Trip Itinerary

Day 1. MOSCOW

Upon arrival in Moscow, transfer privately to the deluxe Ritz Carlton Hotel located in the historic city center close to the Kremlin and Red Square. You may spend the rest of the day at leisure relaxing after the flight or explore Moscow center on your own.

Meals: –

Day 2. MOSCOW

Red Square / Metro / Tretyakov Gallery

Begin the day with orientation tour of Moscow followed by a ride in the famed Moscow metro. After lunch proceed to the Old Tretyakov gallery to view its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from 12th-century icons to 20th-century paintings.

Meals: B, L

Day 3. MOSCOW

Kremlin / Armory Museum / Diamond Fund / Secret Bunker

This morning enter the Kremlin for a visit to the Armory 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 visit an authentic Cold War Bunker located 22 stores under the ground and transfer to the awaiting MS Volga Dream to begin your sailing along the Russian Waterways.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 4. 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 where 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 5. YAROSLAVL

This morning visit the oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl, a World Heritage site. In the Spassky Monastery see the Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John's apocalyptic visions, and the richly frescoed Church of St. Elijah the Prophet. There will be time to stroll the lively farm market before reboarding the Volga Dream in time for lunch.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6. 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 7. 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 8 . 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 9. ST. PETERSBURG

City Tour / Peterhof Park / Peter & Paul Fortress / St. Isaak Cathedral

Disembark this morning in St. Petersburg, which Peter the Great transformed from marshland into the vibrant city of islands, canals, bridges and pastel-colored palaces.

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 continue with an orientation tour of St. Petersburg: enter Peter and Paul Fortress, the family shrine of the Romanovs, then visit one of the largest cathedrals in Europe – St. Isaak Cathedral. After the tour check-in the deluxe Grand Hotel Europe.

Meals: B, L

Day 10. ST. PETERSBURG

Hermitage (early entrance) / Gold Rooms / Yusupov Palace

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 tour 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.

Meals: B, L

Day 11. ST. PETERSBURG

Catherine’s Palace / Pavlovsk / Canal boat

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.

After lunch in Podvorie – a restaurant in a traditional Russian log house – visit the neo-classical palace at Pavlovsk. In the evening board a small river boat for a sailing around numerous rivers and canals of St. Petersburg.

In the evening board a small river boat for a sailing around numerous rivers and canals of St. Petersburg.

Meals: B, L

Day 12. ST. PETERSBURG

Transfer privately 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 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.