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Russian River Cruise
Experience the splendor of the czars, vibrant Slavic culture and the expansive beauty of rural Russia on this 11-day cruise from Peter the Great's glittering city, St. Petersburg to Russia's capital, Moscow. Follow an expert guide to discover the incredible treasures of the immense Hermitage. Enjoy a shashlik barbecue in a riverside village. See the architectural treasures of the "Golden Ring." See Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral's kaleidoscopic towers. Step inside the Kremlin and discover its imperial treasures.Tour Highlights
St. Petersburg, Hermitage Museum, Catherine Palace, Kizhi Island, Volga River, St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow, Red Square, Kremlin
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| Call (630) 879-2930 for more information or to book today! Mention code 6832853 | | Collette Vacations | | | Day | Destination | Description | | Day 1 | Overnight Flight | Overnight Flight: Today you board your overnight flight en route to St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | Day 2 | St. Petersburg | St. Petersburg, Russia - Ship Embarkation: This morning you arrive in St. Petersburg, Peter the Great's magnificent creation and one of the loveliest of European cities. Transfer to either the m/v Mayakovskiy or the m/v Glushkov, your home for the next nine nights. This evening, spend time getting acquainted with your fellow passengers and the ship.
| | Day 3 | St. Petersburg | St. Petersburg: Your morning tour of this fabled city of canals will take you to Palace Square, the historic heart of St. Petersburg, and along Nevsky Prospect, the city's main boulevard lined with shops and restaurants. You'll see the monumental St. Isaac's Cathedral, Admiralty Tower and other great buildings that stand as monuments to the extravagant splendors of Imperial Russia. This afternoon enjoy a guided tour through the world-famous Hermitage Museum, the crown jewel of St. Petersburg, located in the Winter Palace, former home of Catherine II. No museum rivals the Hermitage in size, grandeur and holdings, including masterpieces by Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Rubens and Picasso.
| | Day 4 | St. Petersburg | St. Petersburg - Cruising: Today, take an excursion to Tsarskoye Selo (formerly known as Pushkin) and tour the magnificent Catherine Palace. Marvel at the blazing robin's egg blue of the exterior and tour its distinctive rooms, including the Hall of Lights, with its intricately painted ceiling, and the recently restored Amber Room. After your visit, enjoy lunch at a nearby folk restaurant featuring delicious local cuisine. The remainder of the afternoon is free for individual pursuits. There will be an optional excursion to Peterhof, the opulent palace and gardens built by Peter the Great. Early evening, set sail through the countryside of Russia and enjoy nightly entertainment on board, along with unique samplings of local cuisine such as Blini and Caviar. Tonight, enjoy a welcome cocktail reception, followed by the Captain's welcome dinner.
| | Day 5 | Svir River | Svir River - Green Stop on Mandroghi or Svirstroy: Today, cruise through the 119-mile Svir River which connects Lake Ladoga with Lake Onega. Pause for a few hours in a quaint riverside settlement where you may explore various buildings which represent country life in Russia. As you continue on your journey, you will enjoy a traditional Shashlik barbecue, a traditional meal in Russia.
| | Day 6 | Kizhi Island | Lake Onega - Kizhi Island: Enjoy cruising through picturesque Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe and one of the world's purest. This morning arrive at Kizhi Island, located at the northern end of Lake Onega. Kizhi is renowned for its open-air museum, fascinating buildings of northern wood architecture including the remarkable Church of the Transfiguration. This spectacular church has 22 domes in three tiers and is the ultimate in Russian fairytale architecture. During your cruise you will enjoy an authentic Piroshki tea party and learn about local tea traditions.
| | Day 7 | Goritsy | Goritsy: Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you sail south to Goritsy, a peaceful farming community, for a walking tour and visit to the well-preserved, fortress-like Kirill Belosersk Monastery. Next, visit the House of Culture and experience the traditions of Russian hospitality. You will also view arts and crafts created by children. Later, sail in the vast White Lake, once known as the Tzar's fishing grounds. As you continue cruising, enjoy one of the many daily on-board discussions.
| | Day 8 | Uglich | Uglich: As you approach the picturesque Golden Ring city of Uglich, be on deck for a lovely view and panorama of the magnificent architectural monuments. Your walking tour includes the historic Transfiguration Cathedral, where a local choir brings the church's acoustics to life during a brief demonstration. Also see the blue domed Church of Prince Dimitry on the Blood. Visit a local handicraft market where you will see the talent of the locals and learn about the Chaika watches. Continue along the mighty Volga River through unspoiled forests and rural villages. This evening, enjoy a festive Captain's dinner.
| | Day 9 | Moscow | Moscow, Russia: Today you arrive in Moscow, the grand capital of Russia and its most dynamic city. Moscow is one of the largest cities in the world and home to more than nine million people. Enjoy a highlights tour of many of the historic and famous landmarks viewing Red Square, Sparrow Hill and St. Basil's Cathedral. Travel on Tverskaya Street, the grand boulevard of central Moscow, lined with shops and restaurants. This afternoon, enjoy an exciting lunch at the KGB Restaurant and learn about this mysterious organization. The balance of your day is at leisure-you may choose an optional tour to the Tretyakov Art Gallery, which features a magnificent collection of Russian icons, as well as the largest collection of Russian art in the world.
| | Day 10 | Moscow | Moscow: This morning, take the Moscow Metro, also known as the "Underground Palace", to visit the 15th century Kremlin. Each Metro station was designed by a Russian architect, sculptor or artist. Arrive at the incredible Kremlin and view the priceless collection of Imperial treasures in the Armory Museum. This museum, filled with crown jewels, bejeweled royal scepters, icons, ancient weapons and armor, is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
| | Day 11 | Moscow | Moscow - Disembark Ship - Tour Concludes: Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation.
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| | | m/v Mayakovskiy or m/v Glushkov, Moscow |
| | * NOTE: Tour prices are lead-in land only rates based on double occupancy. Please call your agent for triple or child occupancy rates. Taxes and fees are additional for tours that feature a cruise; port taxes are not included in the prices shown. Some dates may feature various changes in hotels, sightseeing and inclusions. Please confirm your specific itinerary at the time of booking.
Airfare is additional and is available through Collette Vacations. |
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