Two Capitals

Your driver will pick you up at the airport. He will be standing with your name sign at the exit gate. He will take you to the ship for the embarkation. Dinner will be served on the ship and after it, you can relax and rest in your cabin, the ship's lounge or bar. We recommend going to bed early to overcome your jet lag as we have an eventful program planned for tomorrow.

This day is very special, as we will go inside the Kremlin - the ancient castle built to withstand the Mongol hordes. Throughout history, the Kremlin has been the center of political power in Russia and it remains a symbolic political center even today, as the official site of the inauguration ceremony of the Russian president (they don't actually live or work here).

The Kremlin is a living museum of Russia's history. Its inside wasn't built overnight, rather various rulers added new pieces over time (and some, like Napoleon, plundered from it). This cultural and historical treasure has been so well preserved that it seems that you are traveling in time. You will see the most interesting places in the Kremlin as you follow our professional guide in the steps of some of the world's greatest leaders and its most terrible dictators.

• You will visit Kremlin and 1 cathedral inside of Kremlin
• Optional excursion to Tretiakov Gallery
  
• Optional Excursion: National Folk Show "Kostroma"
• Optional Excursion: Moscow by night + subway

Moscow is Russia's largest city, its political and economic capital. The town of Moscow was the center of Moscovy - a small principality that unified the Russian lands against the Mongols in the late 14th century and has ruled Russia ever since. As the Mongols burnt major cities across Russia, refugees fled to smaller principalities like Moscow, Tver and Nizhny Novgorod. Through bribes, diplomacy and coercion, Moscow overcame its two rivals to become "Russia's first city." Moscow's 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.

• This day is dedicated to exploring Red Square, Leningradskaya and Tverskaya streets, Novodevichiy Convent (exterior), KGB (exterior),GUM and Cathedral of Christ the Savior.
• Optional excursion: transfer to the city center

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.

Myshkin is a small town located on the left bank of the Volga River. Myshkin retains architectural features typical for the 19th century Russia.

The cruise crew prepared a unique program during your city tour:

• You will visit the museum of "Russian valenki" with exposition of "Russian Linen" and "Granary mice"
• You will stop by local history museum
• And for desert we will take you to Russian Mill with folklore.

The town of Goritsy is home to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery (1397). During the Time of Trouble, Polish invaders were trying to put their puppet on the Russian throne and stormed the monastery in attempt to purge the remaining Russian nobles. They never succeeded and while they were occupied, the Russians raise their forces and to repel the invaders. 

Kizhi Island is located on the Lake Onega. The island is home to the amazing Transfiguration Church. The church and its 22 domes are build without a single nail. Interestingly, the church was not always on this island. It was closer to the people. The Bolsheviks, for all their hatred of the 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.

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

Mandrogi is a small village that has no architectural wonders, gigantic castles or impressive churches. These lands and people seem to be immune to the flow of time. We will stop in the village for a traditional Russian picnic with the meal called "shashlik."

At first glance Mandrogi is just a small village deep in the northern woods. It has no architectural wonders, gigantic castles or ancient churches. Mandrogi, however, is the ideal place to explore and discover a very unique style and architecture. For centuries this region was occupied by the Northern Tribes which brought with them Scandinavian traditions.

Surrounded by the serenity of beautiful landscapes we 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 and meat 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.

St. Petersburg is one of the top 10 destinations on our planet. Peter the Great built the city borrowing the best features of the greatest European capitals of the day, like canals from the Venice, palaces and parks from Versailles, monuments from London and churches from Romes and Moscow. No one, even the skeptics, leaves the city unimpressed. It is as much a crown jewel of Russia as it is of the whole Europe.

• You will have a bus city tour to St. Basil's Island, The Building of Exchange, Rostum Columns, Nevskiy prospect, St. Isaac Cathedral, and Church of Spilled Blood.
• Optional excursion to St. Petersburg river and canals
• Optional: Russian Ballet

This day we are heading to the very heart of St. Petersburg and its most important sight - the Winter Palace. On one side, the palace is faced by the Palace Square with the Alexander Column in the middle of it. The column was erected to celebrate the victory over Napoleon (what is called in Russia, the First Patriotic War). To its rear, the palace is washed by the Neva River in the middle of which you will find the Peter and Paul Fortress.

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.

• You will visit Hermitage theater with English speaking guide
•  Catherine Palace
• Optional excursion: St. Petersburg by night

This is a free day for you to explore St. Petersburg. Optional: the outskirts of the city to the Peterhof - a summer residence of the Russian tsars. Peterhof boasts a magnificent fountain parks that rival those of the Versailles and an ensemble of different palaces. Another group will processed to town Pushkin, located on the opposite side of the city, to the lavish Catherine's Palace and Park.

• Optional: Peterhof
• Optional: transfer to the downtown area

Your voyage is coming to an end. It is time to say goodbye to this beautiful country, the crew and your fellow passengers. It is time to pack up and to go home bringing unforgettable memories with you. The airport transfer service is arranged for you.