Cruise on ms Amakatarina for 12 days between the vibrant cities of St Petersburg to Moscow along the Neva, Svir and Volga rivers, exploring the forested islands, vast lakes and quaint lifestyles of rural Russia.
Day 1. St Petersburg
Arrive in the Russian city of St Petersburg and board your ship. Enjoy time at leisure before a Welcome Reception.
Day 2. St Petersburg Sightseeing, Hermitage Museum
Today on a sightseeing tour of St Petersburg, visit St Isaacs Cathedral and the battle cruiser Aurora. After lunch, take a guided tour of the historic Hermitage Museum, former Palace of the Czars, which is one of the world’s largest art museums. Later, perhaps take in a folklore show (own expense).
Day 3. St Petersburg, Catherine Palace
This morning, take an excursion to Catherine Palace. Explore the ostentatious Rococo-style architecture and tour the grounds. Enjoy this afternoon at leisure, or perhaps take an optional excursion to St Isaac’s Cathedral. Tonight, enjoy a spectacular Ballet Performance at the world famous Hermitage Theatre. Catherine the Great ordered the theatre to be built in 1783. It has since gone on to become one of the most renowned theatres in the world.
Day 4. St Petersburg, Peterhof Palace
Today, take a Hydrofoil ride to St Petersburg’s famous Peterhof Palace where you’ll enjoy a tour. Nestled on the shores of the Gulf of Finland, the palace was built by Peter the Great initially as a resting place en route to the Imperial naval base. But the Czar was quick to recognise the attractiveness of the area and masterminded a vast estate intended to rival the famous gardens of Versailles.
Day 5. Neva River - Lake Ladoga - Svirstroy - Svir River
Today begin cruising along the Neva River and cross Lake Ladoga, the largest lake in Europe. On the Svir River, you’ll dock in Svirstroy, a small village of approximately 1000 residents east of St Petersburg, and disembark your ship for a delicious BBQ lunch. Here, enjoy ample time at leisure to stroll around, browse the irresistible handmade trinkets and do some souvenir shopping. Later, re-board your ship, and cruise towards Lake Onega.
Day 6. Lake Onega - Kizhi Island
Situated on Lake Onega, Kizhi is home to some of the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia. On arrival here today, you’ll disembark your ship and explore Kizhi Island’s fascinating open-air museum of wooden architecture. Marvel at two of the few remaining original wooden churches in Russia, the Church of the Transfiguration and the Church of the Intercession. Afterwards, re-board your ship and continue towards the Volga-Baltic Waterway.
Day 7. Volga-Baltic Waterway - White Lake - Goritsy
Today your ship will cruise onto the Volga-Baltic Waterway. After crossing White Lake, dock at Goritsy, a small and peaceful farming town typical of what you could expect from many quaint villages. Your guided tour here includes a visit to the Monastery of St Cyril on the White Lake, with its Museum of Icons. After the tour, return to your ship before cruising towards Yaroslavl.
Day 8. Volga River - Yaroslavl
Founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, the Golden Ring city of Yaroslavl is located at the confluence of the Volga and the Kotorosl Rivers and is one of Russia’s oldest cities. On arrival here today, disembark your ship for a guided tour that includes the fortified 12th century monastery.
Day 9. Volga River - Uglich - Moscow Canal
Arrive in Uglich, another Golden Ring City. Here, you’ll also enjoy a visit to the home of a Russian family for a traditional meal and a unique glimpse into the everyday lives of a family in Uglich. Later, visit the Chambers of Prince Dimitri and the Church of St Demetrios on the Blood.
Day 10. Moscow Sightseeing
After breakfast, a tour of Moscow takes you to Red Square, where you’ll absorb the incredible sight of St Basil’s Cathedral. After a lunch cruise, ride the famous Moscow Metro to Arbat Street, which dates back to the 15th century. After dinner tonight, enjoy an excursion to the world famous Moscow Circus.
Day 11. Moscow Sightseeing
Today, visit the Tretyakov Gallery before you take a tour of the Armoury Museum within the walls of the Kremlin, an historic fortified complex that was once the royal residence of the Czars. This evening say goodbye to your fellow travellers at a Farewell Dinner.
Day 12. Disembark Ship, Depart Moscow
After breakfast, transfer to the airport.
