An adventure like no other. Head up to the edge of the earth's atmosphere and see the world in a whole different way. On one side, you will see the endless black of space and on the other, you will see the curve of the earth. Russia Space Adventure - The Edge of Earth Independent 2008 GPI 1 1 Max Europe, Space Russia, Space Moscow Moscow Russia Russia 5 3 2 http://www.gapadventures.com/images/banners/space/space.jpg Arrive in Moscow at any time. Spend several hours touring Moscow, before you board the train to Nizhniy Novgorod. You’ll have time to visit Old Arbat for a little souvenir shopping or tour the Kremlin and Red Square along with lunch. Arriving in the evening you will be taken to the hotel where you will have an early night before the big day. Leave your hotel in the morning bound for the airstrip, to get briefed and fitted into your suit for your adventure to the edge of the earth. Experience what 60,000 feet above the earth feels like in a MiG-31 Jet Fighter. Let the adrenaline rush over you, while seeing the earth in a whole other universe. When you finally descend back to earth, have lunch and celebrate your amazing experience. This is a “just in case” day. If for any reason you can’t fly on the previous day, this gives you another day to complete your flight. If it’s not needed for flying, there will be a commercial airline flight to take you back to Moscow where you can do an optional activity like the Monino Air Museum. Moscow has a lot to offer so take some time to wonder this fascinating city on your own. Arrive in Moscow. You'll be met at the airport by one of our wonderful Moscow team members and escorted to the Metropol, a classic hotel chosen for its excellent location next to Red Square and the Kremlin. (The movie Dr Zhivago was filmed at the hotel.) You’ll have time to rest in your room and then, if you aren’t too tired, you’ll be invited to join our Moscow General Manager and her husband for an early dinner at a local pub. Over a casual meal, Lena will brief you on the days ahead and answer any questions you may have. Before you leave to return to your hotel, you’ll receive a Moscow cell phone programmed with the numbers of our Russian staff that you can use to reach them during your stay. After breakfast in the hotel, you’ll be met in the lobby by our guide. Together, you’ll spend several hours touring Moscow. You’ll have time to visit Old Arbat for a little souvenir shopping or tour the Kremlin and Red Square. Our guide will make sure you have lunch and get you back in your room in time to pack a small bag for the trip to Nizhny Novgorod.

The trip to Nizhny is made by train. (Getting you there in time for your jet flight is very important and the train is the most reliable option.) Unless you’re traveling with a guest, you’ll have a first class compartment all to yourself. Don’t worry, the 4 1/2 hours will pass quickly. You can read, watch Russian TV, listen to music or sleep.

Waiting for you at the train station in Nizhny will be our airbase guide and driver. They’ll take you to the Alexandrovsky Garden Hotel for the night. The hotel was recently named the best four-star hotel in the city. There’s a restaurant in the hotel if you want to grab a late dinner, as well as a bowling alley and casino. After breakfast you will be bound for the Sokol Airbase. You’ll start by meeting your pilot and going over your flight plan. With the help of maps and jet models, he’ll demonstrate what you’ll experience and where you’ll fly. You’ll meet the base doctor and have your blood pressure checked. Once you’re cleared to fly, you’ll head for the locker room and suit up. You’ll be carefully briefed in how everything works, from the helmet visor to the oxygen mask. Then you will be off for your adventure to the edge of the earth.

Experience what 60,000 feet above the earth feels like in a MiG-31 Jet Fighter. Let the adrenaline rush over you, while seeing the earth in a whole other universe. When you finally descend back to earth, you’ll tour the Sokol Air Museum and learn more about the factory’s 76 year history. Then you’ll head out to explore the city with our guide and driver. Nizhny (formerly known as Gorky) is located at the intersection of the Volga and Oka rivers and offers some unique scenery. Our guide will take you to lunch and won’t leave your side until you’re ready to board your commercial airline flight back to Moscow.

Through a special arrangement with the people who actually manufacture the MiGs (and have been for more than 70 years) our local operator will make it possible for you to break the sound barrier and more in a real military jet fighter.

Your adventure begins and ends in Moscow, but the jet flying itself takes place several hours away in the historic Russian town of Nizhny Novgorod.

Nizhny Novgorod Aircraft Building Plant Sokol supplies premier military aircraft to more than 30 countries and employs some of the best pilots in the world. They also take the business of providing flights to civilians very seriously. This means they'll do everything possible to make sure your day at the airbase is an incredible adventure.

How high will you fly!
You'll fly to a virtual "no man's land", where few aircraft are capable of flying. You'll need to wear a pressure suit and you'll see the curvature of the earth. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics refers to the altitude as "near space".

It's nearly 2.5 times the height of Mount Everest and over 55 times the height of New York's Empire State Building. Fly a MiG-31 to the edge of space and you'll be joining the THIRTEEN MILE HIGH CLUB.

Your pilot will be one of Russia's finest top guns and you'll have the best seat in the house for an unforgettable view of planet Earth! This is a “just in case” day. If for any reason you can’t fly on the previous day, this gives you another day to complete your flight. If it’s not needed for flying, you will be commercial airline flight back to Moscow where you can do an optional activity like the Monino Air Museum. Moscow has a lot to offer so take some time to wonder this fascinating city on your own.

The Monino Air Museum has some of the oldest aircrafts around and you will be overwhelmed with the large displays that have been put to retirement on this once air base back in 1932. 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 32479 30739 18559 15079 40599 29000 18559 0 Accommodation Luxury Hotel (4 nts) Brief Highlights Moscow, Nizhniy Novgorod Brochure Notes Need 45 days prior to arrange security clearance. Flights are subject to physical examination by health practitioner. If 40 or older you must also provide a copy of a recent EKG/ECG before being permitted to fly. Additional tests may be requested by the airbase medical staff upon receiving your results. This is not a G.A.P Adventures Adventure departure and you will be pooled with non G.A.P Adventures clients. Departure Monday to Friday Group Leader Pilot, Local Representative. Group Size 1 Max Included Highlights MiG-31 Jet Fighter flight, tour the Sokol Air Museum, Airport Transfers. Local Payment There is no local payment on this program. Max Pax 1 Meal Budget Allow USD250 for meals not included. For additional expense, see trip details. Meals Included 4 Breakfast, 2 Lunch Recommendation Experience what an astronaut does before a flight, check out the Cosmonaunt For A Day, TWRCD. Special Comments Web Need 45 days prior to arrange security clearance. StartFinish ex Moscow Transport MiG 31 Jet Fighter, Private car, Train A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our group leader has the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes.
About our Transportation THE MIG-31 "FOXHOUND"
The MiG-31 E is was built as the successor to the high-flying MiG-25. Like the MiG-25, it can take you to the Edge of Space, but the airframe was redesigned for better supersonic flying at low altitudes. The Foxhound is an extremely advanced aircraft and during a combat mission a single MiG-31 E can track up to 10 targets. Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact your starting point hotel, requesting that you speak to or leave a message for your trip leader (if you are not on a group tour please refer to the emergency contact details provided in this dossier). If you are unable to get in touch with your leader, please refer to our emergency contact details. If you have pre-booked an airport transfer and have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs.
Brochure Intro An adventure like no other. Head up to the edge of the earth's atmosphere and see the world in a whole different way. On one side, you will see the endless black of space and on the other, you will see the curve of the earth. Checklist Travel documents: passport, visa, travel insurance, air tickets, voucher. Health requirements arranged.
Money: travellers cheques/cash/credit card, money pouch
First aid kit
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
Tampons can be difficult to buy in these countries Departure Tax All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket. Detailed Trip Notes The activities in this adventure package are inherently dangerous and MAY INVOLVE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. You must read and sign the Release of Liability supplied by Incredible Adventures, Inc. before being permitted to participate.

It is solely your responsibility to judge whether you are healthy enough to take part in this adventure and whether you wish to assume the risks involved. It is mandatory that you be examined by a health practitioner who can certify your fitness prior to your participation in this adventure. If you are 40 or older you must also provide a copy of a recent EKG/ECG before being permitted to fly. Additional tests may be requested by the airbase medical staff upon receiving your results.

A deposit of 50% of the adventure package price is due at the time of reservation. The balance of the total package price is due 60 days prior to departure. Failure to pay the balance by 60 days before departure will also result in the forfeiture of the entire deposit. Package price is subject to increase due to exchange rate increases or other pricing changes and final pricing will be recalculated approximately 60 days prior to your scheduled trip date.

Advance security clearance is mandatory prior to participating in the flight program. You must submit a copy of your passport with your completed security clearance details a minimum of 45 days in advance. Once clearance is obtained it is valid for up to 6 months. Your program dates will be selected at the time of reservation and reconfirmed upon receiving your security clearance. You should not purchase your airfare until your clearance is approved. If you are declined clearance we will refund the deposit you have paid.

Incredible Adventures, Inc. will make every effort to meet your confirmed flight date and time but cannot guarantee schedules due to matters such as maintenance, weather, or acts of God beyond our control. You will be notified as soon as possible in the event of a cancellation at which time we will attempt to reschedule your program at a mutually agreeable date/time.

Incredible Adventures, Inc. reserves the right to change program’s dates and itineraries as conditions warrant and may cancel an itinerary before or after your departure for any reason, including too few participants. Should we have to cancel a program Incredible Adventures, Inc. is NOT responsible for any expenses incurred in excess of the program’s cost, including but not limited to airfare, hotel, meals, transfers, tours, etc. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance.

In the event Incredible Adventures, Inc. has to cancel your entire package, we will refund 100% of the amount you have paid. We reserve the right to cancel some or all of your package for any reason. If we cancel some or all of your package once you are in Russia, we shall refund you the unused portion of the package.



Dossier Disclaimer The information in this dossier has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. The group leader will advise you of any changes at the initial group meeting. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to improve the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.
Dossier Intro An adventure like no other. Head up to the edge of the earth's atmosphere and see the world in a whole different way. On one side, you will see the endless black of space and on the other, you will see the curve of the earth. Emergency Contact Should you need to contact G.A.P Adventures during a situation of dire need, we have a toll-free line for North America, which will connect you directly with our Toronto office staff during regular office hours. If you feel you need to contact us outside of office hours, someone from our Operations staff will answer a mobile line at any time. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so we may return your call and assist you as soon as possible. Toll-free (North America only): 1-800-465-5600 . Calls from the UK: 0870 999 0144 . Outside North America and the UK: +1 416 260 0999 . Mobile: (416) 305-6139 Emergency Fund Please also make sure you have access to at least an additional USD200 (or equivalent) as an 'emergency' fund, to be used when circumstances outside our control (ex. a natural disaster) require a change to our planned route. This is a rare occurrence!
Feedback After your travels, we want to hear from you! Your feedback information is so important to us that you'll receive a special discount code for free online prints and we'll give you 5% off the price of your next G.A.P Adventures trip if your feedback is completed on-line within 30 days of finishing your trip. Please visit http://www.gapadventures.com/evaluations
FIT A Couple of Rules Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts our local staff and others at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for G.A.P Adventures Adventure travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our local representatives / offices have the right to refuse service to anyone if drugs are found in their possession or they use prostitutes. FIT Arrival Complications We don't expect any problems, and nor should you, but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, as soon as possible please contact the emergency local contact details provided in this dossier. If an arrival airport transfer is included in your tour and you have not made contact with our representative within 30 minutes of clearing customs and immigration, we recommend that you make your own way to the Starting Point hotel, following the Joining Instructions. Please apply to your travel agent on your return for a refund of the transfer cost if this occurs. FIT Dossier Disclaimer The information in this dossier has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and G.A.P Adventures. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. The local guide will advise you of any changes in destination. Please note that our brochure is usually released in September each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to improve the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your dossier to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. FIT Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips - it is the passengers responsibility to ensure they have the correct coverage. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Contact your Insurance company / bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number. FIT Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The dossier is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. FIT Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. Please note that local representatives/offices have the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While our local representatives/offices will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay together and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions. Free Online Trip Journals An online Trip Journal is a great way to record stories and photos as you travel, not to mention sharing your experiences with friends. Encourage your family and friends to follow in your footsteps as you explore the world! With templates for over 300 G.A.P Adventures trips already online all you have to do to get started is log in, choose your trip and your departure date, it's quick and easy! Head to http://www.gapadventures.com/trip_journal. Group Leader Description This tour is assisted by staff at Star City. There is not a G.A.P Adventures representative on this tour. They will be able to provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to local friends. Health It is solely your responsibility to judge whether you are healthy enough to take part in this adventure and whether you wish to assume the risks involved. It is mandatory that you be examined by a health practitioner who can certify your fitness prior to your participation in this adventure. If you are 40 or older you must also provide a copy of a recent EKG/ECG before being permitted to fly. Additional tests may be requested by the airbase medical staff upon receiving your results.

The activities in this adventure package are inherently dangerous and may involve the risk of serious injury or death. You must read and sign the Release of Liability supplied by the operator before being permitted to participate.

You are not allowed to consume alcohol nor any drug, pharmaceutical or substance which could negatively affect your ability, comprehension, reasoning, judgment, skill, or coordination for a period of at least 24 hours before your flight(s). Violation of this rule may result in non-refundable cancellation of your flight(s) at the discretion of the operator and staff. Important Notes 1. In Russia bureaucracy is rife. If you are able to bring with you a lot of patience and a huge sense of humour, then your experience will be greatly enhanced.
2. Due to the restrictions on changing money in Russia, only USD50 and USD100 notes/bills printed after 1996 and in good condition will be accepted.
3. Warning - This is a new trip for us
While we have been operating in Russia for many years now and have had a team of researchers travelling in the area to put together this trip, it still must be remembered that this is the first year of operating this trip. To be frank, we expect some things to go wrong! We usually make this warning when we head to new destinations - and usually we find there are more pleasant surprises in store than unpleasant ones. But the warning is sincere, and if it concerns you then we recommend that you wait for a year until we get any bugs ironed out.
4. Due to the nature of this adventure, the following documentation must be completed: release of liability form, health and medical questionnaire, security clearance form.
5. Advance security clearance is mandatory prior to participating in the flight program. You must submit a copy of your passport with your completed security clearance details a minimum of 45 days in advance. Once clearance is obtained it is valid for up to six months. Your program dates will be selected at the time of reservation and reconfirmed upon receiving your security clearance. You should not purchase your airfare until your clearnace is approved.
6. You are not allowed to consume alcohol nor any drug, pharmaceutical or substance which could negatively affect your ability, comprehension, reasoning, judgment, skill, or coordination for a period of at least 24 hours before your flight(s). Violation of this rule may result in non-refundable cancellation of your flight at the discretion of the operator.
7. If you are over the age of 40, you are are required to bring a copy of a current EKG/ECG to the airbase. If you are over the age of 60 you are required to complete additional documentation.
8. Due to the dimensions of the cockpit of the MiG-31 aircraft, certain height and stature restrictions apply.
Height Limit for MiG-31 160 cm < height < 195 cm
Weight limit for MiG-31 60 kg < weight < 100 kg
Dimensions Limit
Torso (Chest and abdomen) 112 cm round
(Neck to pelvis) 170 cm high
Bicep 43 cm round
Leg height 80 cm
Thigh circumferences 63 cm round
Calf 39 cm round Itinerary Disclaimer While it is our intention to adhere to the route described below, there is a certain amount of flexibility built into the itinerary and on occasion it may be necessary, or desirable to make alterations. The itinerary is brief, as we never know exactly where our journey will take us. Due to our style of travel and the regions we visit travel with G.A.P Adventures can be unpredictable. The dossier is a general guide to the tour and region and any mention of specific destinations or wildlife is by no means a guarantee that they will be visited or encountered. Aboard Polaris visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Joining Hotel Metropol Hotel
1/4, Teatralny proezd
Moscow
Russia

Tel 7 499 501 78 00
Fax 7 499 501 78 10 Joining Instructions Upon arrival in Moscow, you will be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel. Please be sure to supply your flight details to your booking agent. Keeping in Touch If you need to be contacted while travelling we recommend that you set up an email address that can be accessed on the road, rather than relying on postal mail. Email cafes are becoming increasingly commonplace and cheap throughout the regions we visit, and have quickly become the preferred way for our leaders and travellers to stay in touch. If someone wishes to contact you in an emergency while you are on one of our trips we recommend that they contact your local booking agent, or refer to our Emergency Contact. We recommend that family and friends don't try to contact you through phoning hotels en route, as our hotels are subject to change, and our hotel receptions often don't have English speaking staff.
Laundry Laundry facilities are offered by some of our hotels for a charge. There will be times when you may want to or have to do your own laundry so we suggest you bring non-polluting/biodegradable soap. Local Dress When packing be aware that dress standards are conservative throughout the area. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and practical. As a general guideline shoulders and knees should be covered at all times - shorts, singlets and tank tops are not suitable. Local payment description Most of our adventure tours involve a Local Payment that is paid to the Leader/Representative in cash on day 1 of your tour. This Local Payment is put towards local expenses, such as arranging internal flights as well as entrance and guide fees. Local Payments also reduce the need to wire or transfer funds which can become very expensive. This lowers our operational costs so we can pass the savings on to you. The local payment is in addition to, and is not included in, the base tour price.
Meals Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G.A.P Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your group leader will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G.A.P Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets. Medical Form Our small group adventures bring together people of all ages. It is very important you are aware that, as a minimum, an 'average level of fitness and mobility' is required to undertake our easiest programs. Travellers must be able to walk without the aid of another person, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage at a minimum. Travellers over the age of 70, or travellers with a pre-existing medical condition, are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician. This is to ensure that senior travellers have the necessary fitness and mobility to comfortably complete their chosen trip. While our leaders work hard to ensure that all our travellers are catered for equally, it is not their responsibility to help individuals who cannot complete the day's activities unaided. Please refer to the physical and culture shock ratings in this dossier for more information.

Please note that all passengers, regardless of age traveling on the MS Explorer or the MS Andrea are required to fill out this questionnaire.

The medical questionnaire can be found online at:

www.gapadventures.com/online_medical_form.
Money Exchange Russia: US$1 = 31 Roubles.
For security reasons the safest way to carry your money is as travellers cheques. The easiest cheques to change are Thomas Cook or American Express in US currency. Please note though there can be very long delays when changing travellers cheques. The easiest and quickest way is to change USD cash but you must be aware of the security risk of carrying large sums of money. In any case some money should be taken as cash in case of emergencies. Black markets do exist but we strongly advise that you do not get involved. We recommend that you don't use money changers on the street. Major credit cards are accepted in the larger shops and restaurants but only in the bigger cities. Some banks in Moscow and St Petersburg will allow cash advances against a credit card but cash withdrawals are subject to a 3% to 4% service charge. Newsletter Our adventure travel e-newsletter is full of travel news, trip information, interesting stories and contests. To avoid missing out on special offers and updates from G.A.P Adventures, subscribe at www.gapadventures.com/newsletter_signup
Optional Activities River Cruise (Moscow) - USD8
KGB museum tour (Moscow) - USD15
Pushkin Fine Art Museum (Moscow) - USD8
Tretyakov Gallery (Moscow) - USD8
St Basils Cathedral (Moscow) - USD5
Bolshoi Theatre (Moscow) - various USD50 - USD250 Our Commitment to Responsible Travel in Antarctica Planeterra-The G.A.P Adventures Foundation Through G.A.P Adventures’ commitment to responsible tourism we have developed Planeterra – the G.A.P Adventures Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of people and communities around the world through support of international charities, local organizations and community projects in the places that we visit on our tours. G.A.P Adventures matches all individual donations and pays all administration fees, which means that 100% of each donation is doubled and goes directly to support our projects. For more information about Planeterra and the projects we support, or to make a donation, please visit www.planeterra.org

Planeterra Dollar-A-Day Program
Our Dollar-A-Day Program provides travellers with the opportunity to help us give back to the people and places visited on our tours by donating one dollar per day for the duration of their tour. 100% of these proceeds will go directly to support our Planeterra projects.

To participate in this program please indicate at the time of booking that you would like to participate in G.A.P Adventures’ Dollar-A-Day program, either by clicking the check box online, or by advising your G.A.P Adventures specialist or travel agent. (Note: Donation will be charged in the currency of your booking) Release Form The activities in this adventure package are inherently dangerous and MAY INVOLVE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. You must read and sign the Release of Liability supplied by Incredible Adventures, Inc. before being permitted to participate.

It is solely your responsibility to judge whether you are healthy enough to take part in this adventure and whether you wish to assume the risks involved. It is mandatory that you be examined by a health practitioner who can certify your fitness prior to your participation in this adventure. If you are 40 or older you must also provide a copy of a recent EKG/ECG before being permitted to fly. Additional tests may be requested by the airbase medical staff upon receiving your results.

A mandatory medical questionnaire is to be filled out.

A mandatory clearance questionnaire is to be filled out at time of confirmation.

Please contact your Adventure Specialists for these forms. Responsible Travel Being a responsible tour operator is at the heart of what G.A.P Adventures is all about. From the start, G.A.P Adventures has been committed to offering low-impact tours that benefit traveler and host alike. While our sustainable tourism policies are constantly evolving, our commitment to socially conscious, grassroots style travel has never changed. We work with local communities, businesses and individuals to develop sustainable tourism opportunities that help local economies while minimizing negative environmental and cultural impacts.

We would like to give you a couple of tips to start you thinking about traveling sustainably.
-Please bring rechargeable batteries, a battery charger (and plug adapter if necessary). Batteries are incredibly toxic and many places that we travel do not have proper disposal facilities. Rechargeables are best but if this is not possible we recommend that you bring any used batteries back home with you for proper disposal.
-Please ask before taking pictures. Just as you would not like to have a stranger come up to you and take a picture of you while sitting on your front porch either do the locals of the places that we visit. As you can imagine pictures of their children are also not appreciated.

For more information about our commitment to responsible travel, please visit the Sustainable Tourism section of the G.A.P Adventures website: www.gapadventures.com
Safety and Security Many national governments provide a regularly updated advice service on safety issues involved with international travel. We recommend that you check your government's advice for their latest travel information before departure. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, air tickets, travellers' cheques, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage. When travelling on a group trip, please note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Your leader will accompany you on all included activities. During your trip you will have some free time to pursue your own interests, relax and take it easy or explore at your leisure. While your group leader will assist you with options available in a given location please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your itinerary, and we offer no representations about the safety of the activity or the standard of the operators running them. Please use your own good judgement when selecting an activity in your free time. Although the cities visited on tour are generally safe during the day, there can be risks to wandering throughout any major city at night. It is our recommendation to stay in small groups and to take taxis to and from restaurants, or during night time excursions.

Single Travellers We believe single travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and single travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Spending Money Every traveller is different and therefore spending money requirements will vary. Some travellers may drink more than others while other travellers like to purchase more souvenirs than most. Please consider your own spending habits when it comes to allowing for drinks, shopping and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
Travel Forum - The Watering Hole Be sure to stop by The Watering Hole, our adventure travel forum. If you're interested in meeting others booked on your upcoming trip, check out the Departure Lounge section of our forum and introduce yourself. Otherwise, just drop in at anytime to share some travel tips, ask questions, meet other travellers and quench your thirst for travel. Our forum is located at wateringhole.gapadventures.com. Travel Insurance Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency repatriation. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Trip Specific Safety The activities in this adventure package are inherently dangerous and MAY INVOLVE THE RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH. You must read and sign the Release of Liability supplied by Incredible Adventures, Inc. before being permitted to participate.

It is solely your responsibility to judge whether you are healthy enough to take part in this adventure and whether you wish to assume the risks involved. It is mandatory that you be examined by a health practitioner who can certify your fitness prior to your participation in this adventure. If you are 40 or older you must also provide a copy of a recent EKG/ECG before being permitted to fly. Additional tests may be requested by the airbase medical staff upon receiving your results.
Validity Valid for all trips departing January 1, 2008 - December 31st 2008. Visas It is your responsibility to arrange visas before you travel. Your travel agent can assist.

Russia: all nationalities require a visa to visit Russia.

Our operator will provide you with a visa support letter after you have submitted all required documentation.

Once you have received your visa support letter you can apply for your Visa by going to your closest Russian embassy or by using a visa service recommended by your travel agent. Take this letter to the embassy along with your passport, three passport photos, the filled in visa application form, a copy of your trip voucher and proof of onward travel from Russia and they will issue the visa. It can take up to 15 working days for the embassy to issue your visa.

Fees vary with nationalities but the cost for a 30-day single entry tourist visa is approximately US$40. Most countries have a Russian embassy or consulate. Some websites that have information are: www.russialink.org.uk/embassy/ ,www.russianembassy.org/ and www.sydneyrussianconsulate.com We Want Your Photos Want to see your photos in print or on the web? Then enter our annual "Great G.A.P Adventures Travel Photo Contest". Simply go online to gapadventures.com/contests/photo_contest to upload your images for a chance to win great prizes including a trip for two! Every year, G.A.P Adventures publishes the best photos received from our travellers in our new brochure. If you prefer to submit slide film or photos instead of digital entries online, just make sure they are clearly marked with your name and contact details on each and the place where it was taken. Unfortunately, we are unable to return any entries. Send mailed entries to "Photo Editor" at our head office.
What to Take We recommend the use of a duffel bag or backpack (whatever you find easiest to carry). A good size daypack is also essential. Your Fellow Travellers As you travel on a group trip you will be exposed to all the pleasures and maybe some of the frustrations of travelling in a group. Your fellow travellers will probably come from all corners of the world and are likely to be of a variety of ages too. We ask you to be understanding of the various needs and preferences of your group - patience with your fellow travellers is sometimes required for the benefit of everyone's travel experience. Remember too that you have responsibilities to the group. If you are requested to be at a place at a certain time, ensure that you don't keep the rest of the group waiting. We have found time and time again that the very best trips we operate are those where the dynamics within the group work well - this takes just a little effort on your part.