Waterways of the Czar River Cruise
St. Petersburg to Moscow  July 16-29

July 16   St. Petersburg   Arrive in St. Petersburg, "The City of 300 Bridges," then transfe  r to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (D)

July 17  St. Petersburg   This morning, proceed to the Winter Palace to visit the legendary Hermitage Museum, 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. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg. Enjoy an early dinner, followed by an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera. (B, L, D)

July 18  St. Petersburg   Today's excursion goes to Pushkin. Visit Catherine's Palace, the elegant rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian Czars named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate décor throughout. Dine aboard and enjoy an optional Russian folkloric performance this evening. (B, L, D)

July 19  St. Petersburg   Most of the day is free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors. In the afternoon, explore more of the city or take an optional tour including Yusupov Palace (where Grigori Rasputin met his dramatic end) and a relaxing canal cruise. Lunch and dinner served aboard; ship departs early evening. (B, L, D)

July 20  Scenic Waterways & Mandrogy   Spend a relaxing day cruising along Russia's intricate waterways. Sail on the Neva River, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest lake. Cruise the Svir River to Mandrogy where you have some time to explore this reconstructed traditional village. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. Continue along the Svir's 139-mile "Blue Route" toward Lake Onega. (B, L, D)

July 21  Kizhi   Cruise through the early morning, admiring the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe's second largest lake. Arrive during breakfast at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, see a collection of ancient Russian wooden houses, windmills and churches, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church—a fairytale-like structure built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart late morning and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

July 22  Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery   Continue cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. Arrive at lunchtime in Kuzino, a typical Russian village. Here, visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397; a guided walk takes you through the historic grounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Return aboard for an afternoon departure. (B, L, D)

July 23  Yaroslavl   Arrive midafternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities—ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia's historical events. Ride along the river banks where you see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a traditional choir performance. Take free time to shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning aboard for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)

July 24  Uglich   After breakfast, disembark for a walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, another Golden Ring city. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible's son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Lunch served aboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

July 25  Moscow Canal & Moscow   This morning, cruise along the Moscow Canal, approaching Moscow during lunch. Disembark for a half-day city tour. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and 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 famous GUM Department Store and experience the city's Metro. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music followed by a late dinner on board. (B, L, D)

July 26  Moscow   Today you have a full day to further explore Moscow's many buildings, parks and monuments. Or you may choose from several optional experiences—a full-day excursion to Sergiev Posad, a Golden Ring city named for the greatly venerated St. Sergius of Radonezh, to see one of the four most important Russian Orthodox monasteries in Russia; a half-day morning tour of Novodevichy Convent, Moscow's best-known cloister and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; or an afternoon tour to Tretyakov Gallery, the world's foremost museum of Russian fine art. Lunch is served aboard, or included in your full-day excursion. Dine aboard, then relax—or take an optional Moscow by Night tour. (B, L, D)

July 28  Moscow   This morning you tour the Kremlin—see its many tall towers and elegant palaces, and tour inside one of the brightly colored cathedrals. The afternoon is free to relax and explore—you may wish to spend some time people-watching in Red Square or visit Lenin's Tomb. Return aboard for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

July 29  Moscow   After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, enjoy 3 nights in romantic Paris on your way home. (B)