Itinerary
DAY 1 ARRIVE IN MOSCOW, RUSSIA
Arrive in Moscow and embark the ship. Relax in your stateroom or explore the city before meeting your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception. (D)
DAY 2 MOSCOW
After breakfast, visit Russia's beautiful capital city, founded in 1147, which includes the Red Square, the GUM Department, New Maiden's Convent, St. Basil 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, you may choose to enjoy a night at the Moscow Circus as an optional. (B,L,D)
DAY 3 MOSCOW
Today, take a ride on the Moscow metro, and then take a motorcoach to visit the Tretyakov Art Museum. This afternoon, enjoy lunch on a day boat as you cruise the Moscow River. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to explore the city or take an optional to the Pushkin Museum. Tonight, enjoy the optional Moscow By Night with fellow passengers. (B,L,D)
DAY 4 MOSCOW
This morning, visit Russia's oldest museum, the Armory Museum, which houses the former royal collection of treasures, including jewels, crowns, armor, royal carriages, and the world famous Fabergé Eggs. Enjoy the remainder of the day to explore the city at your leisure. Perhaps, join an optional excursion to the New Maiden's Convent or a try a traditional bathhouse, which is a deeply entrenched Russian tradition for relaxation. (B,L,D)
DAY 5 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 Transfiguration Cathedral and the magnificent Church of Dimitry on the blood, dedicated to the tragic story of Ivan the Terrible's son. Uglich is also the site of an AMAWATERWAYS exclusive shore excursion. 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 6 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 7 GORITSY
Goritsy is a peaceful farming town and a typical Russian village. The tour includes the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake and the Museum of Icons. Return to the ship to sail for Kizhi. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 KIZHI
Kizhi is an island that is situated at 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 9 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 do souvenir shopping before reaching St. Petersburg. (B,L,D)
DAY 10 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, St. Isaacs Cathedral and the cruiser Aurora. After lunch, tour the Hermitage museum, the former Palace of the Czars, which houses the royal art collection with over three million 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. (B,L,D)
DAY 11 ST. PETERSBURG
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, you are our guest at a Ballet performance at the Hermitage Theatre, the former private theatre of the Czars. (B,L,D)
DAY 8 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, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure or you may choose to take an optional excursion to the Peter and Paul's Fortress and St. Isaac's Cathedral. (B,L,D)
Included Features
- 12-night Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom
- All Meals onboard; Early-riser Coffee, Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
- Unlimited Quality Red & White Wines from Europe's great Wine Regions with every Dinner onboard the Ship
- Bottled Water in every Cabin
- Cocktail Reception & Welcome Dinner
- Home Visit and Meal with Russian Family in Uglich
- All-inclusive Daily Sightseeing Programs as outlined in the Itinerary
- Ballet Performance at the Hermitage Theater, the Private Theater of the Czars
- Guest Lectures on Russian History, Culture, Art, Politics and Economy
- Onboard Music Performances and Russian Language Classes
- Physician onboard
- All English Language onboard in a non-smoking Environment (except Sun Deck)
- All Transfers with the Purchase of Cruise
- All local Taxes
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