DISCOVER RUSSIA ON A LUXURY CRUISE

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1 DISCOVER RUSSIA ON A LUXURY CRUISE * Return flights from Australia to Russia 11 night Luxury River Cruise journey aboard the MS Rossia All tipping & gratuities Home to airport transfers (Adelaide metro area only) 13 breakfasts (B), 13 lunches (L) & 12 dinners (D) Visit the Hermitage Museum in St Petersburg Visit the picturesque village of Mandrogi on the River Svir Admire the tranquil water of Lake Onega Explore the Open Air Museum of Architecture in Kizhi Island Visit Goritsy, a typical Russian village Discover the monuments in the ancient city of Yaroslavl Visit Uglich one of the most beloved towns in Old Russia Visit the Church of St Dmitry on the Blood Explore Moscow, Russia s capital city Enjoy a tour of Moscow, visiting Red Square & St Basil s Cathedral Visit the Kremlin Grounds & the State Armoury

2 The MS Rossia offers one of the best ways to discover Russia, sailing from St Petersburg to Mo scow with only 244 Guests onboard. This luxurious 5 deck vessel has 1 restaurant and 2 bars. Inclusions on your Luxury River cruise include airport transfer to and from the ship, All tipping and gratuities, Port taxes and charges, and the services of an Emerald Waterways tour director throughout the cruise. Excursions that are included are a Guided Bus tour of St. Petersburg, a Tour to the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, a Visit to Mandrogi, a Tour to the Open Air Museum of Architecture in Kizhi Island, a Visit to the Kirillo- Belozersky Monastery, a Tour to Yaroslavl, a Visit to Uglich, a Guided Tour of Moscow and a Visit to Kremlin Grounds. St Petersburg is a world-class destination and Russia's second largest city, with a population of more than 5 million perched at the eastern tip of the Baltic Sea and the Neva River. This is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places on earth and virtually any building in the large historic centre, threaded with canals dotted with baroque bridges, can be considered an attraction and indeed, it is a UNESCO World Heritage site. This is a magical city, with a long list of major attractions. Its Hermitage Museum, housed in the Winter Palace of the Romanov Dynasty, is both one of the world's greatest and oldest collections of art, treasure, and antiquities, and one of its most beautiful buildings. Moscow is the 869 year-old capital of Russia. A truly iconic, global city, Moscow has played a central role in the development of Russia and the world. For many, the sight of the Kremlin complex in the centre of the city is still loaded with symbolism and history. Moscow was the capital of the former Soviet Union and signs of its previous life are very visible even now. Yet, there's more to Russia and its capital than just memories of the USSR. Architectural gems from the time of the Russian Empire are still dotted throughout Moscow, whilst signs of modern Tsars (or at least people with similar levels of wealth) abound. You will have a city tour where you will have a chance to see Moscow s main highlights.

3 Your Russian adventure begins today with a flight from your homeport to the city of St Petersburg, Russia. Welcome to Russia! On arrival at St Petersburg Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. 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. Cruise: MS Rossia ship (11 nights) 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 Isaac s Cathedral. Tonight, your Captain is delighted to hos t a welcome function where you will receive a cocktail with sparkling wine. Your day will start with a visit to the Hermitage Museum. Rival to the Louvre in Paris, the Heritage Museum is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world. Formerly the Winter Palace and home of the Tsars, the museum s collection comprises of nearly three million exhibits including the largest collection of paintings in the world and early collections dating back to Catherine II. 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. Today we visit the picturesque village of Mandrogi located on the River Svir, part of the Valaam Islands an archipelago in the northern part of Lake Ladoga, Europe s largest lake. The charming landscape is dotted with colourful izbas wooden houses with finely carved roofs and window frames. The town also offers many 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 Mandrogi s other attractions, like the Vodka Museum, which contains thousands of different brands and types of one of Russia s most famous exports.

4 Today you will cruise admiring the tranquil water of Lake Onega, Europe s second largest lake, and arrive at the small island of Kizhi. You will be taken on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, 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. 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. 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. 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 onboard your cruise. Welcome to Moscow, Russia s capital city on the banks of the Moskva River. The city s 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 Moscow s 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 Historial Museum. In the afternoon, you will visit the Cosmonaut museum.

5 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 tour of the State Armoury, which houses priceless weaponry, jewels and royal artefacts. After breakfast, it is time to farewell your fellow passengers and disembark the ship for your transfer to the airport. Arrive back in Australia today. May: 25 Jul: 8 Sep: 1 Summer: From $7,950 pp twin share Autumn: From $7,690 pp twin share From $5,150 per person Upgrade your cabin aboard the MV Rossia to an Upper Deck Cabin and enjoy even more panoramic views from your cabin as you cruise around Russia. From an extra $250 per person twin share Single supp: Add $250 per person Explore the stunning scenery of the Lower Danube River after your cruise through Russia. You ll fly from Moscow to Bucharest, the capital of Romania. After a night s stay, board your river cruise vessel for a cruise down the Lower Danube River. Visit Veliko Tarnovo - the former capital of the Bulgarian empire, then sail to Vidin, the most eastern city in Bulgaria. Discover the Viminacium Archaeological Excavation Site & Museum before travelling to Belgrade, Osijek and on to the spectacular city of Budapest. This tour extension is only available with our 8 July departure. Contact us for more details.

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