Presented by Shillelaghs - The Travel Club

Day 1: Friday, September 03, 2010
St. Petersburg, Russia - Ship Embarkation
This morning you arrive in St. Petersburg, Peter the Great’s magnificent creation and one of the loveliest of European cities. Transfer to the m/s Tchaikovski, your home for the next nine nights. This evening, spend time getting acquainted with your fellow passengers and the ship.
Today Dinner is included.

Day 2: Saturday, September 04, 2010
St. Petersburg
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 lined with shops and restaurants. You’ll 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, located in the Winter Palace, former home of Catherine II. No museum rivals the Hermitage in size, grandeur and holdings, including masterpieces by Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Rubens and Picasso.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 3: Sunday, September 05, 2010
St. Petersburg - Cruising
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, including the Hall of Lights, with its intricately painted ceiling, and the recently restored Amber Room. After your visit, enjoy lunch at a nearby folk restaurant featuring delicious local cuisine. The remainder of the afternoon is free for individual pursuits. Early evening, set sail through the countryside of Russia and enjoy nightly entertainment on board. Tonight, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception, followed by the Captain's welcome dinner.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 4: Monday, September 06, 2010
Svir River - Green Stop on Mandroghi or Svirstroy
Today, cruise through the 119-mile Svir River which connects Lake Ladoga with Lake Onega. Pause for a few hours in a quaint riverside settlement where you may explore various buildings which represent country life in Russia. As you continue on your journey, you will enjoy a traditional Shashlik barbecue, a traditional meal in Russia.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 5: Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Lake Onega - Kizhi Island
Enjoy cruising through picturesque Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe and one of the world’s purest. Arrive at Kizhi Island, located at the northern end of Lake Onega. Kizhi is renowned for its open-air museum, 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. During your cruise you will enjoy an authentic Piroshki tea party and learn about local tea traditions.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 6: Wednesday, September 08, 2010
Goritsy
Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you sail south to Goritsy, a peaceful farming community where you will have a walking tour and visit to the well-preserved fortress like Kirill Belosersk Monastery. Later, sail in the vast White Lake, once known as the Tzar’s fishing grounds. As you continue cruising, enjoy one of the many daily on-board discussions.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 7: Thursday, September 09, 2010
Uglich
As you approach the picturesque Golden Ring city of Uglich, be on deck for a lovely view and panorama of the magnificent architectural monuments. Your walking tour includes the 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 where you will see the talent of the locals 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 are included.

Day 8: Friday, September 10, 2010
Moscow, Russia
Today you arrive in Moscow, the grand capital of Russia and its most dynamic city. Moscow is one of the largest cities in the world and home to more than nine million people. Enjoy a highlights tour of many of the historic and famous landmarks viewing Red Square (UNESCO), Sparrow Hill and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Travel on Tverskaya Street, the grand boulevard of central Moscow, lined with shops and restaurants. The balance of your day is at leisure.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 9: Saturday, September 11, 2010
Moscow
This morning, take the Moscow Metro, also known as the "Underground Palace," to visit the 15th century Kremlin (UNESCO). Each Metro station was designed by a Russian architect, sculptor or artist. Arrive at the incredible Kremlin and view the priceless collection of Imperial treasures in the Armory Museum. This museum, filled with crown jewels, bejeweled royal scepters, icons, ancient weapons and armor, is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
Today Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are included.

Day 10: Sunday, September 12, 2010
Moscow - Disembark Ship - Tour Concludes

Today Breakfast is included.

September 04 - September 13, 2010

YOUR ITINERARY AT A GLANCE
DAY 1
	Overnight Flight
DAY 2 - 10
	m/s Tchaikovski, St. Petersburg
On some dates alternate hotels may be used.

Please Note:
• Visa is required.
• Passport is required.
• To complete your vacation, we include roundtrip airport-to-hotel transfers when purchasing Collette airfare with your tour. If you have arranged for your own air, we are pleased to provide you the option of purchasing these transfers. Please note that all transfers will leave at pre-scheduled times.
• This tour requires average physical activity. You should be in good health, able to climb stairs and walk reasonable distances, possibly over uneven grounds and cobblestone streets.
• Single accommodations are limited to two cabins and available on request only. Triple accommodations are not available. All cabins on board your ship are outside cabins. There are many trip highlights offered onboard throughout the cruise; however, these are scheduled at the sole discretion of the cruise line and may not take place on the exact day they are featured in the itinerary. Optional shore excursions can only be purchased on the ship. Payment can only be CASH and only in Ruble, U.S. Dollar or Euro. It is highly recommended that you exchange money upon arrival in Russia (at the airport or during the city tour the following day). You should exchange enough money to pay for all the options you wish to purchase and also to tip the staff on the ship. Credit cards are not accepted for these expenses.
• Port taxes of approximately $160 USD per person are included in the land only tour cost.