Thinkingof Russia, two great cities immediately come to mind: Moscow and St.Petersburg. This monumental 13-day itinerary includes multiple days inboth cities, touring such landmarks as Moscow's Kremlin and Red Squareas well as Catherine's Palace in Pushkin and the Hermitage in St.Petersburg. But, there is another side of Russia-quaint riverside townslike Yaroslavl, Uglich and Goritzy that only a river cruise can provide.See opulent palaces, discover fortified monasteries and visit beautifulcathedrals. It is an unforgettable way to experience the history andculture of this unique and mysterious country.

Day 1 St. Petersburg

Arrivein St. Petersburg, "The City of 300 Bridges." We meet you at theairport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have freetime to relax before dinner-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch yourlegs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 St. Petersburg

Today'sexcursion goes to Pushkin. Visit Catherine's Palace, the elegant rococo18th-century summer residence of the Russian Czars named for Catherine I(widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including thestoried Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate decor throughout.Return aboard for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure to furtherexplore St. Petersburg. Enjoy an evening performance of traditionalRussian ballet or opera followed by a late dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 3 St. Petersburg

Thismorning, proceed to the Winter Palace to visit the legendary HermitageMuseum, where you marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities,jewelry and sculptures. After a picnic lunch, see some of St.Petersburg's other landmarks, including St. Isaac's Cathedral, Peter& Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. Dine aboard and enjoy anoptional Russian folkloric performance this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 4 St. Petersburg

Mostof the day is free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one ofthe many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tourto Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains andFrench Gothic interiors. In the afternoon, explore more of the city ortake an optional tour including Yusupov Palace (where Grigori Rasputinmet his dramatic end) and a relaxing canal cruise. Lunch and dinnerserved aboard; ship departs early evening. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Scenic Waterways & Mandrogy

Spenda relaxing day cruising along Russia's intricate waterways. Sail on theNeva River, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest lake. Cruise theSvir River to Mandrogy where you have some time to explore this modelRussian community. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russiancraft items. Continue along the Svir's 139-mile "Blue Route" toward LakeOnega. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Kizhi

Cruisethrough the early morning, admiring the tranquil waters of Lake Onega,Europe's second largest lake. Arrive during breakfast at the islandvillage of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museumof Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, see a collection ofancient Russian wooden houses, windmills and churches, highlighted bythe famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration)Church-a fairy-tale structure built in 1714 without a single nail.Depart late morning and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Volga-Baltic Waterway & Goritzy

Continuecruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers andcanals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River withthe Baltic Sea. Arrive at lunchtime in Goritzy, a typical Russianvillage. Here, visit the renowned Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery, foundedby Saint Cyril in 1397; a guided walk takes you through the historicgrounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and amuseum. Return aboard for an afternoon departure. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Yaroslavl

Arrivemidafternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities-ancient townsthat preserve the memory of Russia's historical events. Ride along theriver banks where you see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit theChurch of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons.Here, you are treated to a traditional choir performance. Take freetime to shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning aboard fordinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Uglich

Afterbreakfast, disembark for a walking tour through the provincial villageof Uglich, another Golden Ring city. See the former Kremlin of Uglichand visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site whereIvan the Terrible's son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Lunch servedaboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Moscow Canal & Moscow

Thismorning, cruise along the Moscow Canal, approaching Moscow duringlunch. Disembark for a half-day city tour. See the famed Bolshoi Theaterand stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St.Basil's Cathedral. You will also get the chance to explore the famousGUM Department Store and experience the city's Metro. Enjoy an eveningperformance of traditional Russian folkloric music followed by a latedinner on board. (B, L, D)

Day 11 Moscow

Todayyou have a full day to further explore Moscow's many buildings, parksand monuments. Or you may choose from several optional experiences-afull-day excursion to Sergiev Posad, a Golden Ring city named for thegreatly venerated St. Sergius of Radonezh, to see one of the four mostimportant Russian Orthodox monasteries in Russia; a half-day morningtour to Tretyakov Gallery, the world's foremost museum of Russian fineart; an afternoon tour of the Military Museum; or an afternoon tour ofNovodevichy Convent, Moscow's best-known cloister and a UNESCO WorldHeritage Site. Lunch is served aboard, or included in your full-dayexcursion. Dine aboard, then relax-or take an optional Moscow by Nighttour. (B, L, D)

Day 12 Moscow

Themorning is free to relax and explore-you may wish to make your way toRed Square and people-watch or visit Lenin's Tomb. This afternoon, youtour the world-famous Kremlin. See its many tall towers and elegantpalaces, and tour inside one of the brightly colored cathedrals. Returnaboard for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 13 Moscow

After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)

The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.