RUSSIAN WATERWAYS

Departures

This special Russian Waterways cruise offers our clients a unique opportunity to explore Russia's two great cities, Moscow and St Petersburg, and to discover its lovely countryside and rich cultural heritage. Our floating hotel will allow us to unpack just once, stay in the heart of each of these historic cities and pass through the canals, lakes and rivers that connect them. We'll visit small Russian villages, ancient monasteries, historic sites and cruise across the two largest lakes in Europe. We'll visit industrial centres and see first hand the changes that are overtaking this once mighty nation.
Our journey is fully inclusive; all meals, taxes, gratuities, insurance, services and even most shore excursions are included in the cost. We will be able to buy additional excursions and evening performances after embarking on the cruise. We have limited space and expect it to sell out very quickly.

Itinerary

September 15, Wednesday: Depart CANADA
Tour members from across Canada gather for the overnight flights via Europe to Moscow.

September 16, Thursday: MOSCOW
On arrival, we shall be met and transferred to the ms Tolstoy, our home for the next 12 nights. There will be time to settle in before we gather for a Welcome Reception followed by dinner.
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September 17, Friday: MOSCOW
We enjoy a full day of sightseeing which will include the infamous Red Square, surrounded by the walls of the Kremlin, the huge Gumm store and the Byzantine splendour of St Basil’s Cathedral. We shall also visit the Metro, Moscow’s glamorous subway system. The highlight of the day will be the visit to the Tretyakov Gallery with its exceptional collection of Russian and European art. Optional evening excursions in Moscow may include the Moscow Circus, a folklore show or an evening at the Bolshoi (if available - details will be available after boarding the ship).
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September 18, Saturday: MOSCOW
This morning we continue our exploration of the capital with a visit inside the Kremlin, a fortress which was the seat of power for the former Czars and during the Soviet era. The Armoury Museum has an extensive collection of Czarist clothing, jewellery, carriages and silver on display. Balance of day is at leisure with opportunities for option excursions.
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September 19, Sunday: MOSCOW
Enjoy a full day to explore Moscow at your leisure. You explore the city on our own or join an optional excursion to the Pushkin Museum or the Novodevichy Monastery. There may be an opportunity to experience a traditional Russian Bathhouse, a deeply entrenched tradition of relaxation.
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September 20, Monday: UGLICH
Founded in 1148, Uglich is one of the most beloved towns in Old Russia. The outline of the Cathedral of the Resurrection and St John's Church provide a striking view when approached from the Volga River. In the Kremlin of Uglich, we will find the Church of St Dmitrius and the Palace of Tsarevich Dmitry.
[BLD]

September 21, Tuesday: YAROSLAVL
Stretching for some 30 kilometres on either bank of the Volga, Yaroslavl is an important port city of 600,000. Founded in the 11th Century by Prince Yaroslavl the Wise, it retains many reminders of its colourful past, including the magnificent 13th century Spassky Monastery, a group of majestic 17th century cathedrals, and an elegant rotunda which forms part of an ancient trading centre and is now the local market. Situated in the town's central square, the Church of Elijah the Prophet is virtually a museum of Russian paintings with frescoes on its walls and ceiling.
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September 22, Wednesday: GORITSY
Today we visit Goritsy, a typical rural Russian village and farming centre with little historic significance. We shall have ample time to stroll its quiet streets and to meet the local people. Other highlights will be a visit to the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake and the pretty Museum of Icons.
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September 23, Thursday: LAKE ONEGA / KIZHI ISLAND
Cruise across the largest and purest lake in Europe en route to the island of Kizhi where we shall find the celebrated open-air Museum of Russian Architecture. On display are restored and preserved wooden buildings spanning the past three centuries. The Church of the Transfiguration, with 22 onion domes, is the ultimate Russian fairy-tale church.
[BLD]

September 24, Friday: SVIRSTROY
Enjoy a leisurely day with some scenic cruising as we follow the Svir River with its forested banks and picturesque scenery to the quaint village of Svirstroy where we will have free time to explore this unspoilt Russian village on our own. The local market will offer some of the best shopping for crafts and souvenirs. Back on board we can take in an enrichment lecture or relax with a good book as we watch the scenery float by.
[BLD]

September 25, Saturday: ST PETERSBURG
Created by Peter the Great to rival Venice, St Petersburg is built on 101 islands, has 66 canals and literally hundreds of bridges, making it the most beautiful city in Russia. Our morning city tour will take us down fashionable Nevsky Prospekt with its shops, cafés and theatres, Palace Square and St Isaac’s Cathedral. Following lunch, we shall gather for a special tour of the Hermitage, the former palace of the Czars which covers one of the world’s most extension collections of art (over 3 million pieces).
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September 26, Sunday: ST PETERSBURG
Today, we will tour St. Petersburg’s most famous Imperial Estate – Peterhof Palace. Nestled on the shores of the gulf, it was built by Peter the Great and its gardens rival those of Versailles. Enjoy a walk through the gardens to absorb the atmosphere of its vibrant cultural life. Afternoon at leisure. Optional evening activities may include a folklore show or a classical concert.
[BLD]

September 27, Monday: ST PETERSBURG
Today has been left free allowing us to stroll along one of the many picturesque canals or to join an optional excursion to Pushkin and the Palace of Catherine the Great. Other possible sites to visit include Yusupov Palace (where the infamous Rasputin was murdered in 1916) and the Peter and Paul Fortress. This evening we are special guests at an exclusive ballet performance in the private theatre of the Czars at the Hermitage Theatre.
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September 28, Tuesday: ST PETERSBURG / CANADA
All too soon our journey draws to a close as we transfer to the airport for our return flights to our homes across Canada.
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Prices from other cities are available on request. Flights will be on Air Canada / Lufthansa via Frankfurt. Above cost is per person based on sharing a category “E” outside twin-bedded cabin on Main Deck - Forward. Cruise Only rate excludes airfares & related transfers, taxes and fees.

Supplements for Superior Cabin Categories

S - Outside single (Boat deck) - on request

*Singles cabins on request - early booking is essential. Single supplements will vary by cabin location & type.

CT RATING TWO – Group members must be able to negotiate stairs on our river boat (no elevator) and to handle substantial walking over cobble stones and rough surfaces during visits ashore. Walks of up to 2 km are included in the program.

All prices are based on costs and exchange rates effective June 2009 and are subject to change. Tour cost and deposit includes the cost of comprehensive insurance ($285 pp) for passengers under 86 years of age at time of travel. Cancellations of any booking prior to March 15, 2010 will be subject to an Administration Fee of $100pp – this fee will not be covered by our insurance. Insurance coverage will begin on the above date and will cover penalties from that date forward. Contact our office for full details. Final payment will be due on May 15, 2010.

Inclusive Features

To enroll on this tour simply complete our online enrollment form or alternatively complete the enrollment form found at the back of our brochure and return it with your deposit of $900 per person to Craig Travel's office.