Depart From: Overnight trans-Atlantic flight. Meals are served in flight

Afternoon: Transfer from airport to hotel. Upon arrival at Domodedovo Airport (DME) and after collecting your luggage, go through the passport and customs control and proceed to the arrival hall, located just outside the customs area. Look for our representative with a Road Scholar sign in the arrival hall. Participants traveling independently are welcome to join the group transfer bus at 12.30 pm. Participants holding airline tickets from Road Scholar and arriving at Sheremetyevo Airport (SVO) will be met by our representative in the SVO arrival hall. Hotel check-in. All participants meet in the hotel lobby at 6 pm. An orientation meeting is scheduled after dinner.

Dinner: At hotel restaurant

Lodging: Peking Hotel

Meals Included: Dinner

Theme of the day: "Moscow Today". Moscow History and Architecture/ Political discussion.

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: An expert-led motorcoach exploration of Moscow's highlights covering the city's history and architecture. See the most important Moscow landmarks: drive by Red Square and Manezh Square, to Moscow University, stop at the Novodevichi Convent (see the exterior), and visit ithe Cathedral of Christ the Savior (inside visit). See the exterior of the legendary Bolshoi Theater building and many other important sites. Take a ride on the the famous Moscow Metro (if desired).

Lunch: Time for lunch on your own

Afternoon: Participate in a political discussion led by a university professor. Q&A.

Dinner: Dinner at hotel or city restaurant

Evening: Evening free

Lodging: Peking Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Theme of the day: "Russia as a Cultural Treasure Chest".l Visit the Moscow Center for Arts and Crafts/ Lecture on the Russian national character/ Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts/ Evening performance

Note: Be prepared to spend most of the day outside the hotel

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Drive to the Moscow center for the preservation of Russia's national traditions and ethnic arts and crafts. See the museum and learn about regional arts and crafts from many corners of the multiethnic Russian state -- all displayed in the museum and its show rooms (no purchases are expected from you). Then participate in a talk on the Russian national character led by E. Volkova, PhD.

Lunch: Lunch at the restaurant in the Arts & Crafts Center (menu includes Russian specialties).

Afternoon: Participate in an expert-led visit to the Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, second only to St. Petersburg's Hermitage Museum for its collection of European art, especially famous for its paintings by the Old Masters, Impressionists and Post Impressionists. Also examine the special collection of 'Schleimann's Gold' treasures of Troy.

Dinner: Dinner

Evening: Attend a choir concert (Russian classical and Orthodox church music), conducted by maestro M. Borodiansky. Dress code: casual.

Lodging: Peking Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Theme of the day: "Moscow as the Capital of Medieval Russia". Kremlin grounds/Armory Chamber/ Performance

Note: Extensive walking (up to 2 miles)

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Enjoy a presentation on medieval Russia during an expert-led visit to the Kremlin compound. This self-contained walled fortress has been the symbol of the Russian state for hundreds of years. Walk through its grounds and see the golden-domed Cathedral of the Annunciation and the majestic Cathedral of the Archangel, a harmonious mélange of Italian renaissance and traditional Russian architecture. See the exterior of the Kremlin palace and the legendary Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell. Participate in a field trip to the Armory Chamber, housing a rich collection of royal jewels, including famous Faberge eggs and many other treasures of the Russian tsars. Spend time in the UNESCO-listed Red Square where you can admire the ancient Kremlin walls, the striking Kremlin Clock Tower, Lenin's Mausoleum, and the ornate, multi-colored architectural masterpiece of the 16th century, St. Basil's Cathedral, commemorating Russia's victory over the Tatars at Kazan.

Lunch: Time for lunch on your own

Afternoon: Return to hotel before going to ballet (time permitting).

Dinner: Dinner.

Evening: Attend a ballet performance of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" at the Stanislavsky Music Theater. Dress code: dressy, but not formal, attire, jacket is recommended, tie optional. (Note: seats are assigned based on program enrollment date).

Lodging: Peking Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: On your last morning in Moscow participate in an expert-led visit to the Tretyakov Picture Gallery, housing the world's finest and most extensive collection of Russian painting. Its treasures include ornate, Byzantine-influenced medieval icons and paintings by the "Peredvizhniki" group of the 19th century, including Surikov, Kramskoi, Repin, and others. Learn about Russian spirituality and national values as portrayed in Russian paintings of all periods. Discover the art of Russian portrait and landscape painters, and Russian avant garde of the 20th century.

Lunch: Time for lunch on your own

Afternoon: Free time to explore the city independently or visit a museum of your choice.

Dinner: Dinner at a restaurant in the city

Evening: Evening free.

Lodging: Peking Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Note: Expected driving time: Moscow - Sergiev Possad (2 hours) - Vladimir (3 hours). Rest stops to be made every 2-3 hours.

Breakfast: At hotel in Moscow

Morning: Depart on a 4-day trip through the Golden Ring towns of Sergiev Possad, Vladimir-Suzdal, Kostroma, and Yaroslavl . The “Golden Ring” (Zolotoye Koltso) is a modern name for a loop of very old towns southeast and northeast of Moscow, the area which historically preceded Moscow as the cultural and political heart of the Russian state. The Golden Ring’s towns began as outposts of Kievan Rus and grew when people moved north as Kiev declined. Today these towns, churches, monasteries, and city fortresses reflect various periods of Russian history and present a well-preserved, unique environment for a study of country life as it was lived all over European Russia. During the transfer from Moscow to the first Golden Ring town of Sergiev Possad, hear a presentation on the Russian Orthodox church. Walk through the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergei, the official seat of the Russian Orthodox church, and equivalent to the Vatican. (A lavra is the highest rank of Russian Orthodox monasteries).This stunning medieval architectural compound rivals the Moscow Kremlin.

Lunch: At a restaurant in Sergiev Possad

Afternoon: Continue your travel to the town of Vladimir, founded by Prince Vladimir in 1108 as a fort against the Tatars. At first the small town of Suzdal (founded in 1024), which is located nearby, was made the capital of the area. Then in 1158 the capital was moved to Vladimir, and the area became known as the Vladimir/Suzdal principality. The region not only thrived economically and politically, but it also became the chief inheritor of the Kiev-Byzantine artistic traditions as reflected in the spectacular local architecture and in the art of mosaics, frescoes and icon painting. Upon arrival in Vladimir have a short city excursion and see the Cathedral of the Assumption and the famous Golden Gate (1164). Then proceed to the program hotel for overnight.

Dinner: Dinner at the hotel restaurant

Lodging: Prince Vladimir Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Expected travel time Vladimir - Suzdal (40 min) - Kostroma (3-4 hours) - Yaroslavl (1 hour).

Breakfast: Breakfast at hotel

Morning: After breakfast travel to the UNESCO-listed town of Suzdal (16 miles). This morning join our local expert for an excursion of the medieval town of Suzdal, famous for its magnificent medieval architecture reflected in numerous churches, monuments, towers and domes. Walk through the grounds of the Yefimov Monastery and learn about its history.

Lunch: In a restaurant in Suzdal

Afternoon: After lunch, drive from Suzdal to the town of Kostroma, enjoying the beautiful countryside. Drive through Kostroma, and hear about the city's rich history. Learn about Russia's turbulent medieval era known as the 'Time of Troubles' and drive by the Ipatyev Monastery, where the Romanov dynasty of Russian tsars began in February 1613. The Romanovs ruled Russia for over 300 years,

Dinner: At a restaurant in Kostroma

Evening: After dinner in Kostroma, travel to the city of Yaroslavl, to arrive at the hotel by 8.30 pm.

Lodging: Yubileynaya Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Spend a full day in Yaroslavl. Learn about the rich history, medieval architecture, and modern life of Yaroslavl during a city excursion led by a local expert. 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 compound, a group of 17th-century cathedrals, an elegant rotunda, and remnants of an ancient trading center. Loveliest of all is the Church of the Prophet Elijah in the town's central square. The frescoes on the walls and vaulting inside the church comprise a valuable collection of old Russian paintings. The second-largest city in Russia in the 17th century, Yaroslavl served as the de facto capital of Russia during the Polish occupation of Moscow in 1612 (the so-called "Time of Troubles").

Lunch: Lunch in the city

Afternoon: Participate in a cultural event -- attend a re-enactment of a traditional 19th-century governor's reception and dance (an interactive experience).

Dinner: At hotel restaurant

Evening: Evening free

Lodging: Yubileynaya Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A talk on Russian holidays and cultural traditions/ Free time/ Overnight train Yaroslavl - St. Petersburg

Note: Be prepared to handle personal luggage on/off the train. Luggage space on the train is limited. We strongly recommend that you not exceed 1 piece of luggage and 1 carry-on.

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Participate in an informal talk on Russian national holidays and cultural traditions.

Lunch: Lunch at hotel or city restaurant.

Afternoon: Afternoon free to rest before the overnight train trip. OR: spend time in the city center independently. Hotel check-out at 6 pm.

Dinner: At hotel restaurant

Evening: After dinner transfer to the train station for a comfortable overnight train from Yaroslavl to St. Petersburg (travel in 2-passenger sleeping compartments, NO single accommodations on train. Facilities on board: 2 shared toilets/sinks per train car). Travel time: 13 hours (10:30 pm-11:30 am)

Lodging: Overnight train

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Arrival in St Petersburg. Transfer to hotel. Visit the Defenders of Leningrad Memorial Museum.

Breakfast: Continental breakfast on board the train.

Morning: Enjoy the unique experience of traveling by train in Russia. Arrive in St. Petersburg by lunch time. Transfer to the hotel.

Lunch: Lunch.

Afternoon: After a brief rest at the hotel, walk a short distance to the Memorial Museum, dedicated to the defenders of Leningrad during the 900-day seige during WWII. Hear the story of the seige and see the monument.

Dinner: At hotel restaurant

Evening: Evening free to relax

Lodging: Park Inn Pulkovskaya Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Expected travel time 3 hours.

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: This morning we travel by motorcoach to the town of Veliky Novgorod, arriving by lunch time. Veliky Novgorod ("Great New Town" in English), not to be confused with Nizhniy Novgorod on the Volga River, lies on the picturesque banks of the Volkhov River near Lake Imen, approximately 300 miles northwest of Moscow. Today it is a regional center with a population of more than 200,000. It was founded 11 centuries ago and is one of the oldest Russian towns and perhaps the richest in art treasures and historic landmarks in northwestern Russia. During the 12th-15th centuries, it was the capital of the powerful Novgorodian Feudal Republic until it lost its independence to Moscow. V. Novgorod's history and architecture mirror various stages of Russia's history and culture. The central and most striking landmark of the city is the Kremlin [city fort], which is well preserved and now houses the city's most important cultural institutions: museums, theaters, a library and a lecture hall. The city boasts numerous churches full of mosaics and rare icons. The most striking is the 11th century St. Sophia Cathedral.

Lunch: Lunch in a city restaurant

Afternoon: Participate in an educational visit to the Sergei Rakhmaninov Music School, named for the famous musician who comes from this region. Learn about the school and meet the pupils.

Dinner: At hotel restaurant

Evening: Cultural event

Lodging: Park Inn Veliky Novgorod Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

History and architectural treasures of Veliky Novgorod/ Return to St. Petersburg

Note: A city walk of up to 2 miles. Transfer time V. Novgorod - St. Petersburg (3 hours).

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Hotel check-out. Enjoy a presentation on the medieval history and architecture of the ancient town of Veliky Novgorod during an expert-led walk through the city. See the interiors of the local Kremlin and St. Sophia Cathedral.

Lunch: In restaurant in the city

Afternoon: Veliky Novgorod-St Petersburg transfer. Evening arrival in St. Petersburg. Check-in at the program hotel.

Dinner: At hotel or city restaurant

Evening: Evening to rest.

Lodging: Park Inn Nevsky Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Theme of the day: "History and Architecture of St Petersburg": City excursion by motorcoach/ Evening performance

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Explore St. Petersburg's cultural and architectural treasures during a city drive led by a local expert. Enjoy many famous historical sites and architectural landmarks: an inside visit to the Peter and Paul Cathedral and Fortress, the birthplace of the city; stop by St. Isaac's Cathedral (view the exterior), the statue of the Bronze Horseman, the Winter Palace, Summer Garden, St. Petersburg University, the Cathedral of the Resurrection, Nevsky Prospekt (boulevard), and other important sites.

Lunch: Time for lunch on your own

Afternoon: Return to the hotel

Dinner: At hotel or local restaurant

Evening: Attend a ballet performance of Tchaikovsky's "Sleeping Beauty" at the legendary Mariinsky Theater. Dress code: dressy, but not formal, attire, jacket recommended, tie optional. (Note: seats are assigned based program enrollment date).

Lodging: Park Inn Nevsky Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Theme of the day: "The Romanov Dynasty": Summer residences of the Russian tsars in Tsarskoye Selo and Peterhof

Note: Expected walking (up to 2 miles)

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: On the way to the summer residences, hear an expert tell the story of the Romanov tsars and St. Petersburg. See the magnificent palace in Tsarskoye Selo [Pushkin] housing the famous Amber Room, recently recreated by Russian restoration artists. Enjoy a short walk in the park.

Lunch: Lunch in a restaurant in Tsarskoye Selo

Afternoon: Drive to Peterhof, the favorite summer retreat of Tsar Peter the Great. Walk in the park with your expert to enjoy the famous fountains. (Note: inside visits to the Grand Palace and other museums on site are not part of this visit, view the exteriors only). Return to the city.

Dinner: Dinner at hotel or city restaurant

Evening: Evening free

Lodging: Park Inn Nevsky Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Note: Expected walking up to 2 miles, rest areas are available

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: This morning will be spent at the Hermitage Museum. Enjoy a 3-hour excursion of this world-famous museum, featuring rich art collections from all over the world, including famous paintings by Old Masters and Impressionist art treasures (the highlights of the collection to be presented by a museum expert). Enjoy viewing time on your own.

Lunch: Lunch on your own (we suggest the Hermitage Cafe)

Afternoon: Attend a special Presentation: "The History of Russian Ballet and the Mariinsky [Kirov] Theater". Q&A. A private recital.

Dinner: Dinner at hotel or city restaurant

Evening: Evening free

Lodging: Park Inn Nevsky Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Lecture / Free time in the city for independent exploration/ Farewell Dinner

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Participate in a discussion on various aspects of 'Russia Today", led by Professor V. Kabakchi, followed by a Q&A session. Rest of the day is free to enjoy the city or visit a museum of your choice. We suggest a visit to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Kazan (head cover for women is required), the famous Eliseyevsky Deli Store and the House of Books - a magnificent Art Nouveau Building.

Lunch: Lunch on your own (we suggest having tea at the House of Books Cafe).

Afternoon: Afternoon free

Dinner: Farewell Dinner

Evening: Evening to pack

Lodging: Park Inn Nevsky Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Breakfast: At hotel

Morning: Transfer to the airport for return flights for participants holding tickets issued by Road Scholar. Independent travelers are welcome to join the group departure transfer on the program end date or to consider a taxi which can be arranged at the program hotel 24 hours in advance.

Meals Included: Breakfast