Two Capitals 2011

Your driver will pick you up at the airport. At the exit he will be waiting for you with your name on a sign, and from there he will take you to the ship where dinner will be served. You may relax and overcome your jetlag in your cabin, the ship’s lounge, or the fully-stocked bar.

Russia’s largest city, political capital, and economic center, Moscow is a bustling hub of world affairs as well as cultural treasures. Its 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, but Moscow has held its ground as one of the most important cities in the country. Today will be dedicated to exploring such important cultural and historical centers as the Red Square. You will have a lunch in one of the Moscow restaurants.

• You will have a bus city tour around most beautiful sights of Moscow such as Red Square, Kremlin, Tverskaya and Arbat street as well as Novodevichiy monastery
• You will have lunch in the city center
• Optional excursions: national folk show "Kostroma" and Moscow by night

Today you will see the majesty of the Kremlin in Moscow. This ancient citadel of the Russian tsars was originally an outpost to fend off the barbaric Mongol hordes. It remains a center of political power, holding a number of presidential ceremonies in its elegant palaces. Its rooms tell the stories of the Russian dynasties and rulers of the past 400 years, a well-preserved UNESCO treasure that will give you chills as you traverse the same halls that once held Ivan the Terrible, Napoleon, Lenin, and Stalin.

• Excursion of Kremlin and one cathedral
  
• Optional: Moscow by night and metro

In the evening your ship will sail to St. Petersburg. Your next stop tomorrow will be the town of Uglich.

Uglich is a small town on the Volga River. The best-defended fortress of Moscovy Kingdom, it was frequently attacked by the Lithuanians, the Tatars, and even the grand prince of Tver city-state that rivaled the Moscovy. In 1951 a 10-year old prince Dimitry, the last heir to the throne of the ancient Ruyrik dynasty, was murdered here in Uglich by Boris Godunov. Godunov proclaimed himself as the tsar of Russia, but was soon murdered himself. These events plunged Russia into three decades of political turmoil known as "Time of Trouble" that left the lands devastated and opened up a way for the new dynasty - the Romanovs. We will visit a small, but historically significant church of St. Dmitry-on-Blood, which is standing on the spot where Dimitry had been murdered.

By today standards Yaroslavl is small, but its place in Russia's history cannot be underestimated. Before it was annihilated by the Mongols it was Russia's economic, political, and cultural center. The Mongols were so obsessed with defeating Yaroslavl that they did not notice the gradual rise of Moscow. Absorb the remaining richness of this city and let its lingering power enthuse you.

The town of Goritsy is home to the historic Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, built in 1397. During the Time of Trouble, Polish invaders stormed the monastery in an attempt to purge Russia of its remaining nobles. Unsuccessful, they were forced out by the renewed Russian forces.

Kizhi Island on Lake Onega is home to the massive Transfiguration Church. With 22 domes that extend over this small yet picturesque island, there are two interesting facts that surround it. Despite all of its architectural wonders, not a single nail was used to build it. Also, its original location was on the mainland, closer to the people. The Bolsheviks, for all their hatred of religion, wanted to destroy the church, but did not dare to do so. They decided to transport the church to a deserted island where no one would be able to see it. Today it can only be reached by river cruise.

Please note: May 04 - May 14 cruise will not be stopping in Kizhi.

Mandrogi is a small village that has no architectural wonders, castles, or impressive churches. This land seems to be immune to the flow of time, frozen in a relaxing period of carelessness and calm. We will stop in the village for a traditional Russian picnic and a meal called "shashlik."

Welcome to St. Petersburg, the city of royalty! Peter the Great built this city as a culmination of all the greatest European capitals. Canals from Venice, elegant palaces and parks from Versailles, monuments from London, and churches from Rome. You will begin by exploring the city via bus, giving you a solid orientation to the places you will be visiting. Such places include St. Basil's Island and the Building of Exchange, as well as the Rostum Columns and the Church of Spilled Blood. You will also get to explore the Peter and Paul Fortress, built by Peter the Great as a coastal defense for the city. It now serves as a tomb for the last Russian imperial family.

• Visit Peter and Paul Fortress with the burial place of the Russian Emperors located on the Neva River.
• Bus city tour to St. Basil Island, The Building of Exchange, Rostrum columns, Nevskiy prospect, Issac Cathedral,Cathedral of Savior
  

Today you will find yourself standing in the middle of Palace Square, directly in front of the gorgeous Winter Palace. The former residence of the Russian tsars, it is now home to the world renowned Hermitage Museum. It is said that if you were to spend 3 minutes by each exhibit, it would take 3 years to see everything. With your experienced guide, however, you will see the best rooms and halls in merely a couple of hours.

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.

• Optional excursion to Catherine Palace
• Optional excursion St. Petersburg by night

Today you will venture to the outskirts of St. Petersburg to visit Peterhof Palace, the summer residence of Russia’s royalty. While walking through its lavish parks and elegant rooms, be careful not to forget that you haven’t been transported to Versailles.

• You will driver to the outskirts of St. Petersburg to visit Peterhof Palace and Parks
• Optional: transfer to city center

Your voyage has come to an end. It is time to say farewell to this glorious section of the world and your new friends as you leave, taking with you unforgettable memories. Ask your travel specialist about available cruise extensions.