| | | | | Arrive | Depart |
| 13th13 | AugAug | 202323 | Saint Petersburg (ex Leningrad), Russia, embark on the Scenic Tsar | | |
| 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. Fly to St. Petersburg from one of up to 10 UK airports. On arrival, you will be transferred to Scenic Tsar, where your journey through the heart of Russia will begin. |
| 14th14 | AugAug | 202323 | 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. Freechoice: Explore Catherine's Block and the fountains in the Lower Garden at Peterhof on a guided tour, or be seduced by the sheer extravagance of Peterhof's Grand Palace. Alternatively, wander the incomparable Upper and Lower Gardens at Peterhof. Enjoy lunch in a local St. Petersburg restaurant, followed by a guided tour of this beautiful metropolis. |
| 15th15 | AugAug | 202323 | 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. Freechoice: Visit magnificent St. Isaac's Cathedral, or tour Yusopov Palace and discover its link to Grigori Rasputin. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a cruise along the city's canals. This evening, you're invited to join Scenic Tsar's Captain for your official welcome dinner. |
| 16th16 | AugAug | 202323 | 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. Visit Catherine's Palace, famous for its grandiose white and gold façade and elaborate gardens. Afterwards, enjoy a highlight lunch at the old-world wooden Podvorie restaurant. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore St. Petersburg or simply relax in style on board Scenic Tsar. Enrich Tonight you'll be treated to a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a private Russian ballet concert at the majestic Palace of Prince Vladimir. The Palace is an eclectic combination of architectural styles that will dazzle and amaze you. |
| 17th17 | AugAug | 202323 | 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. A special highlight awaits as you visit the Hermitage, formerly the Winter Palace and home to Russia's Imperial family. Today, it houses one of the world's most magnificent art collections. This evening, join your fellow guests on the Sun Deck as you set sail down the Neva River and cross Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest lake. |
| 18th18 | AugAug | 202323 | Mandrogi, Russia | | |
| You're free to explore this charming museum village and its distinctive wooden buildings, before enjoying a delicious lunch of shashlik, a traditional meal similar to shish kebab. |
| 19th19 | AugAug | 202323 | Kizhi Island, Russia | | |
| Dock at Kizhi Island, an open air museum with a precious collection of wooden churches and chapels. You'll visit the Museum of Architecture, and view the Church of the Transfiguration with its 22 timbered onion domes, easily amongst the most magnificent examples of wooden architecture in Russia, if not the world. |
| 20th20 | AugAug | 202323 | Goritsy, Kirillovsky District, Russia | | |
| Explore the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery, built in 1397 and home to a wonderful collection of Russian Orthodox icons. Back on board, toast the occasion with a little vodka, the beverage integral to Russian culture for over 600 years. |
| 21st21 | AugAug | 202323 | Yaroslavl, Russia | | |
| Explore the fascinating and ancient city of Yaroslavl. You'll have the chance to visit the former Governor's house that is now a fine arts museum. |
| 22nd22 | AugAug | 202323 | Uglich, Russia | | |
| Explore historic Uglich, part of the "Golden Ring' of cities surrounding Moscow, on a walking guided tour. |
| 23rd23 | AugAug | 202323 | Moscow, Russia | | |
| Sail towards Russia's mightiest city, Moscow. Arriving after lunch, you'll visit the Kremlin, the intriguing seat of the former Soviet Union. |
| 24th24 | AugAug | 202323 | Moscow, Russia | | |
| Start your day by seeing the city's finest sights, before a ride on Moscow's Metro, which is guaranteed to surprise you. Then, enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant before discovering world-renowned sights such as Red Square and the stunningly beautiful St. Basil's Cathedral, known as a symbol of Russia. |
| 25th25 | AugAug | 202323 | Moscow, Russia | | |
| Enrich Visit the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics, where you'll have the opportunity to meet a real cosmonaut and learn about the history of space exploration, with original exhibits and models relating to space technology, history and art. After lunch, enjoy free time to explore this bustling city. Tonight, witness a thrilling Russian folk show complete with traditional costumes and dances. |
| 26th26 | AugAug | 202323 | Moscow, Russia | | |
| Freechoice: Visit the State Tretyakov Gallery, or explore the fascinating Museum of the Great Patriotic War, commonly known as the World War II museum. Alternatively, visit Bunker 42, the Cold War citadel that lies under the streets of Moscow. |
| 27th27 | AugAug | 202323 | Moscow, Russia, disembark the Scenic Tsar | | |
| After breakfast, transfer to Moscow airport for your return journey home. Travel to one of up to 10 UK regional airports. 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. Please refer to our terms and conditions. Please note: Preview itinerary subject to change. |
