Thinking of Russia, two great cities immediately come to mind: Moscow and St. Petersburg. This monumental 13-day itinerary includes multiple days in both cities, touring such landmarks as Moscow's Kremlin and Red Square as well as Catherine's Palace in Pushkin and the Hermitage in St. Petersburg. But, there is another side of Russia-quaint riverside towns like Yaroslavl, Uglich and Goritzy that only a river cruise can provide. See opulent palaces, discover fortified monasteries and visit beautiful cathedrals. It is an unforgettable way to experience the history and culture of this unique and mysterious country.

Day 1 Moscow
Welcome to Moscow. We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner. (D)

Day 2 Moscow
Relax this morning and enjoy an early lunch before your half-day tour of Moscow. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral and a visit to the famous GUM Department Store. You will also get the chance to experience the city's Metro. Stay in the city center for an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music. (B, L, D)

Day 3 Moscow
Today you have a full day to further explore Moscow's many buildings, parks and monuments. Or you may choose from several optional experiences-a full-day excursion to Sergiev Posad, a Golden Ring city named for the greatly venerated St. Sergius of Radonezh, to see one of the four most important Russian Orthodox monasteries in Russia; a morning tour to Tretyakov Gallery, the world's foremost museum of Russian fine art; an afternoon tour of the Military Museum; or an afternoon tour of Novodevichy Convent, Moscow's best-known cloister and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lunch is served aboard, or included in your full-day excursion. Dine aboard, then relax-or take an optional Moscow by Night tour. (B, L, D)

Day 4 Moscow & Moscow Canal
After breakfast, travel to the city's famous red brick enclosure known as the Kremlin. See its many tall towers and elegant palaces, and tour inside one of the brightly colored cathedrals. Enjoy a scenic cruise along the Moscow Canal after lunch as we depart the city. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Uglich
Cruise through the morning and, after lunch, disembark for your walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, one of the Golden Ring cities-ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia's historical events. See the former Kremlin of Uglich and visit the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, built on the site where Ivan the Terrible's son Dmitry was mysteriously killed. Depart before dinner; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Yaroslavl
Arrive this morning in Yaroslavl, another Golden Ring city. Ride along the river banks where you will see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring wonderfully detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a traditional choir performance. Take free time to shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning to your ship for lunch and departure. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Goritzy & Volga-Baltic Waterway
Arrive this morning in Goritzy, a typical Russian village. From here, you visit the renowned Kirillo-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397. Your guided walk takes you through the historic grounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Return to your ship for lunch and an afternoon departure. Spend the remainder of the day cruising along the Volga-Baltic Waterway. This system of rivers and canals, spanning 229 miles and seven locks, links the Volga River with the Baltic Sea. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Kizhi
As you cruise through the morning, admire the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe's second-largest lake. Arrive late afternoon at the island village of Kizhi. Set out on a walking tour through the Open Air Museum of Architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you see a collection of wooden houses, windmills and churches representing ancient Russian architecture, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church. This fairy-tale structure was built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart in the evening and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Scenic Waterways & Mandrogy
Spend a relaxing day cruising across Russia's intricate waterways. Sail along the scenic Svir River, sailing the 139-mile "Blue Route" as it takes you southwest from Lake Onega. Stop in Mandrogy and take time to explore this model Russian community. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. Continue along the Svir, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest lake, on your way to the Neva River. All meals served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 10 St. Petersburg
Sail on the Neva River into St. Petersburg early this morning and embark on a city tour after breakfast; see noted sights including St. Isaac's Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. After a picnic lunch, visit the Winter Palace to tour the world-famous Hermitage Museum. Marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. Dine aboard, then relax or attend an optional evening folkloric performance. (B, L, D)

Day 11 St. Petersburg
Today's tour goes to Pushkin. Visit Catherine's Palace, the elegant rococo summer residence of the Russian Czars, named for Catherine I (widow of Peter the Great). Tour its various halls, including the storied Amber and Agate Rooms, and see the ornate decor throughout. Return to your ship for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg, "The City of 300 Bridges." This evening, attend a ballet performance, followed by a late supper aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 12 St. Petersburg
You have the day free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums. Or, you can take an optional tour or two-a morning tour of Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors, and an afternoon tour of Yusupov Palace (where Grigori Rasputin met his dramatic end) and a relaxing canal cruise. Lunch and dinner are served aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 13 St. Petersburg
After breakfast, disembark and we will take you to the airport for your return flight.* Or, extend your journey into another country with 3 nights in Helsinki, Finland, the "White City of the North." (B)

The following meals are included:
B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

*Airport meet & greet transfers included when air is purchased from Viking River Cruises.