Ship Russ: Moscow - St. Petersburg, River Cruise 09 May 2010 - 16 May 2010

Welcome to Russia! Your driver will be waiting for you at the airport arrivals gate with your name on a sign. After he takes you to the port to board your ship, you have the evening free to relax, enjoy dinner onboard, and meet your fellow travelers on this extraordinary adventure across Russia.

Today will take you to Moscow's Red Square. You have probably seen this square in movies or on the news, but you may be surprised to know that the word "red" has nothing to do with the color of the structure or communism. The word "red," in old Russian, actually means "beautiful." You will also see central Tverskaya Street, the Novodevichiy Convent (exterior only), the KGB headquarters (exterior only), and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, among other wonders located on the Red Square.  

Optional excursion: Tretyakov Gallery; Moscow by night

Learn more: Moscow, The Red Square, The Kremlin

Located on the banks of the Volga River, Uglich presented itself as a perfect fortress of defense for the ancient Moscovy Kingdom. In 1591 the 10-year-old prince Dmitry of the ancient Ruyrik dynasty was murdered here by Boris Godunov before Godunov claimed the throne of Russia and was murdered himself. These events plunged Russia into three decades of political turmoil known as the Time of Trouble, leaving the lands devastated and open for a new dynasty: the Romanovs. We will visit the small but historically significant church of St. Dmitry-on-Blood, which stands on the location of the young prince’s murder.

Tip: You can be a witness to these events by seeing the opera "Boris Godunov" in the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. This classic opera reveals the extraordinary events and perseverance of this distant but ever-present epoch in Russian history.

The town of Goritsy is home to the historic Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, built in 1397. During the Time of Trouble, Polish invaders stormed the monastery in attempt to purge Russia of its remaining nobles. Unsuccessful, they were forced out by the renewed Russian forces. You will visit the monastery of St. Cyril-on-the-White-Lake and a museum of icons.

Kizhi Island on Lake Onega is home to the massive Transfiguration Church. With 22 domes that extend over this small yet picturesque island, there are two interesting facts that surround it. Despite all of its architectural wonders, not a single nail was used to build it. Also, its original location was on the mainland, closer to the people. The Bolsheviks, for all their hatred of religion, wanted to destroy the church, but did not dare to do so. They decided to transport the church to a deserted island where no one would be able to see it. That's why today it can only be reached by river cruise. You will spend this entire day exploring Kizhi Island and its amazing ensemble of wooden churches.

Tip: bring a sweater or a light jacket. It gets a bit chilly in the evening, especially if you sail in May or September.

Mandrogi is a small village that has no architectural wonders, castles, or impressive churches. This land seems to be immune to the flow of time, frozen in a relaxing period of carelessness and calm. Surrounded by the serenity of Mandrogi, you will have a traditional Russian picnic called Shashlik. This succulent meal has Middle Eastern roots, but has been slightly modified - beef is replaced with pork that is marinated for one night.

Tip: bring a little bit of cash when you step ashore so you can buy a few hand-made souvenirs like authentic Russian matreshka dolls.

Welcome to St. Petersburg, Russia’s most beautiful city! St. Petersburg was the capital of Russia until the Revolution of 1917, but remains Russia's most dynamic and amazing city. With the canals of Venice, the palaces of Paris, and the churches of Rome, you will not be disappointed by its beauty and culture.

You will have a tour by bus to make the most of your visit to one of the top ten travel destinations in the world. It will take you on a panoramic tour of the city with stops at the Nevsky Prospect, the Peter and Paul Fortress, the Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood, and St. Isaac's Cathedral. The tour will last four hours, leaving the rest of the afternoon free for you to rest or explore the city on your own.

Peter and Paul Fortress was designed to defend the city from naval attacks, but was used as a political prison for dissidents of the tsarist regime and as a museum during the soviet era. The fortress now stands as the tomb for the Russian imperial family.

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood was built to commemorate one of Russia's greatest emperors. Alexander II is most famous for liberating the Russian serfs two years before the abolition of slavery in the U.S. After he was assassinated, the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood was erected in his honor.

St Isaac's Cathedral is one of the most impressive cathedrals in Europe. Because of its rich decorations, gigantic golden cupolas, and sprawling observation deck, it is one of the most popular tourist sites in St. Petersburg.

Optional for this evening: opera or ballet at Mariisnky, Mikhailovsky, or the Hermitage Theater. Learn more about St. Petersburg opera and ballet

Tip: St. Petersburg is a northern city. Travel to St. Petersburg in June and you will experience the midnight sun.

Learn more: St. Petersburg,  The Peter and Paul Fortress, The St. Isaac’s Cathedral, The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood.

Your driver will take you to the airport. You will be leaving Russia with a lifetime of memories from her two beautiful capitals, Moscow and St Petersburg. We hope you return to this enigmatic country soon!

Your airport transfer is arranged.

Tip: want to spend a few more days in Russia exploring Moscow or St. Petersburg at your own pace and with your own private guide? Check out our short private tours: Moscow tours, St. Petersburg tours.