Dear Fellow Travelers:

It is another fall season when the leaves are starting to turn and the temperatures are starting to drop in beautiful Russia. Fall is in the air and our thoughts are turning from our upcoming October trip to our winter trip in February of 2007. Last year we concentrated on the celebration of Russian Christmas and New Years. It was indeed an extremely rich and worthy experience. However, I had not counted on the crush of Russian tourists that came with the season. Much to my surprise the palaces and museums were overrun with long lines and tremendous crowds which it made it somewhat problematic for my group. Even though we have the ability to bypass tourist lines, the crowds are a problem once you get inside due to limited space. We are very careful to choose appropriate times to tour Russia and we will be very careful with our winter tour of this year.

This winter we will concentrate on the beauty of Russian winter while enjoying the privacy afforded by the season. Not only will long lines be non existent, the shopping dollar always buys more during low season. I can assure you that we will not suffer from the cold as we take effective measures to cope with the temperatures just as the Russians do. One nice incentive to go during the winter is that for those who join us they always receive a complimentary Russian mink hat. These shapkas are very stylish and a must for any cold climate.

The Russian people don't endure Russian winters -- they make them special! They put on musical extravaganzas and artistic displays to draw people that love the arts. Most Americans have seen the movie Dr. Zhivago and have said at one time or another they would like to enjoy that once in a lifetime experience of feeling the magnificence of Russian winter! If you are one of those that appreciate special adventures I urge you to gjoin us this winter.

We have prepared a very special activities list to ensure this winter tour will indeed be the trip of a lifetime!

Sincerely,

Michael E. Donnelly, Ph.D.
President