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Treasures of Russia Itinerary
Day 1 - UK - Moscow (Russia)
Fly from the UK to Moscow and check-in to the Ararat Park Hyatt or St Regis hotel for a 3-night stay. The hotel is located in the historic centre close to the Kremlin and Bolshoi Theatre. This evening, enjoy a welcome meeting or spend time exploring at leisure.
Day 2 - Moscow
This morning, join a city tour which includes a visit to the famous Novodevichy Cemetery, where you'll find the tombs of Russian authors and playwrights, a stop at the magnificent Cathedral of Christ the Savior and Lubyanka Square. After the tour, spend time at leisure exploring this fascinating city. Perhaps enjoy a cultural performance. (B)
Day 3 - Moscow
Enjoy a visit to the Armoury Museum, located within the Kremlin, which houses armour, weapons and beautiful royal carriages as well as Faberge eggs. Visit the magnificent Red Square, enjoy a photo stop at St Basil's Cathedral and take in the GUM Department Store. Remainder of the day is at leisure. (B)
Day 4 - Moscow
Take the opportunity to explore further this morning before checking out of the hotel and heading to the Tretyakov Gallery, which houses Russian fine art. Continue to Moscow's Metro which is renowned for its magnificent architecture. Later, transfer to the port to embark boutique ship Volga Dream for your cruise along Russia's waterways. Enjoy a traditional Bread, Salt and Vodka Welcome Aboard Ceremony this evening. (B,D)
Day 5 - Uglich
Admire the passing scenery as you spend a full day cruising along the Volga River. Moor in the ancient town of Uglich, a Golden Ring city, home to the spectacular Church of St Dmitri-on-the-Blood, which stands on the site where Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered. Later, enjoy a choral music concert at St John's Church. You will also have the opportunity to watch a film on the construction of the Moscow Canal. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - Yaroslavl
Yaroslavl is one of Russia's oldest cities and the first port on the River Volga. Admire the Transfiguration of the Saviour in the magnificent Spassky Monastery, before continuing to the Church of Elijah and the Prophet. Later, enjoy a tea reception at the governor's house before re-joining the ship for lunch. Take part in a Russian cooking class on board. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - Goritsy
The ship arrives in beautiful Goritsy. Head to the spectacular Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery which houses the world's best collection of Russian icons. After a guided tour, return to the ship and cruise towards Lake Onega. Today, you will also enjoy a Russian Dinner with Vodka tasting. (B,L,D)
Day 8 - Kizhi
The Kareliya region is a vast wilderness which spans from St Petersburg to the Arctic Circle. Lake Onega has 1369 islands and is fed by 58 rivers. You'll visit Kizhi Island which has ancient wooden houses and windmills, and is home to the iconic Transfiguration Church, built without a single nail. Today, you'll have the opportunity to attend a piano concert with pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rakhmaninov. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - Svirstroy
Today you are invited into a local resident‘s home. Warm and welcoming Svirstroy villagers will offer tea with jam and pirozhkie (local pies). They will regale you with tales of Russian tradition, lifestyle and the attractions of Svirstroy village while proudly showing you their homes and kitchen gardens. After tea, a bus will take you to the nearby town to see a local WWII monument and visit a local primary school. Today, you can also enjoy a barbecue on the Sun Deck. (B,L,D)
Day 10 - St Petersburg
Cruise the Neva River into St Petersburg and disembark the ship. Join a guided city tour with highlights including Peter and Paul Fortress, a walking tour of Split Island, and photo stops at St Isaac Cathedral and the Spilled Blood Church. Later, check in to the Belmond Grand Hotel Europe for a 3-night stay. (B)
Day 11 - St Petersburg
This morning head to the famous Hermitage Museum which houses one of the world's most important collections of European art. After lunch discover the spectacular Peterhof Palace and its cascading fountains, often referred to as the Versailles of Russia. Return to St Petersburg by hydrofoil and spend the remainder of the day at leisure. (B,L)
Day 12 - St Petersburg
This afternoon you'll visit Catherine the Great's Palace with its impressive Amber Room, housing six tonnes of amber framed in gold leaf. After being destroyed by the Nazis in 1941, the room was rebuilt to commemorate St Petersburg's 300th birthday. (B)
Day 13 - St Petersburg - UK
Check-out of the hotel and transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.(B)
The Captain reserves the right to modify the itinerary.