June 23 - July 05, 2022
13 Days
River Cruise Status - Available
Envision Peter the Great luxuriating in massive Peterhof Palace, then see how multiple families shared living space at a Soviet-era kommunalka. Soak up the steam in a traditional banya in riverside Mandrogy village. Share stories at the kitchen table of an Uglich family. Savor Russian caviar with your blini pancakes. See the swirling onion domes and stout towers of Moscow’s Red Square. From St. Petersburg to Moscow, this 13-day voyage reveals the real Russia as never before.
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Tour Highlights
WE INCLUDE MORE FEATURES & SERVICES THAN OTHERS:
One complimentary shore excursion in every port of call
Free Wi-Fi (connection speed may vary)
Visits to UNESCO Sites
Enrichment lectures & Destination Performances
Beer, wine & soft drinks with onboard lunch & dinner
24-hour specialty coffees, teas & bottled water
Port taxes & fees
Ground transfers with Viking Air purchase
itinerary
Option to add a pre-cruise land tour to the Baltic States. Click Here for more details.
Day 01: Thu - June 23, 2022 - St. Petersburg, Russia
Arrive in St. Petersburg, “The City of 300 Bridges,” then transfer to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (Dinner)
*Economy Airfare into St. Petersburg, Russia is included in price. Airfare upgrades available upon request.
Day 02: Fri - June 24, 2022 - St. Petersburg, Russia
This morning, proceed to the Winter Palace to visit the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you can marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculpture. Return on board for an early dinner, followed by an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 03: Sat - June 25, 2022 - St. Petersburg, Russia
Today’s excursion goes to the Pushkin area where you visit Catherine Palace, the elegant rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian tsars named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate decor throughout. After lunch, embark on a city tour; see noted sights including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. Dine on board and enjoy an optional Russian folkloric performance this evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 04: Sun - June 26, 2022 - St. Petersburg, Russia
Most of the day is free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, admiring its landscaped gardens and beautiful fountains. In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional kommunalka visit to get a glimpse of these communal living spaces or take an optional tour of St. Petersburg from the water. Lunch and dinner are served on board as we depart early this evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 05: Mon - June 27, 2022 - Mandrogy, Russia
Spend a relaxing day cruising Russia’s intricate waterways. Sail the Neva River, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake. Cruise the Svir River to Mandrogy where you have some time to explore this museum village. Visit the Vodka Museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. For a truly immersive experience, try an optional visit to a banya, a traditional Russian sauna. Or, on board your ship, take the opportunity to witness and participate in the art of matryoshka doll making. Continue along the Svir’s 139-mile “Blue Route” toward Lake Onega. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 06: Tue - June 28, 2022 - Kizhi, Russia
During breakfast, dock at Kizhi Island, located on Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, see a collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous 3-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church, a fairy-tale-like structure built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart Kizhi in the late morning and enjoy the scenery as you continue cruising through the rest of the day. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 07: Wed - June 29, 2022 - Kuzino, Russia
We continue cruising along the Volga–Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. Arrive in Kuzino, a typical Russian village. Take a guided walk through the historic Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. See several small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. You will also have the opportunity to visit a children’s school in Kuzino or the local Merchant House. Return on board for an afternoon departure. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 08: Thu - June 30, 2022 - Yaroslavl, Russia
Arrive midafternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities that preserves the memory of Russia’s historical events. Tour this ancient town rich in monuments and visit the covered food market, where you may shop for handcrafted souvenirs. During your free time, you may visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Return to your ship for dinner and an evening departure. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 09: Fri - July 01, 2022 - Uglich, Russia
After breakfast, disembark for a walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, another Golden Ring city. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Then a local family invites you into their home for tea and friendly conversation. Lunch is served on board the ship; cruise through the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 10: Sat - July 02, 2022 - Moscow, Russia
This morning, cruise along the Moscow Canal, approaching Moscow during lunch. Disembark for a half-day city tour. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the brightly colored St. Basil’s Cathedral. You also get the chance to explore the famous GUM Department Store and experience the city’s Metro. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music followed by a late onboard dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 11: Sun - July 03, 2022 - Moscow, Russia
Today you have a full day to further explore Moscow’s many buildings, parks and monuments. This morning, you may want to join a half-day optional excursion to Tretyakov Gallery, the world’s foremost museum of Russian fine art. Lunch is served on board the ship. This afternoon you may choose to take an optional Jewish Moscow tour, visiting key sites within Moscow that illustrate the history and spirit of the Jewish people who settled there. Dine on board, then relax, or take an optional Moscow by Night tour. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 12: Mon - July 04, 2022 - Moscow, Russia
After breakfast, travel to the city’s famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. Go behind its walls to see historic gems like Tsar’s Cannon and Tsar’s Bell, and tour inside two cathedrals. The afternoon is free to relax and explore. Perhaps join an optional tour of Moscow’s oldest museum, the Kremlin Armory, which originated as the royal arsenal in 1508. Or, you may wish to spend some time people watching in Red Square or visit Lenin’s Tomb. You may also choose to visit the Cosmonaut Museum to see displays about the history of space exploration. Return to your ship for a farewell dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Day 13: Tue - July 05, 2022 - Moscow, Russia
After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or take some extra time in Russia with a 2-night Moscow extension. (Breakfast)
*Economy Airfare from Moscow, Russia to North America included. Airfare upgrades available upon request.
