Top to Bottom: St. Basil's Cathedral, Moscow; Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg; MS Repin; Church of the the Transfiguration, Kizhi; Kremlin, Moscow

12 Days • 29 Meals
Take a fascinating cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow along Russia’s scenic rivers, lakes and canals, linking the Baltic Sea to the Black Sea. Explore the heartland of Russia via centuries-old waterways as historic villages and famous cities welcome you!

Cruise from St. Petersburg’s Hermitage Museum to Moscow’s Kremlin!
The picturesque Russian countryside and its rich cultural heritage gently unfolds as you cruise through the Karelian Republic in northwest Russia. Cruise to the “doorstep” of old world towns and small villages as you discover magnificent architecture, open air museums and traditional Russian life.

Welcome Aboard the MS Repin
Arrive in St. Petersburg, Russia and board the MS Repin, your home for the next 10 days. Built in Austria for cruising the unique waterways of Russia, this 210 passenger river ship was totally refurbished in 2004. This fully air-conditioned first-class ship features comfortable furnishings with outside facing cabins on three decks, private bathroom with shower and large picture window for watching the passing scenery. The MS Repin’s public areas include an inviting restaurant, serving a variety of continental and regional specialties, a lounge with live entertainment, three bars, a concert hall and a wide promenade deck as well as a sun deck.

St. Petersburg – Venice of the North
St. Petersburg, which celebrated its 300th birthday in 2003, is the second largest city in Russia and one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Situated on the banks of the Gulf of Finland, the city was founded by Peter the Great in 1703. From 1712 until 1918, it served as the capital of the Russian Empire. With its five million inhabitants, and because of its many canals, bridges and architectural beauty, St. Petersburg is often referred to as the "Venice of the North." Your city tour includes Nevsky Prospect, St. Isaac's Cathedral, Palace Square, the Bronze Horseman monument of Peter the Great, Smolny Monastery and more. Also visit the renowned Hermitage, the winter palace of the czars, one of the world’s greatest museums, which boasts over three million artifacts spread out over 365 rooms and features an amazing collection from early Greek to modern times.

Join us for an optional cultural performance or excursions to one of the two impressive Winter Palaces, either Pavlovsk or Catherine’s Palace, followed by a visit to Petrodvorets, famous for its fountains powered only by the force of gravity.

Mandrogi - Quaint Wooden Houses and Hand-Crafted Works
Cruise from St. Petersburg along the Neva River and cross Lake Ladoga, Europe’s largest lake before arriving at Mandrogi, situated on the Svir River. This quiet village is the perfect place to observe the simple Russian daily life. Enjoy a unique picnic lunch in a village setting, with a glass of local wine and entertainment.

Kizhi Island – Lake Onega - A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Visit Kizhi and discover their outdoor museum, which represents the picturesque rural wooden architecture of the region. Its most famous landmark, the restored 18th-century Church of the Transfiguration with its 22 shimmering cupolas, is an outstanding masterpiece of wooden architecture.

Goritsy - Traditional Russian village
Tour the grounds of the well-preserved 14th-century Cyril-Belozersk Monastery named in honor of its founder the monk Cyril, one of the most honored saints in the Russian Orthodox Church.

Yaroslavl - The “Florence of Russia”
Cross the impressive Rybinsk Reservoir before arriving in the ancient city of Yaroslavl, founded by Yaroslav the Wise in the 11th century. In the 17th century, Yaroslavl was the largest trade and industrial city in Russia. A city tour includes the 12th century Transfiguration of the Savior Monastery and the Church of Elijah the Prophet, which houses the famous Yaroslavl and Kostroma frescoes.

Uglich - Ancient Town on the Volga River
Fine Russian Orthodox churches and a cathedral rise up along the banks of the Volga River as you approach Uglich, Russia's second oldest city founded in 937AD. This historic city has a troubled and violent past. Visit the renowned green-domed Cathedral of Transfiguration as well as the Church of St. Demitrius of the Blood, where the Russian crown prince Dmitri, son of Ivan the Terrible, was assassinated.

Moscow - The Heart of Russia
From Ivan the Great to the Romanov’s, Gorbachev, Yeltsin and Putin, the capital city of Moscow remains the center of Russia’s power and culture. Founded by Prince Jurij Dolgoruky in 1147, this metropolis of eight million people is not only the seat of the Russian government, but also home to many world renowned attractions. Your exciting city tour features Red Square, renowned St. Basil’s Cathedral, and the GUM Department Store, a visit to the impressive Kremlin grounds and cathedrals. Explore on your own or join one of the optional excursions to the Armoury Museum or the Tretyakov Gallery.

Hotel Accommodations
Days Two through Twelve – Outside Cabins aboard the MS Repin

All Cabins are outside cabins and have two twin beds with large picture window, private bathroom with shower, individually controlled heating and air-conditioning.