Europe : Cruise Russian Waterways

Start discovering the city on your own, before meeting your fellow travellers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception. (D)

**2009 itinerary same as above**

Today's sightseeing of Russia's beautiful capital city which was founded in 1147, includes Red Square, St. Basil, the Lenin Hills, Tverskaya, Lubyanka Square (KGB building) and Arbat Street, followed by a visit to the Moscow Metro. Later, in the afternoon, you will visit Tretyakov Art Museum. (B,L,D)

**2009 itinerary same as above**

This morning, your sightseeing continues with a tour inside the Kremlin's Walls. Your tour will introduce you to the former royal residence of the Czar and main-centre of the Russian Orthodox faith. You will visit the Armory Museum, Russia's oldest museum, which houses the former royal collection, a wide collection of treasures, including jewels, crowns, armor and the world famous Fabergé Eggs and royal carriages. The afternoon is free to explore further. (B,L,D)

 **2009 itinerary same as above**

On the banks of the Volga, Uglich was founded by merchants, in 1148. Rich in history you can admire some of Russia's most beautiful churches and cathedrals during your city tour. This will include the Transfiguration Cathedral and the magnificent Church of Dimitry on the blood, with its tragic story of dedication to Ivan the Terrible's son. (B,L,D)

 **2009 itinerary has changed to:- MOSCOW. Enjoy a full free day to explore the city at your leisure. Perhaps return to the Kremlin for a more comprehensive tour or join an optional excursion or try a traditional bathhouse, which is a deeply entrenched Russian tradition for relaxation.**

Located on the left banks of the Volga River, this Golden Ring city is as old as Moscow and its picturesque suburbs have long been a source of inspiration for many Russian artists. It was here that the last Imperial dynasty, the Romanovs, came to power. Your tour will include the Ipatiev Monastery, the Museum of Wooden Architecture and much of the 18th -century buildings beloved of Catherine the Great.

**2009 itinerary has changed to:- UGLICH. On the banks of the Volga, Uglich was founded by merchants, in 1148. Rich in history, admire some of Russia's most beautiful churches and cathedrals during your city tour. This includes the Transfiguration Cathedral and the magnificent Church of Dimitry on the blood, with its tragic story of dedication to Ivan the Terrible's son.

Founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, it is one of Russia's oldest cities, tracing its roots back to the Vikings. The city stretches for miles along the confluence of Volga and Kotorosl rivers. Explore the cities history through its architecture, including the fortified 12th-century Transfiguration Monastery and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, home to many beautiful icons. (B,L,D)

**2009 itinerary same as above**

Goritsy is a peaceful farming town and a typical Russian village. The tour will include the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White lake and the Museum of Icons. (B,L,D)

**2009 itinerary same as above**

Kizhi is situated at the north end of Lake Onega and home to some of the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia. Forever linked to Novgorod the Great, 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. The walking tour will include the Museum of Wooden Architecture. (B,L,D)

 **2009 itinerary same as above**

Mandrogui is a recreated Russian village, built to relive the traditions and crafts of Russia's by gone age. Enjoy some free time strolling around this quaint village and maybe tour the museum of it's locally produced Vodka and even sample some yourself. (B,L,D)

**2009 itinerary has changed to:- SVIRSTROY. Svirstroy is 100 miles from St. Petersburg with only a population of 1,000. Enjoy some free time to stroll through this unspoiled Russian village and browse through the 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 on the express orders and construction direction of Peter the Great. The city is home to many museums, galleries, palaces, impressive squares and streets.The sightseeing tour this beautiful city will show you Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square, St. Isaacs Cathedral and the battlecruiser Aurora. Later, tour the Hermitage museum, the former Palace of the Czars, which houses the royal art collection of over 3 million works of art; it is one of the biggest and most impressive art museums in the world. (B,L,D)

**2009 itinerary same as above**

Today you will tour perhaps St. Petersburg's most famous and spectacular Imperial Estate - Peterhof. Nestled on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, the palace was built by Peter the Great initially as a resting place en route to the Imperial naval base. But the Czar was quick to recognize the attractiveness of the area and masterminded a vast estate intended to rival the famous gardens of Versailles. In your free time absorb the atmosphere of its vibrant cultural life. Tonight explore some more on your own, or come along for an optional folklore show. (B,L,D)

 **2009 itinerary same as above**

This morning, stroll along one of the many picturesque canals or join the optional excursion tour to Pushkin and the Palace of Catherine the Great. This evening be our guest at an exclusive Ballet performance at the Hermitage Theatre, the former private theatre of the Czars. (B,L,D)

**2009 itinerary same as above**

Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight. (B)

 **2009 itinerary same as above**