Itinerary

TOUR LEADER BOB FELDMAN

Bob Feldman is a Professor of History, Emeritus, at California State University, Fullerton, and a recipient of the University’s Distinguished Teaching Award.  Professor Feldman is a recognized expert in the history and current affairs of Russia and China.  Since 1978, Professor Feldman has escorted groups to Russia, China and other historical sites around the world.  He has created friendships with people and government officials that provide EastWest travelers access to unique individuals, sites and experiences rarely seen by most travelers.

• THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 27 – USA

  Depart for Kiev.

• FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28  – KIEV

  Upon arrival transfer to your hotel in Kiev, the mother city for all Eastern Slavic peoples. (D)

• SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 29 – KIEV

  Enjoy a city tour, including the sights of the University, Taras Shevchenko Opera & Ballet Theatre, the Golden Gate and a visit to St. Sophia Cathedral, the city’s oldest standing church built in 1017-31.  After lunch explore the Cave Monastery, Kiev-Pechersk Lavra Monastery and view the massive statue of “The Motherland”. (BL)

• SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 – KIEV

  Today tour Babi Yar to see the monuments created to commemorate the people who perished during Nazi occupation.  The afternoon is at leisure. (BL)

• MONDAY, OCTOBER 1 – YALTA

  Fly to Simferopol.  After lunch drive to Yalta the spectacular vacation resort for the rich and famous, from tsars to commissars located on the Black Sea. (BL)

• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 2 – YALTA

  Take a pleasant walk along Main Square to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Then drive to Livadia Palace, the summer residence of the Tsar Nicholas II, as well as the setting for the Yalta Conference between the Allied leaders, Churchill, Roosevelt and Stalin.  Afternoon is at leisure. (BL)

• WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 3 – VILNIUS

  Fly to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania. (BL)

• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 4 – VILNIUS

  Today enjoy a visit to Gediminas Castle, the Uzupis District and Hill of 3 Crosses. After lunch, tour Old Town Vilnius, which is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List with its maze of small streets. After which visit the KGB Museum.  (BL)

• FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 – VILNIUS

  Discover Trakai, the former capital of Lithuania, which is situated in the middle of a lake, one of the most impressive and most picturesque locations in Europe. In the afternoon explore Vilnius on your own. (BL)

• SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 – RIGA

  On the drive to Riga visit the Hill of Crosses, a small hill with more than 50,000 crosses, a memorial to the spirit of the Lithuanian people. In the afternoon visit Rundale Palace, the most magnificent masterpiece of baroque architecture in the Baltic States.  (BL)

• SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 – RIGA

  Explore Riga, a medieval Hanseatic town, and tour St. Peter’s Cathedral, Riga Castle, Dome Cathedral with one of the world’s largest pipe organs and the old Guild Houses.  Riga boasts Europe’s greatest concentration of German Art Nouveau buildings. Later visit Salaspils Memorial. (BL

• MONDAY, OCTOBER 8 – TALLINN

  En route to Tallinn, lunch in Parnu, the best-known Estonian resort area. (BL)

• TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9 – TALLINN

  Enjoy a city tour of Tallinn, a picturesque old city where whole districts date back to the Middle Ages.  The tour includes Toompea Castle, Dome Church, Cathedral of Alexander Nevskji and the Old Guild.  Before lunch drive to the Song Festival Grounds.  This afternoon is free to enjoy this Gothic city.  (BL)

• WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10 – TALLINN

  In the morning journey to Kadriorg Palace, constructed as a gift by Peter the Great to his wife Catherine I.  This afternoon is your last chance to explore Tallinn.  Later enjoy sharing fond memories at a farewell dinner. (BD)

• THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 – USA

  Depart for home. (B)