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RUSSIA

Adventures Afloat: Russian River Voyages between Moscow and St. Petersburg

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15 Days | 14 Nights
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EasyFor people looking to exercise their minds more than their bodies. There’s minimal walking and not too many stairs.
ModerateThese programs get you on your feet and include activities such as walking up to a mile in a day through a city and standing in a museum for a few hours.
ActiveFor people who enjoy walking as much as two miles a day, perhaps to explore historic neighborhoods or a nature trail.
Moderately ChallengingFor hardy explorers who enjoy a good physical challenge, spending most of their days on the go.
ChallengingGet ready to keep up with our highest-energy group. These demanding — and rewarding — programs are for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts.

Program Details > Daily Schedule

Itinerary for Aug 29 — Sep 12, 2012

Expand all
Day One: Wednesday, August 29 - Departure from the USA to St Petersburg, Russia 
Note: Travel overnight, arriving the next day

Depart From: Depart USA via overning flight to St Petersburg. 2meals are served in flight.

Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: The international class Park Inn Pulkovskaya Hotel is a comfortable conference style hotel offering facilities for both, tourists and business related guests. It is located 3 miles away from the Pulkovo airport, about 5 miles to the heart of St. Petersburg, and close to the Metro station. The hotel is located in 2 buildings and has 840 guestrooms and suites. For this program rooms are reserved in Building 2 of the hotel.

Ship Information: N/A

Contact info:
1 Pobedy Square
St Petersburg
RF, 196240 Russia
phone: +7 (81274) 039-00
web: www.parkinn.com/hotelpulkovskaya-stpetersburg

Room amenities: Standard guestrooms are spacious and air conditioned, all have telephone and TV, they are nicely furnished, have a small refrigerator in rooms, all have private baths and standard amenities including hair dryers. No WiFi service available in standard rooms

Facility amenities: The Park Inn Pulkovskaya Hotel has a pleasant newly updated lobby, excellent conference facilities, WiFi service in the hotel lobby, a business center with Internet access, 3 restaurants, several bars, a theater ticket desk, a fitness center, with solarium, sauna, swimming pool and a beauty salon (fee applies). The hotel offers various services, employs English speaking staff and has 24 hour security.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: not available
Additional nights are subject to availability and should be booked independently by participants. Note: the rooms for the program are reserved in Building 2 of the hotel.

Day Two: Thursday, August 30 - Arrivals in St. Petersburg/Dinner at hotel/ Group orientation meeting 
Note: All who purchased airtickets from the Road Scholar Travel Services will be met and transferred to the program hotel. Independent travelers are welcome to join group transfer bus, subject to space availability. Look for the Road Scholar sign in the Arrival hall.

Afternoon: Arrival in St. Petersburg Pulkovo airports. Transfer to thePark Inn Pulkovskaya hotel. Rest.

Dinner: Dinner at hotel.

Evening: Group meeting. Introductions. Meet your group/study leader and the program participants.

Lodging: Park Inn Pulkovskaya Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Four-Star Hotel

 Description: The international class Park Inn Pulkovskaya Hotel is a comfortable conference style hotel offering facilities for both, tourists and business related guests. It is located 3 miles away from the Pulkovo airport, about 5 miles to the heart of St. Petersburg, and close to the Metro station. The hotel is located in 2 buildings and has 840 guestrooms and suites. For this program rooms are reserved in Building 2 of the hotel.

Ship Information: N/A

Contact info:
1 Pobedy Square
St Petersburg
RF, 196240 Russia
phone: +7 (81274) 039-00
web: www.parkinn.com/hotelpulkovskaya-stpetersburg

Room amenities: Standard guestrooms are spacious and air conditioned, all have telephone and TV, they are nicely furnished, have a small refrigerator in rooms, all have private baths and standard amenities including hair dryers. No WiFi service available in standard rooms

Facility amenities: The Park Inn Pulkovskaya Hotel has a pleasant newly updated lobby, excellent conference facilities, WiFi service in the hotel lobby, a business center with Internet access, 3 restaurants, several bars, a theater ticket desk, a fitness center, with solarium, sauna, swimming pool and a beauty salon (fee applies). The hotel offers various services, employs English speaking staff and has 24 hour security.

Smoking policy: Yes
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Elevator: Yes

Additional nights before: not available
Additional nights are subject to availability and should be booked independently by participants. Note: the rooms for the program are reserved in Building 2 of the hotel.

Day Three: Friday, August 31 - Overview of the history of St Petersburg and the Romanovs... 
Overview of the history of St Petersburg and the Romanovs Dynasty/ Tsarskoye Selo/ the Memorial museum to the Defenders of Leningrad/ evening performance

Note: Walking in the park and in the museum. Comfortable shoes are a must. Rest areas are available.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in hotel's restaurant.

Morning: Theme of the day: ?The Romanov Dynasty.. En route to Tsarskoye Selo and during the visit learn about the history of St Petersburg and the Romanov royal family who ruled Russia for over 300 years ( from 1613 to 1917). Enjoy an expert led field trip to Tsarskoye Selo-Pushkin (now a subburb of St. Petersburg) and see. a summer residence - Catherine's Palace -- an elaborate baroque Palace built in 1752 by Tzarina Elizabeth to honor the memory of her mother and first wife of Tzar Peter I, Katarina. This palace later was rebuilt to become the main summer residence of Tzarina Catherine (the Great). Here see the eighth wonder of the world-- the extraordinary Amber Room -- decorated with six tons of solid amber, carved and framed in gold leaf. The original room was stolen by the Nazis during WWII and lost, never found, and finally, meticulously reconstructed in 2003 by a team of the Russian restorating artists.

Lunch: Time for lunch on your own.

Afternoon: In the afternoon participate in an Expert led visit to the Memorial Museum dedicated to the defenders of Leningrad. See the museum collection of old documents and photographs and hear the story of the 300 day seige during WWII. Free time at hotel before the evening event.

Dinner: Dinner

Evening: Transfer to an Evening performance. Return to hotel for overnight.

Lodging: Park Inn Pulkovskaya Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cabin

 Description: For 10 nights your floating hotel/study site will be your river cruiser. The ship, MS Vodohod/RUSS, built in Germany in 1986, was completely refurbished in 2002 and 2010 freshly painted, with new carpeting installed in cabins and in all public areas, and new furniture in the restaurants and bars. This ship and all cabins are updated every travel season. The all-Russian crew and cruise staff are trained to service western travelers.

Ship Information: Ship Type – a 4 passenger deck vessel. Length – 129 m. Width – 16,7 m. Draft – 2,9 m. Speed – 25,5 km per hour (approx.15 mph). Passenger capacity – 288. The ship has two suites (not offered for this program),120 standard twin cabins (approx.129 sq. feet) and 10 single cabins (approx.100 sq. feet). These are all outside cabins with large windows located on the 2nd, 3d and 4th decks. For this program we have reserved cabins with 2 twin lower beds on 2nd and 3 decks only. Same type of cabins are used for Single use. The ship is equipped with the latest navigational system and satellite phones. Communication: radio and mobile phones (used for emergencies only).

Contact info:
St Petersburg River Station. Utkina Zavod
Oktyabrskaya Naberezhnaya
St. Petersburg, RF Russia
phone: +00 0000-000-0000
web: www.vodohod.com

Room amenities: All outside cabins (129 sq. feet) with 2 lower beds, located on 2nd and 3decks; they are air conditioned with large windows, have private facilities, a built-in wardrobe,a table, a small refigerator. Cabins are clean and pleasant but modest by western standards. Bed linen is changed every 3 days, and towels are changed daily. No hairdryers are provided in cabins.

Facility amenities: There is ample sun deck space, a reception area, a hair salon, a gift shop, a reading lounge, a meeting/lecture room, two restaurants, two bars, and recreation lounges. The ship is fully air-conditioned. It must be remembered that this ship is comfortable, but it is a river cruiser, not a luxury ocean cruise ship. The ship will serve the needs of sailing along the rivers and canals with frequent stops for shore excursions along the way. The ship has medical facilities and a medical specialist on board.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Four: Saturday, September 01 - Visit to Peterhof/ free time in city transfer to ship/evening free 
Note: Walking up to 2 miles in the park in Peterhof. Rest areas are available.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at hotel.

Morning: Continue exploration of the summer residences of the Romanovs. This morning en route to Peterhof hear the story of tsar Peter the Great and his stunning summer residence by the Baltic sea. Have an expert led walk in the park and enjoy over 120 famous fountains and numerous other constructions here, now beautifully restored. All information is presented by a licensed expert. (note: Inside visits to the Grand Palace and other museums on site are not part of the visit). Free time in the park.

Lunch: Time for Lunch on your own.

Afternoon: Transfer to the ship. Check in.

Dinner: Dinner in ship's restaurant

Evening: Ship's Orientation, meet on board representative. Evening free on board

Lodging: MS Vodohod/RUSS

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cabin

 Description: For 10 nights your floating hotel/study site will be your river cruiser. The ship, MS Vodohod/RUSS, built in Germany in 1986, was completely refurbished in 2002 and 2010 freshly painted, with new carpeting installed in cabins and in all public areas, and new furniture in the restaurants and bars. This ship and all cabins are updated every travel season. The all-Russian crew and cruise staff are trained to service western travelers.

Ship Information: Ship Type – a 4 passenger deck vessel. Length – 129 m. Width – 16,7 m. Draft – 2,9 m. Speed – 25,5 km per hour (approx.15 mph). Passenger capacity – 288. The ship has two suites (not offered for this program),120 standard twin cabins (approx.129 sq. feet) and 10 single cabins (approx.100 sq. feet). These are all outside cabins with large windows located on the 2nd, 3d and 4th decks. For this program we have reserved cabins with 2 twin lower beds on 2nd and 3 decks only. Same type of cabins are used for Single use. The ship is equipped with the latest navigational system and satellite phones. Communication: radio and mobile phones (used for emergencies only).

Contact info:
St Petersburg River Station. Utkina Zavod
Oktyabrskaya Naberezhnaya
St. Petersburg, RF Russia
phone: +00 0000-000-0000
web: www.vodohod.com

Room amenities: All outside cabins (129 sq. feet) with 2 lower beds, located on 2nd and 3decks; they are air conditioned with large windows, have private facilities, a built-in wardrobe,a table, a small refigerator. Cabins are clean and pleasant but modest by western standards. Bed linen is changed every 3 days, and towels are changed daily. No hairdryers are provided in cabins.

Facility amenities: There is ample sun deck space, a reception area, a hair salon, a gift shop, a reading lounge, a meeting/lecture room, two restaurants, two bars, and recreation lounges. The ship is fully air-conditioned. It must be remembered that this ship is comfortable, but it is a river cruiser, not a luxury ocean cruise ship. The ship will serve the needs of sailing along the rivers and canals with frequent stops for shore excursions along the way. The ship has medical facilities and a medical specialist on board.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Five: Sunday, September 02 - City's Architectural highlights/ Hermitage museum/ free evening  
Note: For city excursions we use airconditioned motorcoaches(whenever possible), with no facilities on board. Rest stops are made. At the Hermitage: walking up to 2miles and standing in the museum can be unavoidable. Rest areas are available.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast on board the ship

Morning: Theme of the day: The history and architecture of St. Petersburg?. This morning take an expert led motor coach excurion and learn about the city's architectural and cultural treasures. Stops are made by major architectural sites: the Peter and Paul Fortress and Cathedral -- the birthplace of the city and the burial place of the Romanovs-- St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Bronze Horseman statue, the Summer Garden, St. Petersburg University and other sites. Drive along the glamorous Nevsky Prospekt and pass by splendid palaces, numerous statues, and elegant bridges over rivers and canals before returning on board the ship.

Lunch: Lunch in the city's restaurant

Afternoon: This afternoon enjoy a Field trip to the Hermitage Museum, one of world?s greatest art galleries. Take pleasure viewing the dazzling collection of the Old Masters and French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, as well as numerous items of all eras, including various newly revealed collections of masterpieces now on display (2, 5 hours with a licensed expert).

Dinner: Dinner in ship's restaurant

Evening: At leisure to enjoy the activities on board

Lodging: MS Vodohod/RUSS

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cabin

 Description: For 10 nights your floating hotel/study site will be your river cruiser. The ship, MS Vodohod/RUSS, built in Germany in 1986, was completely refurbished in 2002 and 2010 freshly painted, with new carpeting installed in cabins and in all public areas, and new furniture in the restaurants and bars. This ship and all cabins are updated every travel season. The all-Russian crew and cruise staff are trained to service western travelers.

Ship Information: Ship Type – a 4 passenger deck vessel. Length – 129 m. Width – 16,7 m. Draft – 2,9 m. Speed – 25,5 km per hour (approx.15 mph). Passenger capacity – 288. The ship has two suites (not offered for this program),120 standard twin cabins (approx.129 sq. feet) and 10 single cabins (approx.100 sq. feet). These are all outside cabins with large windows located on the 2nd, 3d and 4th decks. For this program we have reserved cabins with 2 twin lower beds on 2nd and 3 decks only. Same type of cabins are used for Single use. The ship is equipped with the latest navigational system and satellite phones. Communication: radio and mobile phones (used for emergencies only).

Contact info:
St Petersburg River Station. Utkina Zavod
Oktyabrskaya Naberezhnaya
St. Petersburg, RF Russia
phone: +00 0000-000-0000
web: www.vodohod.com

Room amenities: All outside cabins (129 sq. feet) with 2 lower beds, located on 2nd and 3decks; they are air conditioned with large windows, have private facilities, a built-in wardrobe,a table, a small refigerator. Cabins are clean and pleasant but modest by western standards. Bed linen is changed every 3 days, and towels are changed daily. No hairdryers are provided in cabins.

Facility amenities: There is ample sun deck space, a reception area, a hair salon, a gift shop, a reading lounge, a meeting/lecture room, two restaurants, two bars, and recreation lounges. The ship is fully air-conditioned. It must be remembered that this ship is comfortable, but it is a river cruiser, not a luxury ocean cruise ship. The ship will serve the needs of sailing along the rivers and canals with frequent stops for shore excursions along the way. The ship has medical facilities and a medical specialist on board.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Six: Monday, September 03 - Free time in the city/ Lecture on board/SET SAIL 
Breakfast: Buffet breakfast on board

Morning: Spend this morning in Nevsky Prospekt - the main street of St Petersburg, center of shopping, commerce and culture. Consider a visit to the House of Books - a magnificent art nouveau building - or consider a visit a museum of your choice nearby (the Russian museum, St. Isaac's Cathedral, The Cathedral of Resurrection, the Museum of Ethnorgraphy). Transfer to the ship.

Lunch: Lunch in ship's restaurant

Afternoon: This afternoon attend a Lecture on board:" Russia Today": an overview of current issues of nationalities, ethnicity, religion and modern social issues. (presented by a university professor). Q&A **************************************** Program on board. Welcome cocktail. Meet the crew and on board staff. SET SAIL

Dinner: Dinner in ship's restaurant

Evening: At leisure to enjoy the on board activities.

Lodging: MS Vodohod/RUSS

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cabin

 Description: For 10 nights your floating hotel/study site will be your river cruiser. The ship, MS Vodohod/RUSS, built in Germany in 1986, was completely refurbished in 2002 and 2010 freshly painted, with new carpeting installed in cabins and in all public areas, and new furniture in the restaurants and bars. This ship and all cabins are updated every travel season. The all-Russian crew and cruise staff are trained to service western travelers.

Ship Information: Ship Type – a 4 passenger deck vessel. Length – 129 m. Width – 16,7 m. Draft – 2,9 m. Speed – 25,5 km per hour (approx.15 mph). Passenger capacity – 288. The ship has two suites (not offered for this program),120 standard twin cabins (approx.129 sq. feet) and 10 single cabins (approx.100 sq. feet). These are all outside cabins with large windows located on the 2nd, 3d and 4th decks. For this program we have reserved cabins with 2 twin lower beds on 2nd and 3 decks only. Same type of cabins are used for Single use. The ship is equipped with the latest navigational system and satellite phones. Communication: radio and mobile phones (used for emergencies only).

Contact info:
St Petersburg River Station. Utkina Zavod
Oktyabrskaya Naberezhnaya
St. Petersburg, RF Russia
phone: +00 0000-000-0000
web: www.vodohod.com

Room amenities: All outside cabins (129 sq. feet) with 2 lower beds, located on 2nd and 3decks; they are air conditioned with large windows, have private facilities, a built-in wardrobe,a table, a small refigerator. Cabins are clean and pleasant but modest by western standards. Bed linen is changed every 3 days, and towels are changed daily. No hairdryers are provided in cabins.

Facility amenities: There is ample sun deck space, a reception area, a hair salon, a gift shop, a reading lounge, a meeting/lecture room, two restaurants, two bars, and recreation lounges. The ship is fully air-conditioned. It must be remembered that this ship is comfortable, but it is a river cruiser, not a luxury ocean cruise ship. The ship will serve the needs of sailing along the rivers and canals with frequent stops for shore excursions along the way. The ship has medical facilities and a medical specialist on board.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Seven: Tuesday, September 04 - Mandrogy Village / Lecture on board 
Breakfast: Breakfast in ship's restaurant.

Morning: Participate in the presentation dedicated to various aspects of life in "Russia today". Q&A session. Arrival in Mandrogy village. Enjoy the Lake region and beautiful nothern forest. Take a stroll in Mandrogy- a quaint riverside village dotted with wooden cottages ( a reproduction of a typical rural Russian settlement). Free time.

Lunch: Lunch ashore

Afternoon: Cruise the 139-mile long Svir River and then along the southern shores of the Lake Onega, which is the second largest lake in Europe, and one of the world?s purest, then along the Lake Ladoga, Europe?s largest lake. Both lakes are more like inland seas and can experience waves as high as 3-4 feet during inclement weather. Take time to admire along the way the sandy and rocky beaches and beautiful shores overgrown with graceful willows, tall alder trees, and stately pines.

Dinner: Dinner in ship's restaurant

Evening: On-board entertainment

Lodging: MS Vodohod/RUSS

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cabin

 Description: For 10 nights your floating hotel/study site will be your river cruiser. The ship, MS Vodohod/RUSS, built in Germany in 1986, was completely refurbished in 2002 and 2010 freshly painted, with new carpeting installed in cabins and in all public areas, and new furniture in the restaurants and bars. This ship and all cabins are updated every travel season. The all-Russian crew and cruise staff are trained to service western travelers.

Ship Information: Ship Type – a 4 passenger deck vessel. Length – 129 m. Width – 16,7 m. Draft – 2,9 m. Speed – 25,5 km per hour (approx.15 mph). Passenger capacity – 288. The ship has two suites (not offered for this program),120 standard twin cabins (approx.129 sq. feet) and 10 single cabins (approx.100 sq. feet). These are all outside cabins with large windows located on the 2nd, 3d and 4th decks. For this program we have reserved cabins with 2 twin lower beds on 2nd and 3 decks only. Same type of cabins are used for Single use. The ship is equipped with the latest navigational system and satellite phones. Communication: radio and mobile phones (used for emergencies only).

Contact info:
St Petersburg River Station. Utkina Zavod
Oktyabrskaya Naberezhnaya
St. Petersburg, RF Russia
phone: +00 0000-000-0000
web: www.vodohod.com

Room amenities: All outside cabins (129 sq. feet) with 2 lower beds, located on 2nd and 3decks; they are air conditioned with large windows, have private facilities, a built-in wardrobe,a table, a small refigerator. Cabins are clean and pleasant but modest by western standards. Bed linen is changed every 3 days, and towels are changed daily. No hairdryers are provided in cabins.

Facility amenities: There is ample sun deck space, a reception area, a hair salon, a gift shop, a reading lounge, a meeting/lecture room, two restaurants, two bars, and recreation lounges. The ship is fully air-conditioned. It must be remembered that this ship is comfortable, but it is a river cruiser, not a luxury ocean cruise ship. The ship will serve the needs of sailing along the rivers and canals with frequent stops for shore excursions along the way. The ship has medical facilities and a medical specialist on board.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Eight: Wednesday, September 05 - Russian customs and traditions/ Wooden architecture of the island of... 
Russian customs and traditions/ Wooden architecture of the island of Kizhi/On board program

Note: walking excursion. Comfortable shoes are a must.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in ship's restaurant.

Morning: Arrival in Kizhi This afternoon take an expert-led walking excursion of the open-air museum and wooden churches, led by a licensed expert. Kizhi Island ? one of 1650 islands on Lake Onega. The fairytale-like structures found on this island represent a superb example of traditional Russian wooden architecture. Most spectacular is the Transfiguration Church, with 22 domes built in 1714 without a single nail, and which is also famous for its icons and iconostasis. This Island has been declared a major site for preservation by UNESCO.

Lunch: Lunch in ship's restaurant

Afternoon: On board Program.

Dinner: Dinner in ship's restaurant

Evening: On-board entertainment.

Lodging: MS Vodohod/RUSS

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cabin

 Description: For 10 nights your floating hotel/study site will be your river cruiser. The ship, MS Vodohod/RUSS, built in Germany in 1986, was completely refurbished in 2002 and 2010 freshly painted, with new carpeting installed in cabins and in all public areas, and new furniture in the restaurants and bars. This ship and all cabins are updated every travel season. The all-Russian crew and cruise staff are trained to service western travelers.

Ship Information: Ship Type – a 4 passenger deck vessel. Length – 129 m. Width – 16,7 m. Draft – 2,9 m. Speed – 25,5 km per hour (approx.15 mph). Passenger capacity – 288. The ship has two suites (not offered for this program),120 standard twin cabins (approx.129 sq. feet) and 10 single cabins (approx.100 sq. feet). These are all outside cabins with large windows located on the 2nd, 3d and 4th decks. For this program we have reserved cabins with 2 twin lower beds on 2nd and 3 decks only. Same type of cabins are used for Single use. The ship is equipped with the latest navigational system and satellite phones. Communication: radio and mobile phones (used for emergencies only).

Contact info:
St Petersburg River Station. Utkina Zavod
Oktyabrskaya Naberezhnaya
St. Petersburg, RF Russia
phone: +00 0000-000-0000
web: www.vodohod.com

Room amenities: All outside cabins (129 sq. feet) with 2 lower beds, located on 2nd and 3decks; they are air conditioned with large windows, have private facilities, a built-in wardrobe,a table, a small refigerator. Cabins are clean and pleasant but modest by western standards. Bed linen is changed every 3 days, and towels are changed daily. No hairdryers are provided in cabins.

Facility amenities: There is ample sun deck space, a reception area, a hair salon, a gift shop, a reading lounge, a meeting/lecture room, two restaurants, two bars, and recreation lounges. The ship is fully air-conditioned. It must be remembered that this ship is comfortable, but it is a river cruiser, not a luxury ocean cruise ship. The ship will serve the needs of sailing along the rivers and canals with frequent stops for shore excursions along the way. The ship has medical facilities and a medical specialist on board.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Nine: Thursday, September 06 - Talk on famous Russians of the Volga and Lake region/excursion in... 
Talk on famous Russians of the Volga and Lake region/excursion in Goritzy

Breakfast: Breakfast at ship's restaurant

Morning: Attend a presentation on the famous Russians whose lives and work were connected to the Volga and Lake region

Lunch: Lunch in ship's restaurant

Afternoon: Arrival in Goritzy. A walking excursion of the village. Learn of the history of these old settlements. Visit the monastery. All led by a licensed expert. Goritsy ? a small, picturesque village located about 4 miles from the famous Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, which is famous for its collection of rare icons. Goritsy is also known for its convent, a place of exile for politically unpopular ladies of nobility, including Maria Nagaya [see story about Uglich], who was sent there by Boris Godunov, the notorious ruler of Russia in the late 16th-early 17th centuries.

Dinner: Dinner in ship's restaurant

Evening: On-board activities

Lodging: MS Vodohod/RUSS

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cabin

 Description: For 10 nights your floating hotel/study site will be your river cruiser. The ship, MS Vodohod/RUSS, built in Germany in 1986, was completely refurbished in 2002 and 2010 freshly painted, with new carpeting installed in cabins and in all public areas, and new furniture in the restaurants and bars. This ship and all cabins are updated every travel season. The all-Russian crew and cruise staff are trained to service western travelers.

Ship Information: Ship Type – a 4 passenger deck vessel. Length – 129 m. Width – 16,7 m. Draft – 2,9 m. Speed – 25,5 km per hour (approx.15 mph). Passenger capacity – 288. The ship has two suites (not offered for this program),120 standard twin cabins (approx.129 sq. feet) and 10 single cabins (approx.100 sq. feet). These are all outside cabins with large windows located on the 2nd, 3d and 4th decks. For this program we have reserved cabins with 2 twin lower beds on 2nd and 3 decks only. Same type of cabins are used for Single use. The ship is equipped with the latest navigational system and satellite phones. Communication: radio and mobile phones (used for emergencies only).

Contact info:
St Petersburg River Station. Utkina Zavod
Oktyabrskaya Naberezhnaya
St. Petersburg, RF Russia
phone: +00 0000-000-0000
web: www.vodohod.com

Room amenities: All outside cabins (129 sq. feet) with 2 lower beds, located on 2nd and 3decks; they are air conditioned with large windows, have private facilities, a built-in wardrobe,a table, a small refigerator. Cabins are clean and pleasant but modest by western standards. Bed linen is changed every 3 days, and towels are changed daily. No hairdryers are provided in cabins.

Facility amenities: There is ample sun deck space, a reception area, a hair salon, a gift shop, a reading lounge, a meeting/lecture room, two restaurants, two bars, and recreation lounges. The ship is fully air-conditioned. It must be remembered that this ship is comfortable, but it is a river cruiser, not a luxury ocean cruise ship. The ship will serve the needs of sailing along the rivers and canals with frequent stops for shore excursions along the way. The ship has medical facilities and a medical specialist on board.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Ten: Friday, September 07 - Lecture on board/ Excursion of Yaroslavl/  
Note: Excursion by motor coach and by foot.

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at ship's restaurant

Morning: This morning attend a Lecture on: "Medieval Russia: The reign of the Tsars Ruricks"(presented by an expert) Q&A.

Lunch: Lunch in ship's restaurant

Afternoon: Arrival in the ancient town of Yaroslavl. This morning take a motorcoach excursion of the city and the Spassky Monastery. Stretching along both banks of the Volga, Yaroslavl is an important river port with a population of 600,000. It was founded in the 11th century by Prince Yaroslavl the Wise and today retains many noteworthy monuments of its rich history. Of special interest are the 13th-century Spassky Monastery ensemble, a group of 17th-century cathedrals, an elegant rotunda, and remnants of an ancient trading center. Loveliest of all is the Church of Elijah the Prophet in the town?s central square. The frescoes on the walls and vaulting inside the church represent a valuable collection of old Russian paintings. The second-largest city in Russia in the 17th century, Yaroslavl was the de facto capital of Russia during the Polish occupation of Moscow in 1612 (the so-called Time of Troubles?).

Dinner: Dinner in ship's restaurant.

Evening: On board concert

Lodging: MS Vodohod/RUSS

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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Type: Cabin

 Description: For 10 nights your floating hotel/study site will be your river cruiser. The ship, MS Vodohod/RUSS, built in Germany in 1986, was completely refurbished in 2002 and 2010 freshly painted, with new carpeting installed in cabins and in all public areas, and new furniture in the restaurants and bars. This ship and all cabins are updated every travel season. The all-Russian crew and cruise staff are trained to service western travelers.

Ship Information: Ship Type – a 4 passenger deck vessel. Length – 129 m. Width – 16,7 m. Draft – 2,9 m. Speed – 25,5 km per hour (approx.15 mph). Passenger capacity – 288. The ship has two suites (not offered for this program),120 standard twin cabins (approx.129 sq. feet) and 10 single cabins (approx.100 sq. feet). These are all outside cabins with large windows located on the 2nd, 3d and 4th decks. For this program we have reserved cabins with 2 twin lower beds on 2nd and 3 decks only. Same type of cabins are used for Single use. The ship is equipped with the latest navigational system and satellite phones. Communication: radio and mobile phones (used for emergencies only).

Contact info:
St Petersburg River Station. Utkina Zavod
Oktyabrskaya Naberezhnaya
St. Petersburg, RF Russia
phone: +00 0000-000-0000
web: www.vodohod.com

Room amenities: All outside cabins (129 sq. feet) with 2 lower beds, located on 2nd and 3decks; they are air conditioned with large windows, have private facilities, a built-in wardrobe,a table, a small refigerator. Cabins are clean and pleasant but modest by western standards. Bed linen is changed every 3 days, and towels are changed daily. No hairdryers are provided in cabins.

Facility amenities: There is ample sun deck space, a reception area, a hair salon, a gift shop, a reading lounge, a meeting/lecture room, two restaurants, two bars, and recreation lounges. The ship is fully air-conditioned. It must be remembered that this ship is comfortable, but it is a river cruiser, not a luxury ocean cruise ship. The ship will serve the needs of sailing along the rivers and canals with frequent stops for shore excursions along the way. The ship has medical facilities and a medical specialist on board.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Eleven: Saturday, September 08 - Excusion of Ouglich/ Captain's farewell dinner/ on board program 
Breakfast: Breakfast in ship's restaurant

Morning: Arrival in the town of Ouglich. Walking exursion of the town of Uglich and cathedrals. Founded in 1148, Uglich is one of the most beloved towns in old Russia. The view of the city from the Volga River is especially lovely, with the blue-domed Cathedral of the Resurrection and St. John?s Church looming on the horizon. At the end of the 16th century, Maria Nagaya, the seventh wife of Ivan the Terrible, lived in exile in the Kremlin [fortress] at Uglich. It was here that Tsarevich Dmitry, son of the deceased Ivan the Terrible, met his ?mysterious? death in 1591and where the Church of St. Dmitry on the (Spilled) Blood stands today. Located within the Kremlin (fortress) walls is the oldest building in Uglich, the Palace of Tsarevich Dmitry.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: On board program.

Dinner: Dinner in ship's restaurant.

Evening: Captain's Farewell dinner to celebrate the last sailing night on board the ship before arrival in Moscow.

Lodging: MS Vodohod/RUSS

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cabin

 Description: For 10 nights your floating hotel/study site will be your river cruiser. The ship, MS Vodohod/RUSS, built in Germany in 1986, was completely refurbished in 2002 and 2010 freshly painted, with new carpeting installed in cabins and in all public areas, and new furniture in the restaurants and bars. This ship and all cabins are updated every travel season. The all-Russian crew and cruise staff are trained to service western travelers.

Ship Information: Ship Type – a 4 passenger deck vessel. Length – 129 m. Width – 16,7 m. Draft – 2,9 m. Speed – 25,5 km per hour (approx.15 mph). Passenger capacity – 288. The ship has two suites (not offered for this program),120 standard twin cabins (approx.129 sq. feet) and 10 single cabins (approx.100 sq. feet). These are all outside cabins with large windows located on the 2nd, 3d and 4th decks. For this program we have reserved cabins with 2 twin lower beds on 2nd and 3 decks only. Same type of cabins are used for Single use. The ship is equipped with the latest navigational system and satellite phones. Communication: radio and mobile phones (used for emergencies only).

Contact info:
St Petersburg River Station. Utkina Zavod
Oktyabrskaya Naberezhnaya
St. Petersburg, RF Russia
phone: +00 0000-000-0000
web: www.vodohod.com

Room amenities: All outside cabins (129 sq. feet) with 2 lower beds, located on 2nd and 3decks; they are air conditioned with large windows, have private facilities, a built-in wardrobe,a table, a small refigerator. Cabins are clean and pleasant but modest by western standards. Bed linen is changed every 3 days, and towels are changed daily. No hairdryers are provided in cabins.

Facility amenities: There is ample sun deck space, a reception area, a hair salon, a gift shop, a reading lounge, a meeting/lecture room, two restaurants, two bars, and recreation lounges. The ship is fully air-conditioned. It must be remembered that this ship is comfortable, but it is a river cruiser, not a luxury ocean cruise ship. The ship will serve the needs of sailing along the rivers and canals with frequent stops for shore excursions along the way. The ship has medical facilities and a medical specialist on board.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Twelve: Sunday, September 09 - Informal discussions/ Moscow's architectiral highlights/ Evening... 
Informal discussions/ Moscow's architectiral highlights/ Evening performance

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the ship's restaurant

Morning: Attend a round table discussion on 'Russia Today" Q&A.

Lunch: Lunch on board.

Afternoon: Arrival in Moscow. Theme of the Day: ? History and Architecture of Moscow?: Explore Moscow?s cultural and historical treasures during a motorcoach excursion with stops at major architectural and historic sites: Moscow University, Manezh Square, Novodevichi Convent (see the exterior only), the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and other important sites. All to be presented by a licensed expert.

Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.

Evening: Evening performance.

Lodging: MS Vodohod/RUSS

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cabin

 Description: For 10 nights your floating hotel/study site will be your river cruiser. The ship, MS Vodohod/RUSS, built in Germany in 1986, was completely refurbished in 2002 and 2010 freshly painted, with new carpeting installed in cabins and in all public areas, and new furniture in the restaurants and bars. This ship and all cabins are updated every travel season. The all-Russian crew and cruise staff are trained to service western travelers.

Ship Information: Ship Type – a 4 passenger deck vessel. Length – 129 m. Width – 16,7 m. Draft – 2,9 m. Speed – 25,5 km per hour (approx.15 mph). Passenger capacity – 288. The ship has two suites (not offered for this program),120 standard twin cabins (approx.129 sq. feet) and 10 single cabins (approx.100 sq. feet). These are all outside cabins with large windows located on the 2nd, 3d and 4th decks. For this program we have reserved cabins with 2 twin lower beds on 2nd and 3 decks only. Same type of cabins are used for Single use. The ship is equipped with the latest navigational system and satellite phones. Communication: radio and mobile phones (used for emergencies only).

Contact info:
St Petersburg River Station. Utkina Zavod
Oktyabrskaya Naberezhnaya
St. Petersburg, RF Russia
phone: +00 0000-000-0000
web: www.vodohod.com

Room amenities: All outside cabins (129 sq. feet) with 2 lower beds, located on 2nd and 3decks; they are air conditioned with large windows, have private facilities, a built-in wardrobe,a table, a small refigerator. Cabins are clean and pleasant but modest by western standards. Bed linen is changed every 3 days, and towels are changed daily. No hairdryers are provided in cabins.

Facility amenities: There is ample sun deck space, a reception area, a hair salon, a gift shop, a reading lounge, a meeting/lecture room, two restaurants, two bars, and recreation lounges. The ship is fully air-conditioned. It must be remembered that this ship is comfortable, but it is a river cruiser, not a luxury ocean cruise ship. The ship will serve the needs of sailing along the rivers and canals with frequent stops for shore excursions along the way. The ship has medical facilities and a medical specialist on board.

Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Thirteen: Monday, September 10 - Excursion to the Kremlin compound/Free time in the city/Evening free 
Note: extensive walking

Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in ship's restaurant

Morning: Drive to the city center. Participate in a field trip to the legendary Kremlin compond led by an expert. Visit to the Kremlin grounds inside he Kremlin walls, learn about the Medieval history of Moscow and see the medieval fortress in tact: the walls, cathedrals and the palace. Take pictures of the legendary Tzar Cannon and Tzar Bell. (expected walking up to 2 miles). .

Lunch: Lunch

Afternoon: Free time. Spend the afternoon in Red Square: have a walk in the UNESCO-listed Krasnaya Ploshchad (Red Square), where all rulers of Russia left traces of their reign. Admire the striking Kremlin Clock Tower, Lenin's Mausoleum, and see the exterior of the ornate, multi-colored architectural grandeur of the 16th century - St Basil's Cathedral - commemorating Russia's victory over the Tatars. Enjoy this politically-charged architectural wonder reflecting the mysterious Russian soul.

Dinner: Dinner on board the ship.

Evening: Evening free on board to pack.

Lodging: MS Vodohod/RUSS

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Close [ x ]
Type: Cabin

 Contact info:
x
x, NY 000 USA
phone: 000-000-
Smoking policy: No
Smoking policies vary by facility. During all group events and activities, smoking is prohibited.

Day Fourteen: Tuesday, September 11 - Program ends. Departures 
Note: All who purchased air tickets from the Road Scholar Travel Services will be transferred to airports. Independent travelers are welcome to join the group transfer bus.

Breakfast: Buffet Breakfast on board .

Morning: Check out. Program ends. Transfers to airport.

Lodging: In Flight

Meals Included: Breakfast
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Important information about your itinerary:
Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date.
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•13 nights of accommodations
•33 meals: 12 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 12 dinners
•5 Expert-led lectures
•11 Field trips
•5 Performances
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