIA Vilnius Curonian Spit Kaunas To Moscow Ulan Ude Ulaanbaatar MONGOLIA CHINA Vladivostok 1 Itinerary This program may be subject to minor changes and alterations. Dress Code: The dress code throughout the tour is casual and smart casual for dinners on the train. SUMMARY Baltic Tour: Finland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania (10 nights) We fly into Helsinki (Finland) then catch a ferry to Tallinn (Estonia). Travelling by luxury coach we move on to the Latvian countryside and visit and tour the capital, Riga. Travelling on to Lithuania we stay in Klaipeda then on to Vilnius. We will be travelling in the Baltics for 10 nights and will be visiting most of the pre-eminent sites before flying on to Moscow. Moscow and Trans-Siberian Railway After a one night stop-over in Moscow and a half day City tour we board the world famous Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express for our 15 day Eastbound journey. Undoubtedly the world s greatest rail journey, the Trans-Siberian Railway runs like a steel ribbon connecting east and west from Moscow over the Urals, across the magnificent Russian steppes and alongside the shore of the world s largest freshwater lake. This extraordinary engineering achievement is a vital asset and by far the best way to experience the grandeur of Russia s rarely visited interior. The Ultimate Train Journey Russia is the largest country in the world and boasts 11 of the world s 4 time zones. As the sun rises in the West of Russia, it is setting in the East. We will travel a distance of 10,460 km, one third of the way around the world! ITINERARY Day 1. Helsinki, Thursday 15 August On arrival, be transferred to your hotel before a Welcome Reception and Orientation Briefing that evening. Choose your activity today, perhaps enjoy a Finish Sauna experience or just relax and acclimatise. (D) Day. Helsinki Friday 16 August Today enjoy a half day tour (plus lunch) of Finland s capital. Situated on a picturesque archipelago, this coastal city offers an enchanting combination of natural, cultural and historical attractions, including the Rock Cathedral. Tonight, enjoy a meal of Finnish specialities at Aino - a restaurant close to historic Esplanade Park. Day 3. Tallinn, Saturday 17 August This morning, ride a ferry across the Baltic Sea from Helsinki to Talinn in Estonia. Transfer to our hotel. Lunch will be in a local restaurant with the afternoon at leisure. Day 4. Tallinn, Sunday 18 August City tour of Tallinn, a picturesque old city, where whole districts date back to the Middle Ages. Visit the Old Town with its quaint narrow streets and beautiful merchants houses exemplifying the best of Gothic architecture. The tour includes the 13th century Dome church, the 19th century Russian orthodox Cathedral of Alexander Nevskij, the 15th century town Hall square. After the city tour enjoy Rocca al Mare museum. The Estonian Open Air Museum (founded in 1957) is situated 8 km from the centre of Tallinn on a wooded coastal headland in a beautiful place called Rocca al Mare. Lunch and afternoon at leisure to tour Toompea Castle and Parliament on your own. Day 5. Talinn, Sigulda, Riga Monday 19 August Departing Talinn and travel by coach down into the valley and enjoy the landscape as you walk to the sandstone grottoes on the ancient riverbank.travel through Gauja National Park and stop in Sigulda. Sigulda is located about 50 km from Riga in the Gauja River valley. Visit ruins of Sigulda Medieval castle then continue to Sigulda New castle. Then, continue to Riga, the capital city of Latvia. Day 6. Riga Tuesday 0 August Our half day Riga City Tour begins with driving along the central boulevards of Riga, enjoying the view of the City Canal parks, the Bastion Hill, the Powder Tower, the Latvian National Theatre, the Fine Arts Museum, the Art Nouveau buildings of the beginning of the century, the Freedom Monument erected in 1935 to celebrate Latvia s independence, University of Latvia, the Opera House and Daugava River with its bridges. In Old Riga you will see the Dome Cathedral which boasts one of the world s largest pipe organs. Continue to the Art Nouveau area, once home to many of Latvia s most famous artists, writers, and scholars. Riga boasts the greatest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings in Europe, which are among the finest and best-preserved in the world. Exclusive Organ Concert in Dome Cathedral The Dome Cathedral is the largest cathedral in the Baltic s. In the past centuries the Dome Cathedral has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, so presently it is a composite of different architectural styles. Balance of afternoon and evening in Riga. 3
One of the highlights of the cathedral is the famous organ that was made in 1884 by a German company. The organ has 6718 pipes and is with wooden carvings from 17-18th centuries. This well-known historical monument became a symbol of the Old Town of Riga. Amber is one of Latvia s unique natural treasures. Amber is a beautiful stone that is cut and polished and used as a valuable gemstone. It is also a fossil and can contain many preserved insects and other animals and plants that are tens of millions of years old. Enjoy watching how amber was developed in old times, try buy your own and have a souvenir with you. Riga Black Balsam Tasting at Pharmacy Museum Riga Black Balsam, a most valued drink and the best gift of friendship, was first made in Riga in the middle of the 18th century. The unique recipe was created by pharmacist Abraham Kunz, the 18th century pharmacist. The balsam itself consists of more than 4 different medical herbs, and originally it was supposed to heal almost all diseases. The legend has it that Empress Catherine the Great of Russia, having fallen ill during a visit to Latvia, was cured after trying Riga Black Balsam. Day 7. Riga, Siauliai, Klaipeda Wednesday 1 August Breakfast at the hotel. Depart Riga and travel towards Klaipeda (Lithuania), on the way visit Rundale. Rundale Palace, the most magnificent masterpiece of baroque architecture in the Baltic States. It was built as a summer residence of the Duke of Courland in the first part of the 18th century. The palace interiors are decorated with authentic 18th century furniture, paintings and china. The most impressive are the Golden Hall, the White Hall, and the bedroom of the Duke. Lunch in Rundale Palace restaurant. Then, stop at the Hill of Crosses in Šiauliai. The Hill of Crosses is located 1 km north of the small industrial city of Siauliai and is the Lithuanian national pilgrimage centre. Standing upon a small hill are many hundreds of thousands of crosses that represent Christian devotion and a memorial to Lithuanian national identity. Continue to Klaipeda. Welcome dinner in Klaipeda. Day 8. Klaipeda, Thursday August Tour to Palanga and Amber museum. Palanga is the biggest seaside resort of Lithuania. Originally a fishermen s village. The inhabitants were engaged not only in fishery, they also gathered amber which would reach the distant countries of Europe and Asia via the merchants routes. One of the most beautiful places in Palanga is the Tishkevichius Palace nowadays Amber Museum which holds a great variety of amber pieces and collections. Day 9. Kaunas, Vilnius Friday 3 August Today travel towards Vilnius and on the way visit Kaunas including the Pazailis Monastery. Kaunas with its population of 430 000 inhabitants is the second largest city in Lithuania. Kaunas is the city, which was not destroyed during the Second World War; thus it now has a number of ancient architectural monuments. A sightseeing tour will start at Kaunas Castle and will follow to the Old Town featuring the Town Hall Square as well as its numerous churches and architectural monuments. A walk along the central pedestrian avenue - Laisves aleja (Avenue of Freedom) will drag you into a whirlpool of street vendors, musician, cafes and souvenir shops full of people and tourists. Continue trip to Vilnius. Day 10. Vilnius Saturday 4 August Vilnius City Tour. Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania was founded in 133 when Grand Duke Gediminas built a castle there, nowadays it is a bustling city with one of the oldest and most charming Old Towns in Europe. The splendid architectural blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque styles makes this a wonderful city to explore. During the sightseeing tour we visit Old Town, which is included as a World-Heritage site. Afternoon Trakai tour. Trakai, the former capital of Lithuania is situated on an island in the middle of a lake. The 14th century red brick castle now houses the Art Museum. The castles of Trakai are the best known works of defensive architecture in Lithuania. The old town of Trakai, which includes the Island and the Peninsula Castles, surrounded by lakes, is one of the most impressive and most picturesque locations in Europe. Here still reside a small national minority of Karaites, who were brought from the Crimea. Day 11. Depart Vilnius Sunday 5 August After breakfast take a morning flight from Vilnius to Moscow Arrive at Moscow airport, where you are met and transferred to the luxurious five-star Marriott Royal Aurora hotel located in the heart of this vibrant city for a one-night stay. Enjoy a welcome reception dinner at our hotel, whilst you meet your fellow train travelers and anticipate the epic 15 day voyage that lies ahead. Day 1. MOSCOW Monday 6 August Our morning city tour of Moscow principally takes us to Red Square, an iconic symbol of Russia s former military and political might. Here we see an eclectic mix of fascinating architecture, such as the ornate St Basil s Cathedral with its magnificent onion-domed spires, the grandeur of The Kremlin and the sombre and evocative site of Lenin s tomb. Early afternoon sees us boarding the luxurious Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express. Enjoy a Champagne Reception and listen to the sounds of the brass band playing on the platform as we mark the start of our odyssey across Russia and Mongolia After settling into our modern, stylish cabins, we enjoy dinner in one of the beautifully designed restaurant cars as our rail adventure eastwards to Vladivostok begins. 4
Day 13. KAZAN Tuesday 7 August We arrive at the picturesque and historic city of Kazan by mid-morning. Situated on the River Volga, Kazan is the capital of Tatarstan. One of the highlights of this city tour is our exploration of the Kremlin Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within the walls of this ancient citadel we will explore its stunning mosque and oniondomed cathedral. After enjoying a relaxing dinner on the Golden Eagle, you may wish to retire to our welcoming bar car where you can enjoy drinks with new friends whilst listening to our resident pianist. Day 14. YEKATERINBURG Wednesday 8 August We cross the Europe/Asia divide before arriving in the historic city of Yekaterinburg. Founded in 173 by Peter the Great, the third largest Russian city is also the capital of the Urals. The cultural and architectural influences of European and Asian civilisations come together in this fascinating and cosmopolitan landscape. Our city tour takes us to the poignant site where the Romanov, Nicholas II of Russia was executed with his family by the Bolsheviks in 1918. Now a church dedicated to their memory, this site provides us with a powerful insight into the turmoil of the Russian Revolution. Day 15. NOVOSIBIRSK Thursday 9 August A modern Soviet city, we experience the life and character of Novosibirsk s rich culture where the arts, science and literature predominate. Our city tour takes us to the Opera House. An architectural marvel, it houses two permanent ballet and opera companies and is the largest opera house in the world. In front of the Opera House, we visit an imposing statue of Lenin a marvellous opportunity to have your photograph taken with this iconic political leader. Day 16. ONBOARD Friday 30 August A day to unwind and reflect on the many sights and sounds we have experienced on our journey so far. Chat to your fellow passengers, perhaps learn a few words of Russian or simply enjoy the ever changing landscape outside your window as it unfolds. Day 17. IRKUTSK Saturday 31 August We arrive in Irkutsk, the Paris of Siberia, and our visit today takes in the most significant sites and museums in this fascinating city, including an exploration of the classic wooden architecture that has given many of this region s buildings such a distinctive and unique appearance. Next, we visit the Decembrist House museum which is dedicated to the memory of the exiled aristocrats who were forced to flee to this remote outpost after the failed revolution of 185. Here we enjoy a private concert before returning to our waiting train for dinner. Day 18. LAKE BAIKAL Sunday 1 September Few natural sights can surpass the beauty and grandeur of Lake Baikal. For five hours we wind our way through tunnels along cliff hugging tracks above the lake with a vista of snow-capped peaks along the far shore forming a picture-perfect backdrop. Lake Baikal is the deepest lake in the world and holds 0% of the world s freshwater. Also known as the Pearl of Siberia it is home to a unique breed of freshwater seal and over fifty species of fish including omul which we will be serving in the dining car for some of our meals. Weather permitting, we stop at one of Baikal s picturesque and secluded bays to enjoy a delicious BBQ including freshly smoked fish prepared by our own chefs. For the brave hearted, there is even time for a refreshing swim in the crystal clear waters. In the afternoon, we visit Listvyanka, a small Baikal settlement nestling at the base of the surrounding hills. Day 19. ULAN UDE Monday September This morning we arrive in Ulan Ude, capital of the Buryat Republic. As we tour the area you will notice the different faces and dress styles of these welcoming people. During our exploration of the Old Believers Village we have the opportunity to learn about the culture and history of these religious people as we are treated to a traditional meal and enjoy a concert featuring local dancers and musicians. Day 0. ULAAN BAATAR, MONGOLIA Tuesday 3 September Our Trans-Siberian adventure takes us into Mongolia, home of Genghis Khan, undoubtedly the most feared and revered Mongol and we visit the capital city of Ulaan Baatar. Lunch is taken Mongol style in a traditional Ger (Yurt) where we experience an authentic meal, enjoying excellent local dishes and entertainment providing a unique opportunity to encounter this time-honoured nomadic way of life. We board the train in time for dinner as we head back into Russia. Day 1. ONBOARD Wednesday 4 September Enjoy a more leisurely pace today as we travel through the beautiful landscape of the Russian Far East. Day. ONBOARD Thursday 5 September It is the perfect opportunity to practice your Russian or simply relax as our journey today follows the Shilka and Amur rivers, close to the Chinese border. Enjoy Russia at its most dramatic and remote, as the Golden Eagle eats up the miles on our way to Vladivostok. Day 3. ONBOARD Friday 6 September Passing directly north of Seoul, Darwin and Osaka, we spend our last full day on board the Golden Eagle today as the most easterly point of our mammoth journey is reached passing through Khabarovsk, where we cross the River Amur. Tonight, we enjoy our final dinner onboard our private train that has been our home for the last twelve days as we approach our final destination on this unforgettable journey. Day 4. VLADIVOSTOK Saturday 7 September After travelling through 8 time zones and covering an amazing 6,600 miles (10,600km) along this epic route to the end of the Trans-Siberian line, the Golden Eagle pulls into Vladivostok, a military port located on the western shores of the Sea of Japan. Vladivostok (literally translated as Ruler of the East ) offers visitors an exciting opportunity to explore its principal military attractions including a tour of a restored submarine before we transfer to the centrally located four-star Hyatt Regency Vladivostok. The final evening is spent saying our goodbyes to our fellow travelling companions and friends at the Farewell Dinner. Day 5. Fly back to Australia - Sunday 8 September Following breakfast, you will be transferred to Vladivostok airport to begin your journey home. 5
FULL Tour Package 14 August 8 September 013 $3,790 Double/Twin (per person ex Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) Single Supplement $6,545 per person TRANS-SIBERIAN RAILWAY ONLY Package 6 August 8 September 013 $18,490 Double/Twin (per person ex Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne) Single Supplement $5,460 per person Hotel Room Upgrade package available at some hotels and on request Package price is based on Silver Class cabin on the Golden Eagle Imperial Class upgrade will be an additional $8,565 per person Gold Class will be an additional $,950 per person Tour Package includes Return Economy Class airfare from Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane to Helsinki and return from Vladivostok For the Rail Package only, this includes Return Economy Class airfare from Sydney/Melbourne/Brisbane to Moscow and return from Vladivostok Airport departure taxes Airport hotel transfers in Helsinki, Moscow and Vladivostok nights each in Helsinki, Tallinn, Riga, Klaipeda, Vilnius Daily breakfasts 10 x Dinners (3 course, water, coffee, tea + drinks included) 8 x Lunches (3 course, water, coffee, tea + drinks included) First Class Coach with English speaking driver from arrival until departure All tours and entrance fees as per itinerary English Speaking Tour Leader from arrival until departure Local guides in Helsinki, Tallinn, Klaipeda / Neringa, Kaunas / Trakai, Vilnius 1 nights accommodation in Moscow 1 nights accommodation in Vladivostok 1 nights on board the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian Express Private en-suite accommodation on board the train Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily on board Generous allowance of wine, beer and soft drinks with meals (lunch and dinner) Gold and Silver Class passengers receive complimentary drinks from Standard Bar List in Bar Car Welcome and Farewell Dinners Champagne Reception at Moscow Kazanskiy Station Tea, coffee, beer, soft drinks available 4 hours a day onboard the Golden Eagle All Enquiries: IMPACT ORGANISATION (TRAVEL) A.B.N. 70 58 951 461 Suite, 799 Springvale Road, Mulgrave, Vic, 3170 Ph: 03 9545-085 Fax: 03 9561-9803 Email: Yvonne.lazarow@impacttravel.com.au Pauline.cassar@impacttravel.com.au Lazarow@netspace.net.au Full off-train excursion programme (Moscow, Kazan, Yekaterinburg, Novosibirsk, Irkutsk, Lake Baikal, Ulaan Baatar, Ulan Ude, Vladivostok) 4 hour cabin attendant service Onboard Doctor Gratuities (Tipping) included Porterage Not Included Passport and visa costs and associated courier costs Travel insurance Expenses of a personal nature such as personal phone calls, laundry and room service Alcohol and refreshments not included in the program Single supplement for all hotels and the train where applicable Any increase in airport taxes and fuel surcharges post 1/6/1 Optional tours not included in the program Pharmacy Small Group Tours Mike & Yvonne Lazarow are the principals of the Golden Bear Tour. After numerous successful tours to all corners of the world Pharmacy Small Group Tours once again returns to the northern hemisphere to build on our experience of previous tours and in particular our previous Footsteps of the Cossacks, Russian tour extension of 010. A feature of all our tours are the little extras built into the program that ensures extraordinary value for money. Impact Organisation (Travel) Impact Travel is an accredited travel company, well versed in handling large and small travel groups. A member of the Travel Compensation Fund ensures that all monies are safeguarded in an appropriate trust account. Deposits Please submit your registration form and $1,500 per person deposit before 31 January 013. As only a limited number of registrations can be accepted for the tour, we strongly advise that you register as soon as possible. All deposits are fully refundable if you decide to cancel before 31 March 013. MKT10471 6