Introduction to Russia Uncovered

In recent years interest has increased in the fine concept of utilising a cruise vessel to view Russia’s two main cities and the magical towns along the Russian waterways with their medieval kremlins, fortified monasteries and churches in surroundings remote from the modern world.

Both cities are linked as rivals in history as Moscow, the first capital of Russia from the early 15th century until 1712 when Tsar Peter the Great moved his capital to the newly created city of St. Petersburg on ground that was little more than bleak swamp, did not to regain its status as capital until 1918. The MS Yesenin is our base for this arrangement, connecting these two great artistic centres. As we navigate the Neva, Svir and Volga rivers, lakes Ladoga and Onega, the White Lake and Moscow/Volga canals, the ‘real’ Russia is discovered.

The intricate system of waterways has a beauty that is hard to describe. Serene, peaceful and timeless with silver birch and pine forests, sandy shores, calm flowing water and spectacular late sunsets. In these realms of the ‘White Nights’, calls will be at such historic cities as Uglich, one of the cities of the Golden Ring, Yaroslavl and Goritzy. These magical cities of Holy Russia still preserve their medieval kremlins (citadels), fortified monasteries and churches in surroundings remote from the modern world.

A visit to Kizhi Island in Lake Onega reveals the magnificent Church of the Transfiguration with its 22 shimmering grey domes in three tiers.

Itinerary

Day 1 Fly from Dublin to St. Petersburg via Amsterdam and embark on the MS Surikov.

Day 2 This morning tour the great city of St. Petersburg with its many palaces, once home to the Russian nobility. Drive along Nevsky Prospect, the main boulevard of St. Petersburg lined with shops and baroque buildings. Take a view down Kanal Griboedovea to the Church of the Savior of the Spilled Blood. Pass the Gostiny Dvor (the city’s largest department store), the National Library and the monument to Catherine the Great. In the afternoon visit the Hermitage Museum. The rival of the Louvre in Paris, the Hermitage contains three million exhibits and early collections dating back to Catherine II. The ship departs in the evening.

Day 3 Valaam: Walking tour around the central estate. Visit to Voskrensky and Gefsimansky Hermitages.

Day 4 Mandrogi: Today you visit the picturesque village of Mandrogi, located on the River Svir. Stop on the verdant river bank to enjoy the pleasant scenery and a picnic lunch.

Day 5 Kizhi: This morning the ship stops at the tiny island of Kizhi, located at the northern end of Lake Onega. Your visit of the island includes the open-air Museum of Architecture, housing a collection of restored 18th century Russian wooden buildings, including the breathtaking Church of the Transfiguration that provide a delightful glimpse of Russia’s past.

Day 6 Goritsy: The ship arrives in Goritsy, set in the beautiful countryside. Tour the grounds of the well-preserved 14th century Cyril-Belozersky Monastery, named in honor of its founder, the monk Cyril and one of the most honored saints in the Russian Orthodox Church.

Day 7 Yaroslavl: Yaroslavl, an important Volga port is the next port of call. On your city tour, visit the 17th century Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, an incredible structure filled with frescoes and classic Russian architecture and wander the grounds of the 12th century Savior-Transfiguration Monastery, one of the Volga’s oldest.

Day 8 Uglich: Stop today at picturesque Uglich situated on the right bank of the Volga River. Visit the renowned green-domed Cathedral of Transfiguration perched at the water’s edge. Next, visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Dmitry, the son of Ivan the Terrible, was murdered. This evening join your ship’s captain in a farewell dinner with toast as your river sailing ends.

Day 9 Moscow: Spend the morning relaxing on your cruise ship as you continue your journey en route to Moscow, Russia’s largest city. Upon arrival your city tour includes views of Red Square, the famous brightly coloured onion domes of St. Basil’s Cathedral, the Bolshoi Theatre, the GUM Department Store on Red Square, and Moscow University and other sights.

Day 10 Moscow: Your morning tour takes you to the famous Kremlin, the former seat of the Russian Government and a unique historical, architectural and artistic reserve. Visit one of the cathedrals situated on the grounds of the Kremlin at Cathedral Square.

Day 11 Moscow: After breakfast you will need to check out of your cabin. You will be able to store your luggage onboard (subject to availability). You will now have some free time to do some last minute shopping or sightseeing.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to St Petersburg via Amsterdam or Paris
• Transfer on arrival to the quay to Board your cruiser
• 10 nights onboard for 2 in a lower deck cabin
• Meals on a full board basis
• Entertainment onboard
• The services of a cruise director
• Transfer from the port to the airport
• Return flight from Moscow to  Dublin via Amsterdam or Paris
• Taxes of €220 per person
• Excursions (see below)

Included excursions

• St. Petersburg City Tour
• The Hermitage Museum
• Walking tour of Mandrogi Island (with picnic lunch)
• Kizhi Island Architecture Museum
• Goritsy City Tour with a tour of Cyril-Belozersky Monastery
• Yaroslavl City Tour. Tour of Transfiguration Monastery and Church of Elijah the Prophet
• Uglich: Transfiguration Cathedral & Church of Dimitri on the Blood
• Moscow City Tour
• Visit the Kremlin & a Cathedral

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Non refundable or transferrable booking deposit 10% per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €36 (conditions apply)
• Single Supplement €270 (May, Sept) €320 (Jun-Aug)
• Upper deck supplement €120 per cabin
• Junior Suite Supplement €48 per person per night
• Prices are correct at time of going to press, flight supplements may apply depending on availability of negotiated airfares
• Smoking is only allowed on deck
• There are no phones on board
• There is a small deposit box on board
• We recommend that you bring mosquito agent
• A Russian Visa is required and the Russian Embassy charge €60

Accommodation details

MS Surikov

This superior vessel was built in 1987. Facilities include sundeck, reading and observation lounge, main lounge and bar, shop and single sitting dining room. 48 cabins with private facilities and picture windows on two decks, the Main and Boat (upper) decks. Standard cabins (105 sq. ft) are on the Main and Boat decks and superior cabins (130 sq. ft) on the Main deck only. Junior suites are double the size of standard cabins and suites three times that.

Dates and Prices

Date	Price
21 May 2012	€1,799
10 Jun 2012	€1,929
30 Jun 2012	€1,929
20 Jul 2012	€1,929
09 Aug 2012	€1,929
29 Aug 2012	€2,059
18 Sep 2012	€1,729