When you think of Russia, two cities immediately come to mind-Moscow and St. Petersburg. During this journey you spend multiple days and nights in both cities, touring such landmarks as Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square as well as Pushkin, Peter & Paul Fortress and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. But, there is another side of Russia that only a river cruise can take you to-the villages and quaint towns along these Waterways of the Czars, like Yaroslavl, Uglich and Goritzy. See grand monuments and opulent palaces, discover fortified monasteries and beautiful cathedrals, and experience the history and culture of this amazing country-all from the comfort of your ship.

Day 1: Moscow
Welcome to Moscow. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (D)

Day 2: Moscow
This morning, explore the city with a half-day tour of Moscow. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral. You will also get the chance to experience the city's Metro. Stay in the city center to enjoy a meal prepared by the ship's chef and an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. (B, L, D)

Day 3: Moscow
After breakfast, travel to the city's famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. See its many tall towers, brightly colored cathedrals and elegant palaces. Tour inside the Armory, home to a collection of royal jewels, crowns and armor. Enjoy lunch in a local restaurant before returning to your ship. This afternoon is yours to explore Moscow or you can join an optional tour to the Tretyakov Gallery, the world's foremost museum of Russian fine art. Dine aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Moscow & Moscow Canal
This morning is free to further explore Moscow. Or join one of our optional tours including one to Sergiev Posad, a quaint Golden Ring city. The Golden Ring cities are ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia's historical events. Sergiev Posad, named for the greatly venerated St. Sergius of Radonezh, is home to one of the four most important Russian Orthodox monasteries in Russia. Your ship departs after lunch for a scenic cruise along the Moscow Canal. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Uglich
Cruise through the morning and after lunch, disembark for your walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, another city in Russia's Golden Ring. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible's son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Depart before dinner; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Yaroslavl
Arrive this morning in Yaroslavl, another Golden Ring city. Ride along the river banks where you will see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring wonderfully detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a traditional choir performance. Take free time to shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning to your ship for lunch and departure. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Goritzy & Volga-Baltic Waterway
Arrive this morning in Goritzy, a typical Russian village. From here, you visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. Your guided walk takes you through the historic grounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Return to your ship for lunch and an afternoon departure. Spend the remainder of the day cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Kizhi
As you cruise through the morning, admire the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe's second-largest lake. Arrive late afternoon at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture. Here, you see a collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church. This fairy-tale structure was built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart in the evening and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Scenic Waterways & Mandrogy
Spend a relaxing day cruising across Russia's intricate waterways. Cruise along the scenic Svir River, sailing the 139-mile 'Blue Route' as it takes you southwest from Lake Onega. Stop in Mandrogy and take time to explore this model Russian community. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. Continue along the Svir, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest lake on your way to the Neva River. All meals served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 10: St. Petersburg
Sail on the Neva River into St. Petersburg. After a morning arrival, visit to the Winter Palace to tour the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. Have lunch in a local restaurant followed by a city tour. See noted sights including St. Isaac's Cathedral and Nevsky Prospekt, and visit Peter & Paul Fortress. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera followed by a late dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 11: St. Petersburg
Today's tour goes to Pushkin. Visit elegant Catherine's Palace, the rococo summer residence of the Russian Czars, named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber Room, and see the ornate decor throughout. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg; you may choose to take an optional canal cruise through the city. Dinner is served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 12: St. Petersburg
You have the day free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums. Or, you can take the optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors. Lunch and dinner are served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 13: St. Petersburg
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)