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May 11, 2008
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Litvinov

1-888-942-3301

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Follow the footsteps of Peter the Great
Peter the Great sailed from Moscow along the Volga River to St. Petersburg approximately 300 years ago on a quest to take Russia from the “Dark Ages” into the “Enlightened Age.” Today, you have a chance to follow his legendary path celebrating the rich history and traditions of Russia, yet witnessing the flourishing entrepreneurial spirit of a new market-driven economy. Your journey starts in Moscow, Russia’s heart, where you’ll stand in awe at the world-famous sights: Red Square; the Kremlin, a self-contained city with a host of churches, museums, and government offices; the chic GUM Department Store; the beautiful Novodevichy Convent, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Moscow Metro covered with mosaics, stained glass, and bronze sculptures; and so much more. And this is just Moscow.

Discover the mystery of the Russian soul
Cruise along one of the oldest Russian routes, the Golden Ring, which goes to the northeast of Moscow and forms a circle. Visit some of Russia’s most beautiful cities along the Golden Ring—Uglich and Yaroslavl, known for their grand Russian architecture, old churches made of white stone, and gorgeous monasteries. Uncover tiny Kizhi Island, famous for its elaborate wooden structures built entirely without nails, and experience daily life in a Russian country village when in Kirillov. Your journey ends in St. Petersburg, the grand city Peter the Great conceived to be his “Window on the West.” Built on 44 islands and canals on the Neva River, and located only 500 miles south of the Arctic Circle, it’s known for its White Lights, a distinct light, especially at night, when the sun never truly sets. Of course, it is famous for so much more: breathtaking Catherine’s Palace; art-laden museums such as the world-renowned Hermitage; the opulent Peterhof, Peter the Great’s Summer Palace; and of course world-class ballet performances. Travel the grand Waterways of the Czars, and immerse yourself in the cultural and natural treasures of this vast and magnificent nation.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Those with a curiosity about “the sleeping giant” so long closed off to Western tourists. Lovers of fine art and exquisite architecture, and students of history.

Note: Cruising in Russia is a wonderful experience and while the MS Litvinov is a friendly, Russian-style ship that offers comfortable amenities, it doesn’t have the same amenities as a Uniworld company-owned ship.

ITINERARY - Moscow to St. Petersburg:

DAY 1: Depart Home Gateway City to Moscow

DAY 2: Moscow (embark)
Arrive at Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport, and be greeted by a representative who takes you to the ship. (D)

DAY 3: Moscow
Featured Excursion: Moscow city tour with Red Square, ride on Moscow Metro and shopping time on Arbat Street. Today, you’ll see many historical and famous landmarks, including the world-renowned Red Square and the spectacular St. Basil’s Cathedral. After lunch at a local restaurant, you will take a ride on the unique Moscow Metro, known for its opulent art. You’ll then visit Arbat Street. (B, L, Captain’s Welcome Dinner)

DAY 4: Moscow
Featured Excursion: Kremlin and Armory Museum. Irresistible Optional Tour: Moscow by night with boat ride*. A highlight of your stay in Moscow is a visit to the 15th-century Kremlin, a self-contained city with palaces, armories, cathedral and a medieval fortress. We’ll explore the priceless collection of imperial treasures of the Kremlin’s Armory Museum, now home to over fifty world-famous Faberge Eggs. (B, L, D) *During summer months when it gets dark very late, optional “Moscow by Night” may be substituted with a different tour.

DAY 5: Moscow
Irresistible Optional Tour: Take a tour to Zagorsk with its 17th-century monastery or visit Tretyakov Gallery. Enjoy an entire day at leisure. We’ll have a shuttle running between the ship and the city center. (B, L, D)

DAY 6: Cruising the Moscow Canal and Volga River, Uglich
Featured Excursion: Uglich and Church Prince-Dimitry-on-the-Blood. Cruise through the 80-mile long Moscow Canal and get a glimpse of the Russian countryside. As you approach this delightful Golden Ring City, be prepared for the magnificent architectural monuments. Your tour takes you to the blue-domed Church Prince-Dimitry-on-the-Blood and the 18th-century Transfiguration Church. (B, L, D)

DAY 7: Yaroslavl, Cruising Lake Rybinsk
Featured Excursion: Yaroslavl, heart of the Golden Ring. Yaroslavl is one of Russia’s most beautiful cities and is home to the exquisite Church of Elijah the Prophet. Visit the church and the ancient 12th-century Transfiguration Monastery grounds. (B, L, D)

DAY 8: Goritsy (Kirillov)
Featured Excursion: Daily life in Russia up-close. Meet the locals in Kirillov and experience daily life in this part of the world. Enjoy local specialities like cranberry liquor and handmade breads. (B, L, D)

DAY 9: Cruising Lake Onega, Kizhi Island
Featured Excursion: Kizhi Open Air Museum.
You’ll visit Kizhi Island’s famous Open Air Museum with fascinating edifices of northern wooden architecture, including the spectacular Church of Transfiguration constructed entirely out of wood without a single nail. Its 22 shimmering domes in three tiers are the ultimate in Russian fairy tale architecture. (B, L, D)

DAY 10: Cruising the Svir River, Mandrogi
Featured Excursion: Shashlik picnic ashore. Mandrogi, a reconstructed village founded in the 18th-century, illustrates the traditions, architecture and lifestyle of Russia’s past. Inside the wooden houses are many craftsmen working to make matrioshkas, lace and ceramics. A highlight of your visit to Mandrogi is a traditional Shashlik picnic ashore. (B, L, D)

DAY 11: St. Petersburg
Featured Excursion: St. Petersburg city tour. Irresistible Optional Tour: & Paul Fortress, and/or Hermitage Ballet performance. Your panoramic tour of this fabled city of canals and Northern Lights will take you to Palace Square, the historic heart of St. Petersburg, and along Nevsky Prospect. You’ll see St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Admiralty Tower and other great buildings that stand as monuments to the extravagant lifestyle of the Czars. (B, L, D)

DAY 12: St. Petersburg
Featured Excursion: Hermitage Museum. Irresistible Optional Tour: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and then travel via hydrofoil to magnificent Peterhof Gardens. Your guided tour takes you through the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Founded by Catherine the Great, this is one of the premier museums in the world. (B, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)

DAY 13: St. Petersburg
Featured Excursion: Catherine’s Palace and Park in Pushkin. Irresistible Optional Tour: . Petersburg contrast tour with Yussupov Palace, or canal cruise. Visit lavish Catherine’s Palace and Park, a magnificent imperial palace and masterpiece of Russian baroque architecture, in nearby Pushkin. During your tour, you will also see the famous Amber Room. (B, L, D)

DAY 14: St. Petersburg (disembark), transfer to airport
Disembark the ship and transfer to the airport in St. Petersburg for your flight home, or extend you stay and see the Baltic Capitals. Note: The order of sightseeing tours in Moscow and St. Petersburg might be different on some departures due to site closures on certain days.

EXTEND YOUR VACATION WITH THIS EXCITING POST-OPTIONAL EXTENSION

6-Night Baltic Capitals - Rich in history, graced with beautiful landscapes, and filled with warm, friendly people, a visit to Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia is perfect addition to your Russian holiday.

Day 1: St. Petersburg - Tallinn - Disembark in St. Petersburg and transfer to Tallinn. Dinner and overnight in Tallinn. (B,L,D)
Day 2: Tallinn - Take a tour of Tallinn's UNESCO Old Town, and then visit Ethnographical Park and the Museum "Rocca al Mare." (B,D)
Day 3: Tallinn - Riga - Enjoy the seaport town of Tallinn, the Sigulda castle ruins and Paernu. (B,L)
Day 4: Riga - Tour Riga and then visit the resort town of Jurmala. (B,L)
Day 5:  Riga - Vilnius - Scenic motorcoach ride to Vilnius with visit of Rundale Palace, lunch at a local restaurant and Kaunas sightseeing tour on route. (B,L,D)
Day 6: Vilnius - Morning Vilnius City tour, afternoon visit of Trakai Castle. (B,D)
Day 7: Vilnius - Transfer to Vilnius airport. (B)

The 6-Night Baltic Capitals includes:

• 2 nights each in Tallinn, Riga & Vilnius at First Class, centrally-located hotels

• Breakfast daily, 4 lunches and 4 dinners

• Sightseeing with many special excursions

• English-speaking local guides and all entrance fees

• Touring by private, deluxe, air-conditioned motorcoach

• Cruise Tour Manager throughout your trip

• All transfers

Hotel:

• Vilnius: First Class Reval Lietuva Hotel or similar

• Riga: First Class Hotel Reval Latvija Riga or similar

• Tallinn: First Class Reval Park Hotel or similar

Only $1,499 per person (single supplement $299)
Note: This extension is available on Grand River Cruises that end in St. Petersburg.