Day 1 St. Petersburg
Welcome to the historical and colourful city of St. Petersburg. A Scenic Tours representative will personally greet you and arrange your transfer to your ship where you will be warmly invited on board by your dedicated crew. Celebrate your first taste of Russia tonight at a Welcome Reception with your fellow travellers.
Day 2 St. Petersburg
After breakfast enjoy an Included tour of St. Petersburg. A highlight is St. Isaac’s Cathedral with its huge gilded dome, exquisite mosaics and icons. You’ll also view the baroque Winter Palace and Alexander Column in Palace Square. This afternoon you’ll visit the Hermitage. Formerly the Winter Palace and home of the Tsars, today it houses one of the world’s greatest art collections.
Day 3 St. Petersburg
Your day starts at the Peter and Paul Fortress where Peter the Great and all the Russian emperors and empresses are buried. Afterwards relax over lunch in a local restaurant in town. It’s then on to the magnificent summer residence of Russian royalty at Peterhof. Visit Catherine’s Wing and view the Grand Castle’s waterfalls and fountains.
Day 4 St. Petersburg
This morning visit Catherine’s Palace, famous for its grandiose white and gold façade and elaborate gardens. Scenic Enrich: Enjoy a highlight lunch at the old-world wooden ‘Podvorie’ restaurant. Here you will be offered traditional Russian cuisine with all products and wine home-grown from the restaurant owner’s private summer residence. This afternoon enjoy time at leisure. Scenic Enrich: After dinner you will be treated to a glass of sparkling wine followed by a private Russian ballet concert.
Day 5 St. Petersburg
Today you’ll tour the 19th century Yusupov Palace, where Prince Yusupov murdered Grigory Rasputin, the most controversial figure in Russian history. This evening join your fellow travellers on the sun deck as your ship sets sail along the Neva River.
Day 6 Svirstroy
Your ship arrives in the village of Svirstroy, between Lake Ladoga and Lake Onega
Scenic Enrich: It’s all ashore to visit the home of a local family who will serve authentic Russian tea and piroshky, a specialty of the region.
Day 7 Petrozavodsk
Tour the port city of Petrozavodsk and learn about the Soviet era at Kirov Square, Gagarin Square, and Lenin Square, where you’ll stop at the World War II Memorial of the Eternal Flame. Return to the ship for lunch and then attend an Included Karelian Folk Show which celebrates the music and costumes of Russia’s north.
Day 8 Kizhi Island
This morning, your ship docks at Kizhi Island, one of the most ancient inhabited sites in Russia. You’ll visit the museum and its precious collection of wooden churches and chapels. You’ll also view the Church of Transfiguration, with its 22 timbered onion domes.
Day 9 Goritsy
At the medieval village of Goritsy you’ll tour the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, built i
1397 and home to an impressive collection of Russian Orthodox icons. As the ship sets sail this afternoon, sample the beverage that has been integral to Russian culture for over 600 years - vodka.
Day 10 Uglich
Take an Included walking tour of historic Uglich, part of the Golden Ring of cities around Moscow. The town dates back to the 10th century and was used by the legendary Ivan the Terrible in the 16th century as a base for his attacks against the Tatars.
Day 11 Moscow
Relax on board this morning as you sail towards Moscow. Arriving after lunch, you’ll set out on an exploration which includes Red Square, Tverskaya Street, the KGB building and a ride on Moscow’s Metro - considered one of the best subway systems in the world.
Day 12 Moscow
Scenic Enrich: This morning visit the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics. Here you will have the opportunity to meet with a real cosmonaut and see space simulators that prepare cosmonauts for lift-off. Then enjoy lunch at the venue. Tonight you’ll attend the internationally-acclaimed Moscow Circus.
Day 13 Moscow
Your day starts with expansive views of Moscow from the Sparrow Hills. Then visit Novodevichy Cemetery, where Anton Chekhov and former President Boris Yeltsin are buried. Scenic Enrich: This afternoon enjoy a tour of the most well-known icon in Russia, St. Basil’s Cathedral.
Day 14 Moscow
After breakfast you’ll tour the Kremlin, seat of the former Soviet Union’s intrigue. In the State Armoury , you’ll see priceless weaponry, jewels, Fabergé eggs and ceremonial robes. After your tour enjoy free time to explore the bustling city of Moscow on your own.
Day 15 Moscow
After breakfast this morning it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the cruise. Your Scenic Tours Representative will take you to the airport.
