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Waterways of the Tsars 2009
Touring
Days 1 through 3: Moscow
Our
tour begins in Russia's cosmopolitan giant, Moscow. Upon arrival,
you can instantly feel the excitement and energy of new Moscow- from
high fashion to haute cuisine, this is not the Moscow of old
stereotypes.
We will spend the first two nights of our journey in the modern Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel and explore
the historical sights of the city including Red Square and the stunning
St. Basil’s Cathedral. We will enter the Kremlin and its famed
Armoury Museum and also be invited into the often-missed Diamond
Vaults, which house the crown jewels of Russia.
Meals: Breakfast daily
Day 4: Uglich
Once onboard the deluxe Volga Dream,
you will have ample time to relax and enjoy the passing scenery along
the beautiful Volga River banks. Our first stop will be the
charming town of Uglich.
Founded in 1148, Uglich is one of the
most historic towns in all of Russia. As you approach the town by
river, the view is especially lovely with the Cathedral of the
Resurrection and St. John’s Church looming on the horizon. This
delightful town retains much of its original charm in the form of
traditional wooden architecture and Orthodox cathedrals, including the
famed Tsarevitch Church which was built in memory of Ivan the
Terrible’s son, who died here under strange circumstances.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (All meals provided onboard)
Day 5: Plyos
Today
we will explore quaint town of Plyos, which was founded in 1410 by
Vasily I, the Grand Prince of Moscow. This ancient town has a
population of just over 3,000, but what it lacks in size is made up for
in character. It’s picturesque views over the Volga River make it
a very popular retreat for Muscovites and other affluent Russians.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (All meals provided onboard)
Day 6: Yaroslavl
One
of the well-known towns of the “Golden Ring” surrounding Moscow,
Yaroslavl was founded in the 11th century by Yaroslav the Wise.
The magnificent Kremlin (fortress) dominates the area and withstood
attacks by the Mongols and Tartars through the centuries. The
town is most famous for its blinding array of fresco-filled churches
and cathedrals, among them the Spassky Monastery and Church of Elijah.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (All meals provided onboard)
Day 7: Goritsy
As
we continue our journey, you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you
sail through the White Lake and through the Volga-Baltic Canal. The
canal was constructed by those who were political prisoners during the
Stalin regime. When you arrive in Goritzy you will visit the
historic Kiril-Beloserskiy Men’s Monastery founded in 1397. Here you
will discover its rich history and magnificent architecture.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (All meals provided onboard)
Day 8: Kizhi Island
Kizhi
is a remote, otherworldly island on Lake Onega, above St.
Petersburg. We take you there because it offers a sight that,
once seen, is never forgotten – the twenty-two domes of the Church of
the Transfiguration of the Savior (1714). Built entirely of wood
with no nails, it is one of those structures for which the word
unbelievable is no exaggeration.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (All meals provided onboard)
Day 9: Mandrogi
Today
we will enjoy a tour through the quaint village of Mandrogi. The
town is a recreation of a traditional Russian village complete with old
wooden houses and villagers handcrafting matryoshka dolls, lace and
ceramics.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner (All meals provided onboard)
Days 10 through 13: St. Petersburg
Recognized
as the Venice of the North, St. Petersburg is a city built on majesty
and grandeur. Peter the Great began building his enchanting city
on the Gulf of Finland in the early 18th century and his canals and
waterways are left today much as he intended. We will spend our
last three nights in the Taleon Imperial Hotel,
once a tsarist style mansion. Our tour will take us through the
unique Amber Room of Catherine Palace and the fountains of Peterhof- be
careful of the trick fountains! We will tour Peter Paul
Fortress: birthplace of St. Petersburg and enjoy a privately led
visit to the greatest museum in the world, the Hermitage. We will
walk through the former halls of the Romanov family and admire the
collections that were purchased throughout the different reigns,
beginning with Catherine II.
Meals: Breakfast daily, 1 Lunch
*Itinerary may operate in the opposite direction
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