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Step aboard in Moscow
Welcome aboard the 5-star MS AmaKatarina. Relax in your stateroom or explore the city before meeting your fellow travelers at this evening’s Welcome Cocktail Reception. Meals D
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Full day sightseeing
This morning’s tour within the walls of the Kremlin c introduces you to the former royal residence of the Czars and main center of the Russian Orthodox faith. Then enjoy lunch on a day boat as you cruise the Moscow River past the Kremlin. Later this afternoon, your city tour continues in the Red Square c where you will see the Kremlin and Lenin’s Tomb. During free time, visit the iconic St. Basil’s Cathedral or perhaps the GUM, the vast Soviet-Era main department store. Meals B,L,D
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Out and about again in Moscow
Step off ship again this morning and tour 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. You will also visit Bow Hill to see the inspiring WWII Monument. Tonight, you can enjoy an optional excursion to enjoy the Moscow Circus. Meals B,L,D
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Ashore in 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 the finest of them during your escorted city tour. Most notable among them is the magnificent Church of Dmitry on the Blood, dedicated to the tragic story of Ivan the Terrible’s son. Here in Uglich, you’ll also enjoy our exclusive shore excursion… By special arrangement, we’ll take you to visit the home of a local family; it’s a great opportunity to learn about everyday life in the heartland and to experience Russian hospitality first-hand. Meals B,L,D
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Discover ancient Yaroslavl c
Founded in the 11th century by the eponymous Prince Yaroslav the Wise, this is one of Russia’s oldest cities. It stretches along the banks of both 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. Meals B,L,D
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Goritsy
Goritzy is a peaceful farming town and a typical Russian village. Our tour here includes the Monastery of St. Cyril on the White Lake and the Museum of Icons. Return to the ship to sail for Kizhi. Meals B,L,D
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Kizhi Island c
At the northern end of vast Lake Onega, you’ll step ashore on Kizhi Island to tour the renowned Open Air Museum of architecture. See stellar examples of traditional Russian wooden structures including windmills, houses and the 300-year-old Church of the Transfiguration, an onion-domed fantasy with 22 cupolas hand-built with chisels, axes and not a single nail! Meals B,L,D
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Alight in Svirstroy
Svirstroy is just 100 miles from St. Petersburg, but with only 1,000 residents, it feels worlds’ away from Peter the Great’s sophisticated capital. During your visit, you will sample Russia’s popular grilled shashlyk kebabs. Afterwards, you will have some free time to stroll through this unspoiled Russian village and browse for irresistible handmade mementos. Our in-the-know resident staff recommends this as the best place to do your souvenir shopping before reaching St. Petersburg. Meals B,L,D
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St. Petersburg c and the Hermitage
One of Russia’s former capitals, this glorious city built more than 300 years ago by Peter the Great rivals Paris or Venice for its romantic image. After breakfast, enjoy a hydrofoil journey into the heart of town for a fascinating tour of the Hermitage. Founded by Catherine the Great, this legendary museum is a complex of six buildings including the former Winter Palace, and it houses nearly 3 million works of art. After your visit, enjoy lunch in a local restaurant and then set out with your expert guide for an afternoon sightseeing tour of this beautiful city. Among the city’s many architectural treasures, you’ll drive along the Nevsky Prospect and see Palace Square, St. Isaacs Cathedral and the Peter & Paul Fortress. Meals B,L,D
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The Peterhof
This morning, depart by hydrofoil for The Peterhof, St. Petersburg’s most spectacular Imperial Estate. Also known as the “Russian Versailles,” this palatial summer estate was built on the shores of the Gulf of Finland by Peter the Great. Your tour includes the Lower Gardens, the mesmerizing 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 Theater or you may choose to attend a folkloric show. Meals B,L,D
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Tour the Catherine Palace
In the nearby town of Pushkin, the resplendent Catherine Palace was the summer residence of the Russian Czars. Today’s excursion to this opulent royal retreat includes a tour of the Cameron Gallery - which features formal galleries and dining rooms in baroque and neoclassical style. You will also visit the renowned Amber Room; after near complete destruction during World War II and the disappearance of the original panels, this opulent salon has been completely restored with mosaic panels meticulously constructed from multi-colored pieces of amber. Meals B,L,D
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Bid farewell to Russia
Your voyage with us ends this morning when you disembark the AmaKatarina after breakfast. Meals B