Europe Russian Cruise and Coach ITINERARY & PRICES
ITINERARY & PRICES
Russian Cruise & Coach
Tour Departs: 9 July 2012 • Tour Length: 23 Days
Overview:
There is no better way to visit Russia than on a river cruise as our travellers on previous tours over the years will testify to. We start the tour visiting the beautiful Finnish Capital, Helsinki, before cruising to the Estonian Capital of Tallinn. The tour then takes a scenic drive along the picturesque Gulf of Finland to the imperial city of the Czars, St Petersburg. Here we join our Russian River Cruise ship “River Victoria” for 12 nights cruising to Moscow.
Imperial Waterways of Russia Cruise on the “River Victoria”
Completely remodeled in 2011
• All staterooms are outside with private bathrooms, fridge, telephone and TV
• Restaurant with panoramic views
• Observation lounge and 2 bars
• Walk-around open air promenade decks and sun deck
• Internet café, souvenir shop, doctor, laundry service and Serenity River Spa
• On shore excursions included with portable audio headset systems used
St Petersburg (4 nights) – Winter Palace and Hermitage Museum, Catherines Palace
Svir River; Lake Onega
Kizhi Island – open air Museum of Architecture
Volga Baltic Canal, Volga River, Moscow Canal
Goritsky, a typical Russian Village
Yaroslavl, one of Russia’s oldest cities; Uglich and the Cathedral of the Transfiguration
Moscow (3 nights) – Kremlin, Armoury Museum, Red Square, St Basils Cathedral
Come aboard, unpack your bags, relax, and travel in comfort as you enjoy the excellent sightseeing programme included with the cruise.
TOUR COSTS:
Including Outside River View Stateroom:
Per Person Share Twin Room/ Stateroom: NZD $16,350.00 AUD $13,850
Supplement for Single Room/Stateroom: NZD $ 3,450.00 AUD $ 2,795
NB: Supplement for Single Room/Stateroom is based on lower deck stateroom and availability is strictly limited.
Including Outside River View Stateroom With Balcony:
Per Person Share Twin Room/Stateroom: NZD $17,650.00 AUD $ 14,890
Supplement for Single Room/Stateroom: On Request Only
COSTS INCLUDE:
• Economy Class air travel from Auckland/ Wellington/ Christchurch or Sydney/ Melbourne/Brisbane (Business Class available – price on request)
• Prepaid airport/government security charges/taxes and fuel surcharges (as at 01/10/11)
• First Class/ Superior Grade hotel accommodation
• Outside River View Staterooms with or without balcony on “River Victoria
• First Class air-conditioned coach transportation
• Meals as indicated in the itinerary B = Full Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
• Sightseeing and entrance fees as indicated in the itinerary
• Services of a tour director and local guides for touring and sightseeing
• Baggage handling of one suitcase per person
• All tips and gratuities to cruise staff, coach drivers and tour director/local guides
• Fully Escorted
COSTS EXCLUDE:
• Any meals and sightseeing tours not specifically mentioned in the itinerary
• Travel insurance
• Visa Fees
• Items of a personal nature such as room service, laundry, drinks, telephone charges etc
Important – Cancellation Conditions: Due to the cruise content of this tour, we must vary our standard payment and cancellation conditions. These will be detailed in our written confirmation of your booking. Travel insurance will also be offered at this time.
DAY TO DAY ITINERARY
Monday 9 July
Home - Singapore
Today we fly to Singapore for an overnight stay
Tuesday 10 July
Singapore – Helsinki (B)
This morning we enjoy a sightseeing tour of this fascinating Asian City which showcases the contrast between the old and the new and the blend between the East and the West. The afternoon is free and this evening we are transferred to the Airport to join the overnight flight to Helsinki.
Wednesday 11 July
Helsinki (D)
On our arrival into Helsinki, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a 3 night stay. Enjoy the remainder of the day to relax at leisure.
Thursday 12 July
Helsinki (B, D)
This morning, we enjoy a guided City of Helsinki Tour, showing us the most interesting parts of Helsinki, such as the historical centre, the Presidential Palace, City Hall, the Parliament building, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. Stops are made at the Sibelius Monument and when/if possible, at the Temppeliaukio Church (the church in the rock). The afternoon is at leisure.
Friday 13 July
Helsinki (B, D)
Today is a free day. Why not take a stroll along the Esplanade lined with delightful cafes and restaurants; visit the historic Suomenlinna Fortress or the Seurassri Outdoor Museum which provides an insight into Finland’s past. Leave time for bargain hunting in the market square.
Saturday 14 July
Helsinki – Tallinn (B, D)
This morning, we are collected from the hotel and transferred to the Ferry Terminal to join the sailing to Tallin. We have a leisurely cruise across the Gulf of Finland to Tallinn, the capital of the Baltic State of Estonia. On arrival, we are met and transferred to our hotel for a 3 night stay. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Sunday 15 July
Tallinn (B, D)
This morning we take a combined bus and walking tour which is an excellent way to get to know Tallinn. The first leg of this tour is by coach and will take us through the most interesting parts of the city, with stops at the baroque Kadriorg Park, Song Festival Grounds and the seaside district of Pirita. Our local tour guide will give us an insight into Estonian history and contemporary life. Then a walking tour takes us through the winding, cobblestone streets of the Old Town. We cross Toompea Hill, before continuing to the Palace of Toompea that today houses the Estonian Parliament ”Riigikogu”. We also, visit Aleksander Nevskij Cathedral and the Dome Church. Although the Estonians are justly proud of the forward-looking aspect of their capital, there can be no doubt that the Old Town is its ‘crown jewel’ – it is the best preserved medieval town in northern Europe, being added to UNESCO’s World Heritage list in 1997.
In the afternoon there is a visit to the Estonian Open Air Museum Rocca al Mare, located in the beautiful park by the sea about 10 kms from Tallinn. The name of the place comes from the local Baltic-German villa and in the expansive park we will see the 18th -19th century Estonian architecture. Buildings include a local wooden church, village inn, windmills and a water mill. Dinner tonight is served with medieval entertainment in Restaurant Peppersack.
Monday 16 July
Tallinn (B, L, D)
A great day today, with a full day guided tour to Laahema National Nature Park, located approx. 60 kms from Tallinn and covering 480 square kms of typical North Estonia sea coast landscape. During the day tour we visit Palmse and Sagadi manors, the fishing village of Altja and its old inn, Vosu resort, one of the best known resorts in North Estonia located 80 kms from Tallinn, as well as the captain’s village of Kasmu.
Tuesday 17 July
Tallinn – St. Petersburg
Join River Cruise Ship (B, D)
Today’s journey is a scenic drive along the picturesque Gulf of Finland. A stop is made in historic Narv near the border with Russia, before crossing the border and continuing to St. Petersburg, one of the most beautiful cities in the world founded by Czar Peter the Great in 1703. Upon arrival, we join our cruise ship “River Victoria” – our floating home for the next 12 nights. All meals and a range of tours are included during cruise.
Wednesday 18 July
St. Petersburg (B,L,D)
Enjoy a panoramic city tour of enchanting St. Petersburg, taking in all of the majestic sights, such as Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square and Winter Palace, the Church of the Resurrection, St. Issac’s, and so much more. During the evening, be treated to a spectacular Russian ballet at the Alexandrinsky Theatre.
Thursday 19 July
St. Petersburg (B,L,D)
Be amazed as you tour the world-famous Hermitage Museum, which is housed in one of the world’s largest palaces, the Winter Palace. The museum contains over a thousand rooms and features nearly three million works of art by masters including Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. This evening we enjoy the Captain’s Welcome Gala Dinner.
Friday 20 July
St. Petersburg (B,L,D)
Today we travel to nearby Pushkin to visit lavish Catherine Palace and Park, a masterpiece of Russian Rococo architecture unrivaled in luxury and scale. Lunch and dinner are served aboard and the ship departs early evening.
Saturday 21 July
Scenic Waterways & Mandrogi (B,L,D)
Spend a relaxing day cruising along Russia’s intricate waterways. Cruise the Svir River to Mandrogi where you have some time to explore this model Russian community. Visit the reconstructed 18th-century village of Mandrogi, which brings Russia’s past vibrantly to life. Peek inside its wooden houses to observe craftsmen making matryoshkas, lace, and ceramics. Cap the afternoon off with a traditional shashlik picnic.
Sunday 22 July
Kizhi (B,L,D)
Arrive during breakfast at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, see a collection of ancient Russian wooden houses, windmills and churches, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church—a fairy-tale structure built in 1714 without a single nail. After your visit, enjoy scenic sailing on Lake Onega, admiring the tranquil waters of Europe’s second largest lake.
Monday 23 July
Goritsy (B,L,D)
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 at lunchtime in Goritsy, a typical Russian village. Experience how the locals live as you learn how traditions and handicraft techniques are preserved during a visit to the Children’s House of Arts and Crafts. Take in a wood construction workshop, and then stroll the grounds of 14th-century St. Cyrill of the White Lake Monastery.
Tuesday 24 July
Yaroslavl (B,L,D)
Arrive mid-afternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities—ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia’s historical events. Ride along the river banks where you see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Take free time to shop for handcrafted souvenirs and delight in a tasting of local produce at the farmers' market before returning aboard for dinner and an evening departure.
Wednesday 25 July
Uglich (B,L,D)
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. Dimitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible’s son Dimitry was mysteriously killed. Spend some free time browsing the local market area, replete with small shops and the stalls of local artisans. Lunch served aboard; cruise through the night.
Thursday 26 July
Moscow (B,L,D)
This morning, cruise along the Moscow Canal, approaching Moscow during lunch. Disembark for your panoramic city tour which includes the most remarkable city sights, such as Red Square, St. Basil’s Cathedral, Novodevichy (New Maiden) Convent, and impressive Tverskaya Street.
Friday 27 July
Moscow (B,L,D)
Visit the Kremlin, a self-contained 15th-century city with palaces, armories, 15th and 17th century cathedrals and a medieval fortress. Also explore the Kremlin’s Armory Museum, home of treasures from the Czar’s coronation robes to the famous Fabergé Eggs. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure with shuttle bus service provided between the ship and city center. Tonight we enjoy the Captain's Farewell Dinner.
Saturday 28 July
Moscow (B,L,D)
Enjoy an entire day exploring Moscow at your leisure. Return to the sights that caught your eye on your panoramic tour. Shuttle bus service is provided between the ship and the city centre.
Sunday 29 July
Moscow – Singapore (B)
Sadly, our cruise ends this morning after breakfast with disembarkation and we transfer to Moscow Airport in time to join our flight to Singapore.
Monday 30 July
Singapore – Home
Arrival time into Singapore is early morning. We have the day free with hotel rooms reserved at the airport to allow time for rest and relaxation before we continue our homeward journey this evening.
Tuesday 31 July
Welcome Home
Arrive home mid-morning. - Journey’s End!
