Waterways of the Tsars

12 Days / 11 Nights Cruise

Included in your cruise:

° 11-night Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Stateroom

° Daily Sightseeing Programs as outlined in the Itinerary

° All Meals on board; Early-riser Coffee, Buffet Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Midnight Snack

° Wine and soft drinks with every dinner on board the ship

° Bottled water in every stateroom replenished daily

° Cocktail Reception & Welcome Dinner

° Home visit and meal with Russian family in Uglich

° Ballet Performance at the Hermitage Theater, the Private Theater of the Czars

° Guest Lectures on Russian History, Culture, Art, Politics and Economy

° Onboard music performances and Russian language classes

° Non-smoking environment (except Sun Deck)

° All local Taxes

Day 1 - Moscow
Arrive in Moscow and embark the ship. Relax in your stateroom or explore the city before meeting your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception. (D)

Day 2 - Moscow
After breakfast, visit Russia's beautiful capital city, founded in 1147, which includes the Red Square, the GUM Department Store, St. Basil Cathedral, Tverskaya, Sparrow Hill and Lubyanka Square (KGB building). After your city tour, enjoy lunch on a day boat as you cruise the Moscow River. Late this afternoon, you will also visit the Tretyakov ArtMuseum. Tonight, you can enjoy an optional visit to the Moscow Circus. (B,L,D)

Day 3 - Moscow
Today, your tour within the walls of the Kremlin introduces you to the former royal residence of the Czars and main center of the Russian Orthodox faith. You will also visit Russia’s oldest museum, the Armory, which houses the former royal collection of treasures. Later, tour the Moscow metro and visit the famous Arbat Street. Tonight, enjoy the optional “Moscow By Night” with fellow passengers. (B,L,D)

Day 4 - Uglich
Located on the banks of the Volga, Uglich was founded by merchants in 1148. Rich in history, Uglich is home to some of Russia’s most beautiful churches and cathedrals, and you’ll see a sampling during your city tour. The most noteworthy include the Chambersof Prince Dimitry and the magnificent Church of Dimitryon the Blood, dedicated to the tragic story of Ivan the Terrible's son. Uglich is also thesite of an AmaWaterways exclusive shore excursion. You’ll visit the home of a local Russian family, learning about everyday life in Uglich, as you enjoy a home-cooked meal and sample Russian hospitality first-hand. (B,L,D)

Day 5 - Yaroslavl
Founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, it is one of Russia's oldest cities, tracing its roots back to the Vikings. The city stretches for miles along the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers. Explore the city’s history through its architecture, including the fortified 12th-century Transfiguration Monastery and the Yaroslavl Museum of Russian Art, the former residence of the Governor of Yaroslavl. (B,L,D)

Day 6 - Goritsy

Goritsy is a peaceful farming town and a typical Russian village. The tour includes the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake and the Museum of Icons. Return to the ship to sail for Kizhi. (B,L,D)

Day 7 - Kizhi
Kizhi is an island that is situated at the north end of Lake Onega and home to some of the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia. Forever linked to Novgorod the Great, the style of architecture reflects its early introduction to Christianity. In 1764 locals built the Church of Intercession, its towering walls and 22 domes, without the use of a single nail. Your walking tour includes the Museum of Wooden Architecture. (B,L,D)

Day 8 - Svirstroy
Svirstroy is 100 miles from St. Petersburg with a population of only1,000. Enjoy some free time to stroll through this unspoiled Russian village and browse for irresistible handmade trinkets. This is the best place to do souvenir shopping before reaching St. Petersburg. (B,L,D)

Day 9 - St. Petersburg
One of Russia's former capitals, this city rivals Paris or Venice for its romantic image. Dating from the beginning of the 18th-century it was built to the exact specifications ordered by Peter the Great. The city is home to many museums, galleries, palaces, impressive squares and streets. Your sightseeing tour of this beautiful city shows you Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square, St. Isaacs Cathedral and the cruiser Aurora. The remainder of the day is at your leisure. In your free time absorb the atmosphere of St. Petersburg’s vibrant cultural life before joining your fellow passengers for lunch in a local restaurant. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for an optional folkloric show. (B,L,D)

Day 10 - St. Petersburg
This morning, tour the Hermitage museum, the former Palace of the Czars, which houses the royal art collection with over three million works of art. It is one of the largest and most impressive art museums in the world. This evening, you are our guest at a Ballet performance at the Hermitage Theatre, the former private theatre of the Czars. (B,L,D)

Day 11 - St. Petersburg
Today, tour St. Petersburg's famous and spectacular Imperial Estate – Peterhof Palace. Nestled on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, the palace was built by Peter the Great initially as a resting place en route to the Imperial naval base. But the Czar was quick to recognize the attractiveness of the area and masterminded a vast estate intended to rival the famous gardens of Versailles. You will enjoy a hydrofoil journey either to or from the Palace. After lunch, enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure. (B,L,D)

Day 12 - St. Petersburg
Disembarkation. (B)

* Exact order of sightseeing tours/ excursions will vary in Moscow and St. Petersburg.

MS AmaKatarina is the perfect showcase for the legendary and historic waterways of Russia. Completely renovated and reconstructed in 2010, the ship is unequaled in terms of spaciousness, accommodation levels and enticing public areas.
All staterooms feature a bathroom with a separate shower area. Enjoy your evenings in the beautiful panorama lounge or have a drink in the intimate bar. Enjoy a concert or lecture in the Conference Hall. Unwind in the sauna or relax in the solarium. Dine each evening in the lovely main restaurant, lined with panoramic windows. Other amenities on board AMAKATARINA include an elevator, gift shop and infirmary.

Outside Cruise accommodations

Most staterooms feature balconies
Luxurious contemporary furnishings
Sitting area for admiring scenic river views
Bathrooms with separate shower area
Individually controlled air-conditioning
Equipped with refrigerator, hair dryer, safe, flatscreen TV, phone

Public areas include the Panorama Lounge, a conference hall for onboard entertainment and lectures, a solarium and a gift shop.

Two dining venues, including the main restaurant with panoramic views and intimate restaurant with bar. Complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks are served with dinner. Bottled water is replenished in staterooms daily and specialty coffees are available throughout the day.

The cruise visits the Golden Ring cities of Uglich and Yaroslavl. Other highlights include visits to the Kremlin, the Hermitage Museum, a day boat luncheon cruise on the Moscow River, an exclusive ballet performance at the Hermitage Theatre and a visit to the home of a local Russian family in Uglich.

Music performances      Russian classes       Lectures    Theme dinners        Cooking Classes