1. DAY ISTANBUL - MOSCOW
Meeting at Istanbul New Airport, International Departures Terminal, at the Turkish Airlines counter at 04:00. After check-in and passport procedures, departure to Moscow with Turkish Airlines flight TK417 at 07:15. Upon arrival in Moscow at 11:05 local time, we will take a panoramic city tour. During the city tour, landmarks such as Leningradsky Avenue, Tverskaya Street, Parliament Building, Bolshoi Theatre, Lubyanka Square, KGB Headquarters, Saint Basil's Cathedral, Red Square, GUM Shopping Center, Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and the State Duma will be viewed panoramically. At the end of the tour, transfer to the hotel and dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
2. DAY - MOSCOW
After breakfast at the hotel, guests wishing can take optional tours to NOVODEVICHY Cemetery, where many state figures and artists who shaped Russian history are buried, and to explore the METRO + ARBAT Street. After the tour, transfer back to the hotel and dinner. Following dinner, guests who wish can join an optional “LIGHTS OF MOSCOW” tour. Overnight at the hotel.
3. DAY - MOSCOW
After breakfast, guests who wish can optionally join the “KREMLIN” tour. After the tour, we will proceed to our waiting ship at the port. Check-in to the ship and settle into cabins. The ship departs. During the briefing at the scheduled time, information about ports of call, navigation routes, and the operation of the level pools will be provided. In the evening, there will be a welcome cocktail with the captain. Dinner and overnight onboard the ship.
4. DAY - UGLICH
After breakfast, guests can participate in onboard activities or enjoy the views of the Volga River from the upper deck. After lunch, the ship arrives in Uglich. In this charming town on the Volga shores, we will do a free walking tour viewing the Transfiguration Cathedral in the Old Kremlin Square and the Church of Dimitri, Tsarevich Ivan’s son, where he died at age 9. The ship departs at 18:00. Dinner and overnight onboard the ship.
5. DAY - GORITSY / KIRILOV
After breakfast, guests can participate in various onboard activities or enjoy the scenery of the Volga River from the deck. After lunch, arrive in Gorizy. Known as a picturesque and tranquil Russian village on the riverbank, it offers a step back into the Middle Ages. The region is also an important center of early Christian Russia with many monasteries reflecting monastic spiritual life. Upon arrival, we will transfer by bus to Kirilov, located 10 km away. After visiting the monastery in Kirilov, return to the village. Guests will have free time to explore and shop in the village. Return to the ship at the specified time and set sail. Guests can relax on the upper deck with coffee, enjoying the scenic river views. Dinner and overnight on the ship.
6. DAY - KIJI
After breakfast, guests may participate in onboard activities or admire the beauty of Lake Onega. After lunch, arrive at Kiji at 17:00. This island, located on Lake Onega above the 60th parallel, is an open-air museum listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. During the free walking tour, visit the 22-domed wooden Church of the Transfiguration, resembling a fairy tale, built without a single nail, and see traditional old Russian wooden houses to learn about the history of village and island life. After the tour, guests can explore the island freely. Return to the ship, which departs at 20:30. Dinner and overnight onboard the ship.
7. DAY - MANDROGI
Morning breakfast onboard, and at 10:30, arrive at Mandrogi. This colorful village of wooden Russian houses is lush with greenery. Guests can enjoy free time here, walk among the greenery outdoors, visit the mini zoo, explore gift shops housed in beautiful wooden buildings, and visit craft workshops. There is also a small vodka museum (admission fee applies). After lunch, the ship departs. During its voyage through Russia’s northern forests, guests can enjoy the beautiful scenery. Dinner and overnight on the ship.
8. DAY – VALAAM
Morning onboard breakfast, then arrive at Valaam. Located in Ladoga Lake, Europe’s largest lake, the Valaam archipelago is renowned for its unique natural beauty and historic monasteries. During our walking tour of the islands, we will explore historic sites dating back to the 14th century and learn about the natural environment. Valaam is of great significance in Orthodox Christianity, having witnessed many historical events. We will learn about the monastery and religious centers here. After the tour, return to the ship and depart. Tonight, guests will be welcomed to the Captain’s Gala Dinner. Overnight on the ship.
9. DAY - ST. PETERSBURG
After breakfast, arrive in St. Petersburg at 09:00. Disembarkation, then enjoy a free panoramic city tour with our private vehicle visiting sites such as Alexander Nevsky Monastery, Nevsky Prospect Street, Strogonov Palace, Palace Square, Winter Palace, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, Smolny Monastery, Anna's Palace and Bridge, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood. Optional tours for extra fee include the Hermitage Museum and a canal tour. Afterward, transfer to the hotel, settle into the rooms, and have dinner. Overnight at the hotel.
10. DAY - St. PETERSBURG
Breakfast at the hotel, check-out, and guests may participate in optional tours to Peterhof Park, Pushkin Town, and Catherine Palace. After the tours, free time will be provided before transferring to the airport.
11. DAY - St. PETERSBURG
Departure from Istanbul via Turkish Airlines flight TK404. Arrive in Istanbul at 05:20 in the morning, and end of our tour.