Discover the impressive capitals of St. Petersburg and Moscow and the Russian landscape of traditional towns and villages during this fascinating cruise. Engaging lecturers present Russia’s dramatic history in preparation for visits to historic towns of the “Golden Ring” and along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. Highlights in Moscow include Red Square with the spectacular St. Basil’s Cathedral, the world-famous collection of Faberge at the Kremlin’s Armory Museum and a magnificent collection of Russian art at the Tretyakov Art Gallery. In St. Petersburg, a visit to the world-famous Hermitage Museum complements an excursion to Tsarskoye Selo which features the incomparable Baroque grandeur of the Catherine Palace.

• Explore the current Russian political scene and Russia’s struggles to create a post- Soviet political and economic system.
• Discover the differences between the urban and rural Russia of today as you sail from the metropolis of Moscow to the smaller towns along the waterways.
• Hear about daily life in Russia, from healthcare and life expectancy to housing and religion.
• Learn about Russia’s artistic heritage and how the arts have always been intertwined with the country’s political history. From gilded icons to the Faberge masterpieces to Socialist Realism, learn how Russia’s history can be viewed through its arts

Day 1: Overnight Flight
Today board your overnight flight en route to Moscow, Russia.

Day 2: Moscow, Russia - Ship Embarkation
This morning arrive in Moscow, the grand capital of Russia and its most dynamic city. Transfer to the m/v Litvinov, your home for the next two weeks. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure. Spend time getting acquainted with fellow passengers and the ship. (D)

Day 3: Moscow
Moscow is one of the largest cities in the world and home to more than nine million people. This morning enjoy a highlights tour of many of the historic and famous landmarks including Red Square and St. Basil's Cathedral. Travel on Tverskaya Street, the grand boulevard of central Moscow, lined with shops, restaurants and fine hotels. This afternoon return to the ship for lunch and an afternoon at leisure. There will be an optional tour of the famous Moscow Metro, where each station is a living museum of marble statuary, mosaics and crystal chandeliers. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Moscow
This morning, visit the 15th century Kremlin. Explore the priceless collection of imperial treasures in the Armory Museum. This afternoon visit the Tretyakov Art Gallery, which features a magnificent collection of Russian icons as well as the largest collection of Russian art in the world. Tonight, an optional Moscow by Night tour will be offered, including a Russian specialty dinner at a popular local restaurant. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Moscow - Cruising
Today is a free day to explore independently or choose an optional tour to Sergiev Posad, the seat of the Patriarch of the Russian Orthodox Church. Sergiev Posad, located outside Moscow, is an enchanting medieval town, formerly known as Zagorsk. Set among the greenery, quaint parks and gardens, the Trinity Monastery, founded 600 years ago, is one of the most impressive Russian monasteries. Later this afternoon, set sail from Moscow and cruise through the Moscow Canal, 80 miles of unforgettable scenery - from wide lakes to narrow passageways, from pastoral countryside to picturesque villages. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Uglich
As you approach the picturesque Golden Ring city of Uglich, be on deck for a lovely view and panorama of the magnificent architectural monuments. Your walking tour includes the historic Transfiguration Cathedral, with its exhibition of valuable icons, and the blue domed Church of Prince Dimitry on the Blood. Continue cruising in the evening. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Yaroslavl
This morning arrive in the city of Yaroslavl. Founded in 1010 by Grand Prince Yaroslavl the Wise of Kiev, the city stretches for miles along the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosi rivers. Travel along Yaroslavl's wide tree-lined streets and see many of its attractive parks and squares. On your tour, visit the exquisite Church of Elijah the Prophet, a masterpiece of local architecture, richly adorned with 17th century frescoes, and the 12th century Transfiguration Monastery, with murals depicting St. John's apocalyptic visions. In the afternoon continue your journey northward, cruising through the vast Rybinsk Lake. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Goritsy
Enjoy breathtaking scenery as you sail north through the vast White Lake, once known as the Tzar's fishing grounds. After traveling through the Volga-Baltic Canal, arrive in Goritsy, a peaceful farming community, for a walking tour and visit to the well-preserved, fortress-like Kirill Belosersk Monastery. Continue sailing northward in the afternoon. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Lake Onega & Kizhi Island
Travel into Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe and one of the world's purest. Cruise on to Kizhi Island located at the northern end of Lake Onega. Kizhi is renowned for its open-air museum, fascinating buildings of northern wood architecture including the remarkable Church of the Transfiguration. This spectacular church has 22 domes in three tiers and is the ultimate in Russian fairy-tale architecture. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Svir River & Svir Stroy
Cruise through the 139-mile Svir River, which connects Lake Onega with Lake Ladoga. Pause for a few hours in Svir Stroy, a quaint riverside settlement, dotted with small cottages. Enjoy time to wander ashore for a close look at a typical rural settlement and enjoy the countryside. Continue cruising along the southern shores of Lake Ladoga before entering the Neva River. This evening, enjoy a festive Captain's dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 11: St. Petersburg
Sail along the Neva River to St. Petersburg, Peter the Great's magnificent creation and one of the loveliest of European cities. Your morning tour of this fabled city of canals will take you to Palace Square, the historic heart of St. Petersburg, and along Nevsky Prospect, the city's main boulevard lined with shops and restaurants. You'll see the monumental St. Isaac's Cathedral, Admiralty Tower and other great buildings that stand as monuments to the extravagant splendors of Imperial Russia. This evening you may enjoy an optional ballet performance. (B, L, D)

Day 12: St. Petersburg
This morning enjoy a guided tour through the world-famous Hermitage Museum, the crown jewel of St. Petersburg, located in the Winter Palace, former home of Catherine II. No museum rivals the Hermitage in size, grandeur and holdings, including masterpieces by Da Vinci, Rembrandt, Rubens and Picasso. The afternoon is free for individual pursuits. There will be an optional excursion by hydrofoil to Peterhof, the opulent palace and gardens built by Peter the Great as his summer home on the shores of the Gulf of Finland. The highlight of Peterhof is the elaborate system of fountains and gardens. (B, L, D)

Day 13: St. Petersburg
Today, take an excursion to Tsarskoye Selo (formerly known as Pushkin) and a tour of the magnificent Catherine Palace. Marvel at the blazing robin's egg blue of the exterior, and tour its distinctive rooms, including the Hall of Lights, with its intricately painted ceiling, and the recently restored Amber Room. Then, visit the stately Yusopov Palace. Once the residence of a wealthy and respected family, this palace saw one of Russian history's moments of high drama: the murder of Grigory Rasputin. Afterward, visit the restored home of Fyodor Dostoevsky, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of one of Russia's greatest writers. (B, L, D)

Day 14: St. Petersburg - Disembark Ship - Tour Ends
Disembark the ship this morning and transfer to the airport. (B)

• Sample air inclusive rate is subject to availability and may vary by airline, flight number or routing.
• When purchasing air transportation from Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures, various international departure and arrival taxes and fees are not included in the airfare. We will add to your invoice all charges fro air departure taxes of approximately. $63 USD (from Canadian gateways - $110 CAD). Departure tax rates are subject to change and are approximate at the time of printing.
• Port taxes of approximately $98 per person are included in the land only tour cost.
• Rates are for Main Deck category 4 cabins or Upper Deck category 3 cabins. All cabins are outside with a large picture window that opens. During the day your cabin can be turned into a day room; one bed folds up and the other becomes a sofa.
• In order for passengers to receive (or purchase) transfers, you must fly into SVO (Sheremetyevo) Airport. We are unable to provide transfers from DME (Domodedovo) Airport. Passengers flying into Domodedovo Airport will be required to make their own arrangements for transfer to the ship.
• Tour price does not include fees for a passport and visa, which are required. It is the passenger's responsibility to obtain any required visa and/or documents prior to departure. Please allow approximately 4-6 weeks for processing your Russian Visa. All clients should check with the appropriate foreign consulate for additional entry requirements. All document fees are at the expense of the traveler. Approximate visa cost is $160 USD.
• This tour may also operate in reverse on certain dates.