Day 1. Moscow

Upon arrival in Moscow, transfer to the deluxe Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel located in the historic city center right by the Bolshoi Theater. You may spend the rest of the day at leisure relaxing after the flight or explore Moscow center on your own.

Meals: -

Day 2. Moscow

Begin the day with orientation tour of Moscow followed by a ride in the famed Moscow metro. After lunch in a local restaurant proceed to the Old Tretyakov gallery to view its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from 12th-century icons to 20th-century paintings. The balance of the day is unscheduled for individual pursuits.

Meals: B, L

Day 3. Moscow

This morning enter the Kremlin for a visit to the Armory Museum, with its collection of tsarist thrones, ceremonial crowns, coaches and gifts of state. Continue to the beautifully frescoed 15th-century Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals. Have lunch and spend the rest of the afternoon on your own before we board the awaiting Volga Dream. Gather for Captain's welcome reception and dinner as we begin our cruise.

Meals: B, D

Day 4. Uglich

We arrive this afternoon in Uglich, dating back to the 10th century. A walking tour of this Golden Ring city includes the Chapel of Dimitry, a 17th-century treasure built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s 10-year met his death. Visit the Church of the Transfiguration, noted for its beautiful iconostasis, and attend a concert of choral music.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 5. Yaroslavl

This morning visit the oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl, a World Heritage site. In the Spassky Monastery see the Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John's apocalyptic visions, and the richly frescoed Church of St. Elijah the Prophet. There will be time to stroll the lively market before reboarding the Volga Dream in time for lunch.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 6. Goritsy

Early this morning we cross Lake Beloye, or the White Lake, formerly known as the “tsar’s fishing grounds”. Arrive in the peaceful village of Goritsy to tour the fortress-like Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery with magnificent frescoes by one of the Russia's most renowned icon painters. Return to the ship for a late lunch.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 7. Kizhi

This afternoon explore a tiny, picturesque island of Kizhy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Lake Onega. The open-air Museum of Architecture includes the Church of the Transfiguration, an onion-domed masterpiece built without a single metal nail and resembling something out of a Russian fairy tale.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 8 . Svir River and the village of Mandrogi

Be on the deck as we navigate the Svir River toward Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest freshwater lake, past a shoreline dotted with graceful willows, alder trees and stately pines. Step ashore for a brief visit to the vacation village of Mandrogi to experience daily life in a quaint wooden village.

Meals: B, L, D

Day 9. St. Petersburg

Disembark this morning in St. Petersburg, which Peter the Great transformed from marshland into the vibrant city of islands, canals, bridges and pastel-colored palaces. Continue with an orientation tour of St. Petersburg and enter Peter and Paul Fortress, this family shrine of the Romanovs. Following lunch enter the famed Hermitage Museum, whose four hundred rooms contain spectacular examples of nearly all schools of Western art, including one of the greatest collections of French impressionist works. This evening check-in at the five-start Angleterre Hotel located in the heartland of the city.

Meals: B, L

Day 10. St. Petersburg

Begin today at the meticulously restored Peterhof, St. Petersburg most famous and spectacular Imperial estate, often cited as the "Versalles of Russia". Visit magnificent and lavishly decorated Grand Summer Palace, then stroll in the vast Lower Park with 176 fountains of various forms and styles and four cascades, majestic palaces, numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes. In the afternoon return to St. Petersburg where you may wish to visit the St. Isaak cathedral or the Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood, both within walking distance from the Angleterre Hotel.

Meals: B

Day 11. St. Petersburg

Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight.

Meals: B