Treasures of Russia River Cruise
12 Days | Moscow | Uglich | Yaroslavl | Goritsy | Kizhi Island | Svirstroy | St Petersburg
DISCOVER THE RUSSIAN CAPITAL
Day 1. Arrive Moscow.
Be met upon arrival at the airport and transfer to your river ship. The remainder of the day is at your leisure to
relax on board or perhaps explore the intriguing capital. This evening, meet your fellow travellers and
Travelmarvel Cruise Director at a special Welcome Reception.
Stay (11 Nights): the ms Yesenin. D
Day 2. Moscow.
Today, explore some of Moscow’s famous landmarks on a guided tour. Joined by an expert local guide, you’ll
learn all about the city’s journey through the ages, uncovering 860 years of rich history, including its rapid
transformation since the dissolution of the USSR. Venture within the walls of the Kremlin, a historic fortified
complex that was once the royal residence of the Czars. Here, visit the Armoury Museum home to
Moscow’s oldest and most prestigious museum, which boasts a staggering collection of Tsarist artefacts,
priceless jewellery and impressive armour. Tonight, perhaps see Moscow By Twilight or attend the Moscow
Circus (own expense). BLD
Day 3. Moscow, Cruise Moscow Canal.
Enjoy a tour discovering some of the world’s most iconic monuments and legendary places that have been the
backdrop to a turbulent history. Head to Red Square, where you’ll admire the ornate beauty of the oniondomed St Basil’s Cathedral. Take in the famous GUM Department Store, Sparrow Hill and Lubyanka Square.
See the city’s glorious past play out in its striking imperial and Soviet architecture. This afternoon, set sail along
the Moscow Canal towards the Volga River. BLD
CRUISE RUSSIA’S WATERWAYS
Day 4. Volga River, Uglich.
Watch rural life unfold along the river banks as your ship cruises to the provincial town of Uglich, one of the
historic Golden Ring cities that form a ring to the northeast of Moscow. Here, disembark for a fascinating
guided tour that allows you step back in time and embrace olden day Russia. See the former Kremlin of Uglich
and visit the colourful Church of St Demetrios on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son
Demetrios was mysteriously killed in 1591. BLD
Day 5. Yaroslavl.
Today, discover what’s considered the ‘pearl’ of the glorious Golden Ring cities, Yaroslavl, on a fascinating
guided tour. Founded by Prince Yaroslav the Wise in 1010, this is one of Russia’s oldest cities, dating back to
the Vikings. Explore the World Heritage-listed historic centre, adorned with classical architecture and golden
domed churches. Visit the fortified 12th-century monastery and admire the host of treasures on display at the
Yaroslavl Museum of Russian Art. BLD
Day 6. Goritsy, White Lake, Volga-Baltic Waterway.
Cruise along the Volga River to Goritsy, a peaceful farming town, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour. Here, visit
one of the largest medieval abbeys in Russia, the Monastery of St Cyril on the White Lake, and its Museum of
Icons. Afterwards, cruise on to the White Lake and along the Volga-Baltic Waterway that connects the Baltic
and Caspian seas. A Taste of Russia – enjoy a special vodka and caviar tasting on board.
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STEP BACK IN TIME AT KIZHI ISLAND
Day 7. Kizhi Island.
Absorb the picturesque Russian countryside as we cruise towards the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s
second-largest lake. Then, watch in awe as we approach the spellbinding sight of Kizhi Island draw closer. Here,
you’ll set out on a guided walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World
Heritage-listed site. Marvel at the collection of well-preserved wooden houses, windmills and churches that
date back to the 14th century. The island is dominated by the magnificent three-tiered Transfiguration Church,
a 22 domed fairytale-like structure built in 1714 without a single nail. After, re-board your ship and set sail for
the peaceful stretches of the Svir River. BLD
Day 8. Svirstroy, Lake Ladoga.
Continue cruising along the Svir River’s narrow ‘Blue Route’, before docking in the tiny village of Svirstroy. Like
a Local – experience warm hospitality and embrace the humble lifestyle of rural Russia as you visit the home of
a local family for some traditional pastries and tea. After, you’ll enjoy some time to peruse the delightful
provincial handicrafts and artwork sold from wooden kiosks. Later, re-board your ship and cruise for Lake
Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake that covers almost 18,000 square kilometres. BLD
THE GRANDEUR OF ST PETERSBURG
Day 9. St Petersburg.
Today, we navigate the Neva River and head for the ‘Venice of the North’, St Petersburg. Founded by Tsar
Peter the Great in 1703 with the artistic flair of Italian architects, St Petersburg’s network of canals and
baroque and neoclassical buildings give the city a distinctive European flavour. Discover the imperial grandeur
and venerated history of this former Russian capital as you enjoy a guided sightseeing tour this afternoon.
Traverse the world-famous avenue, Nevsky Prospect, lined with 18th-century churches, impressive palaces and
department stores. Admire the beautiful facade of the Winter Palace and the eye-catching gold-domed St
Isaac’s Cathedral. Witness the power of the Russian navy on display as you see the historic battle cruiser
Aurora. BLD
Day 10. St Petersburg, Hermitage Museum.
Be prepared to be dazzled today as you visit the State Hermitage to explore one of the oldest, largest and most
impressive museums in the world. Housing over three million works in the magnificent setting of the Tsar’s
Winter Palace, the scale of the collection of artistic treasures on display is simply unrivalled. BLD
Day 11. St Petersburg, Peterhof Palace.
This morning, discover a world of opulence and excess on a guided tour of St Petersburg’s imperial estate –
Peterhof Palace. Described as the ‘Russian Versailles’, you’ll explore the majestic gardens and lavish palaces
that were the playground for Peter the Great and Catherine the Great. This evening, perhaps attend an
unforgettable ballet performance at the famous Hermitage Theatre, one of the most renowned theatres in the
world (own expense). BLD
Day 12. Disembark Ship, Depart St Petersburg.
After breakfast, your Russian adventure concludes as you disembark your ship and transfer to the airport for
your onward flight. B
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