Waterways of the Tsars

12 & 13 day programs with flight (10 or 11 night cruise)

In Moscow and St. Petersburg see the architectural and cultural highlights of these two fascinating cities.

Enjoy the scenery from the observation deck.

Stop in small villages and towns along the way observing daily life.

    ° All outside cabins with window,  

       air - conditioning & private facilities.

    ° Restaurant, two bars, souvenir shop, piano

       bar, observation lounge, sun deck, library

    ° 4 decks - 288 passengers

MOSCOW

The capital of Russia. White-stoned, gold-domed, ancient but forever young: these vivid images instantly evoke Moscow, the sprawling capital of Russia. The history of Moscow dates back to the mid 12th century when Prince Yuri Dolgoruky constructed a series of fortresses along the bank of the Moskva River.

The Kremlin, virtually a city within a city complete with magnificent cathedrals and palaces attracts every visitor to Moscow. This was the historical and political heart of the city. Red Square along the northeastern wall of the Kremlin was the site of many momentous events in history and is the site of such splendid structures as the renowned St. Basil’s Cathedral with its brightly patterned cupolas, the Lenin Mausoleum located in the center of the square and GUM, the largest department store in Moscow today housing an assortment of expensive boutiques.

UGLICH

Founded in 1148, Uglich was one of the most beloved towns in Old Russia used by Ivan the Terrible as a base for his campaigns against the Golden Horde. The view of the town as it is approached from the Volga River is especially lovely with the Cathedral of Resurrection 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 voluntary exile in the Kremlin at Uglich. It was in her garden that the Tsarevich Dmitry (Ivan’s son) was brutally murdered and the magnificent Church on the Blood built by the city in his memory.

MYSHKIN (Included on Moscow / St. Petersburg cruise only)

Myshkin is first mentioned in the 15th century as a large village. In 1777 Catherine the Great grants it a status of a town. In the 19th century the town turns into a rapidly growing trading center due to its commercial ties with St. Petersburg. According to a local legend a long time ago a Prince of Yukhotsk decided to rest on a beautiful Volga bank but was awakened from his sleep by a mouse that had run across his face. At first he was furious that his rest was disturbed but then he saw a snake coiled up next to him and realized that the mouse had saved his life. The grateful Prince ordered the nearby village to be named Myshkin (from the Russian "mysh" - mouse). The town's coat of arms also bears a mouse.

YAROSLAVL (Included on Moscow / St. Petersburg cruise only.)

Amongst the precious jewels of the old Russian cities Yaroslavl shines with an unfading light. Stretching for 18 miles on both banks of the Volga, Yaroslavl was founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslavl the Wise. Retaining many monuments to its colorful past, no other city in Russia except Yaroslavl can boast such a wealth of 17th century architecture. Amongst the gems viewed will be the Church of Elijah the Prophet built in 1647-50 featuring frescoes painted in 1680 by renowned local artists. The main sightseeing destination in Yaroslavl is the ensemble of the Monastery of the Transfiguration of Christ. Founded in the 12th century, the monastery is one of the oldest on the Volga.

GORITSY

Welcome to the northwest of Russia and the village of Goritsy, home to the Resurrection Convent standing at the shoreline. From Goritsy a bus will take you to the town of Kirillov 89kms. away to tour one of the major Orthodox strongholds of Old Russia, the Monastery of Cyril on the White Lake. Founded in the14th century, the monastery has preserved its remarkable architecture and fascinates the visitors by its majestic churches enclosed within austere walls. The monastery is also famous for its museum of icons, some of them are the oldest in Russia.

KIZHI

Situated to the northeast of Lake Onega, the Island of Kizhi is home to the Open Air Museum of fascinating wooden architecture. Walking on the island you can see old wooden churches, chapels, bell towers, peasant houses, granaries, barns, windmills and bathhouses which were all brought from around the Onega region to illustrate the architecture common to the Russian north. The focal point if the Kizhi Ensemble comprised of the awe inspiring 22 domed Transfiguration Cathedral dating from 1714, the neighboring Church of Intercession (1774) and the bell tower situated between the two. Another important structure is the modest Chapel of the Resurrection of Lazarus built in 1391. It is the oldest standing wooden church in Russia.

MANDROGI

Inhabited by talented craftsmen, Mandrogi is a reconstructed village built on the bank of the Svir River to illustrate the traditions and lifestyles of Russia’s past. Experience provincial Russian lifestyle as you watch artisans and craftsmen making matryoshkas (Russian nesting dolls), carving wood, sewing and the Vodka Museum (entrance fees not included) which boats 250 varieties of the national drink.

ST. PETERSBURG

The second largest city in Russia is spread over 42 islands in    the delta of the Neva River. St. Petersburg, formerly known as Leningrad, created by Peter the Great in the 18th century to rival Venice has retained a European flavor and was intended as a “Window on the West”. Although badly damaged in World War II, much of the city has been reconstructed. While touring you will become acquainted with the architecture, history and present day life in this former capital of Imperial Russia and the history of the Romanov Dynasty. See such sights as Palace Square with the incredible Winter Palace, the Smolny Convent with its dazzling cupolas, the Summer Gardens, home to marble statues, rare flowers and fountains, the Field of Mars with its history dating back to the beginning of the city. Senate Square with its impressive Bronze Horseman monument to the founder of the city, St. Isaac’s Cathedral with its dome dominating the skyline and taking over 40 years to construct, Peter and Paul Fortress, the first wooden building in the city and the Admiralty whose gilded spire is one of the city’s landmarks. But there is no museum in the world that rivals the hermitage magnificently located on the banks of the Neva. This marvel of Baroque architecture boasts lavishly decorated halls and rooms displaying a range of art and artifacts from all over the world. It would take years to view the museum in its entirety. One of the special landmarks in the city is the Saviour-On-The-Blood Church (Resurrection Church) built between 1887 and 1907 to mark the spot where Alexander II was mortally wounded. You will also see Nevsky Prospekt, the main thoroughfare of the city lined with elegant shops and buildings. Just outside the city is Peterhof, an elegant summer residence of the Russian Tsars built by Peter the Great on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. This ornate palace with its brilliant interiors and beautifully landscaped gardens with fountains and statues creates a picture of unsurpassed beauty. The Grand Cascade which flows beneath the palace is one of the largest fountain ensembles in the world.

2010 CRUISE PRICES & ITINERARY 

Your Price Incudes:

• AIRFARE:  Round trip on Air France from Toronto via Paris, economy class.

• TRANSFERS:  Round trip airport transfers between airports and piers, including porterage of one piece of luggage per

   person

• ACCOMMODATION:  Based on twin bedded cabin on main, middle or boat deck as selected with private facilities.

• SINGLE CABINS: A limited number of single cabins are available with supplement.

• MEALS:  Three full meals daily beginning with dinner on the day of embarkation and ending with breakfast on the day of

  disembarkation.

• SIGHTSEEING:  Sightseeing tours in each city by private motorcoach with local English speaking guides.

• ENTERTAINMENT:  Entertainment on board including Russian language course, Russian song lessons, live music

  concerts, nightly dance music in bars, Captain’s bridge tour etc.

• CRUISE DIRECTOR:  Services of English-speaking staff including the Cruise Director while onboard.             

• LOCAL TAXES & SERVICE CHARGES:  on accommodation and meals.

Your Price Does Not Include:

• DEPARTURE TAXES:  Currently at $400.00 per person.

• EXCESS BAGGAGE CHARGES:   Not included.

• TRANSFERS:  If you make your own air arrangements to Russia, transfers will be provided upon request at additional

  charge.

• DOCUMENTATION:  Passport fees and travel insurance.

• RUSSIAN VISA FEE:  $100.00 Cdn. per person including handling.

• MEALS & BEVERAGES:  Those not mentioned.

• OPTIONAL SIGHTSEEING TOURS:  Those not mentioned.

• GRATUITIES:  For individual services.

• TIPPING:  To cruise director, ship’s crew, local guides and drivers.

NOTE:  We strongly recommend that passengers purchase insurance to cover accident, baggage and trip cancellation.