Jewels of Russia

Welcome to Russia. If you had a hundred years, you couldn’t exhaust all of the wonder on offer here. (D)

Freechoice: Explore Catherine’s Block and the fountains in the Lower Garden at Peterhof on a guided tour, or be seduced by the sheer extravagance of Peterhof’s Grand Palace. Alternatively, wander the incomparable Upper and Lower Gardens at Peterhof. Enjoy lunch in a local St. Petersburg restaurant, followed by a guided tour of this beautiful metropolis. (B/L/D)

Freechoice: Visit magnificent St. Isaac’s Cathedral, or Kupetz Eliseevs Food Hall where you will be treated to a gourmet tasting of local delicacies such as Caviar and Blini. Alternatively, tour Yusopov Palace and discover its link to Grigori Rasputin. After lunch in a local restaurant, enjoy a cruise along the city’s canals. This evening, you’re invited to join Scenic Tsar’s Captain for your official welcome dinner. (B/L/D)

Visit Catherine’s Palace, famous for its grandiose white and gold façade and elaborate gardens. Afterwards, enjoy a highlight lunch at the old-world wooden Podvorie restaurant. This afternoon, enjoy some free time to explore St. Petersburg or simply relax in style on board Scenic Tsar. Enrich: Tonight you’ll be treated to a glass of sparkling wine, followed by a private Russian ballet concert at the majestic Palace of Prince Vladimir. (B/L/D)

A special highlight awaits as you visit the Hermitage, formerly the Winter Palace and home to Russia’s Imperial family. Today, it houses one of the world’s most magnificent art collections. This evening, join your fellow guests on the Sun Deck as you set sail down the Neva River. Tonight, cross Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake. (B/L/D)

Explore this charming museum village and its distinctive buildings before trying shashlik, a traditional meal similar to shish kebab. (B/L/D)

Dock at Kizhi Island, an open air museum with a precious collection of wooden churches and chapels. View the Church of the Transfiguration with its 22 timbered onion domes, easily amongst the most magnificent examples of wooden architecture in Russia, if not the world. (B/L/D)

Explore the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery, built in 1397 and home to a wonderful collection of Russian Orthodox icons. Back on board, toast the occasion with a little vodka, the beverage integral to Russian culture for over 600 years. (B/L/D)

Explore the fascinating and ancient city of Yaroslavl and visit the former Governor’s house that is now a fine arts museum. (B/L/D)

Explore Uglich, part of the ‘Golden Ring’ of cities surrounding Moscow, on a guided tour. (B/L/D)

Sail towards Russia’s mightiest city, Moscow. Arriving after lunch, you’ll discover world-renowned sights such as Red Square and the stunningly beautiful St. Basil’s Cathedral. (B/L/D)

Start your day by seeing the city’s finest sights, before a ride on Moscow’s Metro, which is guaranteed to surprise you. Then, enjoy a delicious lunch in a local restaurant. (B/L/D)

Enrich: Visit the Memorial Museum of Cosmonautics, where you’ll have the opportunity to meet a real cosmonaut and learn about the history of space exploration, with original exhibits and models relating to space technology, history and art. After lunch, enjoy free time to explore this bustling city. Freechoice: Visit the State Tretyakov Gallery, or explore the fascinating Museum of the Great Patriotic War, commonly known as the World War II museum. (B/L/D)

Your day begins with a visit to the Kremlin, the intriguing seat of the former Soviet Union. Tonight, witness a thrilling Russian folk show complete with traditional costumes and dances. (B/L/D)

After breakfast, your cruise comes to an end, as all good things must, but it’s also the start of a lifetime of wonderful memories. This itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons such as high and low water. As such, the cruise may operate altered from that stated above. (B)