Itinerary

• Day 1

  DAY 1, Friday - Depart for Russia

  Depart for St. Petersburg, Russia

• Day 2

  DAY 2, Saturday - Arrive in St. Petersburg

  Arrive in astonishingly beautiful St. Petersburg, nestled on the Neva River; transfer to the port to embark your cruise. After arrival formalities, time to rest, relax and enjoy your new surroundings. Tonight’s dinner welcomes you to Russia and your cruise on the legendary Volga River Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Dinner

• Day 3

  DAY 3, Sunday - Hermitage Museum & St. Petersburg City Tour

  This morning visit the world-famous Hermitage Museum, housing the largest collection of priceless masterpieces by Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Rembrandt and many others. This afternoon, your tour of enchanting St. Petersburg begins on the stunning Nevsky Prospekt, the main avenue of the city, planned by Peter the Great. Continue to view the Palace Square, Peter and Paul Fortress, St. Isaac's Cathedral with its huge golden dome and the magnificent Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, a superb example of Russian architecture. Tonight, after dinner, attend an optional performance of a traditional Russian ballet or opt to take a scenic cruise along St. Petersburg's legendary canals Optional: Ballet Performance* Optional: Rivers & Canals of St. Petersburg* Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 4

  DAY 4, Monday - Full Day in St. Petersburg

  Today is free to explore all of the delights of this magical city on your own. Or, join the optional excursion to Pushkin Palace and Peterhof Park*. Travel to nearby Pushkin to visit the lavish 18th century Catherine's Palace, the summer residence of the Russian Tsars, named for Catherine, widow of Peter the Great. Explore the luxurious palace, an architectural masterpiece, and the surrounding gardens. Visit the reconstructed Amber Room, with its walls covered with dazzling panels of amber, gold leaf, and mirrors. Then, continue to Peterhof Palace with its gorgeous landscaped gardens and fountains overlooking the Gulf of Finland. This configuration of palaces and gardens was masterminded by Peter the Great, and is often called the "Russian Versailles." Return to the ship in the late afternoon and set sail from St. Petersburg. This evening, enjoy dinner onboard and get to know your fellow traveling companions *Advance purchase is highly recommended for this tour. Tickets are limited and may not be available for purchase locally. Optional: Pushkin Palace & Peterhof Park Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 5

  DAY 5, Tuesday - Village of Mandrogi

  Sail to Mandrogi, part of the Valaam Archipelago, a reconstructed 18th century traditional Russian village set amongst a picturesque landscape. Walk through the town with its traditional Russian houses (izba) and browse the shops for handmade Russian crafts, paintings or traditional clothes. Stop at the popular Museum of Russian Vodka, with a collection of over 2500 varieties of vodka from across Russia. Explore the craft workshops where painting, wood carving, weaving lacework and pottery are demonstrated, and then cap off the afternoon with a traditional "shashlik" lunch, served in an open-air pavillion on the shore (weather permitting). In the late afternoon, sail for the island of Kizhi Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 6

  DAY 6, Wednesday - Kizhi Church of Transfiguration

  This morning arrive at the island of Kizhi.* Here, you will stand in awe at the Church of Transfiguration, one of the most impressive wooden structures ever erected. This fairy tale architectural landmark is largely responsible for creating one of the most frequented tourist attractions in Russia. The church features 22 cupolas of striking intricacy, built without using a single nail. Wander through the open-air wooden Architecture Museum with its collection of wooden houses, windmills, and churches representing ancient Russian architecture. This entire area has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Return to the ship in time for lunch. This afternoon, attend a Russian tea ceremony on board, or a Russian song class as the ship sails towards Goritsy *The operation of the Kizhi Church of Transfiguration is dependent on weather and sea conditions. If canceled, the visit to Kizhi will be replaced with alternate sightseeing. Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 7

  DAY 7, Thursday - Monastery of St. Cyril, Goritsy

  Morning is at leisure on board. Afternoon arrival in Goritsy, an old Russian town with a rich historical and cultural heritage. Stroll the grounds of the 14th century Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, also known as the Monastery of St. Cyril of the White Lake, one of the largest and best preserved medieval Abbeys in Russia. The wooden churches and walls built at the original location were replaced over succeeding centuries by impressive stone and masonry structures. The monastery's fortifying walls, which measure 2400-feet-long and 22 feet thick, are truly a very impressive sight. In the late afternoon, reboard your ship and join a festive Russian vodka tasting while sailing for Yaroslavl Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 8

  DAY 8, Friday - Yaroslavl City Tour

  Arrive this afternoon in the quaint Golden Ring city of Yaroslavl. This beautiful city, one of Russia’s oldest, traces its roots back to the days of the Vikings. Stop at the fortified Transfiguration of the Savior Monastery and its Cathedral, the oldest building in Yaroslavl, dating back 800 years. Continue to the Yaroslavl Museum of Russian Art housed in the 18th-century Governor’s mansion, with its impressive collection of Russian paintings spread out across many palatial rooms. View the exquisite Church of Elijah the Prophet with its detailed frescoes and icons, a real masterpiece of ancient Russian art and the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonder-worker. Time to browse the local markets for handicrafts and treasures before returning to the ship for dinner Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 9

  DAY 9, Saturday - Walking Tour of Uglich

  Arrive in historic Uglich on the banks of the Volga River. Uglich played an important role in Russian history when Prince Dmitry used it as a hiding place from the bloody reign of his father Ivan the Terrible. His death made the town famous and led to an increasingly turbulent period in Russia’s history. This morning's walking tour will visit the Church of St. Dimitry-on-Blood built in honor of the Prince on the exact spot where he was killed by his father’s forces, and the Transfiguration Cathedral marvelously decorated with painted icons and frescoes. The ship will set sail for Moscow at noon. This evening join the Captain's dinner on board and a delightful talent show Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 10

  DAY 10, Sunday - Moscow City Tour

  This morning relax on board as you prepare for an exciting afternoon in Moscow, the fabled capital of Russia. After lunch on board, begin your panoramic city tour at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and the former headquarters of the KGB. Explore storied Red Square with St. Basil's cathedral and the famous red brick walls of the Kremlin before returning to the ship for dinner on board Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 11

  DAY 11, Monday - Kremlin Grounds Tour

  Visit the Kremlin, one of the best-known monuments in Russia - and in the world. The guided walking tour takes you inside the former residence of the Russian Czars. See the famous Czar Cannon, the 16th century Czar Bell, and Cathedral Square, home to three of Moscow's most elaborate cathedrals: the Cathedral of Assumption, the Cathedral of Annunciation, and the Cathedral of the Archangel. This afternoon return to the ship to rest, explore Moscow on your own, or take the optional Kremlin Armory. Here, you will find the largest collection of the world-famous Fabergé eggs. Marvel at Grand Siberian Railway egg, with its gold train, platinum locomotive and ruby headlamp, crafted to commemorate the Moscow–Vladivostok line. View Russian arms and armor, the state regalia, thrones, carriages, and ornate coronation dressers. Tonight, bid a fond farewell to your newfound friends on board Optional: Armory Museum Optional: Moscow Novodevichy Convent* Overnight: River Cruise Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• Day 12

  DAY 12, Tuesday - Depart Russia

  Morning disembarkation in Moscow. The airport is approximately a two hour drive from the port.Transfer to the airport for your departure flight Meals: Breakfast

Ports of Call may vary by departure date and subject to weather and other conditions.

Inclusions

10 MS Nizhny Novgorod

Accommodation

MS Nizhny Novgorod

The MS Nizhny Novogorod has 100 cabins and 6 suites. All cabins are outside with large (except lower deck) scenic windows, equipped with private facilities, air-conditioning, wardrobes, refrigerators and 220 volt sockets.

Note: Accommodation listed should be used as a guide only and may be subject to change due to availability. For confirmed accommodation refer to your itinerary upon booking.

Map

Note: This map is to be used as guide only and is subject to change or may contain incorrect information. Map displayed may operate in reverse for various departures.

Photos