Russian Waterways Riverboat Cruise
August 4 - 17, 2012
August 4 - 17, 2012
Our journey began in Moscow where most of us arrived a day early to do extra sightseeing and exploring. Despite a number of missed connections, the group went off to a late dinner at a charming Ukrainian restaurant near the hotel. Our delightful young waiter spoke no English, but with the help of another employee he was able serve us our Ukrainian specialties. Following the meal, several of us stayed out to photograph nearby stunning St. Basil’s Cathedral all lit up at night.
The next afternoon we arrived at our riverboat where we would spend the following 2 days docked in Moscow. There we visited Red Square, the Kremlin, including the Armory, Sparrow Hills and Bow Hill Park. We took a lunch cruise on the Moskva River and toured the incredible metro system some of whose stations are adorned with chandeliers, sculptures and frescoes and are as much as 118’ underground. We saw architecture from the various eras, including the Seven Sisters towers from Lenin’s time. Although it was quite warm in Moscow, we were to enjoy fabulous weather throughout the trip.
On the evening of day 3, we set sail for Uglich, the first of three towns we’d visit in The Golden Ring. There, an evening walking tour included the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, Cathedral of the Transfiguration--where we were treated to hymns sung by an a capella quartet, and the Palace of Dmitry. Next we visited Yaroslavl where we saw Transfiguration Monastery and the Museum of Russian Art, former residence of the governor, where we viewed a historical reenactment of music and dance of that time. Then we traveled to Goritsy where we visited the Monastery of St Cyril and the Museum of Icons.
Moving on from the Golden Ring, we headed for Kizhi Island, home to the most amazing wooden architecture, including the Church of the Intercession, Transfiguration Cathedral, Church of St Lazarus, a bell tower and traditional homes and farms. Next was Svirstroy where we were invited into a Russian home and served tea, pastries and pirozhki.
We spent our last 3 days in St. Petersburg where highlights included a visit to the Hermitage, Catherine’s Palace, and the Cathedral of St Peter and Paul. During our touring we also saw the Winter Palace, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and incredible Peterhof. Most of us also attended a ballet performance at the Hermitage, in the Theatre of the Czars.
Our trip was a wonderful balance of big cities and small towns, all with amazing sights and history. In between we relaxed a bit on the boat and enjoyed a tea party, a vodka tasting and various other activities including lectures from a Russian professor with a great sense of humor. We returned charmed by the Russian people and the country’s wonderful treasures.
The next afternoon we arrived at our riverboat where we would spend the following 2 days docked in Moscow. There we visited Red Square, the Kremlin, including the Armory, Sparrow Hills and Bow Hill Park. We took a lunch cruise on the Moskva River and toured the incredible metro system some of whose stations are adorned with chandeliers, sculptures and frescoes and are as much as 118’ underground. We saw architecture from the various eras, including the Seven Sisters towers from Lenin’s time. Although it was quite warm in Moscow, we were to enjoy fabulous weather throughout the trip.
On the evening of day 3, we set sail for Uglich, the first of three towns we’d visit in The Golden Ring. There, an evening walking tour included the Church of St. Dmitry on the Blood, Cathedral of the Transfiguration--where we were treated to hymns sung by an a capella quartet, and the Palace of Dmitry. Next we visited Yaroslavl where we saw Transfiguration Monastery and the Museum of Russian Art, former residence of the governor, where we viewed a historical reenactment of music and dance of that time. Then we traveled to Goritsy where we visited the Monastery of St Cyril and the Museum of Icons.
Moving on from the Golden Ring, we headed for Kizhi Island, home to the most amazing wooden architecture, including the Church of the Intercession, Transfiguration Cathedral, Church of St Lazarus, a bell tower and traditional homes and farms. Next was Svirstroy where we were invited into a Russian home and served tea, pastries and pirozhki.
We spent our last 3 days in St. Petersburg where highlights included a visit to the Hermitage, Catherine’s Palace, and the Cathedral of St Peter and Paul. During our touring we also saw the Winter Palace, St. Isaac’s Cathedral, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood and incredible Peterhof. Most of us also attended a ballet performance at the Hermitage, in the Theatre of the Czars.
Our trip was a wonderful balance of big cities and small towns, all with amazing sights and history. In between we relaxed a bit on the boat and enjoyed a tea party, a vodka tasting and various other activities including lectures from a Russian professor with a great sense of humor. We returned charmed by the Russian people and the country’s wonderful treasures.