Discover, Plan & Go!

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Depart Home / Moscow, Russia / Or Depart 3 Days Earlier for Kiev Extension

When you arrive in Moscow after your overnight flight, a representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to the your newly built hotel, the Holiday Inn Moscow Suschevsky. Your home for three nights is located just two miles from Red Square, and nearby metro stops put the whole city easily within your reach. After settling in, you'll meet your Program Manager who will provide you with an introduction to Moscow.

Holiday Inn Moscow Suschevsky

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Moscow

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before you begin discovering modern Moscow on your first included tour. You'll admire the expansive view of the city from Sparrow Hills, formerly called Lenin Hills. From this vantage point you'll see Moscow State University, one of Russian's most important science centers. On your tour you'll also view the gleaming Cathedral of Christ the Savior, a distinguished presence on the city's skyline, and the Novodevichy (New Maiden) Convent, a superb example of Moscow's baroque architecture.

Next you'll discover the very heart of Moscow, Krasnaya Ploshchad, known in English as Red Square. This is Moscow's ancient market square, witness to countless religious processions, political events, executions, and invading armies. While you're in this grand plaza, you'll pass by Lenin's Tomb and view St. Basil's Cathedral, with its swirling, brightly colored onion domes. Cultural Connection: Next, you'll board the Moscow subway — one of the finest in the world — for a fascinating tour that provides insight into what it's like to live here and commute to work each day. Known as "the people's palaces," you'll find that Moscow's subway stations are remarkably clean and attractive, even elegant. Many are showplaces of Russian art and culture, decorated with marble and mosaics, frescoes and sculptures, even chandeliers.

In fact, Communist Party leader Josef Stalin orchestrated these artistic displays to demonstrate to the world that the average Russian was so privileged that he or she even commuted elegantly! You'll visit two metro stations on today's tour. In the evening, you'll get to know your fellow travellers during a Welcome Dinner at the hotel.

Holiday Inn Moscow Suschevsky (B,D)

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Moscow

On Day 4, your included tour brings you to the Central Museum of Armed Forces, which chronicles the history of the Russian military from the early 18th century to the present. Your tour features a short performance by a Kremlin military orchestra, a documentary movie, and time to view the exhibits. Lunch is included at a nearby restaurant. Cultural Connection: Not only will you view the exhibits, you'll also experience "living history" today during a a very special meeting with Russian World War II veterans. These individuals will tell you about their war experiences and answer your questions. After all, the best way to learn about a nation's history is from the people who lived it.

Later, you can choose to discover more of Russia's culture at an optional folklore performance. Or, plan your own evening activities — your Program Manager will be glad to make suggestions.

Holiday Inn Moscow Suschevsky (B,L)

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Moscow

Today you'll enter the Kremlin — the "city within a city" at the heart of Moscow. To most of us, this walled, 70-acre complex (kremlin is Russian for fortress) is synonymous with the Soviet Union. That 80-year reign, however, was just a blink in the Kremlin's 900-year history. Within the Kremlin's massive walls are gilded palaces, ornate churches, and other architectural gems spanning the centuries. It's hard to believe that the Kremlin began as a simple wooden fort built in 1147. Since then, rulers have incorporated their own additions in keeping with the style of their time, from the marvelous Faceted Palace built in the 15th century to the startlingly modern State Kremlin Palace constructed between 1959 and 1961.

Your Kremlin tour is crowned by a visit to the Armory Chamber inside the former Grand Kremlin Palace. Here you'll view the dazzling treasure of Russia's czars, a mind-boggling accumulation of priceless artifacts — including everything from crown jewels and gold brocaded robes to medieval armor and magnificent imperial carriages and thrones. Highlights include the wedding dress of Catherine the Great and a selection of rare and exquisite Fabergé eggs — the perfect gift for a czar or czarina to receive at Easter.

After lunch on your own, you'll have time at leisure to discover more of Moscow. When you're ready to return to the hotel, simply catch the Vantage shuttle bus. Your Program Manager will tell you the schedule.

In the evening you may choose to attend an optional performance of the renowned Moscow Circus, featuring daring acrobatics, and the stunning horsemanship of the Cossack Riders and Russia's famous dancing brown bears.

Holiday Inn Moscow Suschevsky (B)

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Moscow / Embark ship

The morning and early afternoon are free for you to discover Moscow according to your own interests. If you like, join an optional tour to Star City. Constructed in a secret location in 1960, this Cosmonaut Training Center was an important component in the propaganda of the Soviet era, with its luxury residences and well-stocked stores.

Later you'll transfer to the ms Rossia, one of the few river ships in Russia that has been newly refurbished for Western travellers just like you. Indeed, you'll stay in one of the most comfortable cabins on Russia's waterways. (All cabins are outside with a private European-style bath, twin beds that convert to a double, color TV, refrigerator, and much more!) And since the ship holds only 216 guests, you'll be treated to the warm hospitality of your English-speaking Russian staff. Gather in the evening for a special "Welcome Aboard" Dinner.

ms Rossia (B,D)

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Cruising the Russian Countryside / Uglich

Get ready to discover that there's more to Russia than its fabulous cities as you set sail into the heart of the country. A river cruise is truly the best way to visit out-of-the-way towns that have been only slightly altered by the changing times. You'll also notice that the people of smaller towns are particularly friendly. Best of all, you'll never be far from land as you cruise so you'll be able to admire the beauty of the countryside. (Remember, it stays light far into the evening during the summer in Russia, so you can view the passing countryside even late at night.)

Cultural Connection: This morning as you cruise you'll learn about Russian culture, first with at a talk about Russian handicrafts and then at a Russian language lesson.

As you cruise along the Volga, you'll enter the region around Moscow known as the "Golden Ring," an arc of cities where magnificent pieces of Russia's past have been preserved. On the approach to Uglich, watch as churches and a cathedral appear on the horizon in a brilliant display of red, blue, and gold. Uglich is a favorite destination of Russian travellers for both its beauty and its tragic past. Established in 1148, the city became a favorite of Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century. In fact, Ivan exiled his seventh wife to Uglich. When Prince Dmitry came to Uglich to stay with his mother, he was murdered in a plot to usurp the throne. The magnificent Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood was erected on the spot where the prince was murdered. Nearby, the attractive Cathedral of the Resurrection is of similar design. You'll see these landmarks, and more, on your included walking tour of Uglich. And don't miss the colorful handicraft market near Uglich's town center — it offers some of the best shopping on this trip. Back aboard ship this evening, enjoy a relaxing dinner as the ms Rossia continues on to Yaroslavl, which we'll explore tomorrow.

ms Rossia (B,L,D)

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Yaroslavl

Today you'll disembark to explore Yaroslavl's handsome, tree-lined boulevards and fascinating old city center. On your tour you'll see the heavily fortified 12th-century Transfiguration Monastery, and the lovely Church of Elijah the Prophet, boasting some of the finest frescoes and icons in Russia. In fact the church, also known as Ilia Prorok, contains an extraordinary treasury of historic Russian art representing the talents of master architects, painters, goldsmiths, and carvers. Cultural Connections: During your tour of Yaroslavl you'll visit a food market to observe how the Russians bargain — and to get a feel for what their typical diet includes. The handicraft market near the center is a regional attraction and offers some of the best shopping opportunities on this trip. During a second Cultural Connection aboard ship, you'll learn about Russian vodka — once believed to be a miracle-working medicine — and sample some for yourself. Vodka has been an integral part of Russian culture for over 600 years.

ms Rossia (B,L,D)

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Cruising Lake Onega

Despite the enormous changes that have occurred in Russia over the past 100 years, much of the rural landscape remains untouched ... idyllic settings celebrated by Tolstoy and other masters of Russian literature. Away from the cities, Russia is a land of villages, fields, forests, and lakes, all linked by a great network of water highways. The pristine scenery is often compared to that of Washington and Oregon, states that coincidently home to large populations of Russian-Americans.

Today you'll enjoy a full day of scenic sailing across White Lake, through the Volga-Baltic Canal , and on to Lake Onega. This lovely pastoral region will evoke images from mythic tales like The Firebird, Swan Lake, and Petruschka.

Cultural Connection: In the afternoon, you're invited to an onboard Blini Party! You'll learn the art of creating blinis — a small Russian pancake that is served with various garnishes. You'll celebrate this regional dish by consuming your creations at a festive blini party.

ms Rossia (B,L,D)

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Kizhi Island

Cruising further on Lake Onega, you'll stop at Kizhi Island, home of the famed open-air Museum of Russian Architecture. Here, stroll among superb examples of traditional Russian architecture, including the Church of the Transfiguration, an ornate structure of wooden "ribbons" and 22 domes in three tiers, built entirely without nails! Instead, it's built of interlocking logs caulked at the seams by a combination of hemp or jute fiber and tar. The elaborate roof consists of octahedrons, stacked like a pyramid. In Russian Orthodox tradition, the many domes symbolize heaven... and when the sun hits the ash wood just right, the gilded colors that result rival the beauty of any cathedral in the world. Both the Cathedral and the adjacent clock tower are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You're sure to agree that this is the ultimate in Russian fairytale architecture.

ms Rossia (B,L,D)

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Svir Stroi

Cultural Connection: Your next port, Svir Stroi, is a remote village where you'll have the extraordinary experience of visiting a local family in their home. Along with a warm welcome, you'll enjoy authentic Russian tea and another specialty of the region — piroshky, which are sweet and savory filled pies. You'll also observe the Russian lifestyle, learn first hand about the unique challenges "your family" faced before, and during, the transition from communism to capitalism, and share their dreams for the future.

As you cruise on to St. Petersburg, you're invited to a discussion with your Program Managers about their lives in Russia during and after communism. That evening, celebrate your voyage at the Captain's Farewell Reception & Dinner.

ms Rossia (B,L,D)

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St. Petersburg, Russia

Arriving in St. Petersburg — Peter the Great's dazzling baroque city of white, gold, and pastel — you're off on a tour to Peter & Paul Fortress. Within the fortress is the St. Peter-and-St. Paul Cathedral, its lovely spire topped by a golden angel holding a cross, the symbol of the city. After an included lunch in a local restaurant, you are free to explore St. Petersburg at your own pace. Or, join an optional excursion to Peter the Great's grandest estate, Petrodvorets (also known as Peterhof). Tonight you'll stay aboard ship in St. Petersburg.

ms Rossia (B,L,D)

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St. Petersburg

After breakfast on Day 13, you'll disembark for a panoramic city tour of St. Petersburg featuring St. Isaac's Cathedral, gilded with 200 pounds of gold; The Admiralty, an immense fortress built in 1704 to showcase the might of the Russian navy; and the Aurora, a century-old ship from which Lenin announced the triumph of the Bolsheviks. You'll also see the Bronze Horseman statue — Peter the Great himself astride a rearing horse that symbolizes Russia. Catherine the Great erected this memorial to honor her predecessor, but many think she had an ulterior motive — to establish her own connection to the Russian royal family, when in fact she was of German descent and not a blood relation.

After you tour, you'll have a light lunch in a local restaurant. Then it's off to view the art collection of the czars at the Hermitage, one of the most superb museums in the world, housed in the breathtaking Winter Palace. The staggering collection of art and paintings ranges from ancient Egypt to early 20th-century Europe, set in a complex of magnificent buildings lavishly adorned with gold leaf, malachite, jasper, agate, and marble.

Today you'll also settle in for a three-night stay at the at the Hotel Ambassador, located in the city near Yusupovsky Garden. The afternoon is yours to spend as you wish in this incredible destination.

Hotel Ambassador (B,L)

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St. Petersburg

You'll be delighted to have today free in St. Petersburg — there are more than 140 museums you can visit! Perhaps you'll browse the elegant shops along Nevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg's version of New York's Fifth Avenue, then find your way to the Pushkin Apartment-Museum, the poet's final residence. If you like, you can join our optional excursion to Catherine I's grandiose, baroque blue palace. And of course, whatever you choose to do your Program Manager will be happy to provide you with directions and suggestions. There's another terrific option this evening — a performance of the Russian Ballet, considered the best in the world.

Hotel Ambassador (B)

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St. Petersburg

Cultural Connection for Select Departures: If you choose a May, August, or September departure, you are in for a real treat today — a visit to a children's music school in St. Petersburg. You'll meet the students and gain a unique perspective on Russia through the eyes of the children. (Not available in the summer when school is closed.)

The rest of the day is free for you to continue your independent exploration of the city. Or, join an optional tour of Yusupov Palace, where Prince Yusupov murdered Grigory Rasputin in 1916. In the evening, share memories with your fellow travellers when you gather at the hotel for your Farewell Dinner.

Hotel Ambassador (B,D)

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St. Petersburg / Return Home

Or, make the most of your included airfare by adding our optional extension to Tallinn, Estonia.