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 St. Petersburg

Arrive in St. Petersburg, "The City of 300 Bridges." We meet you at the airport and transfer you to your ship.* After boarding, you have free time to relax before dinner-or join our "welcome walk" to stretch your legs and start getting oriented. (D)

Day 2 St. Petersburg

Today's excursion goes to Pushkin. Visit Catherine's Palace, the elegant rococo 18th-century 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 aboard for lunch. The rest of the day is at leisure to further explore St. Petersburg. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian ballet or opera followed by a late dinner aboard. (B, L, D)

Day 3 St. Petersburg

This morning, proceed to the Winter Palace to visit the legendary Hermitage Museum, where you marvel at the vast collection of art, antiquities, jewelry and sculptures. After a picnic lunch, see some of St. Petersburg's other landmarks, including St. Isaac's Cathedral, Peter & Paul Fortress and Nevsky Prospekt. Dine aboard and enjoy an optional Russian folkloric performance this evening. (B, L, D)

Day 4 St. Petersburg

Most of the day is free to see the sights that interest you. Visit one of the many palaces, churches or museums, or take an optional morning tour to Peterhof Palace, with its landscaped gardens, beautiful fountains and French Gothic interiors. In the afternoon, explore more of the city or take an optional tour including Yusupov Palace (where Grigori Rasputin met his dramatic end) and a relaxing canal cruise. Lunch and dinner served aboard; ship departs early evening. (B, L, D)

Day 5 Scenic Waterways & Mandrogy

Spend a relaxing day cruising along Russia's intricate waterways. Sail on the Neva River, then cross Lake Ladoga, Europe's largest lake. Cruise the Svir River to Mandrogy where you have some time to explore this model Russian community. Visit the vodka museum or shop for handmade Russian craft items. Continue along the Svir's 139-mile "Blue Route" toward Lake Onega. (B, L, D)

Day 6 Kizhi

Cruise through the early morning, admiring the tranquil waters of Lake Onega, Europe's second largest lake. Arrive during breakfast 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, see a collection of ancient Russian wooden houses, windmills and churches, highlighted by the famous three-tiered Preobranzhenskaya (Transfiguration) Church-a fairy-tale structure built in 1714 without a single nail. Depart late morning and cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 7 Volga-Baltic Waterway & Goritzy

Continue 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. Arrive at lunchtime in Goritzy, a typical Russian village. Here, visit the renowned Kirillov-Belozersky Monastery, founded by Saint Cyril in 1397; a guided walk takes you through the historic grounds, seeing many small wooden chapels, the Assumption Cathedral and a museum. Return aboard for an afternoon departure. (B, L, D)

Day 8 Yaroslavl

Arrive midafternoon in Yaroslavl, one of the Golden Ring cities-ancient towns that preserve the memory of Russia's historical events. Ride along the river banks where you see the Church of the Epiphany. Then, visit the Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, featuring detailed frescoes and icons. Here, you are treated to a traditional choir performance. Take free time to shop for handcrafted souvenirs before returning aboard for dinner and evening departure. (B, L, D)

Day 9 Uglich

After breakfast, disembark for a walking tour through the provincial village of Uglich, another Golden Ring city. 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. Lunch served aboard; cruise through the night. (B, L, D)

Day 10 Moscow Canal & Moscow

This morning, cruise along the Moscow Canal, approaching Moscow during lunch. Disembark for a half-day city tour. See the famed Bolshoi Theater and stop at Red Square for a view of the colorful onion domes of St. Basil's Cathedral. You will also get the chance to explore the famous GUM Department Store and experience the city's Metro. Enjoy an evening performance of traditional Russian folkloric music followed by a late dinner on board. (B, L, D)

Day 11 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 half-day 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 12 Moscow

The morning is free to relax and explore-you may wish to make your way to Red Square and people-watch or visit Lenin's Tomb. This afternoon, you tour the world-famous Kremlin. See its many tall towers and elegant palaces, and tour inside one of the brightly colored cathedrals. Return aboard for a farewell dinner. (B, L, D)

Day 13 Moscow

After breakfast, disembark and we take you to the airport for your return flight.* (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.