Volga Dream 2020 (Moscow - St. Petersburg) GOLD

DAY 1 MOSCOW
Upon arrival in Moscow, group transfer to your deluxe hotel located in the historic city centre close to the Bolshoi Theatre. You may spend the rest of the day at leisure relaxing after the flight or explore Moscow on your own. Please note that between 18.00-21.00hrs you have the opportunity to meet your fellow travellers and Tour Leader in the hotel lobby.
Stay at:
St. Regis or Ararat Park Hyatt Hotels

DAY 2 MOSCOW
Begin the day with an orientation tour of Moscow before proceeding to the famous Novodevichi Cemetery, where well-known Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets, are buried along with famous actors, political leaders, and scientists. The afternoon is free for you further explore by yourself. (B)

DAY 3 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. Walk through Red Square, with photo stops at St. Basil's Cathedral, Lenin's Tomb and GUM department store. Another afternoon at leisure awaits. (B)

DAY 4 MOSCOW
After check-out from your hotel visit the renowned Tretyakov Gallery to view it’s collection of Russian art, ranging from 12th-century icons to 20th-century paintings. Afterwards enjoy a Moscow Metro tour before a transfer to the luxurious MS Volga Dream and begin your cruise along the Russian Waterways. Enjoy a Captain's welcome reception and dinner as you begin your cruise. (B, D)

DAY 5 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 6 YAROSLAVL
This morning visit the oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl, a UNESCO 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 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 Dionysius, one of the Russia's most renowned icon painters. Return to the ship for a late lunch. (B, L, D)

DAY 8 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 9 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. After the tea, you will depart on a tour of the nearby town to see the monument of the WWII and visit a local primary school. (B, L, D)

DAY 10 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-coloured palaces. Continue with an orientation tour of the city including photo stops at St. Isaac Cathedral and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and enter Peter & Paul Fortress, the family shrine of the Romanovs. After a full day of touring, you will check-in at your hotel. (B, L)
Stay at:
Belmond Grand Hotel Europe

DAY 11 ST. PETERSBURG
Begin today at 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. Following lunch, tour the meticulously restored Peterhof Palace, St. Petersburg’s most famous and spectacular imperial estate, often cited as the "Versailles of Russia". Visit one of the authentic small cottages and stroll in the vast Lower Park with its 176 fountains, 4 cascades, majestic palaces, and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes. Afterwards return to St. Petersburg and spend the afternoon exploring the city on your own. (B, L)

DAY 12 ST. PETERSBURG
This morning join one of the optional tours or explore St. Petersburg at your own pace.
This afternoon, 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. (B)

DAY 13 ST. PETERSBURG
Your MS Volga Dream cruise tour concludes after breakfast with a departure transfer for your onward journey. (B)