Day 01 USA to Russia
Depart on your overnight flights to Russia (with connecting flights in Europe depending on airline used).
In-flight meals and beverage services are provided as per individual airline policy.
Day 02 Arrive in Moscow Embarkation after 4 pm
Upon your arrival to Moscow, please proceed through customs. In the arrival hall you will be met by one of our cruise managers and transferred to the port for embarkation. A welcome cocktail and information meeting will either precede or follow dinner. Afterwards, enjoy your first night on your floating hotel. (Cruise only passengers with transfers on own - services begin with embarkation.) (D)
Day 03 Moscow
Moscow, the capital of Russia, is situated between the banks of the rivers Oka and Volga. A metropolis of 8 million people, Moscow today is not only the seat of the Russian government but also home to many world renowned attractions
City sightseeing by bus: A genuine introduction to this exciting city is our guided sightseeing tour by bus featuring Moscow's major sights such as the humongous Red Square, famous St. Basil's Cathedral and the impressive Kremlin. Your afternoon is free to explore some more on your own or to join one of the optional excursions offered by our cruise managers, such as an excursion to the Sergiev Posad Complex, the heart of the Russian Orthodox Church, or a tour of the famous Moscow Metro and pedestrian Arbat Street.
Optional Circus performance: (Tickets to be purchased on board). The evening is reserved for a performance of the Moscow Circus, one of the greatest circus acts in the world. Be mesmerized, be entertained, laugh and enjoy! (B, BL*, D) *Box Lunch
Day 04 Moscow SET SAIL: PM
Another exciting day lies ahead for you to immerse yourself in this bustling city.
Kremlin Tour and Armory Museum: The day is reserved for an inside look at the Kremlin and its fascinating Cathedrals, giant Tzar Bell. Optional tour of the Armory Museum, the world renowned depository of Royal Russian riches including samples of weapons, carriages, thrones and the famous Faberge eggs.
Welcome drink and Crew Introduction: Enjoy a drink on the sun deck as you set sail on your wonderful Volga adventure. (B, BL*, D) *Box Lunch
Day 05 Uglich
Walking tour of Uglich: Visit Russia's second oldest city (only one year younger than Moscow). The city is famous for the more troubled and violent side of Russian history. It was here that the Russian crown prince Dimitri was assassinated, which eventually led to Boris Godunov ascending the Russian throne. Here on the banks of the Volga, you can also find a rich collection of Russian Orthodox architecture which you will get to see, as well as the Church of St. Demitrius of the Blood and the Palace of Tsarevich Dmitri. Time permitting, our guides will take those wishing to participate to visit the local orphanage where you can meet some of the kids and teachers and leave small gifts such as school pens, educational toys and English books! Once back on board, sail on and in the afternoon enjoy a Classical Concert performed by one of Russia's most famous violinists! (B, L, D)
Day 06 Yaroslavl
Founded by Yaroslav the Wise in the 11th century, the city also ranks as one of the oldest in Russia. Its primary attractions are in the area around the main square anchored by the Governor's Palace. Your city tour will include a visit to the Transfiguration of the Savior Monastery dating from the 13th century and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, which houses the famous Yaroslav and Kostroma frescoes. Return to the ship and sail on. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Russian Dinner with entertainment featuring national specialties served by staff dressed in national costumes and accompanied by lively folklore music. Included highlight: A 30 minute a capella concert in one of Yaroslavl's ancient cathedrals performed by the city's most famous 32 member choir. (B, L, D)
Day 07 Goritza
This morning, stop at a typical small Russian village along the Volga. Here you will visit an authentic peasant house where your host, Baba Valya (Grandma Valya) will welcome you to her home and treat you to some tasty homemade cakes and tea! In the afternoon, as the ship continues sailing upstream, enjoy a Caviar and Champagne party on board, featuring blini pancakes with champagne and red caviar! (B, L, D)
Day 08 Kizhi
We take a walking tour of this fairy tale island, situated in the northern part of Lake Onega. Kizhi is unique as the site of an outdoor museum which represents the picturesque rural wooden architecture of the region. Its most famous landmark, the Church of Transfiguration with its 22 cupolas, is an outstanding masterpiece of wooden architecture. Not only is it constructed without a single nail or piece of iron, but the only tools that were used for its construction were chisels and axes. Legend says that master Nester, who built the church, threw away his tools when the work was finished saying, 'This church was built by master Nester. There is no church like this in the world and there will be never one again!'. Back on board our activities will be highlighted with a special folklore show performed by our on board folklore group! (B, L, D)
Day 09 Mondraga (Green Station Stop)
After breakfast, the morning will be free to participate in our on board activities, lectures and entertainment. On arrival, instead of lunch on board, you will enjoy a unique picnic lunch in a village setting! The Russian shashlik barbecue will be accompanied with a glass of wine and entertainment by our on-board musicians. Then, be sure to visit the unique Vodka Museum featuring over 2500 varieties of Russia's national drink! (In case of unforeseeable bad weather, the lunch will be served on board). But that's not all! As you continue sailing in the afternoon, prepare for our Farewell Captain's Gala Dinner as you approach our final destination: gorgeous St. Petersburg! (B, L, D)
Day 10 St. Petersburg
This morning, arrive to St. Petersburg which celebrated its 300th birthday in 2003! This city, one of the most beautiful in the world, is located on the banks of the Gulf of Finland, in the delta of the river Neva. There are 65 rivers and canals flowing through St. Petersburg, as well as 42 islands. Peter the Great founded the city in 1703 and from 1712 until 1918 it was the capital of the Russian Empire. With its five million inhabitants, it is the second largest city in Russia and because of its many canals, bridges and architectural beauty, St. Petersburg is often referred to as the 'Venice of the North'.
City sightseeing tour by coach: Get to know this truly magnificent city during our morning city tour which will guide you past Nevsky Prospect, St Isaac's Cathedral, Kazan's Assembly Church, the Admiralty Building, Palace Square with the residence of Russian czars known as the 'Winter Palace'. Continue past the 'Bronze Horseman' monument of Peter the Great, Smolny Monastery, the cruiser Aurora, and the fascinating bridges over the river Neva which are raised every night in order to enable the passage of ships sailing to the Baltics. Optional - Canal Cruise: After the tour, consider taking the optional cruise along the main St. Petersburg canals offering a unique view of the cities magnificent architecture!
Tour of the Hermitage: The afternoon is reserved for a tour of the Hermitage, one of the greatest museums of the world! Located within the 1000 plus room Winter Palace, the Hermitage boasts of over 3 million artifacts spread out of 365 rooms and featuring an amazing collection of art dating from the early Greek to modern times! Pay special note to originals by de Vinci, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Picasso.
Optional Evening Cultural Performance: End your day with an optional cultural performance (ballet or folklore) available for purchase on board. (B, BL*, D) *Box Lunch
Day 11 St. Petersburg
Today is a full free day to explore the sights and sounds of St Petersburg on your own, or to take advantage of one of our optional tours offered by our cruise managers.
Optional full day Palace Excursion: The morning features an excursion to Pushkin, the former village of the Russian royalty. Here you will tour the impressive Catherine's Palace including the fabulous Amber Room, followed by a visit to Petrodvorets and its splendid gardens, and fountains powered only by the force of gravity.
Optional Cossack Show: Enjoy a magnificent folk show featuring over 40 dancers and musicians performed by St. Petersburg's Cossack ensemble. (B, BL*, D) *Box Lunch
Day 12 St. Petersburg - Home Disembarkation: 09:00
Bid your crew and fellow passengers goodbye as you disembark and transfer to the airport for your flights home. (Cruise only passengers who have not purchased transfers through us - services end with breakfast) (B) |
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