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Itinerary

Waterways of the Czars2009 Itinerary | 2008 Itinerary

When you think of Russia, two cities immediately come to mind—Moscow and St. Petersburg. During this journey you spend multiple days and nights in both cities, touring such landmarks as Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square as well as Pushkin, Peter & Paul Fortress and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. But, there is another side of Russia that only a river cruise can take you to—the villages and quaint towns along these Waterways of the Czars, like Yaroslavl, Uglich and Goritzy. See grand monuments and opulent palaces, discover fortified monasteries and beautiful cathedrals, and experience the history and culture of this amazing country—all from the comfort of your ship.

Day 1Moscow

Welcome to Moscow. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (D)

Day 2Moscow

This morning, explore the city with a 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. Basil’s Cathedral. You will also get the chance to experience the city’s Metro. Stay in the city center and enjoy a meal prepared by the ship so you can enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. (B, L, D)

Day 3Moscow

After breakfast, you travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. See its many tall towers, brightly colored cathedrals and elegant palaces. Tour inside the Armory, home to a collection of royal jewels, crowns and armor. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to your ship. This afternoon is yours to explore Moscow or you can join one of the optional tours including one to the Tretyakov Gallery, the world’s foremost museum of Russian fine art. Dine aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 4Moscow & Moscow Canal

This morning is free to further explore Moscow. Or join one of our optional tours including one to Sergiev Posad, a quaint Golden Ring city. Your ship departs after lunch for a scenic cruise along the Moscow Canal. (B, L, D)

Day 5Uglich

Cruise through the morning and after lunch, disembark for your walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, another city in Russia’s Golden Ring. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Depart before dinner; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 6Yaroslavl

Arrive this morning in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities. Ride along the river banks where you will see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring wonderful frescoes and icons. Here, you will be treated to a choir performance. Take free time and shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning to your ship for lunch and departure. (B, L, D)

Day 7Goritzy & Volga-Baltic Waterway

Arrive this morning in Goritzy, a typical Russian village. From here, you visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. Your guided walk takes you through the historic grounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. 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 7 locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. (B, L, D)

Day 8Kizhi

As you cruise through the morning, admire the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second-largest lake. Arrive late afternoon at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture. Here, you see a range of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church. This fairy-tale structure was built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart in the evening and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 9Svir River

Spend a full relaxing day cruising across Russia’s intricate waterways. Cruise along the scenic Svir River, sailing the 139-mile “Blue Route” as it takes you southwest from Lake Onega. Continue through Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake, and enjoy the differing landscapes along its picturesque banks. (B, L, D)

Day 10St. Petersburg

After a morning arrival, visit the Winter Palace and tour the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. Have lunch in a local restaurant followed by a city tour. See noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral and Nevsky Prospekt, and visit Peter & Paul Fortress. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera followed by a late dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 11St. Petersburg

Today’s tour takes you to Pushkin. Visit elegant Catherine’s Palace, the rococo summer residence of the Russian Czars, named for Peter the Great’s widow, Catherine I. Tour its various halls, including the Amber Room, and see the ornate décor throughout. Return to your ship for lunch. You have the rest of the day at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg. You may choose to take an optional canal cruise through the city. Dinner is served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 12St. Petersburg

You have today free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums. You can take the optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors. Lunch and dinner are served aboard. (B, L, D)