Day 1: USA to Russia
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.

Day 2: Arrive in Moscow - EMBARKATION
Upon your arrival to Moscow, please proceed through customs. In the arrival hall you will be met by one of our cruise managers. 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.

Day 3: Moscow
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 in the morning, featuring Moscow’s major sights such as the humongous Red Square, Impressive Kremlin, the former residence of Russian Tzars ,famous St. Basil’s Cathedral is a gem of Russian Architecture and famous landmark known all over the world. It was built in the 16th century on order of Ivan the Terrible to commemorate the victory over Kazan Khanate-Tartar Mongols. Afternoon excursion to the Sergiev Posad Complex-Zagorsk (47 miles northeast of Moscow), the heart of the Russian Orthodox Church, Trinity Monastery of St. Sergius (Troitse-Sergiyevo Lavra) , founded in the 14th century by Sergei Radonezhski is the historical centre of Zagorsk. For centuries it has been the largest religious and cultural centre of Russia. Such great masters of icons such as Adnrey Rublev and Daniil Nickon to paint the most sacred place of the monastery - Troitsky Cathedral (1422). "Svyataya Troitsa" - is one of the most surprising masterpieces of iconic art. It was created for the Cathedral by A. Rublev. Now it is kept in The Tretyakov Gallery in Moscow. The history of the city is closely connected with the history of Lavra. Zagorsk is famous for its architectural monuments, such as the historic-architectural set of Troitse Sergieva Lavra. The Trinity Church (1422), the Dukhovskaya church (1635), the Assumption Cathedral (1559-1585), the Hospital Chambers with its church of Zosima and Savvaty (1635-1637), the refectory with its church of Sergy (1686-92), the Tsar's Mansion built at end of the 17th century and Smolenskaya church (1746-1748). There are also some other churches in Zagorsk: Vvedenskaya (1547), Voznesenskaya (of the Ascension Day) built in 1766-1779. There are is the Moscow Theological Academy and the Theologikal college in Zagorsk.

Day 4: Moscow
Another exciting day lies ahead for you to immerse yourself into this bustling city.
The morning is reserved for an inside look at the Kremlin and its fascinating Cathedral of the Assumption - the oldest of the Kremlin’s cathedrals and the protector of the Russian Orthodox faith since the seat of the Church was transferred to Moscow from Vladimir in 1326. Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel-five domed Italian design cathedral and the burial plave of the rulers of Moscow, from Grand Duke Ivan (1328-1341) to Tzar Ivan V (1682-1696), the half-brother of Peter the Great, Cathedral of the Annunciation - the beautiful private church of Russia’s Grand Dukes and Tzar, where the ruling family were married, their newborn heirs to the throne baptized and their confessions heard, Church of the Deposition of the Robe-chapel of the Metropolitans and Patriarchs of Russian’s Orthodox Church, Patriarch’s Palace-private residence of the head ROC. 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: Enjoy a drink on the sun deck as you set sail on your wonderful Volga adventure.

Day 5: Uglich
Uglich had been the seat of a small princedom from 1218 until 1328 when the local princes sold their rights to the great prince of Moscow. As a border town of Muscovy, it was burnt several times by Lithuanians, Tatars and the grand prince of Tver. During the reign of Ivan the Terrible the town passed to his only brother, Yuriy. Local inhabitants helped the tsar to capture Kazan by building a wooden fortress which was transported by the Volga all the way to Kazan. The Assumption three-tented church (1628) of the Alexeievsky monastery is considered a true gem of Russian medieval architecture. "Marvelous" is an epithet that common people gave to their church and which became a part of its official name.

Day 6: Yaroslavl
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 members a cappella Choir! Return to the ship and sail on. Tonight, enjoy a traditional Russian Dinner with entertainment: The dinner features national specialties served by staff dressed in national costumes and accompanied by lively folklore music.

Day 7: Goritza
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! In the afternoon, as the ship continues sailing upstream, enjoy a Caviar and Champagne party featuring blini pancakes with champagne and red caviar!

Day 8: Kizhi
Walking tour of this fairy tale island, situated in the northern part of Lake Onega (second large lake in Europe with 1369 islands). 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!”. Back on board our activities will be highlighted with a special folklore show performed by our on board folklore group!

Day 9: Mondraga (Green Station Stop)
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!

Day 10: St. Petersburg
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”.
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 is 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 de Vinci, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Picasso.
Optional Evening Cultural Performance: End your day with an optional cultural performance (ballet or folklore) available for purchase on board.

Day 11: St. Petersburg
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, the summer palace of Peter the Great. 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 magnificent folk show featuring over 40 dancers and musicians performed by St. Petersburg’s Cossack ensemble.

Day 12: St. Petersburg – Home - DISEMBARKATION 09:00 am
Breakfast - Bid your crew and fellow passengers goodbye as you disembark and transfer to the airport for your flights to USA.

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MOSCOW:

• Half day panorama city tour by modern motor coaches
• Tour of the Kremlin Grounds including 1 Cathedral

CRUISE:

• UGLICH - Walking tour including Church of St. Demitrius
• YAROSLAVL - Bus tour & Special Concert of Russian Hymns
• GORITZA - Walking Tour of peasant village and house visit
• KIZHI - Walking tour of this island museum
• MONDRAGA - Tour of this artist village with riverside barbecue

ST. PETERSBURG:

• Half day panorama city tour by modern motor coaches
• Inside Tour of the Hermitage Museum

Moscow Zagorsk euro 50.00, Ballet euro 75.00 to 90.00, Metro/Arbat Tour euro 20.00
St. Petersburg Goritza-Kirilo-Belozersk Monastery Tour euro 25.00, Canal Cuise euro 25.00, Catherine's Palace eur 65.00