Overview
Stand before the red walls of the Kremlin in the seat of Russian power, and journey back through the centuries to visit a Tsar’s winter palace and a 14th-century monastery on the shores of White Lake.
Highlights
- Moscow See the city's iconic sights of Red Square, St Basil's Cathedral and the famous red brick walls of the Kremlin.
- Uglich Join an excursion of this 12th century town on the banks of the Volga River.
- Goritsy Village Explore the 14th century Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery on the shores of White Lake.
- Kizhi Museum An enchanting open-air museum of wooden architecture.
- Mandrogui Tour Village tour including a traditional Russian BBQ lunch.
- St Petersburg See the famous sights of the magnificent Winter Palace and St Isaac's Cathedral.
Cruise itinerary
Inside visits and special features are shown in UPPERCASE in the tour description, including admission charges where applicable.
Total meals included:
- 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 7 dinners
UK - Moscow
Day1
Travel to Moscow where you will be met and transferred to your ship, MS Rostropovich. This evening, enjoy dinner and entertainment on-board.
Meals included:
- Dinner
Moscow
Day2
This morning, begin your discovery of the capital city of Russia. Join the panoramic city tour to see some of the iconic sights such as Red Square with St Basil’s cathedral and the famous red brick walls of the Kremlin. Enjoy lunch in a city centre restaurant and continue to your afternoon exploration of the Kremlin – the former residence of the Russian Tsars, discover the huge Tsar’s Cannon and Bell and visit one of the magnificent cathedrals housed within Cathedral Square. Return to the MS Rostropovich for the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail, dinner and entertainment in the bars.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Uglich
Day3
Today, join the included visit to the town of Uglich on the Volga River, first documented in 1148. The town's historical significance is due to the suspicious death of Dmitry Ivanov, son of Ivan the Terrible. Dmitry was exiled to Uglich after his father's death in 1584 but was found dead in questionable circumstances seven years later. The Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, built in his memory, appears on the horizon as the ship sails towards the town and is one of the great sights to be seen in Uglich. In the evening, enjoy a Ukrainian dinner and entertainment on-board.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Goritsy
Day4
Today, disembark for a shore excursion to Goritsy, a tiny village settlement on the edge of the White Lake. The main attractions in Goritsy are the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery and the Goritsy Nunnery. The Monastery of St. Cyril was founded in 1397 and is an impressive ensemble of priories, churches and historical references. The Goritsy Nunnery is much smaller than the Monastery and was founded later in 1544. In the evening a Russian style dinner and entertainment awaits you on-board.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Kizhi
Day5
After breakfast and morning entertainment on-board, visit the Island of Kizhi located in Lake Onega. The island is world famous due to the collection of wooden churches with the centrepiece, the 22 domed Church of the Transfiguration, built completely without the use of nails. The Island has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the highlight of any Russian river cruise. Entrance is included to the open air museum of wooden architecture and a visit to a typical Korelian House. Return to the boat after for a pirate themed dinner, followed by entertainment on-board.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Mandrogui
Day6
Today's tour includes a traditional Russian BBQ lunch taken in the historical village of Mandrogui, located to the north of St Petersburg on the shores of the River Svir. The village is a representation of traditional Russian life with wooden buildings, a vodka museum and craft centre. Visitors can also see local recipes being made and visit the farms which are tended by the local villagers. Relax and enjoy your evening on board with the ship's Gala Concert.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
St Petersburg
Day7
After breakfast on-board, prepare to explore the wonderful city of St Petersburg on our panoramic city tour. The tour by coach will take in some of the most famous sights including the Exchange, Palace Square and the magnificent Winter Palace, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Cathedral of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood and Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main thoroughfare. Included is a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress and also the world-renowned Hermitage museum. A magnificent collection of art is housed in the winter palace of Catherine the Great. One of the biggest museums in the world and founded in 1764, its collection includes over 2.7 million items, including masterpieces of Leonardo Da Vinci, Raphael, Rodin, Rembrandt, Rubens and the French impressionists. Return to the ship for dinner on-board.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
St Petersburg - UK
Day8
After breakfast, disembark and transfer to the airport for your flight to the UK.
Meals included:
- Breakfast
Things to note
Sailing times and itineraries are subject to change but the content will remain the same where possible.
A visa is required to travel on this cruise. Please refer to www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice prior to departure for the latest requirements and how to apply.
What's included
Cruise only
Prefer to book your own flights and transfers? You have the freedom to do that with our Tour Only holiday option.
- VIP private home pick-up service
- Services of a cruise director
- Accommodation
- Selected meals
- Excursions
Cruise with flights
Let us take care of everything. Our package option includes return flights from your chosen airport, plus overseas transfers to your hotel.
- VIP private home pick-up service
- Flights
- Transfers
- Services of a cruise director
- Accommodation
- Selected meals
- Excursions
- All airport and port taxes
