Travel Idea:
Russian Waterways
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Length of trip:
12 days
Approximate price of this trip per person:
from $ 1499
Best travel dates to go:
May, June, July, August, September
Detailed Description of this trip:
Celebrating 16 years - now aboard two of the Volga’s finest First Class vessels! Explore Russia on one of our most popular programs for the past 15 years! Alternating between Moscow and St. Petersburg, our Volga Cruise offers more than just these two exciting metropoles! Traveling onboard the "MS Kronstadt" or the "MS Andropov", you will get glimpses of riverside villages along the Volga, taste delicious local food and sample the national drink, vodka, meet local folk, learn off the country's rich history, see fascinating local architecture such as the Church of Transfiguration in Kizhi, and above all, experience the hospitability and friendliness of our superb team of cruise directors, complemented by a young and enthusiastic crew that will ensure you have a trip of a lifetime! Included Tours: - Moscow: Half day panorama city tour including Red Square and tour of the Kremlin grounds - Uglich: Walking tour including Church of St. Demitrius - Yaroslavl: Bus & walking city tour - Goritzy: Walking tour of the village with house visit and snacks - Kizhi: Walking tour of this island museum - Mondraga/Svirstroy: Riverside "Shashlik" barbecue with entertainment - St. Petersburg: Half day panorama tour and tour of the Hermitage Museum
This Trip is Recommended for:
Tags:
Cruise Vacation, Cruise, Adventure, Cruising, Sightseeing, Exploration, Sightseeing Tour, Adventure Travel, Sailing, Excrusion, Sightseeing Travel, St. Petersburg, Hermitage Museum, Walking City Tour, St. Demitrius,
Trip Properties:
- Specialty: Family Trip, Group Retreat, Trip Around World,
- Activity: Sailing, Food, Performing Arts, Sightseeing,
Trip Itinerary:
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Day 1 - On the Plane
USA to Russia.
Commercial Flight
Depart on your overnight flights to Russia (with connecting flights in Europe depending on airline used). In-flight meals and beverage services are provided as per individual airline policy.
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Day 2 - Moscow
Arrive in Moscow.
Upon your arrival to Moscow, please proceed through customs. In the arrival hall you will be met by one of our cruise managers and transferred to the port for embarkation. (Cruise only passengers with transfers on own - services begin with embarkation)
Ocean Cruise
A welcome cocktail and information meeting will either precede or follow dinner.
Hotel
Afterwards, enjoy your first night on your floating hotel. (D)
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Day 3 - At Sea
Moscow, Russia.
Sightseeing
Moscow, the capital of Russia, is situated between the banks of the rivers Oka and Volga. A metropolis of 8 million people, Moscow today is not only the seat of the Russian government but also home to many world renowned attractions.
Sightseeing
City sightseeing by bus: A genuine introduction to this exciting city is our guided sightseeing tour by bus featuring Moscow’s major sights such as the humongous Red Square, famous St. Basil’s Cathedral and the impressive Kremlin. Your afternoon is free to explore some more on your own or to join one of the optional excursions offered by our cruise managers, such as an excursion to the Sergiev Posad Complex, the heart of the Russian Orthodox Church, or a tour of the famous Moscow Metro and pedestrian Arbat Street.
Optional Circus performance:
Performing Arts
(Tickets to be purchased on board). The evening is reserved for a performance of the Moscow Circus, one of the greatest circus acts in the world. Be mesmerized, be entertained, laugh and enjoy! (B, L, D)
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Day 4 - At Sea
Moscow - Set Sail: PM.
Kremlin Tour:
Sightseeing
Another exciting day lies ahead for you to immerse yourself in this bustling city. The morning is reserved for an inside look at the Kremlin and its fascinating Cathedrals, giant Tzar Bell and Cannon. The afternoon is free to partake in the optional tour of the Armory Museum, the world renowned depository of Royal Russian riches including samples of weapons, carriages, thrones and the famous Faberge eggs.
Ocean Cruise
Welcome drink and Crew Introduction :
Enjoy a drink on the sun deck as you set sail on your wonderful Volga adventure. (B, L, D) -
Day 5 - At Sea
Uglich, Russia.
Sightseeing
Walking tour of Uglich: Visit Russia’s second oldest city (only one year younger than Moscow).
Sightseeing
The city is famous for the more troubled and violent side of Russian history. It was here that the Russian crown prince Dimitri was assassinated, which eventually led to Boris Godunov ascending the Russian throne. Here on the banks of the Volga, you can also find a rich collection of Russian Orthodox architecture which you will get to see, as well as the Church of St. Demitrius of the Blood and the Palace of Tsarevich Dmitri. Time permitting, your guides will take those wishing to participate to visit the local orphanage where you can meet some of the kids and teachers and leave small gifts such as school pens, educational toys and English books!
Performing Arts
Once back on board, sail on and in the afternoon enjoy a Classical Concert performed by one of Russia’s most famous violinists! (B, L, D)
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Day 6 - At Sea
Yaroslavl, Russia.
Sightseeing
Founded by Yaroslav the Wise in the 11th century, the city also ranks as one of the oldest in Russia. Its primary attractions are in the area around the main square anchored by the Governor’s Palace. Your city tour will include a visit to the Transfiguration of the Savior Monastery dating from the 13th century and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, which houses the famous Yaroslav and Kostroma frescoes.
Ocean Cruise
Return to the ship and sail on.
Food and Dining
Tonight, enjoy a traditional Russian Dinner with entertainment featuring national specialties served by staff dressed in national costumes and accompanied by lively folklore music.
Optional:
Performing Arts
Enjoy a unique 30 minute a capella concert in one of Yaroslavl’s ancient cathedrals performed by the city’s most famous 30 member choir. (B, L, D)
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Day 7 - At Sea
Goritza, Russia.
Sightseeing
This morning, stop at a typical small Russian village along the Volga. Here you will visit an authentic peasant house where your host, Baba Valya (Grandma Valya) will welcome you to her home and treat you to some tasty homemade cakes and tea!
Food and Dining
In the afternoon, as the ship continues sailing upstream, enjoy a Caviar and Champagne party on board, featuring blini pancakes with champagne and red caviar! (B, L, D)
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Day 8 - At Sea
Kizhi, Russia.
Sightseeing
We take a walking tour of this fairy tale island, situated in the northern part of Lake Onega. Kizhi is unique as the site of an outdoor museum which represents the picturesque rural wooden architecture of the region. Its most famous landmark, the Church of Transfiguration with its 22 cupolas, is an outstanding masterpiece of wooden architecture. Not only is it constructed without a single nail or piece of iron, but the only tools that were used for its construction were chisels and axes. Legend says that master Nester, who built the church, threw away his tools when the work was finished saying, “This church was built by master Nester. There is no church like this in the world and there will be never one again!”.
Performing Arts
Back on board our activities will be highlighted with a special folklore show performed by our on board folklore group! (B, L, D)
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Day 9 - At Sea
Mondraga (Green Station Stop).
Ocean Cruise
After breakfast, the morning will be free to participate in our on board activities, lectures and entertainment.
Food and Dining
On arrival, instead of lunch on board, you will enjoy a unique picnic lunch in a village setting! The Russian shashlik barbecue will be accompanied with a glass of wine and entertainment by our on-board musicians. Then, be sure to visit the unique Vodka Museum featuring over 2500 varieties of Russia’s national drink! (In case of unforeseeable bad weather, the lunch will be served on board).
Ocean Cruise
But that’s not all! As you continue sailing in the afternoon, prepare for our Farewell Captain’s Gala Dinner as you approach our final destination: gorgeous St. Petersburg! (B, L, D)
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Day 10 - At Sea
St. Petersburg, Russia.
Sightseeing
This morning, arrive to St. Petersburg which celebrated its 300th birthday in 2003! This city, one of the most beautiful in the world, is located on the banks of the Gulf of Finland, in the delta of the river Neva. There are 65 rivers and canals flowing through St. Petersburg, as well as 42 islands. Peter the Great founded the city in 1703 and from 1712 until 1918 it was the capital of the Russian Empire. With its five million inhabitants, it is the second largest city in Russia and because of its many canals, bridges and architectural beauty, St. Petersburg is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”.
Sightseeing
City sightseeing tour by coach: Get to know this truly magnificent city during our morning city tour which will guide you past Nevsky Prospect, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Kazan’s Assembly Church, the Admiralty Building, Palace Square with the residence of Russian czars known as the “Winter Palace”. Continue past the “Bronze Horseman” monument of Peter the Great, Smolny Monastery, the cruiser Aurora, and the fascinating bridges over the river Neva which are raised every night in order to enable the passage of ships sailing to the Baltics.
Sightseeing
Tour of the Hermitage: The afternoon is reserved for a tour of the Hermitage, one of the greatest museums of the world! Located within the 1000+ room Winter Palace, the Hermitage boasts of over 3 million artifacts spread out of 365 rooms and featuring an amazing collection of art dating from the early Greek to modern times! Pay special note to originals by de Vinci, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Picasso.
Performing Arts
Optional Evening Cultural Performance: End your day with an optional cultural performance (ballet or folklore) available for purchase on board. (B, L, D)
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Day 11 - At Sea
St. Petersburg, Russia.
Sightseeing
Today is a full free day to explore the sights and sounds of St Petersburg on your own, or to take advantage of one of our optional tours offered by our cruise managers.
Optional full day Palace Excursion:
Sightseeing
The morning features an excursion to Pushkin, the former village of the Russian royalty. Here you will tour the impressive Catherine’s Palace followed by a visit to Petrodvorets and its famous gardens. Built to rival Versailles in France, it is a magnificent display of grand statues, splendid gardens, and fountains powered only by the force of gravity.
Optional Cossack Show:
Performing Arts
Enjoy a magnificent folk show featuring over 40 dancers and musicians performed by St. Petersburg’s Cossack ensemble. (B, L, D)
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Day 12 - St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg – Home.
Ocean Cruise
Bid your crew and fellow passengers goodbye as you disembark.
Transfer to the airport for your flights home. (Cruise only passengers who have not purchased transfers through us - services end with breakfast) (B)
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