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.

Today we will explore the Red Square of Moscow. Some of the most interesting sights in Moscow are located here, including the gloomy tomb of Lenin, the colorful St. Basil's Cathedral, the ancient citadel known as the Kremlin, and the buoyant merchant street Kitai Gorod.

Included in itinerary:
* City tour
* Kremlin
* Armory Chamber

Optional tours:     
* Moscow Circus
* Sergiev Posad

Moscow’s subway carries 3 million passengers daily and acts as a nuclear shelter and a museum of Soviet socialist art. You will take a short ride on the Moscow subway to get a taste of what it is like to live and travel in Moscow. One of our stops will be at the Tretyakov Gallery, a national treasury of fine Russian art.

Included in itinerary:    
* Tour inside the Moscow metro     
* Tour inside

Optional tour:    
* Pushkin Museum    
* River cruise at night

Located on the banks of the Volga River, Uglich presented itself as a perfect defense fortress for the ancient Moscovy Kingdom. In 1591 the 10-year old prince Dmitry of the ancient Ruyrik dynasty was murdered here by Boris Godunov before Godunov claimed the throne of Russia and was murdered himself. These events plunged Russia into three decades of political turmoil known as the Time of Trouble, leaving the lands devastated and open for a new dynasty: the Romanovs. We will visit the small but historically significant church of St. Dmitry-on-Blood, which stands on the location of the young prince’s murder.

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. More about Yaroslavl

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.  More about Goritsy

Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, the monastery has been restored. On our walking tour of this small town we will visit the Monastery of St. Cyril and a museum of icons. In the evening, our ship will depart for Kizhi Island.

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. More about Kizhi

We will spend the day in the open-air museum of wooden architecture on this majestic and surreal island.

Svirstroy is 100 miles from St. Petersburg with a population of only 1000 people. You will have some free time to stroll through this unspoiled Russian village and browse the irresistible handmade trinkets and souvenirs.

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. The former residence of the Russian tsars, the Winter Palace 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.

Included in itinerary:    
* The State Hermitage     
* A bus city tour to St. Basil Island, The Building of Exchange, Peter and Paul Fortress (outside), the Rostrum Columns, Nevsky Prospect, Saint Isaac’s Cathedral (outside), Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood (outside)   

Optional tour:    
* Russian Folklore Show

With no prepared itinerary for today, it is yours to explore! Wander the ancient streets of St. Petersburg or drift down its canals. You could also take an optional tour to the outskirts of St. Petersburg and see many luxurious palaces. Most notable is Catherine's Palace in Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin).

Optional tour:    
* Catherine and Yusupov Palaces
* Ballet performance at the Hermitage Theater

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.

Included in itinerary:
    *  Tour of Peterhof Parks (outside only)

Optional tour:
    * Inside Peter and Paul Fortress and St. Isaac's Cathedral

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.