The Trans-Siberian Express
BAM Route
DAILY ITINERARY (WESTBOUND)
Via the Northern Siberian BAM Route
(Saturday) Group flight (departing USA 2 days earlier) is met at Vladivostok airport after customs clearance. Transfer to the central Hotel Hyundai, where one night additional pre-tour stay can be arranged, at extra cost. Connecting flight from the UK departs London, then Moscow for Vladivostok overnight
Day 1 (Sunday) UK passengers are met at Vladivostok airport with transfer to the central Hotel Hyundai. Group meets for reception dinner and overnight stay
Day 2 (Monday) The town tour takes in, amongst other things, the principal military attractions of Vladivostok. Evening departure of the Trans-Siberian Express with welcome dinner on the trainDay 3 (Tuesday) Morning arrival in Komsomolsk, the most easterly point of your journey, where you visit the Amur River and the museum of the local factory which produces Mig fighter planes. Heading west you enjoy the relaxed pace of life on board. You are now due north of Seoul, Darwin and interestingly, Osaka
Day 4 (Wednesday) A full day on the train enjoying the comfort, space and service found on no other Trans-Siberian trains! Siberia at its most remote and beautiful unfolds before you as you enter the region of permafrost. Here the vast distances and forbidding geographic and climatic conditions render the entire region a difficult environment for human existence
Day 5 (Thursday) Heading east there will be a visit to the only city on the BAM route, Tynda, including a visit to the BAM Museum and a local Evenk village
Day 6 (Friday) A beautiful area of mountains, lakes, rivers and ravines will be capped by our ascent of the breath-taking 54 km spiral bypass constructed as a temporary measure for trains until the Severomuysk tunnel is fully operational. You'll be able to see the mouth of the 15.7 km Severomuysk tunnel, which is just opening around 20 years behind schedule, following the horrendous geological conditions encountered during construction
Day 7 (Saturday) Morning arrival in remote Severobaikalsk (North Baikal), where the road network is completely cut-off from the rest of the country. The BAM (Baikal Amur Magistral) is a vital lifeline to this beautiful area and we have a full day to explore the unique biodiversity of life here, and meet some of the local inhabitants. You are now above SingaporeDay 8 (Sunday) Heading west, passing Krasnoyarsk you are above Mongolia, Burma, Thailand and Malaysia
Day 9 (Monday) A stopover in Novosibirsk, where you visit the Opera House, Lenin Square and the Ob River, which flows 3,500 miles from its source to the Arctic
Day 10 (Tuesday) Yekaterinburg, last city in Asia and Capital of the Urals. Your town tour includes the Romanov execution site, and the Urals Mineralogical Museum. Shortly after departure cross the Europe/Asia divide
Day 11 (Wednesday) Last full day on the train. Passing Kirov you are due north of Tehran
Day 12 (Thursday) Morning arrival in St. Petersburg where you spend a full day touring. Visit the stunning Imperial Palaces, including the State Hermitage with its remarkable collection of art. Late night departure on the final leg of your epic journey to MoscowDay 13 (Friday) Morning arrival in Moscow. Full day touring including Red Square and the Kremlin. Overnight in the 5-star Hotel Baltschug Kempinski opposite the Kremlin following the farewell gala dinner
Day 14 (Saturday) Breakfast at the hotel. Free time in the morning. Airport transfer
Three set Table d'Hôte meals per day are included from the reception dinner on day 1 until breakfast on day 15.
2004 DEPARTURE DATES
Westbound via BAM Railway in Northern Siberia
March 7-20
Sept. 12-25PRICES for 2004
First class twin-share: US$ 4,995
First class single occupancy: US$ 6,595
Deluxe class en-suite twin-share: US$ 7,995
Deluxe class en-suite single occupancy: US$ 11,995Prices are per person for the fully inclusive tour Vladivostok to Moscow and do not include airfares, as our passengers join the tour from all over the world. Please note that £ sterling prices are based on an exchange rate of US$1.50 to £1. If this rate falls below 1.40 by the date your final invoice is issued, we reserve the right to make a surcharge of such an amount as will compensate for any adverse movement in currency exchange rates.
THE TRAIN
Our sleepers are modern air-conditioned cars built in Germany. They are cozy and comfortable, and provide an ideal method of transport for the remote areas of Russia that we visit. Each car has nine twin compartments, all fitted with two lower berth beds that convert to sofa seating for daytime travel.
There is ample space for luggage storage under each bed and for suitcases in a recess above the corridor area. Clothes hangers are provided and the cars are well appointed with mirrors, bedside table, reading lamps and space for the storage of small items.
Our Deluxe Cars are purpose-built, new carriages designed for the 21st century to offer top-class comfort and service, which equals the best luxury trains in the world today. Each carriage has four compartments which can be configured for double, twin or single occupancy, with the lower berth converting into a comfortable sofa for daytime travel.Each compartment features its own private shower and toilet facilities and has a wardrobe, audio system, DVD/VCR with the latest flat, plasma screens and air conditioning with individual climate control by remote handset.
The focal point of each departure is the Bar Car. Whether it be to chat about Russian traditions practicing your Russian with our bar staff, or peruse the books, videos, games and magazines available, passengers can relax and enjoy the comfort of this cosy hive of activity. Pre-dinner get-togethers, early morning chats over a cappuccino and birthday parties are only a few of the bar car's uses. It is home to educational lectures about local customs and traditions, concert musicians play a variety of music in the evenings.
Terms & Conditions
Please read carefully the following conditions to which your booking is subject. Signing the booking form indicates you have read these conditions and agree to abide by them.
1. CONFIRMATION OF BOOKING. A deposit of 25% of the total tour cost is required in order to confirm a reservation. A booking is not accepted by IRT and no contract exists until the date we accept your payment, upon which a confirmation invoice which will be sent to you. Your confirmation invoice will specify exactly what is requested by you. It is your responsibility to check the invoice and advise us immediately in the event of any error. A provisional booking can be made by telephone to (800) 478-4881 and, if space is available, we will hold your reservation for seven days with no obligation on your part. After seven days the reservation will lapse.
2. TRAVEL INSURANCE. It is a condition of your booking that you take out adequate Travel Insurance coverage. This may be done through IRT's recommended insurer TravelPlus; you will receive a brochure about this upon confirmation of your booking or earlier by request. The policy covers: Accident medical expense: $5,000; Sickness medical expense: $5,000; Medical evacuation/repatriation: $50,000; Accidental death and dismemberment: $25,000; Trip Cancellation/Interruption : full cost of trip; Lost Baggage : $1,000. Coverage limits are subject to change. If you take out an alternative policy this must provide at least the same amount of coverage as shown above and you must supply us with a copy of your policy and name address and telephone number of your insurers.
3. FINAL PAYMENT. We must receive the balance due at least 90 days prior to departure or in full upon receipt of a confirmation invoice if the booking is made less than 90 days from the departure date. If full payment is not received 90 days prior to the departure date, we reserve the right to treat the booking as canceled and you will lose your deposit(s).
4. CANCELLATIONS. If you or a member of your party is forced to cancel your booking you must confirm this to IRT in writing immediately. The letter should be signed by the person who signed the original booking form. The date of cancellation is the date on which your letter is received by us. There will be a cancellation charge to compensate us for making your booking and the risk that we will be unable to resell your place(s). Insurance charges are non refundable. Cancellation charges are:
Notice given before the Cancellation fee excluding insurance premium
scheduled departure date
120+ days: $300 per person administrative fee
120-90 days: Loss of deposit
89 days-departure date: 100% of tour cost5. TICKET CONDITIONS. You are required to accept the Terms and Conditions of Carriage of Air, Sea and Rail carriers used in your tour, some of which limit or exclude liability. These conditions are the subject of international agreements between countries. Copies of conditions that will apply to your tour are available on request.
6. COMPLAINTS. The stated mission of The Society of International Railway Travelers is to offer the very best in rail travel around the globe for its members. However, if you have any problem or complaint during your journey please bring it to the attention of the tour guide immediately so that he may have the opportunity to put it right. Should a problem remain unsolved, please write to the Society at its main office at 1810 Sils Ave., Louisville KY. Our desire is to set things right. We cannot accept liability for any claims received more than two months after the completion of your journey. We also cannot render any refunds for any reason outside the terms set forth in these booking conditions. All claims will be settled by arbitration in Louisville, Kentucky.
7. YOUR CONTRACT. Upon signing the booking form, you are agreeing to the terms and conditions herein. Your contract with us, made under the terms of these booking conditions, is subject to U.S. Law and jurisdiction and is held to be made in Louisville, Kentucky.
8. SURCHARGES. IRT does not expect to make surcharges. IRT does, however, reserve the right at any time to receipt of the final balance to impose a surcharge of such an amount as will, in the reasonable opinion of IRT, compensate the company for any adverse movement in currency exchange rates.
9. RESPONSIBILITY: The Society of International Railway Travelers, Inc. (IRT) and Hardy Publishing Co., Inc. (HPC), parent company of The Society of International Railway Travelers, act only as agents for the passenger with respect to travel services. IRT and HPC do not own or operate any of the suppliers of services or accommodations for your trip. As a result, IRT and HPC are not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any such supplier of any other third party over whom IRT and HPC has no control. We can assume no responsibility nor liability in whole or in part for any delays, delayed or changed departure or arrival, missed carrier connections, loss, damage, weather, strikes, acts of God, circumstances beyond our control, force majeure, war, quarantine, criminal activity, expense, accident, sickness, injury or death to person or property, or mechanical defect, failure, or negligence of any nature howsoever caused in connection with any accommodations, restaurant, transportation or other services, for any substitution of hotels or of common carrier equipment beyond our control, with or without notice, or for any additional expenses occasioned thereby. If due to weather, flight schedules or other uncontrollable factors you are required to spend an additional night, you will be responsible for your own hotel, transfers and meal costs. No refund will be made for any unused portion of the tour due to these causes or voluntary cancellations. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
No revisions of the printed itinerary or its included features are anticipated; however, IRT and HPC reserve the right to make changes at any time and for any reason, with or without notice, and IRT and HPC shall not be liable for any loss whatsoever to passengers by reason of such cancellation, substitution or changes. All fares as well as ship and train schedules, port calls, hours of arrival and departure, special programs, and guest lecture series (if applicable), are subject to change without prior notice. IRT and HPC shall not be required to refund any portion of the fare or make any other
compensation under these circumstances. IRT and HPC cannot be responsible for penalties assessed by air carriers that may result due to operational and/or itinerary changes, regardless if the passenger and/or IRT and HPC make the flight arrangements. Any additional expenses resulting from the above will be paid by the individual passenger. IRT and HPC reserve the right to substitute a similar category for those listed in this brochure. IRT and HPC reserve the right to increase the tour price in the event of cost increases due to changes in air fares, currency fluctuations or fuel surcharges and such increases are to be paid to IRT and HPC by the tour participant upon notice to the tour participant of such increases.
When issued, the air tickets shall constitute the sole contract between the air company concerned and the purchaser of these tours and/or passenger. Please note that advertised air rates can change before ticketing. The airlines and other transportation companies concerned are not held responsible for any act, omission, or events during the time passengers are not on board their conveyances.11. MEDICAL. Any physical or mental condition which may require special medical attention must be reported in writing. All Society trips require some walking. In Russia, almost no facilities exist for disabled persons. By forwarding of deposit by either check or credit card, the passenger certifies that he/she does not have any mental, physical or other condition of disability that would create a hazard for him/herself or other passengers and accepts the terms of this contract. IRT and HPC reserves the right to decline to accept or retain any person as a tour member should such a person's health, mental condition, physical infirmity or attitude jeopardize the operation of the tour or the rights, welfare, or enjoyment of other participants.
12. HEALTH. Passengers should refer to the Department of Health leaflet 'Travelers guide to Health' (number T1) which is available from Travel Agents or from the Dept. of Health. Clients should check with their doctor before departure as to which inoculations are considered necessary or recommended for the area in which you will be traveling. Such precautions do not take the place of Insurance. In some foreign countries the standard of hygiene and safety may differ from those in the U.S. For your own protection you should take particular care with hygiene and to what you eat and drink while abroad.
13. BAGGAGE. Baggage and personal effects are taken at owner's risk throughout the trip and baggage insurance is strongly recommended.
14. VISAS & PASSPORTS. A full passport with at least 6 months validity from the end of the tour is required for all our tours. Passengers should ensure that they obtain all the necessary documentation and visas prior to departure as IRT and GW Travel assume no responsibility for passengers refused entry into a country for incorrect documentation and any repatriation charges will be the responsibility of the passenger. Please advise your nationality at the time of booking in case additional visas may be required.
15. TRAVEL DOCUMENTS. Travel Documents will be issued after receipt by the Company of the full price or final balance and not normally later than fourteen days prior to departure.
16. BEHAVIOR. Passengers are expected to behave in a reasonable manner toward other passengers, IRT tour guide and other persons with whom we have contact during our tour. If a passenger behaves, in the opinion of the tour guide, in a way likely to disrupt the enjoyment or endanger to safety of other passengers the tour manager will issue him or her with a verbal warning. Should this not resolve the matter a second, written, warning will be issued. If the disruptive behavior continues after the second warning then the passenger will be removed from the tour and will have to make his or her own arrangements to return home. No refunds for the untravelled portion of the tour will be entertained. The right is retained to refuse any application for reservation(s), cancel any reservation(s) or decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the tour group at any time.
17. OTHER CONDITIONS. All bookings are accepted and all arrangements are made by us subject to (a) any and all conditions imposed from time to time by IRT, HPC, GW Travel Limited, airlines and sea, road and rail carriers, providers of accommodations and catering and other services and facilities connected with your holiday (and such conditions will apply to you just as if they were incorporated in these conditions) and (b) any law direction or order imposed from time to time by any competent authority. Some of the third party conditions seek to exclude or limit liability of the third party concerned: for instance the responsibility of IATA airlines in connection with the holiday(s) in this brochure is limited to the carriage of passengers and their luggage in accordance with the Conditions of Carriage of the participating airlines. All charter flights are offered subject to Government approval.
18. SAFETY ON RAIL TOURS. Railways are busy and potentially dangerous places. If you alight at any photostop, other than scheduled stops at recognized stations, or visit any railway installation, whether included or not in the tour, you do so at your own risk and are advised that your travel insurance MAY NOT cover you in case of mishap. Permission to travel on the locomotives may be given during the tour however you do this entirely at your own risk; IRT, GW Travel and the Railways concerned will not and do not accept any liability in case of mishap.
The Society of International Railway Travelers
Please call us with questions, bookings:
800-IRT-4881
www.irtsociety.com
