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Enjoy a spectacular voyage through the Russian Waterways on the most
luxurious ship ever built for Russian rivers, on the MS
AMAKATARINA. Explore
bustling and excitement-packed Moscow, then cruise north and
visit the enchanting Golden Ring cities of Uglich, Kostroma and
Yaroslavl. Continue along the Volga-Baltic Waterways and through
Europe’s two largest lakes, Onega and Ladoga to St.
Petersburg, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, spread
over 101 islands and 66 canals
ITINERARY
- 2013 (scroll down for 2012 itinerary)
Day 1 ARRIVE IN MOSCOW, RUSSIA - EMBARKATION
Arrive in Moscow and embark the ship. Relax in your stateroom or explore
the city before meeting your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail
Reception. (D)
Day 2 MOSCOW
This morning, tour within the walls of the Kremlin introduces you to the
former royal residence of the Czars and main center of the Russian
Orthodox faith. Then enjoy lunch on a day boat as you cruise the Moscow
River past the Kremlin. Late this afternoon, your city tour includes the
Red Square where you will see the Kremlin and Lenin’s Tomb. During free
time, visit the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral or perhaps the GUM, the
vast Soviet-Era main department store. (B,L,D)
Day 3 MOSCOW
You will tour the Moscow Metro system, easily the most architecturally
extravagant subway system in the world. Many of the stations are adorned
with chandeliers, sculptures and frescoes more reminiscent of a palace
than a metro station. You will also visit Poklonnaya (Bow) Hill, where
you will see the WWII monument. Tonight, you can enjoy an optional visit
to the Moscow Circus. (B,L,D)
Day 4 UGLICH
Located on the banks of the Volga, Uglich was founded by merchants in
1148. Rich in history, Uglich is home to some of Russia’s most beautiful
churches and cathedrals, and you’ll see a sampling during your city
tour. The most noteworthy include the Chambers of Prince Dimitry and the
magnificent Church of Dimitry on the Blood, dedicated to the tragic
story of Ivan the Terrible’s son. Uglich is also the site of an
AmaWaterways exclusive shore excursion. You’ll visit the home of a local
Russian family, learning about everyday life in Uglich and experience
Russian hospitality first-hand. (B,L,D)
Day 5 YAROSLAVL
Founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, it is one of Russia’s
oldest cities, tracing its roots back to the Vikings. The city stretches
for miles along the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers. Explore
the city’s history through its architecture, including the fortified
12th-century Transfiguration Monastery and the Yaroslavl Museum of
Russian Art, the former residence of the Governor of Yaroslavl. (B,L,D)
Day 6 GORITSY
Goritsy is a peaceful farming town and a typical Russian village. The
tour includes the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake and the
Museum of Icons. Return to the ship to sail for Kizhi. (B,L,D)
Day 7 KIZHI
Kizhi is an island that is situated at the north end of Lake Onega and
home to some of the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia. Forever
linked to Novgorod the Great, the style of architecture reflects its
early introduction to Christianity. In 1764 locals built the Church of
Intercession, its towering walls and 22 domes, without the use of a
single nail. Your walking tour includes the Museum of Wooden
Architecture. (B,L,D)
Day 8 SVIRSTROY
Svirstroy is 100 miles from St. Petersburg with a population of only
1,000. During your visit, you will sample Russia’s popular grilled
shashlyk, a form of shish kebab. Afterwards, you will have some free
time to stroll through this unspoiled Russian village and browse for
irresistible handmade trinkets. This is the best place to do souvenir
shopping before reaching St. Petersburg. (B,L,D)
Day 9 ST. PETERSBURG
One of Russia’s former capitals, this city rivals Paris or Venice for
its romantic image. Dating from the beginning of the 18th-century it was
built to the exact specifications ordered by Peter the Great. After
breakfast, enjoy a hydrofoil journey to The State Hermitage, one of the
oldest and largest Museums in the world. Founded by Catherine the Great,
the museum is a complex of six buildings, including the former Winter
Palace, and houses nearly 3 million works of art including the largest
collection of paintings in the world. After your visit, enjoy a lunch in
a local restaurant. This afternoon, a sightseeing tour of this beautiful
city shows you Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square and St. Isaacs Cathedral.
You will also see the Peter & Paul Fortress. (B,L,D)
Day 10 ST. PETERSBURG
This morning, depart by hydrofoil for Peterhof, St. Petersburg’s most
spectacular Imperial Estate. Also known as the “Russian Versailles,” the
palace was built on the shore of the Gulf of Finland by Peter the Great,
initially as a resting place en route to the Imperial Naval base. Your
tour includes the Lower Gardens, the Grand Cascade and Samson Fountain,
commemorating Russia’s victory over Sweden during the Great Northern
War. This evening, you will experience a night of traditional, Russian
ballet at the Hermitage Theater or choose to attend a folkloric show. (B,L,D)
Day 11 ST. PETERSBURG
Today visit the nearby town of Pushkin, where Catherine’s Palace was the
summer residence of the Russian Czars. This optional excursion includes
a tour of the interior of the Cameron Gallery which features state rooms
and dining rooms in baroque and neoclassical style. You will also visit
the reconstructed Amber Room, considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the
World, and features and room covered with panels of amber. The remainder
of the day is at your leisure. (B,L,D)
Day 12 ST. PETERSBURG - DISEMBARKATION
Optional Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
2013 Itinerary outline:
| 2 |
Moscow |
EMBARKATION |
| |
|
Welcome Cocktail & Dinner |
| 3 |
Moscow |
Kremlin |
| |
|
Lunch on a day boat |
| |
|
City tour |
| |
|
Red Square |
| 4 |
Moscow |
Metro & Bow Hill |
| |
|
Optional Moscow circus |
| 5 |
Uglich |
Chambers of Prince Dimitry |
| |
|
Church of Dimitry on the Blood |
| 6 |
Yaroslavl |
Transfiguration Monastery |
| |
|
Former Governor's House (art
gallery) |
| 7 |
Goritsy |
St. Cyril Monastery |
| |
|
Museum of Icons |
| 8 |
Kizhi |
Wooden Architecture Museum |
| 9 |
Svirstroy |
Russian home visit |
| |
|
Shashlyk (Russian BBQ) |
| 10 |
St Petersburg |
Hermitage Museum |
| |
|
Lunch in local restaurant |
| |
|
City tour |
| 11 |
St Petersburg |
Excursion to Peterhof |
| |
|
Ballet performance at Hermitage |
| |
|
OR Folklore show |
| 12 |
St Petersburg |
Pushkin, Catherine's Palace &
Park |
| 13 |
St Petersburg |
DISEMBARKATION |
| |
|
Airport transfer |
ITINERARY - 2012
DAY 1, ARRIVE IN MOSCOW, RUSSIA – EMBARKATION
Arrive in Moscow and embark the ship. Relax in your stateroom or explore
the city before meeting your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail
Reception. (D)
DAY 2, MOSCOW
This morning, tour within the walls of the Kremlin introduces you to the
former royal residence of the Czars and main center of the Russian
Orthodox faith. Then enjoy lunch on a day boat as you cruise the Moscow
River past the Kremlin. Late this afternoon, your city tour includes the
Red Square where you will see the Kremlin and Lenin’s Tomb. During free
time, visit the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral or perhaps the GUM, the
vast Soviet-Era main department store. (B,L,D)
DAY 3, MOSCOW
You will tour the Moscow Metro system, easily the most architecturally
extravagant subway system in the world. Many of the stations are adorned
with chandeliers, sculptures and frescoes more reminiscent of a palace
than a metro station. You will also visit Poklonnaya (Bow) Hill, where
you will see the WWII monument. Tonight, you can enjoy an optional visit
to the Moscow Circus. (B,L,D)
DAY 4, UGLICH
Located on the banks of the Volga, Uglich was founded by merchants in
1148. Rich in history, Uglich is home to some of Russia’s most beautiful
churches and cathedrals, and you’ll see a sampling during your city
tour. The most noteworthy include the Chambers of Prince Dimitry and the
magnificent Church of Dimitry on the Blood, dedicated to the tragic
story of Ivan the Terrible’s son. Uglich is also the site of an
AMAWATERWAYS exclusive shore excursion. You’ll visit the home of a local
Russian family, learning about everyday life in Uglich and experience
Russian hospitality first-hand. (B,L,D)
DAY 5, YAROSLAVL
Founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, it is one of Russia’s
oldest cities, tracing its roots back to the Vikings. The city stretches
for miles along the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers. Explore
the city’s history through its architecture, including the fortified
12th-century Transfiguration Monastery and the Yaroslavl Museum of
Russian Art, the former residence of the Governor of Yaroslavl. (B,L,D)
DAY 6, GORITSY
Goritsy is a peaceful farming town and a typical Russian village. The
tour includes the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake and the
Museum of Icons. Return to the ship to sail for Kizhi. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, KIZHI
Kizhi is an island that is situated at the north end of Lake Onega and
home to some of the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia. Forever
linked to Novgorod the Great, the style of architecture reflects its
early introduction to Christianity. In 1764 locals built the Church of
Intercession, its towering walls and 22 domes, without the use of a
single nail. Your walking tour includes the Museum of Wooden
Architecture. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, SVIRSTROY
Svirstroy is 100 miles from St. Petersburg with a population of
only1,000. During your visit, you will sample Russia’s popular grilled
shashlyk, a form of shish kebab. Afterwards, you will have some free
time to stroll through this unspoiled Russian village and browse for
irresistible handmade trinkets. This is the best place to do souvenir
shopping before reaching St. Petersburg. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, ST. PETERSBURG
One of Russia’s former capitals, this city rivals Paris or Venice for
its romantic image. Dating from the beginning of the 18th-century it was
built to the exact specifications ordered by Peter the Great. After
breakfast, enjoy a hydrofoil journey to The State Hermitage, one of the
oldest and largest Museums in the world. Founded by Catherine the Great,
the museum is a complex of six buildings, including the former Winter
Palace, and houses nearly 3 million works of art including the largest
collection of paintings in the world. After your visit, enjoy a lunch in
a local restaurant. This afternoon, a sightseeing tour of this beautiful
city shows you Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square and St. Isaacs Cathedral.
You will also see the Peter & Paul Fortress. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, ST. PETERSBURG
This morning, depart by hydrofoil for Peterhof, St. Petersburg’s most
spectacular Imperial Estate. Also known as the “Russian Versailles,” the
palace was built on the shore of the Gulf of Finland by Peter the Great,
initially as a resting place en route to the Imperial Naval base. Your
tour includes the Lower Gardens, the Grand Cascade and Samson Fountain,
commemorating Russia’s victory over Sweden during the Great Northern
War. This evening, you will experience a night of traditional, Russian
ballet at the Hermitage Theater or choose to attend a folkloric show. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, ST. PETERSBURG
Today visit the nearby town of Pushkin, where Catherine’s Palace was the
summer residence of the Russian Czars. This optional excursion includes
a tour of the interior of the Cameron Gallery which features state rooms
and dining rooms in baroque and neoclassical style. You will also visit
the reconstructed Amber Room, considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the
World, and features and room covered with panels of amber. The remainder
of the day is at your leisure. (B,L,D)
DAY 12, ST. PETERSBURG – DISEMBARK
Optional Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight. (B)
REVERSE ITINERARY 2012
DAY 1, ARRIVE IN ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
Arrive in St. Petersburg and embark the ship. Relax in your stateroom or
explore the city before meeting your fellow travelers at the Welcome
Cocktail Reception. (D)
DAY 2, ST. PETERSBURG
One of Russia's former capitals, this city rivals Paris or Venice for
its romantic image. Dating from the beginning of the 18th-century it was
built to the exact specifications ordered by Peter the Great. After
breakfast, enjoy a hydrofoil journey to The State Hermitage, one of the
oldest and largest Museums in the world. Founded by Catherine the Great,
the museum is a complex of six buildings, including the former Winter
Palace, and houses nearly 3 million works of art including the largest
collection of paintings in the world. After your visit, enjoy lunch at a
local restaurant. This afternoon, a sightseeing tour of this beautiful
city shows you Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square and St. Isaacs Cathedral.
You will also visit the Peter & Paul Fortress. (B,L,D)
DAY 3, ST. PETERSBURG
This morning, depart by hydrofoil for Peterhof, St. Petersburg’s most
spectacular Imperial Estate. Also known as the “Russian Versailles,” the
palace was built on the shore of the Gulf of Finland by Peter the Great,
initially as a resting place en route to the Imperial Naval base. Your
tour includes the Lower Gardens, the Grand Cascade and Samson Fountain,
commemorating Russia’s victory over Sweden during the Great Northern
War. This evening, you will experience a night of traditional, Russian
ballet at the Hermitage Theater or choose to attend a folkloric show. (B,L,D)
DAY 4, ST. PETERSBURG
Today visit the nearby town of Pushkin, where Catherine’s Palace was the
summer residence of the Russian Czars. This optional excursion includes
a tour of the interior of the Cameron Gallery which features state rooms
and dining rooms in Baroque and Neoclassical style. You will also visit
the reconstructed Amber Room, considered to be the Eighth Wonder of the
World, and features an room covered with panels of amber. The remainder
of the day is at your leisure. (B,L,D)
DAY 5, SVIRSTROY
Svirstroy is 100 miles from St. Petersburg with a population of
only1,000. During your visit, you will sample Russia’s popular grilled
shashlyk, a form of shish kebab. Afterwards, you will have some free
time to stroll through this unspoiled Russian village and browse for
irresistible handmade trinkets. This is the best place to do souvenir
shopping before reaching St. Petersburg. (B,L,D)
DAY 6, KIZHI
Kizhi is an island that is situated at the north end of Lake Onega and
home to some of the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia. Forever
linked to Novgorod the Great, the style of architecture reflects its
early introduction to Christianity. In 1764 locals built the Church of
Intercession, its towering walls and 22 domes, without the use of a
single nail. Your walking tour includes the Museum of Wooden
Architecture. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, GORITSY
Goritsy is a peaceful farming town and a typical Russian village. The
tour includes the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White lake and the
Museum of Icons. Return to the ship to sail for Yaroslavl. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, YAROSLAVL
Founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, it is one of Russia's
oldest cities, tracing its roots back to the Vikings. The city stretches
for miles along the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers. Explore
the city’s history through its architecture, including the fortified
12th-century Transfiguration Monastery and the Yaroslavl Museum of
Russian Art, the former residence of the Governor of Yaroslavl. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, UGLICH
Located on the banks of the Volga, Uglich was founded by merchants in
1148. Rich in history, Uglich is home to some of Russia’s most beautiful
churches and cathedrals, and you’ll see a sampling during your city
tour. The most noteworthy include the Chambers of Prince Dimitry and the
magnificent Church of Dimitry on the Blood, dedicated to the tragic
story of Ivan the Terrible's son. Uglich is also the site of an
AMAWATERWAYS exclusive shore excursion. You’ll visit the home of a local
Russian family, learning about everyday life in Uglich and sampling
Russian hospitality first-hand. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, MOSCOW
Your tour of the Moscow Metro system, easily the most architecturally
extravagant subway system in the world. Many of the stations are adorned
with chandeliers, sculptures and frescoes more reminiscent of a palace
than a metro station. You will also visit Poklonnaya (Bow) Hill, where
you will see the WWII monument. Tonight, you can enjoy an optional visit
to the Moscow Circus. (B,L,D)
DAY 11, MOSCOW
This morning, tour within the walls of the Kremlin introduces you to the
former royal residence of the Czars and main center of the Russian
Orthodox faith. Then enjoy lunch on a day boat as you cruise the Moscow
River past the Kremlin. Late this afternoon, your city tour includes the
Red Square where you will see the Kremlin and Lenin’s Tomb. During free
time, visit the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral or perhaps the GUM, the
vast Soviet-Era main department store. (B,L,D)
DAY 12, MOSCOW
Optional Transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
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