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| Day 1 Sat June 28 | Fly overnight to Russia |
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| | 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 Sun June 29
(D incl.) | Arrive Moscow | | Embarkation after 4 pm |
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| | Upon your arrival to Moscow, please proceed through customs. In the arrival hall you will be met by one of the cruise managers. Then transfer to the port for embarkation. A welcome cocktail and information meeting will either precede or follow dinner. Afterwards, enjoy your first night on your floating hotel. (Cruise only passengers with transfers on own - services begin with embarkation.)
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Day 3 Mon June 30
(B/L/D incl.) | Moscow | |
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| | Ashore: | |
| | 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
• 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.
• Take a tour of the famous Moscow Metro and pedestrian Arbat Street.(Special inclusion for your group)
• Your afternoon is free for you to explore some more on your own or to join one of the optional excursions offered by the cruise managers, such as an excursion to the Sergiev Posad Complex, the heart of the Russian Orthodox Church.
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| | Optional Circus performance: (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! |
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| | The first of our one- to two-a-day dancing sessions (this will depend on what else the tour provider has planned). |
Day 4 Tues July 1
(B/L/D incl.) | Moscow | | Set Sail in Evening | |
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| | Another exciting day lies ahead for you to immerse yourself into this bustling city.
• Kremlin Tour: The morning is reserved for an inside look at the Kremlin and its fascinating Cathedrals, giant Tzar Bells and Cannons. 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.
• Welcome drink and Crew Introduction: Enjoy a drink on the sun deck as you set sail on your wonderful Volga adventure.
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Day 5 Wed July 2
(B/L/D incl.) | Uglich | |
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| | Walking tour of Uglich: Visit Russia's second oldest city (only one year younger than Moscow).
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, the 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! |
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| | Once back on board, sail on and in the afternoon enjoy a Classical Concert performed by one of Russia's most famous violinists! |
Day 6 Thu July 3
(B/L/D incl.) | Yaroslavl | |
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| | 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. At the end of the tour you will enjoy a wonderful 25 minute concert of Russian Hymns performed by Yaroslavl's renowned 30 member a cappella Choir!
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| | Return to the ship and sail on. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Russian Dinner with entertainment featuring national specialties served by staff dressed in national costumes and accompanied by lively folklore music.
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Day 7 Fri July 4
(B/L/D incl.) | Goritza | |
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| | 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 home made cakes and tea! |
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| | 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! |
Day 8 Sat July 5
(B/L/D incl.) | Kizhi | |
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| | 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. The 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!". |
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| | Back on board our activities will be highlighted with a special folklore show performed by our on board folklore group! |
Day 9 Sun July 6
(B/L/D incl.) | Mondraga (Green Station Stop) |
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| | After breakfast, the morning will be free to participate in our on board activities, lectures and entertainment. 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 food and drink will be served on board). 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!
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Day 10 Mon July 7
(B/L/D incl.) | St. Petersburg | |
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| | This morning, arrive at 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". |
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| | • 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.
• 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 da Vinci, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Picasso. |
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| | • Optional Evening Cultural Performance: End your day with an optional cultural performance (ballet or folklore) available for purchase on board. |
Day 11 Tues July 8
(B/L/D incl.) | St. Petersburg | |
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| | A full free day for you to explore the sights and sounds of St Petersburg on your own, or take advantage of one of our optional tours offered by our cruise managers.
• Optional full day Palace Excursion: 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: Enjoy a magnificant folk show featuring over 40 dancers and musicians performed by St. Petersburg's Cossack ensemble. |
Day 12 Wed July 9
(B incl.) | St. Peterburg to USA | | Disembarkation: 09:00 | |
| | After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight home. (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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| * Please note that the itinerary is subject to change due to changing weather and other local conditions.
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