Russia Travel Information Flipbook PDF

Welcome aboard your APT holiday to Russia and Europe. This Tour Hints booklet has been specially prepared to answer many

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R u ssia, S ca n dinavia & t h e Baltics featu r i ng M ongolia

TOUR HINTS

ICELAND

Reykjavik

FINLAND

Helsinki

NORWAY

Oslo

SWEDEN

Gulf of Finland

St Petersburg

Tallinn

Stockholm

ESTONIA

RUSSIA

Moscow

LATVIA

Riga

LITHUANIA

Vilnius

Lake Baikal

RUSSIA

Ulaanbaatar MONGOLIA

Lake Ladoga

Kizhi Island Mandrogi Lake Onega

Svir River

Neva River

White Lake

Goritsy

Volga-Baltic Waterway

St Petersburg Volga River

RUSSIA

Uglich

Yaroslavl

Volga River Moscow Canal

Moscow

Welcome to APT Dear Traveller, Welcome aboard your APT holiday. We are pleased to include this guide, which we hope will assist with your early holiday planning. Should you have any questions or queries regarding any aspects of your holiday, please do not hesitate to contact us. A family-owned company for more than 90 years, we have a proud history of providing life-enriching holiday experiences. We hope you enjoy the distinct and refined style for which APT is known, and that you thoroughly enjoy your journey and return home with wonderful memories. Warm regards,

Geoff McGeary OAM

APT Company Owner 3

Contents Preparing For Your Tour 5 Passports & Visas 6 Travel Insurance 6 Luggage 7 What to Pack 8 Valuables & Security

8 Adaptors & Electricity 8 General Physical Fitness 8 Language 9 Allergies 9 Currency & Payment Options

Staying Healthy on Holiday 11 12 12 13

Before You Go In the Air On Tour APT Health & Safety Protocol

14 Water & Food Safety 14 Sun Exposure & Dehydration 14 Useful Health-Related Websites

At the Airport 15 Check-In 16 Delayed or Missed Flights 16 Checked Luggage Restrictions & Security 16 Hand/Carry-On Luggage Restrictions

17 Luggage Tags 17 Lost or Delayed Luggage 17 Airport & Airline Security 17 Customs

Important Information – On Tour 18 Emergency Contact Information 18 Gratuities 18 Docking Position 19 Coach Travel 19 Smoking

19 Hotels 20 Transfers 20 Disruption to APT Cruising & Itinerary Arrangements

Ship Services & Amenities 22 Air Conditioning & Heating 22 Beverages 22 Dining 22 Fitness Centre & Spa 22 Internet 23 Laundry

23 Medical 23 Newsletter 23 Safe 23 Telephone 23 Television

Rail Services & Amenities 25 Air Conditioning & Heating 25 Dining 25 Beverages 25 Currency Onboard 25 Excursions 25 Dress Code

25 Internet 26 Lounge Car 26 Restaurant Car 26 Safe 26 The Golden Eagle – Your Cabin

Useful Information 27 Websites 28 Telephone Dialling Information

28 Learn About Your Destination

29 General Country Information 34 Your Personal Travel Concierge

Preparing For Your Tour Passports & Visas A valid passport and visa are required to travel to Russia. It is the responsibility of the traveller to secure the required visas before leaving home. Passports must be valid for at least six months after your return date, so please ensure your passport is valid for this sixmonth period. Your passport will be required at border crossings, when you check into hotels, ship or train, and for customs formalities. Our reservations staff will provide you with a Russia Invitation Letter for services booked through APT. For services not booked through APT, a separate Invitation Letter will be required. This is needed in order to apply for the Russian visa. Note that an Invitation Letter cannot be used to enter Russia; a visa must be obtained. As visa conditions may vary in Russia, Scandinavia and the Baltic States, please check with the relevant embassies, consulates or your travel agent to ensure that all necessary visas are obtained prior to your departure. Remember that without the correct travel documents, your holiday can be significantly interrupted or altered. We recommend that you make two sets of photocopies of your airline tickets (including e-tickets) and the first page of your passport. Leave one set at home with a friend or relative, and bring the other set with you, keeping it separate from the original documents.

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Travel Insurance If you have not yet taken out travel insurance, please see your travel agent about this before your tour. Foreign hospitalisation and treatment often require payment in cash prior to providing services, and medical evacuation can be expensive. Travel protection and luggage insurance are highly recommended. We suggest you purchase a travel protection plan that covers trip cancellation for medical reasons, trip delay, medical expenses, accidental death, lost luggage, medical evacuation and airline cancellation charges under a variety of circumstances. When applying for a Russian visa, certain passport-holders may be required to provide proof of adequate travel insurance.

Luggage As a general rule, airlines permit passengers in economy class to take one piece of luggage that does not exceed 160cm (63 inches), and weighs between 23-30kg. We advise you to contact your airline carrier or travel agent for specific information prior to departure, as size and weight limitations may vary. Each passenger is entitled to take one piece of luggage on your cruise that does not exceed 30kg. Please limit your hand luggage to one bag that fits under your aircraft seat or in the overhead compartment to a maximum weight of 7kg.

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What to Pack We recommend that you pack a variety of light- to medium-weight clothing, plus rain wear and a warm outer layer in case of cooler or wet weather. Layers are a good option to cover a range of temperatures and to suit changing conditions. Comfortable footwear is a must, as some excursions involve long walks and stairs. The dress code is relaxed. Light, comfortable clothing is ideal for during the day, but smart casual clothing for evenings on board the ship is recommended. You may wish to bring something a little dressier for the Welcome and Farewell Dinners. There will be no black tie or formal evenings. If your sightseeing includes churches, monasteries, synagogues or mosques, dress casually, but keep your clothes clean and ensure sufficient body cover (for example cover your shoulders and wear trousers or a knee-length dress). We believe the below list will be useful when packing: • Waterproof jacket, as well as sturdy and comfortable walking shoes or runners with a good grip • Sunglasses, sunscreen and a sun hat • Insect repellent • Water bottle • Umbrella • Money belt • Binoculars • Batteries/charger and spare memory card for your camera • A universal adaptor • Small backpack for day use • USB flash drive for sharing photos and images • Travel alarm clock and ear plugs • Personal first aid kit • Local language phrase book Although you will be provided with the basic toiletry items (i.e. shampoo, conditioner, soap) in your suite on board the ship and in hotel rooms, you may want to bring your own brands or additional items to suit your personal needs. Travel-size toiletries are a good idea to reduce luggage weight. Place them in plastic bags to avoid leaks.

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Valuables & Security Do not take anything with you that will create emotional or financial hardship if lost or stolen. Carry all documents, money, passport and tickets with you. Do not carry these important items in your suitcase. You may find a money belt (worn inside clothing) useful while travelling. Never leave hand luggage unattended or out of sight in hotel lobbies or dining rooms. Avoid solo exploration of unfamiliar streets or areas. You should also avoid excessive displays of jewellery or cash. When sightseeing, keep all valuables locked in the safe in your room or suite.

Adaptors & Electricity Electricity is 220V on board our river ships and throughout Europe and Russia. A plug adaptor is necessary if you plan to bring appliances from home.

General Physical Fitness APT cruises and tours are not physically demanding, however, because of the nature of many of the sites you will be visiting, some tours will require a good level of fitness and health to participate. Some trips may not be appropriate for guests with certain medical conditions and physical restrictions. Walking tours are often on uneven ground (such as cobblestones) and may include stairs as well as steep inclines. You should be able to stand on your feet for an extended period of time to visit museums, attractions and other sites, as well as when checking in for flights and cruises and at customs and immigration. Please note that there are many stairs on the MS Valentina, and although there is an elevator, it does not go to the Lower Deck where the Spa and Fitness Centre are located.

Language The official language used by APT staff worldwide is English. Tour and Cruise Directors, local guides and front desk staff speak fluent English, however please note that in Russia some of the onboard staff do not have strong English skills. All guided tours, announcements and lectures will be presented in English.

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Allergies If you have a food allergy or another condition that needs to be managed on tour, please advise your booking agent as soon as possible, as well as your Tour/Cruise Director upon arrival, as most suppliers require advance notice to accommodate this. In some cases you might be asked to fill out a form or waiver.

Currency & Payment Options The currency in Russia is the Ruble. For your convenience, all purchases and paid services on board our cruises are billed to your shipboard account. At the end of the cruise, you will receive a total that can be paid by Visa, MasterCard, Amex or cash in Rubles. The ship does not accept payments made by Diners Club cards, prepaid Visa or MasterCard, EFTPOS, Travelex cards, cash passports, prepaid cash cards or travellers cheques. We recommend that you carry minimal cash with you to Europe and Russia. On arrival, the most convenient way to acquire money is via an ATM. Before you depart, ensure your credit cards are valid for at least 30 days after your proposed date of return and that they are activated. It’s a good idea to verify with your bank that your card will work overseas. Most ATM PIN pads only have numbers, so if your PIN contains letters, make note of the corresponding numbers. We also recommend that you obtain a PIN number for any credit cards as many establishments will not accept signature only. The currency in Denmark is the Danish Krone; in Norway the Norwegian Krone; in Sweden the Swedish Krona; in Iceland the Icelandic Króna; in Estonia, Finland, Latvia and Lithuania the Euro, and in Mongolia the Tögrög. You can obtain local currency at ATMs where available, but we recommend you always carry the equivalent of at least AU$50 in local currency (e.g. 2,000 Russian Rubles or 30 Euros) as emergency cash. This should be enough to get you into town to withdraw more money. Carrying cash also covers restaurant bills and other services. Note that hotel receptions and after-hours money exchanges carry high commissions and some stores do have a minimum spend amount before accepting credit cards. For the most up-to-date exchange rate, please check with your bank, or xe.com (universal currency converter).

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Staying Healthy on Holiday It’s important for you to be as healthy as possible before you travel, and to maintain your health by applying good hygiene practices while on tour. Respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses, while usually minor in nature, can spread rapidly within a tour group, and have a major impact on everyone’s enjoyment. APT is committed to reducing the spread of infections on tours, and asks that you read and follow our recommendations, to ensure a healthy, safe and enjoyable holiday for you and your fellow travellers. 10

Before You Go Get Walking As your tour or cruise will involve some sightseeing by foot, and you will be required to embark/disembark ships and/or other forms of transport, you will enjoy it more if you start exercising ahead of time. In the lead-up to your trip, we recommend you start walking, three times a week (including some steps), building up to an hour at a time. This will ensure you have the stamina and energy to see and appreciate all the sights your tour/cruise has to offer. You should ensure your walking shoes fit properly and have been broken-in prior to departure. See Your GP Your GP or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventative measures, including vaccinations. We recommend all travellers consult their GP or local travel clinic for detailed advice to ensure maximum pre-travel preparation. Please take a copy of your travel itinerary with you to assist with the recommendations of appropriate medication and vaccinations. If you have health problems, ask your doctor to prepare your medical history for a foreign doctor. It should include your name, address, emergency contact, blood type, medical history, current medications and dosages, drug allergies, reasons for prior hospitalisation, and a list of vaccinations and dates. A copy of your prescriptions is vital in case of any health problems. Prepare a list of your medications, including the name, dosage, prescribing doctor and their phone number. Pack sufficient medication for the duration of your tour. Your medication should be kept close at hand in your purse or carry-on bag. It is always good to carry a list of your medications in case they are lost and remember to leave everything in its original container so it can be easily identified. It is also a good idea to bring a copy of your prescription for glasses or contact lenses. Pack a Medical Kit A small medical kit is recommended for all travellers. Pharmacies in large cities will likely stock the most basic medicines and supplies, but they may be difficult to access and a script may be required for some medications. Your medical kit should include: • A general-purpose antibiotic to cover respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal infections e.g. azithromycin. • Your favourite cold and flu medication e.g. cold and flu tablets, throat lozenges and nasal decongestant. • Your preferred painkiller e.g. paracetamol or ibuprofen. • Medicine for gastrointestinal upsets e.g. antacids, ‘stoppers’ for diarrhoea and a laxative for constipation. • Other supplies including adhesive plasters, blister pads, scissors, thermometer, tweezers and eye drops for dry eyes.

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In the Air • Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes during your flight. • Eat light meals, drink plenty of water and minimise caffeine and alcohol consumption. • Alleviate pressure in your ears by chewing gum, yawning, swallowing, or gently blowing your nose. • Avoid wearing contact lenses during your flight as aircraft cabin air tends to dry them out. • To avoid swollen legs and to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis, wear knee length flight socks for all long-haul flights and walk up and down the aisle to stretch your legs and get blood circulating. You could also do a few isometric exercises while seated (refer to your in-flight magazine for recommended exercise). • If you arrive in the morning, try to sleep during your flight so you can stay awake until the evening. This will help you adapt to the new time zone and to avoid jet lag.

On Tour Don’t Go Viral! Practicing good hygiene is vitally important in stopping the spread of common viral infections such as colds, flu or gastro. These infections can spread quickly in an enclosed area such as a coach, train, plane or cruise ship. Practice Good Hygiene: • Washing your hands is the most effective way to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading infections. • Health experts recommend you wash your hands often with hot water and soap for 20 seconds or longer before eating, after sneezing or coughing and after touching high-contact surfaces (such as door knobs, elevator buttons and railings). • Please be mindful of your fellow travellers with respect to coughing, sneezing and the disposal of used tissues. • Hand sanitiser dispensers are located in various public areas on board all of our ships. Please make sure you make use of these when re-boarding and before all meals.

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Above MS Valentina Sun Deck

Colds & Flu Viral respiratory infections are the most common infectious illnesses affecting travellers. Colds and flu are primarily spread by people coughing, so please practice hygiene and respiratory courtesy – wash your hands often, cover your coughs and sneezes, and use anti-bacterial wipes/hand sanitiser frequently, i.e. after shore excursions, prior to meals and throughout the day. Influenza is commonly contracted while travelling overseas. The flu vaccine protects against viruses expected to be prevalent during the current flu season. You should discuss this with your GP. Gastro & Traveller’s Diarrhoea Traveller’s diarrhoea is the second most common infectious illness affecting travellers. The illness can be due to a number of different bugs including viruses and bacteria. Viral gastroenteritis is generally spread by person-to-person contact, whereas bacterial gastroenteritis is generally spread from consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms can include fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal pain. The incubation for the illness is variable depending on the cause. Symptoms are generally self-limiting and treatment includes rest, rehydration, simple diet, anti-nausea and anti-diarrhoeal medications. Antibiotics are generally reserved for use when symptoms are more severe or protracted, e.g. fever, abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea or duration of symptoms for more than two days. Strict personal hygiene measures, particularly hand washing, help to protect you from getting sick and of course spreading the infection to others.

APT Health & Safety Protocol APT has created a Health & Safety Protocol that all our Tour Directors and Cruise Directors are required to adhere to. You may be requested to assist in reducing the spread of viruses if you are showing symptoms while on tour. If you’re showing symptoms of a cold or virus on tour, you may be asked to have meals in your room or cabin instead of the dining room, or remain in your cabin until the symptoms improve.

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Above Golden Eagle

Water & Food Safety • Tap water on board river ships in Russia is not drinkable, however filtered water is provided in our cabins. Bottled water is provided for excursions from the ship. • On our Scandinavian and Baltic land journeys we recommend that you bring a reusable water bottle to fill up with tap water throughout your tour. • When visiting places where you are unsure about general hygiene practice, please take care if buying food from street vendors or in small restaurants away from your hotel, cruise ship or recommended venues. At these places, avoid raw fruit and vegetables, dairy products (including ice cream) as well as meat and fish not properly cooked. It is generally safe to eat cooked meats and vegetables prepared in tourist hotels and tourist area restaurants. Fruit that you peel yourself is considered safe. • You can feel safe eating anything served to you at the tour hotels and while on board your cruise. • Don’t buy alcohol from street vendors.

Sun Exposure & Dehydration The weather will be variable on your tour. Drinking plenty of water is important to prevent dehydration. A hat and good sunscreen are important for preventing sunburn, even on overcast days.

Useful Health-Related Websites Australia traveldoctor.com.au travelclinic.com.au travelvax.com.au smartraveller.gov.au/tips tga.gov.au/travelling-medicines-and-medical-devices New Zealand holidayhealth.co.nz traveldoctor.co.nz United Kingdom fitfortravel.nhs.uk travelhealthpro.org.uk masta-travel-health.com

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At the Airport Check-In It is important that you arrive at the airport at least two to three hours before domestic flights (which includes internal flights within Europe) and three hours in advance for international flights. This will allow you time to check your baggage, present your passport and ticket, get seat assignments and boarding passes, and make your way through security procedures to the boarding area. Please check the requirements specific to your airline and airport to ensure you arrive at the airport at the correct time. Early morning flights may require you to check in the day before. Airlines have little leniency if flights are missed.

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Delayed or Missed Flights In the unfortunate event that you miss a flight completely or that you are delayed substantially, please advise the airline representative that you are a cruise passenger bound for a specific start location, date and time. Be sure to advise APT of your new flight details immediately. Please call (not SMS/text message) the APT Europe Operations staff on +49 180 5009 648 with your new flight details. They will make every effort to ensure you are met on arrival. If you are not met due to a delayed or missed flight, please organise a transfer and retain any receipts, in case you need to make a claim with the airline or travel insurance company. Please see your itinerary for applicable phone numbers.

Checked Luggage Restrictions & Security International airlines may impose fees or require you to remove articles if weight or size limits are exceeded. We recommend you contact your airline(s) or travel agent for specific information prior to departure, as size and weight limits can vary between airlines. Make sure that you do not include anything of high value (personal or financial) within your checked luggage. This includes, but is not limited to jewellery, cameras, video equipment, reading/sunglasses, laptops and other computer/electronic equipment and medication. You must also ensure that all checked luggage has a suitable lock attached.

Hand/Carry-On Luggage Restrictions For your comfort, limit hand luggage to one bag that fits under your aircraft seat or in the overhead compartment. Make sure you have your passport, airline tickets, medication and all your travel documents with you in your hand luggage. For security reasons, keep all unchecked luggage in your immediate possession. Unattended luggage can be confiscated by airport personnel.

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Luggage Tags We recommend that you attach a luggage tag to both your suitcase and hand luggage. It is also a good idea to put a label with your name, address and telephone number on the inside of your suitcase and hand luggage. If you are an APT Club member we recommend that you use your APT luggage tag for your checked luggage, as these are easily identifiable by your Tour and Cruise directors as well as hotel and transfer staff.

Lost or Delayed Luggage Sometimes luggage is delayed during air transit. It is recommended to take a change of clothing and any essential medication in your hand luggage, or pack some clothing in your travel companion’s bag. Place a copy of the ship and/or hotel contacts inside your hand luggage. Claims for reimbursement should be submitted directly to the airline – a claim form should be filled out at the appropriate airline desk upon arrival. If you need assistance in contacting the airlines for information regarding your delayed luggage, please ask your Tour/ Cruise Director or Local Guide.

Airport & Airline Security Most countries observe the following guidelines regarding liquid, aerosol and gel restrictions on flights. However, we advise you to check with your airline for clarification of regulations before you leave. Each container of liquids, aerosols or gels in your carry-on luggage must be 100ml or less. All must be sealed in a transparent, 1 litre (or less) resealable plastic bag. You may still carry through the screening point prescription medicines and non-prescription medicines that you need for the flight. Proof of Need may be required. You will have to surrender any liquids, aerosols or gels greater than 100ml that you are carrying at the screening point. This includes duty free items (at many airports, you are able to purchase duty free items after you have passed through the screening point for your international flight). Items allowed include empty containers such as mugs or flasks, cosmetics and toiletries such as sanitary items, talcum powder, contact lenses and lens solution, solid foods, medicines including prescribed medication (e.g. Insulin) and essential non-prescribed medication. Items of more than 100ml not allowed include drinks in cans and bottles; liquid cosmetics and toiletries that are in liquid or gel form such as perfumes, creams and products in pressurised containers such as hairspray, shaving foam/gel and aerosol deodorants; and liquid-based food products.

Customs To prevent the introduction of exotic pests and diseases on your return home, arriving travellers are screened and luggage is often inspected or X-rayed by customs or quarantine officers. All food and other such items of plant and/or animal origin need to be declared.

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Important Information – On Tour Emergency Contact Information The ship’s phone system operates on mobile reception and may not always receive good reception throughout the trip. In case of emergency, your family and friends can call APT during local business hours on 1300 278 278 (Australia); 0800 278 687 (New Zealand); 0800 012 6686 (United Kingdom) or +49 180 5009 648 (Europe).

Gratuities Gratuities are included for cruise staff and local guides on all river cruises, city stays and extended land touring on APT and Golden Eagle itineraries. Tipping cannot be redeemed for a cash refund.

Docking Position Please note that during port stops river ships often dock side by side, which may obstruct views and require you to pass through other ships to embark or disembark. In Moscow and St Petersburg the ship will be docked approximately a one-hour drive from the city centre. Please be aware that traffic in Moscow and St Petersburg can be very heavy, so travel times may take longer than expected.

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Above Moscow, Russia

Coach Travel Passengers must remain seated at all times while the coach is in motion to avoid serious injury. Passengers using the emergency bathroom do so at their own risk. Hand luggage and other personal items should be safely stored in the overhead luggage racks or under your seat to keep the aisles clear. Heavy items, bottles etc. should not be stored overhead. No passengers are permitted to remain on the coach during stops. Do not leave any valuable items on the coach. Please watch the stairs and overhead entrances when ascending into the coach and check for traffic when exiting the coach. Please follow these safety precautions and take the time to note all emergency exits. If fitted, seat belts must be worn.

Smoking Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside APT river ships or Golden Eagle trains, including balconies. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas. The same policy applies for electronic cigarettes. For the safety and comfort of guests, your cooperation in observing the no-smoking policy is appreciated.

Hotels Hotels throughout your journey are selected based on their idyllic locations, usually within city centres for easy access to sightseeing, or in unique and breathtaking locations. On our Small Group Discoveries which journey off the beaten path, 5-star hotels are not always available. However, we have selected unique, charming and authentic properties to enhance your experience. The official check-in time at hotels in Europe is 3pm local time, however, where possible, the hotel will try to have your room available earlier. If your flight arrives in the morning, luggage can be dropped off at the hotel before check-in and delivered to your room later. You may be required to present a credit card upon check-in to cover incidentals. If you do not have a credit card, a monetary deposit in local currency may be required. Amounts differ for each hotel. This deposit may be held during your stay and take some time to be refunded to your card, depending on your bank. Normal check-out times vary, but are usually at 11am or noon. If you have a late afternoon or evening flight, most hotels have a luggage room where you can store your luggage until you depart for the airport.

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Transfers Transfers must be pre-arranged at the time of booking and flight details need to be provided to confirm this service. You will be welcomed on arrival by an APT or Golden Eagle representative, who will be holding an APT or Golden Eagle sign. If you cannot locate your transfer representative, refer to your itinerary for an emergency contact number to call. If you have independent travel arrangements prior to your tour and don’t have a transfer, the tourist information office at your arrival city will be able to offer assistance with directions to the hotel. If you require any assistance, please contact our European office on the numbers provided in your personal itinerary.

Disruption to APT Cruising & Itinerary Arrangements Itineraries are subject to alteration without notice and are intended as a guide only. Although every effort will be made to keep them as they are shown in the brochure and final documents, deviations to the planned cruise/touring itineraries and hotels are possible due to road, rail, river or weather conditions, strikes, or other reasons beyond APT’s control. Should conditions render cruise/land touring routes unsafe for navigation, APT reserves the right to provide alternative services including, but not limited to, accommodation not on the docked ship and/or substitute touring arrangements. Under normal conditions, itineraries will operate as detailed within the brochure. However, sometimes for reasons beyond APT’s control, it may be necessary to make alterations to your itinerary. For example, without limitation, if there is a water level or lock problem on a river or canal, it may be necessary to operate part of the itinerary by coach and alternative sightseeing may be included. On occasion, significant flood or low-water events do occur on the rivers, which can cause disruption to itineraries and may lead to early disembarkation and alternative touring and accommodation. APT will not be liable for any direct or indirect costs that you incur as a result of such an event or other factor beyond APT’s control. Additionally, you are not entitled to any refund for any alterations to your itinerary that are caused or contributed to by any flood or water-level events or such other events which are beyond APT’s control. APT can give no guarantee as to exact arrival and departure times for carriers and operators used by APT on the tour and APT will not be liable for failure to make connections with any other services or attractions beyond its control. If accommodation listed becomes unavailable, APT reserves the right to substitute hotels with alternative accommodation of a similar standard.

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Above MS Valentina Stateroom

Ship Services & Amenities Cruise Russia’s waterways aboard the stylish MS Valentina. Custom-built for Russia and fully refurbished in 2011, this elegant ship allows you to experience Russia with ease. Please note that Russian river ships differ to those used on other European rivers, and you may find the amenities different to those you have experienced on previous APT river cruises. 21

Air Conditioning & Heating All suites have individual climate control. If you have any questions regarding your suite’s air-conditioning or heating, please check the instructions or enquire at the onboard reception.

Beverages Aboard your cruise, a selection of beer, wine and soft drinks are served with lunch and dinner, and a wide variety of cocktails, spirits, wine and beer are available for purchase in the lounges. A complimentary coffee and tea station is available 24 hours a day, located on the main deck. Filtered water is provided in all cabins and replenished regularly.

Dining All meals on board your cruise are included. Meals are served in the dining room in a single sitting. No table reservations can be made in the main restaurants. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available – please notify APT of any special dietary requirements when making your booking.

Fitness Centre & Spa The Fitness Centre is located on the Lower Deck and is open from 7:00am to 8:00pm. Use of the equipment is at your own risk. The onboard Serenity River Spa is also located on the Lower Deck and offers a selection of spa treatments which are charged to your onboard account.

Internet Complimentary wireless internet is available throughout the ship. You will need to bring your own laptop, smart phone or tablet to gain access. As the ship uses a satellite system, routing may cause reception to be restricted at times.

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Above MS Valentina Bar

Laundry Laundry services are available for a cash fee on the MS Valentina. Please enquire with the Reception for details. Clothes cannot be drycleaned on board and self-service laundry facilities are not available. For safety reasons, it is not permitted to use an iron in your suite.

Medical There is a medical professional on board the MS Valentina. Services are available for a fee and you may require a translator. Medical services can also be called from shore, as ships are usually close to a town (own expense).

Newsletter The ship’s daily newsletter features information about activities, shore excursions, tour departure times, the ship’s phone number and docking address, your Tour/Cruise Director’s phone number and more. We recommend you always carry the newsletter with you when going ashore.

Safe All suites are equipped with a safe. It is recommended that you place your valuables in the safe when away from your cabin.

Telephone All suites are equipped with a telephone. As the telephone system functions via satellite there may be times, depending on routing, when the phones are out of range. Any charges are placed on your shipboard account.

Television There is a flat-screen television in each suite on board. You can receive channels with English-language programming, entertainment and box office movies. Please ask your cruise staff for details. As the ship uses a satellite system, reception may at times be restricted or unclear as you cruise from port to port.

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Above The Golden Eagle

Rail Services & Amenities Through APT’s partnership with Golden Eagle Luxury Trains, the world leader in long-distance luxury rail journeys, we are able to provide you with the opportunity to experience the world’s most famous rail journeys in unparalleled style and comfort. 24

Air Conditioning & Heating All cabins on the Golden Eagle have remote-controlled airconditioning and heating.

Dining All meals are included on your rail journey. Golden Eagle Luxury Trains operate a free seating policy, which means that all passengers can choose where to sit when dining from the sufficient seating available.

Beverages Wine, beer and soft drinks are included with lunch and dinner.

Currency Onboard Currency on the Golden Eagle is the US Dollar. Only cash payments can be accepted on board, however, it is also possible to run a tab and make one payment at the end of the tour.

Excursions Enjoy each location on a small-group tour with Golden Eagle’s expert English-speaking local guides.

Dress Code During the day, the dress code on the Golden Eagle is casual both on and off the train. In the evening, smart casual dress is suggested.

Internet Golden Eagle provide free Wi-Fi on board. Coverage is limited and will only usually be available when passing through larger cities and towns.

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Lounge Car Inviting and refined, the Lounge Car is the place to unwind and savour the gentle rhythm of life on board. Gather with friends, enjoy a pre-dinner drink, or be entertained by the pianist while you watch the scenery drift by.

Restaurant Car Each meal is served in the Restaurant Car, offering a relaxed ambience while you’re treated to fantastic cuisine prepared by onboard chefs.

Safe All cabins are equipped with a safe. It is recommended that you place your valuables in the safe when away from your cabin.

The Golden Eagle – Your Cabin Silver Class: features an upper fold-down bed and lower Americanstyle single bed that converts into a lounge during the day. Plus, an ensuite wetroom with a basin, toilet and shower. Gold Class: features a lower double bed, an ensuite bathroom with a separate shower and underfloor heating, as well as included drinks from the standard bar list in the Lounge Car. Imperial Class: features a double bed, separate lounge area with a dressing table, large picture windows and a private ensuite with underfloor heating. Enjoy a bottle of Dom Pérignon champagne on arrival, as well as included drinks from the premium bar list in the Lounge Car.

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Useful Information Websites Climate: climate-zone.com Time: timeanddate.com/worldclock Currency Conversion: xe.com International Telephone Codes: countrycallingcodes.com Customs Australia: border.gov.au Customs New Zealand: customs.govt.nz Customs UK: hmrc.gov.uk/customs Australian Government Advisory & Consular Service: smartraveller.gov.au New Zealand Government Advisory & Consular Service: safetravel.govt.nz Australia’s Department of Transport & Regional Services: travelsecure.infrastructure.gov.au UK Government Travel Advisory: gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice Australian Embassies: embassy.gov.au New Zealand Embassies: nzembassy.com British Embassies: gov.uk/government/world/organisations

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Telephone Dialling Information When calling from Australia to Europe, replace the ‘+’ symbol with ‘0011’. When calling from one European country to another, replace the ‘+’ symbol with ‘00’. For calls made within the country please ignore the ‘+’ symbol and the international numbers (the first two digits) and instead dial ‘0’ followed by the number shown. For all other international calls please replace the ‘+’ symbol with the international access number for the country you are in. Please refer to individual country information on pages 29-33 for international dialling codes.

Learn About Your Destination It may be helpful to do a little research on destinations you will be visiting. Familiarise yourself with the areas, cities, the languages spoken and relevant transport information. During your travels you will encounter new customs and different lifestyles. Despite language barriers, a smile is universal. Friendliness and tolerance towards others, including your fellow travellers, Tour/ Cruise Director and local guides, is essential to everyone’s enjoyment of the tour. Russia may be different from anything you have experienced before at home. Unfamiliar cultures and crowds can result in initial culture shock; but should be seen as an exciting new adventure. Over the years of touring in Russia we have come to love this region, but we know that we may encounter some challenges along the way. In some parts of Russia there are different attitudes to time-keeping and service. Buses and trains will sometimes be late, plumbing can sometimes be temperamental, and waiters may not be as attentive as you are used to. Traffic in Moscow and St Petersburg can be very heavy, so travel times may take longer than expected. APT encourages you to travel with patience and a sense of humour, to ensure you get the most magical moments out of your holiday.

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Above Copenhagen, Denmark

General Country Information Denmark Currency: Danish Krone Population: 5.7 million Capital: Copenhagen Language: Danish International Dialling Code: +45 Local Time: GMT +1 Known For: Bicycles, Hans Christian Andersen, Lego and Princess Mary Useful Phrases: Hej (hello); farvel (goodbye); tak (thank you) Local Specialty: Smørrebrød (open rye sandwich) Recommended Reading & Viewing: The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking; Any of Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales; political drama TV series, Borgen.

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Above Lapland, Finland

Estonia Currency: Euro Population: 1.3 million Capital: Tallinn Language: Estonian International Dialling Code: +372 Local Time: GMT +2 Known For: Tallinn’s medieval Old Town and the Singing Revolution Useful Phrases: Tere (hello); head aega (goodbye); aitäh (thank you) Local Specialty: Kvass (fermented drink made from rye bread) Recommended Reading & Viewing: Truth and Justice by A.H. Tammsaare; 2006 documentary, The Singing Revolution.

Finland Currency: Euro Population: 5.5 million Capital: Helsinki Language: Finnish International Dialling Code: +358 Local Time: GMT +2 Known For: The Northern Lights, saunas, Finnish design and Santa Claus Useful Phrases: Hei (hello); näkemiin (goodbye); kiitos (thank you) Local Specialty: Karl Fazer chocolate – try the blueberry flavour! Recommended Reading & Viewing: The Unknown Soldier (1954 novel, 1955 film or 2017 film); Finnish Design: A Concise History by Pekka Korvenmaa

Iceland Currency: Icelandic króna Population: 360,000 Capital: Reykjavík Language: Icelandic International Dialling Code: +354 Local Time: GMT Known For: Glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and volcanoes Useful Phrases: Halló (hello); bless (goodbye); takk (thank you) Local Specialty: Hangikjöt (smoked lamb) Recommended Reading & Viewing: Burial Rites by Hannah Kent; The Little Book of the Icelanders by Alda Sigmundsdottir; 2015 film, Rams.

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Above Riga, Latvia

Latvia Currency: Euro Population: 1.9 million Capital: Riga Language: Latvian International Dialling Code: +371 Local Time: GMT +2 Known For: Forests, folk music, amber and Riga’s Art Nouveau architecture Useful Phrases: Sveiks/sveika (hello); atā (goodbye); paldies (thank you) Local Specialty: Black Balsam (potent herbal liqueur, said to cure ailments!) Recommended Reading: Walking Since Daybreak: A Story of Eastern Europe, World War II, and the Heart of Our Century by Modris Eksteins.

Lithuania Currency: Euro Population: 2.8 million Capital: Vilnius Language: Lithuanian International Dialling Code: +370 Local Time: GMT +2 Known For: Trakai Island Castle, basketball and national parks Useful Phrases: Sveikas/sveika (hello); sudie (goodbye); ačiū (thank you) Local Specialty: Cepelinai, AKA zeppelins (potato dumplings) Recommended Reading & Viewing: Between Shades of Gray by Ruta Sepetys, adapted into a 2018 film, Ashes in the Snow.

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Above Bergen Rail, Norway

Mongolia Currency: Tögrög Population: 3 million Capital: Ulaanbaatar Language: Mongolian International Dialling Code: +976 Local Time: GMT +8 Known For: Buddhist temples, Gobi Desert and Mongolian yurts Useful Phrases: Sain baina uu (hello); bayartai (goodbye); bayarlalaa (thank you) Local Specialty: Buuz (steamed meat dumplings) Recommended Reading & Viewing: Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford; The Travels of Marco Polo, the Venetian by Marco Polo; 2007 film, Mongol: The Rise of Genghis Khan.

Norway Currency: Norwegian Krone Population: 5.3 million Capital: Oslo Language: Norwegian International Dialling Code: +47 Local Time: GMT +1 Known For: Fjords, mountains, glaciers, midnight sun and winter sports Useful Phrases: Halo (hello); ha det (goodbye); takk (thank you) Local Specialty: Krumkake (rolled waffle cookies) Recommended Reading & Viewing: Stories of Norway by John A. Yilek; Norwegian Folktales by Peter Christen Asbjørnsen and Jørgen Engebretsen Moe; 1950 documentary, Kon-Tiki.

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Above Peterhof, St Petersburg, Russia

Russia Currency: Russian Ruble Population: 144.5 million Capital: Moscow Language: Russian International Dialling Code: +7 Local Time: GMT +3 to GMT +11 Known For: Having nine time zones, matryoshka dolls, vodka and the Kremlin Useful Phrases: Zdravstvuyte (hello); do svidaniya (goodbye); spasibo (thank you) Local Specialty: Borscht (beetroot soup) and vodka! Recommended Reading & Viewing: Any of Robert K. Massie’s biographies of The Romanovs; The Girl from the Metropol Hotel: Growing Up in Communist Russia by Ludmilla Petrushevskaya; 2016 BBC TV adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s War & Peace; 1965 epic film, Doctor Zhivago.

Sweden Currency: Swedish Krona Population: 10 million Capital: Stockholm Language: Swedish International Dialling Code: +46 Local Time: GMT +1 Known For: Cosy cottages, reindeers, IKEA and ABBA Useful Phrases: Halla (hello); adjö (goodbye); tack (thank you) Local Specialty: Pickled herring Recommended Reading & Viewing: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (novel or film); A History of Sweden by Herman Lindqvist.

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Your Personal Travel Concierge Introducing the APT Concierge app, designed to ensure you make the most of your unforgettable journey. Explore must-see sights and hidden gems with greater freedom, as your personal travel assistant helps create the experience of a lifetime. 34

Accessible via a smart phone or tablet device, the APT Concierge app offers the following incredible features*: • Personalised travel information, tips and daily itinerary. • Interactive local maps, which are available for download and offline use. • A useful currency converter for quick conversions. • An easy, day-to-day budget planner, to track your financial spending on holiday. • Updates, whilst travelling, from your APT cruise/tour director. • A wealth of meteorological data, such as current conditions, extended forecasts and sunrise/sunset times. Exclusive to APT, APT Concierge is available to download for free on Apple and Android devices.

Log In

Home Page

Itinerary

When you open the app, please have your booking number and passenger details (as per your passport) ready, as these will be required to log in.

Upon login, you will be taken to the home screen, where a range of features await. For more options, tap “More” or the drop down icon on the top left corner of the screen.

An easy, hasslefree way to view your personal travel itinerary, this is the central hub for your daily movements and journey — even when you’re offline.

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Map Discover hidden gems anywhere you go and build a personal travel guide. With detailed maps available for download and offline use, continue to explore even without a WiFi connection.

Currency Converter Within this pocket converter, search multiple currencies and make quick conversions. It also offers live exchange rates, plus stores the last updated rates — so it even works when the internet doesn’t.

Budget Track how you are spending your holiday funds with this handy tool, allowing you to convert purchase prices from the currency you are using on tour, back into your home currency.

Weather

Feedback

Download

Enjoy a wealth of meteorological data for each city you visit, such as current conditions, extended forecasts and sunrise/sunset times. This feature will ensure that you won’t get caught out again.

Here at APT, we value your feedback. That is why it is collected — to help us understand how satisfied you are and keep improving and ensuring what we deliver is of the highest quality.

Before your trip, download the free app by using your smart phone or tablet device to scan the above QR Code or searching for APT Concierge in the App Store or Google Play. Find the icon on your device and tap to open.

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Apple, the Apple logo, iPad, and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.

Troubleshooting If you experience technical issues or require further assistance, please see below. Australia Phone: 1800 531 588 Email: [email protected] New Zealand Phone: +61 3 8526 1609 Email: [email protected] United Kingdom Phone: 0800 046 7738 Email: [email protected]

*Conditions apply – features are for demonstration only and may differ on each tour series. Enhancements will be made throughout the year. Maps available in selected areas.

Please Note: Once you download APT Concierge, we advise you to enable Notifications, to help ensure we can inform you with important information and provide valuable and relevant updates related to your tour. You may also wish to permit Location Services, which will allow location data to tailor geographically relevant results. When on tour, avoid roaming charges by either turning off data roaming or being mindful of usage. APT recommends connecting to Wi-Fi in advance or joining free Wi-Fi hotspots, found within most major cities.

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APT Travel Centres APT Head Office Level 4, 1230 Nepean Highway, Cheltenham, VIC 3192 Phone (from within Australia): 1300 278 278 aptouring.com.au

APT International Tours Limited NZ Suite 5 Level 1, 20 Augustus Terrace, Parnell, Auckland 1151 Phone (from within New Zealand): 0800 278 687 aptouring.co.nz

United Kingdom 1st Floor, Chalfont Court, 5 Hill Avenue, Amersham, Buckinghamshire HP6 5BD Phone (from within the UK): 0800 012 6686 aptouring.co.uk

North America Phone (from within North America): 1800 290 8687 aptouring.com

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This booklet is designed as a guideline to assist you when preparing for your tour. Much of the information within is subject to change and while all care has been taken to ensure all information is correct at time of printing, we cannot take responsibility for any subsequent changes. Published in Australia. Effective December 2019. Australian Pacific Touring Pty Ltd. (ABN 44 004 684 619. ATAS accreditation #A10825) APT-1180.