| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 11th11 | SepSep | 202121 | Saint Petersburg (ex Leningrad), Russia, embark on the MS Nizhny Novgorod | | |
| Commissioned by Tsar Peter the Great (1672–1725) as "a window looking into Europe," St. Petersburg is a planned city whose elegance is reminiscent of Europe's most alluring capitals. Little wonder it's the darling of fashion photographers and travel essayists today: built on more than a hundred islands in the Neva Delta linked by canals and arched bridges, it was called the "Venice of the North" by Goethe, and its stately embankments are reminiscent of those in Paris. A city of golden spires and gilded domes, of pastel palaces and candlelit cathedrals, this city conceived by a visionary emperor is filled with pleasures and tantalizing treasures. With its strict geometric lines and perfectly planned architecture, so unlike the Russian cities that came before it, St. Petersburg is almost too European to be Russian. And yet it's too Russian to be European. The city is a powerful combination of both East and West, springing from the will and passion of its founder to guide a resistant Russia into the greater fold of Europe, and consequently into the mainstream of history. That he accomplished, and more. With a population of nearly 5 million, St. Petersburg is the fourth largest city in Europe after Paris, Moscow, and London. Without as many of the fashionably modern buildings that a business center like Moscow acquires, the city has managed to preserve much more of its history. Here, you can imagine yourself back in the time of the tsars and Dostoyevsky. Although it's a close race, it's safe to say that most visitors prefer St. Petersburg's culture, history, and beauty to Moscow's glamour and power. That said, St. Petersburg has begun to play a more active role in politics in recent years, as if it were the country's northern capital. It may be because of the affection the city holds in the heart of the country's political elite, many of whom are natives of the city. New high-speed trains now travel between Moscow and St. Petersburg, a new international airport and metro stations have just opened, and some crumbling parts of the city are undergoing reconstruction. St. Petersburg revels in its historic beauty but also embraces the new. Founded by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg was the capital of the Russian Empire for more than 200 years. Nicknamed "Venice of the North', the historic centre, threaded with canals dotted with baroque bridges, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will be met and transferred from the airport to MS N. Novgorod, where a warm welcome awaits from your crew. Tonight enjoy your first dinner with your fellow travellers. |
| 12th12 | SepSep | 202121 | Saint Petersburg (ex Leningrad), Russia | | |
| Commissioned by Tsar Peter the Great (1672–1725) as "a window looking into Europe," St. Petersburg is a planned city whose elegance is reminiscent of Europe's most alluring capitals. Little wonder it's the darling of fashion photographers and travel essayists today: built on more than a hundred islands in the Neva Delta linked by canals and arched bridges, it was called the "Venice of the North" by Goethe, and its stately embankments are reminiscent of those in Paris. A city of golden spires and gilded domes, of pastel palaces and candlelit cathedrals, this city conceived by a visionary emperor is filled with pleasures and tantalizing treasures. With its strict geometric lines and perfectly planned architecture, so unlike the Russian cities that came before it, St. Petersburg is almost too European to be Russian. And yet it's too Russian to be European. The city is a powerful combination of both East and West, springing from the will and passion of its founder to guide a resistant Russia into the greater fold of Europe, and consequently into the mainstream of history. That he accomplished, and more. With a population of nearly 5 million, St. Petersburg is the fourth largest city in Europe after Paris, Moscow, and London. Without as many of the fashionably modern buildings that a business center like Moscow acquires, the city has managed to preserve much more of its history. Here, you can imagine yourself back in the time of the tsars and Dostoyevsky. Although it's a close race, it's safe to say that most visitors prefer St. Petersburg's culture, history, and beauty to Moscow's glamour and power. That said, St. Petersburg has begun to play a more active role in politics in recent years, as if it were the country's northern capital. It may be because of the affection the city holds in the heart of the country's political elite, many of whom are natives of the city. New high-speed trains now travel between Moscow and St. Petersburg, a new international airport and metro stations have just opened, and some crumbling parts of the city are undergoing reconstruction. St. Petersburg revels in its historic beauty but also embraces the new. You will start your exploration of St. Petersburg with a bus city tour passing by Smolny convent, Tavrichesky palace, Summer Garden, Palace embankment as well as the Winter palace. Your tour will include a visit to the world famous Hermitage Museum. Rival to the Louvre in Paris, the Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Formerly the Winter Palace and home of the Tsars, the museum's collection comprises of nearly three million exhibits including the largest collection of paintings in the world and early collections dating back to Catherine II. After your included lunch in the city, the guided bus tour will take you along the Spire of the Basil Island (buildings of Stock Exchange, Kunstkamera, Zoo Museum), pass by the buildings of the Senate and the Synod, St. Isaac´s cathedral and drive along Nevsky prospect, the main boulevard of St. Petersburg. One cannot miss the splendid of the church of the Savior on spilled blood, emblematic for St. Petersburg. Your tour will conclude with a visit to Peter and Paul Fortress: the Boat house, Peter I monument, Commandant´s house, Nevsky Gate and St. Peter and Paul´s Cathedral. Included Excursion City tour of St. Petersburg |
| 13th13 | SepSep | 202121 | Saint Petersburg (ex Leningrad), Russia | | |
| Commissioned by Tsar Peter the Great (1672–1725) as "a window looking into Europe," St. Petersburg is a planned city whose elegance is reminiscent of Europe's most alluring capitals. Little wonder it's the darling of fashion photographers and travel essayists today: built on more than a hundred islands in the Neva Delta linked by canals and arched bridges, it was called the "Venice of the North" by Goethe, and its stately embankments are reminiscent of those in Paris. A city of golden spires and gilded domes, of pastel palaces and candlelit cathedrals, this city conceived by a visionary emperor is filled with pleasures and tantalizing treasures. With its strict geometric lines and perfectly planned architecture, so unlike the Russian cities that came before it, St. Petersburg is almost too European to be Russian. And yet it's too Russian to be European. The city is a powerful combination of both East and West, springing from the will and passion of its founder to guide a resistant Russia into the greater fold of Europe, and consequently into the mainstream of history. That he accomplished, and more. With a population of nearly 5 million, St. Petersburg is the fourth largest city in Europe after Paris, Moscow, and London. Without as many of the fashionably modern buildings that a business center like Moscow acquires, the city has managed to preserve much more of its history. Here, you can imagine yourself back in the time of the tsars and Dostoyevsky. Although it's a close race, it's safe to say that most visitors prefer St. Petersburg's culture, history, and beauty to Moscow's glamour and power. That said, St. Petersburg has begun to play a more active role in politics in recent years, as if it were the country's northern capital. It may be because of the affection the city holds in the heart of the country's political elite, many of whom are natives of the city. New high-speed trains now travel between Moscow and St. Petersburg, a new international airport and metro stations have just opened, and some crumbling parts of the city are undergoing reconstruction. St. Petersburg revels in its historic beauty but also embraces the new. The day is yours to continue exploring the main sights and attractions of St. Petersburg or just enjoy and relax on board of MS Nizhni Novgorod. We have also prepared various optional tours for you to choose from. Tonight, your Captain is delighted to host a welcome cocktail with sparkling wine. |
| 14th14 | SepSep | 202121 | Mandrogi, Russia | | |
| Your next stop is the picturesque village of Mandrogi located on the River Svir. The charming landscape is dotted with colourful 'izbas' - wooden houses with finely carved roofs and window frames. The town also offers many of opportunities for you to admire items of Russian handicrafts, such as pottery and the famous 'matryioshka' dolls. You will also have free time to enjoy some of Mandrogi's other attractions, like the Vodka Museum, which contains thousands of different brands and types of one of Russia's most famous exports. Included Excursion Shashlik in Mandrogi |
| 15th15 | SepSep | 202121 | Kizhi Island, Russia | | |
| Today you will cruise Lake Onega, Europe's second largest lake, and arrive at the small island of Kizhi. You will be taken on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, housing a collection of restored 18th century Russian wooden buildings, including the breath-taking Church of the Transfiguration. Built in 1714, the structure of the Church was built without a single nail. Included Excursion Tour of Kizhi Island |
| 16th16 | SepSep | 202121 | Goritsy, Kirillovsky District, Russia | | |
| Goritsy is a typical Russian village set in the most scenic countryside. Take a coach from the ship to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. Founded in 1397, by Cyril, one of the most honoured saints in the Russian Orthodox Church, the monastery houses the Assumption Cathedral and many ancient icons, which were loved by Ivan the Terrible. Included Excursion Visit to the Monastery of St. Cyril |
| 17th17 | SepSep | 202121 | Yaroslavl, Russia | | |
| Founded in the 11th century by Yaroslav the Wise, the ancient city of Yaroslavl retains many monuments of its noteworthy and colourful past. Your tour will include a stop at the 17th century Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, as well as an inside visit to the Church of St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and an interactive tour to former Governor's House (Art Gallery). Included Excursion City tour of Yaroslavl |
| 18th18 | SepSep | 202121 | Uglich, Russia | | |
| Your day starts with a visit to Uglich, one of most beloved towns in Old Russia, which is part of the Golden Ring around Moscow. Throughout its 1000 year history, the town has been used by various Monarchs including Ivan the Terrible as a base for attacks on the Tatars and Poles. During your walking tour you will get to see the renowned green-domed Cathedral of Transfiguration. Your walk will also include a stop at the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, which was built on the site where Dmitry, the youngest son of Ivan the Terrible was murdered. This evening the Captain will host a farewell dinner. Included Excursion Uglich walking tour |
| 19th19 | SepSep | 202121 | Moscow, Russia | | |
| Welcome to Moscow, Russia's capital city on the banks of the Moskva River. The city's architecture is a reflection of its 860-year old history with many reminders of both its imperial and Soviet past. A sprawling metropolis, Moscow is the financial and political centre of Russia with a population of around 13 million inhabitants. During your included city tour today you will drive along Leningradskaya Street, Tverskaya Street, Novodevichy convent and have a chance to see Moscow's main highlights, including the sights of KGB, Cathedral of Christ the Savior, inside visit to the famous department store GUM and enjoy some free time at the Red square. The evening is yours to explore on own or take part in our carefully planned optional tours. Included Excursion Moscow city tour |
| 20th20 | SepSep | 202121 | Moscow, Russia | | |
| Today we have one of the biggest highlights to your journey, a visit to the Kremlin Grounds. For many people the symbol of Moscow and indeed Russia, the Kremlin is the former seat of the Russian Government and a unique historical, architectural and artistic reserve. During a stroll around the Kremlin Grounds you will see the majestic Cathedral Square which still retains its original form, the Palace of Congresses, Senate square with the Arsenal and Senate buildings, residence of the President of the Russian Federation. This afternoon, don't miss the chance to discover more of Moscow either on your own or on our many optional tours planned for this day. Included Excursion Visit to the Kremlin Grounds |
| 21st21 | SepSep | 202121 | Moscow, Russia, disembark the MS Nizhny Novgorod | | |
| After breakfast, it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. |
