Cruise on ms Amakatarina for 12 days between the vibrant cities of Moscow and St Petersburg along the Volga, Svir and Neva rivers, exploring the forested islands, vast lakes and quaint lifestyles of rural Russia.
Day 1. Arrive Moscow
On arrival today in Russia’s capital, Moscow, you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your river ship, the ms Amakatarina, moored on the Moscow Canal. After unpacking, the rest of the afternoon is yours at leisure to spend as you choose. Perhaps go for a stroll along the canal, enjoy a drink at the bar or simply relax in your stateroom or suite. This evening, get to know your fellow travellers at a Welcome Reception. Afterwards, enjoy the first of many delicious meals in your ship’s restaurant.
Day 2. Moscow Sightseeing
After breakfast, a tour of Moscow takes you to Red Square, where you’ll enjoy views of St Basil’s Cathedral. The tour also includes the famous GUM Department Store, Tverskaya Street, Sparrow Hill and Lubyanka Square (KGB building). This afternoon, enjoy lunch on a day boat as you cruise the Moscow River, before visiting the Tretyakov Gallery, the foremost depository of Russian fine art in the world. Following dinner on board this evening, perhaps enjoy an optional Moscow by Night tour (own expense).
Day 3. Moscow Sightseeing
Today you’ll tour within the walls of the Moscow Kremlin, an historic fortified complex at the heart of Moscow that was once the royal residence of the Czars and main centre of the Russian Orthodox faith. You’ll also visit Russia’s oldest museum, the Armoury Museum, and tour the Moscow Metro, where each station is like a museum of mosaics, marble statues and crystal chandeliers.
Day 4. Moscow Canal - Volga River - Uglich
Having cruised along the Moscow Canal onto the Volga River, you’ll dock in the town of Uglich today. Founded in 1148, like all of Russia’s Golden Ring cities, Uglich is a place rich in history. On a guided sightseeing tour, visit the Chambers of Prince Dmitry and the Church of St Demetrios on the Blood, with its tragic story of dedication to Ivan the Terrible’s son. You’ll also enjoy a visit to the home of a Russian family for a meal and a unique glimpse into the local way of life.
Day 5. Yaroslavl - Volga River
Today your river ship stops in another fascinating Golden Ring city, Yaroslavl, which stretches for miles along the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl rivers. Founded by Prince Yaroslav the Wise in 1010, this is one of Russia’s oldest cities, tracing its roots back to the Vikings. Here, a tour will illuminate the city’s history through its glorious architecture, including a fortified 12th century monastery and the former residence of the Governor of Yaroslavl.
Day 6. Goritsy - White Lake - Volga-Baltic Waterway
Today, dock in Goritsy, a small and peaceful farming town. Your guided sightseeing tour here includes a visit to the Monastery of St Cyril on the White Lake and its Museum of Icons. Later, re-board your ship, and continue cruising onto the White Lake and the Volga-Baltic Waterway, which links the Volga River and the Black Sea, heading for Lake Onega and the remarkable island of Kizhi.
Day 7. Lake Onega - Kizhi Island
Situated on Lake Onega, Kizhi is home to some of Russia’s most amazing wooden architecture. Explore the open-air museum of wooden architecture and marvel at two of the few remaining original wooden churches in Russia, including the Tranfiguration Church, built in 1714 without a single nail. Afterwards, return to your ship which will then cruise towards the lovely Svir River.
Day 8. Svir River - Svirstroy - Lake Ladoga
After cruising through the night, dock in the tiny village of Svirstroy and enjoy time at leisure to look around. After ample time to explore and perhaps shop for handmade souvenirs, re-board your ship and head for Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake.
Day 9. St Petersburg Sightseeing
Today your ship will dock at its final port of call, St Petersburg. Today’s city tour will take you down Nevsky Prospect, the main boulevard in St Petersburg, through Palace Square where you will see the Winter Palace and the Alexander Column. You will also see the battle-cruiser Aurora which fired the opening shots of the Russian Revolution. Afterwards, visit the Cathedral of St. Peter & Paul, which is the oldest church in all of St Petersburg and the second tallest in the city. In the afternoon you will visit the Hermitage Museum, one of the oldest and largest museums in the world. Tonight, perhaps take in an optional folklore show (own expense).
Day 10. St Petersburg
Enjoy a day at leisure to explore St Petersburg today. Alternatively, you may like take an optional excursion to Catherine’s Palace and Park (own expense). Enjoy time at leisure before dinner, then visit the Hermitage Theatre to take in a ballet performance.
Day 11. St Petersburg, Peterhof Palace
This morning, you’ll visit St Petersburg’s spectacular imperial estate - Peterhof Palace. Nestled on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, the palace was masterminded by Peter the Great, who intended the estate to rival the famous gardens of Versailles. On the journey either to or from the palace, take a hydrofoil ride over the waters of the Neva River.
Day 12. Disembark Ship, Depart St Petersburg
After breakfast this morning, your time aboard the ms Amakatarina draws to an end as you disembark your ship and transfer to the airport.
