Ship Nizhniy Novgorod: from St. Petersburg to Moscow River Cruise [07/24/2010-08/03/2010]
Route description:
Where better to begin your voyage than the World Heritage city of
St Petersburg? After taking in a taste of its beauty and culture
you will sail southwards into Lake Onega, then the mighty Volga and
on to Moscow the glittering city which is emerging as one of the
worlds most important capitals and a must-see destination. What's included:
- Russian visas*
- Two airport transfers (on arrival and departure)
- Port fees are also included
- Meals (B, L, D)*
- Professional English-speaking guides
- Sightseeing tours according to the itinerary with entrance fees
- Rich on-board entertainment program
- Daily aerobics, Russian language and history lessons
*Only US citizens and residents can have the full visa support, for other guests we will provide visa invitation
Itinerary| Day 1 |  | Arrival
Your personal driver will meet you at the airport (he will be
holding a sign with your name on it) and take you to your ship.
There is no evening program, as you will probably want to get some
rest. You will be served dinner in the ship's restaurant after
which you can relax in the bar or get some sleep. | | Day 2 | .jpg) | St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg is Russia's cultural and historical treasure, one of
the world's most beautiful cities, and one of its top ten tourist
destinations according to "The Forbes Traveler." It is known as the
Venice of North thanks to its numerous canals and hundreds of
bridges. It is sometimes called Russia's Versailles thanks to
dozens of opulent palaces and royal estates. It can be rightly
called a living museum - so many of its buildings are part of
Russia's history.
- You will have a bus city tour to St. Basil's Island, The
Building of Exchange, Rostum Columns, Nevskiy prospect, St. Isaac
Cathedral, and Church of Spilled Blood.
- Optional excursion to Peterhof
| | Day 3 | .jpg) | St. Petersburg
This day we are heading to the very heart of St. Petersburg and its
most important sight - the Winter Palace. On one side, the palace
is faced by the Palace Square with the Alexander Column in the
middle of it. The column was erected to celebrate the victory over
Napoleon (what is called in Russia, the First Patriotic War). To
its rear, the palace is washed by the Neva River in the middle of
which you will find the Peter and Paul Fortress.
The Winter Palace is home to the Hermitage Museum - the largest
collection of Russian art in the world. The Hermitage started as
the private art collection of Catherine the Great and over time
became the largest collection of Russian art in the world. These
art works are displayed in the Palace's numerous halls, many of
which are works of art in themselves.
- You will go inside of the Hermitage museum with English
speaking guide and explore Paul Fortress with the burial
place of the Russian Emperors located on the Neva River
| | Day 4 | .jpg) | Mandrogi
Mandrogi is the name of a small village that has no architectural
wonders, giant castles or churches. You will, however, discover the
unique style and architecture of the northern tribes that have
occupied these lands for centuries.
- Here among beautiful landscapes of this peaceful place we
will have a picnic ashore with a Russian famous shashlik (meat
kebab) made on the grill.
- You will have free time to stroll around the town and buy
some souvenirs.
| | Day 5 |  | Kizhi Island
Kizhi is the name of unique island located on the Lake Onega. In
the center of the island stands the amazing Transfiguration Church.
This wooden church and its 22 domes are built without a single
nail. In fact, originally, the Transfiguration Church was located
in another place. The Bolsheviks, who had little, if no, respect
for religion, had some respect for its architectural value, so they
decided to move this unique church as far from the major cities and
people as possible, to distant Kizhi Island.
- You will devote this day on the island to the open-air
museum of wooden architecture
| | Day 6 |  | Goritsy
Goritsy is famous for the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery (1397). This
monastery's strong walls and bastions were used by some nobles as a
safe house during the Times of Trouble. The Polish armies stormed
it, but never succeeded in capturing it. Unfortunately, the
monastery was not so successful in repelling the attacks of other
invaders four centuries later. The Bolsheviks closed the monastery
in early 20th century and sent its monks to the prison camps.
- You will visit monastery of St. Cyril on the White
Lake
| | Day 7 |  | Uglich
Uglich is a small town located on the Volga River. Uglich was the
best-defended fortress of Moscovy and it was burnt on number of
occasions by Lithuanians, Tatars, and even the grand prince of
Tver, the city which rivaled Moscow.
Uglich is most famous for the tragic events that took place in 1591
when the 10-year old prince Dimitry, the last heir to the throne of
the ancient Ruyrik dynasty, was killed here (as historians now
agree, by Boris Godunov, advisor to Dimitry, who wanted the throne
for himself). Dimitry's death plunged Russia into decades of
political turmoil known as Time of Trouble.
You will discover the town on a walking tour with visit to the
Kremlin and church of St. Dmitry on the blood | | Day 8 | .jpg) | Moscow
This day you will spend on board where we have prepared many
interesting programs for you. Later tonight we will arrive to
Moscow, the biggest city in Europe, and definitely one of the most
interesting places to visit.
On board program for today is:
- Film about Russia history
- Russian cuisine lesson
- Classical music concert
- Russian games
- Gala concert
| | Day 9 | .jpg) | Moscow
Moscow is Russia's largest city, its political and economic
capital. The town of Moscow was the center of Moscovy - a small
principality that unified the Russian lands against the Mongols in
the late 14th century and has ruled Russia ever since. As the
Mongols burnt major cities across Russia, refugees fled to smaller
principalities like Moscow, Tver and Nizhny Novgorod. Through
bribes, diplomacy and coercion, Moscow overcame its two rivals to
become "Russia's first city." Moscow's role was briefly challenged
when Tsar Peter the Great moved Russia's capital to his new city,
St Petersburg, on the shores of the Baltic Sea.
- This day is dedicated to exploring Red Square,
Leningradskaya and Tverskaya streets, Novodevichiy Convent
(exterior), KGB (exterior),GUM and Cathedral of Christ the
Savior.
- Optional excursion to Tretiakov Gallery
| | Day 10 |  | Moscow
This day is very special, as we will go inside the Kremlin - the
ancient castle built to withstand the Mongol hordes. Throughout
history, the Kremlin has been the center of political power in
Russia and it remains a symbolic political center even today, as
the official site of the inauguration ceremony of the Russian
president (they don't actually live or work here).
The Kremlin is a living museum of Russia's history. Its inside
wasn't built overnight, rather various rulers added new pieces over
time (and some, like Napoleon, plundered from it). This cultural
and historical treasure has been so well preserved that it seems
that you are traveling in time. You will see the most interesting
places in the Kremlin as you follow our professional guide in the
steps of some of the world's greatest leaders and its most terrible
dictators.
- Excursion of Kremlin and one cathedral
- Optional excursion: Moscow subway
| | Day 11 |  | Departure
Your incredible voyage in time is coming to an end. It is time to
say farewell to this unique and beautiful country. It is time to
say good-bye to your new friends. It is time to go home with a
stock of fantastic experiences and unforgettable memories.
Your driver will take you to the airport. |
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Toll-free1-800-884-1721
