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Explore the ornate cathedrals, lavish palaces and centuries-old monuments of St Petersburg and the capitals of the Baltics, all cities which boast a rich historical and cultural heritage. Travel from Russia’s cultural capital, St Petersburg, through Tallinn with its fantastically preserved Old Town, taking in the Gothic architecture of Riga, cobbled streets of Vilnius and post-war renewal of Warsaw on this tour, which combines the medieval and modern highlights of this region.

This document aims to give you all the information that you require for a smooth and comfortable trip to St Petersburg & the Baltic Capitals. Please take the time to read this dossier to familiarise yourself with all the aspects of our tour. It includes important information such as flight details, visa requirements and travel insurance.

Your included meal guide: B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner DAY 1: UK to St Petersburg D Depart London on your scheduled flight to St Petersburg, where you’ll be met by your guide and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2: St Petersburg B Built from the ground up by Peter the Great, the city of St Petersburg is considered Russia’s cultural capital for its wealth of museums, theatres, cathedrals and monuments. Today’s tour takes you from the ornate domes of the Church on the Spilled Blood to the iconic Bronze Horseman Statue, the symbol of the city. A tour of the Hermitage Museum, one of the most famous art galleries in the world, will guide you through the extensive collection of over 2.7 million works of art housed in the Winter Palace of Catherine the Great. Stroll through the heart of the city as you enjoy some time at leisure on Nevsky Prospekt, the bustling central avenue of St Petersburg, before returning to your hotel.

DAY 3: St Petersburg B After breakfast, travel to the nearby town of Pushkin and visit the impressive Catherine Palace. Although named for Catherine I, the wife of Peter the Great, the palace owes its splendour to their daughter Elizabeth, who chose the palace as her chief summer residence when she became Empress and had it extensively modified, modelling it after the lavishly decorated palaces of Versailles and Vienna. Return to St Petersburg to enjoy an afternoon at leisure.

DAY 4: Tallinn B/L/D Journey towards Tallinn, the coastal capital of Estonia. A coach ride will transport you to the city and its Old Town, considered one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Sample the culinary delights of Estonia with dinner at your hotel.

DAY 5: Tallinn B Located on the shores of the Baltic Sea, Tallinn combines pretty cobblestone streets, Gothic church steeples and medieval merchant houses with trendy, modern restaurants, galleries and bars. Tour the city by coach and on foot, visiting the well-preserved medieval relic of the Old Town, the imposing Gothic Town Hall and the stained-glass windows and dramatic domes of Nevsky Cathedral. Wander through the marbled hallways and landscaped gardens of Kadriorg Palace, considered one of the finest examples of Estonian historical architecture, on this day-long tour of the city’s most beloved monuments.

DAY 6: Tallinn to Riga B/L/D After breakfast, board the coach for your journey to Riga, Latvia, the largest of the Baltic capitals. Stop en-route at Parnu, a lively seaside resort town, for lunch and a short tour before continuing on to Riga for dinner and your one-night stay.

DAY 7: Riga B/L/D A walking tour of Latvia’s capital city, with its eclectic mix of Gothic and Art Nouveau architecture, takes you to some of the city’s most renowned sights, including the famed Dome Cathedral, the largest place of worship in the Baltic region. After lunch, travel to the Lithuanian capital of Vilnius, a city brimming with spectacular architecture, fascinating historic structures and tranquil green spaces.

DAY 8: Vilnius B Today’s tour takes you through the cobbled alleyways of Vilnius to the best sights of the city, including the KGB Museum, the former headquarters of the Gestapo during the Nazi occupation of Lithuania. This afternoon, journey to the 14th century island castle of Trakai, ringed by the waters of three lakes, and explore the rooms and picturesque grounds of this unique monument. Enjoy your evening at leisure in Vilnius, giving you the chance to explore the night-time delights of the city at your own pace.

DAY 9: Vilnius to Warsaw B/L/D Journey onwards to Warsaw, Poland, a city that faced near destruction during World War 2, but which today offers a fascinating mix of historic monuments, post-war memorials and modern-day attractions.

DAY 10: Warsaw B/D Drive along the Royal Route, the famed arterial road that winds past castles, palaces and memorials, at the start of today’s city tour. Pay homage to composer Fryderyk Chopin with a visit to his commemorative monument at the Royal Łazienki Park. Learn more about Poland’s grim wartime past at the former Jewish ghetto, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and the Monument to the Katyń Victims. Go behind the red brick walls of Warsaw Castle to explore the golden columns, vast assembly halls and adorned ceilings of this former royal residence. Mark the end of your Baltic adventure with tonight’s farewell dinner.

DAY 11: Warsaw to the UK or extension B Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at the hotel before your transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK, or continue on to your chosen extension.

ITINERARY & DETAILS

TRIP OVERVIEW

ST PETERSBURG & THE BALTIC CAPITALS

YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

ST PETERSBURG & THE BALTIC CAPITALS TOUR DOSSIER

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Accommodation All accommodation is 3Hplus & 4H with en-suite facilities, heating/air-conditioning, TV and tea/coffee making facilities. Sunspot Tours have visited and inspected all the hotels to ensure that they meet the high standards we require for our clients. Should any of the hotels listed become unavailable you will be placed in alternative accommodation of the exact same standard. Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel.

Meals Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Lunch and dinner where stated will be taken at local restaurants or at your hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes.

ACCOMMODATION DETAILS & MAP

ASLA Travel GroupOffice phone number (St Petersburg): 007 812 334 1650

Emergency Contact Information:Call 0044 1480 433 783 and follow the instructions for the out of hours procedure.

ON YOUR ARRIVAL

Hotel information St Petersburg (3 nights): 4H Dostoevsky Hotel Address: 19, Vladimirsky prospect, St Petersburg, 191002 Russia Phone: 007 812 331 3200 Tallinn (2 nights): 4H Original Hotel Sokos Viru Address: Viru väljak 4, 10111 Tallinn, Estonia Phone: 00372 680 9300 Riga (1 night): 4H Opera Hotel & Spa Address: Raiņa bulvāris 33, Centra rajons, Rīga, LV-1050, Latvia Phone: 00371 063 400 Vilnius (2 nights): 4H Best Western Hotel Address: Konstitucijos pr. 14, Vilnius 09309, Lithuania Phone: 00370 5 273 9595 Warsaw (2 nights): 3Hplus Metropol Hotel Address: Marszałkowska 99A, 00-693 Warszawa, Poland Phone: 0048 22 325 3100

On your arrival in St Petersburg you will be met by a representative from our local agent, ASLA Travel, holding a sign displaying: “Sunspot Tours”. The Sunspot Tours/ASLA Travel representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. If you need to contact your representative during your stay the details are:

WHAT YOU NEED FOR YOUR TOUR

St Petersburg

Tallinn

Riga

Vilnius

Warsaw

Russia

Poland

Lithuania

Latvia

Estonia

Baltic Sea

Europe

1 Number of nights

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Coach

3

2

2

2

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VisasTo enter Russia you’ll need a visa before travel - make sure you apply for the correct type and duration of visa. During periods of high demand, you should apply for your visa well in advance. Russian diplomatic missions and the visa application centres in London and Edinburgh will collect biometric data (scanned fingerprints) from visa applicants above the age of 12. This applies to each Russian entry or transit visa application. It is mandatory to visit the visa application centre in person to apply for a Russian visa. Visa applications for UK residents are to be submitted at the Russia Visa Application Centre in London, Manchester or Edinburgh (UK). For further information see the Russian Embassy website and the website of VFS Global who manage Russian visa applications on behalf of the Embassy. Tourist visa applications can take 10 working days to be processed and longer during busy periods. Please see https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/russia/entry-requirements for more information. We can help towards application via a Visa Support Letter (VSL). You will need to send us all of the required passport information within the API form we have sent to you. Shortly after, we will send you your signed VSL. Upon receiving an authorised VSL you will need to go to your nearest UK-based Russian embassy to apply. Please note that only you can acquire a Russian entry visa due to biometric data (scanned fingerprints) collection. Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months after the expiry date of your visa. Tourist visa applications can take 20 working days to be processed and longer during busy periods. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Sunspot Tours. We recommend you check with your destinations’ Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding these.EU nationals do not require a visa for Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania and Poland. Further advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you check your destinations’ Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guide-lines regarding passport validity.

Physical AccessibilityThis tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and able mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches.

InsuranceWe strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travelinsurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, wehave arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote ‘WK830’ for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24 hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Sunspot Tours will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.

Health and VaccinationsIt is your responsibility to check any health & vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in sufficient time before your departure. Sources of information include: www.fco.gov.uk, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www.hpa. org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.

Tour GuidesThis is an escorted tour, meaning the you will have the services of an English-speaking guide during each excursion ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.

TippingTipping is common practice in Russia and the Baltics. It is customary to tip your guides and driver; please allow approximately £3 per person per day for your guide and £2 per person per day for your driver. Tipping at restaurants, hotels, etc. is discretionary.

ST PETERSBURG & THE BALTIC CAPITALS TOUR DOSSIER

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• Mosquito spray and suncream• Comfortable walking shoes• Waterproof lightweight jacket• Sunglasses and hat• Ruck sack

• Warmer clothing and thermals in winter• Personal toiletries • A multi adapter travel plug• First aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc

FLIGHT INFORMATIONYour initial flight is to Pulkovo International Airport in St Petersburg with British Airways (BA), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 5.

Baggage AllowanceBaggage allowance (per person): Each passenger is entitled to 23kg of hold luggage. There is also an allowance of one cabin bag not exceeding 56cm x 45cm x 25cm and one personal bag not exceeding 45cm x 36cm x 20cm that you can take on the aircraft as hand luggage. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your e-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Heathrow Airport advises that check-in should be three hours before your flight departure time.

Airport ExtrasIf you wish to arrange airport car parking, lounges or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.

WHAT TO PACK

IMPORTANT: Please note that final flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.

Group SizeThe minimum number of travellers in your group will be 15. In the unlikely event, there are fewer than 15 passengers on your tour date, you may be asked to change to a different date. A full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.

Currency ExchangeEstonia, Latvia and Lithuania all use Euro. The currency in Russia is the Ruble and in Poland the currency is the Zloty. It is advised to take a mixture of currencies. You will also have access to ATMs during your tour where you can withdraw money in local currency.

Personal ExpensesYou will need to take some extra money with you to cover any dinners where these are not mentioned on your itinerary and personal purchases, such as souvenirs, extra drinks and snacks. We would recommend a minimum of £40 per person, per day for the duration of the tour.

Credit Card InformationAs normal practice, you will be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels. (Please note that American Express, Diners Club is not accepted in Russia)

Itinerary ChangesThe order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-to-day itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.

ST PETERSBURG & THE BALTIC CAPITALS TOUR DOSSIER

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Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Average temperature: St Petersburg

Average temperature: Riga

Average temperature: Warsaw

Average temperature: Vilnius

Average temperature: Tallinn

YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

KRAKOW CITY STAY EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact your local agent.

FLIGHT INFORMATIONPlease note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.

TRIP OVERVIEWExplore Poland’s cultural capital with this 2-night extension, which includes train tickets from Warsaw to Krakow, hotel transfers and a guided tour of either Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, the former concentration camp, or the extensive Wieliczka salt mine.

ITINERARY & DETAILSThis document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your extension in Krakow.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

DAY 11: Warsaw to Krakow BEnjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel in Warsaw before your transfer to Warsaw Rail Station where you will board a train to Krakow. Upon arrival in Krakow, you will be transferred to your hotel. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, giving you the chance to explore the city sights.

DAY 12: Krakow BFollowing breakfast, choose between a guided tour to Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, the infamous concentration camp, or the extensive Wieliczka salt mine which contains incredible carvings hewn straight into the rock by miners and contemporary artists.

DAY 13: Krakow to the UK BFollowing breakfast at the hotel, transfer to the airport for your scheduled return flight to the UK.

Krakow hotel (2 nights)Your stay in Krakow will take place at the 4H Kossak Hotel on Bed & Breakfast.Address: Plac Kossaka 1, 31-106 Kraków, PolandPhone: 0048 12 379 5900

Any alternative hotels or board basis will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure.Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and finalconfirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel.

Personal ExpensesYou will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs and laundry plus meals not included and drinks.

Tour GuidesYour stay in Krakow is not escorted by a tour guide, apart from your guided tour on day 12. All internal transfers are included.

Please note: This extension takes place after your main tour.

WEATHER AND CLIMATE

Average temperatures: Krakow

Kossak Hotel

This document aims to give you all the information which you will require during your pre-tour extension in St Petersburg.

B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner

DAY 1: UK to St PetersburgDepart London on your scheduled flight to St Petersburg, where you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel.

DAY 2: St Petersburg BEnjoy a day exploring St Petersburg at your own pace before the start of the main tour.

DAY 3: St Petersburg BAfter breakfast, you will begin your main tour of St Petersburg & the Baltic Capitals.

Hotel Information (2 nights)Your stay in St Petersburg will be in one of the following hotels on Bed & Breakfast:4H Dostoevsky Hotel Address: 19, Vladimirsky prospect, St Petersburg, 191002 RussiaPhone: 007 812 331 32005H Solo Sokos Hotel Palace Bridge Address: Birzhevoy per., 2, St Peterburg, Russia, Phone: 007 812 335 2200

Your chosen hotel will have been confirmed at booking. Please speak to our reservations department if you are unsure.Please note: the hotels listed are provided for guidance only and finalconfirmation of your accommodation will be sent in a document, along with your final flight information, approximately 10 days before you travel.

Personal ExpensesYou will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs and laundry plus meals not included and drinks.

Tour GuidesYour stay in St Petersburg is not escorted by a tour guide. All internal transfers are included. If you are staying in the Solo Sokos Hotel Palace Bridge, you will be transferred to the Dostoevsky Hotel on day 3 to join your group for the main tour.

Please note: This extension takes place before your main tour.

YOUR TOUR DOSSIER

ST PETERSBURG PRE-TOUR EXTENSION If you have not yet booked this fabulous extension, there is still time to do so. Please contact your local agent.

FLIGHT INFORMATIONPlease note: Final hotel and flight details will be confirmed on your e-ticket and final documentation which will be sent to you approximately 10 days before departure.

TRIP OVERVIEWEnjoy the sights of St Petersburg before your main tour begins. Russia’s imperial capital for two centuries, St Petersburg remains the cultural centre of the country and boasts a multitude of opera and ballet theatres, art museums, galleries and palaces.

ITINERARY & DETAILS

Dostoevsky Hotel Solo Sokos Hotel Palace Bridge