Moscow to St. Petersburg Cruise

This morning, 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. Then enjoy lunch on a day boat as you cruise the Moscow River past the Kremlin. Late this afternoon, your city tour includes the Red Square where you will see the Kremlin and Lenin’s Tomb. During free time, visit the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral or perhaps the GUM, the vast Soviet-Era main department store.

You will tour the Moscow Metro system, easily the most architecturally extravagant subway system in the world. Many of the stations are adorned with chandeliers, sculptures and frescoes more reminiscent of a palace than a metro station. You will also visit Poklonnaya (Bow) Hill, where you will see the WWII monument.

Tonight, you can enjoy an optional visit to the Moscow Circus.

If you wish to participate in an option activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Located on the banks of the Volga, Uglich was founded by merchants in 1148. Rich in history, it is home to some of Russia’s most beautiful churches and cathedrals, which you’ll see a sampling of during your city tour. The most noteworthy include the Chambers of Prince Dimitry and the magnificent Church of Dimitry on the Blood, dedicated to the tragic story of Ivan the Terrible's son.

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.

Explore Yaroslavl's rich history through its architecture, including the fortified 12th-century Transfiguration Monastery and the Yaroslavl Museum of Russian Art, the former residence of the Governor of Yaroslavl on this shared shore excursion.

Goritsy is a peaceful farming town and a typical Russian village. The shared shore excursion today includes a visit to the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake and the Museum of Icons. Upon your return to the ship, you'll continue downstream towards Kizhi.

Home to some of the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia, Kizhi is forever linked to Novgorod the Great, and 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 shared walking tour includes the Museum of Wooden Architecture.

Enjoy some free time to stroll through the unspoiled Russian village of Svirstroy and browse for irresistible handmade trinkets. This is the best place to do souvenir shopping before reaching 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. After breakfast, enjoy a hydrofoil journey to The State Hermitage, one of the oldest and largest Museums in the world. Founded by Catherine the Great, the museum is a complex of six buildings, including the former Winter Palace, and houses nearly 3 million works of art including the largest collection of paintings in the world.

This afternoon, a sightseeing tour of this beautiful city shows you Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square and St. Isaacs Cathedral. You will also see the Peter & Paul Fortress.

This morning, depart by hydrofoil for Peterhof, St. Petersburg’s most spectacular Imperial Estate. Also known as the “Russian Versailles,” the palace was built on the shore of the Gulf of Finland by Peter the Great, initially as a resting place en route to the Imperial Naval base. Your tour includes the Lower Gardens, the Grand Cascade and Samson Fountain, commemorating Russia’s victory over Sweden during the Great Northern War.

Tonight, consider joining your fellow passengers for an optional folkloric show.

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

Today visit the nearby town of Pushkin, where Catherine’s Palace was the summer residence of the Russian Czars. 

An optional excursion includes a tour of the interior of the Cameron Gallery which features state rooms and dining rooms in baroque and neoclassical style. You will also visit the reconstructed Amber Room, considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the World, and features and room covered with panels of amber. The remainder of the day is at your leisure.

To participate in an optional activity, please contact your travel consultant.

After bidding the crew and your fellow passengers farewell, disembark your river cruise for your onward journey.

Enjoy a private airport transfer with vehicle, driver and assistance.