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Pay in full at time of booking by October 31, 2010 to SAVE $1,000 per couple ($500 per person) off cruise rate on all staterooms and suites.

Overview

Follow the path of Peter the Great from Moscow to St. Petersburg and discover the heart of Russia

The Volga River, Europe’s largest and longest waterway, holds a special place in Russian history and in the hearts and minds of the Russian people. An important aquatic “highway” since Medieval times, the Volga has long served as a major route of trade, settlement and conquest. Peter the Great sailed along the Volga from Moscow to St. Petersburg approximately 300 years ago on a quest to bring Russia out of the Dark Ages. And centuries worth of Russian music and literature reflect the people’s deep feeling for the river.

Now it’s your turn to discover the rich history and traditions along the imperial waterways of Russia. Your journey starts in Moscow, where you’ll stand in awe of world-famous sights such as Red Square; the Kremlin; and the iconic, onion-domed St. Basil’s Cathedral. Cruise along the Golden Ring to some of Russia’s most beautiful cities – including Uglich and Yaroslavl, which are known for their white stone churches and gorgeous monasteries. Your journey ends in enchanting St. Petersburg, Peter the Great’s “Window on the West.” Elegant architectural styles of all epochs such as Catherine’s Palace and the Hermitage Museum will bring you up close to the rich traditions and royal history of Russia. Of course, no trip to Russia is complete without an enchanting evening at the Russian Ballet.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Travelers looking to experience a grand tour of Russia that includes some of the world’s finest art and distinctive architecture, as well as visits to tucked-away villages with Old World charm and warm, friendly people.

Itinerary

Day 1: Moscow

Arrive at the Moscow airport where you’ll be transferred to the ship. (D)

Day 2: Moscow

Featured Excursion: Moscow city tour

On your panoramic city tour features many world-famous historic landmarks such as Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, and impressive Tverskaya Street.  (BB, L, Captain’s Welcome Gala)

Day 3: Moscow

Featured Excursion: Kremlin and Armory Museum

Visit the Kremlin—a self-contained 15th-century city with palaces, armories, and a Medieval fortress. You’ll also explore the Kremlin’s Armory Museum. (BB, L, D)

Day 4: Moscow

Enjoy an entire day at leisure. Shuttle bus service will be provided between the ship and the city center. (BB, L, D)

Day 5: Cruising the Moscow

Canal & Volga River, Uglich Featured Excursion: Uglich, Church of St. Dimitri, and Transfiguration Church

Cruise the Moscow Canal before arriving in Uglich, a delightful Golden Ring city. Visit the Church of St. Dimitri and the 18th-century Transfiguration Church. (BB, L, D)

Day 6: Yaroslavl, cruising Lake Rybinsk

Featured Excursion: Yaroslavl, heart of the Golden Ring

Yaroslavl has always been considered one of Russia’s most beautiful cities. You’ll visit the town’s exquisite Church of Elijah the Prophet, an architectural masterpiece richly adorned with 17th-century frescoes. In the afternoon, cruise vast Lake Rybinsk. (BB, L, D)

Day 7: Goritsy

Featured Excursion: Daily life in Russia

Experience how locals live as you learn how traditions and handicraft techniques are preserved during a visit to the Children’s House of Arts and Crafts. (BB, L, D)

Day 8: Cruising Lake Onega, Kizhi Island

Featured Excursion: Kizhi Open Air Museum

Visit the famous Open Air Museum—a UNESCO World Heritage Site containing the spectacular Church of Transfiguration, which was constructed entirely out of wood without a single nail. (BB, L, D)

Day 9: Cruising the Svir River, Mandrogi

Featured Excursion: Shashlik picnic ashore

The reconstructed 18th-century village of Mandrogi brings Russia’s past vibrantly to life. Inside its wooden houses are craftsmen fashioning matryoshkas, the famous nesting dolls; lace; and ceramics. Enjoy a traditional shashlik picnic lunch. (BB, L, Captain’s Farewell Dinner)

Day 10: St. Petersburg

Featured Excursion: St. Petersburg city tour and evening ballet performance

While on your panoramic city tour of enchanting St. Petersburg, you’ll drive along Nevsky Prospekt and see Palace Square, the historic heart of the city; St. Isaac’s Cathedral; Admiralty Tower; and the other grand structures that stand as monuments to the extravagant lifestyles of the czars. During the evening, be treated to a spectacular Russian ballet. (BB, L, D)

Day 11: St. Petersburg

Featured Excursion: Hermitage Museum

Be amazed as you tour the world-famous Hermitage Museum, featuring nearly three million works of art by masters including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. (BB, L, D)

Day 12: St. Petersburg

Featured Excursion: Catherine Palace and Park in Pushkin

Visit lavish Catherine Palace and Park, a masterpiece of Russian Rococo architecture, in nearby Pushkin. Your tour takes you to the famous Amber Room, sometimes called the “Eighth Wonder of the World.” (BB, L, D)

Day 14: Depart St. Petersburg

Disembark the ship and transfer to St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport for your flight home, or extend your stay with a visit to the Baltic capitals. (CB or BB)

Note: Tour order in Moscow and St. Petersburg may vary due to the weather.

Pricing Details Per Person

*On these dates cruise operates from St. Petersburg to Moscow.

†Prices exclude additional port charges of $192 and are per person, cruise-only based on double occupancy. Other restrictions may apply

A limited number of singles are available for an additional supplement

To upgrade to a higher category, add per person the following prices below:

Presidential Suite $3,995

Junior Suite $2,995

Deluxe Suite $2,195

Category 1 $1,695

Category 2 $1,495

Category 3 $1,295

Category 4 $695

Category 5 $495

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