Join us on onboard our custom-built deluxe Emerald 'Star Ship' and experience the romance of Europe's waterways.
Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/488581
106 11 Day Russian River Cruise Day 1 St Petersburg, Russia – Embark Ship (D) Welcome to St Petersburg. You will be met and transferred^ from the airport to the dock. A warm welcome awaits from your crew, then tonight celebrate your fi rst taste of Russia with an on board dinner. Day 2 St Petersburg (FB,L,D) Founded by Peter the Great, St Petersburg was the capital of the Russian Empire for more than 200 years. Nicknamed 'Venice of the North', the historic centre, threaded with canals dotted with baroque bridges, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Your city tour of St Petersburg includes St Isaac's Cathedral with its huge gilded dome. Drive along Nevsky Prospect, the main boulevard of St. Petersburg, see the National Library and the monument to Catherine the Great. After lunch there is free time to explore this beautiful city once home to the Russian nobility. Day 3 St Petersburg (FB,L,D) The Hermitage Museum, rival to the Louvre in Paris, is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Its collections, of which only a small part is on permanent display, comprise nearly three million exhibits including the largest collection of paintings in the world and early collections dating back to Catherine II. Your included guided tour offers full explanations on the major works, with free time as well to visit other works of your own choice. Day 4 Mandrogi HM (FB,HL,D) Today we visit the picturesque village of Mandrogi located on the River Svir, part of the Valaam Islands an archipelago in the northern part of Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest lake. Its gingerbread architecture tells a fairy tale, although the truth is the area has hosted many bloody confl icts. One of the features is Mandrogi's Vodka Museum, containing thousands of different brands and types of Russia's favourite tipple. Lunch is an outdoor affair, with a typical Russian barbeque hosted by locals. Day 5 Kizhi Island (FB,L,D) Situated in the centre of Lake Onega, Kizhi Island forms a national open air museum with more than 80 historical wooden structures from various areas of the country, restored to provide a glimpse of the past. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a precious collection of wooden churches and chapels, including the Church of Transfi guration, with its 22 timbered onion domes, built in 1714 entirely without the use of any metal nails, only an axe and pine trees. Day 6 Goritsy (FB,L,D) Cruise along the Volga–Baltic Waterway linking the Baltic Sea with the Volga River, before arriving at medieval Goritsy where we tour the Kirillo– Belozersky Monastery. Founded in 1397, the monastery houses the Assumption Cathedral and many ancient icons. Day 7 Yaroslavl (FB,L,D) The important Volga River port of Yaroslavl is your next destination. Founded in the 11th century by Yaroslav the Wise, Yaroslavl retains many monuments of its noteworthy and colourful past. Visit the 17th century Church of St. Ilya the Prophet, an incredible structure fi lled with frescoes and classic Russian architecture, then wander the grounds of the 12th century Saviour–Transfi guration Monastery, one of the oldest along the Volga Kremlin and St. Basil Cathedral, Moscow Sumptuous dining on board