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Last Modified: 28 Sep 2012
St Petersburg to Budapest
Trip code: WBSH
Validity: 01 Jan 2011 to 31 Dec 2012
Join us on a journey to unravel the vibrant history of this fascinating region. Discover the splendours of St Petersburg and the iconic Kremlin in Moscow, as well as ancient Novgorod, the birthplace of Russian history and religion. Onwards through Ukraine by train, travel to Kyiv, elegantly situated along the glorious Dnipro River. Take time out to explore the majestic Carpathian Mountains before crossing stunning countryside to arrive in romantic and cosmopolitan Budapest.
2013 Itinerary change
St Petersburg to Budapest trips departing in 2013 will be 16 days long (rather than 15) and start on Saturdays. The updated price and full itinerary will be available later in 2012.
The revised itinerary is:
Days 1-2 St Petersburg
Days 3-4 Novgorod
Days 5-7 Moscow
Day 8-10 Kviv
Days 11-12 Carpathian Mountains
Days 13-14 Lviv
Days 15-16 Budapest
Table of Contents
- Original trips are classic Intrepid adventures. With a mix of included activities and free time, they offer plenty of opportunities to explore at your own pace and take part in activities that really get beneath the skin of a destination. While the occasional meal may be included, you'll have the freedom to seek out your own culinary adventures. Accommodation is generally budget or tourist class (2-3 star), but you're as likely to find yourself as a guest of a local family as staying in a hotel or camping. Transport will vary as well. Depending on the destination and the itinerary you could find yourself travelling on anything from a camel to a train or a private safari vehicle. It's all part of the adventure! Original travellers have a desire to make the most of their travel time and really get to know a place, its people and cultures.
Days 1-2 St Petersburg
Zdrastvutye! Welcome to Russia.
Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.
You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.
Please have two copies of your passport, visa and migration cards ready. One will be collected by your leader, the other is for you to keep on you at all times whilst on this trip.
Truly one of Europe's finest cities, built of baroque European architecture combined with the opulent palaces of Russian royalty, St Petersburg was built by the Russian tsar Peter the Great and his legacy will clearly be felt as you explore its enigmatic streets and visit its showcase cathedrals and museums.
If you arrive early, we recommend you visit St Isaac's Cathedral and climb to the colonnade from where you will have magnificent views over the city. Why not walk along Nevsky Prospekt - St Petersburg's main thoroughfare - maybe popping into one of the many bakeries or pancake shops along the way, or head down to Aleksandr Nevsky Lavra where Russia's great musicians and writers like Tchaikovsky and Dostoyevsky are laid to rest in the cemetery.
In the summer months, we take a night-time boat tour of the canals and waterways with a local guide to see the architecture from a unique perspective. In midsummer it will still be light as the sun barely sets during White Nights.Outside of these months we'll have a walking tour of the city.
For many the highlight of St Petersburg is the Hermitage Museum, one of the world's premier art collections housed in the former imperial Winter Palace.
Please note that the Hermitage is closed on Mondays, and in the high season (May-Sep) there can be very long queues. In order to avoid waiting and to make the most of your free day it's possible to book tickets online in advance:
The Hermitage is closed on Monday's, and for this trip we depart on Tuesday in the afternoon. If you wish to take a long visit to the Hermitage it is worth doing on Sunday.
Other suggestions for your time here include:
Visit the Kunstkamera where Peter the Great's ghoulish collection of oddities is on show.
Explore the opulent grounds of Peterhof with a local guide and marvel at the magnificent landscaped gardens and spectacular fountains. These were the pleasure grounds of Peter the Great where he entertained his guests from around the Russian Empire and abroad. Don't fall for the same fountain "tricks" as Peter used to play on his vistors!
- The Peter and Paul Fortress Cathedral & Museum - RUB370
- St Isaacs Cathedral & Colonnade - RUB400
- St Isaacs Cathedral Colonnade - RUB150
- Aleksandr Nevsky Lavra & Cemeteries - RUB150
- Petrodvorets - Peterhof Park & Fountains - RUB500
- St Petersburg - Hermitage Museum - RUB500
- Mariinsky Theatre - RUB2000
- Kunstkamera Museum - RUB200
- Peterhof Palace - RUB150
- Saviour on the Spilt Blood Church (optional) - RUB250
- Peterhof Musuem - RUB360
Hotel (2 nts)
Days 3-4 Novgorod
Take the metro to the main bus station and catch a local bus to Novgorod (approx 4 hrs).
Novgorod is Russia's oldest city and is still home to numerous well-preserved architectural monuments hinting at the glories of the past. As the former capital of ancient Russia, it's often seen as the cradle of modern Russian civilisation.
Explore the city's sights on foot with our local guide. The city's foremost sight is the graceful Kremlin on the banks of the Volkhov River. Inside there are parks, museums and cathedrals as well as the amazing Millennium Monument, which tells the story of 1,000 years of Russian history. On the opposite bank of the river are quiet shady streets, the graceful ruins of Yaroslav's Court and other echoes of medieval times.
In your free time here you might like to check out the Yurev Monastery on the shores of Lake Ilmen, visit the Wooden Architecture Museum just outside of town or catch a music performance at the Philharmonic Hall. In the summer you can also relax on the little riverside beach or take a boat trip on the Volkhov River for glimpses of the quiet countryside surrounding Novgorod.
Tonight, join your leader and plenty of friendly locals for a refreshing steam and wash at the public banya (bath house).
Board our train for Moscow (approx 7 hrs).
Trains on this journey are simple but comfortable. There's a toilet/bathroom at the end of each carriage with a small sink and cold water. An attendant is assigned to every carriage to look after our comfort and safety although service standards can vary greatly. Each compartment has four bunks with luggage storage space inside. Bedding is provided, although some travellers still prefer to bring their own sleeping sheet. There's hot water available for making drinks or instant meals, tea and coffee. Sometimes snacks and drinks are available for purchase on board and most trains also have a dining car although with a limited menu. We travel 2nd class (four berths per compartment) on this trip. Trains are generally heated but most do not offer air conditioning. The train can become very hot even in winter and the train attendants will not allow the windows to be opened, please pack clothing appropriate for the warmer conditions on these train journeys.
In some cases, particularly in peak travel season, due to high demand for tickets on this route we aren't always able to get all of our tickets together. It's likely that at least some members of the group will be sharing compartments with other travellers, either foreign or local, particularly if your group does not divide evenly into four.
A brief word about drinking on the train: Social drinking is common on trains in Russia and can be an enjoyable way to meet local people as well as interact with your fellow Intrepid travellers. In order to make sure that your experience of train travel with us is a positive and safe one there are a few things we'd like you to keep in mind before setting out on your train journey.
While alcohol is often available for purchase on the train, spirits (including vodka) should only be consumed in the dining car. Train security guards keep a very close eye on drunken behaviour and have the legal right to fine or have any passengers who are intoxicated removed from the train without warning. Should this happen there's very little we can do to assist you in continuing your journey with the rest of the group.
While we certainly want all our Intrepid travellers to have a great holiday it's important that you show due respect for your fellow group members and keep in mind that many of your local companions use the train as a means of transport to get home or to work. It's most appreciated if foreign travellers are respectful of this, particularly in the mornings and evenings or when other passengers are sleeping.
- Novgorod - Family visit & dinner
- Novgorod - Public Banya
- Novgorod - Walking Tour & Kremlin
Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)
Days 5-6 Moscow
The great city of Moscow has survived centuries of revolution and seen Russia through some of its most turbulent years, from the days of the tsars through the communist era to the growing pains of democracy. Beneath its modern veneer - a sign of Russia's recent embrace of capitalism - Moscow is a fascinating, historic city with a wealth of sights to see.
Head to iconic Red Square with a local guide. This beautiful cobbled city square is framed by St Basils Cathedral, the opulent GUM Department store, the imposing walls of the Kremlin and the fairy-tale building of the State Historical Museum.
Visit Lenin, the initiator of the 1917 Russian revolution which ushered in the era of communism, at his austere mausoleum on Red Square.
Please note that on occasion Lenin's Mausoleum and Red Square may be closed to the public during regular opening hours without prior warning.
Enter the Kremlin grounds which house the oldest and most important churches in the country, where many Tsars and Tsarinas are laid to rest. Also head inside the Armoury Museum which houses a glittering imperial collection of regalia and items once belonging to the world's richest monarchy, including Faberge eggs and ambassadorial gifts.
As Moscow's premier tourist attractions, tickets for the Kremlin and Armoury are in high demand. In order to control the number of tour groups entering these sights at one time the Moscow Tourism Administration has set strict quotas. The amount of time guides can spend with their groups is also restricted to 90 minutes in each area, with any exceptions possibly resulting in the guide losing their license, so while we appreciate that some travellers would like to spend longer in the Armoury Museum we ask for your understanding that the guide is under pressure to keep to the schedule.
The Diamond Fund isn't included in our tour, but after the Kremlin and Armoury there may be time to visit. Entrance tickets can be purchased in the ticket office at the Armoury. The Diamond Fund is open for visitors from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm. Thursday it is closed.
Intrepid's aims when researching and contracting accommodation is to find properties that are well maintained, clean and as centrally located as possible. In an expensive destination such as Moscow there is a balance to be reached in choosing a centrally located, clean property and still maintaining a value priced trip.
The hotel we stay in is simple and is located centrally in the embassy sector of Moscow approx. 20 minutes walk to Red Square.
Some ideas for your free time here include:
Relive the nation's turbulent past at Victory Park.
Step inside the colourful St Basil's Cathedral on Red Square. Legend has it that tsar, Ivan the Terrible, had the two architects blinded so that they couldn't build anything as beautiful.
Travel back to the beginnings of Russian art at the Tretyakov Gallery.
Board an overnight train to Ukraine and its capital Kyiv (approx 12 hrs). Please be aware that the standard of trains in Ukraine tends to be lower than in Russia, although their basic layout and carriage classes are the same or very similar.
We go through border crossing formalities overnight and need to be awake for these to fill in some forms, show our passports and possibly open our luggage for inspection. After everything is completed it's lights out and back to sleep until we arrive in Kyiv the next morning.
- Moscow - Lenin's Mausoleum
- Moscow - Red Square
- Moscow - Kremlin & Armoury guided tour
- Izmailovo Vernisazh Markets - RUB10
- Museum of the Great Patriotic War - RUB200
- Tretyakov Gallery - RUB400
- Victory Park Museum - RUB200
- St Basils Cathedral - RUB150
Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)
Days 7-9 Kyiv
The capital city of Ukraine and its largest cultural centre with a population of about three million, Kyiv lies on hilly territory by the Dnipro River and features beautiful landscapes, parks and gardens. It's often called the 'mother of Slavic cities.' The golden age of Kyiv was between the 11th and 12th centuries, when it was a powerful state and the centre of trading routes between the Baltic and Mediterranean seas. For centuries Kyiv has been occupied and invaded, but has survived to become a new independent travel destination which many travellers are yet to discover.
Join your leader for an walk to explore Kyiv. The best view of the city is definitely from the top of the bell tower at the Cathedral of St Sophia just a short walk away. From here it's also a lovely walk to Andrew's Descent, a sloping cobbled street lined with craft stalls.
Visit the Chernobyl Museum with a local guide - a chilling but highly worthwhile experience that will help us understand more about this terrible event in Ukraine's recent history.
In your free time here you can visit the unique and award-winning Museum of One Street, head out to the Caves Monastery with its mummified monks or say hello to Kyiv's tallest landmark - the remarkable Rodina Mat (Motherland) statue. If you would like to explore further afield, you could take a trip to the nearby village of Pirogovo, which is home to an outdoor Architectural Museum featuring houses from different areas of Ukraine and providing an insight into daily life over the centuries. On one of your nights here, why not spoil yourself with an evening at the ballet or opera, or at one of Kyiv's many classical music concerts?
Board our next overnight train to the Western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk (approx 13 hrs).
At 12.00 or 16.00 daily you can join free walking tour. The meeting point is at the post office on Maidan square near to Kozatskiy Hotel.
- Kyiv - Orientation Walk
- Chernobyl Museum
- St.Michaels Golden-Domed Cathedral - Free
- Kyiv - Motherland Monument - UAH200
- St.Sofia Cathedral & Bell Tower - UAH12
- WWII Museum - UAH10
- Kyiv - St Sofia Cathedral - UAH70
- Dnipro River boat trip - UAH50
Hotel (2 nts), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)
Days 10-11 Carpathian Mountains
Arrive in Ivano-Frankivsk, the gateway to the Carpathians, and transfer by local bus to Kolomiya (approx 1 hr).
The tranquil town of Kolomiya is one of the oldest cities in Ukraine.
Check out the town's two top attractions - the Hutsul Museum with its great insight into local culture and traditions, and the Pysanka (decorated Easter egg) Museum.
Stay with our local friends in their guesthouse. Our host mother Irina will lead us in a cooking class where we learn to make (and eat!) some traditional Ukrainian favourites.
Head to the mountain village of Sheshory by private transport (approx 1 hr).
The Carpathian Mountains are located near the borders of Romania, Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and Ukraine. Considered one of the most beautiful natural areas in Eastern Europe, it's a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts from near and far.
Spend the day relaxing and enjoying the beautiful countryside, admiring the lovingly decorated Hutsul houses with their private chapels and ornate wells. There's an option to take a picnic lunch and hike to the high pastures where shepherds tend their flocks in summer. Or instead walk to a nearby church and take a swim in the river.
Return to Kolomiya in the early evening.
Dinner will be prepared by our guesthouse hosts and you can be assured of a hearty home-cooked meal.
- Cooking Class
- Guided walk in Carpathians
Guesthouse (2 nts)
Days 12-13 Lviv
Leave the Carpathians and transfer to the train station in Kolomiya in time to catch the local train to Lviv (approx 4 hrs). This is a day train and seating is in a general seating carriage. You may want to take some snacks with you for the ride, both for you and to share with new local friends.
For some departures the train may not be running as scheduled and we will use a tourist bus between Kolomiya and Lviv. This is a comfortable, modern, air conditioned, the trip taking around 5 hours with a few stops. Your trip leader will let you know if a bus will be used on your departure for this journey.
Historical Lviv is at the crossroads of Central Europe and the influence of many empires and religions is evident in its elegant architecture and many places of worship.
Meet our local guide for a walking tour of the Old Town, taking in the grand Opera House, Armenian Church, Roman Catholic Cathedral, Jewish Quarter and Rynok Square as well as other historical sites. Afterwards you'll no doubt be ready for coffee and cake in one of the Lviv's renowned Viennese-style cafes.
Other options for your time here are hiking to High Castle Hill for views of city, visiting Europe's oldest still functioning brewery, or wandering through the ornate gothic monuments of the Lychakivsky Cemetery.
Board an overnight train to Budapest (approx 14 hrs). As we arrive in Budapest mid-morning we recommend bringing some food with you for breakfast on the train.
The set-up of this train is a little different than our previous ones with a triple bunk in each 2nd class compartment. This results in there being very little luggage space so if you have large bags they may have to travel on the bunk with you.
During the trip we cross the border into Hungary. Immigration and customs inspection happens on the train and we need to be awake for this. But once it's all done you can sleep tight knowing you'll soon be in beautiful Budapest.
- Lviv - Guided walking tour
- Wooden Architecture Museum - UAH20
- The National Museum - UAH35
- National Art Gallery - UAH10
- Lychakivsky Cemetery - UAH20
- High Castle Hill - Free
- City Hall tower - UAH10
Hotel (1 nt), Overnight sleeper train (1 nt)
Days 14-15 Budapest
Since the collapse of Communism, Budapest has experienced something of a renaissance. The grand architecture and boulevards evoke a time gone by, while glamorous stores and glitzy restaurants make this one of the truly great cities of Europe.
Head out to see what this inspiring city has to offer by bike on a cycling tour with a local guide (approx 3 hrs). We ride at a relaxed pace around the city centre with plenty of stops at some of the key sights and plenty of stories from our guide to bring what we see alive.
Known as 'The Pearl of the Danube', Budapest is the perfect city to enjoy from the water. From here you'll see the magnificent buildings that line the banks of the Danube River and the bridges linking Buda to Pest. Take one of the tourist boat trips to see the sights, walk across the magnificent Chain Bridge or catch a funicular to the castle for a spectacular view of the Parliament Building.
For art or history buffs, Budapest has many museums to occupy you for at least a few days. If you have extra time, head out to Statue Park to see the communist monuments that were removed from the city streets after the fall of the Iron Curtain. We definitely recommend staying a few more days to make the most of all there is to see and do here.
If you're interested in communist history, try the locally-guided 'Hammer & Sickle' tour.
There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart the accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.
- Budapest - Guided bike tour
- House of Terror - HUF2000
- Parliament tour - HUF2520
- Hungarian State Opera House Tour - HUF2900
- Great Synagogue - HUF2250
- Hungarian National Museum - HUF1100
- Hammer & Sickle Tour - HUF7000
- Bike ride - HUF5000
Hotel (1 nt)
Also available to purchase
For many of our trips we have other services or experiences that are also available to purchase to extend your trip or to make your holiday a little easier. Below is a list of other travel products you can purchase in conjunction with this trip.
We also recommend
If this trip is not quite right for you, cast your eye over these alternatives:
- St Petersburg to Istanbul (WBSIC)
- Trans-Siberian and Mongolia (CBSU)
Occasionally our itineraries are updated during the year to incorporate improvements stemming from past travellers' comments and our own research. The information given in this itinerary may be slightly different to that in the brochure. It's very important that you print and review a final copy of your Trip Notes a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans. For the latest updated Trip Notes please visit our website: www.intrepidtravel.com
Please note that while we operate successful trips in this region throughout the year, some changes may occur in our itineraries due to inclement weather and common seasonal changes to timetables and transport routes. This can happen with little notice so please be prepared for modifications to the route.
Expect some culture shock. You'll be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.
You will be travelling through countries that speak little or no English, where transport often runs only when it is full (and often overflowing), where hotels and restaurants have very different ideas of service and amenities, where the plumbing can sometimes be temperamental and the power will often just vanish. Many of the places we visit are not used to people travelling outside of large coach tours so they will be uncertain of how to deal with us. This can be a challenging trip covering a wide range of peoples, cultures, religious and political beliefs and is a trip that involves some long travel days and nights. Some passengers will experience fatigue more than normal due to these challenges. 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.
This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.
You will be expected to carry your own luggage including stairs, move about busy public transport hubs, and on and off buses and trains. Although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage, you are expected to be able to walk and handle your own luggage for up to 30 minutes. Good general fitness and mobility plays a big part in making your trip more enjoyable.
Included activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary, all other activities are optional and at your own expense. If you choose not to participate in the included activities on this itinerary, the cost will not be refunded.
A selection of optional activities are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only. Prices are for entrance only and don't include transport costs to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination. Optional activities aren't necessarily endorsed or recommended by Intrepid nor included in price of this trip. If you do any optional activities, you do so at your own risk and it must be clearly understood that your participation is your own decision and doesn't form part of your contract with Intrepid. You may be required to sign/complete a waiver form or a receipt for some optional activities.
BOOKING THEATRE TICKETS IN ADVANCE:
To avoid disappointment we recommend that you book any theatre performances that you wish to attend in Moscow or St Petersburg in advance. Please consider carefully which performances you are going to want attend and make sure that the dates correspond to your trip. Here are some useful internet sites to check for what will be on (ballet, opera, exhibitions, etc) in Moscow and St Petersburg when you are there: www.mariinsky.ru, www.bolshoi.ru and www.ticketsofrussia.ru. In particular we recommend you see what's playing at the Bolshoi and Mariinsky, as it may be difficult to get tickets when you are there especially during White Nights in St Petersburg.
Currency exchange rates often fluctuate. For the most up to date rates please refer to the following website: www.oanda.com.
The official currency of Russia is the Ruble (RUB). 1 ruble = 100 kopeks.
We strongly advise against bringing travellers cheques as in Russia they can be extremely difficult or impossible to change.
ATMs are widespread in Russia so the easiest way to access cash on your trip is to bring a credit card. Please check with your bank about overseas withdrawal fees before you depart and note that recent travellers have experienced difficulties in using credit cards without a debit function from US banks for purchases or withdrawals. Some banks will allow a cash advance against a major credit card which will incur a service charge of 5% or more.
The easiest foreign currencies to exchange are USD and EUR, however please be aware of the security risk of carrying large amounts of cash. In any case, some money should be taken as cash in case of emergencies - we recommend around US$400 per person. Commission is sometimes charged for currency exchange. Check the rate before you exchange as what is advertised is sometimes only for transactions above US$500, carefully check the amount you are given and ask for a receipt.
Due to restrictions on changing money in Russia, only US$50 and US$100 notes/bills printed after 1996 and in good condition (no creases, marks, stamps or tears) will be accepted. Avoid bringing US$ notes in smaller denominations. By law, all purchases in Russia must be made in local currency.
The local currency in Ukraine is the Ukrainian hryvna (UAH) of which 100 kopiyka = 1 hryvna.
UAH may only be obtained within Ukraine. While the safest way to carry your money may be as traveller's cheques, in Ukraine there can be extremely long delays when changing them and in some areas on this trip exchanging them might prove completely impossible. For this reason they are NOT recommended for Ukraine.
Along the way you will be able to find ATMs that accept foreign cards to withdraw local currency. Major credit cards may be accepted in larger shops and restaurants but only in the bigger cities. Some banks in major cities will allow cash advances against a credit card but cash withdrawals are subject to a 5% or more service charge.
Another reliable way to access local money is to bring and exchange USD or EUR cash at currency exchange offices but you need to 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.
Due to the restrictions on changing money in Ukraine, only USD50 and USD100 notes/bills printed after 1996 and in good condition (no creases, marks, stamps or tears) will be accepted.
All purchases in Ukraine must be made in local currency.
The local currency in Hungary is the Hungarian Forint (HUF). ATMs are readily available, credit cards are widely accepted and traveller's cheques in major brands can be exchanged.
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, participating in optional activities, and tipping. Please also remember the following specific recommendations when planning your trip.
If you are happy with the services provided a tip - though not compulsory - is appropriate. While it may not be customary to you, it is of great significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, inspires excellent service, and is an entrenched feature of the tourism industry across many Intrepid destinations. We recommend that any tips are given to the intended recipient by a member of your group, rather than collected and passed on by the group leader.
The following amounts are based on local considerations and feedback from our past travellers:
Restaurants/cafes with table service: In Russia and Mongolia- we suggest 5% to 10% of your bill, however check if a service charge has already been added. Tipping is not common practice in China.
Local guides: Local guides: Throughout your trip you may at times have a local guide in addition to your leader. We suggest 50-100 RUB/2000-3000MNG/10-15 CNY per person per activity day for local guides with the amount adjusted accordingly for guides who are with you for a for a full day.
Drivers: You may have a range of drivers on your trip. Some may be with you for a short journey, while others may be with you for several days. We would suggest a higher tip for those more involved with the group, however a base of 50-100 RUB/2000-3000MNG/10-15 CNY per person, per day is generally appropriate, with the amount adjusted accordingly for drivers who are with you for less than a full day.
Please do not tip with coins, notes of and less that 1000 MNG/10 RUB/CNY1or dirty and ripped notes. This is regarded culturally as an insult.
Your Group Leader: You may also consider tipping your leader for outstanding service throughout your trip. The amount is entirely a personal preference; however as a guideline $US3-5, or the equivalent in any currency used on the trip, per person, per day can be used.
Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality and the length of your trip. Remember, a tip isn't compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
All departure taxes should be included in your international flight ticket.
Maximum of 12 travellers per group.
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 likely a range of age groups 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.
Due to privacy reasons we are unable to provide you with contact details and any personal information about your fellow travellers booked on your trip prior to departure. However you can download Intrepid's FREE Meet Up app to chat with your fellow travellers before your trip. Meet up, discuss your upcoming trip and share the excitement of planning for your adventure. For more information visit:
Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and don't involve a compulsory single supplement. Single travellers share with people of the same gender in accommodation ranging from twin to multishare. Some of our itineraries have accommodation booked on a mixed gender share basis and where applicable this will be specified in our Trip Notes. On a selection of our trips, you have the option to pay a single supplement to ensure that you have your own room (where available). Please note that this only applies to accommodation during the tour - pre-trip and post-trip accommodation will be booked on a single room basis.
Hotel (8 nts), Overnight sleeper train (4 nts), Guesthouse (2 nts)
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels. Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Please be aware that Russia requires all foreign nationals to register their passports upon arrival in each city. Since March 25th, 2011 the registration rules for foreigners have been relaxed in Russia. According to these rules, foreign citizens must register themselves within 7 business days of their arrival into Russia (instead of the 3 days required before). This means that if you are arriving in Russia before the trip start date or staying extra days after the trip has finished (less than 7 days), whether at our Intrepid hotels or at accommodation of your choice, you don’t have to be registered and pay any registration fees. Intrepid will take responsibility for registration of passports at our first place of stay in Russia including any associated costs. If you are arriving more than 7 days prior to the start of the trip, or staying more than 7 days post-trip, you will need to be responsible for your own passport registration and any extra charges for this service. Failure to register could lead to problems at immigration when departing the country.
Some of the accommodation along the way is very basic, staying in local guesthouses and homestays with limited facilities. Some facilities are shared and some accommodation has cold water only.
Overnight trains are simple but comfortable. There is a toilet/bathroom and compartments with bunks/berths. Please note that we travel 2nd class on all overnight trains (4 people per compartment). While we always try to have our groups staying together there may be times where due to ticket availability the group will be staying in different compartments and carriages. If the group number does not divide into 4 then you can also expect that some group members will be sharing a compartment with other travellers including local people. Please note that It is NOT possible to upgrade to a higher class train compartment on any section of this trip. There are generally no power points available in the compartments of the trains. The only power outlet occasionally available is one in the corridor for the whole carriage, and this is not guaranteed to have a steady flow of electricity or to be accessible from the compartment.
Trains are generally heated but most do not offer air conditioning. The train can become very hot even in winter and the train attendants will not allow the windows to be opened, please pack clothing appropriate for the warmer conditions on these train journeys.
While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. On our camping trips we often cook the region's specialities so you don't miss out. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.
Vegetarians might find the menu selection less varied than they would see at home. Vegetarianism is not as common in this region and generally the choices are basic, involving vegetables and salads. Vegans will find it even more challenging. Vegetarians might choose to supplement meals with supplies bought from home, e.g. protein bars, dried fruits and so on.
11 Breakfasts, 2 Dinners
Please budget for additional meals and expenses while on your trip. Our suggestion is based on past traveller feedback but you may choose to spend more or less.
Metro, Taxi, Overnight sleeper train, Bus, Train, Minibus, Tram, Bicycle, Boat
There are some long travel days and some rough travelling in areas away from main tourist routes. Windy roads, rough surfaces and cramped conditions make for some challenging travel experiences. On some long travel days we depart early in the morning to ensure we optimise our time at our next destination. If you experience travel sickness we recommend you consider medication to help ease the discomfort.
All Intrepid group trips are accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. Intrepid endeavours to provide the services of an experienced leader however, due to the seasonality of travel, rare situations may arise where your leader is new to a particular region or training other group leaders.
Your leader will 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 our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the places visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. At Intrepid we aim to support local guides who have specialised knowledge of the regions we visit. If you were interested in delving deeper into the local culture at a specific site or location then your leader can recommend a local guide service in most of the main destinations of your trip.
Sadovaya street #22/2
Phone: +7 (812)4488383
Joining point description
M-Hotel is situated in the 'Golden Triangle' of St Petersburg in close vicinity to world-famous museums such as the Hermitage, Kazan Cathedral, Church of the Savior on Blood, Russian museum and Alexandrinsky theatre where ballet performances staged by famous choreographer Boris Eyfman take place during the summer. Next to the hotel, guests will find a great variety of cafes and restaurants catering to different tastes, as well as plenty of boutiques, art galleries and antique shops.
The hotel provides a full range of services including laundry and dry cleaning as well as tour and airline bookings. There is a cafe (breakfast is included), room service, bar and conference hall, 24-hour security and elevator. There is also free Wi-Fi in the rooms and lobby bar.
Joining point instructions
Please be aware that Russia requires all foreign nationals to register their passports upon arrival in each city. Please see ACCOMMODATION for the most recent information about registration.
Arrival transfers are available - if you have pre-booked a transfer with us your driver will be waiting for you in the arrivals section near where you clear customs. The driver will arrive according to arrival time indicated at time of booking and wait for an hour after your scheduled arrival time. If your flight arrives before the scheduled arrival time please wait in the arrivals hall. If you are delayed beyond one hour after your scheduled arrival time, please make your own way to the hotel.
If you have pre-purchased an arrival transfer our local operator will await you holding a sign with your name when you exit the baggage claim area of the arrivals hall.
In the unlikely event that your transfer is not waiting for you - please call Slava on +7 812 9280739 (for calls) or +7 911 9280739 (for calls and sms).
St Petersburg has an International airport (Pulkovo-2) and a Domestic one (Pulkovo-1). You will need to get a taxi or use public transport from the airport to the joining point hotel.
BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT:
Airports have public transport links that allow you to get to our starting point hotel cheaply.
From Pulkovo-1 / Pulkovo-2 airport go by public bus or private mini-bus to 'Moskovskaya' (МОСКОВСКАЯ) metro station stop.
Go inside the subway station - entrance to the Metro is marked by an 'M'. Tickets cost 20 RUB and there is no extra charge for changing lines once you are inside the Metro. There is direct blue line from 'Moskovskaya' metro station to 'Nevsky prospect'. Travel on the blue line to Nevsky Prospect station, get off on 7th stop. From there change to the green line to 'Gostiny dvor'. This is where you leave the Metro and head outside.
Please be aware that there is very little English signage within the St Petersburg Metro and at peak times can be very crowded. If you choose to travel by public transport allow plenty of time and make sure you have a bilingual map with you to plan your route.
If you arrive to Moskovsky railway station by train take subway from the nearest 'Ploshad' Vosstaniya' (ПЛОЩАДЬ ВОССТАНИЯ) metro station, change to green line 'Mayakovskaya' (МАЯКОВСКАЯ) metro station, travel one station and get off on 'Gostiny Dvor'.
Outside of Metro station cross the road (Sadovaya street) through the underpass. There is Krylova lane between Sadovaya street and Plosha'd Ostrovskovo (Ostrovskovo square). M-Hotel located on Krylova lane, it's marked with the letter 'M' and is situated inside of the yard.
For more information, GPS coordinates and a detailed map go to: www.mhotelspb.ru.
The taxi ride from the airport to our starting point hotel takes around 1 hour and costs around US$30-35. Avoid taxi touts. From all airports we recommend you use the services of one of the official taxi desks located on the ground floor inside the arrival terminal.
Check-in time is 2 pm.
Please note Russian (Cyrillic) wording for M Hotel below which is useful to show to a taxi driver or to ask for directionsL
ул. Садовая, 22/2
Станция метро — «Гостиный двор»
We don't expect any problems (and nor should you) but if for any reason you are unable to commence your trip as scheduled, please refer to the Joining Instructions section above for who to contact.
If you have pre-booked an airport transfer (where available) 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, again following the Joining Instructions in these trip notes. Should this occur, please apply to your travel agent for a refund of the transfer cost on your return.
No refund is available on missed transfers or portions of your trip owing to a different flight arrival or delayed flight arrival. Any additional cost incurred in order to meet up with your group is at your own expense.
Star Inn Hotel
Dessewffy utca 36 - 6. Bezirk
Phone: 36 14722021
Fax: 36 14722010
Finish point description
Star Inn Hotel is a new property located in the heart of Budapest, near the famous opera house. With 24 hour reception, a bar and breakfast area, the rooms include private bathrooms, TV, internet access and hairdryer.
Finish point instructions
If you have pre booked a departure transfer, please inform your leader and they will notify you of your departure transfer time.
A taxi to the airport will cost approximately HUF4800-5500. Alternatively ask your trip leader or hotel for assistance booking an airport shuttle or using public transport. Journey times will vary between 20 minutes and 1 hour.
Please also make sure you have access to an additional US$400, to be used when unforeseen incidents or circumstances outside our control (eg. a natural disaster, civil unrest or an outbreak of bird flu) necessitate a change to our planned route.
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.
We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.
EUROPEAN COUNTRIES ON THIS TRIP (EXCLUDING RUSSIA, UKRAINE, TURKEY):
Australia: No - Not required
Belgium: No - Not required
Canada: No - Not required
Germany: No - Not required
Ireland: No - Not required
Netherlands: No - Not required
New Zealand: No - Not required
South Africa: Yes - in advance
Switzerland: No - Not required
UK: No - Not required
USA: No - Not required
Australia: Yes - in advance
Belgium: Yes - in advance
Canada: Yes - in advance
Germany: Yes - in advance
Ireland: Yes - in advance
Netherlands: Yes - in advance
New Zealand: Yes - in advance
South Africa: Yes - in advance
Switzerland: Yes - in advance
United Kingdom: Yes - in advance
USA: Yes - in advance
LETTERS OF INVITATION (LOI)
Most nationalities require a visa for Russia. You will need a Letter of Invitation (LOI), sometimes called a Voucher or Visa Support Letter in order to apply for your visa.
You can obtain your LOI online through our local partners in Russia. Instructions and a link to the website will be sent to you at the time of booking. Read the instructions carefully and fill in the online application form. You will then be able to download your LOI instantly. Please note that we will add 3 days to the LOI duration before and after your trip dates for your convenience. If you are planning to stay longer than these dates please let us know as we will need to manually request a LOI to fit your specific travel plans.
The LOI included in the cost of your tour is for a Single Entry Tourist Visa. LOIs for other types of visas may be organised at your own expense and paid directly to our local partners, Parallel 60 (www.parallelsixty.com)
INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR VISA APPLICATION:
You must apply for your Russian visa in advance. Visas are not available on arrival or en-route. Once you have received your LOI it is your responsibility to apply for your own visa either directly at an embassy or by using a visa agent. We do not recommend trying to obtain your Russian visa outside of your home country or place of residence as your application may be refused.
Use ONLY the information and dates on your LOI when filling in your visa application. There is no need to reference Intrepid Travel or include a copy of your itinerary as Parallel 60 is the official inviting organisation, not Intrepid. Do not be concerned if the destinations and accommodation listed do not match your Intrepid trip exactly. This information is for the purposes of obtaining the visa only, not an indication of where you must travel and stay in Russia.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VISA APPLICATION:
* Letter of Invitation (LOI)
* Photocopy of your passport
* Passport size photo (up to 4)
* Flight or other transport details - if required
* Please check with the embassy for any other specific requirements
Please be aware that visa extensions are NOT possible in Russia.
INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR TRAIN TICKET BOOKINGS:
Train tickets in Russia are booked with passport numbers. Please make sure you provide us with your correct passport number. If you have to renew your passport after booking please notify us as soon as you have a new passport number and bring your old passport with you on your trip. If we receive changes to passport numbers less than 30 days prior to departure we cannot guarantee purchase of train tickets.
We do NOT recommend travelling on multiple passports for trips that involve border crossings by train. This can cause difficulties with train ticket bookings and cause significant issues delays at Immigration.
WARNING – MIGRATION CARDS
All foreign citizens entering Russia are required to fill in a migration card. The entry portion of the card will be retained by Immigration upon arrival. The stamped exit portion of the card must be kept with your passport during your stay in Russia and submitted to Immigration upon departure. If you are not given a migration card at Immigration on arrival you must request one, even if the immigration official says that you do not need one. Loss or failure to receive the exit portion of the card will result in you not being able to travel on our trip as all hotels require this card for registration and may result in significant delays or fines upon departure.
Australia: Yes - in advance
Belgium: No - Not required
Canada: No - Not required
Germany: No - Not required
Ireland: No - Not required
Netherlands: No - Not required
New Zealand: Yes - in advance
South Africa: Yes - in advance, Visa Support letter - Yes
Switzerland: No - Not required
United Kingdom: No - Not required
USA: No - Not required
Some nationalities are now visa free to Ukraine. Please check your own visa requirements carefully.
LETTERS OF INVITATION (LOI)
Some nationalities that require a visa may also need a Letter of Invitation (LOI), sometimes known as a Visa Support Letter, in order to apply for a Ukraine visa. As of 2013 travellers from Australia and New Zealand no longer need the LOI in order to apply. Should you require a LOI please notify us at the time of booking and ensure you send the following information no later than 30 days prior to departure:
* Clear, colour scanned copy of the personal details page of your passport
* Nominate which embassy you will apply for your visa
Please note that it can take up to 7 business days to receive the LOI from our Ukrainian partners. The LOI is included in the cost of the trip, however should your embassy require other support documents you may be charged an additional fee.
INFORMATION REQUIRED FOR VISA APPLICATION:
You require a Single Entry Tourist Visa for this trip.
Surname and first name of the inviting person(s) in Ukraine. If not applicable, name of hotel(s) or address of applicant’s temporary accommodation(s) in Ukraine:
1/3, Mikhailovskaya street1
+380 44 279 49 25
Address of inviting person(s)/hotel(s)/temporary accommodation(s) in Ukraine:
Name and address of inviting company/organisation:
If LOI required please use the information on the document. If not required - N/A.
Surname, first name, address, telephone, telefax, and e-mail address of contact person in company/organization:
Your visa application form may require you to state the dates on which you enter and exit that country.
For your Russian/Ukraine visa application please follow the instructions sent to you regarding which dates to enter (these may be earlier/late than the actual entry days listed below)
The following are the international/administrative border crossings for this trip:
Exit Russia at Bryansk - Day 7
Enter Ukraine at Konotop- Day 7
Exit Ukraine at Chop - Day 13
Enter Hungary at Zahony - Day 13
To help calculate the exact dates of these crossings we have found the following website to be very useful - http://www.timeanddate.com
Issues on your trip
While we always endeavour to provide the best possible holiday experience, due to the nature of travel and the areas we visit sometimes things can and do go wrong. Should any issue occur while you are on your trip, it is imperative that you discuss this with your group leader or our local representative straight away so that they can do their best to rectify the problem and save any potential negative impact on the rest of your trip.
We recognise that there may be times when your group leader/local partner may not be able to resolve a situation to your satisfaction - if this is the case, please ask the leader to speak to their direct manager.
You may also choose to provide details in your online feedback, which we ask you to complete within 30 days of the end of your trip. But we do ask you to be aware that it is very difficult for us to provide any practical help after the trip is complete.
What to take
What you need to bring will vary according to the trip style you have chosen, the countries you are visiting and when you are travelling. Generally speaking you should pack as lightly as possible. On the vast majority of our trips you are expected to carry your own luggage and although you won't be required to walk long distances with your luggage (max 30 minutes), we recommend keeping the weight under 10kg / 22lb.
Most travellers carry their luggage in a backpack, although an overnight bag with a shoulder strap would suffice if you travel lightly. Smaller bags or backpacks with wheels are convenient although we recommend your bag has carry straps. You'll also need a day pack/bag to carry water and a camera etc for day trips.
You can find Intrepid's Ultimate Packing List on our website. It should be used as a guide only and isn't intended to be a complete packing list.
TRAVELLING ON LOCAL TRANSPORT:
It's important that your bags can be locked, as on local transport it may be necessary to store your luggage separately (and unattended) from the group. The smaller your bag the better for you and other passengers, for when it comes to travelling on local buses and trains it's often only the smaller bags that will fit into the storage areas. If your bag does not fit in these areas then often the only place to put it is on your bed or seat. To ensure maximum comfort, try to pack small and light.
Where Intrepid covers the cost of luggage storage for included day trips, we allow for one bag/backpack only, so it's advisable that you travel lightly and keep luggage to a limit of one item (plus your day pack). Extra luggage storage will be at your own expense.
CLOTHING & CLIMATE:
The climate in this region is extremely varied. From October until May you can expect temperatures close to and below zero, while from June until September temperatures can reach well above 30 C. For departures October to May you'll need to bring a warm windproof jacket, scarf, gloves, warm hat and waterproof footwear. On all other departures it can still get quite cool at night especially when in the countryside, so we recommend that you bring a warm jacket or fleece.
Consider bringing your own water bottle to refill along the way. The sale of bottled water contributes to an enormous environmental problem around the world. In addition to the water in bottles, the production of a 1 litre plastic bottle takes 2 litres of water and 200ml of oil. A large proportion ends up in limited landfill or discarded in waterways and natural environments. Although it can be difficult to avoid bottled water when travelling, please consider water purification techniques such as iodine or micropur and use the water dispensers which are provided at some of our accommodation. When unable to avoid bottled water it is better to buy the largest available and distribute into your smaller bottle for the day
In some parts of Russia and Central Asia it is important to boil drinking water before use.
During our trip there will be many opportunities for you to meet and "talk" with locals. One way to start any conversation is with pictures. We recommend that you bring some photos/postcards of your family, home, city or country where you live, animals peculiar to your country etc. Another good tip is to bring badges/pins from your country as many people that you meet will appreciate a small memento of your home.
All Intrepid travellers need to be in good physical health in order to participate fully on this trip. When selecting your trip please make sure you have read through the itinerary carefully and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please note that if, in the opinion of our group leader or local guide, any traveller is unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group, Intrepid reserves the right to exclude them from all or part of a trip without refund.
You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information or for any necessary vaccinations and anti-malarial requirements before departure. We recommend that you carry a first aid kit as well as any personal medical requirements (including a spare pair of glasses) as they may not easily be obtained at the locations on this trip. For legal reasons our leaders and guides are prohibited from administering any type of drugs including headache tablets and antibiotics. Please ensure that you are adequately prepared.
POTENTIAL HEALTH ISSUES:
Giardia intestinalis, a parasite that causes severe diarrhoea has been reported from time to time in the water supply in Russia. For this reason Intrepid recommends against drinking unboiled tap water in all Russian cites.
In spring and early summer in rural areas of Russia and Mongolia ticks are prevalent. Please take precautions when walking in these areas by wearing long trousers and boots and check your clothes and body thoroughly.
The diet and hygiene standards of Russia, Mongolia and Central Asia may be very different from what you are used to so please take care with washing hands before meals etc. and bring some medication/rehydration salts etc. should you experience stomach problems.
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. Please refer to our website's safety page for links to major travel advisories and updates on safety issues affecting our trip.
We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe-keeping of your passport, air tickets, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of our hotels have safety deposit boxes, which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Your leader will accompany you on all included activities, however during your trip you'll 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 the available options in a given location, please note that any optional activities you undertake are not part of your Intrepid itinerary, and Intrepid makes 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. Please also note that your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if it's deemed necessary due to safety concerns.
For more details on the type of conditions and safety standards you can expect on your trip, please refer to Intrepid's operational safety policy on our website. We recommend that you take a moment to read through this information before travelling, and would appreciate any feedback on how well it's being implemented in the field:
Please be aware that local laws governing tourism facilities in this region differ from those in your home country and not all the accommodation which we use has a fire exit, fire extinguishers or smoke alarms.
Some hotel balconies don't meet UK standards in terms of the width of the balcony fence being narrower than 10cm.
TRAFFIC AND DRIVING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE ROAD:
Depending on where you come from please note that drivers in this part of the world may drive on the opposite side of the road from what you are used to. Look both ways before crossing any road. Traffic can be a little more chaotic than you might be used to at home. Be aware!
Please be aware that local laws governing transportation safety may differ from those in the western world or from your home country and not all the transport which we use provides seat belts.
PETTY THEFT AND PERSONAL SAFETY:
While travelling there is always the risk of pick-pocketing and petty theft, particularly in the more touristy cities. We recommend that you exercise caution when walking alone at night and encourage you to walk together and only on main, well-lit thoroughfares. Be particularly vigilant on public transport. Simple measures like carrying your day pack on your front, not hanging your bag over the back of your chair and wearing a money belt will reduce any chance that your valuables should go missing.
Local interaction is certainly big part of travelling experience in Intrepid trip just be careful when it comes to drinking with the locals and playing cards with strangers on the Trans Siberian and Trans Mongolian train journeys. Remember that often vodka sold on platform and by attendants is very low quality and can be dangerous for your health. "Card sharpers" (card sharks) will offer to play cards masked as a local travellers, the ultimate intent is to play for money.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all our trips. 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.
When travelling on a group trip, you won't be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance and the insurance company's 24 hour emergency contact number has been seen by your leader.
If you have credit card insurance your group leader will require details of the participating insurer/underwriter, the level of coverage, policy number and emergency contact number rather than the bank's name and credit card details. Please contact your bank for these details prior to arriving in-country.
Please go to our website for links to various travel insurance providers:
We believe strongly in low impact or rather positive impact tourism. Broadly speaking this means that we try to minimise the negative aspects of tourism on the local cultures and environments that we visit and highlight the positive aspects. Please visit our website for further details and suggestions on how you can be a responsible traveller:
We recommend that you dress respectfully at all stages of the trip especially when in and around religious sites. This means clothing that covers your shoulders and knees for both men and women. Women are advised to cover their heads when entering functioning churches in Russia, while men should remove their hats.
A couple of rules
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on our 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 Intrepid travellers. Intrepid's philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter and in particular, the local people who make our destinations such special places. 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 if they use prostitutes.
The Intrepid Foundation
Since Intrepid Travel commenced operating in 1989 we've been committed to giving something back to the communities we visit. One way has been through our support for local humanitarian, development and conservation projects. Many of our travellers want to contribute something too. Whilst it is often tempting to give hand-outs to those less fortunate, this has the potential to promote a culture of begging and dependency. Handouts are not a sustainable way for individuals or communities to live. That’s why we established The Intrepid Foundation – to make it easier for travellers wishing to give back to communities in an effective and meaningful way.
The Intrepid Foundation is a not-for-profit fund offering a selection of excellent grassroots organisations which you can contribute to. All donations to The Intrepid Foundation will be matched by Intrepid Travel dollar for dollar (up to AU$5,000 per donor and a total of AU$400,000 for all donors in each financial year). And every cent gets there as Intrepid Travel pays for all the administration costs. Donating is simple and secure. Please ask your group leader for information on the projects we support through The Intrepid Foundation or go to our website:
Responsible Travel projects
Organisations and projects currently supported by The Intrepid Foundation in Russia include:
* Nochlezhka focuses on providing for St Petersburg's homeless community. Its Night Bus project provides a mobile social support point: two specially equipped minivans that are visited by up to 150 disadvantaged people each night. Every visitor receives a hot meal and tea, a nurse is able to provide first aid, specialised social workers can assist street children, and clean, warm clothes are also available.
Please advise your leader if you have any unneeded clothing or toiletries you would like to donate, so that they can arrange for them to be passed on to Nochlezhka.
Intrepid Travel also supports the following non-profit organisation:
*Upsala Circus shows children and teenagers from social risk groups with the method of circus pedagogy an alternative from the street and to integrate them into the society.
As the only organization of its kind in Russia, Upsala Circus directly connects the professional circus and theatre art, with social work. By the everyday training in the circus and attendance at circus festivals, the children and teenagers from social risk groups experience exciting and difficult challenges. The circus is referring to "high risk" nearly like the life on the street. It appeals to them with magic, lets them explore their individual skills, makes them stronger and motivates them to create their lives in society in an active way.
More information about Upsala Circus can be found at their web-site www.upsala-zirk.org.
Carbon Offset C02-e 517.00 kgs per pax.
After your travels, we want to hear from you! This is so important to us that we'll give you 5% off the price of your next trip if your feedback is completed online within 4 weeks of finishing your trip.

domain: geography


text:
Regulations Respecting the Stabilization of the Price of Prunes Marketed in 1987-88
P.C. 1988-2591 1988-11-17
Her Excellency the Governor General in Council, on the recommendation of the Minister of Agriculture and the Treasury Board, pursuant to sections 2Footnote *, 8.2Footnote **, 10Footnote *** and 11Footnote **** of the Agricultural Stabilization Act, is pleased hereby to make the annexed Regulations respecting the stabilization of the price of prunes marketed in 1987-88.
1 These Regulations may be cited as the British Columbia Prunes Stabilization Regulations, 1987.
2 In these Regulations,
Act means the Agricultural Stabilization Act; (Loi)
- market period
market period means the period beginning on July 1, 1987 and ending on June 30, 1988. (période de mise en marché)
prunes means prunes grown in British Columbia by a producer in the calendar year 1987 and sold during the market period by the producer; (prune à pruneaux)
3 Prunes are hereby designated as an agricultural commodity for the purposes of the Act.
4 For the purposes of determining the prescribed price of prunes in the market period, the percentage of the base price of prunes for the year 1987 is hereby prescribed to be 90 per cent.
- Date modified:

domain: law


Hey there, Infinite Flight pilots! I’ve been taking flying lessons recently and discovered a cool trick you can use to make smooth, professional looking takeoffs.
How It Works:
First, you need to start to accelerate down the runway, just like you would do on any takeoff. Then slightly pull back on the yoke (tilt the device back). Make sure that you tilt it to the point where if you pull back anymore, the nose will pull up. Then, once the plane reaches the correct speed, it will automatically takeoff by itself.
I’ll make a video soon explaining this in better detail. Hope this works!


text:
- Chairman Abel Avellan says six‑month interconnection and testing programme will follow launch of BlueWalker 3 prototype.
- Lift-off of giant spacecraft may see slight slippage.
- US startup adds more MNO partners to go‑to‑market ahead of 2023 debut.
AST SpaceMobile, the Vodafone‑ and Rakuten‑backed satcomms startup, indicated it is on course to enter trials with its network operator partners next year, following the launch of its next prototype satellite.
Chairman & Chief Executive Abel Avellan said the business was making “significant progress” on production of the BlueWalker 3 spacecraft, whose deployment aims to validate its promise of delivering mobile broadband connectivity direct to smartphone users when terrestrial networks aren’t up to the job.
The giant satellite is currently scheduled to lift-off from Cape Canaveral in March 2022–April 2022, although SpaceMobile has an option to shift the timing in its agreement with launch provider SpaceX — and Avellan indicated it was “likely” to take this up, with the aim of rebooking a slot within one month of the original window. “We want to make sure that we have fully completed our test programme for BlueWalker 3 before we go to the launch site”, he stressed.
After putting the satellite into its low‑earth orbit slot, and verifying everything is working properly, SpaceMobile plans to enter a six‑month integration and testing programme with its MNO launch partners, including Vodacom Group.
“ After the deployment is exercised and recorded by the cameras on board, we will be doing network integration testing with our network operators. The first thing will be to calibrate the array to transmit to the ground, and then interconnect to our operators in the USA, Europe, Japan, [and] Africa over a period [of] approximately six months, not only to interconnect our network to theirs, but also to test the service for voice, text, data, and high‑speed connectivity at 4G and 5G speed. ”
SpaceMobile is targeting a commercial launch of its service in 2023, with Vodafone in line to support the move in some initial target markets such as Ghana, Kenya, Mozambique, and Tanzania. The Group was an early investor in SpaceMobile, and has already been testing interoperability of its early prototypes with mobile handsets. Luke Ibbetson, Head of Research & Development and Technology Strategy at Vodafone, sits on the SpaceMobile Board of Directors.
Avellan was speaking during SpaceMobile’s financial update for the quarter to 30 September (Q3 FY21) — which, owing to the startup’s current lack of a revenue stream, focused more on operational than financial affairs.
His comments came with the business ramping up its manufacturing capacity towards a six satellite‑per month output target from “mid‑2023”, helped by a new Midland, Texas‑based “extension facility” that Avellan said was now “under contract”.
The new production centre, which Avellan described as a “big, big deal” for SpaceMobile, will add to its existing site in the city, about two miles away. Both facilities will be connected by a train line, according to Avellan. The new facility will be “highly automated”, he added.
The provider plans to turn its attention to manufacturing its official line of spacecraft, branded BlueBird, once it has completed integration and testing of BlueWalker 3. It eventually aims to build out a constellation of about 168 satellites, giving it “global” coverage.
Beyond the new factory, SpaceMobile said it had signed a lease for what will become its Maryland Technology Center, which will be its network and satellite operations hub.
Elsewhere, during the three months, the company:
- Recorded operating expenses of $23.1m (£17.2m/€20.4m) — down from $25.1m in Q2, following a drop in R&D costs.
- Ended the quarter with cash of $360.4m, generated from a SPAC‑based listing earlier this year, and prior investments from the likes of Vodafone Ventures, American Tower, and Rakuten.
- Increased headcount to 509, from 454 at 30 June, including 301 full‑time employees.
The money bit
Commercially, SpaceMobile’s plan was said to be progressing, with 23 MNOs now signed up to offer its service, up from 20 at 30 June. The latest trio to come on board include Vodacom arch‑rival MTN Group, as well as Somcable in Somaliland and YTL Communications (Malaysia).
The Q3 session saw Scott Wisniewski, SpaceMobile’s Chief Strategy Officer, give out a few more snippets on how its MNO agreements will end up working in practice.
The provider has previously indicated it will operate with MNOs on a joint go‑to‑market basis, with a revenue‑share business model. End customers will be able to activate the service via text message.
A “framework” of packages, which is now being discussed with MNOs, include:
- Day Passes that are pushed out to end users when they venture outside the reach of their MNO’s own network footprint.
- Fixed‑rate monthly add‑on tariffs for MNO customers. Different packages will be marketed to consumers and “power users”, and will automatically connect their phones to the SpaceMobile network when mobile signal is lost.
- SpaceMobile plans that are “standalone” but will still be sold through MNOs — reflecting the vendor’s emphasis on avoiding competition with its partner operators.
- Engagements on emergency connectivity delivery following natural disasters and other use‑cases.
“We have a lot of flexibility on how to monetise our service”, said Wisniewski.

domain: news


Sif V-Neck Pullover
Our Sif pullover is back and available in two colours; black or Ibiza blue. Simple and affordable this pullover is super soft and perfect with any outfit for the day ahead.
- Fit: Regular fit
- Length: Hip length
- Length: 62 cm corresponds to size L
- Composition : 58% Viscose (LENZING™ ECOVERO™), 42% Polyester


text:
Walking my way from tree to tree,
forest as far as I can see.
Pine needles are on natures floor,
there’s so much the path has in store.
The sun shines through, lighting the way,
a beautiful summertime day.
A squirrel runs across the trail,
I’m careful to avoid a snail.
Birds are squawking, and they’re singing,
nature’s noontime bells are ringing.
I see wide water through the trees.
It’s large, but filled with gentle seas.
Further on I leave the river,
lots of shade but not a shiver.
Above the trees and way up high,
fluffy white clouds and bright blue sky.
The underbrush is thick and green,
everything has a summer sheen.
A few bends back to water’s brink,
I find a place to stop and think.
A barge and train are shipping goods,
I watch from my seat in the woods.
The beauty of this place, no lack.
I’ll sit for hours, and then go back.


First coronavirus death confirmed in UK
LONDON – A patient has died in the United Kingdom after testing positive for coronavirus, according to the Royal Berkshire NHS Trust.
In a statement on its website, the hospital said: “Sadly, we can confirm that an older patient with underlying health conditions has died. The patient has previously been in and out of hospital for non-coronavirus reasons, but on this occasion was admitted and last night tested positive for coronavirus.”
“The family has been informed and our thoughts are with them at this difficult time. We will not be commenting further and ask that everybody respects the family’s privacy.”
“Public Health England is contacting anyone who may have come into contact with the affected patient to offer advice.”
The death is the first in the UK where there are now 116 confirmed cases. The Department of Health said that 18,083 people have now been tested for COVID-19.
The virus has spread to more than 30 countries, killing over 2,700 and infecting 95,000 people globally.
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text:
Randall J. Hogan
Randall J. Hogan is an American businessperson who has been at the head of 7 different companies. Currently, Mr. Hogan holds the position of Non-Executive Chairman of nVent Electric Plc. He is also on the board of Minnesota Public Radio, MAPI, Inc., Guthrie Theater Foundation (former Chairman) and Medtronic Plc.
In the past Mr. Hogan occupied the position of Chairman & Chief Executive Officer for Pentair Plc Chairman & Chief Executive Officer for Pentair, Inc. and President & Executive Vice President at Electrical & Electronic Enclosures Group (both are subsidiaries of Pentair Plc), Vice President & General Manager at Wood Group Pratt & Whitney Industrial Turbine Services LLC, President-Carrier Transicold Division at United Technologies Corp., Chairman at Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis and Vice Chairman for American Public Media Group.
He received an undergraduate degree from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from The University of Texas.
|04/29/2020||393||Derivative/Non-derivative trans. at $99.14 per share.||38,963|
|04/27/2020||1,737||Award at $0 per share.||0|
|04/30/2019||429||Derivative/Non-derivative trans. at $88.81 per share.||38,100|
|04/29/2019||2,002||Award at $0 per share.||0|
|05/01/2018||616||Derivative/Non-derivative trans. at $81.01 per share.||49,903|
|04/30/2018||2,184||Award at $0 per share.||0|
|05/02/2017||650||Derivative/Non-derivative trans. at $84.75 per share.||55,088|
|05/01/2017||2,090||Award at $0 per share.||0|
|03/02/2017||15,109||Derivative/Non-derivative trans. at $27.38 per share.||413,684|
|05/02/2016||2,206||Award at $0 per share.||0|
|04/27/2016||221||Derivative/Non-derivative trans. at $79.45 per share.||17,559|

domain: economics


text:
What Does Non-Uniform Corrosion Mean?
Non-uniform corrosion is corrosion that is non-uniform over the surface. It can be due to inhomogeneities of structure or of composition of the corroding material, or to inhomogeneities of the environment.
This form of corrosion is characterized by significant non-uniform attack such as pitting or crevice corrosion.
Special cases of non-uniform corrosion such as pitting or intergranular corrosion are sometimes called localized corrosion.
Corrosionpedia Explains Non-Uniform Corrosion
Non-uniform corrosion is the destruction of metal that is limited to a localized area and may penetrate deeply into the body of the metal. In this situation, anodic sites do not move around the metal surface but stay in one place. The result is that metal is lost from the fixed location of the anode.
In some cases, solid corrosion byproducts build up in that localized area while a pit forms in the metal underneath.
Non-uniform corrosion can be classified as:
- Spot corrosion.
- Point corrosion.
- Honeycomb corrosion.
- Intergranular corrosion.
- Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC).
- Selective corrosion.
Non-uniform corrosion exhibits deep, narrow, isolated corrosion cells that can often cause rapid penetration of the substrate, leading to pinhole leaks that can cause water damage and the possibility of mold growth.
In metal piping, non-uniform corrosion is related to localized changes in water quality and piping which has specific anodic and cathodic sites, and can create completely different corrosion profiles in the same area of the pipe. In concentration cells, micro-environments that drive this corrosion forward also exacerbate dissolved oxygen (DO), creating pipe crevices.
Corrosion byproducts forming over a pit is known as "mounding," and significant mounding leads to tuberculation, which restricts water flow and causes periodic release of metals into the distribution system.

domain: chemistry


Watch this quick hands-on video walkthrough comparing Apple’s M2 MacBook Air (2022) laptop and the company’s new M2 Pro-powered MacBook Pro (2023).
This isn’t a detailed speed comparison for the geeks. Of course, the MacBook Pro uses faster Apple silicon than the more mainstream-oriented MacBook Air. Besides, Apple last refreshed the MacBook Air in July 2022, while the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro were bumped to the M2 Pro and M2 Max chips in January 2023.
Instead, our videographer Harris Craycraft (@_craycraft) set out to highlight the differences in mainstream use cases between these two Apple laptops.
Video comparison: M2 MacBook Air (2022) vs. M2 Pro MacBook Pro (2023)
It comes down to a simple choice: Do you value portability over performance? Perhaps you’re the type who runs CPU-intensive tasks on the go like processing huge photos, editing multiple streams of 4K video, creating complex designs using big-name software packages like Adobe Creative Suite, and the like.
You can process high-resolution photos, work on complete projects, and edit 4K videos on the M2 MacBook Air, too. It’s just that the MacBook Pro lets you add more of everything when working on projects—more audio tracks, more video streams, more layers in Photoshop and so on—without waiting than with the Air.
For most consumers, the M2-powered MacBook Air will be more than adequate and it’s Apple’s thinnest and most portable laptop in the lineup. On the other hand, the new MacBook Pro with the M2 Pro chip is on a totally different level in terms of performance. But that power comes at a cost: The MacBook Pro is heavier, thicker and costlier than the Air.
What’s your favorite laptop in terms of value for money? Would you recommend the M2-powered MacBook Air over the-more-pro MacBook Pro with M2 Pro? And if you’re new to Mac, check out our collection of tips and tricks for macOS beginners.


text:
Are apples diuretic? This is one of the myths about food out there. People believe that eating apples will make them urinate more and lose water weight. Is this true? Let’s take a closer look at the science behind apples and see if they really cause dehydration.
No, would be the short answer. Apples are not diuretic. They actually do the opposite of what they should. Apples are full of water and electrolytes that help the body stay hydrated. Eating an apple will help you keep more water in your body and keep you from getting dehydrated.
How could anyone think that eating an apple makes you need to go to the bathroom? It’s likely that apple cider vinegar makes you urinate more. Apple cider vinegar is a popular home remedy for many problems, including weight loss.
A few people might think that because apple cider vinegar makes you pee more, it will help you lose water weight. And yet science hasn’t found any proof to back up this claim.
What is Diuretic?
A diuretic is any substance that makes you pee more, which is called diuresis. This includes being made to pee. A diuretic tablet is sometimes called a “water tablet” in everyday language.
There are a number of different types of diuretics. All diuretics cause the kidneys to get rid of more water from the body.
Why Do Doctors Prescribe Diuretics?
Doctors often prescribe diuretics to help treat conditions like high blood pressure and heart failure. Diuretics can help to remove excess fluid from the body, which can reduce blood pressure and improve heart function.
High Blood Pressure
High Blood Pressure is a condition in which the force of your blood against your artery walls is too high. This can put strain on your heart and damage your arteries. Diuretics can help to reduce blood pressure by removing excess fluid from the body.
Glaucoma is a group of eye conditions that damage the optic nerve, the health of which is vital for good vision . Diuretics can help to treat glaucoma by reducing the pressure in the eye.
Has been caused by too much fluid getting stuck in your body’s tissues.Although the edema can affect any part of your body, you may notice it often in your hands, arms, feet, ankles, and legs. Diuretics can help to reduce edema by removing excess fluid from the body.
Fluid in the Lungs Caused By Heart Failure
Is most often caused by heart failure that gets worse.When the heart doesn’t pump well, blood can back up into the veins that carry blood to and from the lungs.As the pressure in these blood vessels goes up, fluid is pushed into the alveoli, which are the spaces in the lungs where air can move in and out.
Fluid in the Abdomen Caused By Liver Damage
Cirrhosis is the late stage of liver damage. In cirrhosis, healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. This scarring can block the flow of blood through the liver and cause fluid to build up in the abdomen. Diuretics can help to reduce this abdominal fluid by removing excess fluid from the body.
When fluid builds up in your belly, you have ascites. It is often caused by cirrhosis, a disease of the liver. If you have cirrhosis and are putting on a lot of weight quickly, you should talk to your doctor. Your doctor or nurse will talk to you about treatments, which usually include eating less salt.
Is Apple Juice Diuretic?
No, apple juice is not diuretic. Apple juice is packed with water and electrolytes, which help to hydrate the body. Drinking apple juice will actually help you retain more water and prevent dehydration.
But some people think that drinking apple cider vinegar will make them urinate more, which will help them lose water weight. There is no scientific evidence to support this claim.
Are Apples Diuretic | Health Benefits of Apple Juice
Apple juice is full of nutrients that your body needs to stay healthy. Some of these nutrients are vitamins A, C, and E, potassium, and fiber. Drinking apple juice can help to boost your immune system, improve heart health, and promote healthy skin and hair.
That’s all there is.The truth about apples: they are not diuretic. Through reality, eating an apple or drinking apple juice can enable the body to replenish electrolytes and prevent dehydration. So, the next time you’re thirsty, reach for an apple instead of a diuretic drink!
Are Apples Diuretic | Has Detoxifying Properties
Drinking apple juice may aid in the removal of toxins from the body.
Apple juice is a good source of fiber, which helps to promote regularity and prevent constipation. Having a drink of apple juice may also benefit skin health by supplying your body with essential vitamins and minerals.
Are Apples Diuretic | Packed with Nutrients
Fruits and vegetables are good examples of foods that are naturally full of nutrients. Lean meats, fish, whole grains, dairy, legumes, nuts, and seeds are also full of nutrients. These foods offer a wide variety of nutrients that are essential for good health.
Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that the body needs to function properly. vitamins help the body to grow, develop, and stay healthy. Minerals are important for many things in the body, like building bones, making hormones, and making sure the heart beats at the right rate
Are Apples Diuretic | Strengthens Immune System
The vitamins and minerals in apple juice can help to boost your immune system. Vitamin C is an important nutrient that helps to protect the body against infection. Another important nutrient that aids in immune system strength is vitamin E. Drinking apple juice can help you stay healthy by providing your body with these essential nutrients.
Apple juice is a nutrient-dense beverage that is both delicious and healthy. Drinking apple juice can help to improve your health in many ways. The next time you are looking for a healthy drink, reach for a glass of apple juice!
Are Apples Diuretic | Good for the Heart
Apple juice is good for the heart. The nutrients in apple juice can help to lower cholesterol and improve blood pressure. Having a drink of apple juice can also help to keep your heart healthy.
Polyphenols may stop oxidized LDL (bad) cholesterol from building up in your arteries. Heart attacks and strokes are more likely to happen if you have a lot of oxidized LDL in your blood.
Are Apples Diuretic | Prevent/Delay Alzheimer’s Disease
Also, because the population is getting older, more people are likely to get the virus unless there are ways to stop it or slow it down. Scientists have done a lot of research and are still doing it, but nothing has been shown to stop or slow Alzheimer’s disease-related dementia. Some studies have found that certain foods and drinks, including apple juice, might help protect your brain from damage.
People who drank more than three cups of apple juice per day had a 76% lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease than those who drank less than one cup per day, according to one study. The researchers think that the polyphenols in apples might help to protect the brain from damage.
Other Natural Diuretics Fruit Juices.
Other fruit juices can be diuretic as well. These juices include cranberry juice, lemon juice, and lime juice. Drinking these juices can help to increase urine output and flush out toxins from the body.
Grapefruit juice is indeed high in vitamins C and E, which can help someone’s immune system. Lemon juice is a good source of vitamin C, which can help to improve skin health. Lime juice is a good source of potassium, which can help to regulate blood pressure.
Are a type of citrus fruit that tastes acidic. Lemon is often used to make smoothies, cold drinks, and water, among other things. It was also used to make things that helped people clean up and look better.
Citrus fruits are a good source of vitamin C, which is an important nutrient that helps the body fight off infections. Lemon juice is also beneficial to your skin because it provides your body with antioxidant Compounds
These are a common type of vegetable in salads. Celery seems to have a lot of fiber, which keeps you from getting constipated and keeps your bowels moving. Also it has a good source of Vitamin c and nicotinic Acid vitamin C is a key macronutrient keep the body from getting sick. Vitamin K is a key nutrient that helps bones grow strong.
Garlic has vitamin C and vitamin B. Vitamin C is a key nutrient that helps keep the body from getting sick. B Vitamins is an essential component that aids in the conversion of food into energy. This also helps lower “bad” cholesterol and raise “good” cholesterol, both of which are good for your health.
Used in many different kinds of meals. It may also have fiber, which makes you go to the bathroom more often so you don’t get stuck. It also has an important nutrient that keeps the body healthy and keeps it from getting sick.Vitamin B is an important nutrient that helps turn food into energy.
Wrap It Up!
No, apples do not make you go to the bathroom. It could have started because apples contain a lot of water. Apples are good for you because they have a lot of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, which can help stop cancer and heart disease. So, eating an apple every day might keep the doctor away.

domain: biology


BMW’s Condition Based Servicing (CBS) system actively monitors engine and other vehicle components for wear. This system monitors the oil life, cabin air filter, brake pad wear, condition of the brake fluid, spark plugs, and, with diesel engines, the diesel particulate filter.Aug 31, 2016
In newer BMW automobiles, a Condition Based Service (CBS) system is used. This system creates individualized service requirements based on data collected from the vehicle using sensors, driving conditions and time intervals.
“A CBS Vehicle check is a maintenance item that BMW has to keep up with the state of health on the vehicle. It’s a road test, physical inspection, and most importantly an electrical check of all the systems.
The Service Interval Indicator counts down the mileage until your next service. … Once any work is carried out our BMW Approved Technicians reset the indicator. We use Genuine BMW Parts to restore your BMW to optimum condition.
The standard scope is just scanning the car with the GT1. There are many different aftermarket BMW scan tools available on the internet to choose from that you can use to scan the car as a DIY.
On average, BMW owners can expect to pay between $150 to $400 per service every 10,000 miles. A major service can cost $1,000 to $3,000 or more. At the end of the day, owners pay about $1,000 to $1,700 per year for maintenance and repairs – higher than most brands.
If your BMW is equipped with the latest iDrive System; From the main screen, scroll to ‘Vehicle Information‘, then ‘vehicle status’, and then ‘service required’. From this menu, you will be able to scroll through a list of options including things like ‘engine oil’, ‘vehicle check’ , and ‘front brake pads’.
Typically all new BMW’s require a service somewhere between 18,000 and 22,000 miles. However the service management computer will take into account the driving style and environmental conditions and vary the service interval accordingly.
What Happens During a Brake Fluid System Service? When you bring your BMW to European Prestige Auto Service, our skilful technicians will remove the old, contaminated fluid and moisture from the braking system. As expected, we will use only a fresh, BMW-approved brake fluid for your luxury car.
Brake fluid for a BMW is either Normal or Low Viscosity and should be rated as either DOT4, DOT5, or DOT5. 1. Unless the car is driven on the track, Low Viscosity fluid is used on any BMW model with DSC (Dynamic Stability Control), which is almost all BMWs since 2003.
The short answer to why BMW oil changes are so expensive is that BMWs require high-performance synthetic oil. Labor costs are also very expensive. However, you can save money on a BMW change by doing it yourself.
The BMW maintenance plan usually costs more than maintenance from independent repair shops. If you drive an average amount of miles (15,000 miles per year or less), then it might not be worth it. However, if you put a lot of miles on your car, the maintenance plan can provide more value.
Maintaining a BMW is expensive because it’s a German car with specialty parts and technology. BMW is engineered for driving enthusiasts – it’s not just a car to get people from point A to point B. BMW has sophisticated technology that requires specialized certification to properly repair.
Plan is available for purchase once BMW vehicle has reached 54 months and has current BMW Ultimate Care Scheduled or BMW Ultimate Care+2 coverage. All work is carried out by BMW Trained Technicians using Original BMW Parts, which come with a two-year unlimited mileage limited warranty.
yup. Whenever I take it in for service they wash it for free.
Purchasing the BMW Maintenance Program Upgrade is essentially paying for your scheduled maintenance in advance – with an approximate 30% discount. Best of all, you’ll have the peace of mind that when your vehicle alerts you maintenance is due, it’s going to be covered. WEAR-AND-TEAR COVERAGE IS A BMW EXCLUSIVE.
Condition Based Service – explained
The intelligent maintenance system CBS permanently monitors oil levels and the degree of wear and tear on individual components of your BMW. It also checks the time/mileage recommendations for fixed services and it analyses this data and tells you when a service is next due.
Even your BMW owner’s manuals recommend an oil change every 15,000 miles. And on most BMW cars, the reminder lights on the instrument panel are set to remind the driver to change their oil at this time, too. But, changing your oil sooner can help prolong engine life and performance.
Well, the short answer is: yes, you can take your BMW to any mechanic you want for service and oil changes.
This interim service includes things like an oil change and oil filter replacement, exhaust and suspension check, and a visual brake check. If you cover a lot of miles, or use your vehicle regularly, then an Interim Service can give you peace of mind on the road.
As a rule of thumb, plan on a tune-up every 30,000 miles or three years, whichever comes first. Some newer vehicles can travel up to 100,000 miles before needing a tune-up! When in doubt, refer to your vehicle’s owner’s manual.
BMW technicians will change the engine air filter and spark plugs every 60,000 miles. They will also get into the habit of changing the vehicle’s brake fluid first at the 30,000-mile mark, and then every 60,000 miles thereafter.
While many car makes can use natural oils, BMWs require synthetic engine oils, with some models having different needs than others. Synthetic oils are synthesized with chemical compounds in a controlled process, eliminating contaminants.
The term “tune up” is a bit general, but You’ll generally be looking at a cost of between $100 and $500 for a BMW 325i. The range is so large because the cost largely depends on what needs to be done; a tune up could envelope several different components.
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