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11 Days Russian River Cruise Tour Package
Duration: 11 Days / 10 Nights
Priced From: $1799 pp dbl. occ.
Dates: May - Sep 
Experience the splendor of the czars, vibrant Slavic culture and the expansive beauty of rural Russia on this 11-day cruise from Peter the Great’s glittering city, St. Petersburg, to Russia’s capital, Moscow. Follow an expert guide to discover the incredible treasures of the immense Hermitage Museum. Enjoy a Shashlik barbecue in a riverside village. See the architectural treasures of the “Golden Ring.” See Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral‘s kaleidoscopic towers. Step inside the Kremlin and discover its imperial treasures.
Tour Itinerary
Air 1: Overnight Flight
Today board your overnight flight en route to Moscow, Russia.
Day 2: 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. This evening, spend time getting acquainted with your fellow passengers and the ship.
Day 3: Moscow
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, Sparrow Hill and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Travel on Tverskaya Street, the grand boulevard of central Moscow, lined with shops and restaurants. This afternoon have lunch at Restaurant Kupetc where you will enjoy Russian cuisine. The balance of your day is at leisure. You may choose an optional tour to the Tretyakov Art Gallery, which features a magnificent collection of Russian icons, as well as the largest collection of Russian art in the world.
Day 4: Moscow - Cruising
This morning, take the Moscow Metro, also known as the "Underground Palace," to visit the 15th century Kremlin. 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. Set sail through the countryside of Russia and enjoy nightly entertainment on board, along with unique samplings of local cuisine such as Blini and Caviar. Tonight, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception, followed by the Captain's welcome dinner.
Day 5: 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.
Day 6: Goritsy
Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you sail south to Goritsy, a peaceful farming community. An optional walking tour is offered, featuring visits to the well-preserved, fortress-like Kirill Belosersk Monastery, and the House of Culture for an opportunity to experience the traditions of Russian hospitality. You will also view arts and crafts created by children. 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.
Day 7: Lake Onega - Kizhi Island
Enjoy cruising through picturesque Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe and one of the world’s purest. This morning you 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.
Day 8: Svir River - Green Stop on Mandroghi or Svirstroy
Today, 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. As you continue on your journey, enjoy typical Russian cuisine and have the opportunity to shop and buy the traditional wooden carved dolls. This evening, enjoy a festive Captain’s dinner.
Day 9: 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, 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.
Day 10: 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, 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. There will be an optional excursion to Peterhof, the opulent palace and gardens built by Peter the Great.
Day 11: St. Petersburg - Disembark Ship - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.
Tour Highlights
St. Petersburg, Hermitage Museum, Catherine Palace, Kizhi Island, Volga River, St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow, Red Square, Kremlin
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Contact: Travelwizard.com
Phone: 1-800-330-8820 or 1-415-446-5252
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