Moscow - Moscow (10 Days and 9 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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Myskin

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Kostroma: Kostroma is the jewels among the Golden Ring towns. It is also the only Russian city that has retained its original 18th century street plan commissioned by the Ekaterina the Geat, with the main streets radiating from the centre like the spokes of a wheel. Your sightseeing tour highlights will include the world renown Museum of Wooden Architecture and the 14th century Ipatyevsky Monastery. Return to the ship, departure, dinner on board entertainment.

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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Nizhnii Novgorod: Founded in 1221, this city was a famous meeting place where people from the Orient, Siberia and Turkistan came to barter and trade. Formerly named Gorki, it was later home of political exiles and therefore closed to outsiders for many years. Nizhny Novgorod has only recently opened its doors for visitors, where many well preserved memorials from the 13th and 14th centuries are found. Of special interest is the ancient Kremlin cathedrals, convents and the palace of the early ruling family.

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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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Uglich: Uglich is one of the oldest Russian towns, and a place of a pilgrimage of Russian Czars. According to a local legend its origin goes back to back to 937. During the guided walking tour you’ll visit the magnificent five domed Transfiguration Cathedral and Church of Czarevich Dmitri on the Blood – build to commemorate the most famous event in the town's history – a mysterious death of the 7-year old Czarevich Dmitri, the last scion of Dimitriy Rurik dynasty. Return to the ship, departure, dinner on board entertainment.

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Moscow