Arrive in St. Petersburg, “The City of 300 Bridges,” then transfer to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (D)
Day 2 - St. Petersburg
This morning, proceed to the Winter Palace to visit the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. After a picnic lunch, see some of St. Petersburg’s other landmarks, including St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg. Enjoy an early dinner, followed by an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera. (B, L, D)
Day 3 - St. Petersburg
Today’s excursion goes to Pushkin. Visit Catherine’s Palace, the elegant rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian Czars named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate décor throughout. Dine aboard and enjoy an optional Russian folkloric performance this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 4 - St. Petersburg
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, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors. In the afternoon, explore more of the city or take an optional tour including Yusupov Palace (where Grigori Rasputin met his dramatic end) and a relaxing canal cruise. Lunch and dinner served aboard; ship departs early evening. (B, L, D)
Day 5 - Scenic Waterways & Mandrogy
Spend a relaxing day cruising along Russia’s intricate waterways. Sail on 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 model Russian community. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. Continue along the Svir’s 139-mile “Blue Route” toward Lake Onega. (B, L, D)
Day 6 - Kizhi
Cruise through the early morning, admiring the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe’s second largest lake. Arrive during breakfast at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, see a collection of ancient Russian wooden houses, windmills and churches, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church—a fairy-tale structure built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart late morning and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 7 - Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery
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 at lunchtime in Kuzino, a typical Russian village. Here, visit the renowned Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397; a guided walk takes you through the historic grounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Return aboard for an afternoon departure. (B, L, D)
Day 8 - Yaroslavl
Arrive midafternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities—ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia’s historical events. Ride along the river banks where you see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a traditional choir performance. Take free time to shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning aboard for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)
Day 9 - Uglich
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. Lunch served aboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)
Day 10 - Moscow Canal & Moscow
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 colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral. You will 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 dinner on board. (B, L, D)
Day 11 - Moscow
Today you have a full day to further explore Moscow’s many buildings, parks and monuments. Or you may choose from several optional experiences—a full-day excursion to Sergiev Posad, a Golden Ring city named for the greatly venerated St. Sergius of Radonezh, to see one of the four most important Russian Orthodox monasteries in Russia; a half-day morning tour of Novodevichy Convent, Moscow’s best-known cloister and a UNESCO World Heritage Site; or an afternoon tour to Tretyakov Gallery, the world’s foremost museum of Russian fine art. Lunch is served aboard, or included in your full-day excursion. Dine aboard, then relax—or take an optional Moscow by Night tour. (B, L, D)
Day 12 - Moscow
This morning you tour the Kremlin—see its many tall towers and elegant palaces, and tour inside one of the brightly colored cathedrals. The afternoon is free to relax and explore—you may wish to spend some time people-watching in Red Square or visit Lenin’s Tomb. Return aboard for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 13 - Moscow
After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or, enjoy 3 nights in romantic Paris on your way home. (B)
*Transfers are not included. Let us know if you would like help arranging your airport transfers.
The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner
* Ports of call may vary based on itinerary and departure dates selected
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Situated at the confluence of the Gulf of Finland and the mighty Neva River, this former imperial capital fascinates visitors with its strong European influences, grand residences, world-renown museums and extraordinary monuments to a glittering past gone by. With its elegant palace-lined waterways, gilded and domed skyline, and grand boulevards where Czars once traveled in golden carriages, the majestic city of St. Petersburg well-deserves its nickname as the "Empress of the Baltic."
Country - Russia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from port to Airport - 16kms Currency - Russian Ruble (RUB)
Places of Interest Hermitage Museum, Catherine Palace, Smolny Cathedral
Kizhi
Kizhi’s history is linked to Novgorod the Great, whose people brought Christianity to the region and Novgorodian architectural styles. Explore an open-air collection of wooden architecture that spans the centuries, including the towering Church of the Transfiguration. Its walls and 22 shimmering domes in three tiers that were constructed entirely without nails, is the ultimate in Russian fairytale architecture
Country - Russia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 300kms Currency - Russian Ruble (RUB)
Places of Interest Kizhi open air Museum
Yaroslavl
Yaroslavl can deservedly be considered the cultural capital of the Golden Ring of Russia. There are 4 theatres in the city and the Governor's Symphony Orchestra. There are also international festivals and various exhibitions: "The Jazz Over the Volga" festival, the Sobinov Festival of Opera Music, the All-Russian Nekrasov Poetry Holiday, of chorus and bell music called "Transfiguration" and various international exhibitions. There is also the beautiful scenery of the Volga river, the Rybinsk Lake and Pereslavl National Park,
Country - Russia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance from Port to Airport - 250kms Currency - Russian Ruble (RUB)
Places of Interest Rostov Kremlin, Pereslavl National Park, Volkov Drama Theatre, Philharmonic Concert Hall
Uglich
Founded in 1148, Uglich is one of the most beloved towns in old Russia. The view of the town as it is approached from the Volga River is especially lovely with the Resurrection Cathedral and St. John's Church looming on the horizon. At the end of the 16th century, Maria Nagaya, seventh wife of Ivan the Terrible, lived in honorary exile in the Kremlin at Uglich. It was here in her garden that the Tsarevich Dmitry met his death and where St. Demitrius Church of the Blood was built and still stands today. Within the Kremlin is the oldest building in Uglich, the Palace of Tsarevich Dmitry.
Country - Russia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - 200kms Currency - Russian Ruble (RUB)
Places of Interest Museum of Vodka, Palace of Tsarevich Dmitry, Transfiguration Cathedral
Moscow
Moscow is the barometer and nucleus of the changes sweeping through Russia. Nowhere are Russia's contrasts more apparent than here - ancient monasteries and ultra-modern monoliths stand side by side, and 'New Russian' millionaires and poverty-stricken pensioners walk the same streets.The populace now prefer international name brands to monolithic department stores, and the beautiful churches vandalised or abandoned during the Soviet era of hardline atheism are being lovingly restored. But the real flavour of this city is in its nooks and crannies, each of them unique.
Country - Russia Distance from port to City - 0kms Distance to Airport - 28kms Currency - Russian Ruble (RUB)
Places of Interest
Kremlin, Pushkin Fine Arts Museum, Red Square, Grand Hall of Moscow Conservatory
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Viking River Cruises
Viking River Cruises itineraries journey along the rivers of Europe and Russia, allowing you to explore fascinating destinations up close and in comfort.
Better than an ocean cruise or bus tour, our river cruises show you the best of Europe from the large cosmopolitan cities to small quaint villages.
So come aboard, unpack just once, and see it all. Spend your time exploring Europe, not getting to it, and enjoy the best of Europe with Viking River Cruises.
A river cruise with Viking River Cruises is the best way to see the real Europe up close and in depth. Explore the best of Europe from an intimate perspective, spending your time being there, not getting there.
Unlike a bus tour where you spend more time on the bus than actually seeing the country, or a hotel-hopping trip where you constantly pack and unpack, Viking River Cruises offers you fine food, great service and scenic cruising along Europe's great rivers.
Viking River Cruises visits at least one port a day on virtually every itinerary and you can explore small villages off the beaten path that are inaccessible via an ocean cruise. Docking in the heart of town, you'll have more to time to see the cities, not just travel to the cities. You'll experience ever-changing riverside scenery as well as local nightlife when your ship overnights in port.
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Viking - Russia River Cruises
In 1939, Winston Churchill called Russia “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” For centuries, journeys in Russia were fraught with difficulties, regardless of the method of travel. Vikings explored on their long ships, and Napoleon’s army invaded on foot and horseback. Lewis Carroll traveled by rail, sleeping on the railcar floor with his head cushioned by his bag and coat. Lenin traveled by train too, arriving in St. Petersburg from Sweden in time to spark the October Revolution. Under Communist rule, travel in the Soviet Union was particularly problematic, with visits regulated and requiring government sanction. With the fall of Communism, travel in Russia has become significantly less difficult, and the tourism infrastructure continues to improve dramatically as more Westerners visit.
Today, a Viking River Cruises journey provides the perfect way to experience Russia’s countryside, culture and two great cities, Moscow and St. Petersburg. Moscow, Russia’s capital, boasts some 2,500 historical and architectural monuments, 70 museums, 50 theaters, 4,500 libraries and 540 colleges and research institutions. There is so much to see and experience there—Red Square, with the colorful onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, the tomb of Vladimir Lenin and the massive 120-year-old GUM department store, the nearby Kremlin, and of course the city’s world-famous Metro system. St. Petersburg provides gentler and more graceful pleasures with its romantic canals, baroque palaces and lovely avenues and squares designed along European lines. You will want to visit the Hermitage, both the historic Winter Palace and a world-class art museum with an extensive collection of works ranging from da Vinci and Michelangelo to Cézanne and Picasso; you will gaze in wonder upon the Peter and Paul Fortress with its baroque cathedral inside; and you will enjoy strolling and shopping along Nevsky Prospekt, the city’s main promenade, with its lively culture of street artists and performers.
Viking River Cruises ships cruising the waterways of Russia are listed below. Click on the ship name for details about each specific ship.
