Russian Waterways - Moscow to St.
Petersburg
Detailed Itinerary : June 11 - June 24,
2007
12 Night River Cruise
June 11, 2007
(Monday):
Flight from
Atlanta to Moscow, Russia
Delta
Airlines:
Flt # 46 L Departs
Atlanta at 3:55
p.m. Arrives Moscow at 10:30 a.m.
June 12, 2007
(Tuesday):
Moscow,
Russia
* 10:30 a.m. Arrival to Moscow
* Transfer to Amadeus River Cruise -
The name of our ship is the Tolstoy.
* Lunch on your own.
* Afternoon free to enjoy our ship
or explore Moscow in the area of our lunch
location.
* 4:30 p.m. Ship cabins are available for
check-in
* Evening Welcome Cocktail Party on
our ship
* Dinner included on our
ship
June 13, 2007
(Wednesday):
Moscow,
Russia
* Breakfast included on our
ship
* Today we will enjoy a highlights
tour of many of the historic and famous landmarks in Moscow, Russia’s beautiful capital
city which was founded in 1147.
This morning we will see:
a. Red Square (World Heritage Site) - This 400 m by 150 m
area of cobbles is so central to Russian history. It has always been a place where
occupants of the Kremlin chose to congregate, demonstrate, and celebrate as well
as display military power with parades, etc.
b.
St. Basil’s Cathedral - No picture can prepare you for the crazy
confusion of colors and shapes of St. Basil’s. This ultimate symbol of
Russia was created between 1555 - 1561 to celebrate Ivan the Terrible’s capture of the Tatar
stronghold.
c. The Lenin Hills -
This is the highest point in Moscow where the
University of
Moscow is
located.
d. Tverskaya Street - Everything that was new in Moscow started on this street - The first light bulb in
Russia was used on this first street
lighted with electricity. The first
tram was in operation here. From
the 14th century it has been the main street of the city. Today it is the street of luxurious
boutiques, restaurants, and top hotels.
e. Lubyanka - In the 1930's, the Lubyanka Prison was the feared destination of thousands of
innocent victims of Stalin’s purges; but today it is the headquarters of the
KGB’s successor, the FSB (Federal Security Service).
f. Arbat Street - This charming pedestrian street is where you
can “dip” into Old Moscow.
Painters, poets and street entertainers still perform as in olden times
for the passing strollers.
g. Moscow Metro - Where each
station is a living museum of marble statuary, mosaics and crystal
chandeliers.
* Lunch on our
ship
* We continue our tour of Moscow this afternoon with a visit to Tretyakov Art
Museum.
This art museum is nothing short of spectacular, holding the largest
collection of Russian art in the world.
* Dinner included on our
ship.
* Evening Options: Details of these
tours will be given to us on the ship.
a. Moscow by
Night
b. Moscow
Circus
c. Folklore
Show
June 14, 2007
(Thursday):
Moscow,
Russia
* Breakfast on our
ship
* This morning we will visit two
highlights of Moscow: The Kremlin and the
Armory
Museum
a. Kremlin (World
Heritage Site) - The 15th century Kremlin is an old fortified city
within the city. The red brick
walls extend for 1.3 miles, rising 240 feet at some of the towers. Inside the walls, the Kremlin, as the
original Russian seat of government and religion, is a city of palaces and
churches. Today it is listed as a
World Heritage Site.
b.
Armory Museum - This is Russia’s oldest
museum. It was constructed by the
Tsars to display their wealth: Faberge Eggs, porcelain table settings, royal
dress, Ivan the Terrible’s throne, Catherine the Great’s State Carriage, armor, guns and an altogether
staggering display of conspicuous consumption.
* Lunch on our
ship
* Afternoon free to explore on your
own or you may choose an optional tour to the Pushkin Art
Museum with its noted collection of French
Impressionists (a dozen Monets, 11 Renoirs,
Kadinskys, and Picassos)
* 5:30 p.m. Ship sails from Moscow and cruises through the Moscow Canal, 80 miles of unforgettable scenery -
from wide lakes to narrow passageways, from pastoral countryside to picturesque
villages.
* Dinner on our
ship
*** Note: You may look at
our cruising schedule and see some blocks of cruising time during our trip. Please be aware that you are certainly
welcome to just relax and nap, etc. or you may decide to participate in many
wonderful activities during the cruise that will really enhance your
understanding of Russia. Some of these activities
include:
a. Lectures on the
history of Russia
b.
Classes in learning the Russian language
c.
Caviar tasting
d. Bliny cooking - These are Russian pancakes or crepes
that are usually served with chunky fruit preserves (for sweet) or with caviar
and sour cream (for more basic entrees)
e.
Russian Tea Party where you will learn how to use a Russian
samovar or tea maker
f.
Vodka Tasting
g.
Instruction and actual participation of painting of Russian Stack
Dolls
A hairdresser and a masseuse
are available for your relaxation and enjoyment.
June 15, 2007
(Friday):
Uglich, Russia
(4:30 p.m.- 8:00 p.m.)
* Breakfast on our
ship
* Morning cruising of the Volga River
* Lunch on our
ship
* 4:30 p.m. Arrive in Uglich - As we approach the picturesque Golden Ring city of
Uglich, be on deck for a lovely view
and panorama of the magnificent monuments.
* City tour of Uglich. On the
banks of the Volga, the small village of Uglich was founded by merchants
in 1148. Rich in history you can
admire some of Russia’s most beautiful churches and
cathedrals. The tour will include
the Transfiguration Cathedral and the magnificent commemorative Church of Dimitry on the
blood, with its tragic story of dedication to Ivan the Terrible’s son.
* Dinner with a Russian family. This evening enjoy a typical dinner in
the home of a local Russian family.
We will be in small groups to visit in various
homes.
* 8:00 p.m. Ship sails
June 16, 2007
(Saturday):
Kostroma,
Russia (
2:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.)
* Breakfast on our
ship
* Morning cruising along the
Volga
River
* Lunch on the
ship.
* 2:00 p.m. Arrival to Kostroma, Russia.
* Kostroma city tour - Located on the left banks of the
Volga River, this Golden Ring City of Kostroma is as old as
Moscow and its
picturesque suburbs have long been a source of inspiration for many Russian
artists. It was here that the last
Imperial dynasty, the Romanov’s came to power. Today we will
visit:
a. Ipatiev Monastery - The pride of Kostroma, this 14th century
monastery poses majestically on the right bank of the
river.
b.
Museum of
Wooden Architecture - This
is a marvelous outdoor storybook-like museum of northern-style wooden buildings,
including peasant houses, windmills and churches (one built without
nails).
Note** Linen is a local
industry here, so shopping will be delightful!
* Dinner on our
ship
June 17, 2007
(Sunday):
Yaroslavl,
Russia
( 8:00 a.m. - 1:00
p.m.)
* Breakfast on our
ship
* 8:00 a.m. Arrival to Yaroslavl, whose Historical Center is a World Heritage Site. The city was founded in 1010 by Prince
Yaroslav the Wise. It is one of Russia’s oldest
cities, tracing its roots back to the Vikings. Developed in the 16th and
17th centuries as the Volga’s first
port, it grew fat on trade. From
this wealth, rich merchants competed to build churches bigger than those of
Moscow, with
elaborate decoration and frescoes.
As a result, beautiful churches are hidden around every corner. Today we will tour the old city part
which will include:
a.
Transfiguration Monastery - Founded in the 12th century, this
monastery was one of Russia’s
richest and best-fortified monasteries, with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic
visions.
b.
Church of Elijah the Prophet - This exquisite church dominates its
location. It has some of the Golden
Ring’s brightest frescoes.
* Lunch on our
ship
* 1:00 p.m. Ship sails. This afternoon we continue our journey
northward, cruising through the vast Rybinsk Lake.
* Dinner on our
ship
June 18, 2007
(Monday):
Goritsy, Russia
( 1:00 p.m. - 4:00
p.m.)
* Breakfast on the
ship
* Enjoy breathtaking scenery as we
sail north through the vast White Lake, once known as the Tzar’s fishing grounds.
* Lunch on our
ship
* 1:00 p.m. After traveling through the Volga-Baltic Canal, arrive in Goritsy, a peaceful farming town and a typical Russian
village.
* Afternoon tour of Goritsy including:
a.
Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake - This is and was the
largest monastery in Russia, ruling 400 villages and
20,000 serfs in its “hay day.” The
role played by the Orthodox Church in subjugating the populace is obvious from
the massive fortifications surrounding the monastery.
b.
Museum of
Icons - A small museum
displaying 200 remarkable icons from the 15th -
17th centuries.
* 4:00 p.m. Ship sails, continuing northward.to Lake Onega
* Dinner on our
ship
June 19, 2007
(Tuesday):
Kizhi
Island, Russia (4:30 - 7:00
p.m.)
* Breakfast on our
ship
* Morning cruising of the
Volga/Baltic Waterway
* Lunch on our
ship
* Travel into Lake Onega,
the second largest lake in Europe and one of
the world’s purest. Cruise on to
Kizhi
Island located at the northern end of
Lake
Onega.
* 4:30 p.m. Arrival to Kizhi Island
* Afternoon on Kizhi Island, the Island of
Wooden Architecture. This museum is
Russia’s answer to Colonial
Williamsburg. Some of the most
amazing wooden churches and farm buildings in Russia (mostly
from the 19th century were reassembled here as an open air museum
starting in 1951. The star is the
“Kizhi Enclosure” (World Heritage Site), a grouping
of:
a.
The fairy-tale Transfiguration Church built in 1714. With its chorus of 23 domes plus gables
and ingenious decorations to keep water off the walls, it is the gem of Russian
wooden architecture.
b.
The nine-domed Church of Intercession (1764) is next door with its
rich collection of 16th - 18th century
icons.
c. Belltower - This 1862 tower is located between the
two churches and completes the three building complex that makes up the “Kizhi Enclosure.”
* 7:00 p.m. Ship sails
* Dinner on the
ship
June 20, 2007
(Wednesday):
Mandrogui, Russia
(10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.)
* Breakfast on the
ship
* 10:00 a.m. Arrive in Mandrogui.
* Free time in Mandrogui, a recreated Russian village, built to relive the
traditions and crafts of Russia’s by gone age. Enjoy some free time strolling around
this quaint village and maybe tour the museum of it’s locally produced Vodka and
even sample some yourself.
* 1:00 p.m. Ship sails
* Lunch on our
ship
* This afternoon we sail towards
St.
Petersburg.
* Dinner on our
ship.
June 21, 2007
(Thursday):
St. Petersburg,
Russia
(Overnight)
* Breakfast on our
ship
* 8:00 a.m. Arrive in St. Petersburg, Russia. One of Russia’s former capitals, this city of canals rivals
Paris or Venice for its romantic image. Dating from the beginning of the
17th century, this grand dream of Peter the Great is like one
gigantic museum - look up from the banks of the Neva River and the canals that
meander through the heart of the city and you’ll gaze upon a showcase of
18th– and 19th-century palaces and mansions. Inside these you’ll discover a
mind-boggling collection of museums, culminating in the truly breathtaking
Hermitage.
* Morning tour of this beautiful
city will show you:
a.
Palace
Square - This is one of the most impressive and
historic spaces in the city. In the
center stands the Alexander Column named after Alexander I and commemorates the
1812 victory over Napoleon. It has
stood here, held in place by gravity alone, since 1834. It was in this square that tsarist
troops fired on peaceful protestors in 1905 (on a day now known as Bloody
Sunday), sparking the revolution of that year.
b.
Nevsky Prospect - The city’s main boulevard
lined with shops and restaurants
c.
St. Isaac’s Cathedral - This glorious cathedral dominates the St. Petersburg skyline
with its golden dome. It is the
third largest domed building in the world and can accommodate up to 14,000
worshipers. It was built between
1818 and 1858, to be the main church of the Russian Empire. It is decorated in the most elaborate
way possible, including the front columns which are made of single pieces of red
granite and weigh 80 tons each.
Today the cathedral serves as a museum and services are only held on
special holidays.
d. Battle-cruiser Aurora - Travel back in time by stepping on board the
memorial ship Aurora (built between 1897 - 1900). The Aurora played an important role in the
Bolshevik Revolution of 1917. On
the night of October 25 - 26, 1917, it fired a blank shot at the Winter Palace, giving the signal to the
rebellious workers, soldiers and sailors of the city to storm the palace. That moment triggered a dramatic episode
in Russia’s history and was the start of
over 70 years of Communist leadership.
So hallowed was the cruiser that during WWII, the Russians sank it to
protect it from German bombs.
* Lunch on our
ship
* Visit to the Hermitage museum -
Enjoy a tour through the world-famous Hermitage Museum, the crown jewel of St. Petersburg. No museum rivals the Hermitage in size,
grandeur and holdings, including masterpieces by Da
Vinci, Rembrandt, Ruben, and Picasso.
* Dinner on our
ship
June 22, 2007
(Friday):
St.
Petersburg
(Overnight)
* Breakfast on our
ship
* Tour to St. Petersburg’s most
famous and spectacular Imperial Estate - Peterhof. This
ensemble of palaces, fountains and parks, make for a sight you will always
remember. Initially built as a
resting place en route to the Imperial naval base, Peter the Great was quick to
recognize the attractiveness of the area and masterminded a vast estate intended
to rival the famous gardens of Versailles.
Its wonderful parks, 176 fountains of various forms and styles and four
cascades, majestic palace, numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes,
remarkable collections of sculpture, paintings and works of the arts make Peterhof a veritable gem of art, often called “Capital of
Fountains”. After visiting,
you will definitely understand why it is given this
distinction.
* Lunch on our
ship
* Afternoon free to enjoy the
wonderfully vibrant culture of St.
Petersburg or join an optional
tour:
a.
Visit the inside of St. Isaac’s Cathedral.
b.
Visit Peter & Paul Fortress
* Dinner on the
ship
* Enjoy an optional Russian Kosak performance
June 23, 2007
(Saturday):
St.
Petersburg
(Overnight)
* Breakfast on our
ship
* This morning stroll along the many
picturesque canals or join the optional excursion tour to Pushkin and the
Palace of
Catherine the Great. This magnificent palace has been
restored over the past 40 years to its original splendor. See the main staircase and look up at
the palace ceilings decorated with paintings by Italian artists in the
17th and 18th centuries. Marvel at the magnificent Grand Hall or
“Throne Room”, a gilded wonder with a spectacular painted ceiling and mirrored
walls that are breathtakingly beautiful.
One of the many highlights is the outrageously beautiful Amber Room, a brilliant and painstaking
recreation built in semi-precious stone by Russian craftsmen after the original
panels were stolen by the Nazis in World War II.
* Lunch on our
ship
* Afternoon free to enjoy glorious
St.
Petersburg.
Every street, canal and corner has something of beauty or you may
join an optional tour - “Rivers and Canals”
* Dinner on our
ship
* This evening enjoy an exclusive
Ballet performance at the Hermitage Theatre, the former private theatre of the
Czars. This ballet is included in
the trip price.
June 24, 2007
(Sunday): Flight Home -
St. Petersburg to Moscow to Atlanta
* Morning flight from
St. Petersburg to Moscow
* Delta flight from
Moscow to Atlanta
Flt #
47 Departs Moscow at 1230 p.m. Arrives to
Atlanta at 4:25
p.m.
This Russian Waterways
Cruise Tour will be one that introduces you to magnificent architecture you have
never seen, even if you have traveled in central Europe. The
connection you will experience with the people, art and culture will be
unforgettable. We do hope that you
will join us for this outstanding adventure.