Ship Russ: Golden Ring Cruise, River Cruise 03 May 2011 - 10 May 2011

Route description:

Explore the Golden Ring, the motherland of ancient Russ. This cruise lets you explore Russian rivers and sacred destinations as they were centuries ago.

Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Nizhny Novogorod
Your driver will pick you up at the airport. At the exit he will be waiting for you with your name on a sign, and from there he will take you to the ship where dinner will be served. You may relax and overcome your jetlag in your cabin, the ship’s lounge, or the fully-stocked bar.
Day 2
Vladimir and Suzdal

After breakfast you will ride by bus to one of the most famous cities on the Golden Ring, Vladimir and Suzdal. 

Vladimir became one of the most prominent kingdoms in ancient Russ. It was an important ally of Moscow during its quest to overcome Tver for domination of Russian lands. Unique memorials of the 12th century remain in the town, such as the Cathedrals of Assumption and St. Demetrius. The Assumption Cathedral holds the world famous frescoes of Andrei Rublev. You will see the famous Golden Gates (1158-1164) located close to the town center and visit a museum of your choice: the Old Vladimir Museum or the Museum of Rock Crystal.

You will have a delicious traditional lunch in Suzdal before you tour its ivory Kremlin and visit the old marketplace, Krestovaya Palata. You will go inside the Museum of Wooden Architecture and then visit the Spaso-Efimievsky Monastery.

Day 3
Nizhniy Novgorod
Nizhny Novgorod, similar to Moscow and Tver, began as a haven for refugees from cities pillaged by the Mongols in the 13th century. Moscovy incorporated the city in 1392, shortly before the Tatars of Kazan burned it down. It took over one century to construct a daunting redbrick fortress here, a castle that would withstand two more Tatar attacks. Today Nizhny Novgorod serves as one of the main commercial centers in Russia.
Day 4
Plyos and Kostroma
Plyos is an example of classic Russian village architecture. You will find stunning landscapes, fairy tale buildings, and picturesque sites. Kostroma was the first stop of the Mongol-Tatars on their way to sacking Yaroslavl in 1238. Contemporary Kostroma is a quaint city with a strong historical atmosphere. There you will visit the Ipatiev Monastery, the Romanov's Palace, and the city's Trade Galleries.
Day 5
Yaroslavl / Rostov

By today's standards Yaroslavl is small, but its place in Russia's history and culture cannot be underestimated. Before it was annihilated by the Mongols it was Russia's economic, political, and cultural center. The Mongols were so obsessed with defeating Yaroslavl that they did not notice the gradual rise of Moscow. Absorb the remaining richness of this city and let its lingering power enthuse you.

After lunch you will take a bus to Rostov where you will visit the city's Kremlin before heading to Nero Lake and St. Jacob Monastery.

Day 6
Uglich
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.
Day 7
Moscow
Today is devoted entirely to the majesty of the Kremlin. This ancient citadel of the Russian tsars was originally an outpost to fend off the barbaric Mongol hordes. It remains a center of political power, holding a number of presidential ceremonies in its elegant palaces. Its rooms tell the stories of the Russian dynasties and rulers of the past 400 years, a well-preserved UNESCO treasure that will give you chills as you traverse the same halls that once held Ivan the Terrible, Napoleon, Lenin, and Stalin.
Day 8
End of the Cruise
Your voyage has come to an end. It is time to say farewell to this glorious section of the world and your new friends as you leave, taking with you unforgettable memories. Ask your travel specialist about available cruise extensions.

Price

Lower Deck Triple
$1,995
Main Deck Twin
$2,188
Upper Deck Twin
$2,403
Boat Deck Twin
$2,589
Suite
$2,936
Single cabin
On Request
Mentioned in:

"Travel All Russia" is the world leading agency for travel to Russia. Based in Washington DC, London, Moscow and St Petersburg, With services ranging from private tours to Russian river cruises, "Travel All Russia" organizes the most amazing travel itineraries to this enigmatic country always delivering unmatched value, signature service and uncompromising quality. Welcome to "Travel All Russia" - Where Journeys to Russia Begin. Continue »

2300 North Pershing Dr. Suite 202, Arlington VA, 22201 USA. US toll-free: 1-800-884-1721
Mayakovskogo st. 18, Suite 22, Saint Petersburg, Russia. Tel. Russia: 7-812-490-6729