Along the rivers of Russia: from Saint Petersburg to Moscow

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  Arrival in Saint Petersburg

  Arrival in Saint Petersburg. Free transfer to your cruise ship. Boarding on the MS Zosima Shashkov 3* (or similar) and settling into your cabin. Dinner and overnight on board.

• day 2

  First discovery of the Venice of the North

  First discovery of the Venice of the North during a city tour by bus in the historic center: Nevsky Prospect, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan, Palace Square (the Hermitage), Smolny Convent, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Tauride Palace, and the Winter Palace. Then, a walking tour of the Peter and Paul Fortress and the Peter and Paul Cathedral with the tomb of the Romanov family. Excursion to the Hermitage Museum, one of the richest museums in the world, on par with the Louvre in Paris. Return and overnight on board. (Breakfast + Dinner on board, Lunch in the city)

• day 3

  Free day

  Free day. Optional excursions available in Saint Petersburg. At the end of the day, departure for Mandrogui. Captain's welcome cocktail and presentation of the crew (elegant evening attire is welcome). Overnight on board. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner on board) * The program for days 2 and 3 may be reversed or modified, but all visits will be maintained.

• day 4

  Mandrogui

  Arrival at Mandrogui, a former Vepsian fishing village, located on the left bank of the Svir River, which connects Lake Ladoga to Lake Onega. Free time in Mandrogui to enjoy the beauty of nature and the charm of the place. Outdoor barbecue lunch (weather permitting). Return and departure for Kizhi. Overnight on board. (Breakfast + Dinner on board)

• day 5

  Kiji

  Stopover at Kizhi, the "Pearl of Karelia". Discovery of Kizhi with: the open-air wooden architecture museum, the Church of the Transfiguration (exterior visit), the Church of the Intercession of the Virgin. Visit of an isba, a traditional Russian house built of wood and decorated with numerous carvings. Return and navigation towards Goritsy. Overnight on board. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner on board)

• day 6

  Goritsy

  Arrival in Goritsy. Visit of the city including: the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Russia, and its icon museum. Return and departure for Yaroslavl. Night on board. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner on board)

• day 7

  Yaroslavl

  Arrival and visit of Yaroslavl, the largest city of the Golden Ring, during a panoramic vehicle tour: the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in Russia, and its icon museum; the Church of St. Nicholas of Nadein with its splendid baroque iconostasis; the Church of the Prophet Elijah (visit from the outside); stroll through the local market; interactive excursion in the former Governor's house, now transformed into an art gallery. Return and departure towards Uglich. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner on board)

• day 8

  Uglich

  Arrival in Uglich and walking tour in the city center: the Uglich Kremlin and its Church of St. Demetrius on the Blood, as well as the Cathedral of the Transfiguration of the Saviour. Return and continuation of the cruise towards Moscow. Captain's Dinner (elegant evening attire is welcome). Overnight on board. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner on board)

• day 9

  Discovery of Moscow

  Arrival in Moscow. Discover the Russian capital during a city tour by bus to admire its most important monuments: Tverskaya Avenue, one of Moscow's main shopping streets, the Novodevichy Convent (exterior visit), the KGB building (exterior visit), Red Square, the symbol of the city (free time), the GOUM Department Stores, and the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour (exterior visit). Return and overnight on board. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner on board)

• day 10

  Moscow

  Continuation of the visit to Moscow with the Kremlin, a true fortified city at the heart of the city and a shining symbol of power (visit of the Kremlin grounds and one of its cathedrals). Return on board. The afternoon is free, with the possibility of optional excursions in Moscow. Overnight on board. (Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner on board) * The program for days 9 and 10 may be reversed or modified, but all visits will be maintained.

• day 11

  Departure

  Breakfast on board. Free transfer to the airport and return.