Vantage Expands Capacity for its Popular Imperial Russian Waterways and St. Petersburg Tour

Demand Spurred by Recent Visit to Gorbachev Foundation, Meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev

BOSTON (July 20, 2006) - Due to overwhelming response, Vantage Deluxe World Travel has nearly doubled the capacity for its popular Imperial Russian Waterways and St. Petersburg tours in 2007, adding another vessel, the M/S Rossia, to meet this demand. In addition, select tours will be afforded the exclusive opportunity to visit the Gorbachev Foundation and to tour the new Perestroika exhibit, which is not open to the general public.

"Our Russian tours have always been traveler favorites," said David Gevanthor, executive vice president of Vantage, attributing the appeal to the grandeur of Moscow and the dazzling baroque beauty of St. Petersburg. "In addition, the new cultural connection with the Gorbachev foundation has generated interest. Some travelers have even had the opportunity to meet Mikhail Gorbachev, former President of the USSR."

During the 16-day Russia tour, travelers meet local students, enjoy a home-hosted meal, and visit a local food market, in addition to attending the circus in Moscow, the ballet in St. Petersburg, and visiting the Hermitage Museum, the Kremlin, Red Square, and Peter the Great's Summer Palace and water gardens. Vantage Program Managers, who have deep local knowledge, experience, and language fluency, accompany travelers throughout.

Moscow, St. Petersburg, and the Russian Countryside Imperial Russian Waterways and St. Petersburg is a 16-day escorted land and river cruise that includes extended stays in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and a river tour of the picturesque Russian countryside and villages. Biweekly departures are scheduled from May 1 through October 2, 2007.. Optional extensions are also available to Kiev, Ukraine and Tallinn, Estonia.

For more information about Imperial Russian Waterways and St. Petersburg, call toll-free 1-800-322-6677 or visit http://www.vantagetravel.com/rrg07. Ask for our free e-Travel Guide or our complete travel catalog.

About Vantage Deluxe World Travel

Vantage Deluxe World Travel creates upscale, affordable travel programs for mature travelers. Escorted itineraries are unique to Vantage, providing complete packages - including airfare, many meals, and sightseeing. Founded in 1983 as a part of The Vantage Group, Inc., Vantage is a $200 million, diversified travel/direct marketing company that has escorted more than 400,000 travelers to global destinations. The company has headquarters in Boston, Mass, with subsidiary offices in Passau, Germany; Beijing, China; Buenos Aires, Argentina; and Opatija, Croatia.

Media contact: Helen Knight, APR King Knight Communications, 813-961-6051; helen@kingknight.com