Waterways of The Czars

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Waterways of the Czars

By Viking River Cruises


Moscow to St. Petersburg St. Petersburg to Moscow

DAY 1Moscow

Arrive in Moscow and transfer to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (D)
DAY 2Moscow

Relax this morning and enjoy an early lunch before your half-day tour of Moscow. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basils Cathedral and a visit to the famous GUM Department Store. You will also get the chance to experience the citys Metro. Stay in the city center for an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. (B, L, D)

DAY 3Moscow

Today you have a full day to further explore Moscows many buildings, parks and monuments. Or you may choose an optional experiencetake a full-day excursion to Sergiev Posad, a Golden Ring city named for the greatly venerated St. Sergius of Radonezh, to see one of the four most important Russian Orthodox monasteries in Russia; or an afternoon tour to Tretyakov Gallery, the worlds foremost museum of Russian fine art. Lunch is served aboard, or included in your full-day excursion. Dine aboard, then relaxor take an optional Moscow by Night tour. (B, L, D)

DAY 4Moscow

& Moscow Canal

After breakfast, travel to the citys famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. See its many tall towers and elegant palaces, and tour inside one of the brightly colored cathedrals. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moscow Canal after lunch as we depart the city. (B, L, D)

DAY 5Uglich

Cruise through the morning and, after lunch, disembark for your walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, one of the Golden Ring citiesancient towns that preserve the memory of Russias historical events. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terribles son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Then a local family invites you into their home for tea and friendly conversation. Depart before dinner; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

DAY 6Yaroslavl

Arrive this morning in Yaroslavl, another Golden Ring city. Visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a stirring capella choir performance. Then, take a guided stroll through the covered food market. Shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning to your ship for lunch and departure. (B, L, D)
DAY 7Kuzino

Dock this morning in Kuzino, a typical Russian village; from here, you visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. Take a guided walk through the Monasterys historic grounds, seeing several small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. You will also have the opportunity to visit a childrens art school in Kuzino. Return to your ship for lunch and an afternoon departure. Spend the remainder of the day cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. (B, L, D)
DAY 8Kizhi

Cruise through the morning, admiring the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europes second-largest lake. Arrive this afternoon at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, see a collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Churcha fairytale-like structure built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart in the evening and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
DAY 9Scenic

Waterways & Mandrogy

Spend a relaxing day cruising across Russias intricate waterways. Sail along the scenic Svir River, traveling the 139-mile Blue Route as it takes you southwest from Lake Onega. Stop in Mandrogy and take some time to explore this museum village. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. For a truly immersive experience, try an optional visit to a banya (traditional Russian bath house). Continue along the Svir, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europes largest lake, on your way to the Neva River. All meals served aboard. (B, L, D)

DAY 10St.

Petersburg
Sail on the Neva River into St. Petersburg early this morning. After a leisurely breakfast, visit the Winter Palace to tour the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. Return aboard for an early dinner, followed by an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet. (B, L, D)

DAY 11St.

Petersburg

Todays excursion goes to the Pushkin area where you visit Catherines Palace, the elegant rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian Czars named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate dcor throughout. Return to your ship for lunch. After lunch embark on a city tour; see noted sights including St. Isaacs Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. Dine aboard, then relax or attend an optional evening folkloric performance. (B, L, D)
DAY 12St.

Petersburg

You have the day free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, OR take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors. In the afternoon, explore more of the city or take an optional tour of Yusupov Palace (where Grigori Rasputin met his dramatic end) and a relaxing canal cruise. Lunch and dinner are served aboard. (B, L, D)
DAY 13St.

Petersburg

After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey into another country with 3 nights in Helsinki, Finland, the White City of the North. (B)
The following meals are included: B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner *Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.

Price Guarantee

Once you have paid in full for your trip, you are safe from any additional charges. Airfare increases, currency fluctuations, increased fuel surcharges, new government taxesnone of these will apply to you. ALL THIS IS INCLUDED 13-day cruise with river-view stateroom 11 guided tours with audio headset All meals: 12 breakfasts, 11 lunches & 12 dinners, featuring regional specialties and including Welcome Cocktail Reception & Dinner and Captains Farewell Dinner Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with onboard dinner and lunch service Visit 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Culture Curriculum: Enjoy onshore music and dance performances; learn a little Russian; listen to lectures about Romanov Czars, the Soviet Union & current affairs; attend a Russian cooking workshop; participate in Russian tea time All port charges Free wi-fi, connection speed may vary

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