Trip Itinerary

Day 1. MOSCOW

Airport transfer

Upon arrival in Moscow, transfer to the deluxe Ritz Carlton Hotel located in the historic city centre close to the Kremlin and Red Square.

Meals: –

Day 2. MOSCOW

Armoury (early entrance) / Diamond Fund / Backstage tour and performance at the Bolshoi Theatre

This morning enter the Kremlin before working hours for a visit to the Armoury Museum with its collection of tsarist thrones, ceremonial crowns, coaches and gifts of state. View the ornate gems of the Diamond Fund, including Catherine the Great’s diamond-encrusted coronation crown and the 190-carat Orlov diamond, then continue to the Square of Four Cathedrals.

After lunch proceed to the backstage of the newly refurbished Bolshoi Theatre. If we are lucky we may see rehearsal for a real performance.

In the evening enjoy the opera or ballet performance at the Bolshoi Theatre (schedule of performance is subject to confirmation 2 months before the trip).

Meals: B, L

Day 3. MOSCOW

Tretyakov Gallery / Red Square / GUM department store / Arbat Street

Begin your day with a tour of the Old Tretyakov gallery to view its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging fr om 12th-century icons to 20th-century paintings.

After lunch join your guide for a tour of the Red Square and GUM department store followed by a walking tour along the trade Arbat Street.

Meals: B, L

Day 4. MOSCOW

Metro Ride / Novodevichie cemetery / Tolstoy house museum & Private concert

In the morning do a ride in the ornated Moscow metro and continue to the Cathedral of Chris the Savior and famous Novodevichie cemetery.

After lunch visit an authentic Tolstoy House Museum and enjoy a private chamber string concert in a memorial house (or open air if the weather allows), then transfer to the awaiting MS Volga Dream to begin your sailing along the Russian Waterways.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5. UGLICH

We arrive this afternoon in Uglich, dating 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 wh ere Ivan the Terrible’s 10-year old son met his death. Visit the Church of the Transfiguration, noted for its beautiful iconostasis, and attend a concert of choral music.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6. YAROSLAVL

This morning visit the oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl, a World Heritage site. Visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you will be treated to a stirring à capella choir performance. There will be time to stroll the lively farm market before reboarding the Volga Dream or join an excursion to the Governor’s Palace, a living museum of Russian art, history and culture.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7. GORITSY

Early this morning we 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 the Russia's most renowned icon painters. Return to the ship for a late lunch.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 8 . KIZHI

This afternoon explore a tiny, picturesque island of Kizhy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the 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.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 9. SVIR RIVER AND THE VILLAGE OF MANDROGI

Be on the deck as we navigate 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.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 10. ST. PETERSBURG

Hermitage (early entrance) / Gold Rooms / Yusupov Palace / St. Isaak Cathedral

This morning enter the famed Hermitage Museum before hours to avoid heavy crowds. Four hundred rooms of 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 general public Gold rooms of the Hermitage to see amazing collection of Scythian gold and tsarist jewellery.

In the afternoon enter 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 Grigory Rasputin.

Proceed with an orientation tour of St. Petersburg and visit St. Isaak Cathedral. After the tour check-in the deluxe Grand Hotel Europe.

Meals: B, L

Day 11. ST. PETERSBURG

Peterhof Park & Fountains / Russian Museum

Begin today at the meticulously restored Peterhof, St. Petersburg most famous and spectacular Imperial estate, often cited as the "Versailles of Russia". Visit authentic Bath Cottage and stroll in the vast Lower Park with 176 fountains of various forms and styles and four cascades, majestic palaces, numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes.

Return to St. Petersburg by a hydrofoil and visit the State Russian Museum, which contains unique collections of the Russian art from icon-painting to avant-garde and socialist realism.

This evening dress up for the performance at Mariinski Theatre (schedule of performance is subject to confirmation 2 months before the trip).

Meals: B, L

Day 12. ST. PETERSBURG

Catherine’s Palace / Dostoevsky memorial apartment & Dosto quarter

This morning drive to Tsar’s Village for a specially arranged visit to Catherine’s Palace. See the exquisitely restored Amber Room and stroll in the formal gardens.

In the afternoon proceed to the Dostoevsky memorial apartment recreated based on the recollections of Dostoevsky's contemporaries and archive materials.

In the evening get together for a farewell dinner at the restaurant Fedor Dostoevsky.

Meals: B, L

Day 13. ST. PETERSBURG

Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight.

Meals: B

Hotel Accommodation

MOSCOW – The Ritz Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow lies at the edge of the famed Red Square – the site of countless coronations, conflicts and celebrations. Featuring breathtaking hotel rooms, Club Level rooms and elegant suites, each with gracious amenities and impeccable service, The Ritz-Carlton is an unforgettable retreat in the very heart of Moscow.

ST. PETERSBURG – Grand Hotel Europe

A cultural and culinary landmark, Grand Hotel Europe has played a central role in the life of St Petersburg for over 130 years. A truly iconic Orient-Express hotel, it stands on Nevsky Prospekt among the city’s great architectural treasures—renowned for its impressive facade and decorative interiors.

Positioned adjacent to Arts Square, the hotel has strong associations with the worlds of theatre, music and dance. Past guests include Tchaikovsky and Pavarotti, crowned heads and world leaders. A stay here takes you straight to the heart of Russia, especially during the White Days of winter, when snow lies outside and a warm welcome awaits within.

All arrangements are subject to availability and modification if necessary. Weather, heavy traffic and heavy crowds may affect the order of your sightseeing program.