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Moscow, the capital of Russia, is situated between the banks of the rivers Oka and Volga. A metropolis of 15+ million people, Moscow today is not only the seat of the Russian government but also home to many world renowned attractions. Morning City sightseeing by bus: A half day tour of Moscow’s major highlights including the humongous Red Square, famous St. Basil’s Cathedral and other attractions. Return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon is free for optional pursuits.(*When necessary,, this tour may be combined with the Kremlin/Armoury Tour outlined below in which case a boxed lunch will be provided) (Meal: B/L/D) Optional: Moscow National Folklore show or Moscow by Night Tour

*Morning Kremlin/Armoury Tour: Get an inside look at the Kremlin and its fascinating Cathedrals, as well as the gargantuan Tzar Cannon and the giant Tzar Bell. If pre-purchased, continue to the Armoury Museum, located within the Kremlin Grounds, the renowned depository of Royal Russian riches including samples of weapons, carriages, thrones and the famous Faberge eggs.(*If provided the previous day, this day will be fully free to allow for optional excursions and/or individual pursuits). The balance of the day is free to explore some more on your own or to join one of the optional excursions offered by our cruise managers, such as an excursion to the Sergiev Posad Complex, the heart of the Russian Orthodox Church, or visit the Tratyakov Gallery or the Pushkin Museums, or take a tour of the famous Moscow Metro and pedestrian Arbat Street. Welcome drink and Crew Introduction: Enjoy a drink on the sun deck (weather permitting) as you set sail on your wonderful Volga adventure in the late afternoon. (Meal: B/L/D)

Walking tour of Uglich: Visit Russia’s second oldest city (only one year younger than Moscow). The city is famous for the more troubled and violent side of Russian history. It was here that the Russian crown prince Dimitri was assassinated, which eventually led to Boris Godunov ascending the Russian throne. Here on the banks of the Volga, you can also find a rich collection of Russian Orthodox architecture which you will get to see, as well as the Church of St. Demetrius of the Blood and the Palace of Tsarevich Dmitry. Back on board enjoy various activities from games to lectures organized by our wonderful on board staff. (Meal: B/L/D)

Founded by Yaroslav the Wise in the 11th century, the city also ranks as one of the oldest in Russia. Its primary attractions are in the area around the main square anchored by the Governor’s Palace. Your city tour will include a visit to the Transfiguration of the Savior Monastery dating from the 13th century and the Church of Elijah the Prophet. On board our activities will be highlighted with a folk concert by our on board entertainers! (Meal: B/L/D)

This morning, stop at a typical small Russian village along the Volga. Here you can enjoy a leisurely walk through this authentic village and when in town, Baba Valya (Grandma Valya) will welcome you to her home and show you around! In the afternoon, as the ship continues sailing upstream, enjoy an optional Caviar tasting party on board, featuring blini pancakes with vodka, champagne and red caviar! (Meal: B/L/D)

Take a leisurely walking tour of this fairy tale island, situated in the northern part of Lake Onega. Kizhi is unique as the site of an outdoor museum which represents the picturesque rural wooden architecture of the region. Its most famous landmark, the Church of Transfiguration with its 22 cupolas, is an outstanding masterpiece of wooden architecture. Not only is it constructed without a single nail or piece of iron, but the only tools that were used for its construction were chisels and axes. Legend says that Master Nester, who built the church, threw away his tools when the work was finished saying, “This church was built by Master Nester. There is no church like this in the world and there will never be one again!” (Meal: B/L/D)

After breakfast, explore on foot, this replica of an authentic 19 century Russian Village. Instead of lunch on board, you will enjoy a unique riverside picnic lunch in the village setting! The Russian shashlik barbecue will be accompanied with entertainment by our on-board musicians (In case of unforeseeable bad weather, the lunch will be served on board). Then, be sure to visit the unique Vodka Museum featuring over 2500 varieties of Russia’s national drink! But that’s not all! As you continue sailing in the afternoon, prepare for our Farewell Captain’s Gala Dinner as you approach our final destination, gorgeous St. Petersburg! (Meal: B/BBQL/D)

This morning, arrive to St. Petersburg. This city, one of the most beautiful in the world, is located on the banks of the Gulf of Finland, in the delta of the river Neva. There are 65 rivers and canals flowing through St. Petersburg, as well as 42 islands. Peter the Great founded the city in 1703 and from 1712 until 1918 it was the capital of the Russian Empire. With its six million+ inhabitants, it is the second largest city in Russia and because of its many canals, bridges and architectural beauty, St. Petersburg is often referred to as the “Venice of the North”. City sightseeing tour by coach: Get to know this truly magnificent city during your morning city tour which will guide you past Nevsky Prospect, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Kazan’s Assembly Church, the Admiralty Building, Palace Square with the residence of Russian Tzars known as the “Winter Palace”, the “Bronze Horseman” monument to Peter the Great, Smolny Monastery, the cruiser Aurora, and the fascinating bridges over the river Neva which are raised every night in order to enable the passage of ships sailing to the Baltics. An inside tour of Peter and Paul Fortress, burial site of Russian Tzars, will end the tour on a high note. Optional Canal cruise: Enjoy your boxed lunch while cruising the magnificent canals through the city center marvelling at the splendor of the cities monuments. Tour of the Hermitage: One of the greatest museums of the world! Located within the 1000+ room Winter Palace, the Hermitage boasts of over 3 million artifacts spread out of 365 rooms and featuring an amazing collection of art dating from the early Greek to modern times! Pay special note to originals by de Vinci, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Picasso. (Meal: B/L*/D) Optional Evening Cultural Performance: End your day with an optional cultural performance (ballet/theater/folklore or similar) available for purchase on board.

Today is a full free day to explore the sights and sounds of St Petersburg on your own, or to take advantage of one of our optional tours offered by our cruise managers. (Note: Palace Tour MUST be pre-purchased) Optional PALACE TOUR*: The morning features an excursion to Pushkin, the former village of the Russian royalty. Here you will tour the impressive Catherine’s Palace including the fabulous Amber Room. Then continue on to Peterhof Palace to visit to the enchanting gardens of Peterhof, with magnificent view of the Baltic Sea and its famous fountains powered only by the force of gravity. (Meal: B/L/D) Optional Evening Cultural Performance: End your day with an optional cultural performance (ballet/theater/folklore or similar) available for purchase on board.

Bid your crew and fellow passengers goodbye as you disembark and transfer to the airport for your flights home. (Meal: B)