By day tour description
Day 1
Arrival to Moscow.
Arrival in Moscow.
Welcome to the capital of Russia - the city of Moscow! Centuries-old history, sights of world importance and truly unique architecture. Moscow leaves only vivid impressions! It is a city of contrasts. Old courtyards and streets coexist with new business centers. Old quarters stand out against the background of modern high-rise buildings.
Day itinerary
- Get acquainted with Russian custom officers.
- Comfortable car transfer from the outskirts Moscow to the city center.
Day key points
- Meeting at the airport and fast passage of customs formalities.
- Transfer to the hotel in a comfortable car.
- Arrival at the hotel, accommodation and rest.
Meals
Day 2
Москва. City Tour - Highlights of Moscow.
Excursion to Moscow for a whole day (8 hours) with a guide.
Begin the day with an orientation tour of Moscow. The city boasts unique diversity and variety in terms of building styles: classic, modern, empire and eclecticism amazingly sit alongside more monumental designs, such as Stalin’s towering skyscrapers from the mid-20th century. The architecture of the capital, though seemingly contradictory and contrasting, makes for a dazzling combination in a quite unique city.
Lunch is served in a restaurant on the top floor of one of Moscow’s skyscrapers offering spectacular city views. After lunch, visit the famous Novodevichi Cemetery, where well-known Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets, are buried along with famous actors, political leaders, and scientists.
City tour highlights: Tverskaya Street, Lubyanka Square, Kremlin embankment and visit to St. Basil Cathedral. Novodevichy Convent (photo stop), and if time permits, a stop at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and Sparrow Hills.
Day itinerary
- To trace the complex centuries-old path of the history of Russia on the example of Moscow.
- See Moscow from the height of the Stalin skyscraper.
- Consider the iconic sights of architecture: St. Basil's Cathedral and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
- Walk along the famous streets of Moscow - Lubyanka and Tverskaya.
Day key points
- Breakfast at the hotel, meeting with the guide
- Excursion around Moscow with a personal guide and a car: Tverskaya street, Lubyanka.
- Lunch is served in a restaurant on the top floor of one of Moscow's skyscrapers.
- Novodevichy cemetery, Kremlin embankment and visit to St. Basil's Cathedral. Novodevichy Convent (stop), stop at the Cathedral of Christ the Savior and Sparrow Hills
- Return to hotel, rest
Meals
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Lunch at a panoramic restaurant
Day 3
Moscow Through the Centuries. The Ancient Kremlin, the Treasures of the Armory Chamber and a Modern Park Zaryadye.
Excursion to Moscow for a whole day (8 hours) with a guide.
The morning consists of a stroll through the famous Moscow Kremlin with its beautiful cathedrals and unique museums. The Armory hosts an impressive collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged armor and ancient weapons, royal carriages and sleighs.
After lunch, cross Red Square to visit GUM, Moscow’s largest department store. Then proceed with a leisurely walk through the newly designed park Zaryadye, a stone’s throw from the Kremlin and Red Square.
Day itinerary
- Visit the Kremlin.
- Take a photo on Red Square.
- See the Armory's opulent collection of weapons and royal outfits.
- Walk along the Glass Bridge of Zaryadye Park.
Day key points
- Breakfast at the hotel, meeting with the guide
- Excursion around Moscow (8 hours) with a personal guide and a car: Kremlin, Armory, GUM, Zaryadye
- Return to the hotel, free time
Meals
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Dinner
Day 4
Moscow. The Сradle of Russian Art.
Excursion to Moscow for a whole day (8 hours) with a guide.
The first stop after checking-out of your hotel is a small and cozy former home-estate once owned by one of Russia’s literary greats, Leo Tolstoy. He lived with his wife and thirteen children in this two-storey wooden Moscow house from 1882 to 1901; it is now a carefully preserved memorial.
The sightseeing continues after lunch at the State Tretyakov Gallery with its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from Rublev's 12th century icons to 19th century masterpieces. Explore Moscow’s Metro, famed for its architectural splendour.
Meanwhile, the luxurious MS Volga Dream awaits and your voyage along Russia’s extensive waterways is about to begin. The Captain's welcome reception and dinner mark the start of our unforgettable cruise.
Day itinerary
- See where the great Russian writer lived - Lev Tolstoy
- Visit the legendary Tretyakov Gallery with its magnificent art collection
- Get acquainted with Russian traditions and hospitality
Day key points
- Breakfast at hotel, check-out from the hotel
- Tour in Moscow (House of Leo Tolstoy Museum in Khamovniki), the Tretyakov Gallery, Moscow Metro, landing on board the Volga Dream.
- the welcome ceremony on board the "bread, salt and vodka"
Meals
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Lunch
- Welcome dinner on the ship
Day 5
Start of Sailing. Uglich - One of the Oldest Russian Cities.
City tour of Uglich with a guide.
After a full day of cruising through idyllic forested countryside, we tie up in the ancient trading town of Uglich, a key point in Russia’s renowned ‘Golden Ring’. Explore the impressive Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood, erected on the site where Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered in 1591. Then an enchanting concert of choral music performed in St. John’s Church.
Day itinerary
- Admire the Russian landscapes on board the ship.
- Visit a real Russian tea ceremony.
- Find out what Russian tea is.
- See the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, erected on the site of the murder of Dmitry, the son of Ivan the Terrible.
- Enjoy choral singing in church.
Day key points
- The beginning of the cruise: Costume Russian tea ceremony
- Russian cooking lesson
- First stop. Excursion in Uglich: Church of St. Dmitry-on-the-Blood
- Concert of choral music in the Church of St. John
Meals
Day 6
Yaroslavl. The oldest port city on the Volga.
Excursion around Yaroslavl with a guide.
Founded in 1010, Yaroslavl is one of central Russia’s oldest cities and boasts the Volga’s first port. There is much to see: the Spassky Monastery houses the Transfiguration of the Savior and the Church of Elijah the Prophet and an impressive collection of mosaics. Take part in a costumed reception at the governor’s house before re-boarding the MS Volga Dream in time for lunch.
Day itinerary
- Consider the ancient temples of Yaroslavl.
- See the ancient mosaic collection.
- Feel like a noble at the Governor's reception.
- Enjoy the best views of Yaroslavl from the boat.
- A BBQ on the deck of the ship.
Day key points
- Breakfast
- Excursion around Yaroslavl with a personal guide and car
- Lunch on board
- BBQ
Meals
Day 7
Goritsy. Tsar's Fishing Grounds and Russian Michelangelo.
Crossing Lake Beloe. Excursion to Goritsy with a guide.
This morning takes us on an early crossing of Lake Beloye, or the White Lake, once known as the “tsar’s fishing grounds”, before arriving in the peaceful village of Goritsy where we tour the Ferapontov Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. He painted the temple ceiling about 10 years before Michelangelo even started on the Sistine Chapel! Return to the ship for a late lunch and afternoon cruising.
Day itinerary
- Find out where the Russian tsars fished.
- Visit the 600 year old Ferapontov Monastery.
- Enjoy the magnificent ceiling frescoes of Dionysius.
Day key points
- Breakfast
- Excursion to the Ferapontov Monastery, the frescoes of Dionysius.
- Late lunch on board
- Russian dinner with vodka tasting
Meals
Day 8
Kizhi. The Island - a Museum of Wooden Architecture.
Excursion to Kizhi island with a guide.
Kareliya is a region that must be seen to be believed, it spans all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle, a vast wilderness of forest and water. Lake Onega is fed by 58 rivers and is home to 1,369 islands, including our stop, Kizhi with its quaint collection of ancient wooden houses and windmills including the famous and remarkable Transfiguration church, built in 1714 without a single nail being used.
Day itinerary
- Admire the 22 onion-shaped cupolas of the famous Transfiguration Church.
- Go back in time and stroll among the ancient houses and mills.
- Enjoy the plays of Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky on board the ship.
Day key points
- Breakfast
- Excursion around the Kizhi Island, visiting the architectural ensemble of the Kizhi Pogost - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Lunch on board
- Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhman
Meals
Day 9
Svirstroy. Everyday life of the Russian hinterland.
Guided tour of Svirstroy.
The highlight of your day in Svirstroy is being invited into a local resident’s home. Warm and welcoming villagers will offer tea with jam and “pirozhki” (local pies). They will enthusiastically tell you all about Russian tradition, lifestyle and the attractions of Svirstroy village while proudly showing off their homes and kitchen gardens. After tea, hop on a bus to tour the nearby town, see a spectacular WWII memorial and visit a local primary school.
Day itinerary
- Visit the local Svirstroy villagers and drink tea with them.
- Visit the local souvenir market at the pier.
- See local attractions and the village school.
Day key points
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Tour of Svirstroy with a personal guide and a car
Meals
Day 10
St. Petersburg. The Northern Capital of Russia.
Tour of St. Petersburg with a guide and car.
The MS Volga Dream ties up in St. Petersburg on the Neva River where we disembark for a city tour, including Peter and Paul Fortress Tour, the Royal Romanov burial site and Nevsky Prospect with its rich selection of fine shops, cafes, and museums.
During lunch you will enjoy the Red Army Choir Performance. After meal we embark on a canal cruise sailing under the city’s many historic bridges and past its magnificent pastel. The day ends with a tour of Yusupov’s Palace – a former home to one of St. Petersburg’s wealthiest aristocrats. The enigmatic story of Grigory Rasputin, the monk assassinated here by Prince Felix Yusupov, is told in this very basement.
Evening check-in at the five-star Hotel in the city center.
Day itinerary
- Learn all about the history of the Romanov's dynasty in the royal tomb.
- Take a walk around the largest island of St. Petersburg.
- Drive along the main street of the city - Nevsky Prospect.
- Take a journey along the rivers and canals of the Venice of the North.
- Hear the military choir singing.
- Walk through the rooms of the most luxurious mansion of the Yusupovs and uncover the mystery of the murder of Grigory Rasputin.
Day key points
- Breakfast
- City tour of St. Petersburg with a personal guide and car
- The tour through the channels
- Dinner
- Excursion to the Yusupov Palace
- Check in at the hotel
Meals
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Dinner
Day 11
St. Petersburg. Royal Palaces and Parks.
Tour of St. Petersburg with a guide and car.
The morning takes you to one of the most famous museums in the world, the awe-inspiring Hermitage in the lavishly decorated Winter Palace (to avoid the crowds, we’ve arranged special Early Entrance for you, before official opening hours). The Hermitage occupies six magnificent buildings and houses 3 million artworks ranging from Stone Age to modern times. The collection includes Leonardo Da Vinci, Rafael and Titian. After exploring the main galleries, proceed to the Gold Room, usually closed to general public, with a collection of gold Scythian artwork and elaborate imperial gifts.
Lunch is followed by a tour to one of the most spectacular Imperial estate of Peterhof, often dubbed the Russian Versailles. The vast Lower Park, with its 176 fountains and four cascades, is a glorious place to walk, taking in majestic palaces and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes. Return to St. Petersburg by hydrofoil.
Day itinerary
- Enjoy masterpieces of painting and sculpture in the Hermitage.
- Visit the Gold Room of the Museum with a collection of Scythian gold.
- Walk around Peterhof - Russian Versailles.
- Take a ride across the bay on a water transport invented in Russia - the hydrofoil.
Day key points
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Excursion to the Hermitage with a guide
- Dinner
- Excursion to Peterhof
- Return to St. Petersburg by the hydrofoil
- Free time
Meals
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Dinner
Day 12
Explore the treasures of St. Petersburg.
Tour of St. Petersburg with a guide and car.
Enjoy a full sightseeing day with a visit to the Fabergé Museum, founded by entrepreneur, Viktor Vekselberg. The museum was opened in December 2013 to display a glittering collection of Faberge eggs and objects d’art created by Peter Carl Fabergé and his staff. Vekselberg's collection is rated as one of the world's most valuable and includes items he bought from the Forbes family in 2004 for $100 million.
After lunch we travel to the Tsar’s Village to visit the famous Catherine’s Palace and the exquisitely recreated Amber Room. A stroll through the formal gardens is highly recommended. We enter the Pushkin grounds through the Golden Gate and ascend the staircase to the Grand Hall. The Golden Enfilade offers a glorious view of the Amber Room.
Day itinerary
- Admire the best and most valuable collection of works by Faberge.
- Enjoy the views of Tsarskoe Selo.
- Walk through the Catherine Palace along the famous Golden Enfilade.
- See the Amber Room.
Day key points
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Excursion to the Faberge Museum in St. Petersburg
- Dinner
- Excursion to Tsarskoe Selo and the Catherine Palace with a visit to the Amber Room
Meals
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Dinner
Day 13
Saint Petersburg. Farewell to Russia.
Transfer to the airport by the time of the return flight.
Hurry up to do three things before you say goodbye to Russia! Matryoshka dolls and samovars, national hats and scarves, felt boots and mittens, caviar and honey - be sure to take a piece of Russia with you. Admire the gorgeous bird's-eye views of St. Petersburg. And plan your next visit to Russia. You haven't seen much yet!
Day itinerary
- Time to buy souvenirs of Russia.
- Admire the view of St. Petersburg from a bird's eye view from the window.
Day key points
- Breakfast in the hotel
- Transfer to the airport to return departure time
Meals
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