Special Offer: Waterways of the Tsars

Upon arrival in Moscow, you will be greeted outside baggage claim and transferred to the deluxe Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel located in the historic city center, close to the Kremlin and Bolshoi Theatre.

This evening, your guide will be available for introduction and any questions you may have between 6:00-9:00p.m. The desk will be located near the hotel reception.

This morning, please met you guide in the hotel lobby at 9:00am. You will begin the day with an orientation tour of Moscow.

Your guide will show you Red Square. Be sure not to miss the newly rebuilt church and Imperial Gates at the south end of Red Square- they were both destroyed under Stalin and only recently have been rebuilt in their original splendor. Your guide will also show you the stunning St. Basil’s Cathedral. This magnificent church-museum was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible and was completed in 1561. Rumor has it that Ivan had the architect blinded so he would never be able to design anything as exquisite again!

Next your guide will take you into the enormous and only recently completely Christ the Holy Redeemer Cathedral. This church was demolished under Stalin’s reign and completely rebuilt by Mayor Luzhkov of Moscow in 2001- at the budget of over 350 million dollars! It is a beautiful cathedral and it now stands as it did at the turn of the 20th Century.

Today you will also have the opportunity to experience the fascinating interiors of the Moscow Metro stations, ornately decorated with beautiful paintings, carvings and chandeliers! The Moscow Metro was created as complex of monumental structures featuring designs of the very best Soviet architects.

The stations, most built between 1930 and 1960 are underground palaces, featuring exquisite frescoes, statues, mosaics and stained glass. Each station has its own special theme- our favorite is Teatralnaya. Today this massive public transportation system is one of the largest in the world, carrying over 9 million passengers per day (twice as many as London or Paris!).

After lunch, your guide will take you to to the vast Tretyakov Gallery, situated in the former home of Pavel Tretyakov. The gallery houses only Russian artists - from Andrei Rublev’s icons to famous 20th Century Russian painters. Here you can see a timeline progression of Russian icons starting from the 16th century through to the 20th century. Each century of icons is arranged in separate halls to convey a clear insight into the development of Russian Icon painting.

Meals: B, L

This morning, your guide will meet you at 9:00am for a visit to the Kremlin. You will see the famed Armory Museum, including its vast collection of Imperial Russian artwork. You will have the opportunity to see the Kremlin’s unique and intimate collection of Imperial Faberge Easter Eggs. Also in the Armory are many of the most important Imperial thrones and crowns, including the most historic, Cap of Monomachus.

Included in your Kremlin visit today is entry into the Diamond Vaults. You will see Catherine the Great’s scepter with its famous Orlov Diamond and one of the largest collections of diamonds and gem stones in the world! You can then learn the detailed history behind these jewels and obtain an insight into Russia’s imperial history.

This afternoon, you will visit Cold War Nuclear Bunker. The Cold War Nuclear Bunker was built 200 feet below Moscow. Upon entering the bunker you may either walk 20 floors down for the tour or use the elevator. The nuclear bunker still bears its cold war period atmosphere: dark long corridors, metal stairs and large detachments for storing generators, provision, munitions. Built in the 1950s to withstand a potential nuclear attack, the bunker’s main function was to sustain communication for the government of the state in case of a nuclear attack.

Afterwards transfer to the awaiting MS Volga Dream to begin sailing along the Russian waterways.

Volga Dream Experience: Bread, Salt & Vodka Welcome aboard Ceremony

Meals: B, L, D

Afternoon arrival into Uglich, which dates back to the 10th century. A walking tour of this Golden Ring city includes the Chapel of Dimitry, a 17th-century treasure built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s 10-year old son met his death. Visit the Church of the Transfiguration, noted for its beautiful iconostasis, and attend an enchanting concert of choral music.

Volga Dream Experience: Documentary Film “Construction of the Moscow Canal”

Meals: B, L, D

This morning visit the oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl, a World Heritage site. In the Spassky Monastery see the Transfiguration of the Saviour, adorned with murals depicting St. John\'s apocalyptic visions, and the richly frescoed Church of St. Elijah the Prophet. Participate in a costumed reception at the governor’s house, and then re-board the Volga Dream in time for lunch.

Volga Dream Experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class

Meals: B, L, D

Early this morning, the Volga Dream will cross Lake Beloye, or the White Lake, formerly known as the “tsar’s fishing grounds”. Arrive in the peaceful village of Goritsy to tour the fortress-like Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery with magnificent frescoes by one of Russia\'s most renowned icon painters. Return to the ship for a late lunch.

Volga Dream Experience: Russian Dinner with Vodka Testing

Meals: B, L, D

This afternoon explore a tiny, picturesque island of Kizhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Lake Onega. The open-air Museum of Architecture includes the Church of the Transfiguration, a unique onion-domed masterpiece built without a single metal nail and resembling something out of a Russian fairy tale.

Volga Dream Experience: Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

Meals: B, L, D

Be on deck as the Volga Dream navigates the Svir River toward Lake Ladoga, Europe\'s largest freshwater lake, past a shoreline dotted with graceful willows, alder trees and stately pines. Step ashore for a brief visit to the vacation village of Mandrogi to experience daily life in a quaint wooden village.

Volga Dream Experience: Barbeque on the Open Deck

Meals: B, L, D

This morning you arrive into St. Petersburg, which Peter the Great transformed from marshland into a vibrant city of islands, canals, bridges and pastel- coloured palaces.

You will disembark the Volga Dream at 9:00am for a visit to the meticulously restored Peterhof, St. Petersburg’s most famous and spectacular Imperial estate, often cited as the Versailles of Russia. Visit the authentic Bath Cottage and stroll in the vast Lower Park with 176 fountains of various forms and styles and four cascades, majestic palaces and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes.

After returning to the city by hydrofoil, you will see the Peter Paul Fortress: the birthplace of St. Petersburg. After walking through the many gates and across the bridges and moats, you can begin to feel the late 18th century era that required such fortification. As Peter’s original outpost against the Swedes, St. Petersburg was born from this fortress and its historical significance is felt to this day by the presence of every Romanov tomb from Peter the Great.

This afternoon you will also see the stately St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Its malachite and lapis lazuli columns are not to be missed! St. Isaac’s was built between 1818 and 1858, by the French-born architect Auguste Montferrand, to be one of the most impressive landmarks of the Russian Imperial capital. During World War II, the golden dome was painted gray to avoid its being targeted by Nazi fire. For those with strong legs, you can climb to the top of the cathedral’s dome for the finest views over St. Petersburg’s historic neighborhood.

After the tour, check-in to the deluxe Grand Hotel Europe.

Meals: B, L

This morning, you will depart at 9:00am to drive to the Tsar’s Village for a specially arranged visit to Catherine’s Palace and its fabled Amber Room. This palace was originally designed in the 1750s in the Rococo style by the famous architect Rastrelli (who also designed many of St. Petersburg’s grandest buildings like the Winter Palace, parts of Peterhof, the Stroganoff Palace, and the Smolny Cathedral) for the Tsarina (Princess) Elizabeth, who named it after her mother Catherine I – Peter the Great’s second wife. Later, Catherine II (the Great) commissioned the Scottish architect Charles Cameron to re- design the palace’s interiors in the then-fashionable Neo-Classical style.

You will enjoy lunch today in the village of Pavlovsk at the restaurant, Podvorye. This charming restaurant is made of wood and features lively folk entertainment at lunch.

This afternoon, you will visit Pavlovsk Palace, built by Paul I and his wife Maria. This is the understated summer palace of the tsars. Started by Catherine the Great’s favorite architect, Cameron (a Scot), the palace was later finished by Paul’s and his wife Maria’s preferred architect, Andrei Voronykhin- a Russian serf who later became one of the greatest architects ever to work in Russia.

In the evening, board a small river boat for a sail around the numerous rivers and canals of St. Petersburg.

Meals: B, L

This morning, please meet your guide at 9:00am in the hotel lobby to enter the famed Hermitage Museum before hours to avoid heavy crowds. Four hundred rooms of the Hermitage – the former residence of the Russian Tsars – contain spectacular examples of nearly all schools of Western art, including one of the greatest collections of French impressionist works. Proceed to the closed-to- the-general-public Gold Rooms to see an amazing collection of Scythian gold and tsarist jewellery.

In the afternoon, tour the magnificent Yusupov Palace, once the residence of the wealthiest and most respected family in Imperial Russia, which saw one of the most dramatic episodes in Russia\'s history – the murder of Rasputin.

Meals: B, L

Your driver will meet you in your hotel lobby this morning for your transfer to the airport for your departing flight.

Meals: B

Upon arrival in St. Petersburg, you will be greeted outside baggage claim and transferred to the deluxe Grand Hotel Europe in the historic city center, located on the famous Nevsky Prospect.

This evening, your guide will be available for introduction and any questions you may have between 6:00-9:00p.m. The desk will be located near the hotel reception.

This morning, please meet your guide in the hotel lobby at 9:00am for a visit to the meticulously restored Peterhof, St. Petersburg’s most famous and spectacular Imperial estate, often cited as the Versailles of Russia. Visit the authentic Bath Cottage and stroll in the vast Lower Park with 176 fountains of various forms and styles and four cascades, majestic palaces and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes.

After returning to the city by hydrofoil, you will see the Peter Paul Fortress: the birthplace of St. Petersburg. After walking through the many gates and across the bridges and moats, you can begin to feel the late 18th century era that required such fortification. As Peter’s original outpost against the Swedes, St. Petersburg was born from this fortress and its historical significance is felt to this day by the presence of every Romanov tomb from Peter the Great.

This afternoon you will also see the stately St. Isaac’s Cathedral. Its malachite and lapis lazuli columns are not to be missed! St. Isaac’s was built between 1818 and 1858, by the French-born architect Auguste Montferrand, to be one of the most impressive landmarks of the Russian Imperial capital. During World War II, the golden dome was painted gray to avoid its being targeted by Nazi fire. For those with strong legs, you can climb to the top of the cathedral’s dome for the finest views over St. Petersburg’s historic neighborhood.

Meals: B, L

This morning, please meet your guide at 9:00am in the hotel lobby to enter the famed Hermitage Museum before hours to avoid heavy crowds. Four hundred rooms of the Hermitage – the former residence of the Russian Tsars – contain spectacular examples of nearly all schools of Western art, including one of the greatest collections of French impressionist works. Proceed to the closed-to- the-general-public Gold Rooms to see an amazing collection of Scythian gold and tsarist jewellery.

In the afternoon, tour the magnificent Yusupov Palace, once the residence of the wealthiest and most respected family in Imperial Russia, which saw one of the most dramatic episodes in Russia's history – the murder of Rasputin.

In the evening, board a small river boat for a sail around the numerous rivers and canals of St. Petersburg.

Meals: B, L

This morning, you will depart at 9:00am to drive to the Tsar’s Village for a specially arranged visit to Catherine’s Palace and its fabled Amber Room. This palace was originally designed in the 1750s in the Rococo style by the famous architect Rastrelli (who also designed many of St. Petersburg’s grandest buildings like the Winter Palace, parts of Peterhof, the Stroganoff Palace, and the Smolny Cathedral) for the Tsarina (Princess) Elizabeth, who named it after her mother Catherine I – Peter the Great’s second wife. Later, Catherine II (the Great) commissioned the Scottish architect Charles Cameron to re- design the palace’s interiors in the then-fashionable Neo-Classical style.

You will enjoy lunch today in the village of Pavlovsk at the restaurant, Podvorye. This charming restaurant is made of wood and features lively folk entertainment at lunch.

This afternoon, you will visit Pavlovsk Palace, built by Paul I and his wife Maria. This is the understated summer palace of the tsars. Started by Catherine the Great’s favorite architect, Cameron (a Scot), the palace was later finished by Paul’s and his wife Maria’s preferred architect, Andrei Voronykhin – a Russian serf who later became one of the greatest architects ever to work in Russia.

Afterwards transfer to the awaiting MS Volga Dream to begin sailing along the Russian waterways.

Volga Dream Experience: Bread, Salt & Vodka Welcome-aboard Ceremony

Meals: B, L, D

Be on deck as the Volga Dream navigates the Svir River toward Lake Ladoga, Europe\'s largest freshwater lake, past a shoreline dotted with graceful willows, alder trees and stately pines. Step ashore for a brief visit to the vacation village of Mandrogi to experience daily life in a quaint wooden village.

Volga Dream Experience: Barbeque on the Open Deck

Meals: B, L, D

This afternoon explore a tiny, picturesque island of Kizhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on Lake Onega. The open-air Museum of Architecture includes the Church of the Transfiguration, a unique onion-domed masterpiece built without a single metal nail and resembling something out of a Russian fairy tale.

Volga Dream Experience: Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov

Meals: B, L, D

Early this morning, the Volga Dream will cross Lake Beloye, or the White Lake, formerly known as the “tsar’s fishing grounds.” Arrive in the peaceful village of Goritsy to tour the fortress-like Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery with magnificent frescoes by one of Russia's most renowned icon painters. Return to the ship for a late lunch.

Volga Dream Experience: Russian Dinner with Vodka Testing

Meals: B, L, D

This morning visit the oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl, a World Heritage site. In the Spassky Monastery see the Transfiguration of the Saviour, adorned with murals depicting St. John's apocalyptic visions, and the richly frescoed Church of St. Elijah the Prophet. Participate in a costumed reception at the governor’s house, and then re-board the Volga Dream in time for lunch.

Volga Dream Experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class

Meals: B, L, D

Afternoon arrival into Uglich, which dates back to the 10th century. A walking tour of this Golden Ring city includes the Chapel of Dimitry, a 17th-century treasure built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s 10-year old son met his death. Visit the Church of the Transfiguration, noted for its beautiful iconostasis, and attend an enchanting concert of choral music.

Volga Dream Experience: Documentary Film “Construction of the Moscow Canal”

Meals: B, L, D

This morning, please met your guide in the lobby at 9:00am. You will disembark the Volga Dream and begin the day with an orientation tour of Moscow.

Your guide will show you Red Square. Be sure not to miss the newly rebuilt church and Imperial Gates at the south end of Red Square – they were both destroyed under Stalin and only recently have been rebuilt in their original splendor. Your guide will also show you the stunning St. Basil’s Cathedral. This magnificent church-museum was commissioned by Ivan the Terrible and was completed in 1561. Rumor has it that Ivan had the architect blinded so he would never be able to design anything as exquisite again!

Next your guide will take you into the enormous and only recently completely Christ the Holy Redeemer Cathedral. This church was demolished under Stalin’s reign and completely rebuilt by Mayor Luzhkov of Moscow in 2001- at the budget of over 350 million dollars! It is a beautiful cathedral and it now stands as it did at the turn of the 20th Century.

Today you will also have the opportunity to experience the fascinating interiors of the Moscow Metro stations, ornately decorated with beautiful paintings, carvings and chandeliers! The Moscow Metro was created as complex of monumental structures featuring designs of the very best Soviet architects. The stations, most built between 1930 and 1960 are underground palaces, featuring exquisite frescoes, statues, mosaics and stained glass. Each station has its own special theme – our favorite is Teatralnaya.

After lunch, your guide will take you to to the vast Tretyakov Gallery, situated in the former home of Pavel Tretyakov. The gallery houses only Russian artists - from Andrei Rublev’s icons to famous 20th Century Russian painters. Here you can see a timeline progression of Russian icons starting from the 16th century through to the 20th century. Each century of icons is arranged in separate halls to convey a clear insight into the development of Russian Icon painting.

Meals: B, L

This morning, your guide will meet you in your hotel lobby at 9:00am for a visit to the Kremlin. You will see the famed Armory Museum, including its vast collection of Imperial Russian artwork. You will have the opportunity to see the Kremlin’s unique and intimate collection of Imperial Faberge Easter Eggs. Also in the Armory are many of the most important Imperial thrones and crowns, including the most historic, Cap of Monomachus.

Included in your Kremlin visit today is entry into the Diamond Vaults. You will see Catherine the Great’s scepter with its famous Orlov Diamond and one of the largest collections of diamonds and gem stones in the world! You can then learn the detailed history behind these jewels and obtain an insight into Russia’s imperial history.

This afternoon, you will visit Cold War Nuclear Bunker. The Cold War Nuclear Bunker was built 200 feet below Moscow. Upon entering the bunker you may either walk 20 floors down for the tour or use the elevator. The nuclear bunker still bears its cold war period atmosphere: dark long corridors, metal stairs and large detachments for storing generators, provision, munitions. Built in the 1950s to withstand a potential nuclear attack, the bunker’s main function was to sustain communication for the government of the state in case of a nuclear attack.

Meals: B, L

Your driver will meet you in your hotel lobby this morning for your transfer to the airport for your departing flight.

Meals: B