| Day |
Schedules and Accommodations |
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Depart Home / St. Petersburg, Russia
When you arrive in St. Petersburg after your overnight flight, a
Vantage representative will greet you and arrange your transfer to the
privately chartered Russian vessel, the ms Nikolay Chernyshevsky.
After you settle in, join us for a Welcome Briefing. (Or, make the most
of your included airfare by adding 3 nights in Stockholm, Sweden).
m/s Nikolay Chernyshevsky |
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St. Petersburg
In 1703 Peter the Great created St. Petersburg — a dazzling baroque
city of white, gold, and pastel. Your first tour here takes you to
Peter & Paul Fortress, where Dostoevsky was once held prisoner.
Then you’ll sit down to an included lunch at a local restaurant, with
the afternoon at leisure. Cultural Connection: Return to your ship in
time for dinner, followed by a special Russian Folkloric show.
m/s Nikolay Chernyshevsky (B,L,D) |
4
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St. Petersburg
View the art collection of the czars at the
Hermitage Museum, housed in the breathtaking Winter Palace. Later, you
may attend an optional tour to Yusopov Palace, where Rasputin was
murdered.
Reserve Early and Receive INCLUDED Tickets to a Ballet at the Hermitage Theater.*
Be among the first 50 guests to reserve, and you’ll be in for a very
special treat this evening — a ballet performance at the opulent
Hermitage Theater.
m/s Nikolay Chernyshevsky (B,L,D) |
5
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St. Petersburg
Today you'll board a hydrofoil to Peter the Great’s grandest
estate, Petrodvorets. You’ll tour one of the many palaces and marvel at
the Grand Cascade. Back in St. Petersburg later, bibliophiles won’t
want to miss an optional literary tour featuring Dostoevsky’s
Apartment. Or spend the afternoon exploring St. Petersburg at your
whim. Dinner is aboard ship this evening.
m/s Nikolay Chernyshevsky (B,L,D) |
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St. Petersburg / Set Sail
This morning, you'll visit Catherine I's Palace. Following
your tour, spend a free afternoon as you wish in St. Petersburg, or
join an optional tour to Pavlovsk Palace with lunch. As your ship sets
off down the Neva River this evening, celebrate the launch of your
voyage at the Captain's Welcome Dinner.
m/s Nikolay Chernyshevsky (B,L,D) |
7
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Mandrogi, Russia / Cruising Svir Stroi and Ladoga Lake
Cultural Connection: Begin the day with a fun Russian language lesson.
Your first port call is Mandrogi, a reconstruction of a log settlement
on the shore of the Svir River. While here, you’re also invited to
sample shashlyk (traditional Russian barbecue) at an included lunch.
m/s Nikolay Chernyshevsky (B,L,D) |
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Cruising Kizhi Island / Lake Onega, Russia
Enjoy a lecture on Russian fairy tales as you cruise to
Kizhi Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll see the
amazing Church of the Transfiguration. Return to your ship for a scenic
cruise along Lake Onega. Cultural Connections: Along the way, you’ll
hear a lecture on Russian fairytales. You’ll also experience an
authentic Russian Afternoon Tea.
m/s Nikolay Chernyshevsky (B,L,D) |
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Goritsy, Russia
Arriving in the village of Goritsy, your included
tour takes you to neighboring Kirrilov to visit the Monastery of St.
Cyril and a ceramic workshop. Cultural Connections: As you cruise on, enjoy a vodka lecture and
blini tasting.
m/s Nikolay Chernyshevsky (B,L,D) |
10
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Yaroslavl, Russia
Cultural Connection: During an onboard lecture this morning, your
Program Manager will provide personal insights into what life is like
in Russia. Afterwards you'll set out to explore Yaroslavl, where you'll visit the
Church of Elijah the Prophet and the 12th-century Transfiguration
Monastery. You'll also visit a food market to observe how the Russians
bargain. Cultural Connection: Back aboard ship, a group of Russian
students will join you for lunch and a round table discussion.
m/s Nikolay Chernyshevsky (B,L,D) |
11
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Volga River / Uglich, Russia
Enjoy a morning walking tour of Uglich, where
you'll see the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, and the Savior
Transfiguration Cathedral, followed by free time to shop for local
handicrafts nearby. Cultural Connection: In Uglich this afternoon, you’ll visit with a
local family in their home for refreshments. Back onboard, enjoy scenic
cruising along the Volga River.
m/s Nikolay Chernyshevsky (B,L,D) |
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Moscow / Disembark ship
Get ready to spend four days exploring Moscow from your base at a
centrally located, Deluxe hotel. You’ll begin by riding a few stops on
Moscow’s famed metro. Afterwards, check into your hotel, then gather
for an included lunch at a local restaurant. Cultural Connection: This
evening, enjoy a performance of the legendary Moscow Circus.
Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya  (B, L) |
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Moscow
Enjoy a city tour highlighting Red Square. You’ll see
the Monument to Peter the Great, the former KGB headquarters, and St.
Basil’s Cathedral. Your afternoon is at leisure. If you like, join an
optional tour to the Tretyakov Gallery, showcasing the impressive
collections of Pavel Tretyakov, a 19th-century Russian merchant.
Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya (B) |
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Moscow
Today you’ll tour the mighty Kremlin. In the Armory Chamber,
you’ll view the dazzling treasures of Russia’s czars including a few
rare Fabergé eggs. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure in Moscow. This
evening, you’ll have the opportunity to attend an optional performance
on the “New Stage” of the legendary Bolshoi Theater.
Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya (B) |
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Moscow
Enjoy another full day to experience Moscow at leisure. You may
choose from a selection of optional tours such as a tour of Star City,
where Russian astronauts are trained; or a visit to Fedoskino, the
center of Russian lacquer box making. This evening, gather with your fellow travellers for a gala Farewell Dinner.
Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya (B,D) |
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Moscow / Return U.S. Gateway City
Transfer to the airport for return flight home (or continue for an optional 3-night extension in Kiev, Ukraine.
Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya (B) |
Please note: Fluctuating water levels may affect itinerary.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: The above day-by-day itineraries are preliminary and therefore subject to change. If any major changes occur in advance of your departure, you will be notified in writing by Vantage Deluxe World Travel. If changes occur while on tour, you will be notified by your Vantage Program Manager.
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