Fortress monastery, Sergiev Posad, Russia

Reading Russia
Trans-Siberian Express

August 8 - August 25, 2010

Location

Days

Railway Car, Ulan Ude

Red Square, Moscow

Enroute via Seoul

2

Vladivostok

2

Rail

2

Ulan Ude

1

Irkutsk and Lake Baikal

2

Rail

1

Yekaterinburg

2

Rail

1

Moscow

3

Return via Paris

1

Itinerary

Day 01 Sunday August 8 Depart Toronto, Canada

Flying west enroute to Seoul, cross the International Dateline and skip a day.

Day 02 Tuesday August 10 Arrival Seoul, Korea

Arrive early morning in the Korean capital and transfer to your hotel. Sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast or rise early and step out into the streets of a facinating city. This afternoon a guided tour visits Gyeongbok Palace, the National Folklore Museum, the Blue House and Jogyesa Temple, each a breathtaking tribute to the beauty of Korea's cultural heritage. Tonight is at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Overnight: Doulos Hotel

Day 03 Wednesday August 11 Depart Seoul / Arrival Vladivostok

Following breakfast transfer to Seoul Airport for your onward flight. Arrive Vladivostok early afternoon. Warm greetings and private transfer to your hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Celebrate your arrival at the edge of the Russia Federation with a welcome dinner at your hotel.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Hotel Vladivostok

Day 04 Thursday August 12 Vladivostok

A morning tour of this historic port city reminds visitors of an earlier San Francisco with streetcars rumbling slowly away from a stunning natural harbour towards the hills that surround. With travel to Vladivostok forbidden during the days of the USSR, the city gained an air of mystery that somehow remains intact today.

This afternoon, cruise across the Eastern Bosphorus to the fortified and wooded Russky Island from where Russia's Pacific Fleet protects this legendary harbour. Tonight board westbound Train 1 on the first leg of your 9289km Trans-Siberian journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Trans-Siberian Railway

Day 05 - 06 August 13 -14 On Board Trans-Siberian Railway

Perhaps comparable to being on a sea voyage, passengers on this long train journey will delight in a passage of time that celebrates sleep, respects a good read, offers opportunities for people watching, and leaves travelers in awe of a Russia revealed in slow motion from the windows of your train. Group members will meet daily for short story discussions.

Meals Included: Dinner
Overnight: Trans-Siberian Railway

Day 07 Sunday August 15 Ulan-Ude

A morning arrival in Ulan-Ude marks the first pause in your Trans-Siberian journey. Located 3650km from the Sea of Japan, Ulan-Ude is the centre of Russia’s indigenous Buddhist and shamanic Buryat culture.

Enjoy a city tour visiting the pedestrian friendly Merchant’s Quarter and Ploshchad Soevtov, the Soviet marching ground dominated by the world’s largest Lenin head. Later this morning visit Ivolginsk Datsan, a Buddhist monastery about 35km from Ulan-Ude. Stop enroute at the open air Ethnographic Museum where examples of the homesteads of Russia’s Old Believers have been recreated. Later in the day visit the home of a local Buryat where a folklore performance will be followed by a traditional family-style dinner. Tonight board westbound Train 361 for the second leg of your Trans-Siberian journey.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Trans-Siberian Railway

Day 08 Monday August 16 Irkutsk / Listvyanka

Following your morning arrival at Irkutsk Railway Station, travel by private coach to the village of Listvyanka on the shores of Lake Baikal. Between Irkutsk and Listvyanka visit the impressive Taltsy Museum of Wooden Architecture.

Crystal-clear and incredibly pure, Lake Baikal is the world’s deepest lake, contains nearly one-fifth of the world’s fresh water, is home to 1,200 unique species of plants and animals and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour of Listvyanka.

Meals Included: Dinner
Overnight: Mayak Hotel

Day 09 Tuesday August 17 Listvyanka / Irkutsk

Rise early and watch the sun rise over Lake Baikal. Following breakfast, travel by private coach to the fanciful churches and 19th century architecture that define the streetscapes of Irkutsk. In the early 19th century many Russian artists, officers and nobles were sent into exile in Siberia for their part in uprisings against Tsar Nicholas I. Irkutsk became the major center of intellectual and social life for these exiles, and much of the city's cultural heritage comes from them. Visit the Decemberist’s Museum and enjoy a guided city tour. This afternoon return to Irkustsk Railway Station and board Train 9 bound for historic Yekaterinburg.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Trans-Siberian Railway

Day 10 Wednesday August 18 On Board Trans-Siberian Railway

Full day at leisure. Step down onto isolated railway platforms, enter into conversations with fellow travelers, explore the world of the train. Time and entertainment are plentiful.

Meals Included: Dinner
Overnight: Trans-Siberian Railway

Day 11 Thursday August 19 Yekaterinburg

Late this morning leave Siberia behind as you near the Ural Mountain Range. Arrival in Yekaterinburg late afternoon and private transfer to your hotel. Join your tour leader for a walk past the shining cafés and posh shops of this economic and cultural capital of the region. Enjoy a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Meals Included: Dinner
Overnight: Richmond Hotel

Day 12 Friday August 20 Yekaterinburg

The execution of Tsar Nicholas II and family in the basement of a merchant’s house took place in Yekaterinburg in 1918 beginning one of the 20th century’s greatest mysteries. Today join your local guide as you follow the narrative of that fateful night, from the Romanov death site, now dominated by the Byzantine-style Church of the Blood, to the depths of a peaceful birch forest where the bodies were laid to rest.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Richmond Hotel

Day 13 Saturday August 21 On Board Trans-Siberian Railway

This morning following breakfast, board Train 15 bound for Moscow. This final day aboard the Trans-Siberian railway carries travels from Asia to Europe and passes through the Ural Mountain Range. Excitement grows as night falls and the capital of all Russia draws near.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Overnight: Trans-Siberian Railway

Day 14 Sunday August 22 Moscow

Morning breaks some hours out side of Moscow leaving time for breakfast and final preparations for your arrival. Warm welcome and transfer to your hotel located just steps from the Novospassky Monastery. This full day is at leisure. Join your tour leader or explore on your own. Celebrate your arrival in Mocow with a welcome dinner at your hotel.

Meals Included: Dinner
Overnight: Holiday Inn Simonovsky

Itinerary contiunes to the right

Itinerary



About Love and Other Stories short fiction by Anton Chekhov		Discussion: Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Through Siberia By Accident a memoir by Dervla Murphy		Discussion: Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The Master and Margarita a novel by Mikhail Bulgakov		Discussion: Tuesday, June 1, 2010
A Mountian of Crumbs a memoir by Elena Gorokhova		Discussion: Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Kitchen Boy and Music of a Life novels by Robert Alexander and Andrei Makine		Discussion: Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Tour departure: Tour return:		August 8, 2010 August 25, 2010

Reading Russia discussions take place at Nicholas Hoare, Toronto, the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00pm until 9:00pm. If you are unable to join us in Toronto - whether you're in Ottawa, Montreal, or on the other side of the world - you can still take part in this incredible literary journey abroad. Just ask us how!



About Love and Other Stories short fiction by Anton Chekhov		Discussion: Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Through Siberia By Accident a memoir by Dervla Murphy		Discussion: Tuesday, May 4, 2010
The Master and Margarita a novel by Mikhail Bulgakov		Discussion: Tuesday, June 1, 2010
A Mountian of Crumbs a memoir by Elena Gorokhova		Discussion: Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Kitchen Boy and Music of a Life novels by Robert Alexander and Andrei Makine		Discussion: Tuesday, August 3, 2010

Tour departure: Tour return:		August 8, 2010 August 25, 2010

Reading Russia discussions take place at Nicholas Hoare, Toronto, the first Tuesday of each month from 7:00pm until 9:00pm. If you are unable to join us in Toronto - whether you're in Ottawa, Montreal, or on the other side of the world - you can still take part in this incredible literary journey abroad. Just ask us how!

Shared*	Single supplement*	Deposit**
CAD $8090.00	CAD $825.00	CAD $995.00

*Shared accommodation is available to all participants.
*Single accommodation is available at hotels only.

Price may be subject to change. Changes in Airport Tax may require pricing adjustment. **Deposit is non-refundable

Inclusions in the above prices: All books and moderated book club discussions at Nichoals Hoare International airfare with Korean Air Toronto/Seoul/Vladivostok International airfare with Air France Moscow/Paris/Toronto Going Places Together / Nicholas Hoare host throughout All railway transportation 4-berth shared accommodation Vladivostok to Moscow Superior Class (4 to 5 Star) hotel accommodation Yakaterinburg and Moscow Standard Class (3 Star) hotel accommodation as per the itinerary All transfers and transportation by private coach with driver/guide Arrival Meet & Greet guide assistance, Departure guide assistance Professional English Speaking Local Guide in each respective city Sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary Meals as indicated on itinerary All tipping for meals indicated on itinerary

Shared*	Single supplement*	Deposit**
CAD $8090.00	CAD $825.00	CAD $995.00

*Shared accommodation is available to all participants.
*Single accommodation is available at hotels only.

Price may be subject to change. Changes in Airport Tax may require pricing adjustment. **Deposit is non-refundable

Inclusions in the above prices: All books and moderated book club discussions at Nichoals Hoare International airfare with Korean Air Toronto/Seoul/Vladivostok International airfare with Air France Moscow/Paris/Toronto Going Places Together / Nicholas Hoare host throughout All railway transportation 4-berth shared accommodation Vladivostok to Moscow Superior Class (4 to 5 Star) hotel accommodation Yakaterinburg and Moscow Standard Class (3 Star) hotel accommodation as per the itinerary All transfers and transportation by private coach with driver/guide Arrival Meet & Greet guide assistance, Departure guide assistance Professional English Speaking Local Guide in each respective city Sightseeing and admissions as per the itinerary Meals as indicated on itinerary All tipping for meals indicated on itinerary

Exclusions in the above prices: Personal items Meals not listed in itinerary Porters and tipping for meals not indicated on itinerary Travel Insurance Visa/passport handling fees

Exclusions in the above prices: Personal items Meals not listed in itinerary Porters and tipping for meals not indicated on itinerary Travel Insurance Visa/passport handling fees

Reading
	About Love - Anton Chekhov Elusive and subtle, spare and unadorned, the stories in this selection are among Chekhov's most poignant and lyrical. They include well-known pieces such as 'The Lady with the Little Dog', as well as less familiar work like 'Gusev', inspired by Chekhov's travels in the Far East, and 'Rothschild's Violin', a haunting and darkly humorous tale about death and loss.

	Through Siberia By Accident - Dervla Murphy Through Siberia by Accident is a book about a journey that didn't happen -- and what happened instead. Dervla Murphy never had any intention of spending three months in the vast territories of Siberia. Her plans remade following a painful leg injury, Murphy found herself stymied in Eastern Siberia, a place she knew very little about. Although hardly able to walk, her subsequent experiences, in an unexpected place, and in an incapacitated state, provided many pleasant surprises. Above all she was struck by the extraordinary hospitality, generosity and helpfulness of the Siberians who made this strange phenomenon -- a maimed Irish babushka -- so welcome in their towns and homes.

	The Master and Margarita - Mikhail Bulgakov Nothing in the whole of literature compares with The Master and Margarita. Full of pungency and wit, this luminous work is Bulgakov's crowning achievement, skilfully blending magical and realistic elements, grotesque situations and major ethical concerns. Written during the darkest period of Stalin's repressive reign and a devastating satire of Soviet life, it combines two distinct yet interwoven parts, one set in contemporary Moscow, the other in ancient Jerusalem, each brimming with incident and with historical, imaginary, frightful and wonderful characters.

	Mountain of Crumbs - Elena Gorokhova A Mountain of Crumbs is the moving story of a young Soviet girl's discovery of the hidden truths of adulthood and her country's profound political deception. Elena, born with a desire to explore the world beyond her borders, finds her passion in the complexity of the English language -- but in the Soviet Union of the 1960s, such a passion verges on the subversive. Elena's home is no longer the majestic Russia of literature or the tsars. Instead, it is a nation humiliated by its first faltering steps after World War II, putting up appearances for the sake of its regime and fighting to retain its pride.

	The Kitchen Boy - Robert Alexander The time: July 1918. The place: The town of Yekaterinburg, just on the Siberian side of the Ural Mountains. In the Ipatiev House, the former Tsar of Russia and his family live imprisoned by Bolshevik soldiers. As a loyalist army presses toward the town and the Romanovs pray for a rescue that will never come, their captors receive a stark authorization from Moscow: Nikolai, his wife, and their five children are all to be shot to death. This is the story, recounted in all its vivid and terrible drama, of Robert Alexander's novel The Kitchen Boy.

	Music of a Life - Andrei Makine May 24, 1941: Alexeï Berg, a classical pianist, is set to perform his first solo concert in Moscow. But just before his début, his parents -- his father a renowned playwright, and his mother a famed opera singer -- are exposed for their political indiscretions and held under arrest. With World War II on the brink, and fearing that his own entrapment is not far behind, Alexeï flees to the countryside, assumes the identity of a Soviet soldier, and falls dangerously in love with a general officer's daughter. What follows is a two-decades-long journey through war and peace, love and betrayal, art and artifice -- a rare ensemble in the making of the music of a life.

Reading
	About Love - Anton Chekhov Elusive and subtle, spare and unadorned, the stories in this selection are among Chekhov's most poignant and lyrical. They include well-known pieces such as 'The Lady with the Little Dog', as well as less familiar work like 'Gusev', inspired by Chekhov's travels in the Far East, and 'Rothschild's Violin', a haunting and darkly humorous tale about death and loss.

	Through Siberia By Accident - Dervla Murphy Through Siberia by Accident is a book about a journey that didn't happen -- and what happened instead. Dervla Murphy never had any intention of spending three months in the vast territories of Siberia. Her plans remade following a painful leg injury, Murphy found herself stymied in Eastern Siberia, a place she knew very little about. Although hardly able to walk, her subsequent experiences, in an unexpected place, and in an incapacitated state, provided many pleasant surprises. Above all she was struck by the extraordinary hospitality, generosity and helpfulness of the Siberians who made this strange phenomenon -- a maimed Irish babushka -- so welcome in their towns and homes.

	The Master and Margarita - Mikhail Bulgakov Nothing in the whole of literature compares with The Master and Margarita. Full of pungency and wit, this luminous work is Bulgakov's crowning achievement, skilfully blending magical and realistic elements, grotesque situations and major ethical concerns. Written during the darkest period of Stalin's repressive reign and a devastating satire of Soviet life, it combines two distinct yet interwoven parts, one set in contemporary Moscow, the other in ancient Jerusalem, each brimming with incident and with historical, imaginary, frightful and wonderful characters.

	Mountain of Crumbs - Elena Gorokhova A Mountain of Crumbs is the moving story of a young Soviet girl's discovery of the hidden truths of adulthood and her country's profound political deception. Elena, born with a desire to explore the world beyond her borders, finds her passion in the complexity of the English language -- but in the Soviet Union of the 1960s, such a passion verges on the subversive. Elena's home is no longer the majestic Russia of literature or the tsars. Instead, it is a nation humiliated by its first faltering steps after World War II, putting up appearances for the sake of its regime and fighting to retain its pride.

	The Kitchen Boy - Robert Alexander The time: July 1918. The place: The town of Yekaterinburg, just on the Siberian side of the Ural Mountains. In the Ipatiev House, the former Tsar of Russia and his family live imprisoned by Bolshevik soldiers. As a loyalist army presses toward the town and the Romanovs pray for a rescue that will never come, their captors receive a stark authorization from Moscow: Nikolai, his wife, and their five children are all to be shot to death. This is the story, recounted in all its vivid and terrible drama, of Robert Alexander's novel The Kitchen Boy.

	Music of a Life - Andrei Makine May 24, 1941: Alexeï Berg, a classical pianist, is set to perform his first solo concert in Moscow. But just before his début, his parents -- his father a renowned playwright, and his mother a famed opera singer -- are exposed for their political indiscretions and held under arrest. With World War II on the brink, and fearing that his own entrapment is not far behind, Alexeï flees to the countryside, assumes the identity of a Soviet soldier, and falls dangerously in love with a general officer's daughter. What follows is a two-decades-long journey through war and peace, love and betrayal, art and artifice -- a rare ensemble in the making of the music of a life.

Day 15 Monday August 23 Moscow

This morning enjoy a guided tour of this historic city including a visit to Novodevichy Monastyr. Located on the Moscow River, Novodevichiy Monastyr (New Maiden's Convent) is a peaceful retreat from the bustling city of Moscow. The site includes a beautiful 17th-century convent complex that is once again in use and an atmospheric cemetery where many of Russia's most famous writers, poets, politicians and public figures are buried.

Following lunch continue on to Moscow’s famed Kremlin. The beautiful and ancient ensemble of Moscow's Kremlin stands high on the hill towering over the left bank of Moskva-River. The Kremlin has always been perceived as the symbol of power and might of the Russian state, a national idea expressed in stone. Each era in the history of Russia left its significant architectural trace in the Kremlin. Late in the evening the brightly illuminated Kremlin presents a fantastic, majestic and sophisticated harmony.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Overnight: Holiday Inn Simonovsky

Day 16 Tuesday August 24 Moscow and Sergiev Posad

This morning travel from Moscow towards Sergiev Posad, a small industrial and agricultural city most famous for its spectacular fortress monastery. The Holy Trinity Lavra or Troitse-Sergiyeva, is the most important monastery in Russia and the spiritual center of Russian Orthodox Christianity. Your final evening in Russia is at leisure.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 17 Wednesday August 25 Return to Canada

This morning following breakfast, board your Air France flight bound for Paris and Toronto.
Meals Included: Breakfast, All meals in flight

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