Cruise from Moscow to Sankt-Petersburg: Adventure along three rivers, Moscow, Volga and Neva

CRUISE ON THE GREAT RIVERS OF RUSSIA
SEASON 2011
MOSCOW - UGLICH - GORITSY - KIZHI - MANDROGI - SANKT PETERSBURG

Ship Description 
The motor ships built in Germany and commissioned in 1990 are modern river vessels equipped with the latest navigational aids. They have been constructed to provide maximum comfort and safety on rivers, major lakes, waterways and reservoirs. Each ship features all outside staterooms with large picture windows and private facilities. Each cabin has individual temperature controls and air conditioning. The dining rooms offer Russian and Continental cuisine. Ample deck spaces allow for unobstructed views. Aboard each ship you'll find a small shop, pleasantly appointed bar, music salon, theater and beauty salon. The deck plan varies slightly with additional Sun Deck cabins. 

ALL CABINES ARE EQUIPPED WITH SHOWER, TOILET, AIR-CONDITIONER

CITIES & TRIPS

MOSCOW
Spend three unforgettable days in the capital of Russia and admire numerous treasures of its history and present days and enjoy its beauty!
City tour (Briefly)
Stop at St. Sofia Embankment of the Moskva-river; The Bolshoy Stone Bridge; stops at Cathedral of Christ the Savior and Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts; the new monument to Peter the Great; Gorky Park; stop at New Maiden Convent; observation platform of Sparrow (Lenin) Hills; Viktory Park and Poklonnaya Hill with World War II Memorial; Kutuzov Avenue; White House.
Kremlin
The former residence of Russian czars, an architectural ensemble of unique beauty, which took shape between the 15-th and 20-th centuries. Cathedral Square - the center of the Kremlin with the 15-th century Assumption Cathedral, the main church of Russia, the 15-th century Annunciation Cathedral, the private church of Russian czars and the 16-th century Cathedral of the Archangel, the burial place of the czars. On the ground of the Kremlin there are famous Czar Cannon of the 16-th century and Czar Bell of the 18-th century.
Optional tours
The Armoury Chamber
The treasury of Russian Czars with unique collections of gold and silver items of the 12-19th centuries, Russian arms and armour of the 12-16th centuries, the state regalia, thrones, carriages and coronation dressers of the 16-19th centuries, as well as ambassadorial gifts of the 16-19th centuries
State Tretyakov Art Gallery
It is a national museum of Russian founded in 1856 by Peotr Tretyakov. The collection with its 100 thousand exhibits includes 5,000 works of ancient Russian art and world famous paintings by Russian and Soviet artists as well as sculptures and examples of graphic art.
Moscow by night &Metro
Photo stops at St. Sofia Embankment of the Moskva-river, the Bolshoy Stone Bridge; driving along the Cathedral of Christ the Savior, Pushkin Museum of Fine Arts, the new monument to Peter the Great; Gorky Park; photo stop at the New Maiden Convent; observation platform of Sparrow (Lenin) Hills; short stop at Poklonnaya (Bow) Hill with World War II Memorial; driving along Kutuzov Avenue; White House and the Kremlin; stop at the Red Square.
During the Moscow by night excursion you will be taken to Moscow underground stations, make two or three rides and see four or five stations (the most beautiful ones). Each station was to be different from the others and designed in an original manner.
The early lines opened in 1935 were the most successful in this respect. In the early fifties the luxuriously appointed and excessively decorated Circle line was built. The Komsomolskaya Station, serving the three railway station, is the most extreme, with its heavy gilt and ceiling mosaics depicting leaders on the mausoleum in Red Square.

UGLICH
Founded in 1148, Uglich is one of the most beloved towns in old Russia. The view of the town as it is approached from the Volga River is especially lovely with the Cathedral of the Resurrection and St.John’s Church looming on the horizon.
At the end of the 16th century, Maria Nagaya, seventh wife of Ivan the Terrible, lived in honorary exile in the Kremlin at Uglich. It was here in her garden that the Tsarevich Dmitry met his death and where the Church of St.Demitrius of the Blood was built and still stands today. Within the Kremlin is the oldest building in Uglich, the Palace of Tsarevich Dmitry.

YAROSLAVL
Stretching for 18 miles on both banks of the Volga, Yaroslavl is an important Volga port with a population of 600,000. It was founded in the 11th century by Prince Yaroslav the Wise and today retains many noteworthy monuments of its colorful past.
Of special interest is the magnificent 13th-century Spassky Monastery ensemble, a group of majestic 17th century cathedrals, an elegant rotunda and remnants of an ancient trading center. Loveliest of all is the Church of Elijah the Prophet, situated in the town’s central square. The frescoes on the walls and vaulting inside the church constitute a veritable museum of old Russian paintings.

GORITSY
- is a tiny settlement seven kilometers from the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery. Visit what remains of the Nunnery of the resurrection on the banks of the Sheksna River in Goritsy, within a quarter of a mile of where the ship stop, will be interesting for any tourist with a real interest in Russian history

KIZHI
Via the Volga/Baltic canal, our cruise takes us to the tiny island of Kizhi, located at the northern end of lake Onega. Renowned for its open-air Museum of Architecture assembled from various areas of the country and restored to form a glimpse of the past.

MANDROGI
Green Stop.. In the village there are some structures built according to the Russian fine traditions of wooden architecture. Village dwellers meet the quests and organize something special for them. There is a museum of Russian Vodka where tourists can get acquainted with the history of Russian vodka industry ( payment on the spot). Remeslennays Sloboda, walking in the picturesque woods.

SANKT-PETERSBURG
- created by Peter the Great to rival Venice, its 101 islands, 66 canals, and hundreds of bridges have secured its reputation as the most beautiful city in the country. While your ship is docked in port, you’ll enjoy daily sightseeing tours. You will see the Nevsky prospect’s shops, cafes and theatres, and you will tour the impressive St.Isaac’s, the city’s large cathedral, now a museum of elaborate icons and artworks. We will spend time in the world famous hermitage Museum, formerly the Winter Palace, home of the last six czars. A treasure trove of three million exhibits, its 320 halls display DaVincis, Rembrandts, Titians, Micheleangelos, French impressionists and North American artists.
City Tour
Brief description of what you will see during city tour *( outside view): Nevsky Prospect,Palace Square and Winter Palace+, Spit of the Vassilievsky Island, University Embankmant, Main Building of the State St.Petersburg University, Admiralty, Senat Square, Monument to Peter the Great (Bronze Horseman), St.Isaak's Cathedral and St.Isaak's Square, Field of Mars+ and Summer Gardens+, Cruiser Aurora, Smolny Cathedral.
Hermitage Museum
One of biggest museums of the world, founded 1764; its collection includes over 2.7 million items, including masterpieces of Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Roden, Rembrandt, Rubens, French impressionists, etc. Gala room of the Winter Palace, a former royal residence.
Optional tours
Petrodvoretz (Peterhof)
The imperial summer residence on the Gulf of Finland, 29 km from the city.
At the beginning of the 18th century palaces were built and parks with fountains laid under the order of Peter the Greate to commemorate the victory of the Russian army over the Sweden near Poltava. The highest fountain of Petrodvorets depicting Samaon (21 m) was built as a symbol of the victory 25 years after the battle. The tour of the Big Palace includes gala halls, residential rooms and suites. Here art pieces of the 18th and 19th centuries such as paintings, clocks, chandelles, dinners sets and decorative lacquer panels are displayed.
Pushkin (Tsarskoe Selo)
Located 29 km south of St.-Petersburg. the construction of the Catherine the Great started in 1717. A park in the French style was laid out around it. In the middle of the 18th century Tsarskoye selo became the official royal residence.
Not far from the Catherine’s palace there is the Lycem where the great poet Alexander Pushkin studied. The Lyceum is open for visitors.
Usupov Palace
Built for the Yussupov family, which was considered the richest noble family in Russia, the palace is a fine example of Russian architecture of the 2nd half of the 19th century. Its facade is executed in the classical style. Its interiors, including state rooms, palace theatre, private rooms of the Yussupov family are decorated with the works by Rembrandt and Rubens, French tapestries and porcelain, Venetian mirrors and wood carvings. The palace is also interesting from the historical point of view. It was in the palace basement that Grigory Rasputin was assassinated in 1916. Today there is an exposition recreating atmosphere of the assassination in the basement 

Day 1 Moscow
Embarkation

Day 2 Moscow
City tour incl. visit to New Maiden Convent

Day 3 Moscow
Kremlin & Cathedral

Day 4 Uglich
Cathedral of the Resurrection and Dmitry Blood’s Church

Day 5 Goritsy
Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery

Day 6 Kizhi
Open-Air Museum of Wooden Architecture

Day 7 Mandrogi
Free time

Day 8 St. Petersburg
City tour incl. visit to Peter&Paul Fortress

Day 9 St. Petersburg
Hermitage

Day 10 St. Petersburg
Disembarkation

Parties on board
- Welcome cocktail;
- Barbeque "shashlik" with wine and entertainment;
- Russian dinner with champagne and folklore!;
- Cakes and tea in a Russian family at Göritz!;
- Party with caviar and champagne!;
- Farewell dinner with vodka and champagne, offered by the Captain.

The rate includes
- Accommodations in all outside cabins, each with private bathroom facilities, individual temperature control and large picture window
- Three meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) per day in the ship's restaurant with the same menu for all passengers irrespective of cabin category; meal service begins with dinner on day of embarkation and ends with breakfast on day of disembarkation.
- Captain’s welcome Cocktail Reception
- Gala farewell Dinner aboard
- Full sightseeing programs in each of the ports of call, transfers for groups upon arrival/departure.
- Luggage handling to/from the ship
- Lectures, provided by our guides
- Russian language and song lectures
- Nightly entertainment and dancing.
- Daily aerobics
- Tour of the ship’s bridge.
- Orthodox cruise director and staff.
- Port taxes
- Transfers

The rate does not include
- Baggage: excess baggage, forwarding of baggage/ souvenirs.
- Luggage handling in the airport
- Insurance
- Visas
- Gratuities: gratuities for Cruise director, ship’s crew members, guides and drivers are not included and are at passenger’s discretion.
- Private transfers 

OPTIONAL TRIPS
IN MOSCOW
- BOLSHOI THEATER - FROM 90 TO 200 EURO
- CIRCUS - 55 EURO
- ARMORY MUSEUM (DURING THE VISIT TO THE KREMLIN) - 40 EURO
- NOVODEVICHY CONVENT + CEMETERY - 25 EURO
- NOVODEVICHY CONVENT + ARBAT - 25 EURO
- ZAGORSK (SERGIEV POSSAD) - 50 EURO
- KOLOMENSKOYE - 30 EURO
- PUSHKIN FINE ARTS MUSEUM - 35 EURO
- THE TRETYAKOV GALLERY - 30 EURO
- ARBAT TOUR + METRO - 23 EURO
- MOSCOW BY NIGHT - 25 EURO
- NATIONAL RUSSIAN SHOW - 40 EURO
IN SAINT PETERSBURG
- ST. ISAAC’S CATHEDRAL - 36 EURO
- RUSSIAN MUSEUM - 32 EURO
- PETRODVORETZ WITH BIG PALACE - 51 EURO
- PAVLOVSK - 38 EURO
- PUSHKIN - 43 EURO
- ST. PETER AND ST. PAUL FORTRESS - 33 EURO
- YUSSUPOV PALACE + BOAT RIDE - 55 EURO
- FOLKLORE - 39 EURO

Visa for Russia
- Passport (copy and original), 1 photo, medical insurance (copy and original), voucher and travel documents (signed and stamped).
The visa is obtained in less than 5 working days. We are not liable if the authorities refuse any tourist visa application, visa fee can not be returned.

General conditions of registration and withdrawal
At the registration there must be paid an advance of 50% of the total package rate, the difference is to be paid at least 30 days before departure; in case of withdrawal, these penalties apply:
- With more than 30 days prior to departure: penalty 50% / person;
- Between 30 to 21 days before departure: 65% / person;
- Between 20 to 14 days before departure: 80% / person;
- Less than 14 days: 100% / person.

Important
We are not responsible if the authorities refuse to receive the tourist in their territory or not allow to leave the territory. Under regulations that recently took effect, minors should meet the following requirements to be allowed to leave the country: to travel with at least one accompanying adult, to carry the legalized consent of both parents (or of the parent who does not accompany). We reserve the right to amend the amount relating to airport charges and visa fees, in case they are imposed by third parties (airline company, the Russian Federation Consulate).

TRAVEL TIPS
AIR-CONDITIONING
The vessel is fully air-conditioned and you can set the controls to suit your personal requirements. Please note that the air-conditioning only works properly when the windows and doors are closed.
ALL ABOARD!
Each time the ship is scheduled to set sail, there will be an all aboard time. Passengers are requested to be on board ship and in possession of their cabin key and turn in your boarding pass by all aboard time.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
The announcements will be made for all the main daily events: meals, entertainment program, shore excursions
BARS
We kindly ask you not to bring drinks with you to the bars.
BOARD GUIDES
Each group on board the ship will be accompanied by a board guide who will assist the tour leader of the group on board and accompany the guests during the shore excursions. In case the clients are traveling as individual travelers or the group doesn’t have an own tourleader our board guides will act as the tourleaders
CABINS
All cabins feature the following facilities:
- Air conditioning
- Fridge
- Shower
Television sets are only available in the suites (televisions for public viewing are situated in the bars). There are no safes in the cabins.
Approximate sizes of cabins are: Double cabin on Upper deck
2.15 x 4.65 meters
Double cabin on Main deck
2.10 x 4.00 meters
Double cabin on Boat deck
2.15 x 4.65 meters
All cabins have 1280 x 880 mm windows (suites have three windows, other cabins have one.) There are two categories of the suite cabins: old and new. Old suites have a double bed which cannot be separated (cabins 431, 432). New suites are equipped with 2 separate beds which can be moved together. All other cabins have twin beds (or single beds) which fold into the wall during the day and cannot be pushed together.
CABIN KEYS
You get a key of your cabin at the reception upon your arrival onboard. Leaving the ship for land, don’t forget to leave the key at the reception and pick up your boarding pass.
CREW AREA
Please also respect the wishes of the crew in the private area provided for them.
CRUISE DIRECTOR
The Cruise Director/Hotel Manager of the shipping company is at your service during the journey. He/She will be happy to provide any additional information you require.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
We are not able to offer a money-changing service on board as this would be contravening official regulations. Please use the official change offices at the harbors.
DAILY PROGRAMME
A sheet with the next day’s program will be placed in your cabin each day. It will contain information about starting times and other events as well as a timetable for all on-board services.
DECK CHAIRS
There are plenty of chairs on the sun deck.
DIETS
Special dietary requests such as vegetarian, low salt and low cholesterol should be made to your agnecy at least six weeks prior to departure. However, we recommend that you contact the Maitre d’ once on board to reconfirm such requests. We regret that the ship is unable to guarantee special requests and is not equipped to prepare or serve kosher or halal cuisine.
DISABLED FACILITIES
The ship is not designed for those with severe mobility restrictions or wheelchair dependent passengers and is unable to accept wheelchairs, motorized scooters, or walkers. Cabin bathrooms have high thresholds which must be stepped over. Additionally, most shore excursions involve some walking and some excursions are walking tours only. There are no elevators or chair lifts aboard.
DISEMBARKATION
All guests should vacate their cabins not later than 09:00 am on the day of disembarkation. The cabins are not at your disposal after that time.
Please put your suitcases in front of the cabin’s door – your luggage will be delivered to the transfer bus. The time of the transfer will be announced in the daily program. If the guests are not willing to participate at any of the optional tours before the transfer they can stay on board until the transfer time – there are open public areas on board the ship.
DOCTOR
A doctor and a sick room are available on board. First aid is provided free of charge. However you will need to pay for any medicines prescribed by the doctor.
DRESS
On board ship there is no requirement for formal dress. It is advised that you take comfortable and practical clothing, light cotton garments for hot days and warm woollens for cooler weather. Please do not forget to pack a warm jacket and some waterproofs in case of inclement weather. Smart/casual attire is recommended for the Captain’s Dinner – a jacket & tie for gentlemen and a dress for ladies will be fine. No “black tie” is necessary.
DRINKING WATER
It is recommended that you do not drink the tap water from your cabin. Bottled water is available for purchase from the bar.
ELECTRICITY
The current throughout the ship is 220 volts. Sockets are continental-style (two round pins). Please do not use 110-volt appliances without the necessary converter, as they will burn out. A prong adaptor is also needed. The electrical outlet above the basin in the bathroom is to be used only for electric shavers.
ELEVATOR
Please note that there are no elevators or chair lifts onboard.
EMBARKATION
The embarkation will effect after your arrival onboard. The cabins are at your disposal after 2 p.m. If the guests are coming earlier they can wait their time of embarkation at the public areas. Please, ask our Cruise Director about your time for the transfer. For a check-in please provide the passports and vouchers.
E-MAIL
Not available for the tourists, but in case of emergency tour Director/tour leaders may use it.
ENTERTAINMENTS PROGRAMME
A varied entertainments program is offered every day in the Lounge.
FACILITIES
- Bars, restaurants.
- Observation lounge
- Concert/lecture room
- Doctor and nurse
- Hairdresser
- Laundry
- Massage
- Sauna
- Souvenir shop
HAIRDRESSER
There is a ladies/gents hairdressing salon on board. If you require the hairdresser’s services, please make an appointment. Charges are displayed on board.
HAIRDRYER
There are no hairdryers on board, please, bring your own.
INSURANCE
Please take advice about travel insurance from your Company.
LAND EXCURSIONS
Details of all land excursions will be included with your travel documents. If you need any further information, please contact the Cruise Director.
LANGUAGE
English, Russian. But there can be also some groups with other languages (French, Japanese, Dutch) – please accept this fact with understanding.
LAUNDRY
Laundry service is available and is handled by your cabin stewardess. For a laundry price list contact the Reception Desk. Please, fill in the form; place your laundry and form on the bed. Payment is made directly to your cabin stewardess in dollars, euros (cash).
LIBRARY
There is a small library on the upper deck in the TV salon.
LIFE JACKETS
Can be found under your bed or in the closet. In an emergency put them on and follow the instructions of the crew.
LOST AND FOUND
Lost property is to be handed in and collected at reception.
MAIL
You can hand in any mail at reception. It will be posted at the next stop.
MEALS
All meals are served in one sitting, i.e. all passengers eat together. Please consult the day program for exact times. The food, while not gourmet, is simple but substantial and features many local specialties. Special dietary requests such as vegetarian, low salt and low cholesterol should be made to the Company (in writing) in advance. However, we recommend that you contact the Hotel Manager once on board to reconfirm such requests. We regret that the ship is unable to guarantee special requests and is not equipped to prepare or serve kosher or halal cuisine.
MEDICINES
If you require any special medications, please make sure you have sufficient supplies before leaving home. The on-board doctor has supplies
for emergencies. Should any such medicines be required, a small fee will be charged.
MOORING
Docking space is allocated by the local river authorities. On occasion other river cruise vessels may dock alongside the ship. This may restrict cabin views, and you may find that embarking and disembarking necessitates walking through another ship's reception area, and/or for their passengers to do the same.
OPTIONAL EXCURSIONS
During your cruise you will have the opportunity to book optional excursions. A list of available excursions and prices will be available on board the ship. Please note that the payment for the optional tours is accepted in cash only (Euros, USD, Rubels).
PAYMENT
The following methods are accepted in payment for your on-board account: Euro, Roubles, USD, credit cards (Visa & Master Card). Please note that the ship is unable to accept any form of Travellers Cheques or Personal Cheques at all.
PETS
Pets are not allowed on board.
PHOTOGRAPHY
Photography is generally allowed in most areas except for military installations and some museums. Further guidance will be given on board. For some museums and other sights you will need to purchase a permit to film and take photographs. Prices vary between Euro 2-10.
PORT ADDRESSES
St-Petersburg
River Port, 195 Obykhovskoy Oboroni
Metro Proletarskaya
Moscow
North River Port, 51 Leningradskiy Highway
Metro Rechnoy Vokzal
RECEPTION
Reception is open from 07:00 till 21:00 during the cruise and from 07:00 till 24:00 while in Moscow and St. Petersburg.
SAFE
There is no safe on board the ship.
SAFETY ON BOARD
Please read the ‘Safety on board’ brochure in your cabin.
SAUNA
There is a sauna on the lower deck . Should you require the sauna, please, don’t hesitate to ask the Reception Desk.
SERVICING OF CABINS
There is no room service for meals or drinks. Making beds, changing towels, etc. always takes place during morning hours. Bed linens will be changed every three days. Towels on the rack mean you will be using them again. Towels in the basin will be changed.
SHIP’S ACCOUNT
All expenditure in the bar and restaurant are added to the ship’s account. At the end of the cruise the closing invoice will be presented to passengers for settlement. Kindly note that if you wish to use a credit card, your bill must be paid on the last day before arrival to Moscow or St.Petersburg ( depends
on the cruise direction); any purchases made after this must be settled by cash. Please carefully review your shipboard bill upon checkout. All other services eg shore excursions, laundry, beauty salon, etc must be paid for in cash at the time of service
SHOP
There is a souvenir shop on board. It offers textiles, scarves, jewellery, tobacco, caviar and spirits. There are also local crafts – painted boxes and of course the famous Matroshkas (doll in doll) plus postcards, stamps, toiletries, route maps etc. (Subject to availability). Please check opening times on board.
SHOWER
There is private ‘wetroom’-style bathroom with shower , which is equipped with soap. The shower-head extends from the basin (but can be attached to the wall) and is separated from the lavatory by a shower curtain; however there is nothing on the floor separating the shower from the rest of the
room. While taking the shower don’t forget to draw the curtain.
STEPS AND STAIRCASES
BEWARE! Several of the staircases aboard are rather steep and those outside on decks can be extremely slippery when wet. ALWAYS USE HANDRAILS (where fitted) and be particularly careful in the area of the gangway.
TELEPHONE
There is a telephone on board, possible to buy cards on reception deck. Approximate price for this year is Euro 15 for 3 min.
TIPPING
In common with international customs, it is normal to tip staff. The amount of your tip is left to your discretion and should be seen as a
reward for good service. Crew: subject to your satisfaction and to show appreciation for a job well done, we recommend a gratuity of ˆ10 per person, per day. Local Guides/Drivers: if you enjoyed the services of your local guide and driver, a 1-2 per person per tour tip will be appreciated.
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Before leaving home, please inquire about the entry regulations for the various countries included in your cruise.
VISITORS
Visitors are not normally allowed on board. Exceptions may be allowed in special circumstances. Please consult the Cruise Director.
WAKE UP CALL
If you would like an early-morning alarm call, please notify reception.
WINDOW
To open the cabin window press the metal button in the middle of the handle and pull down. Please be sure to close the window while in a port and in the evening to prevent insects in when the light is on.