Jewels of Russia 2020 (St. Petersburg - Moscow)

DAY 1 St. Petersburg
Welcome to St. Petersburg! Following embarkation, tonight there will be a briefing on the cruise and the optional tours, followed by dinner. D

DAY 2 St. Petersburg
Today during your city tour you will see many buildings of great interest: the Winter Palace, the stunning cathedrals and numerous palaces of the Russian nobility. Visit the Peter and Paul Fortress, which houses the burial vault of the Romanov dynasty. This afternoon is reserved for a tour of the world famous Hermitage Museum. Tonight enjoy the Captain’s Welcome ceremony. BLD

DAY 3 Mandrogi
This morning, cruise to the traditional Russian village of Mandrogi located on the left bank of the scenic Svir River. This once quintessential Karellian town was left to ruins after WWII, but has since been restored to its former glory by the region’s best woodworkers. Upon arrival in the early afternoon you will have free time to discover the fine examples of wooden architecture as you wander through the cobbled streets of Upper Mandrogi. A barbeque will be served ashore, where you have a chance to taste the Russian shashlik (kebab). BLD

DAY 4 Kizhi
Cruise along Lake Onega to the World-Heritage listed Kizhi Island for a morning tour of the Museum of Wooden Architecture with the iconic Church of the Transfiguration. The 300 year old multi-dome church is most noted for being constructed entirely without nails. BLD

DAY 5 Goritzy
Today you will cruise to Goritzy to visit the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake, which was one of the largest, richest and most famous monasteries in Russia in 15-17th centuries. BLD

DAY 6 Uglich
Enjoy a walking tour of Uglich, including a visit to the Kremlin grounds Transfiguration Cathedral and the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son was killed. BLD

DAY 7 Moscow
Early afternoon arrival in Moscow the Russian capital! On your city tour you see many iconic landmarks,including a visit to the Kremlin, and the apex of Russian political power. Explore the Kremlin with a visit toone of its historic cathedrals. BLD

DAY 8 Moscow
Your Jewels of Russia cruise concludes on disembarkation after breakfast. B