Dear Fellow Travelers:

I am really happy to remind you that our next tour is a very special winter one. It is not for everybody but is totally recommended for those who look for adventure and who like to participate in unique travel experiences. Russia is beautiful in all seasons and each season offers its own rewards. Without doubt Russian winters can be severe but that is only one side of the equation. Winter is a special time for music festivals, theatrical productions, beautiful nature, and tourist free museums and palaces!

It is the time when the dollar stretches further and groups can really relish the simple joys of great food and glue wine as never before. Traffic is becoming more of an obstacle in Russia as more and more cars are seen on the streets. Russian goods are rapidly rising in price and it a great opportunity to purchase for far less than at other times of the year.

There are other changes afoot for our groups going to Russia. Some are good and some are not but change is inevitable and all the more reason to go as soon as possible regardless of the weather. We have added a new stop on our tours and that is the world famous Imperial Porcelain Factory Museum. For those that love history and fine crafted items this is a real plus. Unfortunately progress has taken a toll on some of our favorite places to visit. The highly popular vodka museum is no more. The Senate Bar has been closed in favor of the relocation of a government ministry that purchased the building. The Yeliseyevski Brothers wonderful grocery store is going to be closed soon and this is a real loss to the city of St. Petersburg.

We will continue to seek out the most interesting places in the city and to make your trip of a lifetime something you will never forget. Please join us this February for a really memorable tour of the largest and most fascinating city in the world!

Sincerely,

Michael E. Donnelly, Ph.D.
President