Duration: 8 Days

Location: between Moscow & St. Petersburg

Price: €1,050Symphony River Cruise : from only €1,050 p.p.

Overview – MS Rostropovich 8 Day Russia River Cruise 2020/2021

Book now for 2020! Our Russia River Cruise 2020 aboard MS Rostropovich, one of the few luxury ships sailing the Russia river cruise waterways, is a popular choice. The 5 star MS Rostropovich is the perfect showcase for the legendary and historic towns and rivers of Russia’s Golden Ring, between Moscow and St Petersburg. MS Rostropovich is one of the most modern and elegant vessels to travel Russia’s Waterways, Canals and Rivers and one of only a few with an elevator and private cabin balconies.

Each season our guests are more than delighted with the high standard of the ship, spacious cabins, friendliness of the crew and the interesting, leisurely included tour programme. Dedicated on board guides provide a personal touch and the restaurant staff make each mealtime a pleasure. The choice at mealtimes includes vegetarian options.

With 212 guests in 106 staterooms, this is definitely our vessel of choice for our discerning customers.

“…The entire cruise on the MS Rostropovich and land excursions were incredibly good value as were the optional tours on offer.

Could not fault anything on board and the tour guides were exemplary. We had a lot of fun with Russian dancing and singing and there were plenty of other things to enjoy (Russian history classes for example) which were very popular.

Dining room, food and accommodations were first class with service crew friendly and helpful at all times and even though some of them had limited English, it was FAR better than my Russian! It would appear that passengers are designated restaurants by language. English was probably the least spoken so we were allocated the Symphony Restaurant which is the smaller and more intimate of the two on board. Met some lovely people and the entire experience was orchestrated by our guide in ANDREW, who really did look after and organise us flawlessly.

Excellent value and extremely enjoyable cruise and would strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys river cruising…”

RF from UK

“…We really enjoyed our cruise from St Petersburg to Moscow. The MS Rostropovich has been tastefully refurbished and everything on board was very comfortable. The crew were friendly and professional. Our guide/s were knowledgeable and helpful. Such clever young women! Dining was a pleasure with a delightful waitress (Irina) who smiled and giggled her way through our attempts at speaking Russian. The food was excellent, beautifully presented and plenty of it. Our shore excursions (included) were really interesting and we visited some very unique and special places. On-board entertainment was varied and the musicians were brilliant. Russian classes were fun. We had a relaxing time on the still waterways and enjoyed watching the varied scenery from our balcony. Everything was very well organized, communication was excellent and everything we did was smoothly and efficiently transacted. The whole experience was wonderful and we’d thoroughly recommend it. We would certainly recommend using SAC – Becky, whom we dealt with was just superb in all respects. Thank you so much for the trip of a lifetime…”

Regards, CL from Australia

RUSSIAN DANCE CLASS

Traditional Russian dances will give you a chance to feel like a real Russian. Everybody is welcome to join the master-class. Several dances are learnt step by step, taking a slow pace to allow everyone perfect their skills. Traditional Russian dances were created by people from different villages so that they could get acquainted and entertain each other with their unique routines.

SING-ALONG CLASS

Everybody has heard of our famous Russian songs “Katusha” or “Kalinka”. At our onboard Sing-along classes you will discover your hidden vocal talents or will simply have some fun. Led by a team of professional musicians, you may form your own choir – and choose to perform at the end of the cruise during the Talent show!

FOLK CONCERTS

Professional folk groups perform for you their best concerts! Enjoy the sound of traditional Russian instruments played masterly by the musicians – domra or balalaika, button accordion and tambourine. The musical instruments are played solo as well as to accompany the traditional Russian songs, gypsy romances and cossack songs. Thrilling melodies and charming voices, the lively colours of national folk costumes will create unforgettable impressions!

CULINARY JOURNEY

Most of us agree that excellent catering is one of the most important aspects of a perfect holiday, that’s why we pay specific attention to the meals served on board. Strict attention to detail, good customer service, trained professionals and great food are our aim. A perfect combination of European and Russian cuisine will allow you not only to sample some of the flavours of Russia, but also to enjoy well known European dishes. The choice of menu will give you a chance to select your dish out of three equally delicious alternatives. Salads, appetizing soups, main courses and delicious desserts will satisfy the taste of the most discerning traveller!

Our ample buffet style breakfast offers numerous and diverse dishes.
From the earliest times Russian people attached a great importance to soups, no lunch could be served without one. Altogether there are several thousand recipes of soups, but we chose the most popular and delicious to offer you during the 3 course lunch on board! Select the dishes you prefer: it can be meat, fish or vegetables, one of famous Russian soups or European cream soup, ice cream, season fruits or luscious cake for dessert.
At dinner on board you’ll also have the chance to try traditional Slavic and Russian dishes, our professional waiters in national costume will be happy to serve them for you! During the Captain’s dinner, a special menu will be presented. Our chefs always do their best, but this special day they’ll surpass themselves so that you’ll remember this dinner for a long time!

RUSSIAN TEA CEREMONY

Since its introduction early in the seventeenth century, tea has become the Russians’ favorite drink. Enjoy Russian tea, prepared in traditional “samovar”, listen to live music played by our folk band and maybe learn some dancing moves!
MS Rostropovich – Vessel Features
- “Symphony” Bar and Restaurant
- Tea and Coffee Station from 06.00 – 19.00 hrs
- “Opera” Restaurant
- “Maestro” Conference Hall and Movie Theatre
- “River Melody” Bar and Lounge
- Outside bar
- Lift /Elevator
- Solarium with loungers
- Small Gym
- Medical Centre
- Reception
- Souvenir Shop
- Ironing Room
- Smoking Areas
Deck Plan – MS Rostropovich

(click to enlarge)

Ms Rostropovich Cabins – Descriptions and Images

Imperial Suite (King Size Bed Double) Middle Deck With Panoramic Balcony 30 sq.m. (Category IS++)

Cabin 239 equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, 220 volt socket. The cabin is furnished with a king sized double bed, bedside tables, sofa and two armchairs, coffee table, console mirror, with chair, workstation, wardrobe, large screen tv, fridge, radio, telephone, hairdryer, kettle and electronic safe. The large modern bathroom has a double basin and full size bath/shower. Located at the bow of the ship, this stateroom has 180 degree large panoramic windows and a large private wrap-around balcony with table and chairs

Standard Double Main Deck Without Balcony 11,7-12,1 sq.m. (Category J-)

Cabins 111, 112, 122, 123 are equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, 220 volt socket and large fixed scenic window. The cabin is furnished with a double bed, bedside tables, console mirror, chair, wardrobe, TV, fridge, radio, telephone, hair dryer and safe.

Standard Twin Main Deck Without Balcony 13 sq.m. (Category I-)

Cabins 103 – 109 are equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, 220 volt socket and large fixed scenic window. The cabin is furnished with two separate beds (cannot be joined), bedside tables, console mirror, chair, wardrobe, TV, fridge, radio, telephone, hair dryer and safe.

Standard Twin/Double Middle Deck With Balcony 12,4-13,4 sq.m.(Category H+)

Cabins 214, 234, 218, 237, 219, 238 are equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, 220 volt socket. The cabin is furnished with either two separate beds (can be joined) or a double bed, bedside tables, console mirror, chair, wardrobe, TV, fridge, radio, telephone, hair dryer and safe.

Standard Twin/Double Boat Deck With Balcony 12,7 sq.m. (Category G+)

Cabins 312, 325 are equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, 220 volt socket. The cabin is furnished with two separate beds (can be joined), bedside tables, console mirror, chair, wardrobe, TV, fridge, radio, telephone, hair dryer and safe.

Deluxe Twin/Double Main Deck Without Balcony 18,7-19,6 sq.m.(Category F-)

Cabins 100, 101, 102, 115, 117, 118, 119, 120, 110, 121 are equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, 220 volt socket and large fixed scenic window. The cabin is furnished with two separate beds (can be joined), bedside tables, console mirror, chair, wardrobe, TV, fridge, radio, telephone, hair dryer and safe.

Junior Suite (Twin/Double) Main Deck Without Balcony 22,6 sq.m. (CATEGORY E-)

Cabin 116 is equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, 220 volt socket and large fixed scenic window. The cabin is furnished with two separate beds (can be joined), bedside tables, console mirror, chair, wardrobe, TV, fridge, radio, telephone, hair dryer and safe.

Junior Suite (Twin/Double) Middle Deck Without Balcony 21,7 sq.m. (Category D-)

Cabins 200, 201, 220, 221 equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, 220 volt socket and large fixed scenic window. The cabin is furnished with two separate beds (can be joined), bedside tables, console mirror, chair, wardrobe, TV, fridge, radio, telephone, hair dryer and safe.

Deluxe Twin/Double Middle Deck With Balcony 15,3-17,3 sq.m.(Category C+)

Cabins 202-209, 213, 215-217, 222-229, 233, 235, 236 are equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, 220 volt socket. The cabin is furnished with two separate beds (can be joined), bedside tables, console mirror, chair, wardrobe, TV, fridge, radio, telephone, hair dryer and safe.

Deluxe Twin/Double Boat Deck With Balcony 15,7-16,5 sq.m. (Category B+)

Cabins 300-307, 311, 313-320, 324 are equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, 220 volt socket. The cabin is furnished with two separate beds (can be joined), bedside tables, console mirror, chair, wardrobe, TV, fridge, radio, telephone, hair dryer and safe.

Deluxe Twin/Double Sun Deck With Balcony 15,7-16,3 sq.m. (Category A+)

Cabins 400-406, 408, 409-415, 417 are equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, 220 volt socket. The cabin is furnished with two separate beds (can be joined), bedside tables, console mirror, chair, wardrobe, TV, fridge, radio, telephone, hair dryer and safe

Bolshoi Suite (Twin/Double) Middle Deck With Balcony 19 sq.m. (Category BSM+)

Cabins 210, 230 are equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, 220 volt socket. The cabin is furnished with two separate beds (can be joined), bedside tables, console mirror, chair, wardrobe, TV, fridge, radio, telephone, hair dryer and safe.

Mariinski Suite (Twin/Double) Boat Deck With Balcony 21,2-21,6 sq.m. (Category MSB+)

Cabins 309, 310, 322, 323 are equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, 220 volt socket. The cabin is furnished with two separate beds (can be joined), bedside tables, console mirror, chair, wardrobe, TV, fridge, radio, telephone, hair dryer and safe.

Hermitage Suite (Twin/Double) Sun Deck With Balcony 19 sq..m. (Category HS+)

Cabins 407, 416 are equipped with private facilities, air conditioning, 220 volt socket. The cabin is furnished with two separate beds (can be joined), bedside tables, console mirror, chair, wardrobe, TV, fridge, radio, telephone, hair dryer and safe.

Ensuite shower room

2020 Prices per person in Euros (8 Days Cruise)

CABIN	CATEGORY	DECK	BALCONY	CABIN SIZE, m2	SEASON
CABIN	CATEGORY	DECK	BALCONY	CABIN SIZE, m2	LOW	HIGH
STANDARD Double	J-	Main	N	11.7-12.1	€1,610	€1,680
STANDARD Twin	I-	Main	N	13	€1,645	€1,715
STANDARD Double	H+	Middle	Y	12.4-13.4	€1,715	€1,785
STANDARD Twin/Double	G+	Boat	Y	12.7	€1,750	€1,820
DELUXE Twin/Double	F-	Main	N	18.7-19.6	€1,785	€1,855
JUNIOR SUITE Twin/Double	D-	Middle	N	21.7	€1,855	€1,925
DELUXE Twin/Double	C+	Middle	Y	15.3-17.3	€1,960	€2,030
DELUXE Twin/Double	B+	Boat	Y	15.7-16.5	€2,030	€2,100
DELUXE Twin/Double	A+	Sun	Y	15.7-16.3	€2,100	€2,170
BOLSHOI SUITE Twin/Double	BSM+	Middle	Y	19	€2,345	€2,415
MARIINSKI SUITE Twin/Double	MSB+	Boat	Y	21.2-21.6	€2,555	€2,625
HERMITAGE SUITE Twin/Double	HS+	Sun	Y	19	€2,660	€2,730
IMPERIAL SUITE King Size Dbl Bed	IS++	Middle	YYY	30	€3,325	€3,395

PORT TAX IS NOT INCLUDED : €35 PER PERSON
MANDATORY PORTERAGE FEE: €10 PER PERSON

SUPPLEMENTS + DISCOUNTS:
Single occupancy of a Standard Twin cabin, Deluxe cabin, Junior Suite: +75% supplement
Single occupancy of Suite: +100% supplement
Third person in Suite: – 25% discount
Pre-assigned cabin number of your choice + €100 per cabin (subject to availability)

2020 Dates and Seasons

Dates 2020	Days/Nights	Itinerary	Season
~~09 May – 16 May~~	~~8/7~~	~~St. Petersburg – Moscow~~	~~LOW~~
~~16 May – 23 May~~	~~8/7~~	~~Moscow – St. Petersburg~~	~~HIGH~~
~~23 May – 30 May~~	~~8/7~~	~~St. Petersburg – Moscow~~	~~HIGH~~
~~30 May – 06 June~~	~~8/7~~	~~Moscow – St. Petersburg~~	~~HIGH~~
06 June – 13 June	8/7	St. Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
13 June – 20 June	8/7	Moscow – St. Petersburg	HIGH
20 June – 27 June	8/7	St. Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
27 June – 04 July	8/7	Moscow – St. Petersburg	HIGH
04 July – 11 July	8/7	St. Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
11 July – 18 July	8/7	Moscow – St. Petersburg	HIGH
18 July – 25 July	8/7	St. Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
25 July – 01 Aug	8/7	Moscow – St. Petersburg	HIGH
01 Aug – 08 Aug	8/7	St. Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
08 Aug – 15 Aug	8/7	Moscow – St. Petersburg	HIGH
15 Aug – 22 Aug	8/7	St. Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
22 Aug – 29 Aug	8/7	Moscow – St. Petersburg	HIGH
29 Aug – 05 Sept	8/7	St. Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
05 Sept – 12 Sept	8/7	Moscow – St. Petersburg	HIGH
12 Sept – 19 Sept	8/7	St. Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
19 Sept – 26 Sept	8/7	Moscow – St. Petersburg	HIGH
26 Sept – 03 Oct	8/7	St. Petersburg – Moscow	LOW
03 Oct – 10 Oct	8/7	Moscow – St. Petersburg	LOW
10 Oct – 17 Oct	8/7	St. Petersburg – Moscow	LOW

Included Meals

Full board, three meals per day (from dinner on day of arrival to breakfast on departure day).
Breakfast and lunch are buffet style, dinner is with fixed menu and preliminary order, BBQ outdoors in Mandrogui (instead of lunch onboard, subject to weather)
(Boxed meal for late arrival/early departure)
Water is included for all meals at the restaurant (water pitcher) and 0.5 litre bottled water per person per day is provided daily for cabins
One glass of house wine or juice, per person for each dinner.
A coffee-station is available from 06.00 – 19.00 hrs.
Welcome bread and salt ceremony (arrival day).
Russian and Ukrainian thematic dinners.
Captain’s farewell dinner with special menu and glass of sparkling wine.
Russian Tea Ceremony

Inclusions and Exclusions

General Inclusions
Not Included

Excursions in your European language as mentioned :
EN – English
FR – French
ES – Spanish
IT – Italian
DE – German

-Excursion programme detailed in the cruise itinerary (optional tours are available onboard).
-Daily international entertainment on board: concerts, lessons, master classes, movies.
-Hot or iced tea on returning from shore excursions(depending on weather)
-Use of cabin safe.
-Visa Support Letter for the duration of the cruise (see notes).
– Flights
– Arrival and departure transfers:
We can arrange these for you at a total cost of €150, including both arrival and departure transfers in a saloon car for 1-2 persons.
International city airports, city rail stations and central hotels are also included.
For transfers from 22.00 – 07.00 and at all times on public holidays the cost is €200.
– Port tax (€35 per person)
– Porterage (€10 per person)
– Optional excursions (available on board)
– Optional onboard activities (book and pay locally)
– Ship Gratuities (approx. €10 per guest, per day)
– Local guide gratuities (at your discretion)
– Russian Visa
– Travel Insurance
– Personal expenditure

2021 Prices per person in Euros (8 Days Cruise)

CABIN	CATEGORY	DECK	BALCONY	CABIN SIZE, m2	SEASON
CABIN	CATEGORY	DECK	BALCONY	CABIN SIZE, m2	LOW	HIGH
STANDARD Double	J-	Main	N	11.7-12.1	€1,225	€1,340
STANDARD Twin	I-	Main	N	13	€1,270	€1,383
STANDARD Double	H+	Middle	Y	12.4-13.4	€1,315	€1,425
STANDARD Twin/Double	G+	Boat	Y	12.7	€1,400	€1,515
DELUXE Twin/Double	F-	Main	N	18.7-19.6	€1,445	€1,560
JUNIOR SUITE Twin/Double	D-	Middle	N	21.7	€1,505	€1,620
DELUXE Twin/Double	C+	Middle	Y	15.3-17.3	€1,630	€1,735
DELUXE Twin/Double	B+	Boat	Y	15.7-16.5	€1,715	€1,820
DELUXE Twin/Double	A+	Sun	Y	15.7-16.3	€1,810	€1,910
BOLSHOI SUITE Twin/Double	BSM+	Middle	Y	19	€1,990	€2,085
MARIINSKI SUITE Twin/Double	MSB+	Boat	Y	21.2-21.6	€2,075	€2,170
HERMITAGE SUITE Twin/Double	HS+	Sun	Y	19	€2,160	€2,260
IMPERIAL SUITE King Size Dbl Bed	IS++	Middle	YYY	30	€2,625	€2,725

PORT TAX IS NOT INCLUDED : €35 PER PERSON
MANDATORY PORTERAGE FEE: €10 PER PERSON

2021 Dates and Seasons

Dates 2021	Days/nights	Direction	Season
08 May – 15 May	8 days/7 nights	Saint-Petersburg – Moscow	LOW
15 May – 22 May	8 days/7 nights	Moscow – Saint-Petersburg	HIGH
22 May – 29 May	8 days/7 nights	Saint-Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
29 May – 05 June	8 days/7 nights	Moscow – Saint-Petersburg	HIGH
05 June – 12 June	8 days/7 nights	Saint-Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
12 June – 19 June	8 days/7 nights	Moscow – Saint-Petersburg	HIGH
19 June – 26 June	8 days/7 nights	Saint-Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
26 June – 03 July	8 days/7 nights	Moscow – Saint-Petersburg	HIGH
03 July – 10 July	8 days/7 nights	Saint-Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
10 July – 17 July	8 days/7 nights	Moscow – Saint-Petersburg	HIGH
17 July – 24 July	8 days/7 nights	Saint-Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
24 July – 31 July	8 days/7 nights	Moscow – Saint-Petersburg	HIGH
31 July – 07 Aug	8 days/7 nights	Saint-Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
07 Aug – 14 Aug	8 days/7 nights	Moscow – Saint-Petersburg	HIGH
14 Aug – 21 Aug	8 days/7 nights	Saint-Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
21 Aug – 28 Aug	8 days/7 nights	Moscow – Saint-Petersburg	HIGH
28 Aug – 04 Sept	8 days/7 nights	Saint-Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
04 Sept – 11 Sept	8 days/7 nights	Moscow – Saint-Petersburg	HIGH
11 Sept – 18 Sept	8 days/7 nights	Saint-Petersburg – Moscow	HIGH
18 Sept – 25 Sept	8 days/7 nights	Moscow – Saint-Petersburg	HIGH
25 Sept – 02 Oct	8 days/7 nights	Saint-Petersburg – Moscow	LOW
02 Oct – 09 Oct	8 days/7 nights	Moscow – Saint-Petersburg	LOW
09 Oct – 16 Oct	8 days/7 nights	Saint-Petersburg – Moscow	LOW

Notes – Russia River Cruise
- The itinerary may vary and places visited may be changed locally due to local conditions.
- Important – Please check entry requirements, a visa is required by most visitors to Russia and must be obtained in advance of arrival.
- Important – Check current health requirements by looking at the official travel advice website of your own country, or ask your doctor.
- We supply, free of charge, a visa support for the duration of the cruise, plus any hotel nights you book with us.
  If you require an extended visa support, we can supply this from €25 per person (certain nationalities incur a higher extended visa support letter fee) – check with us for details.
How to Book and Pay
- Please complete the booking form adding your credit card details via our secure system.
- We will respond by email with confirmation of your tour.
- Upon confirmation we will collect the non-refundable deposit of 20% of the tour price from the credit card provided.
- The balance payment will be collected 70 days prior to departure date on the Russia River Cruise.
- If you book within 70 days of departure date we will collect the full amount due from the credit card provided.
- Cabin numbers are advised 7 days prior to arrival. €100 fee to pre-book a specific cabin number.
- If your selected date is not available we will offer you an alternative.
- Your card will not be charged until you accept the alternative offered.
- If you have any special requirements please add details in the notes section.
- We will request your passport details for the visa support documentation required to apply for a
  Russian visa (please check with your nearest Consulate if you require a visa).
- After you have paid in full, you will receive a voucher and joining details for the tour.
- Arrival and departure transfers are NOT included on this Russia River Cruise.
  Please send full flight or other transportation details if you would like us to provide these at an additional charge.
Itinerary MS Rostropovich Russia River Cruise 2020 (8 days) – Moscow to St Petersburg

Day 1 – Join the MS Rostropovich for our Russia River Cruise

Arrive in Moscow for your Russia River Cruise. You can pre-book a transfer from airport or rail station to the MS Rostropovich, your home for the next 7 nights on our Russian River Cruise. Upon arrival there will be an information briefing on board. Enjoy your first evening aboard with dinner and entertainment in the bars.
Check in to the ship any time after 16:00 hrs to arrive in time for the information briefing and evening entertainment.

Day 2 – Moscow programme

Moscow. After breakfast on board, begin your discovery of the capital city of Russia. Join the panoramic city tour to see some of the iconic sights such as Red Square with St Basil’s cathedral and the famous red brick walls of the Kremlin. Enjoy lunch in a city centre restaurant and continue to your afternoon exploration of the Kremlin – the former residence of the Russian Tsars, discover the huge Tsar’s Cannon and Bell and visit one of the magnificent cathedrals housed within Cathedral Square. Return to the MS Rostropovich for the Captain’s Welcome Cocktail, dinner and entertainment in the bars.
*Entrances included to Kremlin and 1 of the Cathedrals within the territory.

Day 3 – Set sail on MS Rostropovich

Uglich. After breakfast on board the MS Rostropovich, your day will include a visit to the town of Uglich on the Volga River, first documented in 1148. The town’s historical significance is due to the suspicious death of Dmitry Ivanov, son of Ivan the Terrible. Dmitry was exiled to Uglich after his father’s death in 1584 but was found dead in questionable circumstances seven years later. The Church of St Dmitry on the Blood*, built in his memory, appears on the horizon as the ship sails towards the town and is one of the great sights to be seen in Uglich. In the evening, enjoy a Ukrainian dinner and entertainment on board.
Entrances included to Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, Transfiguration Cathedral.

Day 4 – Cruising on MS Rostropovich

Goritsy. After breakfast and morning entertainment on board ship, arrival and disembark for a shore excursion to Goritsy, a tiny village settlement on the edge of the White Lake. The main attractions in Goritsy are the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery and the Goritsy Nunnery. The Monastery of St. Cyril* was founded in 1397 and is an impressive ensemble of priories, churches and historical references. The Goritsy Nunnery is much smaller than the Monastery and was founded later in 1544. Evening Russian style dinner and entertainment on board ship.

Entrances included to the Church and Museum of Icons at the Monastery of St Cyril.

Day 5 – MS Rostropovich visits Kizhi today

Kizhi. After breakfast and morning entertainment on board, disembark to visit the Island of Kizhi located in Lake Onega. The island has been made famous due to the collection of wooden churches with the centrepiece, the 22 domed Church of the Transfiguration, built completely without the use of nails. The Island has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the highlight of any Russia river cruise. Return to the boat for a pirate themed dinner, followed by entertainment on board.
* Entrances included to the open air museum of wooden architecture and a visit to a typical Korelian House.

Day 6 – via Mandrogui en route to St Petersburg

Mandrogui. Breakfast and the Captain’s Farewell dinner are served on board today with a traditional Russian BBQ lunch taken in the historical village of Mandrogui, located to the north of St Petersburg on the shores of the River Svir. The village is a representation of traditional Russian life with wooden buildings, a vodka museum and craft centre. Visitors can also see local recipes being made and visit the farms which are tended by the local villagers. Relax and enjoy your evening on board with the ship’s Gala Concert. Here you may visit the museum of Vodka, paying a local entrance fee of approx. €5 per person.

Day 7 – MS Rostropovich arrives in St Petersburg today!

St Petersburg. After breakfast on board, prepare to explore the wonderful city of St Petersburg on our panoramic city tour. The tour by coach will take in some of the most famous sights including the Exchange, Palace Square and the magnificent Winter Palace, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Cathedral of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood and Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main thoroughfare. Included is a visit to the Peter and Paul Fortress* and also the world-renowned Hermitage museum*. A magnificent collection of art is housed in the winter palace of Catherine the Great. One of the biggest museums in the world and founded in 1764, its collection includes over 2.7 million items. Return to the ship for dinner on board.
*Entrances included to Peter and Paul Fortress and the Hermitage Museum.

Day 8 – MS Rostropovich – departure day

Russia River Cruise Departure. Enjoy breakfast at leisure on board ship prior to departure.
Departure transfers can be arranged for you at an additional charge.
Itinerary MS Rostropovich Russia River Cruise 2020 (8 days) – St Petersburg to Moscow

Day 1 – Join the MS Rostropovich for our Russia River Cruise

Arrive in St Petersburg. You can pre-book a transfer from airport or rail station to the MS Rostropovich, your home for the next 7 nights on our Russia River Cruise. Upon arrival there will be an information briefing on board. Enjoy your first evening aboard with dinner and entertainment in the bars.
Check in from 16.00 hours.

Day 2 – Enjoy St Petersburg’s sights

St Petersburg – Panoramic City Tour. After breakfast on board, prepare to explore the wonderful city of St Petersburg on our panoramic city tour. The tour by coach will take in some of the most famous sights including the Exchange, Palace Square and the magnificent Winter Palace, St Isaac’s Cathedral, Cathedral of the Saviour on the Spilled Blood and Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main thoroughfare. Included is to the world-renowned Hermitage museum. A magnificent collection of art is housed in the winter palace of Catherine the Great. One of the biggest museums in the world and founded in 1764, its collection includes over 2.7 million items. Return to the ship for dinner on board.
*Entrances included to Peter and Paul Fortress and Hermitage Museum

Day 3 – to Mandrogui with MS Rostropovich

Mandrogui. After breakfast on board, today’s tour includes a traditional Russian BBQ lunch taken in the historical village of Mandrogui, located to the north of St Petersburg on the shores of the River Svir. The village is a representation of traditional Russian life with wooden buildings, a vodka museum and craft centre. Visitors can also see local recipes being made and visit the farms which are tended by the local villagers. Relax and enjoy your evening on board with the ship’s Gala Concert.

Day 4 – MS Rostropovich visits Kizhi today

Kizhi. After breakfast and morning entertainment on board, disembark to visit the Island of Kizhi located in Lake Onega. The island has been made famous due to the collection of wooden churches with the centrepiece, the 22 domed Church of the Transfiguration, built completely without the use of nails. The Island has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage site and is the highlight of any Russian river cruise. Return to the boat for a pirate themed dinner, followed by entertainment on board.
* Entrances included to the open air museum of wooden architecture and a visit to a typical Korelian House.

Day 5 – Cruising on MS Rostropovich to Goritsy

Goritsy. After breakfast and morning entertainment on board ship, arrival and disembark for a shore excursion to Goritsy, a tiny village settlement on the edge of the White Lake. The main attractions in Goritsy are the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery and the Goritsy Nunnery. The Monastery of St. Cyril* was founded in 1397 and is an impressive ensemble of priories, churches and historical references. The Goritsy Nunnery is much smaller than the Monastery and was founded later in 1544. Evening Russian style dinner and entertainment on board ship.

Entrances included to the Church and Museum of Icons at the Monastery of St Cyril.

Day 6 – Arriving to Uglich

Uglich. After breakfast on board the MS Rostropovich, your day will include a visit to the town of Uglich on the Volga River, first documented in 1148. The town’s historical significance is due to the suspicious death of Dmitry Ivanov, son of Ivan the Terrible. Dmitry was exiled to Uglich after his father’s death in 1584 but was found dead in questionable circumstances seven years later. The Church of St Dmitry on the Blood*, built in his memory, appears on the horizon as the ship sails towards the town and is one of the great sights to be seen in Uglich. In the evening, enjoy a Ukrainian dinner and entertainment on board.

Entrances included to Church of St Dmitry on the Blood, Transfiguration Cathedral.

Day 7 – Our destination Moscow

Moscow – Panoramic City Tour. After breakfast, the ship arrives in Moscow. After lunch onboard, you begin your discovery of the capital city of Russia. Join the panoramic city tour to see some of the iconic sights such as Red Square with St Basil’s cathedral and the famous red brick walls of the Kremlin. Continue your exploration of the Kremlin, the former residence of the Russian Tsars, discover the huge Tsar’s Cannon and Bell and visit one of the magnificent cathedrals housed within Cathedral Square. Return to the MS Rostropovich for the final night’s dinner and entertainment.

Entrances included to Kremlin and 1 of the Cathedrals within the territory.

Day 8 – MS Rostropovich – departure day

Enjoy breakfast on board ship prior to departure.
Departure transfers can be arranged for an additional charge.