Day 1 St. Petersburg
Begin your journey in St. Petersburg, Russia's second largest city
Welcome to St. Petersburg, “The City of 300 Bridges.” We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner.
Dinner included.
Day 2 St. Petersburg
Learn more about this city “built on bones”
This morning explore St. Petersburg on your city tour. See noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral and Nevsky Prospect, and visit Peter & Paul Fortress. You’ll have lunch in a local restaurant followed by a visit to the Winter Palace to tour the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera followed by a late dinner aboard.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 3 St. Petersburg
Immerse yourself in this elegant Russian city
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.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 4 St. Petersburg
Explore this imperial capital at your own pace
You have most of 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; your ship departs in the early evening.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 5 Svir River
Relax along this scenic historic waterway
Spend a full relaxing day cruising across Russia’s intricate waterways. Sail through Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake, and enjoy the differing landscapes of its picturesque banks. Continue along the scenic Svir River, sailing the 139-mile “Blue Route” as it takes you northeasterly to Lake Onega.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 6 Kizhi
Gaze at the artistry of Kizhi’s wooden wonders
As you cruise through the early morning, admire the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake. Arrive during breakfast at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture. Here, you’ll 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 late-morning and cruise through the night.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 7 Volga-Baltic Waterway, Goritzy
Medieval villages a world away from modern Moscow
Continue 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. Arrive at lunchtime in Goritzy, a typical Russian village. From here, you’ll 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 an afternoon departure.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 8 Yaroslavl
A pearl in the “Golden Ring” of ancient Russian cities
Arrive mid-afternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities. Ride along the river banks where you’ll see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring wonderful frescoes and icons. Here, you’ll be treated to a choir performance. Take free time and shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning to your ship for dinner. Evening departure.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 9 Uglich
Cruise the Volga to this beautiful provincial village
After breakfast, 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. Lunch will be served aboard; cruise through the night.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 10 Moscow Canal, Moscow
Walk through Red Square, formerly hidden behind the “Iron Curtain”
This morning, you cruise along the Moscow Canal and approach Moscow during lunch. Disembark for your half-day tour of Moscow. You’ll see the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. You’ll 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.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 11 Moscow
Journey to the Kremlin and Russia’s legendary past
After breakfast, you travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. Here, you’ll see its many tall towers, brightly colored cathedrals and elegant palaces. You’ll 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.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 12 Moscow
Discover more of Russia's capital on your own
You have a full day to further explore Moscow. Or join one of our optional tours including one to Sergiev Posad, a quaint Golden Ring city. All meals will be served aboard.
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 13 Moscow
After breakfast, disembark and we’ll take you to the airport for your return flight.*
Breakfast included.
*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.
**viking river** |
