August 19 Day by Day Itinerary |
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August 20 day by Day Itinerary
Events listed are based upon availability and upon local variations of closing times.
DAY 1 - Saturday, August 20, 2022
Depart USA to fly to Moscow
Relax and enjoy the ride with melatonin to keep your internal clock on schedule. Get as much sleep on the plane as you can so you stay awake when you get to Moscow.
Depart USA to fly to Moscow
Relax and enjoy the ride with melatonin to keep your internal clock on schedule. Get as much sleep on the plane as you can so you stay awake when you get to Moscow.
DAY 2 - Sunday, August 21
Arrival in Moscow
You'll be greeted by our friendly English-speaking Russian staff at the airport (provided you've booked your air through our team). They'll help you with your luggage and onto the bus that takes you to the Richnoi Vauxhal -- river port -- where you'll board our deluxe river cruiser. Your personal guide, translator and counselor gives you a full orientation of the ship, the schedule and your room but don't go to sleep!
Your evening bus tour is to Red Square, St. Basil's, the Kremlin, Moscow University Heights, the Bolshoi Theater, and more! You will be amazed by the sights of this capitol city and remember, ALL TOURS AND FEES ARE INCLUDED. The only all-inclusive cruise.
(Welcome Dinner, 2+ hr. city tour)
Arrival in Moscow
You'll be greeted by our friendly English-speaking Russian staff at the airport (provided you've booked your air through our team). They'll help you with your luggage and onto the bus that takes you to the Richnoi Vauxhal -- river port -- where you'll board our deluxe river cruiser. Your personal guide, translator and counselor gives you a full orientation of the ship, the schedule and your room but don't go to sleep!
Your evening bus tour is to Red Square, St. Basil's, the Kremlin, Moscow University Heights, the Bolshoi Theater, and more! You will be amazed by the sights of this capitol city and remember, ALL TOURS AND FEES ARE INCLUDED. The only all-inclusive cruise.
(Welcome Dinner, 2+ hr. city tour)
DAY 3 - Monday, August 22
Moscow
Last night you got to see Moscow and the sites by night, but today we return for a walking tour of Kremlin, Red Square, Lenin's Tomb, Tretyakov Art Gallery, Transfiguration Cathedral. If you happened upon Moscow before 2000, you won't recognize the skyscrapers and dynamic sky line. After dinner on the ship, we treat you to the fabulous Moscow Circus!
(Included: BLD, 8+ hrs. tours, Moscow Circus)
Moscow
Last night you got to see Moscow and the sites by night, but today we return for a walking tour of Kremlin, Red Square, Lenin's Tomb, Tretyakov Art Gallery, Transfiguration Cathedral. If you happened upon Moscow before 2000, you won't recognize the skyscrapers and dynamic sky line. After dinner on the ship, we treat you to the fabulous Moscow Circus!
(Included: BLD, 8+ hrs. tours, Moscow Circus)
DAY 4 - Tuesday, August 23
Moscow and Departure on the Moscow River
Another great tour of Moscow with the monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake, Swan Lake and Novadevichy Convent . The adjoining cemetery is the last resting place for the Who's Who of Russia. Given the Russian adoration for statues and immense monuments, it is a fascinating place. Hunting for the famous graves is almost as much fun as actually finding them. We then return to your ship for the traditional departure ceremony.
On board you'll meet Russian guests, most of whom speak some English! Your counselor can assist as well on the decks as we cruise the Moscow River to the first of 24 locks you'll experience. Or enjoy getting to know them over dinner. Then it is the first night of our UNESCO award-winning entertainment program.
(Included: BLD, 8+ hrs. tours, Entertainment)
Moscow and Departure on the Moscow River
Another great tour of Moscow with the monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake, Swan Lake and Novadevichy Convent . The adjoining cemetery is the last resting place for the Who's Who of Russia. Given the Russian adoration for statues and immense monuments, it is a fascinating place. Hunting for the famous graves is almost as much fun as actually finding them. We then return to your ship for the traditional departure ceremony.
On board you'll meet Russian guests, most of whom speak some English! Your counselor can assist as well on the decks as we cruise the Moscow River to the first of 24 locks you'll experience. Or enjoy getting to know them over dinner. Then it is the first night of our UNESCO award-winning entertainment program.
(Included: BLD, 8+ hrs. tours, Entertainment)
Day 5 - Wednesday, August 24
Town of Uglich
As we cruise the Volga River, keep an eye out for the sunken white church. After breakfast you'll have your choice of enrichment classes on the Russian language, poetry, Pushkin fairy tales, music and a special Getting-to-know you class with your new Russian friends. Ask them anything -- they certainly will ask you all about your life.
We arrive in the afternoon to the town of Uglich with it's open-air wooden architecture, Dmitri on the Blood Cathedral, and watch factory. Take time to explore this charming town and visit the towns people on a walking tour with your counselor and small group.
Open deck cultural show as we depart, and then head for dinner. Sit where you like, with whomever you like. Then, great entertainment.
(Included: BLD, 3+ hrs. docked & tours, 5+ culture program options, Entertainment)
Day 6 - Thursday, August 25
Golden Ring city and villages of Kostroma and Plyos
Our ship docks at the Kostroma port where only river yachts such as ours can dock, next to the park and banks of one of Russia’s most historic towns, Kostroma. It holds a romantic view in Russians as the birthplace of the Romanov Dynasty. Here as well, when Gorbachev declared “perestroika” or the restructuring of the Soviet economy to a free market path, new shops and businesses quickly sprang up in Kostroma. We’ll first take a ferry to the Romanov bequeathed monastery of Ipatiev and then back to the town with its charming center street shops (including some great art galleries where original oils are a bargain), parks and small city life.
Golden Ring city and villages of Kostroma and Plyos
Our ship docks at the Kostroma port where only river yachts such as ours can dock, next to the park and banks of one of Russia’s most historic towns, Kostroma. It holds a romantic view in Russians as the birthplace of the Romanov Dynasty. Here as well, when Gorbachev declared “perestroika” or the restructuring of the Soviet economy to a free market path, new shops and businesses quickly sprang up in Kostroma. We’ll first take a ferry to the Romanov bequeathed monastery of Ipatiev and then back to the town with its charming center street shops (including some great art galleries where original oils are a bargain), parks and small city life.
Plyos (Pleus) – a few hours sailing along the verdant banks of the Volga and the hills turn to forests and suddenly, carved from the forests is the little village of Plyos. So renown for it’s pastoral and wooded vistas from the hills high above Plyos, Russia’s most famous landscape artist Isaac Levitan settled here to paint his masterpieces. The towns people are so friendly and even rent paddle boats to us to explore the shores of the Volga. No doubt your counsellor will take you to a home or two for a tea-party or just a backyard chat to get to know new friends.
Day 7 - Friday, August 26
Makaryev & Nizhny Novgorod (Gorki)
After a good night’s sleep while we cruise at night, you’ll awaken in a land so remote the cares of the world are behind you. And right out the port side windows is a small dock, a grassy area and a huge white monastery of Makaryev. Founded in 1415 AD, it was burned by the Tartars and restored in the 1600s. It was beloved by the royalty and peasants alike with its annual fair. Wander the grounds and then walk the dirt road into the little village where horse drawn carts are not uncommon. Note the homes with a red star on them – homes that have lost a loved one in World War II.
Makaryev & Nizhny Novgorod (Gorki)
After a good night’s sleep while we cruise at night, you’ll awaken in a land so remote the cares of the world are behind you. And right out the port side windows is a small dock, a grassy area and a huge white monastery of Makaryev. Founded in 1415 AD, it was burned by the Tartars and restored in the 1600s. It was beloved by the royalty and peasants alike with its annual fair. Wander the grounds and then walk the dirt road into the little village where horse drawn carts are not uncommon. Note the homes with a red star on them – homes that have lost a loved one in World War II.
Nizhny Novgorod – Heart of Russia’s owners are noted as the first foreigners in 1990 to visit the once closed city of Gorki where the Nobel laureate and dissident scientist Andre Sakarov had been detained. Famous for so many things, Nizhny Novgorod greets you with a magnificent staircase from the wharf to the top of the hill in a sweeping French style. An optional bus carries you to the top where the city begins. Or take the trolley car. Your small group can wander to your hearts content cared for by your Russian guide/translator/counsellor who knows the city and history. View the armory, the fort, and the city.
Day 8 - Saturday, August 27
Yaroslavl -- Ancient Tsarist trading center Part of the Golden Ring group of ancient towns, Yaroslavl was founded in 1010 AD by Prince Yaroslav the Wise. Legend has it the prince stopped at the pagan village, Bear’s Corner, to put an end to pirates attacking Rus ships and adopt Christianity. The locals set a ferocious she-bear on him. The fearless prince killed the beast with a poleaxe. He built a fortress and the city followed. So much to see in this strongpoint of princely power, trade center and outpost for the spread of Christianity in the Russian Northeast.
The downtown has a charming shopping area where you can sample the real-life variety available to today's Russians. Taste their bakery treats and purchase a loaf of bread - a real "slice-of-life" in the city of Yaroslavl.
Yaroslavl -- Ancient Tsarist trading center Part of the Golden Ring group of ancient towns, Yaroslavl was founded in 1010 AD by Prince Yaroslav the Wise. Legend has it the prince stopped at the pagan village, Bear’s Corner, to put an end to pirates attacking Rus ships and adopt Christianity. The locals set a ferocious she-bear on him. The fearless prince killed the beast with a poleaxe. He built a fortress and the city followed. So much to see in this strongpoint of princely power, trade center and outpost for the spread of Christianity in the Russian Northeast.
The downtown has a charming shopping area where you can sample the real-life variety available to today's Russians. Taste their bakery treats and purchase a loaf of bread - a real "slice-of-life" in the city of Yaroslavl.
Day 9 - Sunday, August 28
Myshkin Village
Unaware to a prince while taking a nap, a poisonous snake slithered, ready to strike. Just then a mouse only inches from the princes face, started shrieking. Startled, the prince quickly stood, and saw the snake which retreated. In honor of the mouse saving his live the prince founded the town of Myshkin, Russian for mouse. Myshkin has since made much of this connection to mice in developing its tourist trade, including a Mouse Museum! It is also a quaint provincial city on the Volga. We hope to be able deliver needed gifts to the orphanage there as well.
Myshkin Village
Unaware to a prince while taking a nap, a poisonous snake slithered, ready to strike. Just then a mouse only inches from the princes face, started shrieking. Startled, the prince quickly stood, and saw the snake which retreated. In honor of the mouse saving his live the prince founded the town of Myshkin, Russian for mouse. Myshkin has since made much of this connection to mice in developing its tourist trade, including a Mouse Museum! It is also a quaint provincial city on the Volga. We hope to be able deliver needed gifts to the orphanage there as well.
Day 10 - Monday, August 29
St. Petersburg
We arrive by a high speed train in the morning and begin with a city tour highlighted by the beautiful canals of the "Venice of the North." Note how each canal has its own style of wrought iron fences and railings. We stop at the marvelous Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood Cathedral built to memorialize the death on that spot of Tsar Alexander II who freed the Russian slaves or serfs.
Then on to Peter and Paul Fortress. The fortress houses a cathedral in which the Romanovs are currently buried, as well as an old prison and exhibits with the city's history with founder, Peter the Great. Next is the cruiser Aurora, the ship whose cannon shot signaled for the 1917 communist revolution to begin and the storming of the Winter Palace. You'll also have free time to explore St. Petersburg and her canals.
St. Petersburg
We arrive by a high speed train in the morning and begin with a city tour highlighted by the beautiful canals of the "Venice of the North." Note how each canal has its own style of wrought iron fences and railings. We stop at the marvelous Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood Cathedral built to memorialize the death on that spot of Tsar Alexander II who freed the Russian slaves or serfs.
Then on to Peter and Paul Fortress. The fortress houses a cathedral in which the Romanovs are currently buried, as well as an old prison and exhibits with the city's history with founder, Peter the Great. Next is the cruiser Aurora, the ship whose cannon shot signaled for the 1917 communist revolution to begin and the storming of the Winter Palace. You'll also have free time to explore St. Petersburg and her canals.
Day 11 - Tuesday, August 30
St. Petersburg
Yesterday was a great overview but today we delve deeply into the culture and history. Visit Yusupov's Palace near downtown with its Turkish bath and scaled replica of the Mariinsky Theater where the prince staged operas. In the basement you'll see Rasputin's room and hear of his exploits.
Then on to the magnificent St. Isaac's, a wonder of architecture and opulent design. Amber walls, lapis lazuli and jade columns. Hike to the exterior of the dome. Next is the Tsar's Winter Palace and the Hermitage tour. Because you tour as small groups, you'll have more flexibility and can hear everything! This is a mind-blowing day of grandeur and priceless art.
St. Petersburg
Yesterday was a great overview but today we delve deeply into the culture and history. Visit Yusupov's Palace near downtown with its Turkish bath and scaled replica of the Mariinsky Theater where the prince staged operas. In the basement you'll see Rasputin's room and hear of his exploits.
Then on to the magnificent St. Isaac's, a wonder of architecture and opulent design. Amber walls, lapis lazuli and jade columns. Hike to the exterior of the dome. Next is the Tsar's Winter Palace and the Hermitage tour. Because you tour as small groups, you'll have more flexibility and can hear everything! This is a mind-blowing day of grandeur and priceless art.
Day 12 - Wednesday, August 31
St. Petersburg
We head into the lush green countryside and, as time permits, visit either Catherine's or Pavlovsk Palaces. Opulent opulence to the nth degree. We'll try to get both palaces in. It's a full day's tour although you might make it back in time to see more of the Hermitage collections or take boat taxis to the canals.
We suggest a two-day extension to do this grand city justice. Our agent, Boris, will make sure you get a grand tour extension.
St. Petersburg
We head into the lush green countryside and, as time permits, visit either Catherine's or Pavlovsk Palaces. Opulent opulence to the nth degree. We'll try to get both palaces in. It's a full day's tour although you might make it back in time to see more of the Hermitage collections or take boat taxis to the canals.
We suggest a two-day extension to do this grand city justice. Our agent, Boris, will make sure you get a grand tour extension.
Day 13 Thursday, September 1
Departure
Depending on your departure time, we highly recommend taking the water taxi and explore the ornate St. Petersburg canals. Or return to the Hermitage.
Sadly, say goodbye to your wonderful counselor and Russian friends and in doing so you'll definitely know why we are named "The Heart of Russia" cruise. Fly to USA.
Departure
Depending on your departure time, we highly recommend taking the water taxi and explore the ornate St. Petersburg canals. Or return to the Hermitage.
Sadly, say goodbye to your wonderful counselor and Russian friends and in doing so you'll definitely know why we are named "The Heart of Russia" cruise. Fly to USA.
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