Russia
State of the Arts July 7–16, 2011 This specially arranged celebration
of Russia’s artistic heritage centers around the vibrant arts scenes in Moscow and St. Petersburg, where you’ll explore extraordinary venues, enjoy special performances, and delve into the historical and cultural context that has long infused Russia’s creative spirit. The colorful onion domes of iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral are the perfect prologue to a performance and private tour at the grand Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. A wonderful contrast is the Museum of Modern Art, which exhibits 20th and 21st-century art exclusively. Housed in an 18th-century merchant’s mansion, the museum is renowned as a center of artistic education. Fly to St. Petersburg to be part of the lively atmosphere surrounding the world-famous White Nights Festival. Planned activities include a meeting with renowned Russian conductor and opera company director Valery Gergiev, a behind-the-scenes tour of the famed Mariinsky Theatre, a special festival performance, and an after-hours visit to the treasures of the Hermitage.
Your Journey Includes • Luxurious hotel accommodations throughout the itinerary • Special and private access at museums, galleries, theaters, and performance halls • Private meetings with Russian artists, musicians, and creative arts leaders • Welcome and farewell gala events • Attendance at a White Nights Festival event
Featured Guest
Valery Gergiev, Conductor and Artistic Director
Valery Gergiev, a world-famous Russian conductor and opera company director, is general director and artistic director of Russia’s famed Mariinsky Theatre, principal conductor of the London Symphony Orchestra, and artistic director of the White Nights Festival in St. Petersburg.
Highlights St. Petersburg
Lake Ladoga
Lake Onega
Svir River
RUSSIA
White Lake
Volga River
Moscow Canal
Moscow
• Entrance to a Stars of the White Nights Festival event, St. Petersburg’s premier arts and music celebration • Private behind-the-scenes tour of the Bolshoi Theatre, followed by a public performance
AIR
Itinerary (subject to change)
• Meetings with curators and artists at Winzavod, Moscow’s extraordinary contemporary arts center • A rare after-hours exploration of the Hermitage, including nearly exclusive access to most galleries and to the museum’s storage rooms • Special in-depth visit to the Kremlin, with early entrance to the Armory Museum and the Diamond Fund
Accommodations
July 7
Depart Home
July 8
Arrive Moscow, Russia
July 9–11
Moscow
July 12–15 St. Petersburg July 16
• First-rate musical performances, classical Russian ballet and opera, and a behindthe-scenes look at the influence of Russian artists, composers, and conductors on the global stage today
Depart St. Petersburg / Arrive Home
Program Rates
• From approx. $13,990 per person, double occupancy • From approx. $15,940 per person, single occupancy (Prices subject to change until publication of brochure)
Considered one of the finest luxury hotels in Moscow, the Ararat Park Hyatt is just a few minutes’ walk from the Bolshoi Theatre and within comfortable walking distance of Red Square and the Kremlin. The hotel’s elegant neoclassical facade belies a stylish modern interior, filled with natural light and stylish glass and metal appointments. Spacious rooms feature contemporary interiors and state-of-the-art technical amenities, and personal pampering is available at the hotel’s Quantum Health Club & Spa. The Grand Hotel Europe, on St. Petersburg’s splendid Nevsky Prospekt, is ideally located for savoring St. Petersburg’s long summer evenings when the White Nights festival celebrates the city’s cultural achievements. The hotel’s hospitality, architecture, and service are as exceptional today as they were when Tchaikovsky spent his honeymoon here. The rooms and suites are sumptuous, with all the 21stcentury conveniences that discerning travelers expect.
Airfare
Round-trip airfare from home to Moscow with return from St. Petersburg is not included in the program rates. Please call for assistance with your travel arrangements. Photos: Mariinsky Concert Hall with orchestra © V. Baranovsky • Gallery © centralasian • Catherine’s Summer Palace © iStockphoto.com / Thomas Steinke CST #2070901-40
WORLD LEADERS TRAVEL
Outter circle: 100 / 45 / 0 / 37 Reserve your space today with a fully refundable provisional deposit. Top circle: 100 / 44 / 0 /0 Bottom circle: 83 / 0 / 10 / 0 Center & Type: 80% K For details, please contact your professional travel advisor, call World Leaders Travel at 800-395-3288, or visit WorldLeadersTravel.com.