Moscow

Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (D)

Moscow

Moscow

Today you have a full day to further explore Moscow’s many buildings, parks and monuments. Or you may choose from several optional experiences—a full-day excursion to Sergiev Posad, a Golden Ring city named for the greatly venerated St. Sergius of Radonezh, to see one of the four most important Russian Orthodox monasteries in Russia; a morning tour of Novodevichy Convent, Moscow’s best-known cloister and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; an afternoon tour to Tretyakov Gallery, the world’s foremost museum of Russian fine art. Lunch is served aboard, or included in your full-day excursion. Dine aboard, then relax—or take an optional Moscow by Night tour. (B, L, D)

Moscow & Moscow Canal

After breakfast, travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. See its many tall towers and elegant palaces, and tour inside one of the brightly colored cathedrals. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moscow Canal after lunch as we depart the city. (B, L, D)

Uglich

Yaroslavl

Arrive this morning in Yaroslavl, another Golden Ring city. Ride along the river banks where you will see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring wonderfully detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a traditional choir performance. Take free time to shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning to your ship for lunch and departure. (B, L, D)

Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery

Dock this morning at Kuzino, a typical Russian village. From here, you visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. Your guided walk takes you through the historic grounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Return to your ship for lunch and an afternoon departure. Spend the remainder of the day cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. (B, L, D)

Kizhi

As you cruise through the morning, admire the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second-largest lake. Arrive late afternoon at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you see a collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church. This fairy-tale structure was built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart in the evening and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Scenic Waterways & Mandrogy

Spend a relaxing day cruising across Russia’s intricate waterways. Sail along the scenic Svir River, sailing the 139-mile “Blue Route” as it takes you southwest from Lake Onega. Stop in Mandrogy and take time to explore this model Russian community. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. Continue along the Svir, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake, on your way to the Neva River. All meals served aboard. (B, L, D)

St. Petersburg

Sail on the Neva River into St. Petersburg early this morning and embark on a city tour after breakfast; see noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. After a picnic lunch, visit the Winter Palace to tour the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. Dine aboard, then relax or attend an optional evening folkloric performance. (B, L, D)

St. Petersburg

Today’s tour goes to Pushkin. Visit Catherine’s Palace, the elegant rococo summer residence of the Russian Czars, named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate décor throughout. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg, “The City of 300 Bridges.” This evening, attend a ballet performance, followed by a late supper aboard. (B, L, D)

St. Petersburg

You have the day free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums. Or, you can take an optional tour or two—a morning tour of Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors, and an afternoon tour of Yusupov Palace (where Grigori Rasputin met his dramatic end) and a relaxing canal cruise. Lunch and dinner are served aboard. (B, L, D)

St. Petersburg

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey into another country with 3 nights in Helsinki, Finland, the “White City of the North.” (B)