Waterways of the Czars 13D/12N

photo of Moscow courtesy of Kompass tours St. Petersburg to Moscow: Experience the grandeur of Russia’s most famous cities—Moscow and St. Petersburg. Visit Moscow’s Red Square and the Kremlin. In St. Petersburg, journey back to the time of Catherine the Great, as you explore her palace, and the Hermitage. You’ll also see another side of Russia as you journey to traditional villages and quaint towns along the Waterways of the Czars, including Uglich and Yaroslavl, as well as the open-air museum of Kizhi Island.

Viking Vessel Sirkov: For 2008, Viking Surkov has undergone a $6 million full renovation to offer you the best ship in Russia. These ocean-class ships are similar in layout and designed for the rugged waters of Russia’s large lakes. Each ship features and English-speaking crew.

Departure dates 2008 St. Petersburg to Moscow :
May 4, 7, 11, 28, 31
June 4, 21, 24, 28
July 15, 18, 22
August 8, 11, 15
September 1, 4, 8, 25, 28
October 2

Departure dates 2008 Moscow to St. Petersburg:
May 16, 19, 23
June 9, 12, 16
July 3, 3, 6, 10, 27, 30
August 3, 20, 23, 27
September 13, 16, 20
October 7, 10, 14, 20

Daily Itinerary:

  • Day 1 St. Petersburg - Upon arrival, you will be met at the St. Petersburg airport and transferred to your ship. The rest of the day is free to relax.
  • Day 2 St. Petersburg - City tour; Peter & Paul Fortress; Hermitage tour & evening performance.
  • Day 3 St. Petersburg - Pushkin excursion and free time, or optional canal cruise.
  • Day 4 St. Petersburg - Free time or optional Peterhof Palace tour.
  • Day 5 Svir River - Scenic Cruising from Lake Onega to Lake Ladoga on the Svir River, called “The Blue Route.” High craggy hills highlight the lake’s northern shore while the southern shore is lined with low, sandy beaches.
  • Day 6 Kizhi -Walking Tour and Scenic Cruising. Discover the dozens of buildings including wooden houses, windmills and two 18th century wooden churches that illustrate Russia’s unusual and visionary architecture.
  • Day 7 Volga-Baltic Waterway and Goritzy -The Volga-Baltic Waterway is a system of rivers and canals linking the Volga with the Baltic Sea that spans 229 miles and includes seven locks. The little village of Goritzy lies on the Scheksna River and is the starting point for a visit to Kirillov Belozersky Monastery.
  • Day 8 Yaroslavl - A pearl in the “Golden Ring” of ancient Russian cities. Ride along the river banks where you’ll see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring wonderful frescoes and icons.
  • Day 9 UglichCruise the Volga to this beautiful provincial village. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dmitry was mysteriously killed.
  • Day 10 Moscow Canal, MoscowYou’ll see the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music.
  • Day 11 MoscowJourney to the Kremlin and Russia’s legendary past. Join one of the optional tours including one to the Tretyakov Gallery, the world’s foremost museum of Russian fine art.
  • Day 12 MoscowDiscover more of Russia’s capital on your own.
  • Day 12 Moscow transfer to airpot

Included Features: All itineraries include a shore excursion in port virtually every day; cultural performances, tours and meals. River-view stateroom, 10 guided tours, 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches, & 12 dinners, welcome cocktail reception and dinner, Captain’s Farewell Dinner, Old World Highlights such as port lectures, traditional Russian tea, lectures on cultural history, current affairs and Russian Czars. From $2799.

Not included: Any airfares, Airport taxes, port and cruise taxes and fuel surcharges, Beverages and personal expenses. An optional beverage package can be purchased.

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Also tagged with: Cruise Expeditions, Europe, Russia, Active Travel, Educational, Cultural, Art / Architecture, Groups, Anniversary, River Cruises, Religion, Classic Cruise