Two Capitals 2012

Welcome to Russia! After you board your ship, you have the evening free to relax, enjoy dinner onboard, and meet your fellow travelers on this extraordinary adventure across Russia.

Welcome to St. Petersburg, Russia’s most beautiful city! St. Petersburg was the capital of Russia until the Revolution of 1917, but remains Russia's most dynamic and amazing city. With the canals of Venice, the palaces of Paris, and the churches of Rome, you will not be disappointed by its beauty and culture.

You will have a tour by bus to make the most of your visit to one of the top ten travel destinations in the world. It will take you on a panoramic tour of the city with stops at the Nevsky Prospect, Peter and Paul Fortress, the Church of our Savior on Spilled Blood, and St. Isaac's Cathedral.

Peter and Paul Fortress was designed to defend the city from naval attacks, but was used as a political prison for dissidents of the tsarist regime and as a museum during the soviet era. The fortress now stands as the tomb for the Russian imperial family.

The Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood was built to commemorate one of Russia's greatest emperors. Alexander II is most famous for liberating the Russian serfs two years before the abolition of slavery in the U.S. After he was assassinated, the Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood was erected in his honor.

St. Isaac's Cathedral is one of the most impressive cathedrals in Europe. Because of its rich decorations, gigantic golden cupolas, and sprawling observation deck, it is one of the most popular tourist sites in St. Petersburg.

Today you will also visit the world-famous Hermitage Museum inside the illustrious Winter Palace.

The Hermitage Museum is to St. Petersburg what the Kremlin is to Moscow. Located in the gorgeous Winter Palace, it sits in the very heart of the city, a palace so beautiful that not even the Bolsheviks could destroy it during their takeover in 1917. They say that if you were to spend three minutes by each exhibit in the Hermitage it would take you three years to see everything.

Optional for this evening: opera or ballet at Mariisnky, Mikhailovsky, or the Hermitage Theater, Rivers and Canals of St. Petersburg.

Tip: St. Petersburg is a northern city. Travel to St. Petersburg in June and you will experience the midnight sun.

Today is free for you to explore St.Petersburg on your own. Ask your guide for site recommendations. You will be offered some options tours on board of the ship on the day of Arrival.

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. Surrounded by the serenity of Mandrogi, you will have a traditional Russian picnic called Shashlik. This succulent meal has Middle Eastern roots, but has been slightly modified - beef is replaced with pork that is marinated for one night.

Tip: bring a little bit of cash when you step ashore so you can buy a few hand-made souvenirs like authentic Russian matreshka dolls.

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. That's why today it can only be reached by river cruise. You will spend this day exploring Kizhi Island and its amazing ensemble of wooden churches.

Tip: bring a sweater or a light jacket. It gets a bit chilly in the evening, especially if you sail in May or September.

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. You will visit the monastery of St. Cyril-on-the-White-Lake and a museum of icons.

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.

Located on the banks of the Volga River, Uglich presented itself as a perfect fortress of defense 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.

Tip: You can be a witness to these events by seeing the opera "Boris Godunov" in the Bolshoi Theater in Moscow. This classic opera reveals the extraordinary events and perseverance of this distant but ever-present epoch in Russian history.

Welcome to Moscow, Russia's political and economic capital! Moscow was originally the center of Moscovy, a small principality that unified Russia against the Mongols in the late 14th century. Today you will go on a comprehensive Moscow city tour that will take you to the Red Square, Central Tverskaya Street, the KGB headquarters (exterior only), and the Cathedral of Christ the Savior.

Optional excursions: Tretyakov Gallery or Moscow by night with visiting Moscow Subway

The heart of Moscow, the Kremlin, is located on the bustling Red Square. The Kremlin is the most recognizable symbol of Moscow. This ancient citadel was constructed in 1147 to defend the city from the Mongols and the Lithuanians. Moscow has since grown beyond the original walls, but the Kremlin has remained a representation of political power in Russia. Russian Emperors, Soviet rulers, and Russian contemporary leaders alike used the Kremlin for official ceremonies and  added their own personal touches by constructing new buildings, museums, churches, and galleries.

Optional excursion: Armoury Chamber , Sergiev Posad or Novodevichiy Convent (inside), national folk show "Kostroma"

You will be leaving Russia with a lifetime of memories. We hope you return to this enigmatic country soon!