Ship MS Chekhov: Moscow - Rostov-on-Don, River Cruise 18 Sep 2011 - 06 Oct 2011

Route description:

Start your voyage in Moscow and sail south to the homeland of the Cossacks and their capital Rostov-on-Don visiting every important town on your way.

Itinerary

Day 1	Moscow Your personal driver will meet you at the airport (he will be holding a sign with your name on it) and take you to your ship. There is no evening program, as you will probably want to get some rest. You will be served dinner in the ship's restaurant after which you can relax in the bar or get some sleep.
Day 2	Moscow Moscow is Russia's largest city, its political and economic capital. The town of Moscow was the center of Moscovy - a small principality that unified the Russian lands against the Mongols in the late 14th century and has ruled Russia ever since. As the Mongols burnt major cities across Russia, refugees fled to smaller principalities like Moscow, Tver and Nizhny Novgorod. Through bribes, diplomacy and coercion, Moscow overcame its two rivals to become "Russia's first city." Moscow's role was briefly challenged when Tsar Peter the Great moved Russia's capital to his new city, St Petersburg, on the shores of the Baltic Sea. This day is dedicated to exploring Red Square, the most famous square in the world located in the very heart of Moscow next to the Kremlin, St. Basil's Cathedral and Lenin's Tomb. Red Square together with the surrounding buildings is the most well known symbol of Russia. You will have a whole afternoon to explore this amazing place.
Day 3	Moscow This day is very special, as we will go inside the Kremlin - the ancient castle built to withstand the Mongol hordes. Throughout history, the Kremlin has been the center of political power in Russia and it remains a symbolic political center even today, as the official site of the inauguration ceremony of the Russian president (they don't actually live or work here). The Kremlin is a living museum of Russia's history. Its inside wasn't built overnight, rather various rulers added new pieces over time (and some, like Napoleon, plundered from it). This cultural and historical treasure has been so well preserved that it seems that you are traveling in time. You will see the most interesting places in the Kremlin as you follow our professional guide in the steps of some of the world's greatest leaders and its most terrible dictators. You will have lunch in one of the local restaurants
Day 4	Uglich Uglich is a small town located on the Volga River. Uglich was the best-defended fortress of Moscovy and it was burnt on number of occasions by Lithuanians, Tatars, and even the grand prince of Tver, the city which rivaled Moscow. Uglich is most famous for the tragic events that took place in 1591 when the 10-year old prince Dimitry, the last heir to the throne of the ancient Ruyrik dynasty, was killed here (as historians now agree, by Boris Godunov, advisor to Dimitry, who wanted the throne for himself). Dimitry's death plunged Russia into decades of political turmoil known as Time of Trouble. On your walking tour around the town you will visit: Territory of the Kremlin Transfiguration cathedral
Day 5	Yaroslavl By today standards Yaroslavl is small, but its place in Russia's history and culture cannot be underestimated. Before it was annihilated by the Mongols it was Russia's largest city, its economic, political, cultural and scientific center. It was rebuilt shortly after but was once again burnt to the ground. While the Mongols had been preoccupied with Yaroslavl, Moscow was able to harness enough power to overthrow the "Mongol yoke." During the Polish occupation of Moscow in the early 17th century, it was Yaroslavl once again that became the center of the national resistance to the occupation. On your bus city tour you will visit: The Church of ElijahProphet The Spaso-Preobragenski Monastery OPTIONAL: Kostroma city tour
Day 6	Nizhny Novgorod Nizhny Novgorod was one of the newly founded towns that escaped Mongol devastation on account of its insignificance. Nizhny Novgorod, similarly to Moscow and Tver, attracted refugees from other cities pillaged by the Mongols and expanded rapidly during the period of the "Mongol yoke" that lasted for a little over 100 years. Moscovy incorporated the city in 1392 and soon thereafter the Tatars of Kazan burnt it down (1408). It took over one century to construct an enormous redbrick castle here which was soon of use when the Tatars tried to burn it again in 1520 and 1536. Today, just like 500 years ago, Nizhniy is one of the main commercial centers of Russia. On your bus city tour you will visit local Kremlin
Day 7	Cheboksary Cheboksary is a vibrant commercial hub located on the Volga River which, similarly to Astrakhan, was first conquered by the Mongols and then by the Russians. There is nothing particularly special about Cheboksary, except that it is famous for the church bells produced here which are used by many Russian churches.
Day 8	Kazan Kazan was the capital of Tatars, the allies of Mongols. Ivan the Terrible conquered Kazan in 1552 and forced its Muslim ruler to convert to Christianity. Ivan remodeled Kazan's castle to the Russian style and built St. Basil's Cathedral on the Red Square of Moscow in the celebration of his victory. It is interesting that St. Basil's domes, all nine of them, correspond to the number of days that the siege of Kazan lasted. Visit to the Kremlin
Day 9	Sailing Enjoy the day on board of your cruise ship. Crew have prepared a rich entertainment program.
Day 10	Samara Samara has long been Russia's diplomatic and economic link to the East. The growing bread trade in 19th-20th centuries turned this city into an important economic center in Russia. In World War II many of military factories were moved to Samara. The soviet leaders were even planning to move Russia's capital here had Moscow fallen to the German hands. Today, Samara is the third largest metropolitan area in Russia after Moscow and St. Petersburg and an important industrial center. City tour
Day 11	Saratov Saratov was the northernmost colony of Greek Empire. In 512 BC it was completely annihilated by Persia. One millennium later, Ivan the Terrible established a colony on the ruins of the ancient city. Saratov used to have a large population of Germans, who migrated here during 19th century. When World War II erupted, they were relocated to Siberia and Kazakhstan. During the Cold War Saratov became the center of military aircraft production and not surprisingly, Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space, trained here. City Tour by bus
Day 12	Volgograd Volgograd (former Stalingrad) is famous for the battle that unfolded here during the World War II. German forces attempted to cut off the Russian armies and their industrial production from their fuel supplies. To that end, they needed to take Stalingrad, situated on the western bank of the Volga River. Hitler sent his best armies and generals, including famous marshal Von Paulus to command the siege. The Battle of Stalingrad lasted for almost one year. The heroic defense of the city enabled the Russian army to prepare a counter attack and to surround the invading forces. This was a serious loss from which Hitler forces were never able to fully recover. This was not the victory for the allies yet, but it was in Stalingrad that the tide of war turned against the Germans. Volgograd has a giant memorial Rodina Mat (Motherland) commemorating those who fought and died here. During your city tour you will visit Mamaev Kurgan
Day 13	Sailing The Volga is often mentioned in Russian literature. In ancient times this river was used as a trade route by the Vikings who traveled to Greece. It was along this route that the first Russian settlements appeared. Today, more than half the population of Russia lives along this ancient trade route. Entertainment on the board
Day 14	Astrakhan Astrakhan is located where the mighty the Volga meets the Black Sea, on the trade route from India to Persia. Astrakhan was the capital of Khazaria and then of the Golden Horde (the Mongols). Moscow took Astrakhan in 1556 and has ruled it ever since. As Russia's gate to the Orient, this city features a unique mixture of East and West. City tour by bus
Day 15	Volga River The Volga is often mentioned in Russian literature. In ancient times this river was used as a trade route by the Vikings who travelled to Greece. It was along this route that the first Russian settlements appeared. Today, more than half the population of Russia lives along this ancient trade route. Entertainment on the board
Day 16	Volgograd We are returning to Volgograd on the way to Rostov-on-Don. Here you will have free time and will be offered optional program: Visit to Cemetery in Rossoshki
Day 17	Volga river sailing You will have a great entertainment program while on board of the cruise ship Chekhov
Day 18	Rostov-on-Don Rostov-on-Don (Rostov-na-Donu) is famous for the freedom-loving Cossack community who inhabited it since its foundation in 1749. In this city apart from visiting some highlights, you will get to know and experience genuine Cossack culture and their way of living. On your Bus city tour you will visit: Cossack Museum It contains many artefacts of Cossack way of life (they are especially interesting, because they show their culture at its peak). Besides, here you will find artefacts like jewellery and weapons dating back to late BC and early AD and a collection dedicated to the prehistory of the region when it was inhabited by ancient Scythian, Sarmat and Savromat tribes.
Day 19	Departure Your incredible voyage in time is coming to an end. It is time to say farewell to this unique and beautiful country. It is time to say good-bye to your new friends. It is time to go home with a stock of fantastic experiences and unforgettable memories. Your driver will take you to the airport.