Moscow - St. Petersburg (8 Days and 7 Nights)

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Moscow: Our tour begins in Russia's cosmopolitan giant, Moscow. Upon arrival, you can instantly feel the excitement and energy of new Moscow- from high fashion to haute cuisine, this is not the Moscow of old stereotypes. We will spend the first two nights of our journey in the modern Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel and explore the historical sights of the city including Red Square and the stunning St. Basil’s Cathedral. We will enter the Kremlin and its famed Armoury Museum and also be invited into the often-missed Diamond Vaults, which house the crown jewels of Russia.

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Uglich: Once onboard the deluxe Volga Dream, you will have ample time to relax and enjoy the passing scenery along the beautiful Volga River banks. Our first stop will be the charming town of Uglich.

Founded in 1148, Uglich is one of the most historic towns in all of Russia. As you approach the town by river, the view is especially lovely with the Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. John’s Church looming on the horizon. This delightful town retains much of its original charm in the form of traditional wooden architecture and Orthodox cathedrals, including the famed Tsarevitch Church which was built in memory of Ivan the Terrible’s son, who died here under strange circumstances.

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Plyos: Today we will explore quaint town of Plyos, which was founded in 1410 by Vasily I, the Grand Prince of Moscow. This ancient town has a population of just over 3,000, but what it lacks in size is made up for in character. It’s picturesque views over the Volga River make it a very popular retreat for Muscovites and other affluent Russians.

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Yaroslavl: One of the well-known towns of the “Golden Ring” surrounding Moscow, Yaroslavl was founded in the 11th century by Yaroslav the Wise. The magnificent Kremlin (fortress) dominates the area and withstood attacks by the Mongols and Tartars through the centuries. The town is most famous for its blinding array of fresco-filled churches and cathedrals, among them the Spassky Monastery and Church of Elijah.

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Goritsy: As we continue our journey, you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery as you sail through the White Lake and through the Volga-Baltic Canal. The canal was constructed by those who were political prisoners during the Stalin regime. When you arrive in Goritzy you will visit the historic Kiril-Beloserskiy Men’s Monastery founded in 1397. Here you will discover its rich history and magnificent architecture.

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Kizhi Island: Kizhi is a remote, otherworldly island on Lake Onega, above St. Petersburg. We take you there because it offers a sight that, once seen, is never forgotten – the twenty-two domes of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior (1714). Built entirely of wood with no nails, it is one of those structures for which the word unbelievable is no exaggeration.

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Mandrogi: Today we will enjoy a tour through the quaint village of Mandrogi. The town is a recreation of a traditional Russian village complete with old wooden houses and villagers handcrafting matryoshka dolls, lace and ceramics.

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St. Petersburg: Recognized as the Venice of the North, St. Petersburg is a city built on majesty and grandeur. Peter the Great began building his enchanting city on the Gulf of Finland in the early 18th century and his canals and waterways are left today much as he intended. We will spend our last three nights in the Taleon Imperial Hotel, once a tsarist style mansion. Our tour will take us through the unique Amber Room of Catherine Palace and the fountains of Peterhof- be careful of the trick fountains! We will tour Peter Paul Fortress: birthplace of St. Petersburg and enjoy a privately led visit to the greatest museum in the world, the Hermitage. We will walk through the former halls of the Romanov family and admire the collections that were purchased throughout the different reigns, beginning with Catherine II.