With three days each in St. Petersburg and Moscow, there is ample opportunity to explore landmarks including the Hermitage, Pushkin, Red Square and the Kremlin. In between, enjoy a fascinating trip along the Lower Volga to culture-rich cities including Volgograd, Saratov, Samara and Kazan. Guests are also introduced to the quaint riverside villages of Russia's Golden Ring, places only accessible by river cruise. This 16-day voyage is perfect for travelers who have time for a more in-depth Russia experience.

Day 1: St. Petersburg
Welcome to St. Petersburg. We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel.* After check-in, the rest of your day is free.

Day 2: St. Petersburg
After breakfast, travel to the Winter Palace and visit the Hermitage Museum. A city tour features Nevsky Prospekt, St. Isaac's Cathedral and the Peter & Paul Fortress and Cathedral. Tonight, enjoy a performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera. (B, L, D)

Day 3: St. Petersburg
This morning, visit Pushkin and tour the many halls of Catherine's Palace. The rest of the day is free, or take an optional canal cruise through St. Petersburg. (B, L, D)

Day 4: Volgograd
After breakfast, fly to Volgograd (formerly Stalingrad). Board your ship and enjoy a free afternoon. As always, your Program Director can help you plan your free time. Lunch and dinner aboard; remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 5: Volgograd
A half-day city tour features Fallen Heroes' Square, Lenin Square and the historic Panorama Museum. Then, travel to Mamayev Kurgan to see the statue of Mother Russia and Eternal Flame. Return aboard for lunch and afternoon departure. (B, L, D)

Day 6: Saratov
Arrive during breakfast in Saratov. See Trinity Cathedral and take a stroll down the city's main pedestrian mall, lined with shops and cafes, to the covered market. Cruise through the afternoon. (B, L, D)

Day 7: Samara
Cruise through lunch to Samara. Tour Joseph Stalin's World War II bunker, one of the best-kept secrets of Soviet Russia. Visit the small but interesting Samara Art Museum, which houses many 19th- and 20th-century works in a delightful Art Nouveau building, and see where Vladimir Lenin practiced law. Return aboard for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 8: Ulyanovsk
After breakfast, disembark for a city tour of Vladimir Lenin's birthplace and home. See the Lenin House and Lenin Memorial Complex, housing more than 5,000 items. Free time, then lunch aboard. Cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 9: Kazan
Today features a guided visit inside the 'White Kremlin of Kazan.' This UNESCO World Heritage Site features the Annunciation Cathedral, Soyembika Tower, New Mosque and twin-towered Peter & Paul Cathedral. Enjoy free time on Baumann Street. Lunch aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 10: Nizhni Novgorod & Volga River
This morning, visit Nizhni Novgorod, the fourth largest city in Russia, formerly known as Gorky. See its beautiful churches, lively boulevards and majestic, high-walled kremlin set on a hillside above the city. Return aboard for lunch and a relaxing afternoon cruising along the Volga River, taking in the riverside scenery. (B, L, D)

Day 11: Kostroma & Yaroslavl
After breakfast, tour Kostroma and the Ipatievsky Monastery, founded in 1330. Depart just before lunch; arrive this afternoon in Yaroslavl. Ride to the Church of the Epiphany and Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, where you enjoy a choir performance. Spend time in the marketplace before returning aboard for dinner and departure. (B, L, D)

Day 12: Uglich
Here, see the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, with free time to explore. Return aboard for lunch and afternoon cruising. Dine aboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 13: Moscow
Cruise along the Moscow Canal, arriving in Moscow during lunch. Ride on the city's famed Metro and see the Bolshoi Theater and St. Basil's Cathedral with its colorful onion domes. Enjoy free time in Red Square. Dinner is followed by a performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. Remain docked overnight. (B, L, D)

Day 14: Moscow
After breakfast visit the Kremlin, a fortified enclosure of red brick walls, tall towers, many cathedrals and palaces, and the Armory. After a traditional Russian lunch in a local restaurant, take free time or join an optional tour to the Tretyakov Gallery, national treasury of Russian art. Dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 15: Moscow
A full day to experience Moscow on your own. Visit more of the city's renowned sights or join an optional tour to the Golden Ring city of Sergiev Posad. Lunch and dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 16: Moscow
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* (B)