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 hotel for check in. You may relax and overcome your jetlag in your room, visit a hotel bar, or start exploring Moscow on your own.

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.

After breakfast,  you will visit the Tretiakov Gallery, one of the most recognized art galleries in the world. Tretyakov Picture Gallery is Moscow's best collection of art and one of the best collections of Russian paintings in the world. The gallery started as a private collection of wealthy 19th century merchant Ivan Tretyakov, who donated his collection to the city. (B,L)

Optional excursion for a day: Ballet or Opera in Bolshoi Theater.

Prior to your visit to Novodevichiy Convent you will check out of the hotel this morning. Your guide will meet you in the hotel lobby. Your belongings will be kept on the bus during the tour.

Novodevichiy Convent, one of the oldest monasteries in Moscow. It was unofficial center of the opposition to the Romanov's family.

After the tour you will meet in the hotel, and driver will take you to the cruise ship.

We have also prepared several optional tours for you this day. The optional excursions for a day are Moscow at night and Moscow metro.

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. (B, D - welcome dinner on board of the ship)

Today is devoted entirely to 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.

• Moscow city tour
• Excursion of Kremlin and one cathedral
  

In the evening your ship will sail to St. Petersburg. Your next stop tomorrow will be the town of Uglich. (B,L,D)

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. (B,L,D)

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. (B,L,D)

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.

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." (B,L,D)

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. (B,L,D)

• This day we will visit Hermitage, one of the world's biggest art galleries
• Bus city tour to St. Basil Island, The Building of Exchange, Peters and Paul Fortress (outside), Rostrum Columns, Nevskiy prospect, Isaac Cathedral (outside), Cathedral of Savior (outside)

This morning prior to the tour of Catherine's Palace you will disembark your ship. You will leave your luggage in the bus. After the tour your driver will take you to hotel for check in.

Catherine Palace is located on the outskirts of St. Petersburg. The Palace was a gift by Peter the Great to his wife Catherine and is known for its legendary Amber Room that was looted during the World War II by Germans and later recovered by the American troops. The Amber Room was reconstructed in 2003. You will have lunch in "Podvorye" restaurant which is built to resemble ancient Russian houses. Delicious Russian food will be served with a folk singers. (B,L)

• Optional:  Russian Ballet or Opera 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. (B)

• Tour of Peterhof Parks (outside)
• Optional: Opera or Ballet evening performance
• Optional: St. Petersburg canals and bridges by night

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 trip extensions. (B)