Upon arrival in Moscow, you will be transferred to the Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel ***** located in the historic city center, near the Bolshoi Theatre, Red Square and the Kremlin.
In the evening gather for a warm-up meeting with your guide (guide available at hotel lobby, 6 - 9 pm) or spend the rest of the day exploring central Moscow on your own

DAY 02          MOSCOW

| City Tour | Novodevichy Elite Cemetery | 9.30 am–2.30 pm

Start your day with an orientation city tour of Moscow before proceeding to the famous New Maiden's Cemetery which holds the tombs of well known Russian musicians, playwrights and poets, as well as famous actors, political leaders and scientists.

Take the rest of the afternoon at your leisure to explore Moscow on your own, or seek out a cultural performance at one of city's renowned venues.

Today's sightrseeing includes: Tverskaya Street, Lubyanka Square, Kremlin Embankment, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, New Maiden's Convent (entrance to Novodevichy Monastery). Meals: B

DAY 03           MOSCOW
| Kremlin | Armory Museum | Red Square | GUM Department Store | 9.30 am–2.30 pm

This morning enter the Kremlin for a visit to the Armoury Museum to view its collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged armor and weapons, ambassadorial gifts, royal carriages and dazzling Faberge eggs. Continue to the beautifully frescoed 15th century Assumption and Archangel cathedrals.

Balance of the day at leisure for independent activities or optional tours at your choice.

Today's sightseeing includes: Kremlin territory, visit inside the Assumption (or Archangel) Cathedral, visit inside Kremlin's Armory Chambers Museum, Red Square walking tour, St. Basil's Cathedral (photo stop), GUM Department Store, Cathedral of Christ the Savior (entrance, subject to availability) 

Meals: B

DAY 04          MOSCOW
| Tretyakov Art Gallery | Metro ride | Embarkation on your cruise boat | 1 pm-6 pm

Morning is free for an independent walk at leisure. At noon check-out from your hotel and proceed to Tretyakov Art Gallery, the first museum dedicated exclusively to Russian fine art. 

Today also explore Moscow's Metro known for its architectural splendor, cleanliness and efficiency. Transfer to the awaiting luxurious MS Volga Dream to begin sailing along the Russian waterways. 

Gather for the Captain's Welcome Reception and dinner as your cruise begins

Bread & Salt Welcome Aboard Ceremony | Meals: B,D

DAY 05          UGLICH  
After a full day of cruising through idyllic countryside, dock in the ancient trading town of Uglitch, a key point in Russia's renowned Golden Ring. Explore the impressive Church of St. Dmitry-on-the-Blood, erected on the site where Dmitry, son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered in 1591, and attend an enchanting concert of choral music at St. John's Church

A Documentary: Construction of the Moscow Canal  |  Meals: B, L, D

DAY 06          YAROSLAVL

Founded in 1010, Yaroslavl is one of the oldest cities in central Russia and the Volga's first port. There is much to see: explore Spassky Monastery with its Transfiguration of the Savior, admire the mosaics at the Church of Elijah the Prophet. Take part in a costumed reception at the Governor's house, and then return to the boat in time for lunch

Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class | Meals: B, L, D

DAY 07          GORITSY

In the tiny settlement of Goritsy, visit the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded in 1397, and now home to one of the best collections of Russian icons in the world. After a guided tour, continue cruising toward majestic Lake Onega.

Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting | Meals: B, L, D

DAY 08          KIZHI

The Karelia region, which spans the area from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle, is a vast wilderness of forest and water. Discover Lake Onega, fed by 58 rivers and home to 1,369 islands, including Kizhi. See a collection of ancient Russian wooden houses and windmills, and the famous Transfiguration church, built in 1714 without a single nail.

Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov | Meals: B, L, D

DAY 09          SVIR RIVER & VILLAGE OF MANDROGI

While cruising along the 139-mile-long Svir River, appreciate the quiet understated beauty of a region that has long inspired artists and poets. The ship passes quaint riverside hamlets before reaching Lake Ladoga. Step ashore for a brief visit to the vacation village of Mandrogi to experience daily life in a quaint wooden village on your own.

Barbeque on the Open Deck | Meals: B, L, D

DAY 10           ST. PETERSBURG
| City Tour | Peter and Paul Fortress | 9.30 am–2.30 pm

Arrive in St. Petersburg via the Neva River and disembark the MS Volga Dream. Enjoy a city tour of St. Petersburg, including Peter and Paul Fortress, burial place of the Romanov monarchs, and Nevsky Prospect, where fine shops, cafes, and museums are found. Following lunch, enter the renowned Hermitage Museum, home to one of the most important collections of European art in the world.

This evening check-in at deluxe Kempinski Moika Hotel *****.

Today's sightseeing includes: Peter & Paul Cathedral (entrance), Split of Basil Island (walking tour), St. Isaac's Cathedral (photo stop), Spilled Blood Church (photo stop), Nevsky Prospekt drive

Meals: B

DAY 11          ST. PETERSBURG
| The Hermitage Museum | Peterhof: Park and Small Cottage | 10.00 am–6.00 pm

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

Balance of the day at leisure for independent activities

Meals: B, L

DAY 12          ST. PETERSBURG
| Catherine's Palace | Amber Room | 2 pm-7 pm

This morning take one of the optional tours of your choice.

In the afternoon travel outside of Petersburg to suburban town of Pushkin to visit the splendid Catherine's Palace with its famous Amber Room, its six tons of solid amber deftly carved and framed in gold leaf. Once deemed the Eighth Wonder of the World, the room was stripped by the Nazis in 1941, but majestically reconstructed in honor of the 300th birthday of St. Petersburg.

After lunch at a Russian-style premier restaurant, return to St. Petersburg and visit Faberge museum which contains world's largest private collection of works by jewelry genius Carl Faberge, including 9 Easter eggs commissioned by the Russian Royal family

Meals: B,L

DAY 13          DEPART ST. PETERSBURG

Breakfast and transfer to airport for your return flight home.  

Meals: B