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| Waterways of the Czars 2008
A 13-Day tour starting from $3,083
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| About This Tour | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| When you think of Russia, two cities immediately come to mind—Moscow and St. Petersburg. During this journey you spend multiple days and nights in both cities, touring such landmarks as Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square as well as Pushkin, Peter & Paul Fortress and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. But, there is another side of Russia that only a river cruise can take you to—the villages and quaint towns along these Waterways of the Czars, like Yaroslavl, Uglich and Goritzy. See grand monuments and opulent palaces, discover fortified monasteries and beautiful cathedrals, and experience the history and culture of this amazing country—all from the comfort of your ship. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The price of this Viking River Cruises vacation includes;
• All meals • Shore excursions • 9 guided tours with tour headphones • Entertainment and activities.
Day 1 Moscow
Welcome to Moscow. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (D) Day 2 Moscow This morning, explore the city with a half-day tour of Moscow. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. You will 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. (B, L, D) Day 3 Moscow After breakfast, you travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. See its many tall towers, brightly colored cathedrals and elegant palaces. 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. (B, L, D) Day 4 Moscow & Moscow Canal This morning is free to further explore Moscow. Or join one of our optional tours including one to Serviev Posad, a quaint Golden Ring city. Your ship departs after lunch for a scenic cruise along the Moscow Canal. (B, L, D) Day 5 Uglich Cruise through the morning and after lunch, 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. Depart before dinner; cruise through the night. (B, L, D) Day 6 Yaroslavl Arrive this morning in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities. Ride along the river banks where you will see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring wonderful frescoes and icons. Here, you will be treated to a choir performance. Take free time and shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning to your ship for lunch and departure. (B, L, D) Day 7 Goritzy & Volga-Baltic Waterway Arrive this morning in Goritzy, a typical Russian village. From here, you 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 lunch and an afternoon departure. Spend the remainder of the day 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. (B, L, D) Day 8 Kizhi As you cruise through the morning, admire the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second-largest lake. Arrive late afternoon at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture. Here, you 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 evening and cruise through the night. (B, L, D) 9 Svir River Spend a full relaxing day cruising across Russia’s intricate waterways. Cruise along the scenic Svir River, sailing the 139-mile “Blue Route” as it takes you southwest from Lake Onega. Continue through Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake, and enjoy the differing landscapes along its picturesque banks. (B, L, D) 10 St. Petersburg After a morning arrival, visit to the Winter Palace to tour the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. Have lunch in a local restaurant followed by a city tour. See noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral and Nevsky Prospekt, and visit Peter & Paul Fortress. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera followed by a late dinner aboard. (B, L, D) 11St. Petersburg 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. (B, L, D) 12St. Petersburg You have 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. (B, L, D) 13St. Petersburg After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)
• Old World Highlights: Port lectures, traditional Russian tea, lectures on cultural history, current affairs and Russian Czars
• 9 guided tours All tour prices are per person in, US dollars based on double occupancy in Category F.
Please call for other category pricing. Moscow to St. Petersburg Jun 12; Jul 6, 30; Aug 23; Sep 16; Oct 10 Jun 22; Jul 16; Sep 26 Jun 9; Jul 3, 27; Aug 20; Sep 13; Oct 7 Jun 16; Aug 3, 27; Sep 20; Oct 14 St. Petersburg to Moscow Jun 24; Jul 18; Aug 11; Sep 4, 28 Jun 10; Jul 4, 28 Jun 21; Jul 15; Aug 8; Sep 1, 25 Jun 4, 28; Jul 22; Aug 15; Sep 8; Oct 2 |
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| Note: All prices are per person, double occupancy, subject to availability. These pages are not endorsed or supported by the tour operator in any way. All information presented is based on promotional material provided by the tour operator. All prices, itineraries, accommodations and dates are subject to change without notice and at any time by the tour operators. Availability is limited and must be reconfirmed at time of booking. The prices on this website are not guaranteed. We are not responsible for errors, omissions, or changes in pricing. Please call us toll free at 1-800-942-3301 to confirm availability and pricing. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||