From the crenellated red brick walls of Moscow’s Kremlin to St. Petersburg, the “Venice of the North”, embark on a memorable journey through Russia. On this 13 day tour, you will get the chance to explore 7 different Russian cities, attend many cultural events and shows, and explore beautiful architecture and rivers in the country that spans Eastern Europe and Northern Asia.
ITINERARY:
Day One (Moscow, Russia): Arrive in Moscow and transfer (included) to your ship. After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner.
Day Two (Moscow, Russia): Enjoy an early lunch before your half-day tour of Moscow. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the brightly colored St. Basil’s Cathedral and a visit to the famous GUM Department Store. You also get the chance to experience the city’s Metro. Stay in the city center for an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music.
Day Three (Moscow, Russia): Explore Moscow’s many buildings, parks and monuments and go on a tour of the Tretyakov Gallery and Cosmonaut Cosmonaut Museum
Day Four (Moscow, Russia): After breakfast, travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. Go behind its walls to see historic gems like Tsar’s Canon and Tsar’s Bell, and tour inside two cathedrals. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moscow Canal after lunch as we depart the city.
Day Five (Uglich, Russia): After lunch, disembark for your walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood. Then a local family invites you into their home for tea and friendly conversation before departure to Yaroslavl.
Day Six (Yaroslavl, Russia): Tour this ancient town of Yaroslavl rich in monuments and visit the covered food market, where you may shop for handcrafted souvenirs. During your free time, you may visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Return to your ship for lunch and departure.
Day Seven (Kuzino, Russia): We dock this morning in Kuzino, a typical Russian village. From here, you visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. You also have the opportunity to visit a children’s school in Kuzino or the local Merchant House. Return to your ship for lunch and an afternoon departure. Spend the remainder of the day cruising along the Volga–Baltic Waterway.
Day Eight (Kizhi, Russia): Explore the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake, and arrive this afternoon at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Depart in the evening and cruise through the night.
Day Nine (Mandrogy, Russia): Spend a relaxing day cruising Russia’s intricate waterways of the Svir River. Stop in Mandrogy and take some time to explore this museum village. Visit the Vodka Museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. For a truly immersive experience, try an optional visit to a banya, a traditional Russian sauna. Or, on board your ship, take the opportunity to witness and participate in the art of matryoshka doll making. Continue along the Svir, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake, on your way to the Neva River. All meals are served on board your ship.
Day Ten (St. Petersburg, Russia): Sail on the Neva River into St. Petersburg early this morning. After a leisurely breakfast, visit the Winter Palace to tour the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculpture. Return on board for an early dinner, followed by an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet.
Day Eleven (St. Petersburg, Russia): Today, you will get to explore the Catherine Palace, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. Dine on board, then relax or attend an optional evening folkloric performance.
Day Twelve (St. Petersburg, Russia): You have the day free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens and beautiful fountains. In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional kommunalka visit to get a glimpse of these communal living spaces or take an optional tour of St. Petersburg from the water. Lunch and dinner are served on board.
Day Thirteen (St. Petersburg, Russia): After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.
* Or, choose to extend your voyage with 2 additional nights in St. Petersburg—giving you more time to explore this magnificent city—or journey into another country with 3 nights in Helsinki, Finland, the “White City of the North.”
