Cruise from St. Petersburg to Moscow
July 29-August 10, 2008

Overview
Itinerary

Overview (Return to top)

Journey through the heart of Russia, beginning in St. Petersburg. Trace the steps of Peter the Great as you encounter his famous replica, The Bronze Horseman, and marvel at one of the world's most impressive art collections in the prestigious Hermitage Museum. Embark on a cruise to the amazing architecture of Kizhi Island, Goritsy and beautiful Yaroslavl. Admire the scenic countryside as you sail the Volga River from Uglich to Moscow. Then, explore the Tretyakov Gallery, and immerse yourself in Russian history at the Kremlin's Armory Museum. Visit Red Square and see iconic St. Basil's Cathedral. In Star City, home to Russia's space program, enjoy a talk with a cosmonaut and an exclusive tour at the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.

Priced from $2,395 plus air
Alumni Holidays, Inc.

For reservations or additional information, contact:
Jan Breitman [jbreitman@alumni.iastate.edu]
Iowa State University Alumni Association
Fisher-Nickell Hall
Ames, Iowa 50011-1370

Phone: (515) 294-6526 direct or (877) ISU-ALUM toll-free
Fax: (515) 294-9402

Itinerary (Return to top)

Day 1
Depart gateway city for St. Petersburg, Russia.

Day 2
Arrive in St. Petersburg, and transfer to the M/S Repin.

Day 3
Excursion: St. Petersburg.  Begin your city tour, which includes St. Isaac's Cathedral and the statue of The Bronze Horseman. Become acquainted with the many monuments, historic buildings, churches and palaces which make St. Petersburg one of Europe's most dazzling capitals. This afternoon, visit the State Hermitage Museum, a part of the splendid Winter Palace built largely by Catherine the Great, containing one of the world's foremost collections of fine art. This evening, enjoy a performance at the Hermitage Theater.

Day 4
Excursion: Petrodvorets Palace.  Visit Petrodvorets this morning. The palace of Peter the Great, it is known for its vibrant gardens and magnificent fountains.
Tonight, attend a festive Russian Welcome Party aboard ship.

Day 5
During a relaxed day of sailing, appreciate the unspoiled beauty of the Neva and Svir Rivers and Lakes Ladoga and Onega.
Excursion: Mandrogi.  A required navigational stop is made in Mandrogi, a small settlement that provides a close-up view of the wooden dachas, or summer homes, and a barbeque lunch.

Day 6
Excursion: Kizhi Island.  The small island of Kizhi on Lake Onega is an outdoor museum of traditional Russian wooden architecture from the 18th century. The familiar onion-shaped domes of its churches were uniquely constructed, shingle by shingle, without the use of nails and are a lasting tribute to the skill of Russian craftsmen. The Church of the Transformation, with its 22 onion domes, is considered one of Russia's most architecturally splendid churches.

Day 7
Excursion: Goritsy.  Arrive at Goritsy, an ancient Russian village closed for many years to western visitors. Discover its treasures, such as the interesting Kirill-Belosersk Monastery.

Day 8
Excursion: Yaroslavl.  Enjoy an overview of this scenic town and a visit to the Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior, one of Russia's richest and best-fortified monasteries in the 16th century. Continue to the Church of Elijah the Prophet, known for its excellent frescoes.

Day 9
Excursion: Uglich.  Enjoy the scenic countryside of the Volga River before arriving in the historic town of Uglich early this afternoon. During a walking tour of the town, visit the grounds of the Old Kremlin; the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, with its cluster of blue spangled domes; and the 18th-century Transfiguration Cathedral.

Day 10
Sail along the Volga River to Moscow.
Excursion: Red Square.  This afternoon, visit Red Square and see St. Basil's Cathedral, considered to be the symbol of Russia.

Day 11
Excursion: Star City.  Journey to Star City for an exclusive tour of the Gagarin Cosmonaut Training Center.
Independent Exploration:  The afternoon is free for sightseeing and shopping on your own.

Day 12
Excursion: Kremlin and State Tretyakov Gallery.  Begin your day with a visit to the Kremlin, the seat of Russia's government. See the Armory Museum, with its collection of jewelry and other valuables collected by the Russian aristocracy. Continue to the State Tretyakov Gallery, which houses one of the finest collections of Russian art in the world.
Tonight, enjoy a Farewell Party aboard ship.

Day 13
Transfer to the Moscow airport for the return flight to your gateway city.