MOSCOW KREMLIN & KREMLIN CATHEDRALS – the Kremlin has always been perceived as a symbol of power and might of the vast Russian lands. Each era of Russian history left it’s architectural mark on the Kremlin; within the Kremlin walls there are many architectural monuments, churches, cathedrals, museums, etc.

Founded in 1148, Uglich is one of the most beloved towns in old Russia. The view of the town as it is approached from the Volga River is especially lovely with the Cathedral of the Resurrection and St.John’s Church looming on the horizon. At the end of the 16th century, Maria Nagaya, seventh wife of Ivan the Terrible, lived in honorary exile in the Kremlin at Uglich. It was here in her garden that the Tsarevich Dmitry met his death and where the Church of St.Demitrius of the Blood was built and still stands today. Within the Kremlin is the oldest building in Uglich, the Palace of Tsarevich Dmitry.

Stretching for 18 miles on both banks of the Volga, Yaroslavl is an important Volga port with a population of 600,000. It was founded in the 11th century by Prince Yaroslav the Wise and today retains many noteworthy monuments of its colorful past. Of special interest is the magnificent 13th-century Spassky Monastery ensemble, a group of majestic 17th century cathedrals, an elegant rotunda and remnants of an ancient trading center. Loveliest of all is the Church of Elijah the Prophet, situated in the town’s central square. The frescoes on the walls and vaulting inside the church constitute a veritable museum of old Russian paintings.

Goritsy is a tiny settlement seven kilometers from the Kirillo-Belozersky monastery. Visit what remains of the Nunnery of the resurrection on the banks of the Sheksna River in Goritsy, within a quarter of a mile of where the ship stop, will be interesting for any tourist with a real interest in Russian history.

Via the Volga/Baltic canal, our cruise takes us to the tiny island of Kizhi, located at the northern end of lake Onega. Renowned for its open-air Museum of Architecture assembled from various areas of the country and restored to form a glimpse of the past.

Verkhnie Mandrogi is a reconstructed traditional Russian village. It is located on the shore of the Svir River, which connects the greatest European Lakes Ladoga and Onega. While visiting Mandrogi guests can take a look at the work of craftsmen (pottery, blacksmith's work, dressmaking), buy souvenirs, traditional Russian clothes, paintings, They can also ride a horse, practice archery and visit elk farm. It's interesting to attend vodka museum and taste various brands of vodka, bread museum, a mini-zoo with bears, quail farm, geese, pheasants etc.

Saint-Petersburg created by Peter the Great to rival Venice, its 101 islands, 66 canals, and hundreds of bridges have secured its reputation as the most beautiful city in the country. While your ship is docked in port, you’ll enjoy daily sightseeing tours. You will see the Nevsky prospect’s shops, cafes and theatres, and you will tour the impressive St.Isaac’s, the city’s large cathedral, now a museum of elaborate icons and artworks. We will spend time in the world famous hermitage Museum, formerly the Winter Palace, home of the last six czars. A treasure trove of three million exhibits, its 320 halls display DaVincis, Rembrandts, Titians, Micheleangelos, French impressionists and North American artists.