Volga Dream 2022 (Moscow - St. Petersburg) IMPERIAL

DAY 1 Moscow
Upon arrival in Moscow, your private airport transfer will take you to your deluxe hotel located in the historic city centre only a minute away from Red Square and Kremlin. 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: Four Seasons Hotel Moscow

DAY 2 Moscow
Begin the day with an orientation tour of Moscow. The city boasts unique diversity and variety in terms of building styles: classic, modern, empire and eclecticism amazingly sit alongside more monumental designs, such as Stalin’s towering skyscrapers from the mid 20th century.
Lunch is served in a restaurant on the top-floor of one of Moscow’s skyscrapers offering spectacular city views. After lunch, visit the famous Novodevichy Cemetery, where well-known Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets, are buried along with famous actors, political leaders, and scientists. BL
Stay at: Four Seasons Hotel Moscow

DAY 3 Moscow
The morning consists of a stroll through the famous Moscow Kremlin with its beautiful cathedrals and unique museums. The Armory hosts an impressive collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged armour and ancient weapons, royal carriages and sleighs.
After lunch, cross Red Square to visit GUM, Moscow’s largest department store, and enter a masterpiece of medieval Moscow, St. Basil’s Cathedral. Then proceed with a leisurely walk through the newly designed park Zaryadye, a stone’s throw from the Kremlin and Red Square. BL
Stay at: Four Seasons Hotel Moscow

DAY 4 Moscow
After check-out from your hotel visit the small and cosy former home-estate once owned by one of Russia’s literary greats, Leo Tolstoy. After lunch, the sightseeing continues to the renowned State Tretyakov Gallery to view it’s collection of Russian art, ranging from 12th-century icons to 19th-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. BLD

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. BLD

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. BLD

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 Ferapontov Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia’s most renowned icon painters. Return to the ship for a late lunch. BLD

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. BLD

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. BLD

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 a visit to Peter & Paul Fortress, the family shrine of the Romanovs. The tour continues to St. Isaac Cathedral (photo stop), whose gilded dome dominates the city skyline.
During lunch enjoy a performance by the Red Army Choir! After lunch, embark on a canal cruise under the city's many historic bridges. The day finishes with a tour of Yusupov Palace, the former home to one of St. Petersburg wealthiest arisocrats, and the location of Rasputin's final demise!
After a full day of touring, you will check-in at your hotel. BL
Stay at: Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg

DAY 11 St. Petersburg
Begin today at the famed Hermitage Museum, to avoid the crowds, special early access has been arranged before the official opening hours. The 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. After exploring the main galleries, proceed to the Gold Room, usually closed to general public, with a collection of gold Scythian artwork and elaborate imperial gifts.
Following lunch, continue to the meticulously restored Peterhof Palace, St. Petersburg’s most famous and spectacular imperial estate, often cited as the "Versailles of Russia". 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 by hydrofoil. BL
Stay at: Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg

DAY 12 St. Petersburg
This morning will start with a visit to the Fabergé Museum, founded by entrepreneur, Viktor Vekselberg. The museum was opened in December 2013 to display a glittering collection of Faberge eggs and objects d’art created by Peter Carl Fabergé and his staff.
After lunch 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. BL
Stay at: Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace St. Petersburg

DAY 13 St. Petersburg
Your MS Volga Dream cruise tour concludes after breakfast with a private departure airport transfer for your onward journey. B