Thinking of Russia, two great cities immediately come to mind: Moscow and St. Petersburg. This monumental 12/ 11-day itinerary includes multiple days in both cities, touring such landmarks as Moscow’s Kremlin and Red Square as well as Catherine’s Palace in Pushkin and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. But, there is another side of Russia—quaint riverside towns like Yaroslavl, Uglich and Goritzy that only a river cruise can provide. See opulent palaces, discover fortified monasteries and visit beautiful cathedrals. It is an unforgettable way to experience the history and culture of this unique and mysterious country.
ITINERARY FOR CRUISE MOSCOW – St.PETERSBURG 12 days/ 11 nights
Day 1 Moscow
Welcome to Moscow. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (D)
Day 2 Moscow
Relax this morning and enjoy an early lunch before your half-day tour of Moscow. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral and a visit to the famous GUM Department Store. You will also get the chance to experience the city’s Metro. Stay in the city center for an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Moscow & Moscow Canal
After breakfast, travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. See its many tall towers and elegant palaces, and tour inside one of the brightly colored cathedrals. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moscow Canal after lunch as we depart the city. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Uglich
Cruise through the morning and, after lunch, disembark for your walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, one of the Golden Ring cities—ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia’s historical events. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Depart before dinner; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Yaroslavl
Arrive this morning in Yaroslavl, another Golden Ring city. Ride along the river banks where you will see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring wonderfully detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a traditional choir performance. Take free time to shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning to your ship for lunch and departure. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Goritzy & Volga-Baltic Waterway
Arrive this morning in Goritzy, a typical Russian village. From here, you visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. Your guided walk takes you through the historic grounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Return to your ship for lunch and an afternoon departure. Spend the remainder of the day cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Kizhi
As you cruise through the morning, admire the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second-largest lake. Arrive late afternoon at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you see a collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church. This fairy-tale structure was built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart in the evening and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Waterways & Mandrogy
Spend a relaxing day cruising across Russia’s intricate waterways. Sail along the scenic Svir River, sailing the 139-mile “Blue Route” as it takes you southwest from Lake Onega. Stop in Mandrogy and take time to explore this model Russian community. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. Continue along the Svir, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake, on your way to the Neva River. All meals served aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 9 St. Petersburg
Sail on the Neva River into St. Petersburg early this morning and embark on a city tour after breakfast; see noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. After a picnic lunch, enjoy the city on own or reserve the optional visit visit.
The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg, “The City of 300 Bridges. Lunch and dinner are served aboard. (B, L, D)
Optional visit: Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin)
Visit Catherine’s Palace in Tsarskoe Selo, the elegant rococo summer residence of the Russian Czars, named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate décor throughout.
Day 10 St. Petersburg
Morning tour to the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg, the North Venice city or accept our optional visit. . Lunch and dinner are served aboard. (B, L, D)
Optional visit: Peterhoff Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors
Day 12 St. Petersburg
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight. (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Booking Discount
2-for-1 cruise pricing,
up to 2-for-1 on air,
plus complimentary
wine with dinner.
Book & pay by Oct 31.
- CONTACT FIRMATA TRAVEL:
- Call : +7 812 309 5778
- Send us an email : firmata1@yahoo.com
- Skype: firmata22
ITINERARY FOR CRUISE St.PETERSBURG – MOSCOW 11 days/ 10 nights
Day 1 St.Petersburg
Welcome to St.Petersburg. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (D)
Day 2 St. Petersburg
City tour after breakfast; see noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. After a picnic lunch, enjoy the city on own or reserve the optional visit visit. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg,
“The City of 300 Bridges. Lunch and dinner are served aboard. (B, L, D)
Optional visit: Tsarskoe Selo (Pushkin)
Visit Catherine’s Palace in Tsarskoe Selo, the elegant rococo summer residence of the Russian Czars, named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate décor throughout.
Day 3 St. Petersburg
Morning tour to the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg, the North Venice city or accept our optional visit. . Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Balt Canal after lunch as we depart the city. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Waterways & Mandrogy
Spend a relaxing day cruising across Russia’s intricate waterways. Sail along the scenic Svir River, sailing the 139-mile “Blue Route” as it takes you southwest from Lake Onega. Stop in Mandrogy and take time to explore this model Russian community. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. Continue along the Svir, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake, on your way to the Neva River. All meals served aboard. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Kizhi
As you cruise through the morning, admire the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second-largest lake. Arrive late afternoon at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you see a collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church. This fairy-tale structure was built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart in the evening and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Goritzy & Volga-Baltic Waterway
Arrive this morning in Goritzy, a typical Russian village. From here, you visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. Your guided walk takes you through the historic grounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Return to your ship for lunch and an afternoon departure. Spend the remainder of the day cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. (B, L, D)
Day 7 Yaroslavl
Arrive this morning in Yaroslavl, another Golden Ring city. Ride along the river banks where you will see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring wonderfully detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a traditional choir performance. Take free time to shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning to your ship for lunch and departure. (B, L, D)
Day 8 Uglich
Cruise through the morning and, after lunch, disembark for your walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, one of the Golden Ring cities—ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia’s historical events. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Depart before dinner; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 9 Moscow & Moscow Canal
After breakfast, travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. See its many tall towers and elegant palaces, and tour inside one of the brightly colored cathedrals. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moscow Canal after lunch as we depart the city. (B, L, D)
Day 10 Moscow
Relax this morning and enjoy an early lunch before your half-day tour of Moscow. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral and a visit to the famous GUM Department Store. You will also get the chance to experience the city’s Metro. Stay in the city center for an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. (B, L, D)
Day 11 Moscow
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight. (B)
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
Early Booking Discount
2-for-1 cruise pricing,
up to 2-for-1 on air,
plus complimentary
wine with dinner.
Book & pay by Oct 31.
- CONTACT FIRMATA TRAVEL:
- Call : +4 670 579 1580
- Send us an email : firmata@tele2.se
- Skype: firmata22
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YAROSLAVL – THE CITY OF CHURCHES AND BEARS
Yaroslavl, Russia is a town of about 600,000 residents at the junction of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers. Yaroslavl is almost 1000 years old, having been founded in the year 1010 by Kiev Prince Yaroslav the Wise. As our river ship was delayed by fog during the night, we were only in Yaroslavl for a few hours, but our driving/walking tour did take in the key sights.
Yaroslavl is home to many churches, most dating back to the 16th or 17th century. We went inside the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet and were mesmerized by the magnificent icons and frescoes of the church. A small men’s choir serenaded us, which added to the atmosphere. Next, we rode the short distance to the Spassky Monastery, which is one of the oldest complexes in Yaroslavl. We gazed up at the Spaso-Preoprazhensky Cathedral (Savior Transfiguration Cathedral) and were entertained with a bell concert outside the cathedral. Finally, we enjoyed watching a wedding motorcade of gaily decorated cars zip through the streets.
UGLICH – ANCIENT TOWN ON THE VOLGA RIVER
Uglich is a small town of about 37,000 residents on the Volga River 136 miles north of Moscow. The view of the two huge churches when the ship sailed into Uglich was breathtaking. Uglich was the last port of call on our journey from St. Petersburg to Moscow. We had visited a small village (Svirstroy), a UNESCO Heritage Site (Kizhi Island), and a mid-sized city (Yaroslavl) on our Russian Waterways cruise. So, along with the many miles of countryside, we saw a diverse section of Russia.
Uglich has a long storied history. It was a favorite of Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century. His son Dmitry was murdered in Uglich in 1591, and the brilliant red Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood was built to honor the slain young prince.
We did a walking tour of Uglich and had plenty of time for shopping at the numerous vendors’ stands between the town and the ship. Uglich is a peaceful, quiet town, and most of us agreed we would like to have stayed longer.
SVIRSTROY – A TYPICAL RUSSIAN VILLAGE IN KARELIA
Svirstroy is a small village of about 1000 residents located on the Svir River about 150 miles east of St. Petersburg. The Svir connects the two largest lakes in Europe–Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega. Svirstroy is a port of call on Russian Waterways cruises between St. Petersburg and Moscow, and we stopped over for a half-day there.
The highlight of our day in Svirstroy was a walk through the small village and a visit to the home of Julia, a retired widow who served us tea and piroshkies while we queried her about life in Svirstroy over the past 75 years. We also loved the shopping in Svistroy, which was much cheaper than in the cities of Moscow and St. Petersburg. The residents of this small village have built wooden kiosk-sized shops and sell all sorts of Russian handicrafts and artwork. Fortunately, it was a short walk back to the river ship!
KIZHI ISLAND – OPEN AIR ART MUSEUM
Kizhi Island is one of over 1650 islands in Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe. Lake Onega is found in the Republic of Karelia, and Kizhi is one of the largest outdoor museums in Russia. Kizhi focuses on peasant life and customs in the Russian north and includes 83 wooden structures, most of which date back to the 18th or 19th century.
Kizhi Island is often included as a port of call on Russian Waterways cruises between St. Petersburg and Moscow. The museum has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1990. The open air exhibit includes churches, homes, and other old wooden buildings that were either built on Kizhi or have been collected from around northern Russia and preserved on Kizhi.
We visited Kizhi for a day and loved walking around and learning about this fascinating part of the world. It was a rainy day, but the trails were wooden or paved, so we just wore our rain suits and carried umbrellas
