DAY 1, DEPART USA
Board your overnight flight to Russia.
DAY 2, ARRIVE IN ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
Arrive in St. Petersburg 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, 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 3 million works of art. It is one of the largest and most impressive art museums in the world. This evening your our guest at an exclusive Ballet performance at the Hermitage Theatre, the former private theatre of the Czars. (B,L,D)
DAY 4, 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 5, ST. PETERSBURG
Enjoy a full day of leisure to explore St. Petersburg on your own. Shop or stroll along one of the many picturesque canals or join the optional excursion to Pushkin and visit the Palace of Catherine the Great. (B,L,D)
DAY 6, SVIRSTROY
Svirstroy is 100 miles from St. Petersburg with only a population of 1,000. After lunch enjoy some free time to stroll through this unspoiled Russian village and browse through the irresistible handmade trinkets. The ship begins cruising to Kizhi Island in the early evening. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, 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 8, GORITZY
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 Yaroslavl. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, 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 city's 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 10, 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 11, MOSCOW
After lunch, 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 or free time at the Red Square. (B,L,D)
DAY 12, 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. This afternoon, you will visit the Tretyakov Art Museum. (B,L,D)
DAY 13, MOSCOW
Enjoy a full free day to explore the city at your leisure. Perhaps, return to the Kremlin for a comprehensive tour or join an optional excursion or a try a traditional bathhouse, which is a deeply entrenched Russian tradition for relaxation. (B,L,D)
DAY 14, MOSCOW
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B) |
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