St. Petersburg—Moscow 11 days

Cruise Itinerary

St. Petersburg

Extraordinary city of St. Petersburg, founded by Peter the Great in 1703, is the highlight of your Russian River adventure. Your guided tour highlights will include the Nevsky Prospekt, the Admiralty Building, the Royal Square, Peter and Paul Fortress and the treasure chest of the world world-famous art—the Hermitage Museum. You are also free to explore this magnificent and romantic city on your own, or purchase optional tours to Pushkin and see beautiful and fascinating Catherine's Palace and visit to the magnificent gardens and spectacular fountains of opulent Peterhof, czars’ Summer Palace located on the coast of the Finland Gulf. Your evening schedule is free, and you are welcome to join the optional Gala Folklore show excursion, or a ballet performance at the Hermitage Theatre, once the private theatre of the Czars.

Day 1
St. Petersburg arrival, embarkation, dinner and overnight.
Day 2
Enjoy the extravagant baroque architecture of the city center, Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square and Smolny Convent. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 3
This morning, visit the many wonders of the elegant Winter Palace, which today houses the Hermitage Museum, one of the largest art and cultural museums in the world. Lunch and dinner on board.

River Village

Day 4
Arrival at the river village. This is a recreational stop, specially designed for you to enjoy the relaxing rustic atmosphere and famous Russian cuisine and hospitality. Lunch. Captain’s cocktail followed by dinner.

Kizhi

Day 5
Arrive at the island of Kizhi – an architectural gem within Lake Onega. The island is famous for its wonderful collection of 18th-century wooden buildings, restored to their original state. The highlight of Kizhi is the amazing Church of the Transfiguration, with its 22 onion domes; this magnificent structure was built entirely without a single nail. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Goritsy

You will visit one of the oldest and most famous monasteries in Russia—the Monastery of St. Cyril of the White Lake. Dating back to the 14th century, it is a home to a the most exquisite icon collection in the world.

Day 6
Visit Cyrilo-Belozersky Monastery, which has six centuries of glorious history, home to the most exquisite icon collection in the world. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Yaroslavl

Formerly named Stalingrad, is the site of one of the most important battles of the WWII. Certainly, the two main monuments of the city are related to the war: the giant “Motherland” sculpture and the panoramic museum dedicated to the famous Battle of Stalingrad. There are other monuments in the city as well, including the Kazan Cathedral, the “Old Sarepta” – the museum of former religious colony.
Today is an important Volga River port with a population of 600,000 that stretches for 18 miles on both its banks. The city was founded in the 11th century by legendary Prince Yaroslav the Wise. The magnificent 13th century Spassky Monastery Ensemble and the Church of Elijah the Prophet are of special interest there. The frescoes on the walls inside the church make it a museum of old Russian painting.

Day 7
After breakfast today, tour Yaroslavl, founded in the 11th century by Prince Yaroslav the Wise. The city tour includes the Church of Elijah the Prophet. Visit Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery which has been included on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Uglich

Uglitch is one of the oldest, and, probably, one of the most beloved Russian towns, and a place of a pilgrimage of Russian Czars. According to a local legend its origin goes back to back to 937. The view of the town as it is approached from the Volga River is especially lovely with the Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. John’s Church looming on the horizon.

Day 8
Take a walking tour of this lovely 10th-century town - one of Russia's most ancient. Visit the Kremlin, the Cathedral of the Resurrection and the Church of St.Demitrius of the Blood. Explore the Flea Market.

Moscow

The capital of Russia since the late 15th century, Moscow has always been a popular destination. During your stay, you will have an opportunity to see city’s world renown attractions that include the UNESCO World Heritage sites of the Kremlin, St. Basils Cathedral and the Church of the Ascension at Kolomenskoye, all dating from between the 14th and 17th centuries. The options for sightseeing, the local guides will offer you in Moscow, include Red Square; the Tretyakov Gallery; the National Museum of Russian Fine Art; the Moscow Metro; and a tour of the Armoury with its spectacular and priceless collection of royal jewels, crowns, thrones, and armour of the czars. For groups, an additional optional evening entertainment and tours are available, and you are welcome to take a Moscow by Night city tour, or attend a circus or theatre performance.

Day 9
Arrival in Moscow. Sightseeing motor coach tour of this ancient Russian capital, including Tverskaya Street, Red Square, St. Basil's Cathedral, Bolshoi Theater and Moscow State University for a panoramic view of the city. Visit Novodevichi Convent. Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Day 10
Breakfast. Morning tour of the Kremlin: Originally a fortress, it comprises beautiful cathedrals, ornate palaces and government buildings. This afternoon free time to explore Moscow on your own. Whatever your interest, our local hosts ease your way by making all arrangements for tours, theater, ballet or opera tickets. Lunch and dinner aboard.
Day 11
Time to bid farewell to your new friends after unforgettable journey through this fascinating land. Disembarkation.