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Enjoy a spectacular voyage through the Russian Waterways on the most
luxurious ship ever built for Russian rivers, on the MS
AMAKATARINA. Explore
bustling and excitement-packed Moscow, then cruise north and
visit the enchanting Golden Ring cities of Uglich, Kostroma and
Yaroslavl. Continue along the Volga-Baltic Waterways and through
Europe’s two largest lakes, Onega and Ladoga to St.
Petersburg, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, spread
over 101 islands and 66 canals
ITINERARY (subject to change)
DAY 1, ARRIVE IN MOSCOW, RUSSIA
Arrive in Moscow and embark the ship. Relax in your stateroom or explore
the city before meeting your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail
Reception. (D)
DAY 2, MOSCOW
After breakfast, visit Russia's beautiful capital city, founded in 1147,
which includes the Red Square, the GUM Department Store, New Maiden’s
Convent, St. Basil Cathedral, Tverskaya, Sparrow Hill and Lubyanka
Square (KGB building). Tonight, you may choose to
enjoy a night at the Moscow Circus as an optional. (B,L,D)
DAY 3, MOSCOW
Today, take a ride on the Moscow metro, and then take a motorcoach to
visit the Tretyakov Art Museum. After your tour within the walls of the
Kremlin introduces you to the former royal residence of the Czars and
main-center of the Russian Orthodox faith. The remainder of the day is
at your leisure to explore the city . (B,L,D)
DAY 4, UGLICH
Located on the banks of the Volga, Uglich was founded by merchants in
1148. Rich in history, Uglich is home to some of Russia’s most beautiful
churches and cathedrals, and you’ll see a sampling during your city
tour. The most noteworthy include the Transfiguration Cathedral and the
magnificent Church of Dimitry on the blood, dedicated to the tragic
story of Ivan the Terrible's son. Uglich is also the site of an
AMAWATERWAYS exclusive shore excursion. You’ll visit the home of a local
Russian family, learning about everyday life in Uglich, as you enjoy a
home-cooked meal and sample Russian hospitality first-hand. (B,L,D)
DAY 5, YAROSLAVL
Founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, it is one of Russia's
oldest cities, tracing its roots back to the Vikings. The city stretches
for miles along the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers. Explore
the city’s history through its architecture, including the fortified
12th-century Transfiguration Monastery and the Church of Elijah the
Prophet, home to many beautiful icons. (B,L,D)
DAY 6, GORITSY
Goritsy is a peaceful farming town and a typical Russian village. The
tour includes the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake and the
Museum of Icons. Return to the ship to sail for Kizhi. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, KIZHI
Kizhi is an island that is situated at the north end of Lake Onega and
home to some of the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia. Forever
linked to Novgorod the Great, the style of architecture reflects its
early introduction to Christianity. In 1764 locals built the Church of
Intercession, its towering walls and 22 domes, without the use of a
single nail. Your walking tour includes the Museum of Wooden
Architecture. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, SVIRSTROY
Svirstroy is 100 miles from St. Petersburg with only a population of
1000. Enjoy some free time to stroll through this unspoiled Russian
village and browse through the irresistible handmade trinkets. This is
the best place to do souvenir shopping before reaching St. Petersburg. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, ST. PETERSBURG
One of Russia's former capitals, this city rivals Paris or Venice for
its romantic image. Dating from the beginning of the 18th-century it was
built to the exact specifications ordered by Peter the Great. The city
is home to many museums, galleries, palaces, impressive squares and
streets. Your sightseeing tour of this beautiful city shows you Nevsky
Prospect, Palace Square, St. Isaacs Cathedral and the cruiser Aurora.
After lunch, tour the Hermitage museum, the former Palace of the Czars,
which houses the royal art collection with over three million works of
art. It is one of the largest and most impressive art museums in the
world. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for an optional folkloric
show. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, ST. PETERSBURG
This morning, stroll along one of the many picturesque canals or join
the optional excursion to Pushkin and visit the Palace of Catherine the
Great. In your free time absorb the atmosphere of St. Petersburg’s
vibrant cultural life before joining your fellow passengers for lunch at
a local restaurant. This evening, you are our guest at a Ballet
performance at the Hermitage Theatre, the former private theatre of the
Czars. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, ST. PETERSBURG
Today, tour St. Petersburg's famous and spectacular Imperial Estate –
Peterhof Palace. Nestled on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, the palace
was built by Peter the Great initially as a resting place en route to
the Imperial naval base. But the Czar was quick to recognize the
attractiveness of the area and masterminded a vast estate intended to
rival the famous gardens of Versailles. After lunch, enjoy the remainder
of the day at your leisure or you may choose to take an optional
excursion to the Peter and Paul’s Fortress and St. Isaac’s Cathedral. (B,L,D)
DAY 12, ST. PETERSBURG
Optional Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
REVERSE ITINERARY : RQ
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