Day 1
MOSCOW
The cruise begins when you board your Viking ship, or
transfer from the airport, railway station or hotel (if
booked in advance). This evening enjoy a welcome
cocktail reception and dinner with Viking’s
award-winning service and gourmet cuisine.
Day 2 MOSCOW
Founded in 1147 Moscow is now the capital and
thriving heart of Russia with more than 12 million
inhabitants. During a city sightseeing tour you will
gain an impression of the city’s imperial history
through its architectural splendour: see Red Square,
Moscow University, the Bolshoi Theatre and St. Basil’s
Cathedral with its colourful onion domes. You’ll also
see Moscow’s famed GUM department store and take a ride
on the Moscow Metro, built in a grand Soviet style with
a lavish use of marble, mosaics, sculptures and
chandeliers. Return to the ship for lunch. The afternoon
is free to explore Moscow on your own.
Day 3 MOSCOW
Today depart on an excursion to the oldest part of
town – the Kremlin, a fortress 20m in height and
reinforced by 19 towers. On your guided walk you will
marvel at the numerous cathedrals and palaces. Also
visit the Armoury Museum with its spectacular collection
of royal treasures, including jewels, crowns and royal
armour. Afternoon Tretyakov Gallery is optional
Day 4 MOSCOW & MOSCOW
CANAL
Free time in Moscow or take an optional excursion
to Sergiev Posad, a quaint Golden Ring town with the
famous Monastery, the home of Russian Orthodoxy. Scenic
cruising on the Moscow Canal
Day 5 UGLICH
The ancient Russian town of Uglich, founded in 1148 and
containing some of Russia’s most beautiful churches and
cathedrals including the magnificent Church of St
Dmitry. On your guided walk through the town you also
visit the local Kremlin. Return to the ship for an
evening departure and dinner
Day 6 YAROSLAVL
Founded in 1010, Yaroslavl is one of Russia’s
oldest and best-known provincial cities located along
the "Golden Ring." During the coach and walking tour you
explore Yaroslavl’s ancient history through its
architecture including the Church of Epiphany and Church
of St Elijah the Prophet with its completely intact
icons and frescoes from the 17th century. Return to the
ship for lunch and cruise through the night.
Day 7 GORITZY &
VOLGA–BALTIC WATERWAY
A typical Russian village, Goritzy is home to the
16th century Monastery of the Resurrection. Not far away
is Russia’s famous Kirillov Belozersky Monastery which
today houses an extensive museum. After a morning
excursion, return to the ship for lunch and sail along
the Volga-Baltic Waterway, a system of rivers and canals
spanning 300km linking the Volga River with the Baltic
Sea. As you pass the gentle hills, extensive plains,
pine forests, and wooden farmhouses, relax on board with
a variety of different activities.
Day 8 KIZHI
After cruising Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake,
you arrive in charming Kizhi. After lunch you tour the
Open Air Museum of Architecture which has been added to
theUNESCO World Heritage List for its unique ensemble of
ancient houses, windmills and churches constructed in
the traditional wooden style. The island’s showpiece is
the Church of the Transfiguration and the Church of the
Intercession, built in 1764 without a single nail.
Day 9 SVIR CRUISING
Journey from Lake Onega to Lake Ladoga along the
narrow, 200km majestic Svir River. As Europe’s largest
lake, Lake Ladoga is home to 700 islands and is
surrounded by natural beauty: high, craggy hills on the
northern shore and low, sandy beaches in the south. Take
time to enjoy the views of huge forests along the lake
and the melancholy expanse of the lake before arriving
in St. Petersburg the next morning.
Day 10 ST PETERSBURG
A city sightseeing tour will show you the
marvellous architecture of this city founded by Peter
the Great in 1703. You will be fascinated by its network
of wide canals, grand boulevards, splendid parks and
impressive buildings. Your tour of this beautiful city
and former capital includes the venerable Peter and Paul
Fortress and Cathedral with its lovely golden spire and
the official burial site of many Russian czars.
Afternoon Hermitage - visit the former Winter Palace,
home of the last six czars and now the famous Hermitage
Museum which houses one of the world’s greatest
collections of fine art. Return to your ship for
dinner.This evening attend a ballet or opera
performance.
Day 11 ST.PETERSBURG
- tour the former aristocratic village of Pushkin
which includes the elegant Catherine Palace with its
magnificent park and the world famous Amber Room.
Afternoon free time or take an optional canal cruise
which is unforgettable.
Day 12 ST.PETERSBURG
free time or visit Petrodvorets (Peterhoff) with its
beautiful golden fountains
Day 13 DEPARTURE
Your cruise ends here in St Petersburg. Disembarkation
time depends on your flight. Guests who have pre-booked
transfers will be transferred to the airport, railway
station or hotel.
