Discover the passion and grandeur of Russian history, art and culture
The imperial cities, grand artistic treasures and spectacular architecture of Russia await your arrival. From the glittering metropolises of St. Petersburg and Moscow to the timeless towns along the Golden Ring, you’ll experience Russia in all its glory and splendor.
Explore the dichotomy of Moscow—rich with monuments to both 15th-century tsars and 20th-century communist leaders. Stand in awe of the massive Kremlin complex, oniondomed St. Basil’s Cathedral and the extravagant Moscow metro system. See some of Russia’s vast and beautiful countryside as well as its delightful small towns, where locals still engage in traditional crafts. Cruise along the Golden Ring to some of Russia’s most beautiful cities, including Uglich and Yaroslavl, which are known for their white-stone churches and gorgeous monasteries. Be amazed by Kizhi Island’s UNESCO-designated Transfiguration Church, a wooden structure built entirely without the use of nails. And uncover regal St. Petersburg, which boasts art-laden galleries and museums, fabled canals and elegant architecture from a wide variety of eras.
Who will enjoy this cruise
Adventurous travelers who wish to sail Russia’s great rivers and lakes, seeing world-class cities and timeless towns, UNESCO World Heritage sites, stunning architecture and legendary art as they go.
DAY 1: MOSCOW (EMBARK)
Arrive at Moscow’s Sheremetyevo International Airport, where you will be transferred to the ship.
DAY 2: MOSCOW
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Moscow city tour, tour of the metro and Arbat Street
Your panoramic tour showcases the best of Moscow: the Bolshoi Theatre, Red Square and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Enjoy a typical Russian lunch before visiting one of the most beautiful subways in the world, and then take stroll down Arbat Street, the longtime hangout of intellectuals and dissidents. In the evening, enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Reception and Gala Dinner. Note: During your visit to Moscow, the order of sightseeing may change, depending on closures for holidays or unannounced government functions.
DAY 3: MOSCOW
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Kremlin and Armory Museum visit
The legendary Kremlin, a self-contained city with palaces, armories and cathedrals built within a medieval fortress, is the birthplace of Moscow. A huge triangle enclosed in red-brick walls, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is the oldest area in Moscow and one of the world’s most beautiful architectural treasures. Tour the Kremlin and Armory Museum with its priceless collection of tsarist treasures, including the coronation robes of the tsars and exquisitely crafted Fabergé eggs.
DAY 4: MOSCOW
Spend your last day in Moscow at leisure.
DAY 5: CRUISING THE MOSCOW CANAL AND VOLGA RIVER, UGLICH
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Uglich walking discovery tour with Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood
Visit one of the loveliest cities of the Golden Ring, Uglich, home of the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built in honor of the slain son of Ivan the Terrible.
DAY 6: YAROSLAVL, CRUISING LAKE RYBINSK
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Yaroslavl city tour
Stroll through Yaroslavl’s UNESCO-designated city center with your local expert and step inside the domed Church of Elijah the Prophet, whose interior is covered in frescoes from the floor to the top of the domes.
DAY 7: GORITSY (KIRILLOV), CRUISING LAKE ONEGA
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Intimate look at daily life in a Russian province
See one of the most beautiful monasteries in the country, the 14th-century St. Cyril of the White Lake Monastery. You’ll also visit the House of Children’s Arts and Crafts, gaining a unique perspective on everyday life in this part of the world.
DAY 8: KIZHI ISLAND, CRUISING LAKE ONEGA
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Open-air Museum of Wooden Architecture
Marvel at the all-wood Church of Transfiguration at the UNESCO-designated open-air museum.
DAY 9: CRUISING THE SVIR RIVER, MANDROGI, CRUISING LAKE LADOGA
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Mandrogi “Village Day” walking tour with shashlik picnic lunch ashore
Be guided through the reconstructed 18th-century village of Mandrogi, home to talented artisans who bring Russia’s past vividly to life, and then enjoy a traditional shashlik picnic lunch.
DAY 10: ST. PETERSBURG
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
St. Petersburg city tour with canal cruise and Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood visit, and Alexandrinsky Theatre ballet performance
See imperial St. Petersburg via a panoramic tour and from the water. Stop to visit the iconic Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. In the evening, be treated to a ballet performed at Alexandrinsky Theatre. Note: If the theatre is closed to the public for a private function, the performance will be held at an alternative venue. Note: Throughout your visit to St. Petersburg, the order of sightseeing is subject to change, depending on closures for holidays or unannounced government functions.
DAY 11: ST. PETERSBURG
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Catherine Palace and Park in Pushkin
Tour the splendid Catherine Palace and Park, a rococo masterpiece offering unrivaled luxury.
DAY 12: ST. PETERSBURG
FEATURED EXCURSIONS:
Hermitage Museum
Visit the world-famous Hermitage Museum in the Winter Palace, and prepare to be amazed. Spend your last evening onboard at the Captain’s Farewell Reception and Gala Dinner.
DAY 13: DEPART ST. PETERSBURG
Disembark the ship and transfer to St. Peterburg Pulkovo airport for your flight home.