Volga River Cruise and Two Capitals

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Volga River Cruise and Two Capitals

Day 1: Arrival to Moscow

Welcome to Moscow! Upon your arrival a private transfer to a five-star hotel in the historic city centre near the Bolshoi Theatre and Moscow Kremlin. Enjoy a warm-up meeting with your guide and fellow guests.

Day 2: Moscow

Gold Program: Get a picture-perfect introduction to Moscow with an orientation tour of the city.

Afterwards, we are heading to the famous Novodevichi Convent – one of the most beautiful Moscow’s attractions, which was proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The convent provides an example of the highest accomplishments of Russian architecture with rich interiors and an important collection of paintings and artefacts.

The evening is free to enjoy at your leisure or seek out a cultural performance at one of the city’s renowned venues.

Platinum/Imperial Program: Begin the day with an orientation tour of Moscow. The city boasts unique diversity and variety in terms of building styles: classic, modern, empire and eclecticism amazingly sit alongside more monumental designs, such as Stalin’s towering skyscrapers from the mid-20th century. The architecture of the capital, though seemingly contradictory and contrasting, makes for a dazzling combination in a quite unique city.

Lunch is served in a restaurant on the top floor of one of Moscow’s skyscrapers offering spectacular city views. After lunch, visit the famous Novodevichi Cemetery, where well-known Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets, are buried along with famous actors, political leaders, and scientists.

Day 3: Moscow

Gold Program: Today we start with a walking tour of the city centre. Stroll along the Red Square, where many great events in Russian history have taken place, see the sublimely beautiful Saint Basils Cathedral and GUM Department Store.

Next, we observe Kremlins Armoury Chamber to explore its collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged armour and weapons, royal carriages and sleighs. Continue to the beautifully frescoed 15thcentury Assumption and Archangel cathedrals.

The rest of the day is left open for independent exploration: for example, you may walk to the new park Zaryadye located near the Kremlin and Red Square or choose any one of several optional tours.

Platinum/Imperial Program: The morning consists of a stroll through the famous Moscow Kremlin with its beautiful cathedrals and unique museums. The Armory hosts an impressive collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged armor and ancient weapons, royal carriages and sleighs.

After lunch, cross Red Square to visit GUM, Moscow’s largest department store. Then proceed with a leisurely walk through the newly designed park Zaryadye, a stone’s throw from the Kremlin and Red Square.

Day 4: Moscow

Gold Program: This morning is free for you to enjoy an independent walk in the nearby area. You may want to check some famous historical streets such as Tverskaya and Arbat which overflowing with history and atmosphere. Catch street performers as they charm passers-by and watch Moscow’s local artists at work.

At noon, after check-out from your hotel, we are heading to the Tretyakov Gallery - the first museum dedicated exclusively to Russian fine art. The gallery hosts a collection of over 130,000 masterpieces from early religious paintings to works by Russia’s most influential modern artists.

In the evening we transfer to the awaiting luxurious MS Volga Dream to begin sailing along the Russian waterways. Gather for the Captain's welcome reception and dinner as we begin our cruise.

Platinum/Imperial Program: The first stop after checking-out of your hotel is a small and cozy former home-estate once owned by one of Russia’s literary greats, Leo Tolstoy. He lived with his wife and thirteen children in this two-storey wooden Moscow house from 1882 to 1901; it is now a carefully preserved memorial.The sightseeing continues after lunch at the State Tretyakov Gallery with its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from Rublev's 12th century icons to 19th century masterpieces. Explore Moscow’s Metro, famed for its architectural splendour.

Meanwhile, the luxurious MS Volga Dream awaits and your voyage along Russia’s extensive waterways is about to begin. The Captain's welcome reception and dinner mark the start of our unforgettable cruise.

Day 5: Uglich

After a full day of cruising through the beautiful forested countryside, dock in the ancient trading town of Uglich, one of the spokes of Russia’s renowned Golden Ring, is known for its magnificent cathedrals.

Explore the impressive Church of St. Dmitri-on-the blood, erected on the site where Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered in 1591, and attend an enchanting concert of choral music at St. John’s Church. After the tour, you return to your ship and watch the documentary film "Construction of the Moscow Canal"

Day 6: Yaroslavl

Today you’ll visit one of the oldest cities in Russia and the Volga’s first port - Yaroslavl. On a guided tour you’ll visit the Spassky Monastery with the icon Transfiguration of the Savior. Admire the unique mosaics at the Church of Elijah the Prophet and take part in a costumed reception at the governor’s house. Afterwards, we return to the cruise ship for lunch.

In the evening you can join a costumed Russian tea ceremony and Russian cooking class.

Day 7: Goritsy

Gold Program: Today we arrive in the tiny settlement of Goritsy, located in the Vologda region. You will feel like you are in medieval times when strolling in this exciting and picturesque town. Here we will visit the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded in 1397, and now home to one of the finest collections of Russian icons in the world. After a guided tour, continue cruising toward majestic Lake Onega. In the evening, enjoy Russian dinner with vodka tasting on board.

Platinum/Imperial Program: This morning takes us on an early crossing of Lake Beloye, or the White Lake, once known as the “tsar’s fishing grounds”, before arriving in the peaceful village of Goritsy where we tour the Ferapontov Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. He painted the temple ceiling about 10 years before Michelangelo even started on the Sistine Chapel! Return to the ship for a late lunch and afternoon cruising.

Day 8: Kizhi in Karelia

One of the most well-known Russian symbols, Kizhi Island on the waters of Lake Onega, which included in the UNESCO heritage list will amaze you! Explore a collection of ancient Russian wooden houses and windmills, and the famous Transfiguration church, built in 1714 without a single nail. It has withstood the Earth's elements for more than 150 years and yet this spectacular church remains the tallest wooden structure in the world.

Enjoy the Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov, upon returning to the cruise ship.

Day 9: Svirstroy

While cruising along the 139-mile-long Svir River, appreciate the quiet understated beauty of a region that has long inspired artists and poets. The ship passes quaint riverside hamlets before reaching Lake Ladoga. Step ashore for a brief visit to the vacation village of Svirstroy to experience daily life in a quaint wooden village on your own. The village, which was razed to the ground during the Second World War, stands a reproduction of a traditional Russian settlement.

Here, every effort is made to create a warm, homely atmosphere and welcome each guest with personalized attention. Barbeque on the Open Deck will be organised for you upon the returning from the walking tour.

Day 10: St.Petersburg

Gold Program: After cruising along remarkable villages and enjoying picturesque scenery, we finally arrive at St Petersburg – one of Europe’s beautiful cities, the cultural capital of Russia.

Enjoy a tour of the St. Petersburg city centre, including Peter and Paul Fortress, burial place of the Romanov monarchs, and Nevsky Prospect, with its endless fine shops, cafes and museums. 

Platinum/Imperial Program: The MS Volga Dream ties up in St. Petersburg on the Neva River where we disembark for a city tour, including Peter and Paul Fortress Tour, the Royal Romanov burial site and Nevsky Prospect with its rich selection of fine shops, cafes, and museums.

During lunch you will enjoy the Red Army Choir Performance. After meal we embark on a canal cruise sailing under the city’s many historic bridges and past its magnificent pastel. The day ends with a tour of Yusupov’s Palace – a former home to one of St. Petersburg’s
wealthiest aristocrats. The enigmatic story of Grigory Rasputin, the monk assassinated here by Prince Felix Yusupov, is told in this very basement.

Day 11: St.Petersburg

Gold Program: Begin today at the renowned Hermitage Museum, home to one of the most important collections of European art in the world.

Lunch is followed by a tour of the meticulously restored Peterhof, St. Petersburg’s most famous and spectacular Imperial estate, often cited as the Versailles of Russia. Visit the authentic Bath Cottage and stroll in the vast Lower Park with 176 fountains of various forms and styles and four cascades, majestic palaces and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes. The rest of the day is spent at your leisure or join one of our optional tours.

Platinum/Imperial Program: The morning takes you to one of the most famous museums in the world, the awe-inspiring Hermitage in the lavishly decorated Winter Palace. (To avoid crowds, we’ve arranged for you, to gain entrance before official opening hours.) After exploring the main galleries of the Hermitage, proceed to the Gold Room, usually closed to general public, with a collection of Scythian gold and elaborate imperial gifts.

Lunch is followed by a tour to the spectacular Imperial estate of Peterhof, often dubbed the Russian Versailles. The vast Lower Park, with its 176 fountains and four cascades, is a glorious place to walk, taking in majestic palaces and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes.

Day 12: St.Petersburg

Gold Program:  This morning, join one of the optional tours or explore St. Petersburg at your own pace.

In the afternoon, we travel to Pushkin town, where Catherine the Great’s Palace is located. It houses the extraordinary Amber Room, its six tons of solid amber deftly carved and framed in gold leaf. Once deemed the “eighth wonder of the world,” the room was stripped by the Nazis in 1941, but majestically reconstructed in honour of St. Petersburg’s 300th birthday.

Platinum/Imperial Program: Enjoy a full sightseeing day with a visit to the Fabergé Museum, founded by entrepreneur, Viktor Vekselberg. The museum was opened in December 2013 to display a glittering collection of Faberge eggs and objects d’art created by Peter Carl Fabergé and his staff. Vekselberg's collection is rated as one of the world's most valuable and includes items he bought from the Forbes family in 2004 for $100 million.

After lunch, we travel to the Tsar’s Village to visit the famous Catherine’s Palace and the exquisitely recreated Amber Room. A stroll through the formal gardens is highly recommended. We enter the Pushkin grounds through the Golden Gate and ascend the staircase to the Grand Hall. The Golden Enfilade offers a glorious view of the Amber Room.

Day 13: Departure from St Petersburg

This morning check out from your hotel and transfer to the airport for your flight.

Included