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Cruise of the Russian Czars

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Cruise of the Russian Czars

Russia Discover the real Russia on this fascinating cruise and tour. You'll visit Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as quaint and lovely towns and villages as you sail along the scenic Volga River. An exceptional trip at unbelievably low prices!

Itinerary A: St. Petersburg to Moscow

Cruise of the Russian Czars 12 Day Tour Itinerary Day 1: Depart USA. Your fascinating voyage to Russia begins as you depart New York this evening on your overnight flight.

Day 2: Arrive St. Petersburg. Today arrive St. Petersburg, one of Europe's most magnificent cities, often called "Venice of the North". You'll be met at the airport and escorted to the pier where you board your river cruiser with the balance of the day at leisure to rest and unpack. This evening enjoy dinner onboard followed by an orientation reception. (D) M/S Kronstad Cruiser

St. Isaac Cathedral, St. Petersburg, Russia
St. Isaac Cathedral, St. Petersburg, Russia
Day 3: St. Petersburg. While docking in St. Petersburg for the next two days, experience the architecture, natural beauty and rich culture of the city. St. Petersburg, the former capital of Czarist Russia, was founded by Peter the Great in 1703. On this morning's guided tour drive along the famous Nevsky Prospect and see Peter and Paul's Fortress and St. Isaac Cathedral as well as other city highlights. After lunch, an expert guide will lead you on a tour of the priceless art collection presented at the famous Hermitage Museum, located at the Winter Palace. Return to the ship for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)

Peterhof Palace, Russia
Peterhof Palace, Russia
Day 4: At leisure in St. Petersburg OR optional Pushkin Excursion, then Depart St. Petersburg. Enjoy a day at leisure to explore St. Petersburg on your own. Or, take advantage of a full day optional excursion ($50) outside the city to Peterhof Palace, the summer residence of the Czar. It was built to rival Versailles and is surrounded by magnificent gardens. You'll also visit the impressive Pavlovsk Palace, the riverside summer residence of Paul I, containing numerous art masterpieces. Return to St. Petersburg and set sail later today. (B,L,D)

River cruise, Russia Day 5: Mondraga. Over the next few days sail along the scenic Volga River en-route to Moscow and get a close-up view of rural and traditional Russia as you make several stops at unspoiled and rarely visited local villages along the river. After a morning of sailing, arrive at the charming town of Mondraga where you disembark and tour the vodka museum and delight in an outdoor shashlik barbecue lunch complete with wine and entertainment! Return to the boat and continue your sail down river. Tonight, a violin ensemble performs for your pleasure. (B,L,D)

Church of Transfiguration, Kizhi, Russia
Church of Transfiguration, Kizhi, Russia
Day 6: Kizhi Island. Awake this morning at the fairy tale Island of Kizhi, situated in the northern part of Lake Onega. Kizhi boasts a delightful open-air museum highlighting the picturesque architecture of the region. A guided walking tour will include the Church of Transfiguration, a truly outstanding masterpiece of wooden structure! Back on-board tonight, a folklore concert is included. (B,L,D)

Russian girl Day 7: Goritzi. Today, stop at the quaint riverside town of Goritzi, typical of the charming villages along the river. You'll have an opportunity to disembark and explore on foot. Later, you'll be our guest for a caviar and blini party. (B,L,D)

Day 8: Yaroslavl. Today's port of call is Yaroslavl, founded in the 11th century. Its main attractions are in the area around the main square anchored by the impressive Governor's Palace. A guided tour includes the ancient monastery and the Church of Elijah, renowned for its precious frescoes. At one of the historic churches, enjoy a performance of medieval music by a local choir. (B,L,D)

Choir, Uglich Cathedral, Russia
Choir, Uglich Cathedral, Russia
Day 9: Uglich. Today, dock in Uglich, Russia's second oldest city, founded in 1148, and one of its most beloved. You'll have an opportunity to visit the imposing Cathedral and see the fine collection of Russian Orthodox architecture. Tonight, the Captain invites you to celebrate at a Gala Dinner. (B,L,D)

St. Basil's Cathedral Moscow
St. Basil's Cathedral Moscow
Day 10: Arrive Moscow. Morning arrival in Moscow, the historic Russian capital where your riverboat docks for the next two days. Disembark and enjoy a guided afternoon tour introducing you to the city's major highlights: the famous Red Square; St. Basil's Cathedral with its colorful mushroom domes; and the Kremlin, seat of the Russian government and the center of the Russian Orthodox church. Tonight, your Cruise Director will assist in arranging tickets for a mesmerizing performance at the renowned Moscow Circus. (B,L,D)

Kremlin, Moscow
Kremlin, Moscow   © moscow-guide.ru
Day 11: Moscow. A morning excursion visits the new Victory Park and returns to the Kremlin's grounds where on a walking tour you'll see the Czar's Cannon, the 200 ton Czar's Bell and other highlights. Afternoon at leisure for independent pursuits and last minute shopping for unique local souvenirs. (B,L,D)

Day 12: Moscow/New York. After breakfast disembark and transfer to the airport for your return flight home. Your memorable journey ends as you arrive New York this Afternoon. (B)

Itinerary B: Moscow to St. Petersburg

Day 1: Depart USA.
Day 2: Arrive Moscow.Transfer to your riverboat.
Day 3: Moscow morning tour.
Day 4: Morning city tour. Later, set sail.
Day 5: Uglich.
Day 6: Yaroslavl.
Day 7: Goritzi.
Day 8: Kizhi.
Day 9: Mondraga.
Day 10: Arrive St. Petersburg. Full day tour.
Day 11: Optional Excursion. Afternoon free.
Day 12: St. Petersburg/New York.


About Your Cruise Ship, the M/S Kronstadt

To read about your ship, click here.


Destination FAQs

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Cruise of the Russian Czars
Included Features

• Round trip flights from New York via scheduled Finnair wide-body jet (flight schedule)

• 10-nights aboard the first-class M/S Kronstad River Cruiser in an outside cabin on the Lower Deck, with private bath

• 29 meals: 10 full buffet breakfasts (B), 9 lunches (L), and 10 dinners (D)

• Comprehensive sightseeing tours and shore excursions as indicated in itinerary

• English-speaking tour guides throughout

Cruise of the Russian Czars
Itinerary Dates

Itinerary A:
St. Petersburg to Moscow
Itinerary B:
Moscow to St. Petersburg
• May 29 - Jun 9
• Jun 18 - Jun 29
• Jul 8 - Jul 19
• Jul 28 - Aug 8
• Aug 17 - Aug 28
• Sep 6* - Sep 18
• Jun 8 - Jun 19
• Jun 28 - Jul 9
• Jul 18 - Jul 29
• Aug 7 - Aug 18
• Aug 27 - Sep 7

* Sep 6 tour spends one extra night in Helsinki Airport hotel.

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PLEASE NOTE: Our cruise tours are heavily in demand, and even if a departure shows as available, availability may be limited to certain decks or cabin categories. Please check with us by telelphone (800-555-5765) for up-to-the-minute status on our cruise programs.

Rates are per person based on double occupancy in Lower Deck cabins with portholes. Upgrades to higher deck cabin with large panoramic window are available at the following rates.

Double-Occpancy Cabin Upgrades:

• Main Deck: add $169 per person

• Middle Deck: add $239 per person

• Upper Deck: add $279 per person

Single-Occupancy Cabins:

• Lower Deck & Main Deck: not available

• Middle Deck: add $599 per person

• Upper Deck: add $699 per person

Flight Schedule: Click here for a full flight schedule.

Business Class Upgrade: (NY/Helsinki/NY) add $1495 for departures in June through August, add $1895 for all others.

Other charges: U.S. departure taxes and airline fees ($250), port charges ($120) and Russia visa fees (approximately $100) are not included in the rates above.

Travel Insurance: only $129 per person. Covers trip cancellation, interruption up to the total cost of your of tour, medical expense coverage and baggage insurance. Certain exclusions and limitations apply. Complete details of the plan will be sent with your confirmation packet. Read more.

Important Note: If you are reserving this tour less than 60 days prior to departure, confirmation is subject to space availability. We will advise you within 48 hours if we can confirm your reservation. In the meantime, no credit cards will be debited for deposits or payments until we are able to confirm your reservations.

Wait-listing on Friendly Planet Sold-Out Departures: If your preferred departure is sold out, you can place yourself on a waitlist by completing the online reservation form and submitting it to us. Just click on the "waitlist" button, complete the form and click "submit". In the comments box at the very bottom of the form, please write any notes regarding your request, especially any flexibility you might have in your dates of travel. This way, if your first choice doesn't clear, we can try for a second or third choice. We will make every effort to clear your space in a timely way so that you can join us on tour. You do not need to send any deposits for waitlists. When we clear your space, we'll contact you immediately by phone or email, and if you still wish to travel, we will arrange for deposits or payments at that time. We regret that we cannot accept waitlists beyond 35 days prior to departure. If you see "sold out" next to the dates you wish to reserve or waitlist, please note that this departure is now closed, including waitlist possibilities.

Important Information About Transfers: Transfers for this tour are provided on a group basis only. For land-only passengers or for passengers deviating in any way from the group program, transfers are not provided.

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