Day 1: Thursday, September 02, 2010
Overnight Flight
Today board your overnight flight en route to Moscow, Russia.
Day 2: Friday, September 03, 2010
Arrive Moscow, Russia - Ship Embarkation
This morning you arrive in Moscow, the grand capital of Russia and its most dynamic city. Transfer to the ship, your home for the next nine nights, where you will enjoy nightly entertainment and delicious local cuisine. This evening, spend time getting acquainted with your fellow passengers and the ship.
Today Dinner is included.
Day 3: Saturday, September 04, 2010
Moscow, Russia
Moscow is one of the largest cities in the world and home to more than nine million people. Enjoy a tour highlighting historic and famous landmarks including Red Square (UNESCO), St. Basil’s Cathedral and Tverskaya Street, Moscow’s grand boulevard, lined with shops and restaurants. The balance of your day is at leisure.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.
Day 4: Sunday, September 05, 2010
Moscow - Cruising
Take the Moscow Metro to visit the 15th century Kremlin. Known as the “Underground Palace,” each Metro station was designed by a Russian architect, sculptor or artist. At the incredible Kremlin (UNESCO), view the priceless collection of Imperial treasures in the Armory Museum, including the crown jewels. Set sail from Moscow through the countryside of Russia and enjoy nightly on-board entertainment such as a romance concert, a classical music concert, and even Russian dancing lessons! Tonight, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception, followed by the Captain's welcome dinner.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.
Day 5: Monday, September 06, 2010
Uglich
Approach the picturesque Golden Ring city of Uglich and soak in a lovely view of the magnificent architectural monuments from the deck. A walking tour features historic Transfiguration Cathedral, where a local choir brings the church's acoustics to life during a brief demonstration. Also see the blue-domed Church of Prince Dimitry on the Blood. Visit a local handicraft market to view regional crafts and learn about the Chaika watches. Continue along the mighty Volga River through unspoiled forests and rural villages. While sailing, enjoy a unique sampling of local cuisine such as blini and caviar.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.
Day 6: Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Goritsy
Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you sail south to Goritsy, a peaceful farming community. Later, sail in the vast White Lake, once known as the Tsar’s fishing grounds. As you continue cruising, enjoy one of the many daily on-board discussions.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.
Day 7: Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Lake Onega - Kizhi Island
Cruise through picturesque Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe and one of the world’s purest. This morning arrive at Kizhi Island, at the northern end of Lake Onega. Kizhi is renowned for its open-air museum. Visit these fascinating buildings of northern wood architecture including the remarkable Church of the Transfiguration. This spectacular church has 22 domes in three tiers and is the ultimate in Russian fairytale architecture. Continue on your cruise, enjoying an authentic Piroshki tea party and learning about local tea traditions.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.
Day 8: Thursday, September 09, 2010
Svir River - Green Stop on Mandroghi or Svirstroy
Cruise through the 119-mile Svir River which connects Lake Onega with Lake Ladoga. Pause for a few hours in a quaint riverside settlement where you may explore various buildings which represent country life in Russia. This evening, enjoy a festive Captain’s dinner.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.
Day 9: Friday, September 10, 2010
St. Petersburg
Sail along the Neva River to St. Petersburg, Peter the Great’s magnificent creation and one of the loveliest of European cities. Your morning tour of this fabled city of canals will take you to Palace Square, the historic heart of St. Petersburg (UNESCO), and along Nevsky Prospect, the city’s main boulevard. See the monumental St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Admiralty Tower and other great buildings that stand as monuments to the extravagant splendors of Imperial Russia. This afternoon, enjoy a guided tour through the world-famous Hermitage Museum, the crown jewel of St. Petersburg. No museum rivals the Hermitage in size, grandeur and holdings, including masterpieces by Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Rubens and Picasso.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.
Day 10: Saturday, September 11, 2010
St. Petersburg
Today, take an excursion to Tsarskoye Selo (formerly known as Pushkin) and tour the magnificent Catherine Palace. Marvel at the blazing robin’s egg blue of the exterior and tour its distinctive rooms. After your visit, enjoy lunch at a nearby folk restaurant featuring delicious local cuisine. The remainder of your afternoon is free to soak in the best of St. Petersburg.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included.
Day 11: Sunday, September 12, 2010
St. Petersburg - Disembark Ship - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.
Today Breakfast is included.