Proctors' Itinerary
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pROCTORS' day-by-Day Itinerary
NOTE: this itinerary is the Moscow to St. Petersburg trip scot & Maureen will be traveling on. see additional trips at the bottom of the page.
Call 801.669.1777 to book your Space
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
Day 6 - Thursday, August 25
Village of Goritsy
After morning enrichment classes and chances to learn the art of Russian crafts and cooking, we'll pass through the Rybinsk Reservoir, arrive soon at the massive Voskresenskiy Monastery with a Russian BBQ. Folk music and dancing. Onshore games and walking tour with counselors. A favorite day for many.
Evening entertainment as always. And time to head to the bar for music, dancing and conversation with friends.
Village of Goritsy
After morning enrichment classes and chances to learn the art of Russian crafts and cooking, we'll pass through the Rybinsk Reservoir, arrive soon at the massive Voskresenskiy Monastery with a Russian BBQ. Folk music and dancing. Onshore games and walking tour with counselors. A favorite day for many.
Evening entertainment as always. And time to head to the bar for music, dancing and conversation with friends.
Day 7 - Friday, August 26
Isle of Kizhi in Lake Onega
Experience more of the mighty lock system along with the verdant banks and forests of northern Russia. You might see an izubr (elk) or other animals on grazing between the red-bark pine forests on shore. We soon arrive at the magical Isle of Kizhi.
Walking tours and history lessons will highlight this stop as you seen the many wooden churches, houses, meeting halls and other historic structures set in this far-north island. Be careful not to overheat your camera in this photogenic stop.
Isle of Kizhi in Lake Onega
Experience more of the mighty lock system along with the verdant banks and forests of northern Russia. You might see an izubr (elk) or other animals on grazing between the red-bark pine forests on shore. We soon arrive at the magical Isle of Kizhi.
Walking tours and history lessons will highlight this stop as you seen the many wooden churches, houses, meeting halls and other historic structures set in this far-north island. Be careful not to overheat your camera in this photogenic stop.
Day 8 - Saturday, August 27
Hamlet of Mondrogui
Stroll the streets of this little village and meet the friendly people of Mondrogui. Your counselor is your translator and helps you find unexpected treasures at this small stop along our route. A party may break out -- we shall see what we can do to help it happen!
Hamlet of Mondrogui
Stroll the streets of this little village and meet the friendly people of Mondrogui. Your counselor is your translator and helps you find unexpected treasures at this small stop along our route. A party may break out -- we shall see what we can do to help it happen!
Day 9 - Sunday, August 28
Sacred Island of Valaam
A breathtaking archipelago in the northern portion of Lake Ladoga. The largest in this chain of fifty islands is also called Valaam. It is best known as the site of the 14th century Valaam Monastery on Valaam Island and for its natural environment. This beautiful stop will not disappoint with our small group walking tour. Church services or Fireside on the ship.
After Lenin took power, bibles were burned, cathedrals destroyed or used as barns and grain elevators. The bells were stolen and melted into cannons. In 1991, we bought a Soviet artillery piece, melted it and cast it into church bells. You'll see the first bell to be restored to a Russian church in the Valaam Monastery.
Sacred Island of Valaam
A breathtaking archipelago in the northern portion of Lake Ladoga. The largest in this chain of fifty islands is also called Valaam. It is best known as the site of the 14th century Valaam Monastery on Valaam Island and for its natural environment. This beautiful stop will not disappoint with our small group walking tour. Church services or Fireside on the ship.
After Lenin took power, bibles were burned, cathedrals destroyed or used as barns and grain elevators. The bells were stolen and melted into cannons. In 1991, we bought a Soviet artillery piece, melted it and cast it into church bells. You'll see the first bell to be restored to a Russian church in the Valaam Monastery.
Day 10 - Monday, August 29
St. Petersburg
We 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 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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NOTE: this itinerary is a sample from Moscow to St. Petersburg
Click below for dates and cruise routes.
Click below for dates and cruise routes.
Dates & Itineraries
Click on the departure date to see the itinerary.
Proctors will be traveling on the August 20 departure but will be there to greet you
on the August 9 and August 31 trips - either at the end or the beginning of the trip.
Proctors will be traveling on the August 20 departure but will be there to greet you
on the August 9 and August 31 trips - either at the end or the beginning of the trip.
Call Elizabeth at 801.669.1777 to book your place