Volga Dream 2018 (St. Petersburg - Moscow - St. Petersburg) GOLD May 27 departure only

GOLD CLASS
For the traveller looking for a superior experience, Gold Class passengers stay in 5 star hotels in Moscow and St. Petersburg and undertake sightseeing in small groups with a maximum of 25 guests.

DAY 1 ST. PETERSBURG
Upon arrival in St. Petersburg, transfer to the MS Volga Dream. You may spend the rest of the day at leisure relaxing after the flight or explore St. Petersburg on your own. (D)

DAY 2 ST. PETERSBURG
Begin today at the meticulously restored Peterhof Palace, St. Petersburg’s most famous and spectacular imperial estate, often cited as the "Versailles of Russia". Visit the Bathhouse and stroll in the vast Lower Park with its 176 fountains, 4 cascades, majestic palaces, and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes.
Following lunch at a local restaurant, transfer to the awaiting MS Volga Dream and begin sailing along the Russian waterways. Gather for the Captain's welcome reception and dinner as we begin our cruise. (B, L, D)

DAY 3 SVIRSTROY
The highlight of your day in Svirstroy is being invited into a local resident‘s home. Warm and welcoming Svirstroy villagers will offer tea with jam and pirozhki‖ (local pies). They will enthusiastically tell you all about Russian traditions, lifestyle and the attractions of Svirstroy village while proudly showing off their homes and kitchen gardens. (B, L, D)

DAY 4 KIZHI
This afternoon explore the tiny, picturesque island of Kizhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on Lake Onega. The open-air Museum of Architecture includes the Church of the Transfiguration, a unique onion-domed masterpiece built without a single metal nail and resembling something out of a Russian fairy tale. (B, L, D)

DAY 5 GORITZY
Early this morning you cross Lake Beloye, or the White Lake, formerly known as the “czar’s fishing grounds”. Arrive in the peaceful village of Goritzy to tour the fortress-like Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery with its magnificent frescoes by one of the Russia's most renowned icon painters. Return to the ship for a late lunch. (B, L, D)

DAY 6 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 Saviour, adorned with murals depicting St. John's apocalyptic visions, and the richly frescoed Church of St. Elijah the Prophet. Participate in a costumed reception at the Governor's House before reboarding the Volga Dream in time for lunch. (B, L, D)

DAY 7 UGLICH
Arrive this afternoon in Uglich, which dates back to the 10th century. A walking tour includes the Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood, a 17th century treasure built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s 10-year old son met his death. Lastly you will attend a concert of choral music at St. John‘s Church. (B, L, D)

DAY 8 MOSCOW
Disembark this morning and begin the day with an orientation tour of Moscow before proceeding to the famous Novodevichy Cemetery, where well-known Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets, are buried along with famous actors, political leaders, and scientists. Afterwards explore the famous Moscow Metro, renowned for its architectural splendour and ornately decorated stations. Check-in at your hotel then the rest of the afternoon is free for you to further explore by yourself. (B, L)

Stay at
Marriott Royal Aurora (5 star)

DAY 9 MOSCOW
This morning enter the Kremlin for a visit to the Armoury Museum, with its collection of Czarist thrones, ceremonial crowns, coaches and gifts of state. Continue to the beautifully frescoed 15th century Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals. Another afternoon at leisure awaits. (B)

DAY 10 MOSCOW
This morning visit the renowned Tretyakov Gallery to view it’s collection of Russian art, ranging from 12th century icons to 20th century paintings. This will be followed by the tour of Moscow which including a walk through Red Square, GUM department store, photo stop at St. Basil's Cathedral and a visit to the Cathedral of Christ the Savior. (B)

DAY 11 MOSCOW - ST. PETERSBURG
Today check out from your hotel and transfer to the railway station for a 4 hour comfortable ride to St. Petersburg in business class carriage. Upon arrival in St. Petersburg you will be transferred to your deluxe hotel located in the historic city centre near the Winter Palace and legendary Hermitage. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B, L)

Stay at
Kempinski Moika 22 Hotel (5 star)

DAY 12 ST. PETERSBURG
This morning tour St. Petersburg, which Peter the Great transformed from marshland into the vibrant city of islands, canals, bridges and pastel-coloured palaces. Continue with an orientation tour of the city and enter Peter & Paul Fortress, the 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. (B, L)

DAY 13 ST. PETERSBURG
This morning you drive to Pushkin, the Czar’s Village, for a specially arranged visit to Catherine’s Palace. See the exquisitely restored Amber Room and stroll the formal gardens. After lunch you will return to the city to visit the Faberge Museum, which contains the world's largest collection of works by Carl Faberge. The rest of the day is at leisure. (B, L)

DAY 14 ST. PETERSBURG
Your MS Volga Dream I cruise tour concludes after breakfast with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)