Ship N. Novgorod: Moscow - St. Petersburg, River Cruise 03 Aug 2010 - 14 Aug 2010

Route description:

Start in Moscow, Russia's political and economic capital, and sail north via Moskva River and the Volga-Don docking in ancient towns of Uglich, Yaroslavl and Goritsy. Navigate across the Onega Lake to Kizhi Island and finally arrive to magnetic St. Petersburg on the banks of the Neva River.

Itinerary

Day 1	Arrival 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, Leningradskaya and Tverskaya streets, Novodevichiy Convent (exterior), KGB (exterior),GUM and Cathedral of Christ the Savior. Optional excursion to Tretiakov Gallery
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. Excursion of Kremlin and one cathedral Optional excursion: transfer to Moscow downtown
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. You will discover the town on a walking tour with visit to the Kremlin and church of St. Dmitry on the blood
Day 5	Myshkin Myshkin is a small town located on the left bank of the Volga River. Myshkin retains architectural features typical for the 19th century Russia. The cruise crew prepared a unique program during your city tour: You will visit the museum of "Russian valenki" with exposition of "Russian Linen" and "Granary mice" You will stop by local history museum And for desert we will take you to Russian Mill with folklore.
Day 6	Goritsy Goritsy is famous for the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery (1397). This monastery's strong walls and bastions were used by some nobles as a safe house during the Times of Trouble. The Polish armies stormed it, but never succeeded in capturing it. Unfortunately, the monastery was not so successful in repelling the attacks of other invaders four centuries later. The Bolsheviks closed the monastery in early 20th century and sent its monks to the prison camps. Again unbeatable itinerary presented by cruise ship Russ: Walking tour called "Acquaintance with Russian people's everday life" Be invited to a home of a local family, school and club Visit to Resurrection nunnery with tea drinking in the refectory
Day 7	Kizhi-Island Kizhi is the name of unique island located on the Lake Onega. In the center of the island stands the amazing Transfiguration Church. This wooden church and its 22 domes are built without a single nail. In fact, originally, the Transfiguration Church was located in another place. The Bolsheviks, who had little, if no, respect for religion, had some respect for its architectural value, so they decided to move this unique church as far from the major cities and people as possible, to distant Kizhi Island. You will devote this day on the island to the open-air museum of wooden architecture
Day 8	St. Petersburg St. Petersburg is Russia's cultural and historical treasure, one of the world's most beautiful cities, and one of its top ten tourist destinations according to "The Forbes Traveler." It is known as the Venice of North thanks to its numerous canals and hundreds of bridges. It is sometimes called Russia's Versailles thanks to dozens of opulent palaces and royal estates. It can be rightly called a living museum - so many of its buildings are part of Russia's history. Again, cruise ship Russ is full of surprises: Great entertaining program through out the day We going to see this wonderful city at its best colors - at night! See numerous bridges of St. Petersburg in night lights Discover that Nevsky prospect (main street of St. Petersburg) never sleeps
Day 9	St. Petersburg Today we will take you again for a panoramic city tour, this time during the day. You will have a bus city tour to St. Basil's Island, The Building of Exchange, Rostum Columns, Nevskiy prospect, St. Isaac Cathedral, and Church of Spilled Blood. Optional excursion to Peterhof Palace and Parks
Day 10	St. Petersburg This day we are heading to the very heart of St. Petersburg and its most important sight - the Winter Palace. On one side, the palace is faced by the Palace Square with the Alexander Column in the middle of it. The column was erected to celebrate the victory over Napoleon (what is called in Russia, the First Patriotic War). To its rear, the palace is washed by the Neva River in the middle of which you will find the Peter and Paul Fortress. The Winter Palace is home to the Hermitage Museum - the largest collection of Russian art in the world. The Hermitage started as the private art collection of Catherine the Great and over time became the largest collection of Russian art in the world. These art works are displayed in the Palace's numerous halls, many of which are works of art in themselves. Visit to Hermitage and Peters and Paul Fortress Optional excursion: rivers and channels of St. Petersburg Optional excursion: Russian ballet
Day 11	St. Petersburg There is no prearranged tour program for this day, but there are many options how to explore the city. Perhaps the city's best sights are its streets and canals that have inspired many great artists such as Tolstoy and Dostoevsky, Pushkin and Stravinsky, Gogol and Mussorgsky. Besides, there is no better way to see the historical part of the city than via canals, on a boat. You could also take optional program and visit the outskirts of St. Petersburg which have many luxurious palaces. Most notable are the Catherine's Palace in Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin), the summer residence of the Russian tsars. Or explore St. Issac Cathedral and downtown area in further detailes.
Day 12	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.