Our tour specialists are always available to help you understand what is included on a tour vacation, so that you can plan how much money to budget on your European vacation.

The first appearance of the festival was in 1992, created by St. Petersburg’s first elected mayor, Anatoly Sobchak. The first held a schedule of 14 concerts and performances, including two ballets and three operas. The first went over so well that at the end of the festival, the next year’s event was already being planned. In 1993 at the second White Nights event, it was announced that it would be an annual occurrence. 93’s festival consisted of 27 performances, nearly doubling since the previous year. Not only have there been widely known operas performed at the festival, but there have also been productions of plays such as Othello, Un ballo in maschera, and Macbeth.

This year the White Nights Festival is scheduled to be from May 23rd to July 24th, and there is supposed to be quite a large schedule for entertainment. Unfortunately, the schedule containing the names of the operas, ballets, and music events has not been released yet. The only thing known is that there will be either a ballet or opera performed at the world-famous Mariinky Ballet and Opera theatre. I will be sure to update once the official schedule has been released, which is due sometime toward the end of the month.

If you are traveling in the spring and summer months then you really should do yourself and favor and try a pair of TOMS Shoes. I wore them all throughout my trip to Barcelona and Madrid last summer! Then, recently discovered that they carry TOMS Shoes at a local store but decided to use TOMS Coupons to save a few bucks. Atlas supports TOMS shoes and hope to spread the word so that more children can lead a healthier,safer and happier life in these poor nations by getting a pair of shoes. Read our Atlas blog post on TOMS Shoes Coupons

For More information and to find the latest TOMS Coupons visit, (http://www.shopaholicmommy.com/toms-shoes-coupon-code/toms-shoes/) the best source for TOMS Shoes online coupons.

Also learn how to ask (in their language) if they speak English... or try to ask your question in the local language.  They will appreciate the effort.  Often they will volunteer, "Would you like to speak English?"  And if they don't speak English, they will probably try to find someone who does.  Other useful phrases are how much is it? Where is a bathroom? What time is it?

Carry a phrase book.  It will help to be able to point out a phrase if the local person you're asking doesn't seem to understand you.  Don't just speak louder... that isn't going to help.  Remember English is a foreign language to them!  Even if you're trying, your pronunciation might leave them scratching their heads or blushing as you've said something you didn't want to.  To be a traveler, you need a sense of humor... especially about yourself.  If they don’t understand you, don't be embarrassed.  Point to the word in the phrase book. 

Take a chance.  People are forgiving of tourists.... even the French who have an undeserved reputation for not being helpful.  The key is to be GRATEFUL that they speak a little English to help you... not to expect it.  When you're speaking English, speak slowly and avoid slang. 

Don't be intimidated by signs in a foreign language, as you can usually figure things out without asking.  Does it look similar to a word you're familiar with?  If it says "farmacia" instead of "pharmacy", take a guess... you're probably looking at that pharmacy.  Is there a sign with a picture that might help solve the mystery?  A green cross or a pharmacist's scale would be a good clue. 

Remember, you went on this trip to experience something different... so revel in that foreign language, learn a few words and enjoy yourself!  If traveling in a tour group, of course your guide will help you get around and can give you language tips as well.

 Trafalgar's "Last Minute Deals" give you the opportunity to experience incredible savings on a select few European and North American award-winning vacations.

These selected departures are only available until March 30, 2011. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings.

Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process.

 Britain and Europe Tours

Tour Name	Departing	Was	Now	Savings	Promo Code
Italy Bellissimo	08-Apr	$2,875	$2,585	$290	LMD633
Spain Morocco & Portugal	10-Apr	$2,499	$2,249	$250	LMD634
Irish Wonder	16-Apr	$1,299	$1,169	$130	LMD635
Best of Italy and Sicily	22-Apr	$3,625	$3,260	$365	LMD636
Cossack Explorer	22-Apr	$2,999	$2,699	$300	LMD637
Britain and Ireland Explorer	21-Apr	$3,075	$2,765	$310	LMD638
European Splendor	27-Apr	$3,099	$2,779	$320	LMD639
Italian Discovery	28-Apr	$2,450	$2,200	$250	LMD640
European Adventures	29-Apr	$2,399	$2,159	$240	LMD641
Best of Scotland	30-Apr	$1,499	$1,349	$150	LMD642
Switzerland and Austria	30-Apr	$3,050	$2,750	$300	LMD643
Wonders of St Petersburg, Novgorod and Moscow	30-Apr	$2,125	$1,910	$215	LMD644
Best of France	02-May	$3,099	$2,699	$400	LMD645

USA and Canada Tours

Tour Name	Departing	Was	Now	Savings	Promo Code
Rockies Panorama RedLeaf	08-May	$3,350	$3,015	$335	LMD646R
Rockies Panorama GoldLeaf	08-May	$4,228	$3,805	$423	LMD646G
Pioneer Adventures of the Old West	08-May	$1,599	$1,439	$160	LMD647
Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos	12-May	$1,599	$1,439	$160	LMD648
Best of Eastern Canada	13-May	$1,999	$1,799	$200	LMD649
Canadas Rockies	16-May	$1,550	$1,395	$155	LMD650
Rockies Panorama RedLeaf	18-May	$3,350	$3,015	$335	LMD651R
Rockies Panorama GoldLeaf	18-May	$4,228	$3,805	$423	LMD651G
San Francisco & Wine Country Delights	20-May	$1,750	$1,575	$175	LMD652
Canadas Rockies	23-May	$1,550	$1,395	$155	LMD653

Further Brochure Discounts Apply! - Hurry! This offer expires 31 March 2011

Insight Vacations has a few seats available on selected DEFINITE DEPARTURES and is offering them at reduced prices!

Combine these land prices with Insight’s air deals for a great value-for-money holiday package!

Tour Name	Red Hot Code	Tour Duration	Departure Date	Brochure Price Twin Share PP	Red Hot Price Twin Share PP	SAVE per person	SAVE per couple
Normandy, Brittany & the Loire Valley	PPHOT343	10 days	22-Apr-2011	$2475	$2225	$250	$500
Country Roads of France	PPHOT344	17 days	22-Apr-2011	$4199	$3775	$424	$848
Best of Italy	PPHOT345	11 days	22-Apr-2011	$2899	$2599	$300	$600
European Spotlight	PPHOT346	14 days	24-Apr-2011	$3650	$3285	$365	$730
Highlights of Spain	PPHOT347	11 days	28-Apr-2011	$2499	$2245	$254	$508
Easy Pace Russia	PPHOT348	09 days	30-Apr-2011	$2275	$2045	$230	$460
Russia, Warsaw & the Baltic States	PPHOT349	17 days	04-May-2011	$3650	$3285	$365	$730
Highlights of Eastern Europe	PPHOT350	15 days	08-May-2011	$3175	$2855	$320	$640
Italian Escapade	PPHOT351	14 days	09-May-2011	$3575	$3215	$360	$720
Best of Spain & Portugal	PPHOT352	17 days	13-May-2011	$3175	$2855	$320	$640
Easy Pace France	PPHOT353	11 days	13-May-2011	$2875	$2585	$290	$580
Country Roads of Bavaria, Switzerland & Austria	PPHOT354	13 days	13-May-2011	$3025	$2720	$305	$610
European Heritage	PPHOT355	37 days	16-May-2011	$9310	$8375	$935	$1870
European Treasures	PPHOT356	22 days	16-May-2011	$5196	$4675	$521	$1042
Country Roads of Dalmatia & the Adriatic Riviera	PPHOT357	16 days	14-May-2011	$3525	$3170	$355	$710
Grand Tour of Scandinavia	PPHOT358	21 days	21-May-2011	$5250	$4725	$525	$1050

Further Brochure Discounts Apply! - Hurry! This offer expires 15 March 2011

Insight Vacations has a few seats available on selected DEFINITE DEPARTURES and is offering them at reduced prices!

Combine these land prices with Insight’s air deals for a great value-for-money holiday package!

Tour Name	Red Hot Code	Tour Duration	Departure Date	Brochure Price Twin Share PP	Red Hot Price Twin Share PP	SAVE per person	SAVE per couple
Road to Rome	PPHOT332	15 days	09-Apr-2011	$3799	$3415	$384	$768
Country Roads of France	PPHOT333	17 days	22-Apr-2011	$4199	$3775	$424	$848
European Spotlight	PPHOT334	14 days	24-Apr-2011	$3650	$3285	$365	$730
European Explorer	PPHOT335	23 days	28-Apr-2011	$5825	$5240	$585	$1170
Country Roads of Dalmatia & the Adriatic Riviera	PPHOT336	16 days	23-Apr-2011	$3375	$3035	$340	$680
Highlights of Spain	PPHOT337	11 days	28-Apr-2011	$2499	$2245	$254	$508
Italian Vogue - GOLD	PPHOT338	11 days	01-May-2011	$4475	$4025	$450	$900
European Masterpiece - GOLD	PPHOT339	12 days	13-May-2011	$5499	$4945	$554	$1108
Iberian Classic - GOLD	PPHOT340	12 days	09-May-2011	$4175	$3755	$420	$840
Northern Capitals and Russia	PPHOT341	19 days	29-Apr-2011	$4725	$4250	$475	$950
Easy Pace Russia	PPHOT342	09 days	30-Apr-2011	$2275	$2045	$230	$460

Trafalgar's "Last Minute Deals" give you the opportunity to experience incredible savings on a select few European and North American award-winning vacations.

These selected departures are only available until March 16, 2011. All are Definite Departures. Space is limited, so come and experience Europe and North America with Trafalgar’s unbeatable services, tremendous value and great savings.

Please note: To get these special rates, please reference the tour’s ‘PROMO CODE’ at the time of booking. If booking online enter the 'PROMO CODE' in the "Apply Promotions" section during the booking process.

Britain and Europe Tours 

Tour Name	Departing	Was	Now	Savings	Promo Code
Spanish Wonder	08-Apr	$1,775	$1,595	$180	LMD612
Italy Bellissimo	08-Apr	$2,875	$2,585	$290	LMD613
Spain Morocco & Portugal	10-Apr	$2,499	$2,249	$250	LMD614
Grand European	14-Apr	$5,125	$4,610	$515	LMD615
Best of Germany	17-Apr	$2,450	$2,200	$250	LMD616
Best of Italy and Sicily	22-Apr	$3,625	$3,260	$365	LMD617
Cossack Explorer	22-Apr	$2,999	$2,699	$300	LMD618
Britain and Ireland Explorer	21-Apr	$3,075	$2,765	$310	LMD619
European Accent	21-Apr	$2,775	$2,495	$280	LMD620
Irish Experience	30-Apr	$2,175	$1,955	$220	LMD621
Wonders of St Petersburg, Novgorod and Moscow	30-Apr	$2,125	$1,910	$215	LMD622
Best of France	02-May	$3,099	$2,789	$310	LMD623
Highlights of Bohemia	06-May	$2,199	$1,979	$220	LMD624

USA and Canada Tours

Tour Name	Departing	Was	Now	Savings	Promo Code
Best of Canadas West	03-May	$2,599	$2,339	$260	LMD625
Rockies Panorama RedLeaf	08-May	$3,350	$3,015	$335	LMD626R
Rockies Panorama GoldLeaf	08-May	$4,228	$3,805	$423	LMD626G
Pioneer Adventures of the Old West	08-May	$1,599	$1,439	$160	LMD627
Wild West, Cowboys and Buffalos	12-May	$1,599	$1,439	$160	LMD628
Best of Eastern Canada	13-May	$1,999	$1,799	$200	LMD629
Canadas Rockies	16-May	$1,550	$1,395	$155	LMD630
Rockies Panorama RedLeaf	18-May	$3,350	$3,015	$335	LMD631R
Rockies Panorama GoldLeaf	18-May	$4,228	$3,805	$423	LMD631G
San Francisco and Wine Country Delights	20-May	$1,750	$1,575	$175	LMD632

For USA, Canada, Japan, EU Nations, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Vatican, Iceland, Monaco, Norway, San Marino, Mongolia, Lithuania and the countries of the Commonwealth of Independent States (except Turkmenistan).

This questions comes-up quite frequently. US Citizens can stay in the Ukraine for up to 90 days. If you plan on a longer stay, only then is a Visa required.

A passport valid for six months beyond the planned date of travel is a requirement.

Written by:

Gabriela Thomas
gabriela@atlastravelweb.com

We welcome you to research European Travel Package by destination, or by clicking on our preferred travel partners. You’ll find a selection of tours, cruises, vacations and rail packages.

Here is our network of Europe travel destination sites:

Atlas Cruises & Tours| Christmas Market Tours | England Tours | Escorted Family Vacations | France Tours | Greece Tours| Ireland Tours | Italy Tours | Luxury Tour |Oberammergau | River Cruise | Russia Tours | Scandinavia Tours | Spain Tours

General Tours World Traveler, the company that pioneered travel to Russia in 1955, is offering newly-redesigned tours for 2010, featuring the attentive personal services of their own St. Petersburg-based guides. These Affordable Luxury trips include landmark city-center hotels, daily buffet breakfast, all on-tour transportation and in-depth private car sightseeing.

Priced from just $2,299 per person, the 7-day Discover Moscow & St. Petersburg trip features a choice of handpicked hotels, including the historic Hilton Leningradskaya in the capital and the legendary Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg. Private sightseeing in Moscow features three UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a personally-guided tour of the Kremlin Armory Museum. The next morning, guests have their personal car, driver and guide at their disposal. This unique flexibility is an opportunity to explore personal interests, whether it’s World War II history, medieval art, Russian literature, Soviet architecture – or even shopping!

For travelers wishing to focus on this fabled city, Splendors of St. Petersburg is a 6-day program featuring the luxurious Grand Hotel Europe. Guests can tailor this General Tours vacation with flexible, intimate sightseeing at their own pace; the company’s private car, driver and guide is at their disposal for three full days.

General Tours World Traveler also offers 8 and 12-day voyages from Moscow to St. Petersburg featuring seven nights aboard Russia’s finest river ship, the 58-cabin Volga Dream. Priced from $1,999, Splendid Waterways of the Czars includes all shore excursions, fine dining with wine at lunch and dinner, luggage handling and port charges. A special Music on the Volga June departure is highlighted by four shipboard opera concerts and an enriching lecture series featuring Henry Fogel, former president and CEO of the American Symphony Orchestra League.

With the company’s new Family & Friends Savings, travel agency clients save $50 to $150 per person whenever 3 or more guests travel together on a Russia trip of 7 days or longer. These savings can be combined with any of General Tours’ other offers, including exclusive AARP Member benefits and repeat traveler discounts for members of the company’s World Traveler Club.

• Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period.
• The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away.
• Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers.
• Move any valuables from plain sight.
• Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels.
• Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.

Visiting St. Petersburg?  Here are some interesting things you can do.

Travel to Tsar Village in Pushkin to tour the magnificent Catherine's Palace. Then enjoy a Russian-style lunch followed by a visit to the State Hermitage Museum, home to one of the worlds largest collections of art.

You will find Matryoshka dolls all over Russia, however the doll did not originate there. The first doll dates from 1890 and is said to come from Japan.  Russian had used the “nesting” concept in their Faberge eggs, as well as carved wooden apples and easter eggs.  Today they come in several shapes, sizes and themes.

If you plan to purchase dolls while in Russia, make sure and open them and check each one carefully that no damage has been done to the paint inside, and that each doll opens easily.

To give a vivid description, the cathedral is a multi-tented church on the Red Square in Moscow that also features onion-like domes. Arguably the most recognized building in Russia; the Cathedral of Saint Basil is an international symbol for the city of Moscow. The interior of the cathedral is a collection of separate chapels. Each chapel is filled with icons, medieval influenced painted walls, and priceless artwork on the top inside of the domes. The feeling is intimate and varied, and when compared to Western cathedrals it is said to consist of more artistic style.

Saint Basil's is located at the southeast end of Red Square, which is just across from the Spasskaya Tower of the Kremlin. It consists of nine chapels built on a single foundation. In the front garden of the cathedral stands a bronze statue commemorating Dmitry Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin. These two important figures were who rallied Russia's volunteer army against the Polish invaders during the Time of Troubles in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. The construction of a single central tower unifies the respect to each of the saints on whose feast day the tsar had won a battle, into a single cathedral rather than many of them. There’s a popular legend that says that Ivan had the architect, Postnik Yakovlev, blinded to prevent him from building a more magnificent building for anyone else.

Throughout its long history, the cathedral has had to go through a good amount of renovations and reconstruction. Reconstruction is still a work in progress, but the cathedral stays full with tourists every year. Visitors come from all around the world to come and admire its unique architecture. If you enjoy beauty and history, then this is definitely a place you have to come and see for yourself.

Weather conditions are varied due to the size of the country. Summers  are generally short and for the most part, comfortably warm. In all other seasons you are advised to pack some extra jumpers or cardigans as it is cold.

Food and Drink:

Specialities include traditional borshch soup (beetroot soup served with sour cream), beef stroganov (creamy beef stew), pelmeni (meat dumplings) and kasha for breakfast (porridge). Russians have a very sweet tooth so try their desserts, especially ponchiki (hot sugared doughnuts). Vodka is popular and is often served straight or can be flavoured with herbs and spices such as zubrovka (a variety of grass) and pertsovka (hot pepper). Russian brandy (known as cognac) is produced in Georgia and Armenia and is well worth trying. There is also nalivka which is a sweet liqueur made from fruits. We recommend that you only drink bottled mineral water, which is always the carbonated variety.

Best Buys:

Traditional matryoshkas (painted wooden dolls within dolls) and dymkovskaya igrushka (pottery figurines based on folklore characters) make excellent souvenirs. Engraved amber, cameras, vodka, watches and Faberge eggs (although you may have to settle for a reproduction!) are also a good buy.

Public Facilities:

Doors are usually marked M for men and X for ladies, or may also be advertised by the letters WC. Public toilets may be in short supply, so try places like McDonalds which are free of charge. It is advisable to carry packs of tissues in case no toilet paper is available.