Russian River Cruising with Bentours

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Call: 1300 308 081
Email: travel@firstclass.com.au

Discover the kingdom of the Czars by water with a Russian river cruise. This classic journey takes you through the great cities and ancient villages of this historic country with plenty of time to explore along the way. Climb onboard for 12 days and discover the best that Russia has to offer, departures from 06Jun13 to 12Sep13.

  • 11943
  • Ocean
  • 01 Jan 00
  • Europe
  • 07 Jun 16
  • 19Jun16
  • 12 nights
  • Volga Dream
  • Cruise Only

Important Terms

  • * Rates quoted are in Australian dollars.
  • Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes unless otherwise stated.
  • Advertised price includes any bonus nights, special offers or discounts listed in the inclusions.
  • Surcharges may apply due to demand, Christmas & New Year's Eve, school or public holidays, trade shows, special events & other unforeseen circumstances.
  • Prices may be based on Dynamic Rates and as such, may fluctuate at anytime without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases, or at the property's discretion.
 
 

Itinerary

Day 1     ST. PETERSBURG
Upon arrival in St Petersburg, you will be transferred to your hotel. You may spend the rest of the day at leisure relaxing after the flight or explore St Petersburg centre on your own.
Day 2     ST. PETERSBURG
Welcome to St Petersburg, which Peter the Great transformed from marshland into the vibrant city of islands, canals, bridges and pastel-colored palaces. Begin today at the meticulously restored Peterhof, St. Petersburg most famous and spectacular Imperial estate, often cited as the “Versailles of Russia”. Visit authentic Bath Cottage and stroll in the vast Lower Park with 176 fountains of various forms and styles and four cascades, majestic palaces, numerous gilded statues of ancient gods and heroes. Return to St. Petersburg by a hydrofoil and continue with an orientation tour of St. Petersburg: enter Peter and Paul Fortress, the family shrine of the Romanovs, then visit one of the largest cathedrals in Europe – St. Isaak Cathedral.
 
Day 3     ST. PETERSBURG
This morning enter the famed Hermitage Museum before hours to avoid heavy crowds. Four hundred rooms of Hermitage – the former residence of the Russian Tsars – contain spectacular examples of nearly all schools of Western art, including one of the greatest collections of French impressionist works. Proceed to the closed to general public Gold rooms of the Hermitage to see amazing collection of Scythian gold and tsarist jewellery. In the afternoon tour the magnificent Yusupov Palace, once the residence of the wealthiest and most respected family in Imperial Russia, which saw one of the most dramatic episodes in Russia’s history – the murder of Grigory Rasputin.
Day 4     ST. PETERSBURG
This morning drive to Tsar’s Village for a specially arranged visit to Catherine’s Palace. See the exquisitely restored Amber Room and stroll in the formal gardens. After lunch in Podvorie – a restaurant in a traditional Russian log house – visit the neo-classical palace at Pavlovsk.After lunch you will be transferred to the luxurious Volga Dream and begin the cruise sailing along the Russian Waterways.
 
Day 5     SVIR RIVER AND THE VILLAGE OF MANDROGI
Be on the deck as we navigate the Svir River toward Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest freshwater lake, past a shoreline dotted with graceful willows, alder trees and stately pines. Step ashore for a brief visit to the vacation village of Mandrogi to experience daily life in a quaint wooden village.
Day 6     KIZHI
This afternoon explore a tiny, picturesque island of Kizhy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Lake Onega. The open-air Museum of Architecture includes the Church of the Transfiguration, a unique onion-domed masterpiece built without a single metal nail and resembling something out of a Russian fairy tale.
Day 7     GORITSY
Early this morning we cross Lake Beloye, or the White Lake, formerly known as the “tsar’s fishing grounds”. Arrive in the peaceful village of Goritsy to tour the fortress-like Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery with magnificent frescoes by one of the Russia’s most renowned icon painters. Return to the ship for a late lunch.
Day 8     YAROSLAVL
This morning visit the oldest city on the Volga River, Yaroslavl, a World Heritage site. In the Spassky Monastery see the Transfiguration of the Savior, adorned with murals depicting St. John’s apocalyptic visions, and the richly frescoed Church of St. Elijah the Prophet. There will be time to stroll the lively farm market before reboarding the Volga Dream in time for lunch.
Day 9     UGLICH
We arrive this afternoon in Uglich, dating back to the 10th century. A walking tour of this Golden Ring city includes the Chapel of Dimitry, a 17th-century treasure built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s 10-year old son met his death. Visit the Church of the Transfiguration, noted for its beautiful iconostasis, and attend a concert of choral music.
 
Day 10     MOSCOW
Disembark this morning in Moscow and begin the day with an orientation tour of Moscow followed by a ride in the famed Moscow metro. After lunch
proceed to the Old Tretyakov gallery to view its extraordinary collection of Russian art, ranging from 12th-century icons to 20th-century paintings. Transfer to your Hotel.
Day 11     MOSCOW
This morning enter the Kremlin for a visit to the Armory Museum, with its collection of tsarist thrones, ceremonial crowns, coaches and gifts of state. View the ornate gems of the Diamond Fund, including Catherine the Great’s diamond-encrusted coronation crown and the 190-carat Orlov diamond, then continue to the Square of Four Cathedrals. After lunch visit an authentic Cold War Bunker located 22 stores under the ground.
Day 12     MOSCOW
Transfer privately to the airport this morning for your flight.

 

 

Volga Dream

Volga Dream

The vast network of Russian waterways are served by numerous standard class vessels. Now, for the first time, we are able to offer a luxurious vessel, the Volga Dream, which entered service in spring 2007. This elegant vessel has been totally rebuilt from a vessel that originally accommodated over 200 passengers and now accommodates just 100. The result is a splendid and spacious vessel which offers the most superior accommodation and services on the route.

Cabins are located over four decks and categories range from standard cabins on the lower Cabin deck to superior cabins on the Main deck. On the upper two decks, Promenade and Sun, you will find deluxe cabins and suites. All cabins offer individually controlled air-conditioning and heating, direct dial telephone, satellite flat screen television and minibar. Additional comforts are provided by bathrobes, slippers, hairdryer, bathroom accessories kit, bottled water, welcome fruit basket and champagne.

On board facilities include a single sitting dining room where complimentary wine is served with dinner, a luxurious lounge and bar, outside bar, fitness centre, sauna, massage, hairdresser, library, internet access, boutique and comfortable deck furniture.

 
 

Call a Luxury Cruise Specialist on 1300 308 081 and Quote #11943

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