The Imperial Charms of Russia

Return economy flights from London Heathrow are included in the price of your holiday.
Founded by Peter the Great, St. Petersburg was the capital of the Russian Empire for more than 200 years. Nicknamed Venice of the North, the historic centre, threaded with canals dotted with baroque bridges, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. You will be met and transferred from the airport to MS Rossia, where a warm welcome awaits from your crew. Tonight enjoy your first dinner with your fellow travellers.

Meals Included: Dinner

After breakfast, your guided bus tour will take you along the Nevsky Prospect, the main boulevard of St. Petersburg. You will pass the Gostiny Dvor (St. Petersburg largest department store), the National Library and the monument to Catherine the Great, the sights of the Church of the Savior on the Spilled Blood, the Kazan and Saint Isaacs Cathedral. Tonight, your Captain is delighted to host a welcome cocktail with sparkling wine.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day will start with a visit to the Hermitage Museum. Rival to the Louvre in Paris, the Hermitage Museum is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Formerly the Winter Palace and home of the Tsars, the museums collection comprises of nearly three million exhibits including the largest collection of paintings in the world and early collections dating back to Catherine II.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day is yours to continue exploring the main sights and attractions of St. Petersburg or just enjoy and relax on board of MS Rossia.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we visit the picturesque village of Mandrogi located on the River Svir. The charming landscape is dotted with colourful izbas wooden houses with finely carved roofs and window frames. The town also offers many of opportunities for you to admire items of Russian handicrafts, such as pottery and Today we visit the picturesque village of Mandrogi located on the River Svir. The charming landscape is dotted with colourful izbas wooden houses with finely carved roofs and window frames. The town also offers many of opportunities for you to admire items of Russian handicrafts, such as pottery and the famous matryioshka dolls. You will also have free time to enjoy some of Mandrogis other attractions, like the Vodka Museum, which contains thousands of different brands and types of one of Russias most famous exports.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you will cruise Lake Onega, Europes second largest lake, and arrive at the small island of Kizhi. You will be taken on a walking tour through the Kizhi Architectural Ensemble, housing a collection of restored 18th century Russian wooden buildings, including the breath-taking Church of the Transfiguration. Built in 1714, the structure of the Church was built without a single nail.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we arrive in Goritsy, a typical Russian village set in the most scenic countryside. Take a coach from the ship to the Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery. Founded in 1397, by Cyril, one of the most honoured saints in the Russian Orthodox Church, the monastery houses the Assumption Cathedral and many ancient icons, which were loved by Ivan the Terrible.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Founded in the 11th century by Yaroslav the Wise, the ancient city of Yaroslavl retains many monuments of its noteworthy and colourful past. Your walking tour will take you through the historic center, a World Heritage Site, which is located at the confluence of the Volga and the Kotorosl Rivers. Visit the 17th century Church of St. Ilya the Prophet, an incredible structure filled with frescoes and classic Russian architecture, then wander the grounds of the 12th century Saviour-Transfiguration Monastery, one of the oldest along the Volga.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day starts with a visit to Uglich, one of most beloved towns in Old Russia, which is part of the Golden Ring around Moscow. Throughout its 1000 year history, the town has been used by various Monarchs including Ivan the Terrible as a base for attacks on the Tatars and Poles. During your walking tour you will visit the renowned green-domed Cathedral of Transfiguration. Then, visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, which was built on the site where Dmitry, the youngest son of Ivan the Terrible was murdered. This evening, the Captain will host a farewell dinner.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Welcome to Moscow, Russias capital city on the banks of the Moskva River. The citys architecture is a reflection of its 860 year old history with many reminders of both its imperial and Soviet past. A sprawling metropolis, Moscow is the financial and political centre of Russia with a population of around 13 million inhabitants. You will have a city tour where you will have a chance to see Moscows main highlights, including the sights of the Red Square, where you can see the brightly colored St. Basil Cathedral from the outside, sights of the Lenin Masoleum and the State Historical Museum.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have one of the biggest highlights to your tour, a visit to the Kremlin Grounds. For many people the symbol of Moscow and indeed Russia, the Kremlin is the former seat of the Russian Government and a unique historical, architectural and artistic reserve. During a stroll around the Kremlin Grounds you will see the majestic Cathedral Square which still retains its original form. Then, you will have a tour of the State Armoury, which houses priceless weaponry, jewels and royal artefacts. In the afternoon, you will visit the Cosmonautics museum.
EmeraldPLUS: Visit to the State of Armoury
EmeraldPLUS: Visit to Cosmonautics Museum

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport.

Return economy flights from London Heathrow are included in the price of your holiday.

Meals Included: Breakfast