| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 29th29 | JulJul | 202020 | Saint Petersburg (ex Leningrad), Russia, embark on the MS Rossia | | |
| 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. Return economy flights from one of up to 10 UK regional airports. 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 Rossia, where a warm welcome awaits from your crew. Tonight enjoy your first dinner with your fellow travellers. |
| 30th30 | JulJul | 202020 | 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. After breakfast, your guided bus tour will take you along the Nevsky Prospect, the main boulevard of St. Petersburg. You will pass the Gostiny Dvor (St. Petersburg largest department store), the National Library and the monument to Catherine the Great, the sights of the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood, the Kazan and Saint Isaac's Cathedral. Tonight, your Captain is delighted to host a welcome cocktail with sparkling wine. |
| 31st31 | JulJul | 202020 | 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. Your day will start with a visit to the 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. |
| 1st01 | AugAug | 202020 | 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 Rossia. |
| 2nd02 | AugAug | 202020 | Mandrogi, Russia | | |
| Today we visit 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. |
| 3rd03 | AugAug | 202020 | 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 Kizhi Architectural Ensemble, 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. |
| 4th04 | AugAug | 202020 | Goritsy, Kirillovsky District, Russia | | |
| Today we arrive in Goritsy, 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. |
| 5th05 | AugAug | 202020 | 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 walking tour will take you through the historic center, a World Heritage Site, which is located at the confluence of the Volga and the Kotorosl Rivers. Visit the 17th century Church of St. Ilya the Prophet, an incredible structure filled with frescoes and classic Russian architecture, then wander the grounds of the 12th century Saviour-Transfiguration Monastery, one of the oldest along the Volga. |
| 6th06 | AugAug | 202020 | 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 visit the renowned green-domed Cathedral of Transfiguration. Then, visit 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, enjoy your farewell dinner. |
| 7th07 | AugAug | 202020 | 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. You will have a city tour where you will have a chance to see Moscow's main highlights, including the sights of the Red Square, where you can see the brightly colored St. Basil' Cathedral from the outside, sights of the Lenin Masoleum and the State Historical Museum. |
| 8th08 | AugAug | 202020 | Moscow, Russia | | |
| Today we have one of the biggest highlights to your tour, 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. Then, you will have a tour of the State Armoury, which houses priceless weaponry, jewels and royal artefacts. In the afternoon, you will visit the Cosmonaut museum. EmeraldPLUS: Visit to the State of Armoury EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Cosmonaut Museum |
| 9th09 | AugAug | 202020 | Moscow, Russia, disembark the MS Rossia | | |
| After breakfast, it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport. |
