MAY 2012Lithuania, Latvia & Russia

KPLU TRAVEL CLUB PRESENTS…

A Music Lovers’ Adventure to Lithuania, Latvia & Russia
April 26-May 7, 2012

“Like all great travelers, I have seen more than I remember, and remember more than I have seen.”
–Benjamin Disraeli-

 

Join fellow KPLU listeners and General Manager Paul Stankavich and Joey Cohn Director of Content, on a world-class, culturally-rich jazz adventure to the Baltic States and historic Saint Petersburg. Journey highlights include the highly acclaimed Kaunas International Jazz Festival, historic walks in the charming capitals of Vilnius and Riga, bistro dining, outings to villages and visits to stunning national parks. In Saint Petersburg you’ll enjoy a private tour of the Hermitage (Winter Palace of the Czars), visit the mansion where Rasputin lived, explore the town of Pushkin and stroll through Catherine the Great’s remarkable summer residence. An evening outing to Saint Petersburg’s Jazz Philharmonic Hall is also included. Space is limited to just 28 KPLU listeners. Don’t delay!  Join fellow KPLU supporters for what promises to be a world-class jazz adventure to Russia and the Baltic States.

 

JOURNEY OVERVIEW

1 Overnight flight
2 Nights Kaunas (Jazz Festival)
2 Nights Vilnius (Capital of Lithuania)
2 Nights Riga (Capital of Latvia)
4 Nights Saint Petersburg, Russia
2 Night Post-tour journey to Moscow

 

IT’S INCLUDED

• Hosted by KPLU General Manager Paul Stankavich and Joey Cohn, KPLU Director of Content
• Fully guided by Earthbound Expeditions guide Holger Zimmer
• Roundtrip air from Seattle on Lufthansa Airlines
• Airport transfers upon arrival and departure for those flying with the group
• Flight tickets and transport from Riga to Saint Petersburg
• Ten nights of accommodations in centrally located four-star hotels
• All breakfasts plus eleven additional multi-course meals
• Special vodka and beer tastings
• Kaunas Jazz Festival tickets
• Tickets to the Jazz-Philharmonic in Saint Petersburg
• Guided tours led by expert local guides
• Museum, park and castle entrances
• All tips for your driver and guides
• Carbon Fund credits so you’ll travel carbon neutral
• A pre-tour informational gathering
• Alumni discounts towards your next KPLU travel club adventure

 

TRIP FACTS

11 Nights / 12 Days (including air travel)
$3,495 dbl occupancy (20-28 guests) land only
$4,475 dbl occupancy (20-28 guests) with air
Trip departs Seattle on April 26, 2012
Trip begins in Kaunas on April 27
Trip ends in St. Petersburg / Seattle on May 7
Post-tour to Moscow returns on May 9
Limited to 28 KPLU travelers
Air provided by Lufthansa Airlines
*Prices based on .73 = $1 USD
Status: Almost Sold Out!

 

WAYS TO SAVE $275…
 KPLU alumni Save $100
Pay by check and save $75
Signup by February 1st and save $100

Not included:  Russian visa fees, travel insurance, airline taxes, surcharges, baggage fees, alcoholic beverages with meals, gratuities for hotel housekeeping, room service or mini-bar, items of a personal nature and other items not mentioned. 

 

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“A journey is like marriage. The certain way to be wrong is to think you control it.”
-John Steinbeck-

 

YOUR KPLU JOURNEY BEGINS…  

April 26
DAY 1
Depart the USA for Europe

 

April 27
DAY 2
Arrive in Lithuania!
Sveiki atvykę į Lietuvą! Welcome to Lithuania! Upon arrival you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel in the charming old town center of Kaunas.  Enjoy a welcome drink and time to explore Old Kaunas. Join your guide and KPLU hosts this evening for an orientation and “Welcome to the Baltics” feast.  Sleep in Kaunas (D)

 

DAY 3
Kaunas Jazz Festival!
After breakfast, enjoy a stroll through the old town center with an expert local guide who will explain the town’s rich history. Kaunas is the second-largest city in Lithuania and the provisional capital of Lithuania from 1919-1939. Our tour will highlight the Castle Square, the Town Hall known as White Swans, as well as Perkunas House, a masterpiece of gothic architecture. This evening, enjoy performances at the world-renowned Kaunas Jazz Festival. Sleep in Kaunas (B, L)

 

About the Kaunas Jazz Festival

The festival started in 1991, soon after Lithuania declared re-establishment of independence from the Soviet Union. The festival experienced difficulties at first, due to a shaky economic situation, but it is now the biggest and most popular jazz festival in Lithuania. In the beginning it was held only in the spring (late April), but it now features a small series in fall and another series just before Christmas. The festival strives to include many different styles and genres of jazz. Artists from over 20 countries have participated in the festival, including Al di Meola, John Scofield, Niels-Henning Ørsted Pedersen, Elvin Jones, Jan Garbarek, Charles Lloyd, Bobo Stenson, Nils Landgren, Courtney Pine, Marc Copland, John Abercrombie, Palle Mikkelborg, Nils Petter Molvaer, David Sanborn, Mike Stern, Trilok Gurtu, Bobby Previte, Greg Osby, and Chico Freeman.

 

DAY 4
Discover Trakai National Park and Castle
After a hearty breakfast, we’ll make a short drive to Trakai, the medieval capital of the Grand Lithuanian Duchy nestled among the lovely lakes. The Trakai National Historical Park has medieval fortress-islands and Peninsula Castles, situated in one of the most impressive and picturesque locations in Europe. Drive to Vilnius in the late afternoon and enjoy a traditional multi-course dinner together in a nearby café. Sleep in Vilnius (B, D)

 

DAY 5
Historic Vilnius & Kaunas Jazz Festival
Our exploration of Vilnius will feature the lovely Cathedral Square, the gothic Church of St Anne, as well as the Dawn Gate Chapel, containing the miraculous image of St. Mary. We’ll also see the Russian Orthodox Church of Holy Spirit, the Old University campus, Town Hall Square, the Presidential Palace, and the Baroque-style masterpiece of the Church of St. Peter and Paul. Late afternoon will be free for your own exploration. Tonight the Kaunas Jazz Festival moves to Vilnius for one special evening. Tickets to this event are included.  Sleep in Vilnius (B, L)

 

DAY 6
East to the Charming Capital of Latvia: Riga!
Our drive east today will take us through the countryside of both Lithuania and Latvia. We stop to admire Siauliai, Lithuania, where you’ll find the Hill of Crosses before proceeding to Riga, where we’ll have a bit of time to explore the old town before meeting up for dinner.

Your hotel, located in the center of town, is perfectly situated for an afternoon of sightseeing. Not to be missed is a collection of houses named the “Three Brothers.”  Each mansion traces in stone the different stages of architectural development of Riga, from medieval to baroque. The oldest of the three is N°17 and dates back to the 15th century!  You should also visit the Cat House, named after the two black cats perched on the roof. At the turn of the century, the owner of the building was exiled from the Great Guild across the street and ordered the cats to be turned with their tails towards the Guild. Sleep in Riga (B, D)

 

DAY 7
A Relaxing Day in Old Riga
When in Riga, do what the Rigans do…which happens to be a trip to the morning market. The Central Market was completed in 1930 and was considered one of the largest and most modern marketplaces on the European continent. The five huge structures were utilized as zeppelin hangars during WWI, before being used to shelter the market from the fierce Baltic winter winds. After the market, let’s continue our walk to the largest cathedral in the Baltics.  Founded by Latvia’s Teutonic conquerors in the beginning of the 13th century under Bishop Albert, this well-known church has become an icon of the Old Town of Riga. Over the centuries it has been destroyed and rebuilt many times, resulting in a composite of different architectural styles. The famous organ of the Dome Cathedral was erected in 1884 and was the biggest in the world, comprised of 6,718 pipes! Tonight enjoy a multi-course dinner out on the town. After, your guide will be available to take those interested to a nearby jazz club.  Sleep in Riga (B, D)

 

Day 8
Riga to Glorious Saint Petersburg
After breakfast we fly off to Saint Petersburg, called “the Venice of the North,” and considered by many to be the most beautiful city in Russia.

Upon arrival we set out to discover the regal town center. With its towering, powerful stone walls and soaring cathedral spire, the Peter and Paul Fortress is certainly an impressive sight. The fortress was designed to protect the Neva lands that were won from the Swedes during the Northern War (1700 – 1721). During the last years of the Czar and during the Russian Revolution, this fortress was a prison and lodged counter revolutionaries, traitors and spies. Today the fortress is a museum and now houses replicas of captured Swedish and Turkish banners.

We’ll also visit Yusupov Palace. A marvel of 18th and 19th century architecture and home to one of the wealthiest and powerful pre-Revolutionary Russian families, the palace is also famous as the site where Gregory Rasputin was murdered in 1916.

This evening join your local Russian guide for a “Welcome to Russia” dinner and orientation.  Sleep in Saint Petersburg (B, L, D)

 

Did You Know… St. Petersburg was known as Petrograd from 1914 to 1924 and Leningrad from 1924 to 1991. It was designed by Peter the Great in 1703 and intended to foster trade with Europe.

 

Day 9
The Hermitage Museum and a Canal Cruise
Starting in the 1760s, the Winter Palace was the main residence of the Russian Czars.  Magnificently located on the bank of the Neva River, this Baroque-style palace is perhaps St. Petersburg’s most impressive attraction. Many visitors also know it as the main building of the unrivalled Hermitage Museum, arguably the world’s greatest museum in all respects. After our private visit and lunch, enjoy a cruise on the Neva River and through the canals of Saint Petersburg. Sleep in Saint Petersburg (B, L)

 

DAY 10
The Palace Gardens of Peterhof
Today we set off to discover the world-famous palace, fountains and park ensemble of Peterhof.  Founded in the beginning of the 18th century by Emperor Peter the Great, not far from his new northern capital of St. Petersburg, Peterhof was intended to become Europe’s most splendid royal summer residence. Its wonderful parks, 176 fountains, ornate palaces and numerous gilded statues all make Peterhof a veritable gem of art, and it is often called in Russia the “Capital of Fountains.”

After lunch return to Saint Petersburg and visit the impressive Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood. Built on the spot where Emperor Alexander II was assassinated in 1881, this church is a lively profusion of brightly colored onion domes and glittering spires, and has a breathtakingly detailed mosaic interior. Next, we travel a short way to view St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Built in the first half of the 19th century by the French architect Auguste Montferrand, this enormous cathedral is impressive. Tonight enjoy a concert the Jazz Philharmonic Hall of Saint Petersburg.  Sleep in Saint Petersburg (B, L)

 

DAY 11
A day in Pushkin
While the palace of Peterhof was built by Peter the Great, the palace of Pushkin was originally built by the luxury-obsessed Empress Elizabeth, then reconstructed and redecorated by Catherine the Great. This magnificent summer residence includes the world famous “Amber Room.” It is worth noting that Russia had to build this palace twice; first by Elizabeth and Catherine, then once again after it was destroyed by the Nazis.

Note: Pushkin is called ”The Town of Muses” because so many of Russia’s great poets, artists and composers spent time relaxing in her embrace. Originally, Pushkin was a country residence of the Czars but soon attracted the nation’s finest minds. It was here where Alexander Pushkin, one of the country’s greatest poets, spent his youth. Other poets and writers whose names are connected with this town include Karamzin, Zhukovskii, Tutchev, Esenin, Annenskii, Ahmatova and of course, Tolstoy.

After a multi-course farewell lunch and vodka tasting return to St. Petersburg in the late afternoon.  Take time to visit additional sights or relax in a nearby café.  Sleep in Saint Petersburg.  (B, L)

 

May 7
DAY 12
Depart Saint Petersburg / Moscow Extension Begins
Your KPLU adventure concludes after breakfast. You will be transferred to the St. Petersburg airport for your return flight, or join a post-tour extension to Moscow. In either case, we wish you a very pleasant journey.

 

MOSCOW POST-TOUR EXTENSION

TRIP FACTS

Days 12-14 (May 7-9)
$875 PP Dbl. Occupancy
$300 Single Supplement

 

IT’S INCLUDED 

• Transport to Moscow from Saint Petersburg by high speed train
• Two nights of accommodation at the **** Hotel Budapest or similar (located two blocks from Red Square, the Kremlin and the Bolshoi)
• Tickets and fully guided tour of the Kremlin Museum and Red Square
• Tour of the Moscow metro system
• Transfers from the train station to your hotel
• Transfers from your hotel to the Moscow airport

 

YOUR POST-TOUR BEGINS…

May 7
DAY 12
High Speed Train to Moscow
This morning you will be transferred to the train station. There you’ll board a high speed train for Russia’s historic capital city, Moscow. Check into your centrally-located hotel after arriving in Moscow.  Sleep in Moscow.

 

May 8
DAY 13
The Kremlin, Diamond Fund and Red Square
The first reference ever made to Moscow was in the year 1147, and in 1156 Prince Yury Dolgoruky erected timber walls and a moat around the metropolis. In the 15th century, King Ivan III proudly proclaimed Moscow the capital of Russia. Since then, Moscow has seen countless invasions, from the Tatar-Mongols to Napoleon and the Nazis, and has proudly endured and even thrived at the crossroads of Europe and Asia.

No trip to Moscow is complete without a walk behind the walls of the veiled Kremlin fortress. Throughout the 20th century the Kremlin was shrouded in secrecy, as decisions made there would shape our world. One of the highlights of our morning tour is the Kremlin’s Diamond Fund, which is truly an amazing experience. The beauty and craftsmanship of Russia’s State Treasury will overwhelm even those not usually impressed by diamonds. The nucleus of the exhibit is The Great Imperial Crown, fabricated by the court jeweler for the coronation of Catherine the Great.  After a lunch break, you’ll tour the area around Red Square, view Lenin’s Tomb and the astonishing and colorful Saint Basil’s cathedral. Then set off to explore the Moscow metro. Sleep in Moscow.

 

May 9
DAY 14 Return to the USA. The Post-tour ends after breakfast. Transfer to Moscow Airport and return home with a lifetime of memories. Happy travels!

 

Note About the Weather and White Nights of the Baltic Region
  You will be traveling to the Baltic States and Russia during the season of the midnight sun. Which means you’ll have a lot more time to take in the many remarkable sights! May is considered to be one of the very best times to travel to this region. In early May the sunrise is at 5:42 a.m. and sunset is approximately 10:00 p.m. Days are mild (low 50s to mid 60s) with a mix of sun and clouds.

  -Itinerary Details Subject to Change-

 

RESPONSIBILITY: Terms and Conditions

KPLU, Pacific Lutheran University [PLU] and Earthbound Expeditions Inc.  [EBE ] act only as agents for the suppliers of services (including, but not limited to, air and ground transportation, meals, and lodging) provided in conjunction with the tour. KPLU and EBE are not liable for the negligent acts, omissions, defaults, or failure to perform of such suppliers. The participant releases EBE and KPLU from any and all liability resulting from acts or omissions of the suppliers of services, including, but not limited to, damage, delay injury, damage to participant (including death) or loss of participant’s personal property. Nor do KPLU and EBE accept responsibility for losses or delays arising from sickness, quarantine, government restraints, war, acts of terrorism, weather conditions, earthquakes, or acts of God.

KPLU and EBE have no special knowledge of problems or hazards regarding health or safety in the destinations visited by participant. Participant agrees to assume full responsibility for his/her safety during this tour and is advised that some destinations visited may involve risks of political instability, terrorism, social unrest, disease, and climatic extremes, as well as geographical and atmospheric extremes such as altitude and/or pollution, earthquakes, etc. Participant assumes all risks of damage or injury in connection with such risks and agrees to indemnify and hold harmless KPLU and EBE against any and all claims arising from participant’s travel to such destinations. For additional information regarding hazards in specific destinations, participant may consult the U.S. State Department and the Center for Disease Control.

Dates, schedules, program details, and costs stated by EBE and KPLU’S itinerary and brochure are given on good faith and based on information available at the time of publication of the brochure and pricing of the tour and are subject to change and revision at any time by KPLU and EBE. EBE does not guarantee the rates of any suppliers and reserves the right to substitute  alternate suppliers if deemed necessary by EBE. EBE reserves the right to change participant’s itinerary if, in EBE’s sole discretion, such change is advisable to protect participant’s safety. No refund shall be due from KPLU or EBE in conjunction with changes in rates or itineraries, substitution of suppliers, or participant’s decision not to complete a tour itinerary. EBE reserves the right to refuse to accept any participant, cancel any tour at any time, or request a participant to withdraw from a tour if, in KPLU and EBE’s sole discretion, such refusal, cancellation, and/or withdrawal are in the best interest of participant or other tour participants. Participants are encouraged not to purchase airline tickets until after receiving a letter stating that they are confirmed on the tour, and neither EBE nor KPLU accepts liability for any airline cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of non-refundable tickets. Baggage and personal effects are the sole responsibility of the owners at all times. By signing my name below I certify that I have carefully read this agreement and fully understand its terms. I understand that this is a contract between me, EBE and KPLU and I am signing this agreement of my own free will and as one of the requirements in exchange for being permitted to go on the tour. It is my express intention to assume all the risks of travel and to release KPLU and EBE from any and all liabilities to the maximum extent permitted by law. This Agreement is binding upon me personally as well as upon my heirs, executors and administrators, and all members of my family.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

Health Matters:  It is the responsibility of each guest to be aware of their physical abilities or limitations, and to be in sufficient good health to undertake the trip. To make the most of your journey and participate in the various planned group activities, you should be able to be on your feet and walk unassisted for two to three hours (often over uneven cobblestones or pathways) with frequent standing. If you have questions about the physical requirements for your journey, please email or call our travel office. Any preexisting physical, mental, or emotional disability that may require attention must be reported in writing prior to the beginning the journey. Although it is not mandatory to participate in every planned and included group activity, not doing so isn’t cause for a refund. For those desiring additional exercise, our trips allow free time to explore at your own pace. On boats, planes, ships and ferries, guests will need to be able to maneuver unassisted up and down gangways, stairs and in between decks. Smokers may smoke outside and downwind of the group.

Group Size: We pride ourselves on providing a small, shared group experience and Earthbound Expeditions will make every effort to limit the group to the size stated in your itinerary. However, to ensure the departure of an expedition at the lowest price, Earthbound Expeditions has at times found it necessary to overbook a trip by up to three people in order to anticipate the possibility of numerous last minute individual cancellations. Private and hosted journeys may be larger than other trips. Please see the Trip Facts section on your itinerary for details.

Tipping: Savvy travelers know that tipping is expected in most parts of the world, though never knowing when and how much can become a source of stress. To spare our guests hassle and anxiety, Earthbound Expeditions has included all gratuities for guides, drivers, dining room servers and local specialists on nearly all of our journeys. Some travelers like to reward outstanding service with an additional tip, gift or card. Gratuities for hotel staff, boat crew and those serving you while not with the group are not included. Note: Gratuities may not be included on private or hosted trips. Please refer to your specific itinerary for details.

Travel Insurance: Earthbound Expeditions strongly encourages the purchase of Travel Insurance Coverage. We include information on trip insurance in your deposit information. It is important to check with your medical insurance provider to understand your medical benefits and coverage while traveling abroad. Please read our cancellation policy carefully in order to avoid incurring a costly penalty.

Solo Travelers and Single Accommodations: Single accommodations may be requested by paying a single supplement comfort fee; these are limited and based on availability. For those willing to share, Earthbound Expeditions will assist in finding a same-gender roommate, and if one is found, the Single Supplement is waived. If a roommate cannot be found, guests will be asked to pay the Single Supplement comfort fee.

Reservations and Deposits: Early reservations are essential to guarantee space on the date you wish to travel. A per person deposit of $500 is needed to confirm your space on most journeys (please see section entitled RESERVATIONS on your Earthbound itinerary for specifics).  We prefer payment to be made by check, but we also accept Visa, MasterCard or American Express. You can make your secure credit card deposit online, by phone or by mail. Deposits are refundable for 60 days from the date received or 90 days prior to departure, whichever comes first. A $35 dollar per person processing fee will be applied to all cancellations, regardless of when they are made. Once the deposit is processed, a deposit packet is sent with pertinent journey details. Trips which include barges, boats and/or flights may require an additional deposit.

Group Air Reservations:  Please note that a $200 per person deposit is required if you choose to travel with the group. Cancellations must be made 100 days prior to departure. Cancellations after this date are non-refundable.

Photos and Comments:  Please note that Earthbound Expeditions and/or KPLU may use any film likenesses taken of a guest and any of their written comments made while on an EB tour for future marketing.

Final Payment: You will be sent an invoice approximately 75 days prior to departure, which will include any currency price reductions or additions. A non-refundable final payment, payable by money order, check or credit card, is due 60 days before departure. It is the responsibility of each passenger to make a timely payment. A final packet of information will be sent approximately one month before departure. Pay online or mail checks to: Earthbound Expeditions P.O. Box 11305, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, USA.

Cancellations: All cancellations must be made in writing and are effective upon receipt in our office.  Deposits are fully refundable for 60 days from the processing date or 90 days prior to departure, whichever comes first. Deposits made 90 days prior to a trip departing are not refundable. A $35 per person processing fee applies to all cancellations.

No refunds are made for cancellations after the non-refundable deposit date. It is for this reason we strongly encourage the purchase of Travel Insurance at the same time you reserve your journey with us. Please refer to your specific journey details, especially private and hosted journeys, as policies may differ.

Luggage: You should be able to comfortably manage your luggage over short distances. Porters are generally available to assist you. Please note that the some of the castles, hotels and country inns we utilize do not have porters, but most of our lodgings are equipped with elevators. The key is not to over-pack.

Concerts and Schedule Notes:  You can be assured that we’ll do our very best to obtain the best concert seats available and will reserve a pleasant balance of venues and events. Concerts will be announced approximately 60 days prior to departure. Note: Earthbound Expeditions is not responsible for any changes regarding the program, performers, times and/or dates which the concert organizers may alter. If for reasons beyond our control a concert is changed or cancelled a substitute concert will be found or you will be offered a refund.

Make Your Reservation