Road Scholar : Home
Russian River Voyages between Moscow and St. Petersburg

Program Number: 14304RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/5/2013 - 6/18/2013; 7/17/2013 - 7/30/2013; 8/28/2013 - 9/10/2013;
Duration: 13 nights
Location: Russia
Price starting at: $3,112.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Adventure Afloat Study Cruise; River Boats
Meals: 33; 12 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 12 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Immerse yourself in the vast country of Russia and its people through the prism of life along its waterways. Learn about Russia's Imperial past in St. Petersburg and experience the Volga region's villages. Learn about the dynamic center of Moscow during lectures and informal talks and walks addressing Russia's history, architecture and current issues.




Activity Particulars

Please note that the cruise operator reserves the right to substitute the vessel with a sister ship. Walking up to two miles a day and standing in museums. Program cost excludes 2 lunches to enjoy on your own.



Itinerary At-a-Glance

St. Petersburg (Russia), 2 nights, aboard vessel, 10 nights.



Day 1:
Overnight flight from the U.S.A.


Days 2-6:
St. Petersburg (Russia):

Focus on the history of St. Petersburg and the Romanov dynasty during narrated visits to Catherine's Palace in Tsarskoye Selo and Peterhof. Visit a WWII memorial and Discuss modern Russia with an expert. A licensed museum expert leads you through the Hermitage Museum and the Amber room.



Day 7:
Mandrogy:

Stroll through this quaint riverside village and enjoy lake and river vistas. Engage in an expert led onboard discussion on Russian national customs and traditions. Enjoy an evening concert on board.



Day 8:
Kizhi Island:

A narrated excursion presents the wooden architecture, featuring the spectacular Church of the Transfiguration, on this UNESCO-designated fairy-tale islands on Lake Onega. Enjoy onboard activities.



Day 9:
Goritzy:

With a local expert, explore the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery in the village of Goritzy. A narrated excursion takes you through the monastery grounds and the local museum featuring a collection of rare icons. Attend a lecture and enjoy an onboard evening performance.



Day 10:
Yaroslavl:

Admire this historic river city's medieval architecture featuring 17th-century cathedrals during the city excursions. Hear about the events of Russia's turbulent medieval history and the 'Time of Troubles' which took place in this region as presented by an expert speaker onboard. Enjoy on board activities.



Day 11:
Ouglich:

During a walking excursion view the ancient Kremlin walls of Ouglich, see the Cathedral of Resurrection and St. John's Church. Hear about the Rurick dynasty of the Russian Tsars which ended here. Enjoy the Captain's farewell dinner.



Days 12-14:
Moscow/disembark/departure

Focus on modern Russia and the dynamic life of Moscow's citizens. Visit the legendary Kremlin compound and admire the medieval architecture in Red Square reflecting the soul of Russia. Attend an evening performance.



ms Russ

This modern German-built riverboat was extensively renovated in 2007. At 423 feet long it comfortably accommodates 260 passengers. All cabins are outside with large (except lower deck) scenic windows, air conditioning and refrigerators. Public areas include reading room, bar, beauty salon, sauna, first-aid post and gift shop.


Russia

Russia developed under the influence of intellectuals, peasants, tsars and demagogues. Byzantine origins meld with Christianity in vibrant architecture, while religion, folkways and revolution inspired artists from Stravinsky to Chagall. Oppressive regimes helped to create the Iron Curtain, but the late 20th century ushered in glasnost, perestroika and a democratic nation of billionaires, ongoing reforms and an integral role in modern geopolitics.
Meals and Lodgings
   Park Inn Pulkovskaya Hotel
  St. Petersburg, Russia 2 nights
   M/S RUSS
  St. Petersburg, Russia
Various ports of calls, Russia
Moscow, Russia		 10 nights
 Park Inn Pulkovskaya Hotel
Type: Three-Star Hotel
  Description: The international-class Park Inn Pulkovskaya Hotel is a comfortable, conference-style hotel offering facilities for tourists and business guests. It is located 3 miles away from Pulkovo Airport, about 5 miles to the heart of St. Petersburg, and close to a Metro station (5-7 minute walk), on a direct line to the heart of the city. The hotel is located in two buildings and has a total of 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,  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, are simply furnished, have a small refrigerator, have private baths and standard amenities, including hair dryers. No WiFi service is available in standard rooms but is available in the hotel lobby.
  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 allowed: Yes
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: not available Additional nights are subject to availability and can be booked independently by participants via the internet. Note: the rooms for the program dates are reserved in Building 2 of the hotel, which is adjacent to the main building. Please note that this hotel is not located in the city center and is chosen to best fit the program schedule for the first two days in St. Petersburg, which we spend outside the city.

 M/S RUSS
Type: Cabin
  Description: For 10 nights your floating hotel/study site will be your river cruiser. The ship, M/S (Motor Ship) RUSS, run by cruise operator Vodohod, was built in Germany in 1986 and completely refurbished in 2002 and 2007. In 2010 it was freshly painted, with new carpeting installed in the cabins and all public areas, and with new furniture placed in the restaurants and bars. The all-Russian crew and cruise staff are trained to service western travelers, and most of them speak English.
  Ship Information: Ship Type 302 – a 4 passenger deck vessel. Length – 129 m. Beam – 16.7 m. Draft – 2.9 m. Speed – 25.5 km per hour (approx.15 mph). Passenger capacity: 260 -280. 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, 3rd, and 4th decks. For this program we have reserved cabins with 2 twin lower beds on the 2nd and 3rd decks. The same cabin types are used for single occupancy as well. Single cabins are usually assigned on the 2nd deck. 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
31 Oktyabrskaya Naberezhnaya
St. Petersburg,   Russia
phone: +011-7 916 641 0623
web: www.vodohod.com
  Room amenities: All outside cabins (129 sq. feet) with 2 lower beds, located on the 2nd and 3rd decks; they are air conditioned with large windows, have a private WC/shower unit, a built-in wardrobe, a table, and a small refrigerator. The 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 the cabins, but electrical outlets are available for hairdryers.
  Facility amenities: There is ample sun deck space, a reception area, a gift shop, two bars, a large conference/meeting room, two restaurants, and recreation areas. The ship is fully air-conditioned. The ship has medical facilities and a medical doctor or trained nurse on board. Other services on board include a laundry and a hair salon. There are no ATMs, public phones, or WiFi on board. Personal mobile phones suitable for use in Russia are recommended to bring along for possible personal emergency communication. It must be remembered that this ship is comfortable, but it is still a river vessel, not a luxury ocean cruise ship. The ship will serve the needs of sailing along the rivers and canals with frequent stops made for shore excursions along the way. In inclement weather all passengers gather inside and attend various activities on board.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights after: n/a Not available on board the ship
  Check out time: 9:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Day 2: 3.00 pm - Room check-in starts. 6.00 pm - meet in hotel lobby for Road Scholar registration. You will be staying at Park Inn Pulkovskaya Hotel that night.
  End of Program:
Day 14: 9.00 am - Program ends. Check out. You will be staying at M/S RUSS the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required.
  Parking availability:
Not applicable
Transportation (For Independent Travelers)
  Train or bus availability: Public transportation to the Pulkovskaya Hotel in St. Petersburg is not recommended. Airport/hotel shuttle service is not always reliable.
To Start of Program
  Location:  St. Petersburg
  Nearest city or town:  St.Petersburg
  Nearest airport:  LED Pulkovo
  Transportation to site: A group arrival transfer is organized for all participants who purchased an air-inclusive program and arrive on the group date.
  From End of Program
  Location:  Moscow
  Nearest city or town:  Moscow
  Nearest highway: n/a
  Nearest airport:  DME Domodedovo
  Transportation from site: A group departure transfer is organized for all participants who purchased an air-inclusive program and depart on the group date.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Departure from the USA to St. Petersburg, Russia
(Wednesday, July 17)

Note: Travel overnight, arriving the next day
   
 Depart From: Depart USA via overnight flight to St Petersburg.

Day 2: Arrival in St. Petersburg / Dinner at hotel / Group orientation meeting
(Thursday, July 18)

Note: All participants with airtickets from Road Scholar will be met and transferred to the program hotel. Independent travelers are welcome to join group transfers as per the transfer schedule, which will be listed in the final packet. Look for the Road Scholar sign in the arrival hall.
   
 Afternoon: Arrival at St. Petersburg's Pulkovo-2 Airport. Transfer to the Park Inn Pulkovskaya Hotel. Rest.
 Dinner: Dinner at hotel.
 Evening: Group meeting. Introductions. Meet your Group/Study Leader and the program participants.
   
Accommodations: Park Inn Pulkovskaya Hotel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 3: History of St. Petersburg and the Romanov Dynasty / Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin) / Memorial Museum / Evening performance
(Friday, July 19)

Note: Walking in a park and a museum. Comfortable shoes are a must. Rest areas are available.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in hotel's restaurant.
 Morning: This morning we travel to see the summer residence of the Russian tsars -- Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin). En route to Tsarskoye Selo and during the visit there, hear from an expert about the history of St. Petersburg and the Romanov royal family who ruled Russia for over 300 years (from 1613 to 1917). Have an inside visit to Catherine's Palace -- an elaborate baroque palace built in 1752 by Tsarina Elizabeth to honor the memory of her mother Katarina, first wife of Tsar Peter I (the Great). This palace was later rebuilt to become the main summer residence of Tsarina Catherine II (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 mysteriously lost or stolen by the Nazis during WWII, never found, and finally meticulously reconstructed in 2003 by a team of Russian restoration artists.
 Lunch: Time for lunch on your own.
 Afternoon: In the afternoon participate in an expert-led visit to the Leningrad Defenders' Memorial Museum. See the museum's collection of old documents and photographs and hear the story of the 300-day siege during WWII. Free time at the hotel before the evening event.
 Dinner: Dinner
 Evening: Transfer to an evening performance.
   
Accommodations: Park Inn Pulkovskaya Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4: The Romanov Dynasty (cont.): Visit to Peterhof / Transfer to ship
(Saturday, July 20)

Note: Walking up to 2 miles in Peterhof park. Rest areas are available.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast at hotel.
 Morning: Continue exploring the summer estates of the Romanovs. This morning we drive to Peterhof, known as the Russian Versailles, the stunning summer residence of Russian tsars by the Gulf of Finland. We shall hear the story about Tsar Peter I (the Great) and his vision to build a city by the Baltic Sea and to "open a window on the West" for then-medieval Russia in the early 1700s. Have an expert-led walk in the famous park of Peterhof and enjoy over 140 fountains, as well as other constructions there, now beautifully restored (note: inside visits to the Grand Palace and other museums in Peterhof are not part of the visit). Enjoy 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 your on-board representative. Evening free on board
   
Accommodations: M/S RUSS
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5: Architectural highlights of St Petersburg / Hermitage Museum
(Sunday, July 21)

Note: For city excursions we use air-conditioned motorcoaches, with no facilities on board. Rest stops are made. At the Hermitage: walking up to 2 miles and standing in the museum can be unavoidable. Rest areas are available.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast on board the ship
 Morning: This morning take an expert-led motorcoach excursion and learn about the architectural and cultural treasures of St. Petersburg. See major architectural sites: the Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral -- the birthplace of the city and the burial place of the Romanovs -- St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Cathedral of the Resurrection, the Bronze Horseman statue, the Summer Garden, St. Petersburg University, and other sites. Drive along glamorous Nevsky Prospekt (boulevard) and pass by splendid palaces, gardens, statues, and elegant bridges over numerous rivers and canals for which the city was also named "the Venice of the North".
 Lunch: Lunch in a restaurant in the city
 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 Old Masters and French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists, as well as numerous art treasures of all eras and from all over the world (spend 2.5 hours with a licensed expert).
 Dinner: Dinner in ship's restaurant
 Evening: At leisure to enjoy activities on board
   
Accommodations: M/S RUSS
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Free time in the city / Political discussion on board
(Monday, July 22)

Note: SET SAIL AT 5 PM
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast on board
 Morning: Transfer to the city center for free time on 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 to a nearby museum of your choice (the Russian Museum, St. Isaac's Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Resurrection, etc.). 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), followed by a Q&A session. Program on board. Welcome cocktail. Meet the ship's crew and staff. SET SAIL
 Dinner: Dinner in ship's restaurant
 Evening: At leisure to enjoy the on-board activities.
   
Accommodations: M/S RUSS
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Mandrogy Village / Lecture on board
(Tuesday, July 23)

Note: Walking ashore at your leisure
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in ship's restaurant.
 Morning: Russian customs and traditions: a discussion on board (TBA). Arrival in Mandrogy village. Enjoy the Lake region and beautiful northern forest. Take a stroll in Mandrogy -- a quaint riverside village dotted with wooden cottages (a modern recreation of a typical rural Russian settlement of the 19th century). Free time.
 Lunch: Lunch ashore
 Afternoon: Cruise the 139-mile long Svir River and then along the southern shores of Lake Onega, the second largest lake in Europe and one of the world's purest, then along 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 along the way to admire 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
   
Accommodations: M/S RUSS
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8: Wooden architecture of Kizhi Island / On-board program
(Wednesday, July 24)

Note: Walking excursion. Comfortable shoes are a must.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in ship's restaurant
 Morning: Arrival on Kizhi Island. This afternoon take an expert-led walking excursion of the open-air museum and wooden churches, led by a licensed expert. Kizhi is one of 1650 islands on Lake Onega. The fairytale-like structures found on this island are a superb example of traditional Russian wooden architecture. Most spectacular is the Church of the Transfiguration, 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.
   
Accommodations: M/S RUSS
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 9: Talk on famous Russians of the Volga and Lake region / Excursion in Goritzy
(Thursday, July 25)

Note: Walking on uneven terrain.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in the ship's restaurant
 Morning: Participate in a presentation on famous Russian artists and musicians whose life and creations are connected to the Lake and Volga regions.
 Lunch: Lunch in ship's restaurant
 Afternoon: Arrival in the village of Goritzy -- a small, picturesque village located near the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, which is famous for its collection of rare icons. This area is also known for its convent, which was used as a place of exile for politically unpopular ladies of nobility, including Maria Nagaya (the 7th wife of Tsar Ivan IV, the Terrible). She was exiled here by Boris Godunov, the notorious ruler of Russia in the late 16th-early 17th centuries. Join a local expert for a walking excursion of this historic farming village.
 Dinner: Dinner in ship's restaurant
 Evening: On-board activities
   
Accommodations: M/S RUSS
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10: Lecture on board / Excursion of Yaroslavl
(Friday, July 26)

Note: Excursion by motorcoach and by foot.
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the ship's restaurant
 Morning: This morning attend a lecture on "Medieval Russia: the Reigns of the Rurik Tsars" (presented by an expert), followed by a Q&A session.
 Lunch: Lunch in ship's restaurant
 Afternoon: Arrive in the ancient town of Yaroslavl. Join a motorcoach excursion of the city. Stretching along both banks of the Volga river, Yaroslavl is an important river port with a population of 600,000. It was founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslavl the Wise (who according to legend killed a bear on the site) and today retains many noteworthy monuments of its rich history. Of special interest here are the 13th-century Spassky Monastery, 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, whose frescoes on the walls and vaulting inside the church are a valuable collection of old Russian paintings. Also, visit the Yaroslavl Museum of Russian Art, housed in the former mansion of the governor of Yaroslavl. 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
   
Accommodations: M/S RUSS
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11: Excusion of Uglich / Captain's Farewell Dinner / On-board program
(Saturday, July 27)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast in ship's restaurant
 Morning: Arrival in the ancient town of Uglich (pronounced as 'Ouglich'). Participate in an expert-led walking exursion. 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 here in the kremlin [fortress] at Uglich. It was here that Tsarevich Dmitry, son of the deceased Ivan the Terrible, met his "mysterious" death in 1591 and where the Church of St. Dmitry on the (Spilled) Blood stands today. Located within the kremlin 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 arriving in Moscow.
   
Accommodations: M/S RUSS
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 12: Informal discussions / Moscow's architectural highlights / Evening performance
(Sunday, July 28)
   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast in the ship's restaurant
 Morning: Attend a round-table discussion on "Russia Today", followed by a Q&A session.
 Lunch: Lunch on board.
 Afternoon: Arrival in Moscow. During an expert-led motorcoach excursion, explore Moscow's cultural and historical treasures and hear about the modern life of muscovites. Stops are made at major historical landmarks: Moscow University, Manezh Square, Bolshoi Theater, Novodevichi Convent (exterior only), the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, and other important sites.
 Dinner: Dinner
 Evening: Evening performance
   
Accommodations: M/S RUSS
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 13: Excursion to the Kremlin compound / Free time in the city / Evening free
(Monday, July 29)

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 compound led by an expert. Visit the Kremlin grounds inside the Kremlin walls, learn about the medieval history of Moscow and explore this intact medieval fortress with its walls, the armory building, cathedrals and palace. Take pictures of the legendary Tsar Cannon and Tsar Bell also on display here (expected walking up to 2 miles). .
 Lunch: Lunch
 Afternoon: Free time in UNESCO-listed Krasnaya Ploshchad (Red Square), where all rulers of Russia left traces of their reigns. Admire the striking Kremlin Clock Tower, the Lenin Mausoleum, the famous GUM store, 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.
   
Accommodations: M/S RUSS
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 14: Program ends. Departures
(Tuesday, July 30)

Note: All those 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 provided there is space available on the bus and the departure airport is the same.



   
 Breakfast: Buffet breakfast on board .
 Morning: Check out. Program ends. Transfers to airport.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
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. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

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Vodka, A Global History


Author: Patricia Herlihy


Description: A professor of history at Brown, Patricia Herlihy tracks our fascination with this most versatile of spirits from its mysterious 14th Century Slavic origins to today's global dominance in this throughoughly entertaining, erudite and illustrated short history. A volume in the lively Edible History Series, which also includes the ideal companion: Olives, A Global History.





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