13 days - Tuesday, July 21 - Sunday, August 2, 2009
on board with Viking River Cruises
St. Petersburg, "the City of 300 Bridges", is our starting point on this small ship river cruise. We will be on the Svir River, Lake Onega, the Volga River as well as the Volga-Baltic Waterway. Our destination city is Moscow, the capital of Russia. Meals include B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner.
Tuesday, July 21 - We board our cruise ship in St. Petersburg today to get settled. If arrival times permit, we will have free time prior to our welcome dinner on board. (D)
Wednesday, July 22 - A city tour of St. Petersburg starts our day. St. Isaac's Cathedral and Nevsky Prospekt, Peter & Paul Fortess will be morning sites. Following lunch we proceed to the Winter Palace to visit the world-famous Hermitage Museum. This evening we enjoy a night of dance or opera, prior to our late dinner on board. (B,L,D)
Thursday, July 23 - On our second full day in the St. Petersburg area, we will go to Pushkin to visit the elegant Catherine's Palace, including The Amber Room. We return to the ship for lunch then have the afternoon to enjoy our own discoveries in this beautiful city. Dinner served on board. (B,L,D)
Friday, July 24 - This day is yours to continue exploring the sites of St. Petersburg you like to see...palaces, gardens, churches, museums or "people watching". Lunch and dinner are served aboard. The ship departs early evening. (B,L,D)
Saturday, July 25 - We cruise the Neva River, then cross Lake Ladoga this morning, Europe's largest lake at 17,700 km. We stop at Mandrogy, on the Svir River, to explore this model Russian community. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. Our scenic crusing continues on the Svir's 139-miles "Blue Route" toward Lake Onega. (B,L,D)
Sunday, July 26 - Our cruising continues on the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe's second largest lake at 9,894 km. Arrive at the island village of Kizhi during breakfast. There will be a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture - viewing wooden houses, windmills and churches. The three-tiered Probranzhenskaya (Transfiguration)Church, is a fairy-tale structure that was built in 1714 without a single nail! We depart late morning and cruise through the night. (B,L,D)
Monday, July 27 - The Volga-Baltic Waterway, a system of rivers and canals spans 229 miles and 7 locks, to link the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. We arrive at Goritzy at lunchtime. Our guided walk visits the renowned Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. We have an afternoon departure. (B,L,D)
Tuesday, July 28 - Arrive mid-afternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the "Golden Ring" cities. Russia's "Golden Ring" cities are ancient towns that perserve the memory of Russia's historical events. Visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. A traditional choir performance will be our entertainment. There will be free time for shopping for handcrafted souvenirs before returning aboard for dinner and departure. (B,L,D)
Wednesday, July 29 - Uglich, another "Golden Ring" city is our destination today. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and the visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood. This church is built on the site where Ivan the Terrible's son, Dmitry, was mysteriously killed. Lunch on board and cruise through the night. (B,L,D)
Thursday, July 30 - This morning we cruise along the Moscow Canal, approaching Moscow during lunch. Our afternoon tour includes the famed Bolshoi Theater, Red Square for a view of the colorful domes of St. Basil's Cathedral and the Moscow Metro! We will have dinner in the city center followed by an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. Return to the ship following the performance. (B,L,D)
Friday, July 31 - Moscow's red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin is our morning destination. We'll see brightly colored cathedrals, elegant palaces and the Armory. Lunch will be in a local restaurant. This afternoon is yours to enjoy Moscow - or take an optional tour to the Tretyakow Gallery, the world's foremost museum of Russian fine art. Dinner on board. (B,L,D)
Saturday, August 1 - Take this day to explore Moscow your own way, or join the optional tour to Sergiev Posad, a "Golden Ring" city. Enjoy the Captain's Farewell Dinner this evening! (B,L,D)
Sunday, August 2 - Bid farewell to your "floating home" and new friends as you head to the Moscow airport to return home. (B)
All of this starting from $3,799: Fee is based on two people in a Category C stateroom, early booking discount and "past passenger savings".
All inclusive cruise fee includes: 13 days in Stateroom with river view, 12 breakfast, 11 lunches, 12 dinners (including Welcome Cocktail reception & dinner plus Captains's Farewell Dinner), 10 guided tours, Old World Highlights include Traditional Russian tea, Russian cuisine workship, Russian folkloric entertainment. Culture Curriculum includes: The Romanov Czars, The Fall of Communism, The Russian Economy, Russia's Great Waterways, Russian Poets & Musicians. All port and cruise fuel surcharges.
EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT!!!
Pay cruise fee in full by September 30, 2008 and save $500 per person ($1,000 per stateroom)
PLEASE NOTE:Transportation to and from Russia is not included in the price. Marge’s Tours & Worldview Travel (www.worldviewtravel.com) are interested in assisting you with your flight arrangements for this tour. Contact Marge Ball at (949) 830-7791 to discuss transportation options.
MARGE'S TOURS AND WORLDVIEW TRAVEL RECOMMEND THAT ALL PARTICIPANTS PURCHASE TRAVEL INSURANCE ONCE A DEPOSIT IS PLACED ON THIS TOUR. CONTACT MARGE AT 949-830-7791 FOR DETAILS.
TRAVEL ITINERARY & FEES: Adjustments to the itinerary and adjustments to fees may be necessary due to unforeseen circumstances. Participants will be notified of changes as they occur. Tour management is provided by Marge’s Tours in association with Worldview Travel, Inc (www.worldviewtravel.com). Travel arrangements are provided by Viking River Cruises.
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