Historic Gems of Russia

Small Group Discoveries for our World Travelers

• Enter onto the exclusive Kremlin grounds for a walking tour behind these imposing fortress walls and then behold a dazzling collection of Imperial treasures in the Armory Museum. Our knowledgeable Trip Leader will take you to the must-see towns of Vladimir and Suzdal... And then beyond the well-traveled Golden Ring roads to picturesque Yuryev Polsky and Alexandrov, the ancient capital of Ivan the Terrible. Get a tantalizing look into the resplendent lives of the Czars as you tour the opulent Catherine Palace and stroll the magnificent grounds of Peter the Great’s summer estate. Discover 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#

Journey deeper into the Golden Ring

Close as the crow flies but a world away from the cosmopolitan energy of Moscow, the fabled Golden Ring will immerse you in the colorful pages of Russia’s dramatic and often turbulent history. These once-mighty kingdoms and their ancient fortress walls have stood for 1,000 years and were the last line of defense when Mongol hordes swept across Asia to threaten Europe.

Today, ancient Suzdal and Vladimir are still graced with some of the country’s most revered and best-preserved monuments, including the elaborately carved St. Demetrius Cathedral.

But our unique tour goes well beyond these must-see highlights to show you more of the Golden Ring and its enduring traditions, like the rarely-visited Church of the Intercession - an architectural gem set in a lovely meadow on the River Nerl.

With a second full day of touring, we take you to Yuryev Polsky for an authentic look at a picturesque village of the 19th century. And well off the beaten path, historic Alexandrov was once the capital of Russia’s most infamous ruler... Ivan the Terrible!

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Day 1 - Welcome to Moscow
Check in to the deluxe Hilton Leningradskaya. This evening, get to know your small band of fellow travelers over a congenial dinner at your hotel. Meals D

Day 2 - Out and about in Moscow
Set out with your in-the-know Trip Leader and ride the famed Moscow Metro to Red Square #WHS#, passing through some of the city’s most beautifully decorated underground stations. Admire the colorful domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral and enter within the imposing walls of the Kremlin #WHS# for a walking tour of the grounds, including Cathedral Square. In the Armory Museum, you’ll be dazzled by a priceless collection of Imperial memorabilia, including gilded carriages and bejeweled Fabergé eggs. In the afternoon, a comprehensive city tour shows you the Bolshoi Theater, KGB building, Novodevichy Convent#WHS# and more. Meals B

Day 3 - Moscow at leisure
Take advantage of this day to pursue your own interests. The city is filled with historical sites and unique museums like the Tretyakov Gallery, Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts and the World War II Bow Hill Memorial Museum. Of course, our attentive Trip Leader is on hand for suggestions and assistance. Meals B

Day 4 - Into the fabled Golden Ring
Journey to ancient Vladimir #WHS#, founded more than 1,000 years ago. See the Golden Gate, a rare monument of Old Russian military architecture, and visit St. Demetrius Cathedral, built and beautifully carved 800 years ago. Travel on to Suzdalc and discover the highlights of one of Russia’s oldest cities. Founded in 1024, it was the capital of a 12th-century prince and its well-preserved Kremlin walls once protected the borders of the Empire. Tour the Museum of Wooden Architecture and see the Church of the Intercession. Set in a lovely meadow, this rarely-visited gem is one of Russia’s most romantic and enduring visions. Enjoy dinner at the Pushkarskaya Sloboda Hotel. Meals B,L,D

Day 5 - Off the beaten path and on to St. Petersburg #WHS#
Today we’ll take you well off the beaten path to Yuryev Polsky. With its splendidly preserved ramparts, this is one of the most picturesque Golden Ring towns and home to historic St. George’s Cathedral, the last stone church built before the Mongol invasion. Nearby, Alexandrov was the capital of Russia under Ivan the Terrible. Your visit here includes the Alexandrovskaya Sloboda Museum and the private chambers of Russia’s most infamous ruler. Return to Moscow and board the high-speed train for an evening rail journey through the Russian countryside. Arrive St. Petersburg and transfer to the deluxe Corinthia Nevsky Hotel, ideally located on the city’s most famous and elegant boulevard. Meals B,L

Day 6 - The Catherine Palace and Hermitage
Travel to Tsarskoye Selo to visit the Catherine Palace for a tantalizing look into the opulent life of Peter the Great’s wife. See the gilded Grand Ballroom and the famous Amber Room, restored to its original splendor. Back in St. Petersburg, join your well-informed guide for an extensive afternoon tour of the Hermitage, erstwhile palace of the Czars, to view one of the world’s greatest art collections. Meals B

Day 7 - Excursion to The Peterhof and city sightseeing
From mid May through mid September, the exuberant fountains of The Peterhof are on full display and you’ll enjoy an unforgettable visit to this spectacular estate, created by Peter the Great as his summer residence on the Gulf of Finland. Meander its landscaped grounds, graced with beautiful palaces built by a succession of czars. Admire the gilded statues that ornament the park and thrill to the incredible display of its Grand Cascades. Then return to St. Petersburg for an afternoon tour of the city’s myriad architectural treasures, starting with the handsome Baroque buildings that grace the Nevsky Prospekt. Behold the massive dome of St. Isaac’s Cathedral, gilded with 220 pounds of pure gold, and admire the stately elegance of the Church of the Spilled Blood, set alongside one of the city’s many picturesque canals. This evening, join your Trip Leader and fellow travelers for a convivial farewell dinner. Meals B,D

Day 8 - Farewell to St. Petersburg
Your program with us finishes after breakfast. Meals B

Touring Date	Land Only	Land + Air	Single (Land Only)	Single (Land + Air)
6/22/2012 - 6/30/2012	$3,699
7/20/2012 - 7/28/2012	$3,499
8/17/2012 - 8/25/2012	$3,499
9/7/2012 - 9/15/2012	$3,499
9/21/2012 - 9/29/2012	$3,499
5/31/2013 - 6/8/2013	$3,799
Note: Departures appearing above in green are guaranteed to operate by the tour operator.
Airfare Disclaimer A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link. Documents TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

Small Group Discoveries for our World Travelers

• Enter onto the exclusive Kremlin grounds for a walking tour behind these imposing fortress walls and then behold a dazzling collection of Imperial treasures in the Armory Museum. Our knowledgeable Trip Leader will take you to the must-see towns of Vladimir and Suzdal... And then beyond the well-traveled Golden Ring roads to picturesque Yuryev Polsky and Alexandrov, the ancient capital of Ivan the Terrible. Get a tantalizing look into the resplendent lives of the Czars as you tour the opulent Catherine Palace and stroll the magnificent grounds of Peter the Great’s summer estate. Discover 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#

Journey deeper into the Golden Ring

Close as the crow flies but a world away from the cosmopolitan energy of Moscow, the fabled Golden Ring will immerse you in the colorful pages of Russia’s dramatic and often turbulent history. These once-mighty kingdoms and their ancient fortress walls have stood for 1,000 years and were the last line of defense when Mongol hordes swept across Asia to threaten Europe.

Today, ancient Suzdal and Vladimir are still graced with some of the country’s most revered and best-preserved monuments, including the elaborately carved St. Demetrius Cathedral.

But our unique tour goes well beyond these must-see highlights to show you more of the Golden Ring and its enduring traditions, like the rarely-visited Church of the Intercession - an architectural gem set in a lovely meadow on the River Nerl.

With a second full day of touring, we take you to Yuryev Polsky for an authentic look at a picturesque village of the 19th century. And well off the beaten path, historic Alexandrov was once the capital of Russia’s most infamous ruler... Ivan the Terrible!

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