Waterways of the TsarsA cruise from Moscow to St. Petersburg

Itinerary

June 13 & 14 — U.S., Moscow
Depart New York on an overnight flight to Moscow. Upon arrival, transfer to the deluxe Ritz Carlton in the historic city center. After lunch at leisure, enjoy a walking tour of Red Square with its landmark Saint Basil’s Cathedral, Lenin’s Tomb and GUM department store facing the red brick towers and golden cupolas of the Kremlin. Gather this evening for a welcome reception and dinner at the hotel. (D)

June 15 — Moscow
This morning tour the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, housing a remarkable collection of French Impressionist and Old Master paintings, as well as the famous Schliemann gold from Troy. Following lunch at the celebrated Café Pushkin on Tverskaya Street, discover the newly restored historic Bolshoi Theatre during a backstage tour and meet with a dancer from the prestigious company. An optional visit is then planned to the Prokofiev Museum. This evening return to the Bolshoi for a performance. Dinner is at leisure. (B,L)

June 16 — Moscow
Begin the day at the Old Tretyakov Gallery to view its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from 12th-century icons to 20th-century paintings. Following lunch, continue to the New Tretyakov Picture Gallery, with works by artists that include Malevich, Kandinsky, and Chagall. Then visit Novodevichy Cemetery, the resting place of many of Russia’s most famous artists, authors, poets, and politicians. Alternatively, travel to the outskirts of the capital to see Stalin’s Bunker, a network of underground tunnels built at the beginning of World War II to serve as an escape from Hitler. The balance of the day is at leisure. (B,L)

June 17 — Moscow, Volga Dream
Enter the Kremlin before public opening hours for a visit to the Armory Museum, with its collection of tsarist thrones, ceremonial crowns, coaches, and gifts of state. Continue to the beautifully frescoed 15th-century Assumption and Annunciation Cathedrals. Lunch is at the colorful Artist Gallery, a restaurant in the Tsereteli Art Gallery. Travel north of the city, stopping for a visit to the Russian State Archive of Literature and Art before boarding the awaiting Volga Dream. Gather for the captain’s welcome reception and dinner as you begin your cruise on this midsummer night. (B,L,D)

June 18 — Uglich
During a leisurely morning cruise, attend a lecture and enjoy the amenities of your fine ship. Arrive this afternoon in Uglich, dating from the 10th century. A walking tour of this Golden Ring city includes the Chapel of Dimitry, a 17th-century architectural treasure built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s young son met his death. Visit the five-domed Church of the Transfiguration, noted for its beautiful iconostasis, and attend a concert of choral music. (B,L,D)

June 19 — Yaroslavl
The oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl was unharmed during World War II, and many religious buildings dating from the 13th to 17th centuries remain intact. In the Spassky Monastery, see the Transfiguration Cathedral, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions, and then continue to the richly frescoed Church of Elijah the Prophet. There will be time to stroll the lively market before reboarding Volga Dream for lunch. Attend a Russian language class as we cruise this afternoon. (B,L,D)

June 20 — Goritsy
Early this morning cross Lake Beloye, or the White Lake, formerly known as the “tsar’s fishing grounds.” Arrive in the peaceful village of Goritsy to tour the Kirilov Belozersky Monastery, with its frescoed 13th-century Cathedral of the Assumption. Continue to the Ferapontov Monastery, a World Heritage site with frescoes by one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. Return to the ship for a late lunch. (B,L,D)

June 21 — Kizhy
This morning attend lectures and learn to prepare blinis and pelmenis during a Russian cooking class. In the afternoon, explore the tiny, picturesque island of Kizhy, a World Heritage site on Lake Onega. The open-air Museum of Architecture includes the Church of the Transfiguration, an onion-domed masterpiece built without a single metal nail and resembling something out of a Russian fairytale. (B,L,D)

June 22 — Svir River Cruise
Be on deck as we navigate the Svir River toward Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest freshwater lake, passing a shoreline dotted with graceful willows, alder trees, and stately pines. Step ashore for a brief visit to the vacation village of Mandrogi. The captain hosts us for a caviar and blinis reception before dinner. (B,L,D)

June 23 — St. Petersburg, U.S.
Disembark this morning in St. Petersburg and transfer to the airport for the return flights home. (B)