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RUSSIAN WATERWAYS

A Fully Escorted Tour  23 JUNE - 04 JULY 2012 
 

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Click here additional tour documentation
 

 

 

12 Night cruise aboard the luxury vessel MS AMAKATARINA, including the Golden Ring Cities, 3 nights Moscow and 3 nights St Petersburg.

 

Enjoy a spectacular voyage through the heart of Russia, along its colourful and historic waterways.  Explore bustling and exciting Moscow, then cruise north and visit the enchanting Golden Ring cities of Uglich, Kostroma and Yaroslavl. Continue along the Volga-Baltic Waterways and through Europe’s two largest lakes, Onega and Ladoga to St. Petersburg, one of the world’s most beautiful cities, spread over 101 islands and 66 canals.

 Your cruise ship, the spacious 212-passenger MS AmaKatarina was completely redesigned and rebuilt in 2010-2011 and is the newest addition to the AmaWaterways fleet.  Over 70 percent of her cabins have outside balconies.

 

 

 



ITINERARY


DAY 01
SATI 23 JUNE
D
ARRIVE IN MOSCOW  – EMBARKATION

 

 

  Arrive in Moscow and embark the ship. Relax in your stateroom or explore the city before meeting your fellow travelers at the Welcome Cocktail Reception.
DAY 02
SUN 24 JUNE
B, L, D
MOSCOW
Enjoy a visit to Russia’s oldest museum, the Armoury Museum, which houses the former royal collection of treasures, including jewels, crowns, armour, royal carriages, and the world famous Fabergé eggs.
 

Visit the Kremlin grounds, where you will see the Czar Bell and the Czar Cannon.

Enjoy your lunch on a day boat as you cruise the Moscow River. 
 

Tour Moscow, Russia’s capital and its heart and soul.  Your tour begins with Red Square, where you will see the Kremlin and Lenin’s Tomb.   During free time, visit the iconic and colourful St. Basil’s Cathedral or perhaps GUM, the vast Soviet-Era main department store. 

During an optional guided walking tour, make your way over the pedestrian Bagration Bridge.  Enjoy a view of Red Square, which offers a spectacular view of the city. 

With its fantastic illuminations, grand parks and monuments, Moscow by night is indeed a memorable visual kaleidoscope

 

DAY 03
MON 25 JUNE
B, L, D
MOSCOW
Visit to the Tretyakov Gallery, which houses the foremost collection of Russian fine art in the World, showcasing more than 130,000 exhibits.  After lunch, continue your tour of the Moscow Metro system, easily the most architecturally extravagant subway system in the world.  Many of the stations are adorned with chandeliers, sculptures and frescoes more reminiscent of a palace than a metro station.  Conclude your tour with a visit to Old Arbat Street, Moscow’s main pedestrian street and gathering place for various youth movements.
DAY 04
TUES 26 JUNE
B, L, D
UGLICH
Located on the banks of the Volga, Uglich was founded by merchants in  1148. Rich in history, Uglich is home to some of Russia’s most beautiful churches and cathedrals, and you’ll see a sampling during your city tour. The most noteworthy include the Chambers of Prince Dimitry and the magnificent Church of Dimitry on the Blood, dedicated to the tragic story of Ivan the Terrible's son.  Uglich is also the site of an AmaWaterways exclusive shore excursion. You’ll visit the home of a local Russian family, learning about everyday life in Uglich, as you enjoy a home-cooked meal and sample Russian hospitality first-hand.
DAY 05
WED 27 JUNE
B, L, D
YAROSLAVL
Founded in 1010 by Prince Yaroslav the Wise, this is one of Russia's oldest cities, tracing its roots back to the Vikings. The city stretches for miles along the confluence of the Volga and Kotorosl Rivers. Explore the city’s history through its architecture, including the fortified 12th-century Transfiguration Monastery and the Yaroslavl Museum of Russian Art, the former residence of the Governor of Yaroslavl.
DAY 06
THUR 28 JUNE
B, L, D
GORITSY
Goritsy is a peaceful farming town and a typical Russian village.  The tour includes the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake and the Museum of Icons. Return to the ship to sail for Kizhi.
DAY 07
FRI 29 JUNE
B, L, D
KIZHI
Kizhi is an island that is situated at the north end of Lake Onega and home to some of the most amazing wooden architecture in Russia.  Forever linked to Novgorod the Great, the style of architecture reflects its early introduction to Christianity.  In 1764 locals built the Church of Intercession, its towering walls and 22 domes, without the use of a single nail. Your walking tour includes the Museum of Wooden Architecture.
 

 

DAY 08
SAT 30 JUNE
B, L, D
SVIRSTROY
Svirstroy is 160 km (100 miles) from St. Petersburg with a population of only 1,000.  Enjoy some free time to stroll through this unspoiled Russian village and browse for irresistible handmade trinkets. This is the best place to do souvenir shopping before reaching St. Petersburg.

DAY 09
SUN 01 JULY
B, L
ST. PETERSBURG
One of Russia's former capitals, this city rivals Paris or Venice for its romantic image. Dating back to the beginning of the 18th-century, it was built to the exact specifications ordered by Peter the Great. The city is home to many museums, galleries, palaces, impressive squares and streets. Your sightseeing tour of this beautiful city shows you Nevsky Prospect, Palace Square, St. Isaacs Cathedral and the cruiser Aurora.  After lunch, visit The State Hermitage, one of the oldest and largest Museums in the world. Founded by Catherine the Great, the museum is a complex of six buildings, including the former Winter Palace, and houses nearly 3 million works of art including the largest collection of paintings in the world. Tonight, join your fellow passengers for an optional folkloric show.
DAY 10
MON 02 JULY
B, L, D

ST. PETERSBURG
Tour St. Petersburg’s most spectacular Imperial Estate, Peterhof.  Also known as the “Russian Versailles,” the palace was built on the shore of the Gulf of Finland by Peter the Great, initially as a resting place en route to the Imperial Naval base.  Your tour includes the Lower Gardens, the Grand Cascade and Samson Fountain, commemorating Russia’s victory over Sweden during the Great Northern War. This evening, you will experience a night of traditional, Russian ballet at the Hermitage Theatre.

DAY 11
TUES 03 JULY
B, L, D
ST. PETERSBURG
Today visit the nearby town of Pushkin, where Catherine’s Palace was the summer residence of the Russian Czars.  The tour of the interior of the Cameron Gallery features state rooms and dining rooms in Baroque and Neoclassical style, and most notably, includes a visit to the reconstructed Amber Room.  Then, choose an optional tour. Visit one of the four palaces in St. Petersburg which was owned by Felix Yusupov.  This historical place is connected with the assassination of Rasputin, a mysterious figure in Russian history.  The palace is a beautiful example of St. Petersburg’s early 19th century architecture. Alternatively, enjoy a visit to St. Isaac’s Cathedral and see the dome that dominates the skyline of St. Petersburg.  The church itself is an architectural marvel and was under construction for over 40 years.  Today, St. Isaac’s Cathedral serves as museum, holding services only on holidays. 
DAY 12
WED 04 JULY
B

ST. PETERSBURG
Transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.

NAUTICAL SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO WATER LEVELS, CRUISING CONDITIONS AND ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

      pp sharing dbl Sgl Supp

Cabins cat. F 

Std.cabin with window, Deck 4

110 sq ft

3,980.00 1,800.00

Cabins cat. E 

Std.cabin with window Decks 3 & 4

135 sq ft

4,232.00

1,939.00

Cabins cat. D

Superior cabin with 2 windows

205 sq ft

4,610.00

2,149.00

Cabins cat. C

Deluxe cabin with balcony Deck 3

238 sq ft

5,240.00

2,499.00

Cabins cat.

Deluxe cabin with balcony Deck 2

238 sq ft

5,420.00

2,599.00

Cabins cat. A

Deluxe cabin with balcony Deck 1

238 sq ft

5,600.00 2,699.00

Cabins cat. BS

Bolshoi Suites Deck 2 & 3

280 sq ft

5,870.00 5,698.00

Cabins cat. MS

Mariinsky Suites Deck 2 & 3

320 sq ft

6,320.00

6,198.00

Cabins cat. HS

Hermitage Suites  Deck 1

270 sq ft

6,500.00 6,398.00
Cabins cat. IS  Imperial Suite 432 sq ft

8,480.00

8,480.00
         

Single accommodation on a request basis and limited to 10 percent of the passengers travelling.

There is a Guaranteed Share Program on this cruise.  If a single passenger does not want to pay the single supplement, they can book a shared cabin in category B.  If another single (of the same sex) also requests a guarantee shared cabin, they would share.  Apparently, most of the time, the second person does not materialize and the first passenger will travel as a single, but pay the sharing rate.

A HANDLING FEE OF USD35 PER TRANSACTION WILL BE CHARGED FOR ANY ALTERATION OR REVISION MADE TO A CONFIRMED RESERVATION.

 INCLUDED IN PRICE:

  • 11-nights Cruise Accommodation in an Outside Cabin - most with balconies
  • All Meals on board; Early-riser Coffee, Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Free-flowing Wine, beer and juice with every Dinner on board the Ship
  • Bottled Water in cabins replenished daily
  • Cocktail Reception & Welcome Dinner
  • Home Visit with Russian Family
  • Sightseeing, excursions and entrances as per itinerary
  • Ballet Performance at the Hermitage Theatre, the Private Theatre of the Czars
  • Special highlights including lectures, Russian language classes, theme dinners, cooking demonstration, onboard music performances and afternoon/evening piano
  • Physician on board
  • All English Language onboard in a non-smoking Environment (except Sun Deck)
  • All local Taxes

In addition to above standard cruise inclusions

  • Services of Pannell’s Tours tour leaders
  • Pannell’s Tours travel bag, luggage labels and postage
  • All Gratuities (Cruise Director, Ship’s Crew, Cabin Staff, Shore Tour Guides & Drivers)

 

NOT INCLUDED IN PRICE:

  • Flights
  • Port Charges of US$231 per person
  • Private Airport/Ship/Airport transfers on days 1 and 12 (US$30 pp per transfer)
  • Visa costs
  • Insurance

 

Final price subject to possible increase in prices of taxes and fuel levies

   

OPTIONAL TOURS

 

MOSCOW:  Moscow by Night, Circus, Russian National Show “Kostroma”

ST PETERSBURG:  Folklore Show, St Isaac’s Cathedral,  Yusupov Palace

These tours can be purchased only on board and are subject to change.

 

13 Strombolis Village, N2, Harkerville | P.O.Box 444, knysna , 6570, South Africa
Tel: +27(0)44 532 7882 | Fax: +27(0)44 532 7781 | info@pannells.com

© Pannells Tours 2009