Cruise part (for all guests) includes:

• All meals, from dinner on arrival day, to breakfast on departure day
• Complimentary House wine with Lunch and Dinner
• BBQ on deck
• 24 hour coffee station
• Welcome and Farewell Cocktails
• Russian Dinner & Vodka Testing
• Russian Classical Music Concert
• Russian Cooking Classes
• Russian Tea Ceremony
• Matryoshka Painting Classes
• Onboard Entertainment Programme
• Lectures by a Guest Speaker
• Excursions as per itinerary*
• Port Charges & Local Taxes included
• Russian Visa Support for the duration of your stay

GOLD PROGRAMME INCLUDES:

• 3 nights in St. Petersburg 5 star Hotel – Kempinski Moika 22 or similar
• 3 nights Moscow 5 star Hotel – Marriott Aurora or similar
• Daily Buffet Breakfast
• 1 lunch in the city
• Arrival and Departure transfers (group transfers not private)
• Sightseeing programme in small groups that never exceed 20-25 guests
• St. Petersburg visits:
  City tour, Peter and Paul Fortress, Hermitage museum, Peterhof Park, Catherine’s Palace, with Amber Room
• Iconic Moscow visits include:
  City tour, Red Square Walk and GUM, Metro, Kremlin, Armoury Museum, Tretyakov Gallery, Novodevichy Cemetery,
• Whisper Headsets
• Daily supply of bottled water

PLATINUM / IMPERIAL  PROGRAMMES INCLUDE :

• 3 nights in St. Petersburg 5 star Hotel – Belmond Grand Hotel Europe or similar
• 3 nights Moscow 5 star Hotel –  Ararat Park Hyatt Hotel or similar
• Daily Buffet Breakfast
• 1 lunch in the city
• Arrival and Departure transfers (group transfers not private)
• Sightseeing programme in smaller groups that never exceed 16 guests
• St. Petersburg visits:
  City tour, Peter and Paul Fortress, Hermitage museum, Peterhof Park, Catherine’s Palace with Amber Room visit
  PLUS:
  St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Exclusive visit to Gold Room (Hermitage), Faberge Museum, Yusupov Palace / Rasputin Rooms, Canal Boat Ride
  PLUS:
• 3 Local Restaurant Lunches
• Iconic Moscow visits include:
  City tour, Red Square Walk and GUM, Metro, Kremlin, Armoury Museum, Tretyakov Gallery, Novodevichy Cemetery
  PLUS:
  Leo Tolstoy’s House-Museum, St. Basil’s Cathedral (inside tour)
  PLUS:
• 3 Local Restaurant Lunches, including Lunch in the Moscow City Skyscraper
• Whisper Headsets
• Daily supply of bottled water
• IMPERIAL PROGRAMME ENHANCEMENTS:

• Four Seasons (5 star Deluxe) Hotels
• Private Arrival and Departure transfers
• Maximum group size 10

* Excursion programmes subject to change and to be confirmed locally.

Moscow to St Petersburg

Volga Dream GOLD combines the best of a Moscow and St. Petersburg City Break with a Deluxe cruise on the Canals and Waterways of Russia. The journey is ideal for individual travellers and small groups who want to explore both the Russian countryside and the treasures of Russia’s grandest cities.
Please see ‘Inclusions’ for full details.
-Daily sightseeing in small groups, never more than 20-25 guests
-Moscow visits include: the Kremlin, Red Square, the Armory and the Tretyakov Gallery
-St. Petersburg highlights: the magnificent Hermitage, Peterhof and Catherine‘s palace
-All meals aboard the MS Volga Dream include house wines, beer and soft drinks
-Russian professors present 4 fascinating talks on the intricacies of Russian‘s history
-Diverse range of cultural activities aboard the MS Volga Dream

Day 1. MOSCOW

On arriving in Moscow, transfer to your 5 star Hotel in the historic city centre near the Bolshoi Theatre and Moscow Kremlin. Check in for 3 nights.
Enjoy a welcome meeting with your guide and meet your fellow guests (in the hotel lobby from 6 to 9pm).
Meals: No meals

n.b. Hotels:
Gold and Platinum Programmes: 5 star Marriott Aurora or 5 star Ararat Park Hyatt.
Imperial Programme: 5 star Deluxe Four Seasons Hotel

Day 2. MOSCOW

City Tour / Novodevichy Cemetery 09:30 – 14:30

Begin the day with an orientation tour of the city before proceeding to the famous Novodevichy Cemetery, where numerous well-known Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets, are buried along with famous actors, political leaders and scientists.
Take the rest of the afternoon at your leisure, explore Moscow on your own or seek out a cultural performance at one of the city‘s word-class venues.
City tour includes: Tverskaya Street, Lubyanka Square, Kremlin embankment, Cathedral of Christ the Saviour (entrance if time and availability allows), Novodevichy Cemetery (entrance).
Meals: B

Day 3. MOSCOW

Kremlin / Armoury Museum / Red Square / GUM Department Store 09:30 – 14:30

This morning we take you into the Kremlin to visit the Armoury Museum and its renowned collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged armour and weapons, royal carriages and sleighs. Continue to the beautifully frescoed 15th-century Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals. Next is the magnificent Red Square and its famous landmarks – Lenin’s Tomb and St. Basil’s cathedral (outside), a colourful multi-domed complex whose architects were supposedly blinded by Ivan the Terrible so that they would never again be able to recreate such splendour.
The rest of the day is left open for independent exploration: for example you may walk to the new park Zaryadye located near the Kremlin and Red Square or choose any one of several optional tours.
Today‘s tour includes: the Kremlin, visit to Assumption and Archangel Cathedrals, the Armoury (visit), Red Square walking tour, St. Basil’s Cathedral (photo stop no entrance), GUM Department Store (entrance).
Meals: B

Day 4. MOSCOW

Tretyakov Gallery / Metro Ride / Embarkation on the Volga Dream 13:00 – 18:00

This morning is free for you to walk at leisure before enjoying lunch in the hotel or near-by.
Hotel check-out is at noon, followed by a trip to the Tretyakov Gallery, the first museum dedicated exclusively to Russian fine art. We explore Moscow‘s Metro, famed for its architectural splendour. Later, transfer to the luxury that waits aboard MS Volga Dream before sailing Russia‘s extensive waterways. The Captain’s welcome reception and dinner mark the start of our unforgettable cruise.
Volga Dream Experience: Bread, Salt & Vodka Welcome Aboard Ceremony
Meals: B, D

Day 5. UGLICH

After a full day of cruising through idyllic forested countryside, we arrive to the ancient trading town of Uglich, a key point in Russia‘s renowned ‘Golden Ring‘. Explore the impressive Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood, built on the site where Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered in 1591. Then an enchanting concert of choral music performed in St. John‘s Church.
Volga Dream Experience: Documentary Film “Construction of the Moscow Canal”
Meals: B, L, D

Day 6. YAROSLAVL

Founded in 1010, Yaroslavl is one of central Russia‘s oldest cities and boasts the Volga‘s first port. There is so much to see: the Spassky Monastery houses the Transfiguration of the Saviour and the Church of Elijah the Prophet with its impressive collection of mosaics. Take part in a costumed reception at the governor‘s house before re-boarding the MS Volga Dream in time for lunch.
Volga Dream Experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class
Meals: B, L, D

Day 7. GORITSY

In this tiny settlement, we visit the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded in 1397, now home to one of the world‘s finest collections of Russian icons. After a guided tour, we continue cruising toward the majestic Lake Onega.
Volga Dream Experience: Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting
Meals: B, L, D

Day 8. KIZHI

Kareliya is a region that must be seen to be believed, it spans all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle, a vast wilderness of forest and water. Lake Onega is fed by 58 rivers and is home to 1,369 islands, including our stop, Kizhi with its quaint collection of ancient wooden houses and windmills including the famous and remarkable Transfiguration church, built in 1714 without a single nail being used.
Volga Dream Experience: Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov
Meals: B, L, D

Day 9. SVIRSTROY

The highlight of your day in Svirstroy is being invited into a local resident‘s home. Warm and welcoming Svirstroy villagers will offer tea with jam and ―pirozhkie (local pies). They will enthusiastically tell you all about Russian tradition, lifestyle and the attractions of Svirstroy village while proudly showing off their homes and kitchen gardens. After tea, hop on a bus to tour the nearby town, see a local WWII monument and visit a local primary school (term time only).
Volga Dream Experience: Deck Barbeque
Meals: B, L, D

Day 10. ST. PETERSBURG

City Tour / Peter and Paul Fortress 09:30 – 14:30

Arrive in St. Petersburg via the Neva River, say goodbye to the crew and disembark the MS Volga Dream.
Enjoy a city tour including the Peter and Paul Fortress, the burial place of the Romanov monarchs, and Nevsky Prospect, with its rich selection of fine shops, cafes, and museums.
Afternoon check-in at your 5 star Hotel for 3 nights.
City Tour includes: Peter & Paul Cathedral (entrance), Split of Basil Island (walking tour), St. Isaac Cathedral (photo stop), Spilled Blood Church (photo stop), Nevskiy Prospekt drive.
Meals: B

n.b. Hotels:
Gold and Platinum Programmes: 5 star Belmond Grand Hotel Europe or 5 star Kempinski Moika 22
Imperial Programme: 5 star Deluxe Four Seasons Hotel

Day 11. ST. PETERSBURG

The Hermitage Museum / Peterhof: Park and Small Cottage 10:00 – 18:00

The day begins at the world class Hermitage Museum, home to one of world‘s most important collections of European art.
Lunch is followed by a tour of the meticulously restored Peterhof, St. Petersburg‘s most famous and spectacular Imperial estate, often cited as the Versailles of Russia. Visit one of the authentic Small Cottages and stroll in the vast Lower Park with its 176 fountains and four cascades. There are majestic palaces and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes.
The rest of the day left free for independent exploration.
Meals: B, L

Day 12. ST. PETERSBURG

Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room 14:00 – 19:00

This morning, join one of the optional tours or explore St. Petersburg at your own pace.
In the afternoon, drive to Catherine the Great‘s Palace, which houses the extraordinary Amber Room. Its six tons of solid amber are deftly carved and framed in gold leaf. Once dubbed the ―eighth wonder of the world,‖ the room was stripped by the Nazis in 1941, but meticulously rebuilt to mark the 300th anniversary of St. Petersburg‘s founding.
Meals: B

Day 13. ST. PETERSBURG

Check out of your hotel and transfer to the airport for your onward or homeward journey.
Meals: B

Moscow to St Petersburg

Volga Dream PLATINUM option provides an enhanced experience, with extra touches to make the most of St. Petersburg and Moscow, together with a Deluxe cruise on the iconic canals and waterways of Russia. The journey is ideal for individual travellers and small groups who want to explore both the Russian countryside and the treasures of Russia’s grandest cities.
Please see ‘Inclusions’ for full details.
-Daily sightseeing in small groups, never more than 12-15 guests
-St. Petersburg special highlights: special early entrance to the magnificent Hermitage Museum including a visit to the Gold Room. Visits to Faberge Museum and Yusupov Palace, plus a Canal tour
-Extra Moscow visits include: Leo Tolstoy’s House Museum, St Basils Cathedral on Red Square
-All meals aboard the MS Volga Dream include house wines, beer and soft drinks
-Russian professors present 4 fascinating talks on the intricacies of Russian‘s history
-Diverse range of cultural activities aboard the MS Volga Dream

Day 1. MOSCOW

When you arrive in Moscow, transfer to your 5 star Hotel in the historic city centre to check in for 3 nights. Spend the rest of the day exploring central Moscow on your own and in the evening gather for a welcome reception with your guide and meet your fellow travellers.

Meals: No meals

n.b. Hotels:
Gold and Platinum Programmes: 5 star Marriott Aurora or 5 star Ararat Park Hyatt.
Imperial Programme: 5 star Deluxe Four Seasons Hotel

Day 2. MOSCOW

City tour / Sparrow Hills / Lunch in the Moscow City / Novodevichy Cemetery 09:30 – 17:30

Begin the day with an orientation tour of Moscow. The city boasts unique diversity and variety in terms of building styles: classic, modern, empire and eclecticism amazingly sit alongside more monumental designs, such as Stalin‟s towering skyscrapers from the mid 20th century. The architecture of the capital, though seemingly contradictory and contrasting, makes for a dazzling combination in a quite unique city.
Lunch is served in a restaurant on the top-floor of one of Moscow‟s skyscrapers offering spectacular city views. After lunch, visit the famous Novodevichy Cemetery, where well-known Russian authors, musicians, playwrights, and poets, are buried along with famous actors, political leaders, and scientists.
City tour highlights: Tverskaya Street, Lubyanka Square, Kremlin embankment. Novodevichiy Convent (photo stop), and if time permits, a stop at the Christ the Saviour Cathedral, Sparrow Hills.
Meals: B, L

Day 3. MOSCOW

Kremlin / Armory Museum / Red Square Walk / St. Basil’s Cathedral / GUM Department Store / Park Zaryadye 09:30 – 17:30
The morning consists of a stroll through the famous Moscow Kremlin with its beautiful cathedrals and unique museums. The Armory hosts an impressive collection of opulent coronation finery, hand-forged armor and ancient weapons, royal carriages and sleighs.
After lunch, cross Red Square to visit GUM, Moscow‟s largest department store, and enter a masterpiece of medieval Moscow – St. Basil‟s Cathedral. Then proceed
with a leisurely walk through the newly designed park Zaryadye, a stone‟s throw from the Kremlin and Red Square.
Meals: B, L

Day 4. MOSCOW

Leo Tolstoy House-Museum in Hamovniki / Old Tretyakov Gallery / Moscow Metro / Embarkation aboard the MS Volga Dream 10:00 – 18:00

The first stop after checking-out of your hotel is the small former home-estate once owned by one of Russia‟s literary greats, Leo Tolstoy. He lived with his wife and thirteen children in this two-storey wooden Moscow house from 1882 to 1901; it is now a carefully preserved memorial.
The sightseeing continues after lunch at the State Tretyakov Gallery with its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from Rublev’s 12th century icons to 19th century masterpieces. Explore Moscow‟s Metro, famed for its architectural splendour.
Meanwhile, the luxurious MS Volga Dream awaits and your voyage along Russia‟s extensive waterways is about to begin. The Captain’s welcome reception and dinner mark the start of our unforgettable cruise.
Volga Dream Experience: Bread, Salt & Vodka ‘Welcome Aboard’ Ceremony
Meals: B, L, D

Day 5. UGLICH

After a full day of cruising through idyllic forested countryside, we tie up in the ancient trading town of Uglich, a key point in Russia‟s renowned „Golden Ring‟. Explore the impressive Church of St. Dmitri-on-the-Blood, erected on the site where Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered in 1591. Then an enchanting concert of choral music performed in St. John‟s Church.
Volga Dream Experience: Costumed Russian Tea Ceremony & Russian Cooking Class
Meals: B, L, D

Day 6. YAROSLAVL

Founded in 1010, Yaroslavl is one of central Russia‟s oldest cities and boasts the Volga‟s first port. There is much to see: the Spassky Monastery houses the Transfiguration of the Saviour and the Church of Elijah the Prophet and an impressive collection of mosaics. Take part in a costumed reception at the governor‟s house before re-boarding the MS Volga Dream in time for lunch.
Volga Dream Experience: Barbeque on the Sun Deck
Meals: B, L, D

Day 7. GORITSY

This morning takes us on an early crossing of Lake Beloye, or the White Lake, once known as the “tsar‟s fishing grounds”, before arriving in the peaceful village of Goritsy where we tour the Ferapontov Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with magnificent frescoes by Dionysius, one of Russia‟s most renowned icon painters. He painted the temple ceiling about 10 years before Michelangelo even started on the Sistine Chapel! Return to the ship for a late lunch and afternoon cruising.
Volga Dream Experience: Russian Dinner with Vodka Tasting
Meals: B, L, D

Day 8. KIZHI

Kareliya is a region that must be seen to be believed, it spans all the way from St. Petersburg to the Arctic Circle, a vast wilderness of forest and water. Lake Onega is fed by 58 rivers and is home to 1,369 islands, including our stop, Kizhi with its quaint collection of ancient wooden houses and windmills including the famous and remarkable Transfiguration church, built in 1714 without a single nail being used.
Volga Dream Experience: Piano Concert – pieces by Tchaikovsky and Rachmaninov
Meals: B, L, D

Day 9. SVIRSTROY

The highlight of your day in Svirstroy is being invited into a local resident‟s home. Warm and welcoming villagers will offer tea with jam and “pirozhki” (local pies). They will enthusiastically tell you all about Russian tradition, lifestyle and the attractions of Svirstroy village while proudly showing off their homes and kitchen gardens. After tea, hop on a bus to tour the nearby town, see a spectacular WWII memorial and visit a local primary school.
Volga Dream Experience: Farewell Dinner
Meals: B, L, D

Day 10. ST. PETERSBURG

City Tour / St. Isaac’s Cathedral / Canal boat / Yusupov Palace
9:30am – 6:30pm
The MS Volga Dream ties up in St. Petersburg on the Neva River where we disembark for a city tour, including Peter and Paul Fortress (outside), the Royal Romanov burial site and Nevsky Prospect with its rich selection of fine shops, cafes, and museums. Then we proceed to St. Isaac’s Cathedral, whose gilded dome dominates the city skyline. Sculptures and massive red granite columns decorate the façade, while the interior is even more lavishly appointed with mosaics, icons and columns of malachite and lapis lazuli.
After a relaxed lunch we embark on a canal cruise sailing under the city‟s many historic bridges and past its magnificent pastel. The day ends with a tour of Yusupov‟s Palace, former home to one of St. Petersburg‟s wealthiest aristocrats. The enigmatic story of Grigory Rasputin, the monk assassinated here by Prince Felix Yusupov, is told in this very basement.
Evening check-in at your 5 star hotel (for 3 nights).
City tour includes: Split of Basil Island (walking tour), Spilled Blood Church (photo stop), Peter and Paul Fortress (photo stop), St. Isaac Cathedral (entrance), Nevskiy Prospect drive.
Meals: B, L

n.b. Hotels:
Gold and Platinum Programmes: 5 star Belmond Grand Hotel Europe or 5 star Kempinski Moika 22
Imperial Programme: 5 star Deluxe Four Seasons Hotel

Day 11. ST. PETERSBURG

The State Hermitage (Early Entrance) / Gold Room / Peterhof: Park and One of the Small Cottages 09:00 – 17:00

The morning takes you to one of the most famous museums in the world, the awe-inspiring Hermitage in the lavishly decorated Winter Palace. (To avoid the crowds, we‟ve arranged special Early Entrance for you, before official opening hours.) The Hermitage occupies six magnificent buildings and houses 3 million artworks ranging from Stone Age to modern times. The collection includes Leonardo Da Vinci, Rafael and Titian. After exploring the main galleries, proceed to the Gold Room, usually closed to general public, with a collection of gold Scythian artwork and elaborate Imperial gifts.
Lunch is followed by a tour to one of the most spectacular Imperial estate of Peterhof, often dubbed the Russian Versailles. The vast Lower Park, with its 176 fountains and four cascades, is a glorious place to walk, taking in majestic palaces and numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes. A truly spectacular day before we return to St. Petersburg.
Meals: B, L

Day 12. ST. PETERSBURG

Faberge Museum / Catherine’s Palace / Amber Room 09:30 – 18:30

Enjoy a full sightseeing day with a visit to the Fabergé Museum, founded by entrepreneur, Viktor Vekselberg. The museum was opened in December 2013 to display a glittering collection of Faberge eggs and objects d‟art created by Peter Carl Fabergé and his craftsmen. Vekselberg’s collection is rated as one of the world’s most valuable and includes items he bought from the Forbes family in 2004 for $100 million.
After lunch we travel to the Tsar‟s Village to visit the famous Catherine‟s Palace and the exquisitely recreated Amber Room. A stroll through the formal gardens is highly recommended. We enter the Pushkin grounds through the Golden Gate and ascend the staircase to the Grand Hall. The Golden Enfilade offers a glorious view of the Amber Room.
Meals: B, L

Day 13. ST. PETERSBURG

Check out and transfer for your onward or homeward journey.
Meals: B