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RUSSIAN WATERWAYS – RIVER CRUISE
This year, explore Russia in depth – Enjoy a spectacular voyage through its heart along its colorful and historic waterways. Explore bustling and excitement-packed Moscow, huge, impressive and powerful, whose museums, galleries, onion-shaped domes, palaces, towers and vibrant Red Square never fail to inspire…..then cruise north and visit the enchanting Golden Ring cities of Uglich and Yaroslavl. Continue along the Volga-Baltic Waterways and through Europe’s two largest lakes, Onega and Ladoga to St. Petersburg, the “Venice of the North”, home of the Hermitage with its brilliant works of art. You’ll see the world’s largest art collection of ancient and modern Russian art, Czarist treasures, Faberge jewel-encrusted eggs –
Cruising is aboard AMA Waterways, MS TOLSTOY, the most luxurious and comfortable cruise ship ever built for Russian rivers. She accommodates 160 guests. Standard staterooms are 110 square feet (20% larger than other ships) with large picture windows that open, ample closet space & a make-up table. Bathrooms feature a separate shower area – unique for Russian ships – Jr. Suites are 220 square feet with 2 picture windows a sitting area & two twin beds that cannot be put together. Spacious suites measure 330 sq feet & have 3 picture windows a dayroom with TV & fridge and a separate bedroom.
INCLUDED FEATURES
• 12 night cruise accommodation in an outside stateroom
• all meals onboard- buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Unlimited red or white wine or juice with every dinner
• Bottled water in every cabin
• Cocktail Reception & Welcome Dinner
• Home visit & Meal with Russian Family in Uglich
• Daily sightseeing programs per itinerary
• Ballet performance at the Hermitage Theater
• Guest lectures on Russian history, culture, art, politics and economy
• Physician on board
• All English language onboard in a non-smoking environment (except Sun Deck)
• All local taxes -- U.S. CITIZENS REQUIRE A VISA FOR RUSSIA
ITINERARY
DAY 1- Departure from the U.S.
Board your overnight flight to Russia.
Board your overnight flight to Russia.
DAY 2- Moscow
Arrive in Moscow. Meeting & transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure.
Arrive in Moscow. Meeting & transfer to your hotel. Evening at leisure.
DAY 3- Moscow
Morning Professional Visit is scheduled, then transfer to the ship for embarkation. Relax in your stateroom or explore the city before meeting your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception, followed by Dinner. D
Morning Professional Visit is scheduled, then transfer to the ship for embarkation. Relax in your stateroom or explore the city before meeting your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception, followed by Dinner. D
DAY 4- Moscow
After breakfast, visit Russia’s beautiful capital city, founded in 1147. Highlights include Red Square, GUM Department Store, New Maiden’s Convent, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Tverskaya, Sparrow Hill and Lubyanka Square (KGB Building). Your tour within the walls of the Kremlin introduces you to the former royal residence of the Czars and main-center of the Russian Orthodox faith. Tonight, perhaps, join the optional tour to the Moscow Circus. BLD
After breakfast, visit Russia’s beautiful capital city, founded in 1147. Highlights include Red Square, GUM Department Store, New Maiden’s Convent, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Tverskaya, Sparrow Hill and Lubyanka Square (KGB Building). Your tour within the walls of the Kremlin introduces you to the former royal residence of the Czars and main-center of the Russian Orthodox faith. Tonight, perhaps, join the optional tour to the Moscow Circus. BLD
DAY 5- Moscow
Today, take a ride on the Moscow Metro, and then a motor coach drive to the Tretyakov Art Museum. This afternoon, lunch on a day boat as you cruise the Moscow River Tonight enjoy the optional “Moscow by Night” with your fellow travelers. BLD
Today, take a ride on the Moscow Metro, and then a motor coach drive to the Tretyakov Art Museum. This afternoon, lunch on a day boat as you cruise the Moscow River Tonight enjoy the optional “Moscow by Night” with your fellow travelers. BLD
DAY 6- Moscow
This morning, visit the Armory Museum, which houses the former royal collection of treasures, including jewels, crowns, armor, royal carriages, and the world famous Faberge Eggs. Return to the ship for lunch, or stay in the city exploring at your own pace. BLD
This morning, visit the Armory Museum, which houses the former royal collection of treasures, including jewels, crowns, armor, royal carriages, and the world famous Faberge Eggs. Return to the ship for lunch, or stay in the city exploring at your own pace. BLD
DAY 7- MOSCOW-UGLICH
Located on the banks of the Volga, Uglich was founded by merchants in 1148. Rich in history, Uglich is home to some of Russia’s most beautiful churches and cathedrals, and you’ll see a sampling during your city tour. The most noteworthy include the Trans-figuration Cathedral and the magnificent Church of Dimitry, dedicated to the tragic story of Ivan the Terrible’s son. You’ll visit the home of a local Russian family, learning about everyday life in Uglich, as you enjoy a home-cooked meal and sample Russian hospitality first hand. BLD
Located on the banks of the Volga, Uglich was founded by merchants in 1148. Rich in history, Uglich is home to some of Russia’s most beautiful churches and cathedrals, and you’ll see a sampling during your city tour. The most noteworthy include the Trans-figuration Cathedral and the magnificent Church of Dimitry, dedicated to the tragic story of Ivan the Terrible’s son. You’ll visit the home of a local Russian family, learning about everyday life in Uglich, as you enjoy a home-cooked meal and sample Russian hospitality first hand. BLD
DAY 8- UGLICH-YAROSLAVL
Founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, it is one of Russia’s oldest cities, tracing its roots back to the Vikings. The city stretches for miles along the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers. Explore the city’s history through its architecture, including the fortified 12th century Transfiguration Monastery and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, home to many beautiful icons. BLD
Founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, it is one of Russia’s oldest cities, tracing its roots back to the Vikings. The city stretches for miles along the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers. Explore the city’s history through its architecture, including the fortified 12th century Transfiguration Monastery and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, home to many beautiful icons. BLD
DAY 9 - YAROSLAVL-GORITSY
A peaceful farming town and a typical Russian village; see the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake and the Museum of the Icons. Return to the ship and sail for Kizhi. Tonight, and every night on board, enjoy the various lectures, music performances, and Russian language classes that are offered. BLD
A peaceful farming town and a typical Russian village; see the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake and the Museum of the Icons. Return to the ship and sail for Kizhi. Tonight, and every night on board, enjoy the various lectures, music performances, and Russian language classes that are offered. BLD
DAY 10- GORITSY – KIZHI
Kizhi is an island situated in the north end of Lake Onega and home to some of the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia. Forever linked to Novgorod the Great, the style of architecture reflects its early introduction to Christianity. In 1764 locals built the Church of Intercession, its towering walls and 22 domes, without the use of a single nail. Your walking tour includes the Museum of Wooden Architecture BLD
Kizhi is an island situated in the north end of Lake Onega and home to some of the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia. Forever linked to Novgorod the Great, the style of architecture reflects its early introduction to Christianity. In 1764 locals built the Church of Intercession, its towering walls and 22 domes, without the use of a single nail. Your walking tour includes the Museum of Wooden Architecture BLD
DAY 11-KIZHI-SVIRSTROY
Svirstroy is 100 miles from St. Petersburg with only a population of 1000. Enjoy some free time to stroll through this unspoiled Russian village and browse through the irresistible handmade trinkets. This is the best place to souvenir shop before reaching St. Petersburg. BLD
Svirstroy is 100 miles from St. Petersburg with only a population of 1000. Enjoy some free time to stroll through this unspoiled Russian village and browse through the irresistible handmade trinkets. This is the best place to souvenir shop before reaching St. Petersburg. BLD
DAY 12-SVIRSTROY – ST PETERSBURG
One of Russia’s former capitals, this city rivals Paris or Venice for its romantic image. Dating from the beginning of the 18th century. It was built to the exact specifications ordered by Peter the Great. The city is home to many museums, galleries, palaces, impressive squares and streets. Your sightseeing tour of this beautiful city shows you Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square, and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. After lunch, tour the Hermitage Museum, the former Palace of the Czars, which houses the royal art collection with over 3million works of art. It is one of the largest and most impressive art museums in the world. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for an optional folkloric show.BLD
One of Russia’s former capitals, this city rivals Paris or Venice for its romantic image. Dating from the beginning of the 18th century. It was built to the exact specifications ordered by Peter the Great. The city is home to many museums, galleries, palaces, impressive squares and streets. Your sightseeing tour of this beautiful city shows you Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square, and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. After lunch, tour the Hermitage Museum, the former Palace of the Czars, which houses the royal art collection with over 3million works of art. It is one of the largest and most impressive art museums in the world. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for an optional folkloric show.BLD
DAY 13-ST PETERSBURG
Today is at leisure. This morning, stroll along one of the many picturesque canals or join the optional excursion to Pushkin and visit the Palace of Catherine the Great. In your free time, absorb the atmosphere of St. Petersburg’s vibrant cultural life before joining your fellow passengers for lunch at a local restaurant. This evening, enjoy a Ballet Performance at the Hermitage Theatre, the former private theatre of the Czars. BLD
Today is at leisure. This morning, stroll along one of the many picturesque canals or join the optional excursion to Pushkin and visit the Palace of Catherine the Great. In your free time, absorb the atmosphere of St. Petersburg’s vibrant cultural life before joining your fellow passengers for lunch at a local restaurant. This evening, enjoy a Ballet Performance at the Hermitage Theatre, the former private theatre of the Czars. BLD
DAY 14-ST PETERSBURG
Today, tour St. Petersburg’s famous and spectacular Imperial Estate- Peterhof Palace. Nestled on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, the palace was built by Peter the Great initially as a resting place en route to the Imperial naval base. But the Czar was quick to recognize the attractiveness of the area and masterminded a vast estate intended to rival the famous gardens of Versailles. After lunch, return to St. Petersburg.BLD
Today, tour St. Petersburg’s famous and spectacular Imperial Estate- Peterhof Palace. Nestled on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, the palace was built by Peter the Great initially as a resting place en route to the Imperial naval base. But the Czar was quick to recognize the attractiveness of the area and masterminded a vast estate intended to rival the famous gardens of Versailles. After lunch, return to St. Petersburg.BLD
DAY 15-ST PETERSBURG
Disembark and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, a Professional Visit is scheduled. Evening at leisure B
Disembark and transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, a Professional Visit is scheduled. Evening at leisure B
DAY 16-EN ROUTE
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the U.S B
Transfer to the airport for your flight back to the U.S B
This is a sample itinerary – distribution of sites & leisure time is subject to change.
