Volga Dream Gold Program

Day 1. MOSCOW
Upon arrival in Moscow, transfer to the deluxe Marriott Royal Aurora Hotel located in the historic city center right by the Bolshoi Theatre. You may spend the rest of the day at leisure relaxing after the flight or explore Moscow center on your own.

Day 2. MOSCOW
Begin the day with orientation tour of Moscow followed by a ride in the famed Moscow metro. After lunch in a local restaurant proceed to the Old Tretyakov gallery to view its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from 12th-century icons to 20th-century paintings. Optional: This evening enjoy opera or ballet performance at the famed Bolshoi Theatre (subject to the schedule of performances). Meals: B, L

Day 3. MOSCOW
This morning enter the Kremlin for a visit to the Armory Museum, with its collection of tsarist thrones, ceremonial crowns, coaches and gifts of state. Continue to the beautifully frescoed 15th-century Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals. After lunch we transfer to the awaiting luxurious Volga Dream and begin our sailing along the Russian Waterways. Gather for Captain's welcome reception and dinner as we begin our cruise. Optional: Visit the new Tretyakov Picture Gallery and discover its outstanding collection of XX century masterpieces by artists including Chagall, Kandinky, and Malevich. Meals: B, L, D

Day 4. UGLICH
We arrive this afternoon in Uglich, dating back to the 10th century. A walking tour of this Golden Ring city includes the Chapel of Dimitry, a 17th-century treasure built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s 10-year old son met his death. Visit the Church of the Transfiguration, noted for its beautiful iconostasis, and attend a concert of choral music. Meals: B, L, D

Day 5. YAROSLAVL
This morning visit the oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl, a World Heritage site. In the Spassky Monastery see the Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John's apocalyptic visions, and the richly frescoed Church of St. Elijah the Prophet. There will be time to stroll the lively farm market before reboarding the Volga Dream in time for lunch. Meals: B, L, D

Day 6. GORITSY
Early this morning we cross Lake Beloye, or the White Lake, formerly known as the “tsar’s fishing grounds”. Arrive in the peaceful village of Goritsy to tour the fortress-like Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery with magnificent frescoes by one of the Russia's most renowned icon painters. Return to the ship for a late lunch. Meals: B, L, D

Day 7. KIZHI
This afternoon explore a tiny, picturesque island of Kizhy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Lake Onega. The open-air Museum of Architecture includes the Church of the Transfiguration, a unique onion-domed masterpiece built without a single metal nail and resembling something out of a Russian fairy tale. Meals: B, L, D

Day 8 . SVIR RIVER AND THE VILLAGE OF MANDROGI
Be on the deck as we navigate the Svir River toward Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest freshwater lake, past a shoreline dotted with graceful willows, alder trees and stately pines. Step ashore for a brief visit to the vacation village of Mandrogi to experience daily life in a quaint wooden village. Meals: B, L, D

Day 9. ST. PETERSBURG
Disembark this morning in St. Petersburg, which Peter the Great transformed from marshland into the vibrant city of islands, canals, bridges and pastel-colored palaces. Continue with an orientation tour of St. Petersburg and enter Peter and Paul Fortress, this family shrine of the Romanovs. Following lunch enter the famed Hermitage Museum, whose four hundred rooms contain spectacular examples of nearly all schools of Western art, including one of the greatest collections of French impressionist works. This evening check-in at the five-start Angleterre Hotel located opposite of the St. Isaak Cathedral. Optional: This evening enjoy opera or ballet performance at the famed Mariinsky or Mikhailovskiy Theatre (subject to the schedule of performances). Meals: B, L

Day 10. ST. PETERSBURG
Begin today at the meticulously restored Peterhof, St. Petersburg most famous and spectacular Imperial estate, often cited as the "Versalles of Russia". Visit authentic Bath Cottage and stroll in the vast Lower Park with 176 fountains of various forms and styles and four cascades, majestic palaces, numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes. Optional: Join the tour of the magnificent Yusupov Palace, once the residence of the wealthiest and most respected family in Imperial Russia, which saw one of the most dramatic episodes in Russia's history - the murder of Grigory Rasputin. Meals: B, L

Day 11. ST. PETERSBURG
This morning we drive to Tsar’s Village for a specially arranged visit to Catherine’s Palace. See the exquisitely restored Amber Room and stroll in the formal gardens. Lunch and taste vodka an Podvorie, a restaurant in a traditional Russian log house. Optional: In the afternoon return to St. Petersburg where you may wish to visit the St. Isaak Cathedral or the Church of Our Savior on the Spilled Blood, both within walking distance from the Angleterre Hotel. Meals: B, L

Day 12. ST. PETERSBURG
Transfer to the airport this morning for your flight. Meals: B