DAY 1, DEPART USA
Overnight flight to Moscow, Russia.
DAY 2, ARRIVE IN MOSCOW, RUSSIA
Arrive in Moscow and embark the ship. Relax in your stateroom or explore the city before meeting your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception. (D)
DAY 3, MOSCOW
After breakfast, visit Russia's beautiful capital city, founded in 1147, which includes the Red Square, the St. Basil cathedral, the Lenin Hills, the Tverskaya, the Lubyanka Square (KGB building) and Arbat Street. After lunch take a ride on the Moscow metro, and then take a motorcoach to visit the Tretyakov Art Museum. (B,L,D)
DAY 4, MOSCOW
Your tour within the walls of the Kremlin introduces you to the former royal residence of the Czars and main-center of the Russian Orthodox faith. Visit Russia's oldest museum, the Armory Museum, which houses the former royal collection of treasures, including jewels, crowns, armor, royal carriages, and the world famous Faberge Eggs. The afternoon is free to explore on your own. (B,L,D)
DAY 5, MOSCOW
Enjoy a full free day to explore the city at your leisure. Perhaps return to the Kremlin for a more comprehensive tour or join an optional excursion or try a traditional bathhouse, which is a deeply entrenched Russian tradition for relaxation. (B,L,D)
DAY 6, UGLICH
On the banks of the Volga, Uglich was founded by merchants, in 1148. Rich in history, admire some of Russia's most beautiful churches and cathedrals during your city tour. This includes the Transfiguration Cathedral and the magnificent Church of Dimitry on the blood, with its tragic story of dedication to Ivan the Terrible's son. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, YAROSLAVL
Founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, it is one of Russia's oldest cities, tracing its roots back to the Vikings. The city stretches for miles along the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers. Explore the cities history through its architecture, including the fortified 12th-century Transfiguration Monastery and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, home to many beautiful icons. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, GORITSY
Goritsy is a peaceful farming town and a typical Russian village. The tour includes the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White lake and the Museum of Icons. Return to the ship to sail for Kizhi. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, KIZHI ISLAND
Kizhi is situated at the north end of Lake Onega and home to some of the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia. Forever linked to Novgorod the Great, the style of architecture reflects its early introduction to Christianity. In 1764 locals built the Church of Intercession, its towering walls and 22 domes, without the use of a single nail. Your walking tour includes the Museum of Wooden Architecture. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, SVIRSTROY
Svirstroy is 100 miles from St. Petersburg with only a population of 1,000. Enjoy some free time to stroll through this unspoiled Russian village and browse through the irresistible handmade trinkets. This is the best place to do souvenir shopping before reaching St. Petersburg. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, ST. PETERSBURG
One of Russia's former capitals, this city rivals Paris or Venice for its romantic image. Dating from the beginning of the 18th-century it was built to the exact specifications ordered by Peter the Great. The city is home to many museums, galleries, palaces, impressive squares and streets. Your sightseeing tour of this beautiful city shows you Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square, St. Isaacs Cathedral and the battle-cruiser Aurora. After lunch, tour the Hermitage museum, the former Palace of the Czars, which houses the royal art collection with over three million works of art. It is one of the largest and most impressive art museums in the world. (B,L,D)
DAY 12, ST. PETERSBURG
Today, tour St. Petersburg's famous and spectacular Imperial Estate - Peterhof Palace. Nestled on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, the palace was built by Peter the Great initially as a resting place en route to the Imperial naval base. But the Czar was quick to recognize the attractiveness of the area and masterminded a vast estate intended to rival the famous gardens of Versailles. In your free time absorb the atmosphere of its vibrant cultural life. Tonight, explore some more on your own, or join an optional folklore show. (B,L,D)
DAY 13, ST. PETERSBURG
This morning, stroll along one of the many picturesque canals or join the optional excursion to Pushkin and visit the Palace of Catherine the Great. This evening you are our guest at a Ballet performance at the Hermitage Theatre, the former private theatre of the Czars. (B,L,D)
DAY 14, ST. PETERSBURG
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B) |
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