COVID-19 Travel Update – Keeping You Informed

About MIR

What You Can Expect

Photo credit: Jered Gorman

Traveler Health & Well-Being 

For over 30 years we’ve guided travelers to the crossroads of Europe and Asia – adapting and evolving our on-trip protocols along the way to serve you best.

The safety and well being of our guests and teams is paramount and we will continue to develop and adopt safety and sanitation practices in conjunction with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as local travel industry regulations and requirements in the destinations we take you to during this new era of travel.

One of the safest ways we can get back to traveling the world responsibly is through vaccination. For peace of mind and ease of travel, all MIR guests are required to be fully-vaccinated against COVID-19 to travel with MIR.

You can also count on the following while traveling with MIR.

Intimate Sized Groups

MIR’s small group tours have always been truly small, with 12 or 16 a firm maximum. Small group tours will operate with as few as 4, 5 or 6 travelers, depending on the program.

MIR also offers ‘design your own’ private travel options to every one of our destinations if you’d like to travel with family or solo instead.

And we’re happy to organize your very own departure of one of our small group tour programs privatized for your friends and family (minimums apply) – get in touch to talk details.

A shaman ceremony in Tuva, Siberia, Russia. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta
MIR travelers pose in front of the iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Photo credit: Phil Kidd
Ger camp in the Gobi, Mongolia. Photo credit: Andrew Barron
Gallery of military portraits in the Hermitage (St. Petersburg, Russia). Photo credit: Jonathan Irish
Walking through the vineyards in Georgian wine country. Photo credit: John Wurdeman
  • A shaman ceremony in Tuva, Siberia, Russia. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta A shaman ceremony in Tuva (Siberia, Russia). Photo credit: Martin Klimenta
  • MIR travelers pose in front of the iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Photo credit: Phil Kidd MIR travelers pose in front of the iconic Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Photo credit: Phil Kidd
  • Ger camp in the Gobi, Mongolia. Photo credit: Andrew Barron Ger camp in the Gobi, Mongolia. Photo credit: Andrew Barron
  • Gallery of military portraits in the Hermitage (St. Petersburg, Russia). Photo credit: Jonathan Irish Gallery of military portraits in the Hermitage. Photo credit: Jonathan Irish
  • Walking through the vineyards in Georgian wine country. Photo credit: John Wurdeman Walking through the vineyards in Georgian wine country. Photo credit: John Wurdeman

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Trip Leadership

MIR’s scheduled small group tours are escorted by an experienced tour manager who travels with the group from start to finish of the land tour. In addition, local/national guides join for regional assistance along the way, providing extra support on every departure.

Guides, drivers and tour managers will receive enhanced training prior to the trip and will adhere to stringent health protocols including temperature checks and wearing face coverings.

Meeting a Tibetan mastiff at Kampala Pass. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta.
MIR Tour Manager Abdu Samadov explains the significance of the patterns in Silk Road tile work. Photo credit: Tia Low
Director of MIR’s affiliate office in Ukraine, Luba Rudenko, soaking up the sunflowers
A photograph of MIR Tour Manager Michel Behar in the South Gobi Desert while on the recent departure of Mongolia's Golden Eagle Festival
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MIR Tour Manager Tamara Dubko expands on the exhibits in the Siege Museum. Photo credit: Liz Tollefson
  • Meeting a Tibetan mastiff at Kampala Pass. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta. Meeting a Tibetan mastiff at Kampala Pass. Martin Klimenta
  • MIR Tour Manager Abdu Samadov explains the significance of the patterns in Silk Road tile work. Photo credit: Tia Low MIR Tour Manager Abdu Samadov explains the significance of the patterns in Silk Road tile work. Tia Low
  • Director of MIR’s affiliate office in Ukraine, Luba Rudenko, soaking up the sunflowers Director of MIR’s affiliate office in Ukraine, Luba Rudenko, soaking up the sunflowers.
  • A photograph of MIR Tour Manager Michel Behar in the South Gobi Desert while on the recent departure of Mongolia's Golden Eagle Festival A photograph of MIR Tour Manager Michel Behar in the South Gobi Desert while on the recent departure of Mongolia’s Golden Eagle Festival
  • MIR Tour Manager Tamara Dubko expands on the exhibits in the Siege Museum. Photo credit: Liz Tollefson MIR Tour Manager Tamara Dubko expands on the exhibits in the Siege Museum. Liz Tollefson
  • Tibetan Mastiffs were bred as guardian animals for sheep and yaks. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta Tibetan Mastiffs were bred as guardian animals for sheep and yaks. Martin Klimenta

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Space to Spread Out

In vehicles…MIR tours typically utilize vehicles that are significantly more spacious than group size, giving travelers a chance to spread out and have their own window seat whenever possible. In some destinations we use smaller vans and 4×4 vehicles with limited capacity. We’re paying extra attention to capacity going forward, and will seek the best coach and van options available within any given destination to enhance personal space.

While dining…Flexible table seating options will be available at included meals, so you can choose to dine with just a few friends, your traveling companion only, or on your own.

While touring… the timing and structure of touring activities may be tailored to promote traveler well being.

Additional details will be provided in final pre-trip documents.

Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, in her favorite spot on the trip to Central Asia – Khiva, Uzbekistan. in her favorite spot on the trip to Central Asia – Khiva, Uzbekistan. Photo credit: Michel Behar
Fresh and local dishes fill the Georgian table. Photo credit: Kees Sprengers
These snow machines use horsepower rather than dog power. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes
Mongolia's centuries-old desert mode of transportation. Photo credit: Andrew Barron
Driving through the North Caucasus. Photo credit: Phil Kidd
  • Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, in her favorite spot on the trip to Central Asia – Khiva, Uzbekistan. in her favorite spot on the trip to Central Asia – Khiva, Uzbekistan. Photo credit: Michel Behar Patricia Schultz, author of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die, in her favorite spot on the trip to Central Asia – Khiva, Uzbekistan. Michel Behar
  • Fresh and local dishes fill the Georgian table. Photo credit: Kees Sprengers Fresh and local dishes fill the Georgian table. Kees Sprengers
  • These snow machines use horsepower rather than dog power. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes These snow machines use horsepower rather than dog power. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes
  • Mongolia's centuries-old desert mode of transportation. Photo credit: Andrew Barron Mongolia’s centuries-old desert mode of transportation. Andrew Barron
  • Driving through the North Caucasus. Photo credit: Phil Kidd Driving through the North Caucasus in vehicles, promoting safety standards with limited capacity. Photo credit: Phil Kidd

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Enhanced Cleaning & Hygiene Protocols

All travel documents will be sent electronically. 

Travelers should pack along their own travel size hand sanitizer, disinfectant wipes and personal face coverings for greatest comfort; arrive healthy; be respectful to other group members by practicing good hand hygiene frequently; and, adhere to the tour manager’s briefings and updates concerning expectations on maintaining distancing throughout the tour.

The tour manager will carry backup hand sanitizer and extra masks on every trip.

We are instituting daily vehicle sanitation protocols and will work with hotels that adhere to an enhanced cleaning regimen of their guestrooms, lobbies and other common areas. Health guidance continues to evolve and we will continue to consult with partners, hotels and transportation companies on the ground throughout our destinations as we implement recommended best practices surrounding enhanced cleaning/sanitizing procedures for vehicles and accommodation. 

  • A room awaits at the Four Seasons Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Jake Smith
  • View of Dubrovnik's bay in the Old Town. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta
  • Among the original Soviet Socialist Republics since 1922, Ukraine declared independence in 1991. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes
    • A room awaits at the Four Seasons Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Jake Smith A room awaits at the Four Seasons Hotel in Baku, Azerbaijan. Photo credit: Jake Smith
    • View of Dubrovnik's bay in the Old Town. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta View of Dubrovnik’s bay in the Old Town. Martin Klimenta
    • Among the original Soviet Socialist Republics since 1922, Ukraine declared independence in 1991. Photo credit: Douglas Grimes Among the original Soviet Socialist Republics since 1922, Ukraine declared independence in 1991. Douglas Grimes

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    Further from the Familiar…with a Network

    We specialize in destinations a little less known, and a lot less trodden than traditional destinations, and because we specialize only in particular places, we frequent them more often and have established a trusted network of tour managers, guides and partners on the ground to help ensure trips unfold smoothly and to be on hand to assist if things go less smoothly than planned.

    • The Trans-Siberian Railway. Photo credit: Bill Adams
    • The Golden Eagle train lumbers along Lake Baikal
    • All aboard the Tsar's Gold private train.
      • The Trans-Siberian Railway. Photo credit: Bill Adams The Trans-Siberian Railway. Bill Adams
      • The Golden Eagle train lumbers along Lake Baikal The Golden Eagle train lumbers along Lake Baikal.
      • All aboard the Tsar's Gold private train. All aboard the Tsar’s Gold private train.

      (click image to view larger photo)

      Information about Rail Journeys by Private Train

      Golden Eagle Covid-19 Preparations

      Golden Eagle
      Covid-19 Preparations

      Click on image to view larger version.

      Tsar’s Gold Hygiene & Safety Measures

      Tsar’s Gold
      Hygiene & Safety Measures

      Click on image to view larger version.

      Photographing Lake Baikal, Russia. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta
      Photographing Lake Baikal, Russia. Photo credit: Martin Klimenta

      Air Travel & Destination Resources

      Many destinations have reopened for international travelers and airlines have resumed services to international locales with schedules being expanded month over month. Airlines are prioritizing traveler safety and have also published more detailed information about their protocols – read more in the links below. Check back to this resource list which will be updated periodically as further information becomes available or get in touch with any questions concerning your personalized travel plans. 

      • The cafe scene in Ukraine. Photo credit: Gary Krosin
      • Ivolginsk Datsan is the center of Buddhism in Russia. Photo credit: Meaghan Samuels
      • This view of Georgia's Tsminda Sameba Church is unforgettable. Photo credit: Peter Guttman
        • The cafe scene in Ukraine. Photo credit: Gary Krosin The cafe scene in Ukraine. Gary Krosin
        • Ivolginsk Datsan is the center of Buddhism in Russia. Photo credit: Meaghan Samuels Ivolginsk Datsan is the center of Buddhism in Russia. Photo credit: Meaghan Samuels
        • This view of Georgia's Tsminda Sameba Church is unforgettable. Photo credit: Peter Guttman This view of Georgia’s Tsminda Sameba Church is unforgettable. Peter Guttman

        Traveler Reviews

        • "I enjoyed everything about this trip. Everyone at MIR was great. The other travelers were great. The service was first rate. The accommodations were first class. A fantastic tour. I will be traveling again with MIR in the future."

          R. Barkley

          Morgan Hill, CA

        • "We have traveled to over 40 countries. Our experience with MIR was unique; this trip was the most enjoyable and stress-free traveling we have ever had. In 23 days of traveling, there was not a single misstep – something we have never experienced before. Traveling with MIR is very seductive and addictive."

          W. & A. Loopesko

          Denver, CO

        • "I think we were all in agreement that this was one of the best adventures we had ever encountered. MIR is to be lauded for their expertise in putting together such an extensive and well-planned itinerary."

          J. Smith

          Saylorsburg, PA

        • "I would wholeheartedly recommend MIR based on their knowledge of the destinations, the quality of the guides, the thoroughness of their planning, and the overall experience."

          V. Sharp

          Houston, TX

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