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May 08, 2008
June 28, 2008
July 19, 2008
August 30, 2008
September 8, 2008
September 17, 2008

m/v Mayakovskiy

1-888-942-3301

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Discover the impressive capitals of St. Petersburg and Moscow and the Russian landscape of traditional towns and villages during this fascinating cruise. Engaging lecturers present Russia's dramatic history in preparation for visits to historic towns of the "Golden Ring" and along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. Highlights in Moscow include Red Square with the spectacular St. Basil's Cathedral, the world-famous collection of Faberge at the Kremlin's Armory Museum and a magnificent collection of Russian art at the Tretyakov Art Gallery. In St. Petersburg, a visit to the world-famous Hermitage Museum complements an excursion to Tsarskoye Selo which features the incomparable Baroque grandeur of the Catherine Palace.

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Today you board your overnight flight en route to St. Petersburg, Russia.

Day 2: St. Petersburg, Russia - Ship Embarkation
This morning you arrive in St. Petersburg, Peter the Great’s magnificent creation and one of the loveliest of European cities. Transfer to either the m/v Mayakovskiy or the m/v Glushkov, your home for the next nine nights. This evening, spend time getting acquainted with your fellow passengers and the ship. Today dinner is included.

Day 3: St. Petersburg
Your morning tour of this fabled city of canals will take you to Palace Square, the historic heart of St. Petersburg, and along Nevsky Prospect, the city’s main boulevard lined with shops and restaurants. You’ll see the monumental St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Admiralty Tower and other great buildings that stand as monuments to the extravagant splendors of Imperial Russia. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour through the world-famous Hermitage Museum, the crown jewel of St. Petersburg, located in the Winter Palace, former home of Catherine II. No museum rivals the Hermitage in size, grandeur and holdings, including masterpieces by Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Rubens and Picasso. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 4: St. Petersburg - Cruising
Today, take an excursion to Tsarskoye Selo (formerly known as Pushkin) and tour the magnificent Catherine Palace. Marvel at the blazing robin’s egg blue of the exterior and tour its distinctive rooms, including the Hall of Lights, with its intricately painted ceiling, and the recently restored Amber Room. After your visit, enjoy lunch at a nearby folk restaurant featuring delicious local cuisine. The remainder of the afternoon is free for individual pursuits. There will be an optional excursion to Peterhof, the opulent palace and gardens built by Peter the Great. Early evening, set sail through the countryside of Russia and enjoy nightly entertainment on board, along with unique samplings of local cuisine such as Blini and Caviar. Tonight, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception, followed by the Captain's welcome dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 5: Svir River - Green Stop on Mandroghi or Svirstroy
Today, cruise through the 119-mile Svir River which connects Lake Ladoga with Lake Onega. Pause for a few hours in a quaint riverside settlement where you may explore various buildings which represent country life in Russia. As you continue on your journey, you will enjoy a traditional Shashlik barbecue, a traditional meal in Russia. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 6: Lake Onega - Kizhi Island
Enjoy cruising through picturesque Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe and one of the world’s purest. This morning arrive at Kizhi Island, located at the northern end of Lake Onega. Kizhi is renowned for its open-air museum, fascinating buildings of northern wood architecture including the remarkable Church of the Transfiguration. This spectacular church has 22 domes in three tiers and is the ultimate in Russian fairytale architecture. During your cruise you will enjoy an authentic Piroshki tea party and learn about local tea traditions. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 7: Goritsy
Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you sail south to Goritsy, a peaceful farming community, for a walking tour and visit to the well-preserved, fortress-like Kirill Belosersk Monastery. Next, visit the House of Culture and experience the traditions of Russian hospitality. You will also view arts and crafts created by children. Later, sail in the vast White Lake, once known as the Tzar’s fishing grounds. As you continue cruising, enjoy one of the many daily on-board discussions. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 8: Uglich
As you approach the picturesque Golden Ring city of Uglich, be on deck for a lovely view and panorama of the magnificent architectural monuments. Your walking tour includes the historic Transfiguration Cathedral, where a local choir brings the church's acoustics to life during a brief demonstration. Also see the blue domed Church of Prince Dimitry on the Blood. Visit a local handicraft market where you will see the talent of the locals and learn about the Chaika watches. Continue along the mighty Volga River through unspoiled forests and rural villages. This evening, enjoy a festive Captain's dinner. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 9: Moscow, Russia
Today you arrive in Moscow, the grand capital of Russia and its most dynamic city. Moscow is one of the largest cities in the world and home to more than nine million people. Enjoy a highlights tour of many of the historic and famous landmarks viewing Red Square, Sparrow Hill and St. Basil’s Cathedral. Travel on Tverskaya Street, the grand boulevard of central Moscow, lined with shops and restaurants. This afternoon, enjoy an exciting lunch at the KGB Restaurant and learn about this mysterious organization. The balance of your day is at leisure…you may choose an optional tour to the Tretyakov Art Gallery, which features a magnificent collection of Russian icons, as well as the largest collection of Russian art in the world. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 10: Moscow
This morning, take the Moscow Metro, also known as the "Underground Palace", to visit the 15th century Kremlin. Each Metro station was designed by a Russian architect, sculptor or artist. Arrive at the incredible Kremlin and view the priceless collection of Imperial treasures in the Armory Museum. This museum, filled with crown jewels, bejeweled royal scepters, icons, ancient weapons and armor, is sure to be a highlight of your trip. Today breakfast, lunch and dinner are included.

Day 11: Moscow - Disembark Ship - Tour Concludes
Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.
Today breakfast is included.

• Port taxes of $98 USD per person are included in the land only tour cost.

• Single accommodations are limited to two cabins and are available on request only. Triple accommodations are not available.

• All cabins on board the ship are outside cabins.

• There are many trip highlights offered onboard throughout the cruise; however, these are scheduled at the sole discretion of the cruise line and may not take place on the exact day they are featured in the itinerary.

• The September 8 departure will operate in reverse, beginning in Moscow and ending in St. Petersburg.

• If you have not purchased air through the tour operator and wish to purchase transfers, you must transfer at our pre-scheduled times.

• It is the passenger's responsibility to obtain any required visa and/or documents prior to departure. Please allow approximately 4-6 weeks for processing your Russian Visa. All clients should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for additional entry requirements. All document fees are at the expense of the traveler. The approximate visa cost is $180 USD.