River Cruise Itinerary

1. Day 1
   St. Petersburg

   Fri, Jul 16, 2021

   Arrive in St. Petersburg, "The City of 300 Bridges,” then transfer to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (Dinner)

   ^{* Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.}
2. Day 2
   St. Petersburg

   Sat, Jul 17, 2021

   This morning, proceed to the Winter Palace to visit the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you can marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculpture. Return on board for an early dinner, followed by an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

3. Day 3
   St. Petersburg

   Sun, Jul 18, 2021

   Today's excursion goes to the Pushkin area where you visit Catherine Palace, the elegant rococo 18th-century summer residence of the Russian tsars named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate decor throughout. After lunch, embark on a city tour; see noted sights including St. Isaac's Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. Dine on board and enjoy an optional Russian folkloric performance this evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

4. Day 4
   St. Petersburg

   Mon, Jul 19, 2021

   Most of the day is free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, admiring its landscaped gardens and beautiful fountains. In the afternoon, you may choose to join an optional kommunalka visit to get a glimpse of these communal living spaces or take an optional tour of St. Petersburg from the water. Lunch and dinner are served on board as we depart early this evening. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

5. Day 5
   Mandrogy

   Tue, Jul 20, 2021

   Spend a relaxing day cruising Russia's intricate waterways. Sail the Neva River, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest lake. Cruise the Svir River to Mandrogy where you have some time to explore this museum village. Visit the Vodka Museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. For a truly immersive experience, try an optional visit to a banya, a traditional Russian sauna. Or, on board your ship, take the opportunity to witness and participate in the art of matryoshka doll making. Continue along the Svir's 139-mile "Blue Route” toward Lake Onega. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

6. Day 6
   Kizhi

   Wed, Jul 21, 2021

   During breakfast, dock at Kizhi Island, located on Lake Onega, Europe's second largest lake. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, see a collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous 3-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church, a fairy-tale-like structure built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart Kizhi in the late morning and enjoy the scenery as you continue cruising through the rest of the day. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

7. Day 7
   Kuzino

   Thu, Jul 22, 2021

   We continue 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. Arrive in Kuzino, a typical Russian village. Take a guided walk through the historic Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. See several small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. You will also have the opportunity to visit a children's school in Kuzino or the local Merchant House. Return on board for an afternoon departure. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

8. Day 8
   Yaroslavl

   Fri, Jul 23, 2021

   Arrive midafternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities that preserves the memory of Russia's historical events. Tour this ancient town rich in monuments and visit the covered food market, where you may shop for handcrafted souvenirs. During your free time, you may visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Return to your ship for dinner and an evening departure. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

9. Day 9
   Uglich

   Sat, Jul 24, 2021

   After breakfast, disembark for a walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, another Golden Ring city. 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. Then a local family invites you into their home for tea and friendly conversation. Lunch is served on board the ship; cruise through the night. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

10. Day 10
    Moscow

    Sun, Jul 25, 2021

    This morning, cruise along the Moscow Canal, approaching Moscow during lunch. Disembark for a half-day city tour. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the brightly colored St. Basil's Cathedral. You also get the chance to explore the famous GUM Department Store and experience the city's Metro. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music followed by a late onboard dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

11. Day 11
    Moscow

    Mon, Jul 26, 2021

    Today you have a full day to further explore Moscow's many buildings, parks and monuments. This morning, you may want to join a half-day optional excursion to Tretyakov Gallery, the world's foremost museum of Russian fine art. Lunch is served on board the ship. This afternoon you may choose to take an optional Jewish Moscow tour, visiting key sites within Moscow that illustrate the history and spirit of the Jewish people who settled there. Dine on board, then relax, or take an optional Moscow by Night tour. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

12. Day 12
    Moscow

    Tue, Jul 27, 2021

    After breakfast, travel to the city's famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. Go behind its walls to see historic gems like Tsar's Cannon and Tsar's Bell, and tour inside two cathedrals. The afternoon is free to relax and explore. Perhaps join an optional tour of Moscow's oldest museum, the Kremlin Armory, which originated as the royal arsenal in 1508. Or, you may wish to spend some time people watching in Red Square or visit Lenin's Tomb. You may also choose to visit the Cosmonaut Museum to see displays about the history of space exploration. Return to your ship for a farewell dinner. (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)

13. Day 13
    Moscow

    Wed, Jul 28, 2021

    After breakfast, disembark and proceed to the airport for your return flight.* Or take some extra time in Russia with a 2-night Moscow extension. (Breakfast)

    ^{* Ground transfers are included with Viking Air purchase.}

Inclusions

13 Days 10 Guided Tours / 1 Countries

Daily Shore Excursions: 10 included guided tours
Port Charges: Included on all itineraires

Ship Information

Cabins

Life on Board

Questions & Answers