Imperial Charms of Russia

Welcome to Moscow, Russia’s capital city on the banks of the Moskva River. The city’s architecture is a reflection of its 860-year-old history with many reminders of both its imperial and Soviet past. A sprawling metropolis, Moscow is the financial and political centre of Russia with a population of around 13 million inhabitants. You will be met and transferred from the airport to MS N. Novgorod, where a warm welcome awaits from your crew.
Tonight, enjoy your first dinner with your fellow travellers.

Meals Included: Dinner

After breakfast, your city tour will start with a drive along Leningradskaya Street, Tverskaya Street, Novodevichy convent and have a chance to see Moscow’s main highlights, including the sights of KGB, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, inside visit to the famous department store GUM and enjoy some free time at the Red square.
After lunch in the city, you will head to one of the highlights to your trip, a visit to the Kremlin Grounds. For many people the symbol of Moscow and indeed Russia, the Kremlin is the former seat of the Russian Government and a unique historical, architectural and artistic reserve. During a stroll around the Kremlin Grounds you will see the majestic Cathedral Square which still retains its original form, the Palace of Congresses, Senate square with the Arsenal and Senate buildings, residence of the President of the Russian Federation.
The evening is yours to explore on own or take part in our carefully planned optional tours.
Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of Moscow & Visit to the Kremlin Grounds
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day is yours to continue exploring the main sights and attractions of Moscow or just enjoy and relax on board of MS N. Novgorod. We have also prepared various optional tours for you to choose from.
Tonight, your Captain is delighted to host a welcome cocktail with sparkling wine.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day starts with a visit to Uglich, one of most beloved towns in Old Russia, which is part of the Golden Ring around Moscow. Throughout its 1000-year history, the town has been used by various Monarchs including Ivan the Terrible as a base for attacks on the Tatars and Poles. During your walking tour you will get to see the renowned green-domed Cathedral of Transfiguration. Your walk will also include a stop at the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, which was built on the site where Dmitry, the youngest son of Ivan the Terrible was murdered.
Included Excursion
Tour of Uglich
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Founded in the 11th century by Yaroslav the Wise, the ancient city of Yaroslavl retains many monuments of its noteworthy and colourful past. Your tour will include a stop at the 17th century Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, as well as an inside visit to the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and an interactive tour to the former Governor’s House (Art Gallery).
Included Excursion
Tour of Yaroslavl
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Goritsy is a typical Russian village set in the most scenic countryside. Take a coach from the ship to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. Founded in 1397, by Cyril, one of the most honoured saints in the Russian Orthodox Church, the monastery houses the Assumption Cathedral and many ancient icons, which were loved by Ivan the Terrible.
Included Excursion
Visit to the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will cruise Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake, and arrive at the small island of Kizhi. You will be taken on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, housing a collection of restored 18th century Russian wooden buildings, including the breath-taking Church of the Transfiguration. Built in 1714, the structure of the Church was built without a single nail.
Tour of Kizhi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your next stop is the picturesque village of Mandrogi located on the River Svir. The charming landscape is dotted with colourful “izbas” – wooden houses with finely carved roofs and window frames. The town also offers many of opportunities for you to admire items of Russian handicrafts, such as pottery and the famous “matryioshka” dolls. You will also have free time to enjoy some of Mandrogi’s other attractions, like the Vodka Museum, which contains thousands of different brands and types of one of Russia’s most famous exports.
Included Excursion
Shashlik lunch in Mandrogi
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You will sail on the Neva River into St. Petersburg early this morning. Founded by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg was the capital of the Russian Empire for more than 200 years. Nicknamed ‘Venice of the North’, the historic centre, threaded with canals dotted with baroque bridges, is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Your guided bus tour will take you along the Spire of the Basil Island (buildings of Stock Exchange, Kunstkamera, Zoo Museum), pass by the buildings of the Senate and the Synod, St. Isaac’s cathedral and drive along Nevsky prospect, the main boulevard of St. Petersburg. One cannot miss the splendidness of the church of the Savior on spilled blood, emblematic of St. Petersburg.
Your tour will conclude with a visit to Peter and Paul Fortress: The Boat house, Peter I monument, Commandant’s house, Nevsky Gate and St. Peter and Paul´s Cathedral.
Later on, enjoy a guided visit of Peterhof gardens which represent nearly two centuries of European aristocratic fashion executed to the highest standards. Marvel at the beauty of this open-air encyclopedia of park design through the age of empire. Master landscapers and garden designers managed to overcome the extremely inclement conditions of this region to create a wonderland of greenery and flowers, sweeping vistas and ornate architectural decorations.
Included Excursion
Guided coach tour of St. Petersburg
Included Excursion
Peterhof (lower park)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day will start with a visit to the Hermitage Museum. Rival to the Louvre in Paris, the Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Formerly the Winter Palace and home of the Tsars, the museum’s collection comprises nearly three million exhibits including the largest collection of paintings in the world and early collections dating back to Catherine II.
Included Excursion
Visit to the Hermitage Museum
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day is yours to continue exploring the main sights and attractions of St. Petersburg or just enjoy and relax on board MS Nizhny Novgorod. We have also prepared various optional tours for you to choose from.
Included Excursion
Visit to the Hermitage Museum
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport.
This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.

Meals Included: Breakfast